#did I maybe a bit overboard with the effects? yes

[caramelmaplesyrup]

RAHHH !!!! IM DONE !!!!

this started off as just a random drawing but while I was colouring I had the idea to make a modern AU Andy and use this as the design. I'm gonna try think of more ideas for him but rn all I've got is that I think he volunteers at a library and likes the Beatles. (the Beatles thing is an old hc from when I used to roleplay him with my friends.... also because the Beatles are my favourite band)

[lemonlover1110]

Baby Steps

Satoru Gojo

[Chapter 28] The Effects of Time

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Pairing: Satoru Gojo x f!Reader

Discord +18 - Twitter - Ko-Fi

*The next chapter is the last chapterrr

At seven months of age, Seiji learns the most amazing trick– Not necessarily a trick since the majority of babies crawl. However, it leaves you amazed to watch the baby that could barely sit on his own a couple of weeks ago, use his hands and feet to move around. Satoru has gone a little overboard with baby proofing the house since the teething baby loves to crawl around and put random objects in his mouth. And now at nine months, almost ten months old, Seiji absolutely hates being carried.

“Why don’t you like being held anymore?” Satoru asks as he holds his son whose hands open and close, his arms pointed to the floor. Satoru hears the whines from the baby, and he ignores them. A scream leaves Seiji’s mouth and it causes Satoru to roll his eyes. “Stop trying to be your own person, Seiji. You’re not even a year old. I’m holding you.”

“Satoru!” He hears you yell, and he walks over to the baby playpen in the living room, putting Seiji down. Since Seiji started crawling, a lot of new adjustments make the place feel cramped– Satoru truly can’t wait to move out. He’s about to walk to you, but you finally appear. “You won’t believe the news I got!”

“What is the news?” Satoru asks, and you seem so excited. Your happiness radiates and infects him, causing him to smile even though he’s upset that the baby behind him refuses to be carried.

“We have a double date.” You announce, and his brows raise, surprised to be hearing that. You walk over to him, and bend down to pick up Seiji from the playpen since he puts every single toy he finds in his mouth. 

“Did you get Kaya to babysit?” Satoru asks and you shake your head.

“We’re going on a double date with her and Daisuke.” You tell him, and now he realizes why you were so excited. For the longest time Kaya and Daisuke have been friends even though it’s clear that they’ve liked each other. They’ve been pining over each other for what feels like an eternity, and it’s nice to hear that they’ve finally gotten together. Satoru hasn’t talked to Daisuke in a while but it’s nice to hear that his friend is finally getting with the woman that he’s been fawning over.

“When is the date?” He asks.

“Friday. So two days.” You answer, and he’s concerned.

“Are we taking the baby with us? I can’t really leave Tsumiki responsible for a baby.” Satoru’s eyes keep staring at Seiji. He can’t help but feel jealous because the baby is so calm in your arms and he doesn’t want to go to the floor.

“My parents are coming to town and my mom wants to babysit her little grandson.” You respond, and while Satoru should be relieved that he doesn’t have to look for a babysitter, he grows even more worried. You notice, and you tilt your head to the side. You’re not sure why he’s worried. Then it hits you.

“We’ll blow up an air mattress in Seiji’s nursery, and they’ll stay in our room for the time being.” 

“We’re giving up our room for your parents?” Satoru furrows his brows, a bit confused if he’s hearing you right. You nod in response, and he’s confused as to why you’re so excited to be sleeping on an air mattress in the baby’s room. “Why are we doing that?”

“So we can go on a double date with my best friend and then have the night off to do whatever we want.” You comment, and it’s tempting. Maybe it’s not so bad– But it’s one night compared to–

“How long are your parents staying with us?” Satoru asks, taking Seiji from your arms because you’ve learned this trick that when you move Seiji’s bottom lip and put on a baby voice, Satoru says yes. At least nine times out of ten. 

“We’ll have a lot of nights off…” You kiss Satoru’s cheek, and he’s tempted for a minute. Until he sees Seiji’s little arms stretch out, pointing your way. He rolls his eyes. He’s fucking jealous that a baby prefers someone else… His own son prefers his mother’s arms. “We can do whatever you want, every night for a week. Free babysitting. Think of it as payback for what my dad did when I was pregnant.”

“Is sleeping in an air mattress really worth it though?” His brows raise, and you purse your lips together. You cross your arms and let out a sigh,

“I guess I’ll tell my parents that they can stay home… Even when they really want to see their grandson– Also, I’ll tell Kaya that we should cancel the double date, unless she wants Seiji to tag along and cry in the middle of the restaurant.” You try to guilt trip him, giving him doe eyes. It makes him sigh and roll his eyes.

“Fine.” He gives in, and it makes you squeal before you kiss his cheek. You then kiss your baby’s cheek. 

“If you get lucky enough you might get another baby.” You comment before you walk away, and it leaves a smile on Satoru’s lips. He bounces Seiji and asks,

“Do you want to be a big brother?” The baby coos, and Satoru kisses the top of his head.

-

“So who asked who out?” You ask when you sit across from Kaya and Daisuke. You want to talk with both of them for a bit before you and Kaya have your own conversation, and Satoru has his own conversation with Daisuke. 

“Daisuke finally stepped up.” Kaya chuckles, and it causes her new boyfriend to laugh as well. You can’t help but smile as you hear about the sweet story of how it happened. It makes you glance at Satoru and wish you had a similar cute story. You just hope that Seiji is never curious enough to ask about how you started dating because it’d be weird to explain how you officially started dating his father when he was months old. The story of how you met is cuter , of course, if you leave out the detail that not too long after you were in Satoru’s bed.

“I’m so happy for you two. We’ve been waiting an eternity for this.” You respond, a chuckle leaving your lips. You’re about to comment about how you almost got married before they even stepped up to go out with each other. “Now Seiji will have a cousin that he can play with.”

“Woah, slow down. That’s in five years at the bare minimum.” Daisuke quickly interrupts. Kaya agrees with her boyfriend– She wasn’t so sure about becoming a mother but then she got to meet Seiji, and she knew she wanted that for herself one day. But that day isn’t in the near future. Daisuke then jokes, “Seiji will probably have a sibling by then.”

“Have you two decided on a date for the wedding?” Kaya asks a question that you’ve been putting off answering. You shake your head. You’ve been so busy with everything else going on with your life that you haven’t talked much about your wedding.

“We’re going to move out first. I want to get Seiji walking first before we plan a wedding.” You respond. Satoru takes a sip from his water before he says,

“Especially since it’s going to be a big wedding.” Satoru comments, which makes you roll your eyes. The same man that suggested a small wedding has changed his mind, Satoru just wants to see his baby as the ring bearer. 

“Is it really?” Kaya asks, and Satoru hums in response while you shake your head. You don’t have the energy to deal with a big wedding. She laughs seeing your opposite responses and then she asks, “Oh yeah, I haven’t heard from Mei in a while, have you?”

“Mei? Who is that?” You tilt your head to the side, and Satoru’s eyes perk up.

“Your friend…” Kaya is confused at your confusion. “We went out once and she approached me, saying that she was close friends with you and Satoru.”

“I have no idea who that is.” You respond, and you look over at Satoru who has a frown on his face.

“When was this?” Satoru asks and Kaya takes a moment to think.

“She approached me… Over a year ago. Early into the pregnancy. She stopped contacting me when Seiji was born. She asked a lot of questions about you and shit but it was always so weird.” Kaya answers, and Satoru lets out the biggest sigh. He pieces everything together, about who let Suguru know everything that was happening. Mei Mei would do just about anything for money.

“If she contacts you again, let me know.” Satoru says and Kaya nods her head, she’s confused but she has to trust Satoru. There’s some things that she can’t argue with him about.

“Is this like another weird thing like the sorcery shit?” You ask, and Satoru hums in response before kissing your cheek. Daisuke is completely out of the loop, asking the question,

“Sorcery?” Which makes the three of you laugh. Kaya pats his shoulder.

“It’s a long story.” Satoru responds, and while Daisuke is curious, he decides that the answer can wait. You then begin to have your own conversation with Kaya, and Daisuke and Satoru talk about their own stuff. You keep glancing at Satoru, and he looks so tense which makes you want to stop and ask what’s wrong with him, but you don’t. Your hand goes under the table and goes to his lap.

He glances at you and you smile at him, and he tries his best to smile back at you.

-

You walk around with Satoru, enjoying the bit of time that you have before you have to go back to your apartment and sleep on an air mattress. Satoru has been acting weird ever since the mention of Mei Mei, and you find yourself worried about who she is. While you mindlessly walk around you ask him, “Who’s Mei Mei?”

“She’s a coworker… Sort of.” He answers. It doesn’t really explain why his demeanor changed. He clears his throat and says, “She… I’m sure that she told Suguru about you. I’m not sure, but I think it was her.”

“Oh–” You come to a stop, and so does he. You’re taken back by this, in your mind it was something completely different. You weren’t thinking about Suguru. You feel your stomach churn at the mention of the name and you have to ask, “Why do you think she would do that?”

“Money. She’s the definition of a gold digger.” Satoru answers. You purse your lips before you take a deep breath. You begin to walk again, but you turn around to walk back to your car.

“It’s fine now. I’m over it.” You comment, and it makes Satoru’s brows raise. That’s definitely not something he was expecting to hear, and when he’s about to ask why you’re over it, your phone rings. It’s your mother so you don’t waste a second picking up the phone. “Hi, mom.”

Satoru listens and watches as your jaw drops. Then a smile comes to your lips. You comment, “That little traitor waited till we were out of the house. Thanks, mom. I’ll tell Satoru.”

“What happened?” Satoru looks worried yet excited to hear what your mother just told you. You’re smiling and you tell him,

“Seiji took his first steps.” And he looks absolutely mortified at the news. He’s excited, yet upset that he wasn’t there to witness it. Of course Seiji decided to finally walk when his parents weren’t around.

“That little shit. He doesn’t like us, I swear.” Satoru completely forgets about Mei Mei, throwing his arm over you and guiding you to the car. His baby took his first steps, and he wasn’t there to see it.

“He just wanted to show off to his grandparents.” You respond. You feel excited to go back home to see your baby’s new trick– Although he’ll most likely be passed out when you get there. You feel your phone vibrate and you look at the message you received. A video from your mother and you stop walking. “She sent me a video.”

Both of your eyes are glued to the screen. You watch Seiji crawling around for an awful long time in his playpen. Until he uses a toy to prompt himself up, and takes a couple of steps toward his grandmother who encourages him– Until he falls on the floor again and he crawls to her. You’re so excited yet tears spill your eyes because you missed your baby’s first steps. Satoru is smiling and he comments, “He’s just so fucking adorable– Are you crying?”

“No, I’m fine.” You respond, wiping away the tears. He hugs you and you say, “I just wanted to witness that.”

“Aw, baby.” Satoru says, hugging you tightly. He jokes, “We always have the next baby.”

“What next baby? Seiji is going to be our only one.” You reply even though earlier in the week you were talking about having another one. He kisses the top of your head, deciding not to comment because you’re simply too emotional.

“Are you on your period?” He asks because he can’t seem to understand why you’re so emotional about the fact that you missed your baby’s first steps.

“No.” You shake your head. “That’s so rude to ask, Satoru. Of course I’m going to be upset about this.”

“My bad, honey.”

Bonus:

“Satoru!” You yell from the bathroom, trying to keep watch of the new walking Seiji that simply can’t stop moving around. Seiji tries to prompt himself up and run around simply because it’s fun, and you need Satoru to take him for a moment. Seiji refuses to sit in your lap calmly, so you have no option but to call his father

“What?” Satoru opens the door, finding you sitting on the toilet. You’re not doing anything. Then he sees the stick that you hold in your hands. It causes him to pick up Seiji from the floor, “What does it say?”

“Don’t know yet.” You respond, and this time you’re more calm than finding out about Seiji. You’re fine with either possibility but at the same time you really wanted to finish getting your degree before having another baby.

“What do you think, Seiji? You wanna be a big brother?” Satoru asks, which earns a yell from the baby that so desperately wants to be put down. Satoru watches you intently. You end up standing up and wrapping your arms around Satoru, which honestly doesn’t answer the question of whether or not you’re pregnant. “What are the results?”

“We better move out and get more space soon.”

[masiola]

How Lucifer, Mammon and Leviathan would react to MC coming home drunk, calling them handsome and asking them out (even though they are already dating lol).

GN! MC

Contents warning: intoxication, alcohol, flirting

A/N: I wasn't sure if I should make this brothers x MC or x reader. Reading back on this, it's not my best work 😭

MC goes clubbing with a few demon friends from RAD. They finally find a drink that affects them, and let's just say they go way overboard. The drinks slowly start to take effect, by the time they get back to the HoL they are completely out of it. They barely make it to the stairs in the lobby, loosing their balance and grabbing onto the handrail for dear life. This causes an onset of giggles and laughter that alerts one of the brothers.

Lucifer

Lucifer is not impressed. He's going to lecture MC in the morning because all that matters right now is getting them to bed. He'll probably humour them or say something he normally wouldn't because they won't remember it the next day.

"Who's making so much noise this late at ni-" He comes storming in. His expression softens slightly when he sees MC.

"Hello handsome~"MC winks.

"You should stop talking or you might say something you regret tomorrow." SIGHS. He picks them up into his arms so it's easier to take them to their room.

"Oh really? Then I have a question."

"Yes?" He raises an eyebrow.

"Will you go out with me?"

"You're a mess MC let's get you to bed." He grumbles

"Am not! I can walk by myself and you didn't answer my question!" MC huffs.

"Okay, show me." He let's go of MC and crosses his arms.

"Watch this."

MC walks relatively straight but walks into the wall. Lucifer pinches the bridge of his nose and sighs deeply.

"Come on dear, let's get you to bed."

"Skipping straight to bed? You're bold."

"That's if you can handle it." He smirks.

MC happily takes his hand and leads him to their room. As soon as MC gets on the bed, they pass out. Lucifer chuckles softly.

"Sweet dreams MC." He whispers kissing the top of their head.

Mammon

Mammon would become serious here because he wants to make sure his human is safe.

"Jeez MC, how much did ya drink?" He sighs.

"C'mon on up ya get." He carefully picks them up off the ground.

"Mammon can I ask you a question?"

"Shoot."

"Do you want to go out with me?"

"MC yer drunk..."

"Is that a no to going out with me?" MC sulks and tears threaten to fall down their face.

"Huh? N-no! MC listen. Yer beautiful, kind and amazing in every way. I-l like ya a lot 'kay. So please just cooperate with me for a bit until we get ya to yer room." He stops walking to look them in the eyes, caressing their cheek with his thumb.

"Alright...babygirl." They smile cheekily at the nickname, before erupting with laughter.

"N-now why'd ya call me that?!" He yells, hiding his blush because he secretly enjoyed it. Will he ask you to call him babygirl again? Probably.

Removes MCs makeup if they're wearing any, and helps to change them into something more comfy, maybe one of his t-shirts.

Leviathan

He gets really worried and panics a little.

"MC? What's so funny? OMG are you okay?!" He helps them stand up

MC looks up. "Oh hello, handsome." They smile sweetly causing Levi to blush.

"S-stop that! Let's just get you into bed." He holds MC by the waist, helping them up the stairs.

"Levi...I want to ask you something."

"What?"

"Do you want to go out with me?"

"MC! We're a-already dating!! Don't you remember?" He's flustered at how bold they are right now. MC stops walking to look at him dumbfounded and proceeds to kiss him on the cheek.

"I must be the luckiest human ever!" They cheer.

"That's not true you could do so much better." He mumbles under his breath.

"Nonsense I only want you!" MC pouts.

"Speaking of... we're sleeping in your bed right? So we can be nice and close to each other." They smile innocently.

"MC!" He feels like his heart is going to explode.

