#don’t you ever say you’re a flop again ma’am I’ll come and scold you in person

[kimtaegis]

annie, happy birthday sweetness!

i wish i had the knowledge to be able to make something for you to show appreciation for the talent you share with us but i am a flop and so i'm attempting to say it with words.

thank you for all that you give us, you're amazing and i hope you have a wonderful day because it is what you deserve 🎂

lots of love

💜

natalie baby, you’re too kind, thank you a million times for every single word and for the constant support and love you’re giving me throughout the whole year, you’ve become very, very dear to me angel and this message made me super happy 🥺 lots of love right back to you!!! 💕💕

[yanagiin]

𝐬𝐡𝐞’𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞

a!peter parker x o!reader omegaverse au, seggs

contains-marking/biting,bondage,oral (m&f),unprotected seggs(on the pill)

“Yo penis parker!” Flash yells from the other side of the cafeteria. When Peter didn’t pay mind to what the other was going to say, Flash throws a meatball to the back off his head. The young hero was having a bad day as it is. Plus the fact that Ned is not there to suffer with him, leaving him to eat lunch alone to run some errands before the next period.

“What do you want Flash?” Peter says, not turning around.

“How does it feel not to have an omega?” Throwing his arm around the brunettes shoulder.

“I don’t know you tell me.” He says shrugging off the arm on his shoulder.

“Oh? So you do have an omega, bet she’s a nerd like yo-” Before Flash could finish his last word, he was kicked to the ground. Peter turned around to be met with you.

“geez for an alpha, you’re pretty pathetic for bullying. maybe i should try it too.” A young girl intervenes and proceeds to step on Flash’s back.

“Who the hell are you?!” She walks in front of flash and leans down to meet his eyes.

“Hi! I’m Y/n Stark, Peter Parker’s omega” she says with a malicious smile. She steps on his back again running to her beloved alpha. Others were in awe, her body underneath a blue long-sleeve crop with a white mini skirt and white high tops. Some would think she is a model. The other alluring fact was her scent. Out of all the omegas present, her own stood out the most. A strawberry scent that makes you crave.

“PETER!!” She jumps into the said boy’s arms and gives him pecks all over his face.

“Y/N!” He chuckles at his girlfriend’s clingy actions and sets her down to give her a kiss on the forehead. “I thought you were going to work for your dad?” Wondering why she was not in the lab with his boss, Mr.Stark.

“Yeah but, he said I should spend my last year of high school having fun and sent me here.”

“Wait wait. You’re-” Flash says, now off the ground and pointing a finger at Y/n slowly drifting it to Peter. “Dating that?”

“Yeah? Why wouldn’t I?”

“Because he’s a nerd, loser, ugly, pathetic.” She felt her boyfriend’s grip on her waist loosen, she walks out of his arms. “Ha! See she was just ly-”Interuppted again, a meatball was shoved down into his mouth. Walking back into her boyfriend’s arms and burying her chest, her head in the crook of his neck. “Don’t ever let go again you bitch”

“Yes ma’am” Peter replied kissing her temple. They started to head out of the cafeteria hand in hand. Flash comes up from behind to grip Y/n’s butt, but he was stopped when Peter’s hand gripped flash’s wrist with such strength and bringing him face to face. Such hatred and anger in the brunette’s eyes. “Touch her once, and I’ll break all the bones in your body.” He said in a low voice

The young girl knew her boyfriend would protect so she turned around and flipped Flash of with two middle fingers. “Suck dick bitch” She stuck her tongue out. This made Peter laugh and push Flash to the side. He walks up to his girlfriend, who is still taunting Flash, and squishes her cheeks.

“Come on now, you’re dad will scold me for you getting in trouble on your first day.” He said turning her back to face forward and interlocking side by side. Once they were out of anyone’s sight.

“That was hot” Y/n says, smacks and grabs his ass, with no shame.

“Y/N!!” Whipping his head to meet her eyes, he blushes harder seeing the lust in her eyes. His becoming the same. “You have no shame do you?”

“Nope!! Now, one more class then lets go home.” Now back to her usual self. Heading to their next class.

“Wrong way y/n”

“I knew that” Going the opposite way she was first heading.

AFTER SCHOOL

“Is May home?” Y/n asks as they both enter Peter’s apartment.

“She won’t be back till tomorrow or Monday” He says fixing both their shoes as she flops and spreads out on his bed.

“Haahh… it’s finally the weekend.” She giggles as Peter flops on top of her in between her legs. He wraps his arms around her waist and snuggles his face into her stomach.

“So that’s Flash huh? Kind of a loser” the boy on her stomach laughs and picks her shirt up to place playful kisses on her tummy. Placing a few hickies here and there. She runs her fingers through his hair and grips a little once he gets higher.

“Can we do it tonight?” Licking the valley of her chest.

“Yeah” She silently moans out. He moves to suck on one nipple and fiddle with the other one between his fingers.

Y/N’S POV

I feel myself start to grind up into his growing bulge in his pants. Trying to get any friction going on. He grounds his hips down on mine. He groans and releases my nipple with a pop. He licks his lips as his hand starts going down to my soaking core.

“You’re so wet baby.” He goes to pull off my clothes leaving me just in my underwear. Going to my neck and starts licking and sucking, knowing exactly where my sweet spots are. I start running my hands in his shirt, insisting he removes his clothes too.

“So eager huh baby?” “Shut up” Once he’s left in his boxers, I bring his lips to mine as we go into an intimate make-out session. He slowly pulls down my underwear and my strawberry scent fills the air.

“Fuck baby, you smell so good bringing his head down to lean on my collar bone and starts rubbing on my cl!t.

“Stop playing Peter.” I moan as he sticks a finger in.

“Woah! It just slipped in, it looks like we don’t need foreplay today.” He stands to remove his boxers and get back on the bed. I was picked up and straddled his lap. He picks me up and positioned me on top of his member. I guide it using my hand as I slowly start to sink down. My back arches and leans back to grab his ankles for support.

“Shit. Baby it’s so deep. Please move” He listens to my pleas and slowly starts thrusting in and out. My breasts moving in rhythm with our hips. All that can be heard is the slapping of our skin. The mix of our strawberry and cinnamon scents together.

He leans forward to suck on the other nipple and abuse it just like the opposite side. His hands now supporting my body, I run one hand through his locks the other encouraging his hips to go deeper. The coil in my stomach builds up fast. I start clenching around his member. I felt him twitch

“You’re sucking me dry baby.” He pulls out and lays me down on my back. He gets on his knees and roughly thrusts back in me, pulling me by my waist. Peter’s tip kissing my cervix. I tell him I’m going to cum and he says he’s close too. He twitches again when I clench around him for the second time and we both release. My legs start shaking vigorously as I orgasm. He pulls out and watches his come spill out of me. I swipe my fingers on it and lick it. He gets hard and red quickly.

Now, on my hands and knees, I feel him start spreading the come dripping out all over my thighs and cvnt. He digs into his nightstand and quickly grabs his webshooter. He grabs my wrists and lets my top half fall and bond my wrists behind my back.

“You look so good right now love” His member quickly slips in and pulls my hands to move me on him. He moves my hair to see his mark on the back of my neck. Seeing this, I feel him grow bigger. His nose taking in my scent and marks spots on my backs. He sneaks back up to my neck and bites his previous bite that was healed from when he first marked me.

I moan and scream his name as he arches my back and rub my nipples on the sheets. We both come as he throws me off his c0ck to look at my shaking pleasure. I look up to see the blood on his mouth and wipe it off with the back of his hand. He leans down to press kisses on my cheek and heads out to start a bath.

I was drawing shapes on his knee as he washed my hair from behind. I hissed at the shampoo touching my fresh bite. He apologizes and rinses my hair. After he carries me out, and onto the counter wrapped up in a towel. Moving my hair to apply cream on my neck, amused that when people see this, they know you are his.

“You didn’t have to go too hard.” I pout pretending to be mad and turn my back to him. He wraps his arms around me, spooning me and laughs.

“Now they know who’s mine.” I laugh with him and turn around to meet his eyes. Brown eyes shining under the moonlight. I bring my hands up to his face and dance my fingers on his smooth skin.