[sorencd]

hii idk if u are taking request (if you're not ignore this lmao) but could you write some todd anderson fluff? my sister moved away and im feeling kinda sad :( idk if you write for todd either lol anyways love ur account!!

1:05

pairing: todd anderson x reader

summary: a silly little game of tickle fight with todd.

word count: 1.1k

a/n: ofc! <3 i was supposed to keep this short but i'm an absolute sucker for fluff so i went a little overboard hhfhhfhefdfr i hope u like it!

masterlist

it was starting to get repetitive. the few episodes you watched earlier were somewhat more entertaining, or shall you say as entertaining as watching a lawyer defend their client gets. there were moments where it really got you and todd riled up, but after that it'll just be another line of the guy on screen describing to you what a public defender is.

'the court is adjourned!' the voice of the guy on screen shouted as he banged his gavel on the wooden sound block, signalling that the aired episode was over.

"i'm starting to get sick of this bart matthew guy's face. how long have we been watching?" you asked, leaning your head further into todd's body until it was on his lap.

"i think it we started at season 1, we've been at it for a while." todd said as he reached for the remote controller, "do you want me to switch the channel, love?"

"okay, maybe that show my mom watches is on. the eve garden something?" you sat up and pondered with a hand on your chin. 

"it's eve arden, i've seen bits of it a few times."

you hastily laid back down and yawned as you shook your head in understanding, moving on your side to watch todd fiddle with the remote controller in search for a good show. sunday afternoons were usually like this, rather than going out and doing activities that would require human interaction, todd would instead show up at your front door to spend time with you, saving you both the time and effort of socialising─ which you knew todd preferred. for the next few hours, you'd both be huddled in bed or on the couch in each other's arms, reading each other silly poems and stories you'd make up, or watch tv until the sun goes down. to some it might be boring, yes, but nothing's boring when it's with todd.

"hey todd?"

he hummed as he moved his focus away from the television and onto you, who was staring up at him with an all too familiar look on your face. you were about to crack a bad joke.

"what is it called-"

"please make it a good joke this time."

"it is! i guarantee you that you'll laugh your knickers off!"

he once again hummed as he raised his eyebrows with a skeptical look, he knew the joke would be so stupid that it wasn't the joke he's laughing at─ but the sheer stupidity of it is what makes him snicker. he let's it slide though, since he gets to see that bright smile of yours every time. 

"alright so, what is it called when the doctor has to tickle you to see if you're conscious?"

todd shook his head, he has no idea what it could be. it could be anything! "i don't know, what?"

"a test tickle." you let out an obnoxious laugh with a slap to the knee as you cackled at your own joke. he on the other hand can't help but wonder where do you get all these jokes from? 

"that was a bad joke." 

"no it's not! i made you laugh, you're laughing right now!"

"you can hardly consider this laughing!"

an idea came to your mind as soon as the words left your lover's mouth. his face contorted in worry when he saw you move back a little on your side of the couch, and you had this... mischievous expression on. you were up to something.

"hmm... it wouldn't be laughing if i did this then?" you suddenly jumped onto him and started tickling his sides, earning yourself a loud snort from todd.

"w-wait- this isn't- this isn't fair!" his face was turning red with how hard he was laughing. you weren't prepared though when abruptly he flipped you on your back, effectively halting you of your attack and giving you a taste of your own medicine.

the only thing that could be heard in your living room was the sound of you and todd cackling like maniacs. to the people outside your house, they could've easily mistaken it as two children playing. in the middle of your tickle-fighting, todd tried to escape from your unforgiving grasp and tried to make a run from it. you attempted grabbing onto his torso to prevent him from leaving your clutches, but instead of successfully being able to pull him back─ you instead got a hold of his pajamas that he was wearing that day and pulled down. accidentally revealing what was he was wearing that day. in your terms he technically he did laugh his underwear off, except it was his pants.

"h-hey you can't do that!" todd stuttered as his laughed grew even louder. he scrambled to pull his pants back up and almost fell over in the process. your stomach was starting to hurt, and your eyes were welling with tears as you caught a glimpse of his boxers, he had the superman ones that you gave him as joke on his birthday on.

after he got a good distance between the two of you, and after he successfully pulled his pajamas back up, he calmed down to catch his breath which was ragged from all the laughing. you, who was on the couch, were lying on your stomach, you hushed snickers muffled by the couch as you watched him. the memory of his boxers that were now covered by his pants still lingering in your mind. 

to control your own breathing, since you were also out of breath, you momentarily closed your eyes with a tired smile on. you forgot how draining tickle fights were. "i must say, what manly boxers you have, mr. anderson." 

unbeknownst to you, your boyfriend was slowly creeping his way behind the couch on his tippy toes. it looks like the war wasn't over. when you didn't hear from him, you lifted your head up to check if he was still where you last saw him before you closed your eyes.

"todd?-"

suddenly, you felt something very heavy being pressed onto your entire body─ causing you to shriek in surprise. it was todd. he was laying on top of you with his arms wrapping your body, like he was giving you a bear hug. in that position, he could easily tickle both of your sides. making him the winner of today's tickle fight. and tickle you he did.

"t-todd- i-" you were being cut off by your own uncontrollable laughter, squirming and writhing in his embrace. "you win! you win!"

he instantly let go of you, his lips curled into a huge victorious grin as he sat there, towering over you triumphantly. his hair was all ruffled and he still looked like he just finished running a marathon. you smiled him, your entirety overflowing with happiness, and he shyly smiled back in return before cheering in a hushed manner and whisper shouting like he was an announcer on the sports channel.

"and the crowd goes wild! todd anderson takes home the trophy for today's match!" 

you giggled and swiftly wrapped your arms around his neck to pull him down and gave him a quick peck on the lips.

“i will have my revenge, you!”

© sorencd . 2023 ─ do not copy, repost, translate or claim any of my works as your own.

[cirilla-fiona-riannon]

Heart, Exposed by an Aphrodisiac 2

This is simply a fan translation and is not intended as a replacement for the game. Expect grammatical errors.

Isaac asked me to prepare a variety of snacks for the many people who would eat them the next day.

(Sandwiches, quiche, financiers, and cookies—maybe I went a little overboard?)

As I packed the snacks into lunch boxes, I suddenly wondered.

(I wonder what Galileo likes.)

If I deliver the snacks to his students, there might be a chance for him to have some as well.

(I'd be happy if he tried at least something.)

After delivering the snacks to Isaac, I went to the front of the neighboring lab and took a deep breath.

(Alright.)

I knocked, and the door opened.

Student: "Yes? Oh, you are..."

Mitsuki: "Um, Professor Ayscough asked me to bring these for everyone."

Just as I said that, a voice exclaimed from inside.

Student: "Thank you! Please come in!"

(Eh? Is this really okay?)

Despite my doubts, I stepped inside to find the students and Galileo.

Student: "Actually, we all got through the crucial moment yesterday, so we've decided to have a little celebration with the snacks we received."

Mitsuki: "I see. Well done, everyone."

As I placed the lunch boxes on the table, the students began chatting and enjoying the food.

(I'm glad they're happy with it.)

While watching them with a smile, I suddenly made eye contact with Galileo.

Mitsuki: "I apologize for barging in like this."

Galileo: "It was the students who requested the snacks. There's no need for you to apologize."

Galileo: "However, I can't quite comprehend your thoughts on preparing these foods for students you have no connection with. Your dedication goes beyond mere conscientiousness."

(Ugh. He's as strict as ever, but...)

Mitsuki: "It's true that I don't have a direct connection with them, but I've seen them working hard every time I come to the university."

Mitsuki: "I'm just glad to be able to help in this way. You're welcome to join us if you like."

Galileo: "Unfortunately, I don't have an appetite."

I felt disappointed inwardly at his curt refusal. Then—

Galileo: *coughs*

Galileo suddenly let out a small cough.

(Huh? What was that just now?)

Mitsuki: "Could it be that you're not feeling well?"

(He does seem a bit pale.)

Galileo: "No, it's nothing."

Galileo: *coughs*

Despite denying it, he coughed again.

Mitsuki: "I think you're sick."

Galileo: "I'm fine. Don't concern yourself with me."

Mitsuki: "Okay, sorry."

(I might have overstepped again.)

Feeling rebuffed, I couldn't help but be concerned about his apparent poor condition.

On my way back from the university, his face popped into my mind again.

(Despite his denial, he did seem unwell.)

(If he's been staying overnight for several days, it wouldn't be weird for his health to suffer, but…)

Maybe he was pushing himself because this is the most important time for the students.

(If that's the case, maybe there's something I can do to help him feel better.)

(Oh, I know! Maybe I can get something if I go to Faust.)

I immediately visited the church where Faust was.

Mitsuki: "So, do you have anything that can help him feel better?"

Faust: "I have just the thing."

Faust: "Some of the children are not feeling well, so I concocted a liquefied herbal remedy that even children can drink."

Saying so, he handed me a small vial of liquid.

Faust: "You can mix it with any non-alcoholic beverage."

Faust: "It also has preventive effects, so you might want to give it a shot."

Mitsuki: "Wow, thanks."

(Galileo should be able to drink this even if he has no appetite.)

I put the vial I received into my bag and headed back to the university.

I tried knocking on Galileo's research lab, but there was no answer.

(The students said they were already done with their work, so maybe Galileo has already left.)

Thinking so, I reached for the doorknob, only to find it unlocked.

Mitsuki: "Excuse me. Um, Professor Maury, are you here?"

A little nervous, I peeked inside and saw Galileo leaning on the chair.

Galileo: ".........."

He was clearly in an unusual state and breathing heavily.

Mitsuki: "Galileo?"

Mitsuki: "Um, are you okay?"

Concerned, I instinctively touched his body.

(He's hot!)

Galileo: "Mitsuki, I told you there's no need to worry about me."

Mitsuki: "This isn't the time for that! You're running a fever."

Galileo: "I said it's fine. I just need some rest. You should go home."

Mitsuki: "But..."

I felt a pang of loneliness at not being depended on, even in such a situation. But more than that, I was worried about him.

Mitsuki: "Then let me at least make you some tea."

Part 1 ╎ Part 2 ╎ Premium ╎ Epilogue

[stickers-on-a-laptop]

um so i went overboard @kirider i did. go overboard. sorry if you haven't watched any of these 🙇‍♀️

It's A Little Crowded In Here

As far as Ichimonji knew, he and Hongo were the only Kamen Riders around, so to be sent to the quarry by Taki and discovering that, holy hell, there were a LOT OF OTHER KAMEN RIDERS, was a bit of a shock.

Well, existential crisis #69420 would have to wait, apparently, because those other Kamen Riders clearly needed help.

Be careful.

“Always am!”

Ichimonji got down to the fight, where Hongo helped him fight against...probably at LEAST twenty different types of monsters, and Ichimonji was fairly sure they were just grunts!

Still, he stood his ground, just like all the other Kamen Riders around him.

Something flew overhead, and Ichimonji didn’t really have time to react before he and a few other Kamen Riders were struck by a beam of light.

He threw his hand up to ward off the brightness, which had the really weird effect of drawing in all the other Kamen Riders...into him?

WHAT IS HAPPENING?!?!?

Shoutarou, calm down please.

Idiot genius, what did you do this time?

Why are you blaming ME, musclehead?

You try and make sure an idiot stays alive in battle and what do you get for it? Stuck in someone else’s head. Unbelievable.

I did tell you I didn’t need your help, Ankh.

Wow, this is more crowded than usual, can I shoot you guys?

Ryuuta, that has no class.

Like you know about class, perverted turtle!

Guys, please…

Don’t make others cry, Momo-tachi!

Guess using Mighty Brothers form backfired on us, eh M?

We’ll keep that in mind for next time.

“Um. Hi?”

There was a second of pause, and then the chorus of voices started up again, only this time it seemed to be in argument.

Ichimonji, they are very loud.

“I can. Hear that. Maybe someone can explain?”

I’m not sure anyone can explain why this happened, Ichimonji.

There was a collective groan as everyone seemed to whip towards two voices in particular, which was a very weird thing to only feel.

Why’d you say that?? Sento’s not going to be able to shut up if you say that!

“Sento! A name! How ‘bout we start with that. Everyone’s name. I’m Ichimonji Hayato.”

And I’m Hongo Takeshi.

There was a bit of mental scuffling.

Oh, I’m first?

You’re the most senior of us in here.

Oh, I guess that’s true. Nogami Ryoutarou, and this is Momotaros, Urataros, Kintaros, and Ryuutaros. They’re Imagins. Um, I’m Den-O.

Aibou, us next.

We’re OLD now, mou! Hidari Shoutarou and Philip, Kamen Rider W.

We are not old, Shoutarou is exaggerating.

Hino Eiji, Kamen Rider OOO, and Ankh is here because he helps in battles these days.

This is still irritating.

Hojou Emu, and Parad, Kamen Riders Ex-Aid and Para-DX.

‘Sup?

Kiryuu Sento, Kamen Rider Build. I have a feeling I’m here because I was in the combined form with Banjou.

Is THAT why? Ugh. Anyways, Kamen Rider Cross-Z, Banjou Ryuuga.

“So everyone here...combines together?”

Not usually, no, but in this case the opponent was strong enough to warrant trying it. Best Match, and all that.

Co-opt, in our case.

I’m not quite combined, the Imagins possess me.

Ankh’s case is closer to possession, as well.

We actually combine together every time, yes.

“...great! So, uh, yeah, I don’t know what to do here.”

You said you were Ichimonji Hayato, correct?

“Yeah, why?”

Fascinating.

“Is that a good fascinating or a bad one?”

It’s merely interesting, I suppose. You are not the first Ichimonji Hayato to be Nigou, nor is Hongo the first Ichigou.

Aibou, what the hell? ...Wait. The Showa nonsense, right?

Correct. But not only that. There was a Hongo and Ichimonji in 2005, as well as others.

Were you talking with Decade again or something, W?

Ichimonji was going to have a headache and also a massive talk with Taki once this battle was over.

[mxssromanoff]

Cupcakes

prompt; you made salty cupcakes by accident and your girlfriend isabela tried so hard to pretend that they weren't

pairing/s; isabela x fem!reader

warning/s; a curse word

wordcount; 632

a/n; since my only date for vday are my assignments ;;

Isabela loved you. She really did. She prayed endlessly, looked out for 11:11, blew every dandelion in existence, made sure that she got the part of the chicken with a wishbone in it, and nearly joined a cult just so she could be with you.

It might have been a little bit overboard, but was it they worth it? Absolutely.

It was clear to anybody who knew Isabela that she was head over heels for you.

This woman was ready to do anything for you. Just say the word and she'd be willing to learn how to grow flowers on the moon for you to gaze upon every night.

Of course, that included trying out your cooking for the first time. Like, how bad could that possibly be?

Sure, you were a kitchen newbie whose knowledge in boiling water was next to nothing, but she was confident that you can do it! After all, you grew with your tía who was great at cooking, yes?

Except all that hyping up came stumbling down the drain the moment she took a mouthful of that cutely decorated cupcake you've worked so hard on—and perhaps, she had been too confident.

“How is it?” you asked, awaiting judgment.

It was a mighty battle for Isabela to fight off the wince that threated to form on her face, and an even tougher one to smile through it all.

She nodded her head, giving you an encouraging thumbs up as she struggled to chew the cupcake.

It was like having the ocean in her mouth.

“Really?” your eyes lit up as you smiled from ear to ear, quite proud of your cupcakes.

Isabela's heart swelled at the sight.

If it meant that she'd get you to smile like that, she was more than willing to sacrifice her kidneys for you.

Now if only her body didn't make swallowing so difficult...

Isabela nodded her head with a smile.

“If you liked it then maybe your abuela might like it too,” you said as you turned around, nearly making her choke—on the plus side, at least she was finally able to swallow.

“My—my abuela?” she asked.

“Yes, your abuela!” you said in nothing but enthusiasm as you got the cupcakes out of their molds. “Actually, maybe I should bring some over for your whole family. You know, for a good first impression?”

Isabela laughed nervously. “Yes, yes...that sounds...absolutely wonderful!”

“Or would señora Alma appreciate something more Colombian?” you asked. “But I won't have much time to make them—”

“Y/N,” Isabela said.

“How do you make flan de coco again—”

“Y/N—”

“Mierda, I forgot mi tía's recipe—”

“Y/N—”

“What if I just—”

“Mi amor.” Isabela placed her palm against your cheek, gently turning your head to face her amidst your rambling. “They'd love you with or without your cooking.”

More emphasis on the without, but Isabela wasn't about to dampen your spirits as a complete neophyte in the kitchen. Maybe her mama would even get to teach you that you don't put the whole ocean on any dessert at all.

“And I think I'd rather just enjoy your cupcakes on my own.”

Well, less on enjoyment and more on making you happy.

You leaned into her touch, absolutely smittened with her just as she was with you. “You're too sweet, mi vida.”

“Only because you bring out the best in me,” Isabela smiled before pressing her lips against yours. Your arms made its away around her neck as you brought her closer to you, deepening the kiss when...

“Isa?”

Isabela hummed as you broke away from her, the taste of your lips an effective remedy to the lingering taste of the cupcake she just ate.

“Why do you taste like the sea?”

[imaginepirates]

Pirate

For the anon who wanted a James x reader where they meet on the Pearl, but James doesn’t have the guts to admit that he’s falling for them. Later, (we’re pretending his death didn’t happen), they meet again at Shipwreck Cove, and James confesses his feelings during the battle on the Dutchman.

@emdrabbles​ @tesserphantom​ @paljonkaikenlaista​ @viper-official​  @hellspawn-brownies​ @groovyfluxie​ @wordsinwinters​

~3760 words. Long again. 

~~~~~~~

           His hair hung in wet strings around his face. Whether they were matted together with water, alcohol, or vomit, you weren’t sure you wanted to know, though you suspected it to be a mixture of all three. A guard rail was all that kept him upright. He was a disaster, even for a pirate. Not that he’s a pirate, either.

          The former Commodore looked a wreck. You would be, too, you supposed, if you’d drunk yourself into complete oblivion. And someone needs to take away that damned wig. Currently, it sat on his head much like some bird’s nest, and you half-expected a gull to land in it at any moment. Pity mingled with your disgust. There had been a time when his name alone had struck fear into you. Now, he was a pathetic image, unable to do so much as hold himself up on two feet. He couldn’t strike fear into a fly.

          You were a bit surprised that Elizabeth, of all people, showed him no sympathy. Even Jack looked a bit repulsed, which was saying something, given that Jack himself was never in a prime state. He staggered upright, puking over the side of a railing.

          You sighed, walking brisky over, snatching the wig off the top of his head and tossing it overboard. He looked up at you through bleary eyes.

          “What the bloody hell was that for?”

          “You look awful.”

          “Thank you for your astute assessment.” Even drunk, his tone dripped sarcasm, and you were a little surprised.

          He’s still in his wits, then. You looked him over again. Somewhat. “You look marginally less awful without the wig.” He grunted. You grabbed the bottle he was holding, too, and threw it over the side.

          “Now that’s just a waste.”

          “You need to sober up.”

          “And who exactly are you, that it’s your job to police me?”

          “You’re embarrassing, is all, and it’s no good to be embarrassed by crewmates.”

          He snorted. “You should write to the admiralty. That sort of thinking would have spared me many of my own crewmates throughout the years.” He stared down into the waves, where his water-clogged wig had begun to sink under the surface.

          “Well, you don’t want to be that person, do you?”

          “At this point, I don’t particularly care.” His wig finally lost the battle, disappearing into the murky depths.

          “Have some pride.”

          “Pride?” He pushed himself up, looking coldly into your eyes with his own. “I’ve lost my title, I’ve lost my station, I’ve lost my livelihood. I have no house, nor family, nor friends. I’ve lost everything I ever held dear, including the woman I love, because despite being with her,” here he gestured with his chin to where Elizabeth stood at the helm, “I’m further from her than ever before. Now please, tell me again why I should have pride.”

          If you were being honest with yourself, it was hard to give him an answer. “You still have your life, and for however little that’s worth right now, things could be worse. You could be dead. Take pride in the fact that you didn’t let things get that far.” He scoffed, but you continued. “Go clean yourself up; splash some water on your face, and do something about the vomit in your hair. Things can get better. Clean up, and you’ll be one step closer.”

          He looked at you then, a vulnerability in his eye that wasn’t there before. Hope. He stalked off then, stumbling a bit, but trying admirably to, supposedly, follow your advice.

          Norrington carried out his tasks admirably and without complaint, no manner how demeaning for a man of his previous station. He was watched with suspicious eye; but why wouldn’t he be? He had been a ranking officer, after all, and an effective one at that. Too many pirates had been lost to his scouring of the Caribbean. Just how far can you trust a member of the navy, former or otherwise?

          The way he looked at Jack’s compass didn’t escape your notice. He knows. “Not thinking of stealing it, are you?” His neck craned to look up at you from his position kneeling on the deck, a wet cloth in hand. He stopped his scrubbing to glare.

          “I’m not a thief.” He looked back down, returning to his task.

          “You are a pirate.”

          His head whipped up at that, jaw working in annoyance. “I’m not a bloody pirate,” he hissed.

          “Then what the hell are you doing here? Top secret mission? I’m surprised you were chosen; I wouldn’t believe your fall from grace if I weren’t here to see it myself.”

          Norrington was showing clear restraint, obviously wanting to hit you with something. You watched him breifly consider using the wash-rag as a projectile before deciding against it.

          “Commodore Norrington. That was a name to fear, once.”

          The ferocity in his eyes vanished, replaced by sadness, his gaze dropping from yours. “I haven’t been that man in months. I never will be again.”

          “Good.” He shot you a questioning look. “It’s no use to be afraid of you. And, if what I hear from Elizabeth is true, you might learn to have some fun and not be so stiff all the time.” Offence flashes across his face, but you only smiled. “I blame high society. Welcome to freedom, James Norrington. I hope you get a taste for it.”

          He turned to look out over the steadily changing horizon, a soft pink beginning to dust the sky. “So do I.”

          The days wore on, and the crew steadily adjusted to James’ presence. He no longer ate alone, though he ate in silence, and the crew was more willing to interact with him. Elizabeth, you noted, had barely paid him any mind since his arrival. How she could be so callous towards him you didn’t know; you had expected her to at least talk to him, but she barely even looked his way.

          Not that he didn’t look hers. His gaze would fall upon her, sometimes, while he worked, and there was a sadness there that tugged at your heart. He was confused, too, as to her treatment of him. He wanted, more than anything, to be close to her. Even if she could treat him like a friend. But she refused to give him even that much.

          You were tired of watching it. “Come on,” you walked up to him, “let’s do something about that hair.”

          “You haven’t grown tired of telling me what to do, have you?” he drawled. He was propped against a railing, eyes following Elizabeth as she walked across the deck above them. With Jack, you noted. So, it seemed, did James.

          You sighed. “It can only get in the way, hanging down by your face like that.” You turned away, heading down belowdecks. He needs to get away from watching her.

          James followed, pushing off the railing and heading after you. Good. You found a spot with a few barrels—full of apples, you assumed; you never had gotten rid of all of Barbossa’s cargo—that would be suitable for sitting on. You motioned for James to do just that, moving behind him.

          You found yourself at a loss for words. What was there to say? You had little in common, and less that wouldn’t bring back poor memories for him. You kept silent, instead running your fingers through James’ hair. It’s longer than I expected, for a naval man. I wonder if he always kept it like this, or if it was close-cropped, once.

          “What exactly are you doing?” He turned his head a little to look back at you.

          “Braiding.” You separated his hair into three parts, beginning to twine the strands together.

          You expected him to ask you why, or to move away, but he stayed put. “I haven’t worn my hair in a braid since the navy.” It was almost a whisper. Somehow, in the low light of the hull, it seemed appropriate.

          You almost pulled away and apologized, but he went on. “I used to braid it to fit it under that damned wig. It could get so insufferably hot in the sun, though I was always glad to have the hair off the back of my neck. I don’t know how Elizabeth ever managed, in those dresses.” A soft smile sat on his face. “How did any of us manage, back then?”

          You knew he wasn’t speaking of the heat. You tied his hair off with a small strip of ribbon from around your wrist. It was interesting, to see something of yours on him, and you stared at it a moment before moving. “You’ve always kept your hair this long, then?” You moved to a barrel across from him.

          “For years. My mother hated it.” He smiled. “She told me it would be easier if I just cut it off.”

          “Good thing you didn’t.” He looked at you curiously, and you felt yourself beginning to flush. “It suits you.”

          His eyebrows raised in surprise. Even in the dim light of the lanterns, you could see his cheeks turn pink, the color extending down into his collar. You sat in awkward silence a moment, James fiddling with the cuffs of his sleeves while you looked down at the black deck. “A name to fear, you said.”

          James was still toying with the cuff on his left wrist when you looked back up. “I think I like you this way better.”

          “I’m not sure I do.”

          You got up, moving to a barrel next to his. “I’d rather not fear you.” You grabbed his hand, taking it gently away from its fiddling. He scanned your eyes. “Like most people, you aren’t as terrifying as the stories make you sound.”

          “I never thought of it that way.”

          “That you struck fear, even into the best of us?”

          “I…” he trailed off. “It seems so ridiculous, that anyone feared me. I know I was good at my job—it was all I was good for.” He scoffed. “But I was so out of place in society…I always felt horribly awkward at all those social events. I was much more afraid of those people than they were of me.”

          “You were like…” you wracked your brain for a parallel. “You were told stories about Blackbeard when you were a child, right?”

          “Yes, of course. Upon reflection, I’m sure they were too dramatic to be true.”

          “That’s how you were to us. You were a reverse Blackbeard.” James laughed aloud at that. “I can’t even tell you how I pictured you. Larger, maybe. Older. And with a horrible, mean beard that took up half your face.”

          James smiled, and you found you quite liked the expression on him. “Am I as scary as the stories?”

          “Not even close. Though I’m sure I wouldn’t want to meet the business end of your sword,” you added.

          “Is Blackbeard as frightening as the tales?” James questioned. Then, more seriously, “Is Davy Jones?”

          You sobered. “Aye, he is.” You found that his hand was still in yours—he hadn’t pulled away. “But it’s mixed with disgust. He isn’t human, anymore. It can be revulting. And sad,” you said, upon reflection. “I can’t imagine; losing your humanity like that.”

          James said nothing, his eyes on your entertwined fingers. He ran his thumb over your knuckles. “Why do you talk to me?”

          You shrugged. “There’s no reason not to.”

          “That doesn’t seem to be the common belief.” He continued to rub gentle circles in the top of your hand. His fingers were calloused from years of hard work, but so were yours. He traced over your knuckles and each finger in turn. His brows furrowed. “It’s pity, isn’t it?”

          You could see how disgusted he was with himself. “Some, yes,” you admitted. “But you’re not half-bad to be around. This was…nice. I haven’t had a quiet moment with someone in ages.”

          He looked at you thoughtfully, using his free hand to brush a strand of hair behind your ear. “You’re not half-bad either, for a pirate.”

          You smiled, and he looked like he might say something more, but he stayed quiet, a soft smile of his own gracing his features. When he left, you knew he was in a better mood than when he came. I wonder if I’ll occupy any of the space in his thoughts that Elizabeth does. It was a silly thought, and you didn’t quite know why it came to mind, but there was a ghostly touch where James had brushed your hair aside, and you realized that you liked the idea of his thinking about you. Wishing for the attention of a naval man. Who would’ve thought?

~~~~~~~

          The news about Isla de Muerta came hard. You had been anxious the entire time, confined to the Pearl on the account that Davy Jones could make an appearance, and the ship would need to be crewed if he did.

          You weren’t prepared for the eventuality that James wouldn’t come back. You had worried, of course, wringing your hands with it, but you hadn’t actually thought…

          You kept your tears for him to yourself. Nobody else was bothered—not even Elizabeth. A man she’s known her entire life, dead, and she has no sorrow to show for it. How can she be so heartless? It was as if nothing had happened at all. The crew ignored it; they were used to that, you supposed. Half your number had been killed by cannibles, after all. But even Gibbs seemed unbothered by the prospect of James’ death.

          Only later did you realize that James had taken the heart. You didn’t believe it, at first, but slowly came to reconcile yourself with the idea. Elizabeth thought him a traitor. But was he ever really on our side? You thought back to your conversations with him. I like you this way better. It had been true. I’m not sure I do. That was true, too, and now he’d shown it.

          At first, none of it mattered to you. He was dead, anyway. Slowly, you began to realize that Jones didn’t have the heart. After all, he hadn’t quit pursuing the Pearl, even if you didn’t have the heart. When you learned that the heart was in possession of Cutler Beckett, damn his eyes, your heart leapt with joy. James is alive! No matter the mood of Jack, or Gibbs, or Elizabeth, or the crew, you could only think of James. He wasn’t killed, then. He used the heart as leverage to secure his old position.

          You pondered the thought. If ever you met him again, would you be afraid? Or would you just be sad?

~~~~~~~

          Shipwreck Cove was just as you’d remembered it. Dimly lit, ships stacked one on the other, whispered conspiracies in every corner. Every sailor’s legend had its place in these ships. There wasn’t a legend that hadn’t been speculated within the fortress, and not a pirate who hadn’t chased them without.

          You had fond memories of the Cove, but less fond memories of the Court. The Brethren Court convened on only the deepest of issues, and you still remembered some of their gatherings from when you were a child. It was loud, and there was no order, and the Court couldn’t meet without at least one death per session.

          It was that way now. Jack toyed with the swords stuck in the globe at the front of the room while the other pirate lords surrendered the miscellaneous junk they deemed their pieces of eight. The end result was a dish full of random trinkets. Not that you didn’t understand; the idea that pirates obtained mass amounts of wealth was a myth. Most of the time, you barely had a shilling to your name. Working with Jack was especially non-lucrative, but it was certainly more entertaining.

          Jack’s hand strayed briefly to the piece of eight at his temple. “Might I point out that we are still short one pirate lord and I’m as content as a cucumber to wait until Sao Feng joins us.”

          “Sao Feng is dead.”

          You recognized that voice. You whipped around to see Elizabeth, clad in full Chinese armor, sword in hand. You smiled to yourself; she was always full of surprises.

          The best surprise, however, was the man standing at her side. You mouthed James’ name, and his eyes locked on yours. He stepped forward, as if to greet you, but you were interrupted by further discussion of the Court. He’s alive, and he’s here, and I never thought I would see him again. You glanced over your shoulder. And he’s in full uniform.

          The Court was chaos. Barbossa’s plan to free Calypso was not taken well by the others, and you couldn’t blame them. Your mind was preoccupied, focussing on the man somewhere behind you. You wondered if he had seen the relief in your eyes. Had he felt the same?

          A hand settled on your shoulder. You turned to see James, worried eyes staring into your own. He pulled you back, leading you out of the room.

          “James?” You felt your eyes beginning to water. “For the longest time, I thought you had died.” Your voice cracked, and you were unable to stop it.

          He opened his mouth as if to say something, but only reached out to you, pulling you into a firm embrace. “I’m so sorry.” His breath tickled your ear. “I’ve done horrible things.”

          You held tightly to the back of his coat. “I’m just happy to see you again.”

          He stepped back, pain blossoming across his features. “I know you can never forgive me, for what I’ve done. I can only hope you-”

          The doors behind you opened, and the Court flooded out. The consensus is war, then.