“Goodnight alpha…”

“Night night omega”

BONUS THIRD POV

It was gym for the first period of today and luckily y/n and Peter had the same schedule.

“Penis parker, where’s your little ‘girlfriend’? Are you sure she’s not forced?” Flash back to his annoying self. Finding it hard to believe that the nerd had a hot, rich girlfriend. He went back to changing into his gym clothes but turned back around when he heard Peter and ned’s conversation.

“Woah dude you got a cat and didn’t tell me?” On peter’s back, prominent fresh red scratches on his back.

“Nooo- OH yeah yeah uhm aunt may brought her in last night.” Quickly he pulls his shirt over his head, wanting to change the subject. Feeling the stares of his classmates. Peter leaves the locker room just to be met with others looking at him and to his girlfriend. Wearing the gym uniform. Marks littering her neck, thighs, and calves. Her hair was still down covering the bite mark.

“Love! What-” The young girl gives him a slight glare leaving chills down everyone’s spines.

“How am I supposed to cover this up!?! I really want to play volleyball in gym today too!” He sweatdrops at his girlfriend but blushes when she ties her hair up into a ponytail. Not only him who blushes but, almost everyone around them start blushing red and turns away. He runs back into the locker room and runs out with a jacket. He sees Flash on the floor with his girlfriend stepping on his back.

“Yo Petey! He was being a loser again and it was getting annoying. Let’s go I wanna stretch before we start playing.” He shakes his head and helps her put the jacket on. They walk away stepping on Flash and into the gym.

“Good luck kiss?”

navigation

REQUESTS ARE OPEN

[superspookywombat]

Spirit Falls {j.h}

One-shot request by @xo-sophiemae-xo 

Request: “Can I request an imagine with the Cullens where they go on a huge hike and eventually y/n gets too tired so someone has to carry her back and then just some fluff around the campfire please! (Preferably jasper or Emmett x reader) Thanks xx”

A/N: so spirit falls is a real place and that’s what i had in mind when writing this. also, this is way longer than i originally meant on making it, but i kinda got carried away. anyways, enjoy :)

“You brought bug spray, right?” You ask Rosalie, who sits in the passenger seat of Emmett’s Jeep. She holds up the bottle in response and you settle back into your seat. Jasper sits next to you, your hand in his as the Cullen crew zoom down the foggy Washington roads. The Jeep is followed by Edward’s Volvo, which hauls Edward, Bella, Carlisle, Esme, and Alice. One of the Cullen’s favorite past times was hiking, and you were adamant on them taking you. Jasper was reluctant, because they also had the tendency to hunt if the conditions were right. He didn’t want you to see that. In the end, it was Rosalie who convinced him to let you go, even if she was less than enthusiastic about you being alive when you first met. Now, she was your best friend.

Your heart races in anticipation to arrive at the destination, Esme had planned a whole day out. She packed a picnic for you, and you brought a book and an outdoor blanket just in case Jasper decided to hunt.

“I spy something red.” Emmett says. You look around outside the window, nothing red, just a whole lot of green. Inside the cab of the Jeep, no red either. Jasper wears all neutral colors, Emmett wears white and blue, and Rosalie made it very clear that Emmett was to exclude her from the ‘childish game.’ 

“I don’t see any red, I give up.” You sigh. The game had been going on for about thirty minutes already, yet you hadn’t gotten one yet. 

“You suck at this game.” Emmett says.

“That’s not fair! You see like triple the colors I see!” You complain. “Are we even close to being there?” 

“We’d be a whole lot closer if Jasper didn’t set a speed limit.” Rosalie says. Emmett gives an agreeing nod to her statement. 

“Humans are fragile, Rose.” Jasper says calmly. You roll your eyes, and lean your head on his shoulder. 

“Come on, Jazz, you’ll protect me.” You say, trying to convince him. 

“I can feel that you’re anxious already with how fast he’s going.” He says. You glare at him, folding your arms.

“Traitor.” You frown, but he smiles at you and brings your hand to his lips, placing a cool kiss to your skin. You pull his arm so that it hangs around your shoulder, and you nestle your head into his shoulder. Unfortunately, you don’t have a blanket in your reach so the hardness of his shoulder bone hurts your head. “You’re too hard.”

“Said no girl ever.” Emmett chimes in. Rosalie smacks him on the shoulder, and he whines out an ‘ow.’ You focus on Jasper’s breathing and soon enough your eyes flutter shut.

----------------

The slamming of car doors wake you. Jasper retracts his arm as you sit up straight, stretching your neck. You unbuckle your seatbelt and exit the Jeep, your feet hitting the mossy ground. You walk over to Bella, who’s talking to Alice. They look up as they hear you approach. 

“What’s the plan?” You ask them. 

“First we’re hiking to the waterfall, then when Esme and Carlisle go hunting, we’re going swimming.” Alice says, her eyes lit up with excitement. 

“I didn’t bring a swimsuit.” You say. Alice playfully rolls her eyes, placing a hand on your arm. 

“I brought one for you- and trust me, Jasper will love it.” She says with a wink. Her mischievous smile tells you that the swimsuit doesn’t cover much.

“Alice..” You groan. She throws her hand forward dismissively. 

“You’ll thank me later.” She says, walking away and leaving you with Bella. You sigh and take a look at the girl, who looks at you and chortles. 

“You should have seen what she packed for my honeymoon.” She says, her lips pulled into an amused smile. Before you have the chance to respond, Carlisle calls out to the group that it’s time to start the hike. You and Bella walk over to join them, and soon you’re walking along an uneven path. 

“Why did I talk you into letting me come?” You ask Jasper as you trip over yet another exposed root for what seems to be the hundredth time.

“It’ll be fun, just wait ‘till you feast your eyes on that waterfall.” He says, grabbing your arm gently to keep you from falling.

“I prefer this view.” You say, smiling at him. He looks away bashfully. Everyone had broken off into small sub-groups by now, Esme and Edward identifying birds, Rosalie and Alice were chatting, Carlisle was leading the group and reading from a map (even though he’s walked the trail a million times), and Bella and Emmett were racing to different landmarks while scouting ahead for any humans that would interfere with hunting. You and Jasper stayed at the back of the group, mainly because you were slower than everyone else. Beside you, Jasper looked deep in thought.

“Whatcha thinking about?” You ask, holding onto his hand. He doesn’t look at you, but ahead, and smiles.

“You feel very.. Content. It’s peaceful, being around you.” He says. You walk in silence for a moment, unsure of how to respond.

“It’s because of you, you know. You make me feel safe- and I feel alive around you.” You softly respond.

“I sure hope you feel alive, otherwise the blood I can hear pumping through your veins has some explainin’ to do.” He chuckles. 

“Oh, real funny. I’m trying to be sentimental here.” You playfully scold him. He kisses your hand, then turns to face you.

“My apologies, ma’am.” He says, his face split with a smile. You smack him on the arm and you both go back to walking in a comfortable silence. 

----

A few hours later, you can faintly hear the roar of a waterfall. You look to Jasper, your body buzzing with excitement.

“Oh, I can’t wait. Can’t we just run there?” You ask him. He sighs, looking around to see that everyone is occupied, then bends down and picks you up bridal style. You know the drill, so you tuck your head close to his chest and he takes off. You feel the wind whip your hair around, and you find comfort in Jasper’s tight arms that hold you to him. You smile, inhaling his fresh, woody scent as he runs effortlessly through the forest. When he stops, you open your eyes to find yourself at the top of the upper waterfall. He lets you down onto the mossy surface. He holds your waist to steady you as you look over the edge of the smaller waterfall, the turquoise water swirling mesmerizingly where it hits the surface of the pool. 

“Wow.” Is all you manage to say. The view takes your breath away, and a moment later, the rest of the Cullens appear behind you.

“This view never gets old.” Esme says. Bella watches it the same way you do, this being her first time seeing it also. A pang in your stomach, followed by an embarrassingly loud gurgle disrupts your serenity.

“Food time for the human.” Alice says, reaching for the stylish backpack latched to her shoulders. She pulls out the outdoor blanket, handing it to you as you spread it out in a patch of sunlight on the soft, mossy, forest floor. You sit down as Jasper hands you a water bottle and peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Bella goes to investigate the water with Edward while Rose and Emmett sit down on nearby stumps. 

“I saw some mountain lions a few miles north.” Carlisle says as he and Esme prepare to depart from the rest of the group. After they leave, the remaining Cullens (except Jasper) take off their clothes to expose the swimwear underneath. After finishing your sandwich, Alice hands you a swim top and bottoms for you to change into. You hold the black two piece to your chest as you hide behind a large rock, stripping off your clothes and underwear. After putting on the bikini bottoms, you try desperately to untangle the strappy top. 

“Alice!” You groan. After a second, you hear her approach you. You hold an arm to your chest while thrusting out the swim top. “I can’t figure this damn thing out.” 

After a while of configuring and arguing, you finally get the top on and wrap a towel around yourself. Looking up at the waterfall, you see Bella and Edward swimming in the water, and Rosalie pushing Emmett off the cliff. Alice jumps in after Rosalie. Jasper waits for you on the blanket, his bare chest sparkling in the sunlight. You approach him and he quickly stands, seeing the towel wrapped around your body. 

“Never let Alice pack me clothes again.” You say.

“Are you ready?” He asks. You don’t respond, you just take a breath and drop your towel, looking away as his eyes swiftly glance down at your exposed cleavage. He picks you up again, like earlier, and soon you’re at the top of the waterfall.

Looking down at the seemingly thousand foot drop, your stomach does flip flops. “Actually, you know what? You’re not supposed to swim thirty minutes after eating. So, I’m just gonna- woah, okay.” You’re cut off as Jasper dangles you over the edge, teasing you. You grip on to him tight, making him laugh more. “Not funny, Jazz. Put me down!” 

“It’s just a small drop, darling. I’ll keep you safe.” He says, a smile not leaving his face. You close your eyes and nestle your face in his smooth chest as he jumps, your senses overwhelmed by the sound of air whooshing past your ears and Emmett whooping and cheering. Your bodies hit icy water, stopping your heart and then jump-starting it again. You push away from Jasper as you propel your way to the surface, breaking through and wiping water from your face. Jasper surfaces a moment later, his hair wet and slicked back, and his skin sparkling. He looks so hot you almost forget that you’re mad. Almost. You shove water at him, trying to put on your best mean face.

“I’m gonna remember that. You- I- I’m so mad at you, you jerk!” You scold him. He can’t keep a straight face for long, because after your outburst, Emmett’s booming laugh fills the clearing.

“No you’re not.” Edward chimes in. You look to see that everyone has now swam to the shallow parts as Rosalie wrings out her hair and Alice and Bella lay back against the mossy rocks. 

“Can it, Cullen.” You glare. He laughs and retreats back to Bella as Jasper reaches his arms around your torso and leans in to press his lips to yours.

---

After about an hour of splashing around and jumping off cliffs, Esme and Carlisle return. Edward, Bella and Alice take off on their turn as you and the remaining Cullens return to the hiking path, the next destination being another small clearing with a fire pit.

“This place is so pretty.” You say, taking a deep breath and inhaling the mossy scent. Beside you, Jasper nods and takes a glance around.

“The game is good out here too.” He says. His eyes are black, letting you know that he’s hungry and it’s getting harder to be so close to you.

“I’m sure you can still catch up with Edward if you’re really thirsty, I’ll be fine.” You assure him.

“I’m okay. I’ll take off with Emmett and Rose when we get to the clearing.” He says. You nod in response and return talking with Carlisle about the history behind your destination. 

After forty-five minutes of walking, your feet start getting sore and your legs strain to keep up with the speedy vampires. 

“My legs hurt. Are we almost there?” You whine, tugging on Jasper’s arm like a three year old. 

“I told you this was going to be a difficult hike.” He says. You groan, trying to focus on anything but the stretching in your limbs. 

“Why would I be worried about a ‘difficult hike’ when I have a big, strong, vampire boyfriend to carry me when I get tired?” You say with pleading eyes. 

“Would you like me to carry you, y/n?” Jasper says, his eyes filled with a mischievous glint. 

“Please?” You smile. He kneels down and you climb onto his back, resting your head on his shoulder. “Ah, I feel better already.”

“Anything for you, darling.” He says. You kiss the side of his neck, earning a soft moan from him. 

“Hey, keep it PG back there, kids.” Emmett teases. You give him the finger and he feigns offence, but soon returns his attention back to Rosalie. You yawn as you lay your cheek against the soft fabric of Jasper’s shirt, forcing yourself to hum a song in order to not be lulled asleep by his rhythmic walking. 

A little while longer, you reach a clearing where pieces of wood sit piled up into a bonfire. After letting you off his back, Jasper reaches into his pocket and pulls out an old lighter. The wood lights up as you lay out the blanket and sit on the ground, leaning against a tree stump. Soon Edward returns with the girls, Jasper takes off with Rosalie and Emmett. Alice sits by you as everyone finds a good spot around the fire. Esme leans against Carlisle and Edward sits by Bella, their legs intertwined as she watches the fire and he watches her. 

Thirty minutes pass of Carlisle telling you about vampire history, when Jasper, Emmett, and Rosalie return. Everyone’s eyes once again golden, putting you back at ease. Jasper lays down next to you, resting his head in your lap as you stroke his hair. He fiddles with the lighter, and with the small light from the fire, you can barely read the name “Jasper Whitlock” engraved in the shiny metal.

“Thanks for taking me here.” You say to him, enjoying seeing everyone in a different environment. He smiles and you lean down and kiss him, then sit back up and watch the warm glow of the fire as you comb your fingers through his soft hair. “It’s amazing- seeing something so beautiful with your own eyes.”

He smiles, staring up at you. “You are more beautiful than any waterfall, and I get to see you everyday. Imagine how amazing I feel.” 

“Oh, you’re such a cheeseball.” You chortle, pushing his shoulder. “But you’re my cheeseball, and I love you.”

He grins. “I love you too, darlin’.”

[everlarkbirthdaygifts]

Happy Birthday, wendywobbles!

Today, we wish @wendywobbles a Happy Birthday! We hope you’re having a wonderful day, and got exactly the presents you were hoping for. To cap off your special day, one of our newest contributors, the lovely @norbertsmom​, has written a story just for you!

Love, Peeta

Happy birthday, @wendywobbles. I hope you have a wonderful birthday.

Summary: Katniss and Peeta are best friends. An unexpected kiss has her wondering if they could possibly be something more. Rated T

Loosely based on the bar scene from Love, Rosie. A big thank you to @mega-aulover for being my beta and my friend.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Katniss!” Peeta calls out to me and makes his way through the crowd as I step inside the apartment above the bakery. I can barely hear him over the din of music. I wouldn’t be surprised if the neighbors call the police.  “I’m so glad you could make it,” he yells. His eyes are drooping, but there’s a big goofy grin on his face.

Peeta’s older brother wanders by with his arm around some blonde girl I don’t know. He never hesitates to throw a party whenever their parents are out of town.

“Helped yourself to a little of Rye’s moonshine, I see,” I shout as I take off my coat and toss it on the pile on the chair by the door.

“Just a teensy bit,” Peeta says as he raises his hand and squints at me through his finger and thumb, barely a centimeter apart.

I can’t help but laugh and take the cup he offers me. “Don’t you have to open in the morning?” I ask as loud as I can before taking a sip.

Peeta takes a big gulp from his own cup. “Oh yeah, and I opened this morning. I’m so tired I don’t think I need much alcohol to feel loopy.” Peeta blinks slowly and gives me that lazy smile that makes me feel all warm inside.

“Let’s go dance before you have to go to bed,” I say as loud as I can and I drag him into the living room where everyone is dancing. Our drinks slosh around in our cups as we jump around to the music. As if we planned it, we both pitch back our cups at the same time and finish off our drinks. Peeta crushes his cup against his forehead and lets out a roar. I crush mine in my hand and laugh. I’m so glad Peeta’s having fun. He works so hard at the bakery. He’s the best cake decorator, and his parents depend on him so much. I’m glad he’s able to let off a little steam once in a while. We toss our cups into the trash can by the kitchen and raise our hands up in the air as we continue to jump around.