~~~~~~~

          The rain made it hard for you to keep a good grip on your sword. The Dutchman pitched and rolled under your feet, waves crashing rougly into the sides of the hull. Its mast, tangled with the Pearl’s, loomed above you, a towering dark figure in the haze of the monsoon.

          These damned fish people. The Dutchman’s crew fought more viscously than even Barbossa’s undead pirates. Who knew starfish could be so angry? You feared that their weapons, often tarnished and jagged, would catch on your own and leave you defenseless. I should’ve stayed on the Pearl. But there are fish people there now, too.

          At least you weren’t alone. Elizabeth and Will were with you, as was Jack, though he seemed to be having difficulties of his own. If you hadn’t been fighting for your life, you might have been more amused. You had lost sight of most of your crew mates. You were too focused on the eel-headed freak in front of you to give your fellows much thought. With your swords locked, you had no other way to grapple with the beast. It hadn’t occurred to you that the eel could elongate its neck, which was exactly what it did, arching forward to bite at your face.

          A moment later, the head lay at your feet, the slimy body collapsing beside it. James was there, sword in hand, looking at you with concern. That, or he’s squinting to keep the rain out of his eyes. You gave him a nod, stepping in closer.

          “There are too many of them. We’ll never get to them all. Some of them are coming right out of the walls!” You both looked around yourselves at the endless numbers in the Dutchman’s crew.

          “We only have to kill one.” James gestured towards the other end of the ship, where Davy Jones stood, lobster claw digging into the wood of the deck.

          “We don’t have the heart.”

          “But we both know who does.” James’ face was grim. “I should’ve stabbed it while I had the chance.”

          You grabbed his arm. “No. You would be just like Jones, then, bound to this ship for eternity. You’d have no humanity left.”

          “I’d be better than I am now.”

          The comment broke your heart, but there were too many enemies around for you to focus on it. You slashed at a shark-headed monstrosity before James pulled you in close, stabbing something just behind you. Now isn’t the time for blushing. But James was holding you tightly to his chest, and you heard him shoot another member of Jones’ crew.

          You hated to let go, but you had to duck under James’ arm to go after another, and another. Your back ended up pressed against James’, and you could feel each others’ heavy breathing.

          “I don’t think we’re going to make it out of this alive.” You had to shout to be heard over the thunderous racket. Between the rain, the gunfire, and the sharp clanging of swords, there was little room for words.

          “It doesn’t seem likely.”

          “You were trying to tell me something earlier.” Rain ran down your face in streams. “Now might be your only chance.”

          James put a hand on your shoulder, turning you around to face him. “I wanted to apologize, for it all. I hope you’ll accept it.”

          “Of course.” You grabbed the pistol from his side, leveling it at a creature behind his shoulder.

          “You didn’t deserve what I did.”

          You cupped his face with a hand. “I understand why you did it.”

          “You were the only one who treated me like a person, then, on the Pearl.” He had grabbed your arm, keeping you close. It occurred to you that you were both going to die like this, paying too much attention to each other and not enough to your surroundings. “I can’t…” James took a steadying breath. “I can’t help but love you for it.”

          You barely had time to process the words before his lips were on yours. Despite the storm, and the gunfire, and the clanging of swords—despite the knowledge that neither of you were going to make it out alive—the kiss was achingly tender, with so much softness and vulnerability that tears began to slip down your already soaked cheeks.

          This won’t be such a bad way to go.

          There was a sudden shuddering of the ship, and you and James had to cling to each other to keep upright. You looked up, only to find that the Pearl had broken away, her masts now untangled from the Dutchman’s.

          You tugged at James’ arm. “We have to go. I think the ship’s going under.”

          He nodded, and you found a loose line to swing over to the Pearl. The Dutchman sank not long after you hit the deck. The ship fell beneath the waves, sucked under by the storm.

          “We still have to face Beckett.” James looked out over the water to where the British armada was advancing.

          You could already feel some of the fight leaving you. How could you withstand an armada, when you’d barely defeated the Dutchman? “At least we have each other, now.”

          James looked down at you. “Yes.” He cautiously wrapped an arm around your waist. “And after? If there is an after.”

          You smiled teasingly. “I hope you don’t mind returning to piracy.”

          James smiled back. “I don’t think I’ll mind at all.”

[cryptenby]

everybody loves jester

Caleb Widogast and Jester Lavorre, some ambiguous time after everything

Caleb Widogast

“Tell me a secret, stinky wizard,” Jester says, with the same grin that’s held Caleb’s heart in a vice since he first saw it. It’s strange to note that it doesn’t have the same effect that it used to. 

“I don’t stink anymore, you know.” Caleb says, a bit indignant. “I don't even carry components in my pockets anymore so you can't say I smell like. What do you call it? Magic stuff?"

“Stinky magic stuff for the stinky wizard, yes,” Jester laughs.

“Right, right, yes, how could I forget.” Caleb answers drily, carefully hiding his smile as Jester giggles.

“Hey!” She chirps suddenly. “Don’t ignore me, magic man. I want my secret.”

Caleb sighs, his expression changing from thoughtful, to one of realization, to embarrassment, and finally, resignation. Still, he fidgets nervously, waffling and wallowing and clearly trying to avoid spilling the beans.

Jester pulls the tarot cards out of her pocket and starts shuffling them, waiting him out. He summons his new cat with a gentle *fwump* and their ears are filled with the sound of her deep, rumbling purrs. Jester almost calls it off then, she never meant to make him upset—especially not enough to summon Molly into his lap—but before she can open her mouth, he starts to talk.

“It was you, first. Is that even a secret? You were the prettiest thing I had seen in a long time, showing up in a dingy bar.” His laugh is self deprecating, his hands running idly over Molly’s fur. “At Travelercon, as crazy as it all was, it was important to you, and it was important to me to give you everything you wanted.”

He looks up at her then, and Jester is struck by how handsome he is now, how handsome he was then even in the midst of his grief and madness. She looks down at her cards and shuffles them again, a distraction from the heat in her cheeks.

“I admit I went a little overboard, but it was because I wanted you to know—to be sure—that anything you wanted I would provide for you. With my own two hands, Jester Lavorre. Abundance, for you. Not just flames.”

Jester finally looks up and can see the old wound reflected in his eyes, and though it’s healed over clean, it still makes her want to cry, this love that he held onto all alone. She had no idea. She loves love, but that doesn’t mean she knows when it’s being pointed in her direction, and the reality of his affections hit her hard. She remembers how confused she was about Fjord–though Gods, does she love him now– and realizes that maybe it was a little obvious. Maybe it really wasn’t that much of a secret. Maybe she loved him too, once.

It doesn’t matter now. What good does it do two old friends, long in love and commitment, to exchange what ifs and maybes? She doesn’t think Caleb would want that either. He told her because she demanded to know, because he trusted that it wouldn’t change a thing. 

She won’t let it.

“I didn’t know, Caleb.” She says finally, wiping her eyes.

Caleb can see right through her and grins sheepishly, still looking down at Molly. “I think you did know. But it’s okay. Are you happy?”

She doesn’t have to think long at all. “Yes. I am.”

He grabs her hand and threads their fingers together, raising her knuckles to his lips. 

“Good,” he smiles, and it’s genuine. She sends thanks to the Traveler that she can now tell the difference. “Good.”

[atinymonster]

prank

ateez 9th member

when sunwoo decides to play a prank on jiyu as payback, but it backfires.

angst to fluff!! i repeat, angst to fluff!

➴ taglist: @banhmi07​, @jiyeons-closet​, @mochibabycakes, @marsophilia​, @studioreader​, @dkdlwhs12, @jaembluey, @atzaria​, @skzfairies, @starlightjoong

➴ masterlist

[tiny princess 👑💗] sunwooo 🥺

[tiny princess 👑💗] sunnieeee 🥺

[tiny princess 👑💗] i see you reading these you know...

[tiny princess 👑💗] i’m sorry about the three things i love thing! :((

[tiny princess 👑💗] okay...i have a shoot now, but i’m sorryyy! 

Sunwoo watched her messages appear on his phone with a mischievous chuckle, practically hearing her little whines through the phone. Truthfully, he wasn’t all that mad about that little incident on hello82 (although Eric can testify about how he sulked for a whole three hours straight), but he decided to mess with her a little as payback. 

Sending back a short “okay” as a response, he tossed his phone next to him on the bed. Eric warned him to not take things too far just in case, but Sunwoo knew the limits. Surely Jiyu knew how deep his feelings ran for her, right?

Unfortunately, that’s where he miscalculated.

Seeing how short and simple his reply was, Jiyu frowned as her mind fell into a whirl of confusion and overthinking. Was he that mad? Did it really bother him that much?

But she couldn’t let it bother her for long since they had to go live for hello82 in a few minutes. Deciding to give him some space for the time being, she joined the boys on the couch, mustering up the best smile she could. 

“Something wrong?” Wooyoung leaned over to whisper to her. He knew her expressions like the back of his hand—they all did—but Wooyoung happened to catch onto it first since the others were busy with preparations before the cameras turned on. 

She shook her head. “Nope, nothing’s wrong, don’t worry about me,” she reassured, gently ruffling his hair in the process. 

Whining about how she was messing up his hair, Wooyoung figured something did happen, and made a mental note to ask her again after filming ended. 

For the whole 82 minutes, Jiyu felt her earlier uneasiness and damp mood improve as she played games (and died of laughter as she watched Hongjoong, Yeosang, and Wooyoung struggle to see out of the top of the cone hats). While she did have fun, the thought of earlier’s events still hung around the back of her mind. Every so often, she would go silent as she thought about Sunwoo’s dry and short responses. 

Hongjoong even discreetly and gently nudged her in the middle of their drawing mini game since she had such a blank expression as she zoned out and stared into space. Fortunately, those moments of her spacing out went unnoticed by the camera.

But unfortunately, unbeknownst to her, Sunwoo was watching their live. He paid close attention to her mood and attitude. But seeing as how her zoning out was never caught by the camera, how was he supposed to know that his short responses already had that big of an effect on her?

After their encore of singing Wave, Jiyu returned her microphone before making a beeline for her phone. No new notifications. Biting her lip, she really started to worry. Usually, he texts her after any of her schedules, but there was silence this time around. 

Coming back to their dorms, Jiyu fell into bed, exhausted from the day’s schedules. Staring at her phone, she hesitated on texting him again. Would she look too desperate? Would she be a bother? Should she just let him be?

“No, we promised to talk things out after last time,” she pumped herself up before opening her messages app and tapping on his name. 

[tiny princess 👑💗] are you that mad about it?

Deciding to just get straight to the point, she slammed her phone onto the bed before silently groaning at her straightforwardness. What was she going to say if he said yes?

Ding!

[my sunshine ☀️❤️] what do you think?

Her eyebrows furrowed at his vague response. Why couldn’t he just give her a straight answer? It was a simple yes or no.

[tiny princess 👑💗] i said i was sorry...i really didn’t mean to leave you out!

[my sunshine ☀️❤️] uh huh

[my sunshine ☀️❤️] but was that an indirect message that you don’t love me anymore?

Sunwoo cringed as he sent off that message. He knew it wasn’t true, but he couldn’t break out of character so soon.

Jiyu, on the other hand, felt her heart ache at how he “perceived” her little mistake. 

[tiny princess 👑💗] what? no! 

[tiny princess 👑💗] it was an honest slip-of-the-mind!

[my sunshine ☀️❤️] but that means i’m not in your mind as often as i have you in mine...

[my sunshine ☀️❤️] just leave me alone in the mean time...i need time to think

Jiyu felt her heart throb. She didn’t think he thought so deep about it, she didn’t think it hurt him that bad (it didn’t in reality). Like her body was on autopilot, she grabbed a jacket before flying out of her room. 

“I’ll be right back!” she shouted to the others, fumbling to quickly get her shoes on. She really hope they didn’t detect how choked up her voice was.

Hongjoong peeked out of his room. “Okay, stay safe and call us or manager-nim if you need a ride or anything!”

“Okay, bye!”

And with that she sprinted off in the direction of her boyfriend’s dorm. All the worst scenarios ran through her head at what he was going through. While she did assume that he wouldn’t get worked up over something that small, she failed to think that different people react differently. Maybe this did sting him in the slightest and she just never realized. 

That couldn’t be any farther from the truth. Seeing as how she really did stop texting, Sunwoo bit his lip with worry. Did he take it too far and she was actually leaving him alone now? Not that he would blame her since he did sound a little too realistic and harsh, but did she really? 

“Have any of you heard from Jiyu?” he loudly asked to get everyone in the dorm to hear. Hearing a collective “no”, he started overthinking. Maybe I shouldn’t have said that last bit. Wait...what if she took that as I wanted a break from her?!

And it hit him like a ton of bricks at how his message could have a double meaning. 

Quietly berating himself, he sprung out of bed and grabbed his jacket. He had to see her, despite him being the one to tell her he “wanted time alone”. 

But right before he opened his room door, he heard a familiar voice outside at their front door. And she sounded so choked up.

“Hi...is Sunwoo here?” Jiyu meekly asked Changmin when he opened the front door.

Changmin noticed her red-rimmed eyes. “Eh? Are you crying?” he asked, not loudly, but loud enough for the whole dorm to hear, including Sunwoo.

Sunwoo’s eyes widened. Had she been crying because of him? Running out of his room and out to the living room, his heart shattered when he saw Changmin ushering Jiyu inside. Slightly red eyes, heavily breathing as if she had ran there—he really regretted everything right there and then. 

Gently taking her wrist in his hand, he dragged her to his room, away from the prying eyes of the others who were utterly confused at what was happening. All except Eric, who internally sighed at how Sunwoo didn’t seem to heed his warning. 

The moment she heard the door lock, she immediately tackled the boy in a hug, letting all her tears spill out and onto his hoodie. Her little sobs were thankfully muffled by the thick material. 

Sunwoo wrapped his arms around her shaking body as he gently shushed her sobs. He comfortingly rubbed her back, walking backwards towards his bed before sitting down and pulling her to sit on his lap. 

“Shhh, I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” he mumbled, stroking her hair. 

“I didn’t think it bothered you that much,” she sniffled, hiccups interrupting her every other word or so. 

Sunwoo felt guilt pool in his gut, but he had to tell her the truth. “It didn’t...I just wanted to get back at you and mess around for a little. I didn’t think it’s blow up like this, though...”

He felt a sharp smack on his chest. Yelping out, he looked down and made eye contact with her tear-filled eyes that were glaring up at him. “Kim Sunwoo!” she reprimanded, “Do you have any idea how worried I was? I thought you were actually hurt!”

“Hmmm, I know I’m sorry,” he apologized again, hoping to soothe his crying girlfriend. “Please stop crying, I already apologized,” he cooed, running his fingers through Jiyu’s hair.

Perhaps his little prank had been taken a little too far for her to be crying and clinging onto him like a koala.

“And I apologized for my slip up about the three things I love, but that didn’t stop you from doing all that, now did it?” she weakly retorted, pausing between every few words from her sniffles.

The way she looked up from burying her face in his chest made Sunwoo feel a little twinge in his heart. Her teary eyes made his lips pull downwards into a pout. He swore to himself that he wouldn’t make her cry ever again after their last fight, but he never thought he’d unintentionally break that promise. Heck, when she showed up at their front door about to break down into tears, he knew his joke had gone overboard.

Endless whispers of “I’m sorry” fell from his lips as he rested his chin on top of her head and rocked the both of them from side-to-side on the bed. Feeling her arms tighten around his torso, he quickly placed a peck on her head.

“I got really scared, you know…” she mumbled, pulling back to rub her red eyes. “I thought you were really about to—”

“Lovebug, I would and could never,” he interrupted, holding her hands in his to stop her from rubbing her eyes. “You should know by now that I can’t function properly without you around,” he joked, hoping to lighten the mood a little.