Our jumping fades to a sort of swaying. Who knows if we’re keeping time to the music? Peeta’s leaning onto me for support. He looks about ready to pass out. He presses his forehead to mine as he stares down at me. I can’t help but be mesmerized by his brilliant blue eyes. How I wish he would look at me like this when he’s sober.

Peeta and I have been best friends since kindergarten, ever since he told me I sang pretty and gave me a cupcake. I really couldn’t say when my feelings for him changed. But I find myself staring at his hands when he draws, or his arms when he lifts up the hundred-pound sacks of flour at the bakery. I wonder what it would feel like to have his arms around me. But he’s never made me feel like he wants to be anything other than friends, so I keep my feelings to myself. I can be happy just being his friend.

“We need to get you to bed,” I tell him, my voice going hoarse. I doubt Peeta can actually hear me. I grab his hand and try to pull him toward his bedroom, but he pulls me back. I’m so surprised by the action that I end up practically nose to nose with him.

He’s still staring at me. He tilts his head to the left a bit and leans into me. I can’t help but mimic the action and before I know it his lips are on mine and we’re kissing. Peeta cups my cheeks with his large callused hands.

I can smell the alcohol on Peeta’s breath, but I don’t care. I feel so warm, I’m getting lost in his kisses. I forget we are in the crowded living room of Peeta’s home. I could get used to this. Does Peeta really feel the same way I do?

Before we even need to come up for air, someone bumps into me from behind and it breaks up our kiss. Peeta steps back and wipes the back of his hand across his mouth. He can’t seem to open his eyes, so I grab his hand and lead him down the hall to his bedroom.

He’s walking slowly behind me as if he’s asleep on his feet. When we get to his room, Peeta flops down onto the bed.

I help him take off his shoes and set a glass of water and some aspirin on his bedside table. I sit down beside him on the bed and brush his hair back from his forehead. “Did you have fun tonight?” I ask.

“Uh, huh,” he hums, not even opening his eyes.

“You get some sleep. I’ll stop by the bakery in the morning to see how you are doing.”

I get a snore in response that makes me laugh. I get up from the bed and turn out the light, closing the door behind me as I leave.

I look up and find Rye standing in the hallway, blocking my way.

“Not staying?” he asks with a smirk on his face.

“No,” I answer, belligerently. “Gotta get home, and Peeta needs to sleep. One of you has to open the bakery in the morning.”

“Oh, my wounded heart,” Rye says while clutching at his chest. Then his face turns sober. “Seriously though, thanks for looking after him, Katniss.” Rye says with unusual tenderness. He turns around and leads me back down the hall. “See you tomorrow, Katniss.”

I shake my head and I get in my car and head home. I’ll talk to Peeta tomorrow. I wonder if kissing him was a mistake. Peeta did seem pretty drunk. I guess I’ll just have to see how he acts tomorrow and go from there.

“Hey,” Peeta greets me as I step into the bakery. There’s a lull in business and he’s wiping down tables, so now’s as good a time as any to face the music.

“Hi,” I look at him shyly, unable to meet his eyes.

Just then the back-door slams open. “Good morning, losers,” Rye says, winking at me as he struts from behind the counter. 

The mischievous glint in Rye’s eye makes me nervous.  

He puts his arms around both Peeta and I. “So now that you two crazy kids kissed, what’s next, love, marriage, the baby carriage?” 

My eyes open wide, and I stare at Peeta as comprehension dawns on his face. His eyes move from my eyes to my lips and back to my eyes again. 

“My work here is done. I am going to take a shower,” Rye says before walking back out the back door.

I am left speechless. Peeta’s face is red and he scratches the back of his neck. He’s as nervous as I am.

“So, um, you, and, we, I,” he stutters pointing between us. “We kissed?” His voice is high pitched.

I nod, looking down at the tops of my shoes.

Peeta’s laughter catches me off guard.

“Peeta?”

“Well, I hate to say it, but I don’t remember our kiss, so it’s only fair that we do it again.”

“Peeta,” I scold as I slap the back of my hand against his chest.

Peeta catches my hand and brings it to his lips. “Katniss,” he says quietly, “Seriously, I’m sorry I was so tired last night that I don’t remember our kiss, but I would very much like to kiss you now. I’ve wanted to kiss you for a very long time.”

I can’t help but laugh. “Yes, kiss me, please.”

“Yes, ma’am,” he says, and leans down and kisses me.

I can definitely get used to this, I think as I realize I’m in love with my best friend.

[doctor243]

The Girl Who Cried Wolf Chapter 9

I really thought I posted this here, but it was just on my AO3 I’m sorry y’all XDDD 

Summary: 5 times MJ says ‘I love you’ and 1 time Peter says it back.

Characters: Michelle Jones, Peter Parker

Fuck. “No.”

“Oh come on, this is gonna be awesome!” Ned laughed, holding up a pamphlet. “Queesnborough Community College Art Show,” he read, but MJ already knew what was written. “Listed artists: Michelle Jones. Yeah, we’re totally going.” Fuck.

“No,” she repeated, threatening his cunning smile with her cold stare. “You’re not.”

“How’d you even get a spot at the art show anyways?” Peter asked through a mouthful of sandwich, and she desperately wanted to pin his lips shut. “I thought they were only showcasing their own students.” Double fuck.

“I am one of their students,” she sighed reluctantly, pointedly staring at her book and avoiding all eye contact. Why couldn’t they just leave it alone? Showing her art to random strangers was one thing – she’d never have to see them again. But her friends? She wasn’t ready for that. “I’ve been taking classes with them part time.” She popped another French fry into her mouth before turning the page on Goodnight Mister Tom. Art was a revelation of the soul, and she didn’t know if she wanted her two friends to see that yet.

“WHAT?” she heard Ned cry out, oblivious to her inner turmoil.

“Oh we’re so going to this show,” Peter piped up.

The conversation immediately descended into chaos as her best (only) friends started yelling about injustices at the same time. It was difficult to keep track of what both of them were saying, so MJ just shut her book with a thud and looked up, effectively silencing them. “No,” she spoke.

“Okay, okay,” Ned laughed. “We won’t go.” She believed him.

“Oh, we’re totally going,” Peter argued, and unfortunately, she believed him too. Triple fuck.

“In fact,” he continued, as only he would dare. “We have to get the flashiest brightest suits we can find to pretend like we’re important art buyers-”

“Art collectors,” MJ interrupted in frustration.

“-you know what I meant-”

“And art collectors don’t necessarily wear flashy loud suits to art shows.” Please just shut up and don’t come.

“Still gonna do it,” he grinned deviously. Fuck.

“The art pieces aren’t even for sale,” she made a final attempt at resistance. “It’s just an exhibition to showcase the school’s students!”

“Still. Gonna. Do. It.” Damn you, Peter Parker, and that goddamn grin that makes my heart do funny things.

She sighed and pinched her eyebrows. “I’m gonna be so embarrassed,” she grit out. She ignored the flop that her heart did at the sound of Peter’s triumphant whoop. Fuck.

::::::

MJ plastered a smile on her face at the polite visitors who spared her work a glance. Behind her back, her fingers were nervously finding new ways to imitate spaghetti, and she held her breath in hopes that one would just stop and look carefully. Artists were, after all, contradictory in that manner. They desperately wanted someone to look at their soul on the canvas and understand them, but the chance was so small that they often dared not reveal the art. Please look at my art, they often cried out inwardly. Even though I’m afraid to show it to you.

Where the hell is Peter? She thought furiously, glaring at her watch that read 9 o’clock. Again, another contradiction. She had dreaded his presence at the expo, but now that it seemed he wouldn’t show, MJ felt the disappointment pooling in her gut.

She watched University recruiters and photographers talking to a few of her classmates, and others with their families, smiling and taking selfies with their works. Taking a deep breath, she looked at her watch again, albeit almost in vain. 9:10. There was 20 minutes left, so he probably wasn’t coming after all.

Her neighbours started taking down their canvases, and she saw Professor Latham helping some students clear up. Well, this was an absolute waste of everyone’s time. An evening down the drain. MJ sniffed softly as she felt her eyes sting from the warning of tears. Don’t cry. Not now.

“Aha! There she is! MJ!”

Her breath hitched and she dared herself to hope again. She turned around.

“Peter?” She whispered, almost in disbelief.

“I’m so sorry I’m late,” he finally stopped, looking up to catch his breath. “There was a huge thing with the police and a baby and-” she could barely hear him over the thumping of her heart, but she assumed it was Spider-Man business. “Ah I’ll explain it to you another time.” You’d better.

“You came,” she tried to hold back her smile, but it turned into a sort of grimace.

“Of course we came!” He replied excitedly. “We came to see amazing art!”

Wait. Hold up a minute. “We?” MJ wondered out loud. Did Ned come too?

“Hey MJ.”

She spun around again to see the epitome of motherly love beaming at her with pride. “Aunt May,” She breathed. “You came too.”

“Of course, sweetie!” May laughed. “This is important to you right?”

“Well…I mean…Um…” she struggled out a stutter.

“Oh hush,” the older woman pulled her into a hug, and MJ would never admit it, but she always yearned for an Aunt May Hug. “We’re all really proud of you. Now why don’t you start showing off to us?”

“Ok,” she mumbled, eyes stinging even more than before, but her heart infinitely warmer.

She turned to explain a few of her paintings, but Peter was already staring intently at them.

“Holy crap you did oil paintings?!” He whistled. “This cannot be cheap.”

“Yeah I-” How do you know that?

“Dang, these are pretty amazing! Aunt May! Look, it’s Queens! You could see our apartment from here!”

“It’s not-” It is. That’s exactly what I was trying to get.

“How did you get such detail with oils? I just make a messy blur and call it interpretive art.”

“You-” You are overwhelming me with these compliments.

“And this one’s Midtown! You even painted the school?? I thought you hated school!”

“I-” I did, but now I love it because I get to see my favourite people every day. And my favourite person.

May placed a gentle hand over Peter’s mouth. “Let the poor girl talk, you’re overwhelming her.”

MJ just stared at the corner of the Midtown portrait and struggled to regulate her breathing. Be still, my heart, she scolded herself. One, two, three, four…

“Excuse me, sir, ma’am.” Oh good, Professor Chang.

Peter and May turned to regard her teacher. “The exhibition will be closing in 5 minutes. Can I help you with anything before we close?”

“Yeah!” Peter chirped up, the wonderful idiot that he was. “Is purchase of these art pieces allowed?”

Professor Chang smiled again, and was that a wink? “Purchase of the art pieces are between you and the artist,” she replied. Oh no, Professor Chang. “The purpose of this exhibition isn’t for the sale of art, but if the artist agrees, who are we to hinder their budding career?” MJ wished that the ground would open up and swallow her whole. Now she had to go over to the Parker’s residence and see her own work permanently? Talk about being mortified.

“Now, wait just a minut-” she tried to protest weakly, but for the second time that day, to no avail.

��Aunt May! Can we buy one please?” Peter interrupted, eyes shining.

“Okay, Peter,” she smiled. “Just one though, ok?” She warned. Was she allowing Peter to buy candy?

“Peter, you can’t,” MJ protested weakly. “These aren’t any good.”

“What’re you talking about?” He laughed. “As far as I’m concerned, you’re the best artist in this entire gallery!”

“I’m just a high school kid in a college exhibition,” she mumbled.

“And that’s what makes you amazing,” he replied, and she could tell that he meant every word. He turned around to choose while Michelle quietly struggled to process the sudden influx of emotions.

“This one. I want this one. How much d’ya want for it, Ms Jones?” He teased. She looked up and smiled weakly. Of course he’d choose that one. The New York skyline that she’d painted from her rooftop. From there, she could see Peter’s apartment building, and sometimes, she’d wonder if he could see hers too. The sun was setting, and she’d tried her best to incorporate every colour that had been present, but her oil paints were limited, and the sky was just too beautiful to be captured. Too free and wild to be held still in the four walls of a canvas frame. Too beautiful for one to do it justice. Just like the little spider in front of her.

“Nothing.”

The word popped out of her mouth before she could shut it, and she hugged him before her mind could deny her body. Here goes nothing. “Because I love you,” she whispered. She felt his body stiffen and she and immediately regretted her words. He didn’t speak for five seconds, and that was five seconds too many. Her throat seized up and her heart dropped. The buzzing in her gut turned into a scream and she squeezed her eyes shut.

Abort mission. She pulled away and flicked him on the forehead.

“I’m kidding, loser,” she smirked, even as her chest ached and the colours on the canvas looked sadder than they had before. “It’ll be 50 bucks. Do you have any idea how expensive oil paints are?”

“Yeah, I do,” Peter replied, clearly a little nervous. “Good thing I asked Mr Stark for some cash before coming here.”

“In that case, it’ll be 70.”

“Hey!” he gasped in mock offence, but she’d already hopped forward and given May a big hug.

“I love you, Aunt May,” she said, distinctively more audibly. And she meant it. Peter didn’t love her that way, so it was better if she didn’t give him any ideas that she did. The truth didn’t matter, as long as he was happy.

“Aww honey!” cooed May. “I love you too!” and while the words comforted her, she’d have preferred to hear them in a different voice.

Previous Chapter: Here

Next Chapter: Coming Soon!!!

Masterlist: Here

Tags: @you-guys–are-losers​ @spideychelleforever​ @spideychelleee​ @spidermaninlove​ @tonystarkissist​ @spideychellefics​ @spiderxboy @spideychelle-4-ever @spideyxchelle @thespideychellelibrary @here-be-spideychelle

[stilloutofmyvulcanmind]

Late Night Calls

Fandom: MCU

Prompt: “I want us to talk because I like the sound of your voice.”

Pairing: Tony Stark x Gender Neutral!Reader

Characters: Reader, Tony Stark, 

Word Count: 1921

Warnings: Discussion of nightmares, hurt/comfort

Summary: It’s the middle of the night when you get a phone call from one of your best friends, Tony Stark. That’s not entirely unusual. Where the conversation goes, however, is.  

A/N: For @thefanficfaerie‘s West Wing Quote Challenge

The high pitched beeping sounded like it was coming from another dimension. Incessant and shrill, it was determined to drag you from the warm embrace of sleep. You groaned quietly, holding the pillow over your head in a vain attempt to drown out the noise. It was too late to be woken up. Or too early. Depending on your point of view. Either way, it was still dark outside which meant being awake was exceptionally wrong. 

It was very tempting to just wait for your beeping phone to stop and go back to sleep, but you knew who was on the other end of the line, and you'd just feel guilty ignoring him. 

Sitting up, you rubbed the sleep from your eyes, and stole a quick glance at the clock, reading the red LED numbers. Three am. 

"I hope for your sake there's a reason your calling, Stark. I will end you if you just lost track of time." It wasn’t a serious threat. Mostly. And going by the chuckle coming through the speaker, Tony damn well knew it.

“You’re the only one who could. You can be scarier than any bad guy."

"Damn right," you said, flopping back onto the bed and rubbing a hand over your eyes again. "Especially when I get woken up after only a couple hours of sleep." 

There was a pause, and for a moment you thought Tony had gotten distracted by something and forgotten you. "You were up that late?" 

"Yeah...work. You know how it is."

"You know the offer to come work for me is always open. We could use you."

You smiled into the darkness. Tony had been trying to talk you into accepting a job at Stark Industries for years now. And it wasn't like you didn't want to, you definitely did, it was just…you weren't sure working so closely with Tony would be the best idea. "Maybe one day. You gotta earn these skills first, old man."

"Hey, less of the old! I'll have you know I'm in my prime!" 

"Uh-huh. Tell that to your bones. Might wanna think about getting some oil they creak so much," you teased, fighting back a laugh at Tony's mock offended scoff. "But seriously, Stark. I'm guessing you didn't call just for me to insult you. What's up?" 

"Hmm? Oh, nothing. Just looking to chat." There was something in Tony's voice, something off, that didn't sit right with you.