“But—”

“I know what I said was a little overboard for a joke, but I swear on my life that I’d never ever tell you that in an actual situation. I’d never be that childish or petty.” Rubbing his thumbs on the back of her hands, his heart leapt when he felt her grip tighten on his hands.

“Promise?” she sniffled, looking up at him with puppy dog eyes and holding out a pinky to him.

Linking his pinky with her’s, he leaned in and stole a kiss. “I promise. I’d never leave you behind.”

Seeming satisfied with his answer, she returned back to snuggling in his arms. Feeling his chest rumble as he chuckled, she nuzzled her face deeper into his hoodie.

“Wanna go out and get ice cream?” he asked. “I’ll make it up to you.”

“Shouldn’t you be resting for your schedule tomorrow? I feel bad I came here unannounced, and you can always make it up another time—”

“Being with you recharges me anyway,” he childishly defended. “And this’ll haunt me for God knows how long if I don’t see you smile or laugh for the rest of the night…”

“Promise you won’t get too tired tomorrow during your schedules then?” a small smile spread across her lips as she reached up and lightly pinched his cheeks.

He nodded, an excited little “mhm!” coming from him. “Let’s go, then!”

Now the boys were confused at the couple’s mood and vibe change when they came bursting out out Sunwoo’s room. Didn’t Jiyu come looking like she was about to burst into tears?

“We’ll be back!” Sunwoo quickly informed them before closing the front door. 

“...I’m not the only one confused, right?” Chanhee finally asked the question that they all had.

“Nope...” came their collective response.

Walking down the sunset-lit street, bucket hats and masks covering their faces, Jiyu and Sunwoo’s connected hands swung in between them as they were surrounded by a comfortable silence. The sound of cars and people occasionally passing by, along with an occasional comment or giggle from one another, filled the air.

“I’m really sorry,” Sunwoo apologized once more while squeezing her hand. 

Shooting him a small, comforting smile back, she started walking faster, dragging Sunwoo along. “Then you can buy me all the ice cream I want!” she teased, looking back at him with a radiant smile.

Despite, her semi-red eyes and nose (the redness went down a lot) and how the majority of her face was concealed by the mask and hat, Sunwoo still thought she was the prettiest with how the wind combed through her new rosy-colored hair, how the sun perfectly outlined her figure from behind, and most importantly, how happiness brightly shined through her eyes.

And he planned on keeping things that way. 

“I guess...even if it means going broke,” he joked, earning her melodious laughter in response. 

“I love you!” he uttered like a happy little puppy.

“Love you, too sunshine,” she replied, her smile growing ever more so bright.

[andromedasstarship]

i could not choose between 77-80 so i overbearingly ask u to use each of them with spencer reid if u wish 🥺👉🏻👈🏻

80. “Your comfort and happiness is more important to me than some stupid dinner.” + 77- “If you want to leave, we can leave.”

send a prompt + character from this list! 

pairing - spencer reid x gn!reader

warnings - stress?? mostly fluff 

a/n - tysm kenna for requesting this i love you and i loved writing this. i also went overboard on this one bye! ive also never posted something this long in an ask reply before so if this looks weird BYE!

Your car had long gone cold, but you still couldn’t find the energy to pull yourself out yet. It was futile to try and wrestle your emotions into a tightly sealed box; as soon as you crossed the threshold of the town-home you shared with Spencer, you knew he’d be able to read you like a book. Damn genius profiler skills.

Taking a quick look at the time you knew you had to suck it up and go inside; you were pushing how ‘late’ you could be without him worrying something had happened on your commute home. With a deep sigh, you grabbed your bag from the passenger seat and exited the car; taking your sweet time with locking the car behind you and digging your house keys out of the bottom of your bag.

To put it simply, it had been a difficult year. It was the final year of your Phd. program and while- all things considered- you had had an amazing time, the past few months had been both physically and mentally draining. What was once your lifelong passion had suddenly started to feel like a chore; a chore you felt you weren’t even good at anymore. Almost every day was spent either in your own classes or teaching undergrads. Almost every night was spent on the final edits of your thesis or grading work from your students. The few moments of freedom you found were spent doing the boring parts of adult life: housekeeping, getting your car fixed, calling elderly family members, etc.

Neither of you had formerly addressed it, but you knew it was taking a toll on your relationship. Spencer being busy was a constant, but it was normally balanced out by your typical 9-5 schedule. But recently, even on the nights he was home you’d be too wrapped up in your own work to even sit down and eat dinner with him. By the time you crawled into bed he’d be long asleep and in the mornings you’d been leaving for work earlier and earlier in order to get research time in at the university library. It felt like the two of you hadn’t even been awake in the same room for weeks, let alone do anything relationship-y.

Tonight was supposed to change that. Kind of. His team was having a fancy dinner to celebrate some major milestone that you couldn’t remember. It’d been on the books for months, but kept getting pushed back by surprise cases. It felt like everyone held their breath this week, waiting for a case to pop up, but instead everyone was left pleasantly surprised when no such thing happened. It was going to be a great night: classic Rossi pasta dish, all partners and kids invited. Even though the two of you wouldn’t be alone, it’d still be a perfectly good excuse to get out, put on some nice outfits and have a fun evening with friends.

Spencer had been particularly excited. The past week, you felt as if it was the only thing he ever talked about. Not that the two of you were having extensive conversations. He kept talking about how great it would be to get out of the house and how much he was looking forward to having a totally work free evening. His excitement warmed your heart.

Which is why you were taking so long to find your keys. Today had been one of the hardest day you’d experienced in a long time. The thesis meeting you had with your advisor- that you’d been staying up late every night editing for- had gone horribly; it was as if everything you prepared was wrong. Almost every student in the class you taught scored poorly on the latest assessment- on a unit you considered yourself an expert on-, something you viewed as a failure of your ability to convey the info. And to top it all off, even though you felt as if you’d spent hours upon hours working yourself to the bone the past week- in order to clear space for tonight-, you still felt as if you had piles of work to catch up on.

You knew the stress and tension of the day would read clear on your body as soon as Spencer got a look at you. And with how excited he’d been, you absolutely didn’t want to ruin the dinner. You’d hate for him to feel as if you were being selfish or that you couldn’t even prioritize him in your schedule.

You took one last deep breath, before going to put the key into the doorknob. Just as you touched the handle, the door swung open from the other side.

“Jesus!” You exclaimed, one hand clutching your chest as you nearly jumped out of your skin. In front of you was Spencer, smiling down at you with that irresistible grin of his.

“Did I scare you? Sorry. I thought I heard you car pull up earlier and when you didn’t come in I thought maybe something was wrong so I wanted to come check-”

You quickly cut him off- even though you did find his worrying a bit endearing- by pressing a quick kiss to his lips. 

“A good song came on just as I pulled in, couldn’t just get out.” You lied, adding a small laugh for effect. It was an on brand situation for you, something certainly believable. If Spencer had any doubts, he didn’t question you, simply moved out of the doorframe so you could step in.

Inside the house, you set your bag down by the front door like you always did. While kicking your shoes off, you pulled your jacket off, smiling when Spencer had his hands already open to hang it on the rack. You knew he had that ridiculous memory- and you had a pretty set routine-, but it still made your heart swell every time he anticipated your next move and went the extra mile to be helpful.

“So, how was your day?" Spencer asked, as the two of you made your way to the kitchen area. “What’d Professor Addams have to say in your meeting?”

You clenched at the handle of the fridge, grinding your teeth before pulling the door open. When you turned to look at Spencer, you saw he made himself comfortable on one of the countertop stools.

“Went well. They gave me some uh, um, some comprehensive revisions.” You said flatly, turning back to face the fridge; missing the skeptical look Spencer was throwing you.

“That’s good?” He said slowly, before adding, “well how was class? You just wrapped up the last unit didn’t you?” You both knew he knew the answer, but was just attempting to further the conversation. Had it been any other day you would’ve found it endearing, but today just wasn’t that day.

You slammed the fridge door shut, just hard enough to be cause for concern. “I thought tonight was absolutely no shop talk. Huh? Why don’t we just start that rule now.” You said, a slight edge to your voice. It’s not his fault, it’s not his fault.

“Are you okay-”

“Yes! I just don’t-”

“If there’s something wrong, you know you can tell-”

“There’s nothing wrong-”

“Do you need to stay-”

“Stop!” You exclaimed, bringing an end to the constant cutting each other off. “Everything is fine. Okay?” You said, unable to maintain eye contact.

Spencer slowly nodded, though you could tell he didn’t believe an ounce of what you had just said. Luckily for you, he seemed to let it go, falling back in his seat.

“I’m gonna go shower and get ready and then we can leave, alright?” You asked rhetorically. When he just nodded again, you very quickly walked up to him and pressed another quick kiss to his lips. “Love you.”

“Love you too.”

---

The ride to Rossi’s was silent, something that normally wouldn’t have bothered either of you had it not been for the borderline argument you had in the kitchen. As you pulled up a few cars down from the house, you caught Spencer staring at you from the passenger seat, a slightly concerned look on his face.

“Stop doing that.” You huffed out, but there was no real bite in your voice.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” He asked gently, reaching out to push a piece of your hair away from your face. God that was sweet.

You quickly nodded and threw a very forced smile his way, not quite meeting his eyes. “I’m fine. I promise, come on.” You said, killing the engine and pushing open your car door.

Before you could fully open the door, Spencer’s arm shot out across your body and pulled the door back shut with a bang.

“Spencer!” You yelped, startled by his sudden movement. You turned and gave him a bewildered look.

“You always look over my head when you lie.” Spencer stated.

“Oh I do not-” You started, but letting the sentence fall flat as soon as you realized you currently were looking over his head.

“Your favorite song came on the radio, twice, on the drive here and you didn’t react at all either times.” He said. When you still didn’t say anything he continued. “What’s going on? You know you can tell me.”

The look he was giving you was making you feel all sorts of guilty. Of course he cared, that’s why you loved him so much. You just didn’t want to ruin something that’d been in the works for so long, all because you had a bad day.

“Spencer,” you started, giving him a very pointed look and making sure to hold eye contact, “I’m fine. Can we just go in?”

Spencer shook his head, externally searching your face for more clues while also internally thinking back to any clues from your kitchen fight. “We aren’t going anywhere, until you talk to me.” He urged.

It probably wasn’t the best move on his part, seeing as you both were incredibly stubborn. The two of you were unrelenting, both staring blankly at the other; hoping the other one would break first. After nearly 5 minutes of silence, it became very clear that neither of you were standing down anytime soon.

Spencer reached his hand out again, gently cupping your cheek; internally you cursed your body’s natural reaction to lean into his touch. “What’s going on?” He asked, voice much softer than earlier.

You were internally screaming over how caring he was. Damn him! You cursed yourself for not being able to just play the role of perfect partner for one night.

“I’m exhausted.” You said, voice quiet. “My meeting went horrible day. I absolutely failed at teaching my students the last unit. I’ve been bringing so much work back to the house I haven’t even been able to give you a second of attention. And now we have this dinner that you’ve been looking forward to for months and I don’t want to ruin-”

This time, it was Spencer that quickly cut off your rambles with a kiss.

“Do you want to leave?” He asked, as if it were the most simple thing ever

You gave him a shocked look. “Spencer, you’ve been talking about this dinner for weeks. I, I can’t ask you to put this off, you and the team rarely get time to-”

“If you want to leave, we can leave.” He said. His voice was so sincere it made the whole thing that much more difficult. He was too good.

“Spencer, no.” You said, putting special emphasis on the ‘no’. “We haven’t even walked in the door, there’s nothing to leave yet. I’m not going to ruin the dinner we’ve all been planning on for months. I’ll be fine for a couple hours.”

He didn’t answer, instead pulled his phone out and quickly started to type out a text.

“What are you doing?”

“Texting Rossi, I’m gonna tell him you aren’t feeling well and we can’t come anymore.”

“We’re outside his house! It’s not a big deal-!

“Your comfort and happiness is more important to me than some stupid dinner!” Spencer cut you off, giving you a very pointed look. You weren’t sure your heart could take the swelling much longer.

“Spencer, you’ve been planning-”

“I don’t want to hear it-”

“You’ve wanted to get out of the house for so long!” You stressed, giving him a ‘duh’ look.

“We can go do something else!” He replied, like it was the most obvious thing in the world. “Just us, no pressure to be ‘on’ in front of anyone else.” That did sound good- No!

“I’m not gonna be the one who keeps their boyfriend away from his friends-”

“I see them every day. Every day. One dinner means nothing.” Spencer said confidently, clasping your hand tightly between his.

You contemplated for what seemed like hours; though it couldn’t have been more than twenty seconds. “Are you sure?”

“I’ve never been more sure of something in my life.” Spencer said, giving you a very mock serious look; you couldn’t help but laugh at that. “There you are.” He said, smiling to match yours.

You turned the car on, clicking your seatbelt back into place. “So, where to pretty boy?” You asked.

“Well, I heard of this new ice cream place that just opened up. Their ‘claim to fame’ is they make over 50 flavors in store every single day. Did you know on average it takes nearly three hours from start to finish to make a single batch of ice cream? Or that when ice cream-”

You shook your head in amusement, chancing a couple glances in his direction as you were driving. You loved his excited ramblings and animated hand motions as he further explained the history of ice cream; as well as all the random facts about the place he was directing you to. As you got closer to your new destination, all you could think about was how lucky you were to, to be loved by someone who always knew just what to say.

---

permanent tags - @sunflowersandotherthings

[arminbitchlover]

Confession (F!reader x Jean Kirschstein)

content warnings: mild language, smut, oral (F receiving), praise, unprotected sex, alcohol/intoxication

summary: reader and jean have been in love w one another for years, but never actually admitted it. it wasn't until one night at marley, drunk jean decided to change all of that and finally make them his.

word count: 3.1k

DO NOT POST/SHARE MY WORK ON TIKTOK

You forgot what it was like to genuinely have fun with your friends again. You couldn't recall the last time you got together and not worry about your lives being at risk. It didn't matter to you whether it be making bets to see who takes a shot or reminiscing on old times during training, it just made you feel somewhat at peace.

"C'monnnn, y/n!! a single shot won't hurt anybody." Hange playfully shoves your shoulder as they hold a shot glass in front of your face.

"I rather not, but thank you anyways." You giggle and push away the shot from your view.

"More for me." They chug down the alcohol as if it was water, not being affected from the after burning effect.

You never really liked the idea of being drunk; having little to no memory of what you're doing and having to deal with migraines and nausea the next morning did not please you in the slightest. Jean, on the other hand, didn't seem to care much about the consequences.

"Y-Yeah, ssoooo then I-I zoomed in and swoosh titan DEAD!" Jean hiccups and waves around his hands as he tells Connie his, more than likely, fictional kill.

"You sound like an idiot." Connie playfully smacks Jean's shoulder, laughing out loud.

"Youu are— More pleaseee." Jean slurs out his sentences into one while pointing at his empty glass.

"Sure, buddy." Connie smiles and grabs his glass, walking over to the bar.

Before he could call over a bartender to fill Jean's cup, you clear your throat to catch his attention.

"Don't you think Jean is going a bit overboard with the alcohol?" You flash a confused look to Connie and immediately break out into a smile.

"Oh fuck yes, but he's enjoying himself so I'll let this one slide." He sits on the chair next to you, glancing at Jean and Armin having some kind of competition.

"Yeah, he is..." You trail off, letting your mind wander off as you stare at Jean.

You never had the courage to admit to Jean how much he meant to you since the day you met him. You recall it as if it was yesterday, you were practicing with ODM gear and one of your hooks stopped working and Jean didn't waste a second to help you. You remember everything about him at that moment, how he had a grass stain in the mid left of his shirt and how he had a small scratch right under his left eye as well.

Before you got the chance to tell him how you felt, you found out about how Jean was basically in love with Mikasa and fuck did that hurt, but it was over now. That was 4 years ago and now you're here, still with the same little crush but understanding there was no point of trying to make it anymore than that.