"And what's the real reason?" 

"Can't a guy just say I want us to talk because I like the sound of your voice?" 

"Course. But that's cheesy. And you don't do cheese with me, that's reserved for pretty models you're trying to flirt with. So. What's up?" 

Another silence. "Doesn't matter. Go back to sleep, Y/N."

"Tony."

"It can wait until you've had more rest. No big deal."

"Don't make me come over there and drag it out of you. Because I will."

Tony sighed. It sounded tired. It wasn't unusual for him to stay up all hours working, but it was unusual for it to show. "I…I just wanted to make sure you were okay."

"Why wouldn't I be okay?" 

“I don’t know. But I had to check.”

“I’m fine, Tony. I had a really boring, regular day. The worst thing that happened was running out of butter for my toast.”

“It’s always the normal days when the worst stuff happens.”

“But it didn’t. And if it had, you would’ve been the first person I’d call.”

“Promise. Promise me, Y/N that if you ever need help you’ll call me immediately.”

“I promise.”

“Doesn’t matter where I am or what time it is.”

“I know. I’ll call, Tony.” It was worrying you now. Tony had never acted like this before. Since you’d become friends all those years ago it had been an unspoken rule between you both that you’d have each other’s backs no matter what. Why he was suddenly needing so much reassurance was confusing and inexplicable. Nothing had happened since...shit. “You had a nightmare, didn’t you? About New York?” The long pause was more than enough to answer your question. “You want me to come over?”

“Nah, you’re good. Not there anyway.”

Anyone who didn’t know Tony so well would just assume he’d gone for a drive to clear his head or to get a drink and drown his sorrows, but not you. That wasn’t his thing these days, and after all the questions he’d been asking… You stood from the bed and walked over to the bedroom window, peering down to the street below. Sure enough, your suspicions were confirmed. “Well, you might as well come up then. Before someone calls the police on you for being a peeping Tom.”

“That an order, ma’am?”

“Yes.” You ended the call, waiting until you saw Tony exit his car and mock salute you from the ground, before turning and moving away from the window. You didn’t bother attempting to look decent; Tony knew what he was getting himself in for, and it wasn’t like you hadn’t seen each other in all states. You switched on a light in the living room and unlocked the door so Tony could let himself in.

It had been a while now since Tony had had a nightmare. They’d gotten better after everything that went down with Killian. Not perfect, but better. You’d expected it though. You didn’t just get over nearly dying, and even if he pretended everything was hunky-dory, you knew better. What still confused you though, was why he was so obsessed with your safety tonight. You’d been in New York during the attack, but you’d been safe, and Tony had never indicated that he’d thought otherwise. So why he was suddenly so concerned, or how it was connected, was beyond you.

You were in the kitchen getting a drink of water when you heard the door to your apartment open and close again with a quiet click. 

Rounding the corner you were greeted by the sight of Tony shrugging off a jacket and draping it over the back of a chair. Usually, you would've scolded him for it and made a comment about how you actually had hooks for that sort of thing, but you didn't have it in you tonight. There was only so much teasing before a line was crossed after a nightmare. 

"Hey," you greeted, walking over to him. 

"Hey." Tony pulled you into a hug as soon as you were close enough, holding you to him tightly. You didn’t mind. Really. You loved hugs off Tony. But you were starting to lose the ability to breathe properly. Which, y’know, wasn’t good. 

Thankfully Tony seemed to sense it, and pulled back, resting his hands on your shoulders instead to keep you in place. The way he looked at you...it was more intense than you’d ever seen from him before. It was like he was holding every cell under scrutiny, examining every inch of you, making sure you were as fine as you’d said you were. It wasn’t bad. Far from it. But it wasn’t Tony either.

“I’m okay,” you whispered, reaching up to take one of Tony’s hands in your own and pulling it away from your shoulder. Tugging him over to the couch, you got him to sit before joining him. "What's going on? You need to talk to me."

"Just a nightmare, like you said. Caught me off guard."

"I've seen you after nightmares, and you've never been like this. Talk to me, Tony."

Tony sighed, running a hand through his hair. For a moment you thought he was going to deflect again. "It was about you. The dream. You were trapped in a building. Hurt. I was talking to you. Telling you I was on the way, and that it was all going to be okay. I was close. So close. Then the building collapsed on itself. You screamed and the line went dead. I just…I knew. I'd failed you." Another sigh and Tony finally looked at you. "Got me shook up, I guess. I shouldn't have let that paranoia disturb you though. Sorry."

"No. No, it's fine. I'm glad you're here," you smiled, squeezing Tony's hand. At least things made more sense now, though it still took you by surprise that Tony had even been dreaming about you of all people. "You can always come to me, you know that."

Tony returned the smile and nodded. "I do. Why I love you, Y/N."

You chuckled, nudging his side. "Love you too, old man." You could hear Tony's eye roll which just made you chuckle more. 

"And people call me insufferable." The tease in Tony's voice was nice. It meant you were doing your job and making him feel better. 

The two of you fell into silence, Tony still holding your hand, not that you were complaining. Something was still off though. You could hear the cogs in Tony's brain whirl as you sat together, debating itself on some matter. You let him and tried to squash the small amount of hope that was raising its head. There was no reason for it to. 

"I mean it though. I love you."

Okay, maybe there was. 

"I know. And I really love you. You're my best friend."

"It's not. It's not just like that. It's more than that."

You said goodbye to any chance of keeping your hope at bay. 

"Tony.." 

"I love you, Y/N. Dammit, I'm in love with you, and it goes against all sense to say that, but hey, since when have I been known for my sense?" 

What the hell were you meant to say to that? You felt the same. Had for ages, but you'd never expected Tony to reciprocate those feelings let alone be the one to come out with it. Definitely not on some random night at least. But then again, this was Tony. 

You needed to say something though. Even if he wouldn't admit it, Tony had to be nervous. 

"If you're going to drop a bombshell like that, you should at least follow it up with a kiss." Yeah, that was a great way to articulate your thoughts. Real smooth. 

At least Tony understood. "Really? You want to?" 

"No, I just like telling guys to kiss me."

The corners of Tony's mouth quirked up. "Well, there was that one Christmas party…"

"Shut up." Before he could finish the thought, you tugged him closer to you, planting your lips against his. 

Tony didn't need telling twice. He responded immediately, wrapping an arm around your waist and pulling you into him. Damn the man knew what he was doing. God, you should've admitted your feelings forever ago. Any embarrassment would've vanished at this kiss. Your fingers found their way into Tony's hair, tangling there, and staying put even when he broke the kiss to catch his breath. 

"Take it this means you feel the same way then?" 

"I'd say so, yes."

"Good. Does this mean I get to say I like the sound of your voice now?" 

"Only if I get to keep calling you old man."

Tony laughed and kissed you again, the pair of you sinking further back onto the couch. "You're the worst."

"Good thing you love me then. Old man."

Tony shook his head with another laugh. "I'll show you old," he said, punctuating each word with a kiss. 

You grinned. "Can't wait." You kissed him back. "Love you."

"Love you."

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Tags: @medicatemedrmccoy @thefanficfaerie @feelmyroarrrr @daytimemaniac @dreaming-about-starfleet @ryon1101archive @onemoore @loststarlight @haveyouseenmymind @cumberbabe92 @dragons-of-the-usa @earinafae @jefferson-in-the-tardis @arrowsshootyouforwards @neeadinghugs 

[tylermagnusenvest]

26th September 2015

“I take it back,” Alastair sighed, running a hand back through his hair. “I’m not sure I like you two getting along, not in the slightest.