"Uhhh, y/n?" Connie snaps you out of your thoughts, noticing your eyes never leaving Jean.

"Huh? Oh— sorry." You turn your head back to Connie, wanting to get Jean out of your thoughts.

"You know, he's stupid if he doesn't see what an amazing person you are." He smiles, immediately seeing through you.

"Is it really that obvious?" You slightly smack your forehead.

"Somewhat, but, hey, you really should try to shoot your shot. Jean got over Mikasa a while back and I notice the way he glances at you when you're not looking." He hits your shoulder with his, getting a small chuckle out of you.

"Yeah as if." You grin and continue your conversation with Connie, unaware that Jean has been shooting quick looks at both of you when neither of you were looking.

Jean never likes thinking about his feelings, let alone talking about them, especially after being rejected by Mikasa, but he will never get over how everything about you causes butterflies in his stomach.

He will never forget when he noticed how perfect you were, it was during dinner with all the scouts and the usual argument between him and Eren had arisen. Everyone else was telling Jean to quit and that he was being rude for no reason, but you were the only one who stood up for him. He will never forget how you looked, you had a bruise on your forearm and a gash on your right cheek from cutting yourself with a branch, but he still thought you look absolutely beautiful

Now it was two years later, and he never actually thought of ever telling you how he felt since he just assumed that it was some type of infatuation, but it was so much more than that. Before he had the chance to tell you how he felt, his self doubt clouded his mind, telling him that it was just a one sided crush and he believed it.

"Armin, d-do yerrr think y/n and Connie— together?" Jean clumsily turned his head to Armin, seemingly forgetting what they were talking about in the first place.

"Jean, you're completely over analyzing them. They're just friends." Armin laughs, quickly noticing Jean's jealousy.

"I-I hope so," He hiccups, still staring down Connie and notices you laughing at something he said.

"Oh, fuck this." Jean tightens his hands into fists, gets up and walks towards you, not aware that he was leaning to his left.

"CONNIE!" He grabs his best friend from his collar, pulling him out of your seat.

"JEAN— WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOU?" Connie grips Jean's wrist, pushing him away.

You stand there in shock, not knowing how to help either of them.

"Y-Y-You know how I feel about y/n and youuu still decide— steal her from me," He stammers while using the bar table for balance.

You and Connie both look at each other, completely stunned from what just came out of his mouth.

"Jean..." You trail off and slowly make your way towards him, scared that what he says is too good to be true.

"Whattt?" He makes eye contact, genuinely curious why you were calling him.

"Maybe we should go back to the hotel and get you some water." Connie rubs Jean's back, completely disregarding what had just transpired between them.

"Wait—" Jean pulls away from Connie and faces towards you.

"I love-love you, okay?" He grazes his fingers across your forearm, not thinking much of what he just confessed.

You feel your face start to heat up and your heart begins to pound rapidly in your throat. You couldn't believe what you just heard, you think it's some sort of twisted lie that his drunken self has just stirred up. It was all too good to be true, right?

"You're wasted, Jean." You move your arm away, doubting everything he just spat out.

"I knew you didn't f-feel the samee way." He looks down on the floor, looking as if he wanted to barf and cry at the same time.

"Let's uh— go, Jean." Connie gives you a weak smile before taking him out of the bar.

You sit alone for a few minutes, not knowing what to do with yourself before deciding that you just needed to end this night already. You get your things and make your way to your hotel and check in.

You grab the keycard from the receptionist and head to your room, feeling completely empty inside. You didn't really feel like staying up any longer after what happened even though it was barely 11:30, so you took a shower and went to bed with Jean's confession playing repeatedly in your head.

༛༛ ༛ ༛༺༻༛ ༛ ༛༛

You wake up to knocking at your door, leaving you completely startled. You rub your eyes before looking at the clock, 4:54.

"What the fuck.." You mumble to yourself and get out of bed and check the peephole, seeing Jean with no shirt and pajama pants.

Your chest tightens and you immediately open the door, not giving it any thought.

"Y/n..." He rubs the back of his neck, not making any eye contact.

"Jean." You keep your body somewhat hidden behind the door, not knowing what to do.

"Can I please come in?" He looks at you, hoping you'll say yes.

"Well, are you still drunk?" You smile, trying to lighten up the mood.

"Oh no, I— um slept it off, I just have a headache." He laughs as you widen the door and allow him to walk in.

"Is everything okay?" You sit on the bed, hoping that he doesn't bring up anything he said at the bar.

"So, uh Connie told me everything." You feel your heart drop to your stomach, already assuming what his next words are going to be.

"And?" You close your eyes, preparing for the worst.

"I can't really take back what I said, you deserve to know the truth," Your eyes widen and you turn to look at him, his eyes on you, "I just need to know if you feel the same way."

"Y-You really like me?" You feel butterflies in your stomach, everything beginning to feel so surreal.

"Of course I do, what is there not to like about you." He chuckles and takes a seat next to you.

"Well um- I like you too... For a while now actually." You hesitate as you realize that this was real, Jean really sees you as more than just a friend.

"Really?" His face turns red, not noticing that he immediately took a hold of your hand.

"Yes, really." You squeeze his hand for reassurance.

You both stare into each other's eyes for a little bit, enjoying one another's presence, unaware that both of you start leaning in at the same time

Your lips slightly brush against each other, feeling the electricity trill through your body before connecting them and letting the warmth of his body consume you.

You've never shared a kiss like this before; one that's so deep and passionate and could almost feel all the feelings you have for one another being poured onto it.

"God, you're perfect," Jean whispers as he slowly lowers you to the point when you're laying flat on the bed and he's on top, both of his legs on each side of yours.

You glide your hand across his chiseled jaw while he has a firm grip on your waist, scared that if he let go it would all be over. You completely underestimated how much you wanted him, not just physically, but all of him.

"Do you want this?" He lifts his head and rubs his thumb in tiny circles on your cheek.

"I do." You grab his face with both of your hands, pulling him in for another slow and sensual kiss.

You grind slightly against him, already feeling the arousal pooling low in your stomach just from a kiss. You slide your hands down to his abs, lightly tracing them with your index finger. 

He moves his hands down to your shirt, pulling it over your head and tossing it off to the side. His eyes widen, completely in shock that you were without a bra.

"What?" You giggle, lifting his chin to make eye contact.

"Nothing." He grins and gives you a peck, before turning his focus back down to your chest.

He starts by kissing on your collarbone, intertwining his hands with yours by the sides of your head; tightening his grip each time he marks your skin.

"Shit." You exhale heavily, loving the intimacy Jean created with everything he was doing to you.

He made his way to your tits, taking his hand to massage your left breast while he kisses and lightly sucks the other one with care. You run your hands through his hair, taking in everything he was doing to you.

"Is it okay if I- um go down on you?" He breathes out, feeling his hard cock get tight against his pants.

"Of course." You feel your face heat up and help him pull down your underwear.

He pepper kisses all the way down your stomach before reaching your slick center. You feel your heartbeat start to quicken, already feeling prepared as this was something you would think about endlessly, but before he did anything you feel your legs being hoisted onto his shoulders and his grip on your outer thighs become more firm.

You suddenly felt the pad of his thumb lightly press against your clit, involuntarily causing your hips to buck up. You glance down and see a smile across his face.

"I'm going to take my sweet time with you and I'll make sure you feel nothing but pleasure, okay?" He smirks at you and goes back down, not waiting for a response.

"O-Okay." You took in a sharp breath, unexpectedly feeling his hot wet tongue take in your arousal that covered your slit.

He focuses on your clit, doing sloppy circles at a tedious pace. Even though he just started, you love every second of this. It makes you feel so special to have someone wanting to spend a great deal of time just pleasing you and not worry about anything else.

His hands slowly rub up and down on the outer sides of your thighs, making his actions so much more intimate. He continues his sensual pace, as you grip his brown locks, feeling fuzzy.

"Mm, Jean," You moan, grinding against his mouth wanting a bit more.

He didn't hesitate, seemingly already knowing what you wanted, and slips his middle finger into you. He still wasn't rushing anything, wanting to make everything last as long as possible, wanting to ensure your first time with each other was nothing but perfect.

It slips into you effortlessly, taking his finger in while your walls clech against it. While you don't realize, Jean's dick is seeping with precum, making a small wet spot go through his boxers and onto his sweatpants.

"Another please." You're so ready to gush all over him; you never understood the effect unhurried foreplay could have on you until this moment. You didn't think it could turn you on this much, let alone cum, but fuck, Jean was making it happen and it was coming fast.

He pushes in his ring finger, curling them both to hit your g-spot, causing your vision to swim.

"Cum on my face, please," Jean mumbles, slightly picking up the speed but nothing too harsh and abrupt.

It didn't take long for you to fall apart, your thighs trembling against him as you moan out his name while gushing on his face and fingers.

"You sound so pretty saying my name." He pulls away and smirks at you, gently rubbing your clit to bring you back down from your high.

"Well maybe you should try and make me do it again," You giggle, feeling ready for what was about to happen.

He makes his way back up your body, pulling off his pants and boxers before aligning himself.

"Are you sure you want this?" He looks into your eyes, worried that he'll fuck up somehow and ruin everything.

"Yes, I'm sure." You pull him in for a gentle kiss, feeling him push into you and stretch you out.

You gasp, not expecting him to be as big as he was. You feel your walls clench against him trying to take him in as smoothly as possible even if it was borderline painful.

"Shit— are you okay?" Jean stops, giving you a worried look, noticing discomfort flash across your face.

"I'm fine, keep going," You reassure him and you mean it. It wasn't anything that was excruciatingly painful, but rather just pressure and soreness and you had to admit it felt fucking amazing.

"I'm still going to take it slow alright? I just— really want to enjoy this moment with you." He kisses your forehead and moves your hands to the top of your head, holding them with one hand and the other gripping the bed frame.

So many thoughts go through your head at once. One part of you was so happy that you and Jean were finally together, admitting to each other what you've kept hidden for years. The other was so fucking scared, scared that there was no certainty that either of you would be alive by next week. So you understood Jean's words and you wanted to enjoy every second with him as well, as if it were your last.

He slides further into you, already feeling his cock start to twitch in you from how tight you are.

"Fuuckk," He drawls, feeling his tip hit your cervix.

"Y-You feel so good," You whimper, feeling yourself coat his dick in arousal as your back starts to arch against his stomach.

He keeps his slow and sensual pace, resting his forehead against yours while giving you soft kisses between each thrust.

You close your eyes, savoring what he feels like inside you, his sluggish movements making you feel fuzzy and warm.

You feel the pressure build up in your stomach again, feeling him hit a spot so deep in you that you didn't realize was even there.

"'m gonna cum again." Your eyes roll back and you move your hips against him, seeing stars as he puts a bit more pressure into your sweet spot, feeling your walls start to flutter.

"Don't hold back." He moves his hand that is holding yours back down to your clit, setting you over the edge.

"Jean!" You throw your head back, losing yourself in the waves of sensations and feeling yourself tightly clutch on his cock.

"Fuck, I think I'm gonna cum too." He immediately pulls out and begins pumping himself.

Your stomach becomes painted with hot white spurts of cum, seeing Jean's face wash over with bliss and relief.

"That was... wow." Jean smiles and pulls you in for one final kiss before putting back on his clothes and walks over to the bathroom to get paper towels.

"That was worth the wait," You giggle, reaching your hand forward as you try to grab the paper towels from his hand.

"No, please, let me." He lightly pushes you back down, gently wiping down your stomach and making sure you were clean before laying back down next to you.

"Thank you, Jean." You rest your head against his chest, listening to his heart beat.

"Why are you thanking me?" He clumsily traces your back, taking in your scent.

"Making me happy." You pull away and look into his eyes, caressing his cheek.

"Well in that case, I promise I will do everything I can to make you as happy as possible for the rest of our lives." He chuckles and kisses your temple before pulling you back into his chest, both of you drifting off to sleep.

[ch1giri]

heyy!! I found your blog recently and I really enjoy reading your writings! You’re an amazing writer! I’m really happy to see more Blue Lock content as well! Blue Lock is such an awesome manga and I love it so much! I look forward to more of your works! 💘

Could I also request maybe First Date headcanons with Sae, Rin, Nagi, Chigiri, Reo, Kunigami, Isagi, or any of the Blue Lock boys? Thank you!

Hi anon you are such a sweetheart thank you so much! This made my day (*≧з≦) I apologise for making you wait too long, I hope you'll like it! Also, sorry some of them were much longer than the others

First date headcanons

Characters: Sae Itoshi, Rin Itoshi, Nagi Seishiro, Reo Mikage, Chigiri Hyoma, Kunigami Rensuke and Isagi Yoichi

Sae Itoshi

• You have to be very special to catch his eye. He doesn't go just for anyone, but you, you're definitely special

• And once he confirms his feelings for you he confidently asks you out. Bonus points if you get flustered a bit, he thinks it's cute that he has that effect on you.

• Once you guys agree to go on a date this boy immediately rearranges his schedule around the date

• He tried suggesting that you two go on your first date in Spain or France. But you politely shut down his idea down, saying that he doesn't need to go overboard for your first date

• So you guys settle for a nice restaurant in Japan, he was a little bummed that he had to stay here but it's with you so he will manage

• Sae is a true gentleman, opens the door for you, pulls you out a chair, compliments you and pays for the meal

• If someone happens to see you two outside on a date tho, rumours will start immediately. But he couldn't give two shits tbh

• He would enjoy listening to your interests, Sae loves watching that spark light up in your eyes he knows the feeling of happiness that rushes through you when you talk about your interests.

• If they do happen to ask him about you on some press conferences he would just say: "Yes I'm currently dating someone, I don't get how is that related to my career."

• After your date, he would drive/walk you home and kiss you on your forehead. And when he comes back home he would have to fight the urge of buying some tickets for a foreign country to take you on your next date.

Rin Itoshi

• Like his brother, Rin seems very cold and calculated. So you have to be super interesting to catch his fancy

• Rin is introverted, so he wouldn't like to go out to some fancy restaurant. So he would take you out to the movies! He enjoys horror films so I feel like he would pick out a really good one

• After movies you guys would get ice cream and walk around, talking about anything and everything

• He would complain about all the lukewarm people he met in blue lock. And he would offer an ear to your complaints.

• He is so cute I swear, Rin is trying so hard to hide the smile that is stubbornly trying to show on his face. He doesn't want to blow his "cool guy" persona yet.

• He would walk you home and you would walk you home, but you would have to be one to initiate something. He wants to hug you, but the poor boy is just super embarrassed.

• When you hug him, or kiss him on the cheek. You can definitely see the red color creeping on his ears. When you two finally part your ways. Rin is letting that simle show, just this time it's much bigger and the pink dusting his cheeks is much more visible. But when he gets back home he puts on his cold facade

• He is not into PDA, so on your next date I feel like you two would walk around with your pinkies intertwined

Nagi Seishiro

• This one is a given, Nagi would totally take you out on an arcade date! He could effortlessly impress you, plus who doesn't love arcades?

• You two would play few intense rounds of air hockey. After the fifth time that you lost he let you win one round, just to see you jump around in victory

• After that you guys played some co op games, Mario Bros, Bubble Bobble and other classic

• Your small rivalry will continue as you guys start playing vs games like Street Fighter, Tekken and Mortal Kombat if you main Kitana you are immediately attractive idc again he will let you win just to see that cute smile on your face

• Please if you have the willpower make him play Taiko or DDR. At first he would be hesitant, because he thinks that it would require so much effort but if you bat your eyelashes he might just fall for your trap

• What can he say it's hard to resist when it comes to you. Surprisingly he is really good at Taiko, which of course earned a compliment from you "You should consider becoming a drummer." please just imagine drummer!Nagi what a concept

• Nagi saw you eyeing one of the toys in the claw machine and he just had to jump at the opportunity. So here you were with two milkshakes in your hands cheering Nagi on

• It took him a while but he got it in the end! He knows that you will treasure it, and the huge smile on your face was totally worth it

• You two walk to your house hand in hand and talk about all the games that you played you leave him with a kiss on the cheek and a promise to beat him fair and square next time

Reo Mikage

• This guy goes all out, like it's unreal how much effort he put in. The second you agreed to go out on a date with him he started planning everything out to the smallest detail

• A limo was waiting outside for you, I mean he did tell you to wear something nice, but you didn't expect this much

• He bought you flowers, he went as far as renting out the whole restaurant. Which is one of the most expensive in town.

• At first you felt kinda awkward, I mean isn't he going a bit too far? He probably spent a lot of money on this. But he reassured you that you deserve to be spoiled

• After some time you get much more comfortable, and you stop caring. You don't feel uncomfortable and out of place because Reo is there, and that's the only thing that matters

• After a very nice dinner made by the best cook in the country. You guys went on top of a tall building and just talked your hearts out, admiring the beautiful navy sky

• The limo took you guys back to your place and you were standing on your doorstep hoping that Reo would do something and he did!

• He kissed you! And you had to hold in a scream of happiness, after he left you ran into your room to let out that happiness by screaming into your pillow

Chigiri Hyoma

• Okay, you two would go on a study date! He feels like that's the best option, it's lowkey and he wouldn't feel as stressed to actually ask you out

• But just because the date seems casual, it doesn't mean he didn't carefully chose the location you two would go to. He checked all the local cafés and what food and drinks they serve

• He would choose the most beautiful café, a beautiful slow melody is bouncing around the room. The whole café was decorated with wood and plants, making it look like a whimsical forest

• You two ordered tea and got two Strawberry Shortcakes, Chigiri and you opened your books, you guys talked a bit about the harder subjects you have to get to eventually

• But as the conversation started to flow, you two kinda forgot about the pile of books you had on the table

• You talked about your favorite writers, and other hobbies you share, the tea was great and so was the Shortcake

• After a long talk, it was time to part your ways. Chigiri walked you home, and you guys just couldn't stop talking about everything and anything

• You didn't want to go and neither did he, so he immediately asked you out on a another date, and of course you were so excited

• When he left he just couldn't stop thinking about you, so he called you and the two of you talked for so long.

• Both of you couldn't wait to see each other again

Kunigami Rensuke

• The two of you would go to an amusement park! Eating delicious, colourful cotton candy as you guys talked about all the ride you want to go on

• Kunigami would win so many games, you would have so many stuffed animals by the end of it

• Like his hands were full and you were carrying two stuffed bears each settled into your hands

• You guys would ride the fastest, highest roller coasters. But if you are afraid of heights, that's okay too. There is a lot of other fun rides and games you can try

• You would go on the teacups and you would ride a carousel giggling like little children throughout all of it

• Kunigami suggested that you should visit the Haunted mansion, everything was fine at first, but then a second jump scare happened and then out of reflex Kunigami hit the poor worker in the head

• When the sun started to fall asleep and the sky splashed with orange gradients. The two of you went to a farriers wheel

• Walking home still laughing about the aftermath of the punch Kunigami accidentally landed and your hands full with the stuffed prizes, he asked you out on a next date

Isagi Yoichi

• Isagi took you out on a picnic! At first he was kinda hesitant to ask you out. He can get really insecure at times and you are just so perfect he thought you were way out of his league

• When you said yes, he was the happiest he ever felt it's the same feeling he gets when he scores a goal

• In an attempt to surprise Isagi, you decided to make some sandwiches

• Isagi had the same idea tho, so when you two met up, both of you were holding baskets full of food earning an angelic laugh from Isagi

• The field looked beautiful, it was filled with flowers and some kids were running around. The two of you sat on a blanket right under a blossoming cherry tree

• Munching on some sandwiches, you talked about anything and everything

• After you stuffed your faces with food, Isagi suggested that you two play football. And you eagerly agreed

• Sure, maybe you aren't the best football player. But seeing the spark that is dancing in his eyes is totally worth running around trying to kick a ball

• To your surprise, you played football for hours laughing and playfully bickering

• And everything was fine until the rain began to fall. Quickly starting to pack your things up, Isagi looked for the shelter

• The two of you ran to safety, never dropping your smiles, your hair and clothes totally wet by now

• Your house was closer so that's where you went. You begged Isagi to stay until the rain stopped. And he oh was he embarrassed, he's never been in a girl's room and now here he is. Changing into some clothes you had laying around while you were making tea for the both of you

• After some time passed, Isagi finally got comfortable and you laughed the whole situation off

• When the rain stopped, it was time for him to go even though you didn't want him to

• He thanked you for the stuff you lent him. Promising to return them on the next date

[studiok2sims]

hi! this isn't a request to make a sim but more of a question about it. i really love your sims and i was wondering what you do to make them look so good? especially your celebrity look-a-like sims. they're very well made and every time i try to imitate a celeb in my game they look like garbage 😭

Hey Nony! I did not forget about you! First of all, let me say thank you so very much for your kind compliment on my sim-lebrities! They are a labor to do, so it's always nice to hear when people like them!

I don't know that I can really answer your question to any degree of "satisfaction". Mainly it is patience, practice, good reference photos (multiple angles and as big/clear as you can get) and taking your time. OH - and always look at your work IN LIVE MODE. It makes a difference.

Now I will just ramble a bit… and there will be pictures.

The main thing is, I do not do any of my sims - even the non-celebrities - in one sitting. They are all evolutions over time - some weeks. Some many years. I work on them a bit (usually until I get stuck or frustrated) and then put them away. Come back with fresh eyes another day. I kid you not - I've been working on the cast of Archer since season 3 started (it's just wrapped season 12!) For me, doing celebrities is exhausting!

I use reference photos - and lots of them. As big and clear as possible, and multiple angles. Even with my non-celebrities! And I study them A LOT. I also look at the sim (and ref photo) from all angles, not just the front. Mess with the nose from the front - check it from the side to make sure it looks right that way too.

Make adjustments in small increments. (And if you don't have master controller+cas integration, get it! And immediately turn on "show slider numeric values".)

My personal opinion is that you can do a lot with the base sliders. I use CC sliders (and cc in general) as "final touches" and only to address specific things that can't be achieved any other way.

Here is Timothy Oliphant. On the left is 100% CC-free. On the right is the same sim with exactly 5 custom sliders added and the bare minimum of CC (skin, eyebrows and like 2 shaders). Yes, the CC version is "better". But my point is, he had a pretty solid foundation.

(To be perfectly honest… I am appalled at how overboard I went on my last celeb, Toby Stephens. I really regret layering on that much "esoteric" junk you can barely tell the slider did anything at all… I'm going back to a "less is more" approach.)

Also, it is my personal belief that you do NOT need slider multipliers (going above 255 or below -255 on the slider values) unless you are doing hyper-stylized effects. I only did this on maybe one sim and the highest I went was 300 on the eye size. Realistic sims? NOPE.

Here she is.... Mitsuko. Exactly 2 sliders went beyond the standard range.

Also… Look at them in live mode periodically. It really does make a difference. They look different in CAS than in live mode.

And really, I'm not kidding. It also just takes practice. Keep trying. As a form of encouragement (hopefully?) I am showing you this comparison. On the left is one of my earliest OG celebrity sims - Zachary Quinto (I have 2 other celebs even earlier than him). On the left is my "redemption WIP" version. This is what time, patience and practice can do. So you may not think your celebs look good now. Just keep working on them.

And finally... here is a look at my other in-progress (and most likely never to leave the bin) celebrities. Some of these I have never shown before and I sincerely doubt most of them are even identifiable. Some of them are from the same epoch as proto-Zachary. Some are more recent. I didn't put them in order or anything but you can probably see a progression. Some are very clearly more refined than others. But that is my point. Practice and time. And patience. And an iron butt.

I'm hoping this has been helpful? Encouraging? Something?

[elareine]

If you could, can you please write JayTim or RoyTim (whichever one you want) trying to be romantic and woo Tim (maybe with some puns, I love puns), but Tim is a bit oblivious towards it, because the other is so cool, therefore they must be trying to make friends and be nice with him and nothing more. So when he does finally realize its an italicized "Oh" moment.

Hi lovely!! Thank you for waiting so patiently for this fill. I... ended up making it JayRoyTim, I hope that's okay? It just fit so well, but I can totally write something else with JayTim or RoyTim for you if you want :)

Also, it turned out to be about pick-up lines more than wooing, sorry. I might’ve gone overboard with googling the puns. It's long enough that I put it on ao3, too. What's your username on there? Then I'll gift it to you.

if you were a transformer (you’d be optimus fine)

“Well, here I am.”

Tim looks up, utterly confused. “I didn’t call for you, but… that’s… great?”

Roy waggles his eyebrows. It looks faintly disturbing. Redheads should maybe not do that. Or, actually, Tim revises mentally, thinking of literally every other redhead Dick ever dated—that’s just Roy. “What are your other two wishes?”

“Coffee and some silence to finish working this case?”

Roy looks weirdly deflated at that, but he does get him some coffee. Tim soon forgets about it.

—

(“How’d it go?”

“Does obliviousness run in the family?”

“Yes. Yes it does. Have you met Bruce?”

“…okay, fair. Your turn next.”)

—

“Jason? What’re you doing here?”

Sure, Jason and Roy have been spending a lot more time in Gotham lately. Something to do with a case, Tim assumes. Maybe even with the one that they worked on together in Star City five months ago?

Anyway. They’ve been around, is what Tim is saying. Not at the manor, but at Tim’s apartment and his workspace, cause apparently it’s not worth rebuilding their safe house after it went up in flames, and Bruce and Damian are too often at Dick’s place. He’s not exactly surprised to see either of them anymore. (Pleased, yes. But not surprised.) However, Tim has no fucking clue why Jason is currently grinning at him from the other side of the library desk.

At least Tim has the good sense to check his name tag before he gasps: “Jason?”

“Oh, hey, Tim.” Jason’s grinning. “Guess you figured out my new job, huh?”

“Yeah.” Tim shakes his head. “Color me surprised.” So this is what Jason’s spending his days doing. He’s gotta be shadowing someone, right? Tim’ll ask him tonight.

“I’ve always liked this place.” Jason’s gaze is far away for a moment. Tim badly wants to know what he’s remembering. Then the older man seems to come back to himself and gives Tim a weird—maybe angry?—look. “It’s a good thing I’m a librarian, too, cause I’m totally checking you out.”

“Alright, I can take a hint.” Tim grabs his book and demonstratively walks over to the self-service scanners. Really. How rude.

—

(“Are you telling me he managed to resist you in your cardigan?”

“Apparently.”

“Aww. C’mere, babe.”)

—

So Roy blows things up all the time. No, really, Tim now totally understands why Dick was so happy when he heard the duo is camping out at Tim’s place for a change. His older brother even gave Tim a thumbs-up, for God’s sake. He must’ve known.

Cause yeah, there’s at least one explosion every two days. Or Roy dropping something cause he’s too focused on what he’s thinking to remember what his hands are doing. Or something dropping on him. Jason seems used to it; he just catches whatever it is or laughs at Roy. Tim… is starting to learn to do the same, actually. Whatever Roy comes up with at that moment is usually worth it, and besides, he’s kinda adorable.

Aaaaaaanyway. (He’s using that word a lot in his own thoughts right now. Almost as if he’s avoiding thinking about something. Hmm.) Tim’s not surprised when Roy walks into a room, stumbles, and slaps a hand over his eyes with a dramatic exclamation.

Tim, in shorts and not much else cause he got drenched in pollen earlier, just raises an eyebrow. “Alright, Roy?”

“Nope.” Roy’s hand is still covering his face, but Tim can still see his grin underneath. “I’m gonna need your name and phone number for insurance purposes.”

“Roy. You have both of these things,” Tim explains slowly, wondering if Roy sustained a brain injury or accidentally dosed himself on something. “And why insurance?”

“I was blinded by your beauty.”

God. Sometimes Tim wonders about the original Titans and their socialization for the two dudes if this is how they think making friends works. Then again, Kori, Donna, and Dick probably appreciated constant compliments about their beauty. It all makes sense. Roy must be so used to it that he even uses those same methods when someone unexceptional like Tim is around.

He smiles gamely. “I’m looking forward to hearing that phone call. Must be almost as great as the time Bruce tried to convince his insurance company that Clark dropping on his car wasn’t an act of God because God is demonstrably not a Kryptonian. Neither was the giant ape punching Clark out.”

Roy drops his hand at that. “…Batman did what?”

—

(“You were doing so well, too.”

“I knoooow. How much more obvious can we get?”

“I dunno, but I intend to try.”)

—

“Do you like Star Wars? Because Yoda only one for me!”

“Haha. No. Star Trek or die.” Tim’s answer is automatic. He’s had these discussions soooo many times with Kon before. Of course Jason also goes for the space cowboy soap opera.

Besides, Jason’s boyfriend is standing right next to him. He doesn’t mean to sound flirtatious with Tim. Or maybe he does, and it’s just good fun? Or maybe teasing him? Tim can’t figure it out, but he knows he doesn’t like the weird hollow feeling he gets in his stomach when he thinks about it, so he changes the topic.

And makes both of them sit down to watch some classic Captain Kirk, of course.

—

(“Should I be insulted by that pick up line?”

“Nah. There aren’t that many lines that imply a polycule, though.”

A kiss. “Alright.”)

—

One of the things Jason and Tim have in common is their predilection for motorbikes and fiddling around with them. Not that makes them unique in the batclan; Tim has never spent days quietly working side-by-side with Dick, though, the way he does with Jason. They started out with separate projects. Then Jason saw this vintage Ducati at an abandoned warehouse he was about to blow up and, well… Would be a shame, right? Tim just happens to have had one of these before—regrettably lost to one of Harley’s exploding baseball bats—so he offers his expertise.

It’s not because it means bending over the engine with Jason, closer than they ever are, their hands brushing when they hand each other instruments. It’s not.

Roy doesn’t join them. He’s too polite to say so, but he finds normal cars and bikes boring af. Doesn’t stop him from popping his head into the garage and whistling when he sees that they are shirtless and covered in grease. It’s a damn good look on Jason, so Tim can’t fault him for that.

Roy follows it up with a: “Are you a parking ticket? Cause you got fine written all over you.”

Tim can’t help it; he blushes at the suggestive tone. Those two never stop flirting with each other, do they? So far, he has managed to avoid stumbling over them while they’re making out (not that they’re making that easy—the kitchen? Really?), and he’d like to keep avoiding that, thank you very much. He’s already feeling guilty enough for his fantasies as it is.

“Uh. I should clean up,” he mumbles and flees.

—

(“Dammit.”

“…do you think that was a rejection?”

“Nah. He was definitely checking me out before you came and fucked it up.”

“That’s saying something if you noticed it.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”)

—

So Tim has magically acquired cat ears and a very fluffy tail. Don’t ask. They’re gonna go away in eight hours, and until then, he’s gonna stay in the cave and work himself to distraction. Jason seems intent on keeping him company, though.

(It’s nice. Tim loves hanging out with Jason—that’s not the problem. The issue is that Tim is looking ridiculous, and Jason is being nice about it, and none of this is helping his stupid crush go away.)

They’re absently chatting about nothing until Jason says: “Kinda a pity you’re a cat, though.”

Tim looks up. Huh? Admittedly, he never pegged Jason as the type to go for catboys (though maybe… he did hang out with Kyle… perhaps it’s just that he definitely doesn’t go for Tims), but that’s still a weird pronouncement.

Jason is grinning. “If you were a chicken, you’d be impeccable.” He pauses. “Wait. Like even more than you already are. Uh.”

Tim sighs. Great. And now Jason is making fun of him again. “Whatever.”