Tyler had been with Alastair and Ann- as she insisted he call her- for around four days now, it had been an odd sort of four days. Waking up in Alastair’s home was wonderful, the house was big but it didn’t hold the same quiet as somewhere like his grandmother’s, before he was even dressed he could hear chatter in the hall. Alastair and Ann, he found out fairly quickly, had separate rooms, which suited them both fine. He hadn’t been in Alastair’s. Ann’s though, she pulled him into after breakfast that very first morning, her room was beautifully decorated, with art on the walls and bright vases of flowers on various surfaces of the room. She had her own dressing room and a private study, which is where she took him, to show off her collection of books and assure him he could borrow any he liked from now on. He did borrow some too, titles he’d never heard of, all beautifully leather bound. They had a conservatory and Tyler spent much of his morning there, it was filled with flowers, like a floral jungle where he could nestle down on a bench and read for hours without being disturbed. He liked hearing Alastair and Ann talk to each other, he went back to work on that first day but even though he got back to their house late they waited to eat dinner with him, he’d never had dinners like it. They spoke about their days, teased each other, no one mentioned if he was eating slowly or quickly, in fact none of his behaviour was picked up on. Ann would ask him questions about his work, she’d smile when he spoke and really listen, occasionally he’d find Alastair watching him too and his face would grow warm simply from having so much attention on him. They spent the hours before bed in the front room, by the fire. They’d drink tea or wine and Ann told him all kinds of stories about Alastair from when they were growing up. He laughed so much one night he cried. Then there were wonderful, tender moments when Ann would take his hand and simply hold it for a little while, they’d talk about silly things and she’d playfully complain about Alice getting fur all over the place- a fair point because she was allergic. Being here, with the two of them, was like nothing Tyler had ever known.

“Don’t be so cynical,” Ann scolded from where she sat on the blanket.

This was his favourite day by far. He had no work until late today, and that morning Ann had announced they were to have a picnic for lunch. The weather, unfortunately, had not agreed with her. Tyler had learnt, however, that Ann couldn’t be stopped so easily. Instead of in the gardens, she set everything up in the conservatory instead. The three of them sat around a blanket, with tea, cakes and little sandwiches centred between them. They ate and talked and laughed, read poetry and snippets of books to each other, leant back and watched rain patter on the glass above their heads. When Ann found a young photo of Alastair tucked into a battered old book, it had set them both off laughing, he liked how this whole other life Alastair had lead was no longer such a mystery to him now, he liked that his time with Alastair wasn’t something he had to keep to himself.

“Neither of you tease me this much by yourselves, together you’re unbearable.”

“I think you mean unstoppable,” Ann offered him a grin and then checked her watch with a sigh, getting to her feet. “Though unfortunately I actually have some errands to run before tonight, I’ll count on you boys to tidy up without just asking the elves to do it, they’re having a night off and have more important things to organise before they leave.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Alastair gave her a salute and she rolled her eyes as she left.

It hadn’t been the two of them alone for a while. Alastair worked every weekday, he worked in the evenings, other than the time they spent together at dinner this had been there first time truly alone. Tyler wouldn’t say he’d been avoiding it, though even if they’d had opportunities before he might not have eagerly awaited a moment like this. He had a lot to say to him, honestly, he just wasn’t entirely sure how to say it. He opened his mouth to speak, not entirely sure what he was going to say yet but something was better than nothing, when Alastair suddenly sighed, twisted around where he sat and then flopped onto his back, with his head settling to rest in Tyler’s lap. His face flushed and any attempt to speak vanished.

“You seem much better, I wasn’t so sure for a day or two, but today you definitely seem more yourself.” Alastair reached up and tucked a lock of hair behind his ear. “I’m glad the two of you get along, I always suspected you would but... but I was scared to let you into this part of my life, Ann is much braver than me.”

“She’s wonderful.”

“She is.”

“And your home is beautiful.”

“Yes, I’m very lucky.”

“Are you happy?”

A moment passed between them, where he could feel Alastair’s searching his face but he couldn’t bring himself to meet his eyes.

“Yes, my life is good here, for what it is,” he paused and when he spoke again his voice was different, quieter and vulnerable in a way Tyler wasn’t used to. “I would give it all up for you still, if that’s what you’re too afraid to ask, I’d give it up in a heartbeat. I’d take you anywhere, we could start over, I’d feel guilty at first but you’re what I want and, strangely enough, I think Ann would be the first to support us. Though maybe she could come too. I’ve thought about it a lot this week, with the three of us here, we could stay together. I’d be married to Ann, to keep her safe from her family’s interference, until she found someone she truly wanted to marry, but other than for the sake of appearances I could be with you. We could travel for a while, go to places neither of us have been before, Alice would probably like it too. I would look after you, I know I could make you happy, you’d never want for anything and you’d never have to worry about your family again.” Then he sighed. “But you’ve been here a few days now, and I see you checking your phone every night, there are moment when you’re with us one moment and then I can see you’re a million miles away. Or maybe not that far- Jeremy lives in London, right?”

Saw right through him, as always.

“Have you spoke to him yet?”

Tyler shook his head.

“You should. I can see you miss him, and it brings me no pleasure to admit that.”

“I can’t... the way we left things, it’s a complicated situation.”

“One you can talk to me about.”

“You wouldn’t want to hear it.”

“Try me.”

Tyler tilted his head, looking down at Alastair and waiting for him to cave, but he didn’t so Tyler sighed and mumbled, “Well, we hadn’t seen each other in a while, and he just showed up out of nowhere. We were talking and then... then we weren’t talking, because Jeremy is ridiculously sweet but also ridiculous inept at keeping his hands to himself... and we’re kissing and his hands are wandering and-”

“Alright, alright.” Alastair’s hand came up to cover his mouth, he huffed in a way that was completely childish but made Tyler smile. “Perhaps I don’t need all the details.”

Tyler took his hand, linked their fingers together and smiled weakly.

“I don’t fully understand but I know you love him, and you assured me that he loved you. Ann and are attending the remembrance gala tonight- I’m sure she mentioned it- so perhaps you could go and see him?”

“I can’t... not tonight, I have a work thing.”

“Alright. Soon then.”