—

(“A chicken?”

“Shut up. I panicked.” A sigh. “He was so cute with these ears.”

“…yeah, he was.”)

—

“You must be tired. You’ve been running through my mind all night.”

“I’m not tired,” Tim says automatically. Why does everyone keep asking him that tonight? Surely the shadows under his eyes can’t be that bad? He used concealer!

Something in Roy’s expression softens. “Aww. C’mere.” He pats the space on the couch next to him, and when Tim sits down, Roy pulls him half of on top of him and into a hug. “Relax for a bit, little bird.”

Tim sinks into the embrace, boneless all of a sudden. Roy just has that effect on him. Tim vaguely remembers thinking of him as his oldest brother’s cool friend and then Jason’s cool boyfriend, kind of a fuckboy but clearly good for Jay.

Now? Now, Roy just makes him feel safe.

—

(“So you spent the night on the couch just so he could sleep in your arms?”

“Yeah. Totally worth it.”

“Duh.”

“I just wish we could do that with him every night. Bet he fits perfectly between us.”

“Yeah.”

A pause.

“We might have to up the ante or switch tactics.”)

—

They’re talking about their favorite books—Tim doesn’t read as much as Jason does, but they discovered a shared love of sci-fi weeks ago—when Tim says: “Actually, that book kinda reminds me of you.”

“Oh?”

“Overly dramatic but good.”

Jason makes an offended noise, and Tim grins.

“I’m not sure which part I should argue about first.” Jason pretends to think.

Tim is always down to tell Jason that fuck his self-perception—Jason is a good man, one of the best Tim knows; that also feels too revealing right now. Instead, he gets up from their comfortable position on the couch and grabs the first stack on the table, carrying them over to the shelves to replace the gaps. “What kind of book would I be?”

“Babe, if you were words on a page, you’d be fine print.”

“Annoying and no one reads it?” Tim asks without turning around, trying to ignore the babe. That’s. That’s gotta be a slip of the tongue, right? Force of habit from spending so much time with Roy?

“No, fine,” and the emphasis is clear this time. Jason continues before Tim can reply: “Though if we’re talking books…”

Tim whirls around. “Save it. You don’t have to make fun of me just because I—“He swallows down the words.

Jason looks alarmed. “Tim—“

As if he can smell trouble, Roy chooses that moment to enter the room. Tim has barely heard him approach, Jesus. He doesn’t want to have this argument in front of Roy, though, so he just stands there in the middle of the room. Jason, too, has stopped speaking.

Roy, of course, takes one look at the awkwardness and decides to make it worse. Or more confusing.

“Did you just come out of the oven?” he asks.

“As this isn’t Hansel and Gretel, no, I didn’t.” Tim checks his shirt, just in case this is an actual conversation opener and not just a weird attempt at a distraction. “Do I have soot on me?”

“Nope.” Roy shakes his head, and he’s smiling that smile again, the one Tim is startled to recognize, the one he thought is reserved only for Jason— “Because you’re hot.”

And finally, Tim gets it. “Me?”

“Yes, Tim.” Roy’s moving in closer. “You.”

There’s a soft touch to Tim’s shoulder, and Tim whirls around, expecting Jason to be mad, cause his boyfriend is—is hitting on Tim, right, that’s what’s happening, Jason can’t be happy—

Jason is smiling down at him. His hand is still resting on Tim’s shoulder, but it slides down to his collar bone, a gentle presence as he murmurs: “You’re so beautiful that you made forget my pick up line.”

Oh. Oh.

Tim says the first thing he can think of: “Are you a raisin?”

Jason starts grinning. “I’m not even gonna qualify that with an answer.”

Tim smiles back. “Cause you’re raising my hopes for a kiss right about now.”

And he gets one. And then another, and then Roy joins in, kissing Tim’s neck and then his mouth and—Yeah.

They’re too busy for any more pick up lines right now.

[anoutlandishfanfic]

Metamorphosis Ch 28 - La Dame Blanche

Finally! An update!! Thank you all for your patience!! We’re slowly making progress -- and so is Claire!!

Many thanks to betas @thefraserwitch​ and @walkinginland​ for their help... and keeping my feet to the fire.

You can find previous chapters here on Tumblr or over at AO3.

Nearly 10pm — Still the 21st of February, 1744 Jamie.

“Talk to me, Murtagh.”

Claire’s directive reached over my shoulder and took firm hold of my godfather.

“Oh, aye?” he squirmed slightly, unsure of his task. “What shall I tell ye, then?”

Her grip on my arm tightened as she labored through another of what she called contractions, her brow deeply furrowed and her breath coming in short gasps.

“Tell her stories,” I provided for her. “Jus talk to her… anythin’ to take her mind off things.”

This was met with great approval and he launched into a tale — at my expense.

“Have I told ye of the time yer numpty there tried to teach his sister’s wee cheetie to swim?”

I could hear the unbridled mirth in his voice, could see the massive grin stretching across his face even though my back was to him. It was Murtagh’s favorite story of my youth — and I was certain he had told her already — but I honestly didn’t mind being the subject of ridicule if it brought some small measure of comfort to my wife in her agony.

“Christ, ye’ve told it a hundred times over,” I protested in jest, dipping my head to place a soft kiss behind her ear as I dug my thumbs into the place at the base of her spine as she’d shown me.

“Ye canna be borin’ her wi’ tha’ one.”

I caught the barest hint of a smile in her eyes behind the pain and my heart soared.

Murtagh harrumphed at my interjection, suggesting, “Well, I could tell her o’ the time ye ruined yer da’s—“

“Tell her of the wee gomeral, ye old coot,” I grumbled, interrupting him before he could explain just what had become of my father’s best shirt as a result of my trying to impress a particular lass in the village.

Our companion chuckled to himself as he settled in for a good tale.

“Jenny’d nursed the wee slip o’ a thing back to health, aye?” Murtagh begun slowly, savoring the memories. “It’d been the runt o’ the litter an’ it’s mam wouldna feed it, ye see, so the lass took it within the house an’ fed it milk an’ cream an’ the like…”

Claire’s breath caught in a helpless whimper as something within her changed and my heart turned over in my chest. Her fingernails dug painfully into my skin — just as the talons of that wee fiend had all those years ago.

“She’d named it Mungo,” Murtagh continued, entirely unaware of the goings-on within our nest — completely taken back to time and place of his story, “an’ the wee cheetie had complete command of the kitchen… patrolin’ the pantry for enemy mice like a braw wee soldier.”

“Show me wha’ to do, Sorcha,” I pleaded, pressing my cheek against hers.

She turned and kissed me — hard — taking me completely by surprise and stealing all the breath from my lungs. Everything around us melted away as her soul reached out for mine, tugging and pulling with all her might. I gave in readily, offering up everything within me… all the strength, the will, and drive I possessed.

I kept my hands busy, not lifting them to her face as I maybe would have otherwise, but continued my massage of her spasming muscles. My fingers traced along her spine as my palms moved up her back, giving attention to the unyielding tendons I found along my way. I found her shoulders hunched near up to her ears and I knew that could do her no good.

“Right here, mo chridhe,” I showed her with a gentle caress across her shoulder blades. “Relax your arms, lean in to me… I’ll hold ye up.”

She did as encouraged, the loop of her arms around my neck loosening as a low, murmuring groan began to bubble up from within her. Her face turned into me as she rested her head on my shoulder, curling inward as the tone of her protestations became almost growl-like.

It was a considerable change from before and I thought these were more productive… less fearful and altogether rather like those I’d heard time and time again from the births I’d witnessed in the fields and byres of home.

Christ, how she hated my comparison.

“Aye, that’s the way,” I crooned. “Make all the wee noises ye like.”

Murtagh still hadn’t noticed that I’d been having my own conversation with my wife and that neither of us were paying any attention to him… It wasn’t worth interrupting him and perhaps as the contraction eased, the noise would become a welcome distraction again, but for now —

Claire was in a world of her own.

Her shoulders now sufficiently relaxed, my hands drifted back down to her hips. She’d begun to sway them again — a helpful action, she’d informed me earlier — and the low growl had risen to a steady hum. Setting my thumbs back into motion forthwith, we moved together for quite a while before she once again fell silent.

…

Claire.

Jamie helped me turn, allowing me to sink down onto the mattress and rest against his solid chest.

He was laughing… but silently, the vibrations doing wonders to slow my racing heart. It took me a moment to realize just what was so funny, but it was soon obvious.

Murtagh.

Jamie’s godfather was fully invested in the tale he was telling, completely oblivious as to what we were doing and instead absorbed in every detail of the recalled situation at hand.

What was it?

Ah, yes. The bloody cat.

I slid my eyes shut, a soft smile tugging at my lips.

How many times had I heard that one while we were on Jamie’s trail?

But, still, he knew it was one of my favorites and by all accounts it seemed to be one of his too.

My husband’s hand lifted to my face, brushing back the curls that clung to my damp brow and cheeks. I sighed heavily and turned my face into him, placing a kiss in the middle of his palm. A low rumble of delight ran through him as he tipped my chin up for a kiss on the mouth, the last vestiges of my latest contraction melting away as he shifted me in his arms.

And, so, it was in this manner — dressed in nothing but my shift, the nearly transparent material of which plastered against my skin, my hair a riotous mess of curls around my face, and lying cradled in my husband’s arms with my legs spread wide — that the captain of the Demeter found us as he came bounding into the cabin… with half the crew hot on his heels.

Before I could so much as blink, Jamie had extricated himself from beneath me and was using his body as a barricade to block any access to my person, dirk drawn. Murtagh had done much the same and leapt towards the door with the speed of a snapping crocodile, a nasty snarl contorting his face into an expression of such ferocity that I’d never seen before.

“Ye gave me yer word, Captain,” Murtagh spat. “Ye said ye could handle yer men… tha’ ye’d no’ be violatin’ my lady’s privacy in such a manner.”

As if in confirmation that he could not, in fact, keep control of his crew, they began to speak as one, shouting over one another and lunging towards us until the room was an overwhelming cacophony of threats of violence. I couldn’t make heads or tails of any of it, save one repeating word.

Witch.

Witch.

Witch.

Oh, bloody fucking hell.

They blamed me for the storm.

“Throw her overboard!” A raucous shout broke out above all the others.

“Aye!” came another, “Send her to the depths where she belongs!”

The very air in my lungs vanished with these words and bright spots flashed before my eyes. I reached out blindly for Jamie, desperate to take hold of something steady — but came up with nothing but empty space.

His name rolled off my tongue, parting my lips with a scream that started deep within me and multiplied until the sound bore no resemblance to my own voice.

Lightning split the sky in two and the room was awash with an unearthly light as a mighty wave surged against the side of the ship as my husband turned back to face me, the impact of the surf sending the both of us sideways across the mattress.

Jamie managed to catch hold of me, taking the blow against the wall upon himself, and it appeared from my low vantage point that only Murtagh remained upright. The rest of the men had been bowled over completely by the might of the storm and they remained where they lay… their verbal assaults suddenly silenced.

“She is no witch,” Murtagh finally spoke, raising his voice to be heard.

“She is La Dame Blanche,” he continued. “If even one of ye approaches her out of harm, she’ll curse both ye an’ yer kin to come for many a generation… I’ve seen her do it myself.”

Jamie’s arms around me loosened, now that we’d come to a secure stop against the wall, and I struggled to sit up.

“No, Sorcha,” he commanded, his voice urgent as he scrambled over me, effectively placing me between his protection and the barrier behind me. “Stay there.”

I shook my head wildly, my eyes wide. The last place I wanted to be right now was flat on my back.

“Help — me — up,” I bit out as I tried to roll onto my side by myself.

He eventually did as told — guided by a swift pinch to a tender spot within arm’s reach — and helped me sit up against the wall. He then had the audacity to turn his back on me, settling himself into a defensive position.

My vision began to cut out again in great, black blobs and I grabbed for him. My fingers brushed against his shirtsleeve and I latched on, yanking him back towards me by a fistful.

“Aye, ye’ve got me,” he assured dryly, moving only marginally closer as his attention was still firmly affixed on the ship’s crewmen and his fingers anxiously tapping against the hilt of his dirk. “I’m right here.”

“Put — that thing — down — and help me,” I bit out, using what little oxygen I had left in my lungs as my lower half once again threatened to be separated from the rest of me.

Jamie turned and looked at me — really looked at me — and nodded slowly, moving until he was right in front of me. He lay the knife within easy reach and offered himself up to me.

But the contraction had now settled in with an intensity that shook me to the very marrow of my bones. It assaulted me from all sides: making Jamie’s touch suddenly painful, the woolen fabric beneath me transforming to needled barbs, and the ruckus of the men bent on my destruction an endless, agonizing cacophony of damnation.

“Claire?”

I had shut my eyes up tight some time ago, willing my surroundings to melt away, to be suddenly back home at Lallybroch with Jenny at my side… but it was not Jenny’s voice that called to me now.

“Mo chridhe, ye mustna hold yer breath like that.”

I felt my leg jerk in reflex, my foot connecting with something solid before recoiling and heard a correlating ooof.

“Oh, aye,” my husband muttered. “Kick me all ye like, Sassenach, jus’ open yer eyes for a wee bit, aye?”

I did no such thing, incapable of even the slightest voluntary movement.

“Christ, ye’re as stubborn as any Scot,” he sighed and I felt a small measure of accomplishment, but Jamie was not about to give up his case.

“Kick, pinch, hit… I dinna mind… do anything ye like to me, mo nighean donn,” Jamie tried a different approach. “I willna touch ye if ye dinna wish it — ye ken I willna — but I’ll be ticklin’ tha’ wee foot of yer’s if ye dinna open those bonnie eyes an’ look a’ me!!”

I cracked one eye open and glared at him with all the force I could muster, but the look of relief that washed over his face as I did so had me opening the other in short order.

“A Dhia, ye ken how to scare a man,” Jamie shook his head slowly, a rueful smile now tugging at his lips as he realized I was returning to semi-consciousness of my surroundings.

“Forget them, mmm?” He passed a look back over his shoulder towards a dwindling crowd. “Murtah’s tellin’ ‘em of all the wondrous things ye can do… they’ll be back about their business in a moment or two.”

He shifted, returning his gaze to me as he moved even closer — though making no move to touch me.

“Just focus on me, aye?” Jamie offered, his blue eyes as deep and strong as the ocean surrounding us. “We’ll take it one pain at a time.”

Lifting a trembling hand, I reached for him, my sweaty palm open and empty. He took it between both of his, squeezing it tight.

“Aye, Sorcha,” he swallowed hard. “Tha’s the way.”

Together.

He sat beside me like that, steady and calm, until my contraction began to ease.

My breath was coming easier, but still ragged as I pulled him closer. Eagerly obliging, he took me back into his arms, helping me move so that I could recline against him.

I felt a slow but steady trickle of warm fluid trail down my thigh as I shifted and quickly tried to stop my bladder.  

“Fuck,” I spat, pulling my shift out of the way of the flow.

Overtaken by a hoard of men and you piss yourself.

Brilliant, Beauchamp.

Jamie grabbed for something to mop up my mess — coming up with an already half sea-soaked petticoat — and made a halfhearted comment of reassurance.

“Oh, shove it,” I hissed, eyeing our company. “I could have at least made it to the bucket.”

My husband stopped what he was doing and looked down at me with an odd expression dancing in his eyes.

“What?” I demanded.

“Well, tis jus’ that I dinna expect ye to catch all yer waters in a bucket, Sassenach,” he chuckled to himself. “Even if ye were in a room that didna sway an’ had a midwife by yer side.”

“My… oh,” the truth of what he was saying hit me quite suddenly.

Jamie’s bemused smile bloomed into a bonafide grin, having properly identified amniotic fluid before I did.

I shook my head slowly, letting it tip back to rest against his shoulder as I muttered, “Jesus H Roosevelt Christ.”