Tyler sighed, “Alright.”

~~~

Tyler didn’t quite know what to expect when he walked into Spectrum, an hour before his first shift was officially meant to start, he’d been told to come early so he could meet the team and get more details on his shift. It was fairly quite when he arrived, though it was only 7pm and Under Street was known for having clientele who preferred the much later hours, but the club was already being prepared for the night ahead. It was beautiful, honestly, with lights strung across the ceiling spreading all colours of the spectrum across the floor. Music was already playing, the beat pulsing into the floor and making it vibrate, there were even a few people at the bar already too with fizzing, foaming, colourful drinks before them. Tyler had been to clubs before, muggle ones mainly, as he was less likely to bump into anyone he knew there, but this was something else. Two men stood behind the bar. One was young, with a handsome face, he had glowing rainbow bands on both of his wrists. His blonde hair shone with rainbow glitter, his cheeks were brushed with a dusting of it too, though they were also highlighted with a glowing blue tinge that curved over his cheekbones and flicked upwards towards his temples. The other man, who was slight older but no less attractive, had dark hair and dark eyes. He wore a single glowing band on each wrist but the colour on his cheeks was fiery, a gradient of colour from a deep red to electric orange, with silver gems studded throughout.

“You alright there, lovely?” The blonde had looked up from the bar and was now looking to where Tyler was unintentionally hovering, adding the finishing flourished to a drink with a smile on his face. “Don’t be shy, gorgeous, take a seat and I’ll whip you something up- what’s you poison? I could take a guess at it, something sweet or maybe something more fiery?”

“Ignore him,” The other bartender rolled his eyes, leaning on the bar with both hands pressed to the surface. “He doesn’t mean to scare customers away.”

“Oh, no, I’m...” Tyler stepped forward then, reminding himself to remain confident and calm, though unable to help being a tad shy when he continued, “I’m Tyler, I’m here for-”

“Tyler Envest, you’re right on time!”

From behind the bar a door sung open and a woman stepped through it with her hands on her hips. She had a warm, playful smile, with her hair styled into seven different puffs atop her head, each shimmering with a different colour. Her eyeliner was a bright turquoise, curling out from the corner of her eyes into blooming yellow roses at her temples. She strode along the bar and around the end, taking confident steps towards him, and then offered a hand which he took with a small smile.

“Don’t let the boys scare you off, Alfie flirts with everyone and everyone, and the two of them will bicker from now until kingdom come if you let them. Other than that, they’re a good pair. I’m Delara, weekend manager here at Spectrum, we’ll be seeing a lot of each other so if there’s anything at all you need you just let me know, alright?” Tyler could barely keep up but he gave a nod and Delara stepped aside, dropping his hand and gesturing to him instead. “This here is Tyler, our new weekend hire, his CV is impeccable so if you two scare him off on his first day there’ll be hell to play.” She turned to him again and her smile only widened. “Now come on to the back, you must let me paint you.”

He had no idea what that meant but when Delara walked back behind the bar he followed close behind, she took him through to the back of the club, where it was immediately quieter and up close he could see there was a ‘staff only’ sign on the door. There were hangers along the hall with bags, glowing bands and jackets hanging from them, she lead him right through to the back where the space opened up into a room with desks and mirrors all along one side, and sofas and seats all along the other. The seats and sofas were full of pillows, sequins and sparkles, in all different colours. Canvases were hung up on the wall with slogans on them such as ‘we’re here, queer, and serving beer’ and ‘baby, we were born this way’. At the back of the room was a small kitchen set up, basic with a kettle and a microwave, a mini-fridge and little else. A door to the back had the toilet symbols on the front. It was basic but nice, comfortable, he’d never been to a place like it. He was still trying to take it all in when he was ushered into a seat at one of the many mismatched dressing tables along the side of the room, blinking rapidly when Delara pressed a button and lights strung up around the mirror came to life.

“Well, now I get to see you in better light I have to give Alfie credit, you’re a pretty boy with a very pretty face. I’m going to have fun working on you.”

Tyler could feel his face go red but before he could reply the blonde- Alfie- from behind the bar came strolling in and dropped into the next seat along.

“See, it’s not all about the tips, I have a good eye for a good face.” He offered a hand across the space and Tyler took it, they shared a firm handshake before the boy continued, “Alfie Devin, I’m here most of the week, guess we’ll be working together from now on.”

“Tyler,” He replied, doing his best to offer a smile but it was hard to concentrate when Delara adjusted his face forward and tilted his chin back slightly. “Nice to meet you.”

“Alfie here is a hard worker, you’ll be shadowing him tonight as it’s your first shift, he’ll show you the ropes.” Delara explained, talking as she opened several pallets of eye shadow and blush onto the table. “But fair warning, he’ll flirt with everything and anything that walks through those front doors.”

Alfie sighed dramatically. “We work for tips, y’know? Sure, everyone complains about my flirting but when we’re splitting tips at the end of the night no one’s got anything to say about it, I like to contribute to the team and all that...” He waved a dismissive hand. “Trust me, Tyler, it’s not necessary to flirt with the customers but you’ll definitely walk away with more at the end of the night if you do. I’ll point out the big tippers for you, some you’ll flirt with because they’ll get you extra cash, some you’ll flirt with because you’ll want to.”

“Yeah, yeah, don’t you listen to everything he tells you. First things first, if you work here you’re part of the family, and you do what makes you comfortable.”

“Thank you-”

“Tilt your head this way a little,” Delara instructed, tipping his chin up again.

“I’ve never done anything like this before.”

By anything he meant all of it. Bartending, that was new but he could learn skills, the way he saw it mixing drinks could only be as complicated as brewing potions- hopefully a lot less complicated, really- and he was very good at that. This though, what was happening right now, was very new. Tyler had never worn make up or glitter or anything like it. His family would never have allowed it and, perhaps, he’d always been a tad shy about it. Even when he wasn’t under his family’s thumb he was usually trying to avoid them, he didn’t want to draw more attention to himself than necessary, decorating himself in any way was asking for trouble... but no one in his family would come here, and anyone related to them who might find him here could never admit it without admitting they were there too, it was relatively safe. Still, this was all very new to him.

“I hope you don’t mind me experimenting a little, it’s your first day, when we get fresh blood with faces like yours I like to see what inspiration strikes. As part of your job here you’ll be expected to decorate your face every shift, you can do your own if that suits you better, or I’m happy to do it- as you get used to it you can give me preferences for colours, patterns and things like that. Sound good?”

Tyler nodded.

It was nice just to hear them talk, there was a natural banter to their conversation, while Tyler mostly stayed quiet as Delara analysed his face and occasionally brought brushes across his cheeks. A few times she wiped it off again, tutting and shaking her head, rolling her eyes when Alfie pulled a face and made the odd suggestion. They told him other things about working there, occasionally asked him questions about his school and what it was like, he answered when he could but otherwise was a little scared of moving too much in case he accidentally messed something up. After some time the conversation died, Alfie wandered off to make coffee and Delara lost herself in the situation at hand. It was strange, she spent a lot of time looking at his face, studying him closely, but it was as though she barely saw him. He wasn’t under scrutiny, she wasn’t looking to gain anything from him, she was just looking because it was necessary. It was a nice thing. Everything was very soft, he liked the way the brushes felt on his skin, the best was the big one she dabbed in powder, it was gentle on his face and occasionally ticklish. When he had to shut his eyes he was nervous, honestly, but he barely felt the touch on his eyelids for the short time it was there. She blew gently over them and it tickled, but he resisted the urge to laugh. After some time Delara stood back, her hands came to rest on her hips and she grinned.

“I’ve got to say, I’m marvellous at this. Come take a look, Alfie!”

He appeared by her side a few seconds later, he was looking at his phone intently but when he spared a glance up in Tyler’s direction he paused, and shortly after broke out in a smile. His phone was otherwise forgotten as he too placed his hands on his hips, he searched Tyler’s face a moment and then gave a nod of approval.

“It suits you, I wouldn’t worry much about making tips.”

“Take a look, see?”

Delara turned his chair around so he was back to properly facing the mirror and Tyler was able to see her progress for the first time. His cheeks were a spectrum of colour, quite literally, a streak of matte colour curved across his cheekbones, starting in a deep red but gradually passing through every colour in the rainbow, finishing up in a bright purple. His eyes were enhanced with a run of red eyeliner, flicking out at the corners of his eyes. Studded against his temples were tiny gold gems, some were the shapes of tiny stars, the glinted in the light when he tipped his head from side to side. The bottom half of his face was left completely alone, all except a tiny red heart that had been painted above the right side of his lips. He’d never seen himself like this. He looked pretty and flamboyant and shamelessly proud.

It made him unbelievably shy.

“You don’t like it?”

“No, I-” Oh Merlin, please don’t get emotional. Tyler inhaled a breath, and tucked his hair behind his ears, sitting forward in the seat to get a closer look before he confirmed, “It’s beautiful, thank you.”

“You’re very welcome, hon, it’s all part of the job.”

“Come on,” Alfie encouraged, clasping a hand on Tyler’s shoulder. “You can pick out which bands you want before we get out there, things tend to pick up pace between eight and nine, it’s when a lot of people around here get off work and stop by, we’ll head out a little early so I can show you around the bar.”

“Ok.”

Tyler stood, trying not to seem as self conscious as he felt.

“Don’t be nervous,” Alfie encouraged, giving him a nudge with his shoulder as he headed back down towards the bar, Tyler in tow. “We look after each other here, you’re in good hands, for tonight you just have to observe and look good- you’ve already got half of that covered so it’ll be a breeze.”

Tyler gave a nod and smiled a little easier, “Alright.”

[sentimental-bottlesnake]

The Story So Far

@griminal-rising @deadpool-scar-bro @hikayelastoria @cornsnoot-fr @redlion-fr @mushroomdraggo @tales-around-sornieth (let me know if you’d like to be added to the lore pinglist)

dragons are humanoid unless said otherwise

like my writing? Consider buying me a coffee

Idk. I didn’t really have a point with this. I just wanted some dragon interactions, especially with some of my new dragons. And also that like... going back and forth between forms isn’t something done quickly but Amun’s just a stubborn idiot who refuses to make his life easy by staying humi.

A Dull Ache

Jessabelle liked having an employee. It meant she could do other things instead of constantly have to watch the front of the shop. Like do inventory and put in orders with traveling traders or, her favorite, make bargains with said traders. Most of the regulars knew of her and any new traders were aware of the wiley swamp-bound skydancer. She was just glad they had things other clans thought were valuable. Since the Hall had expanded there was now actual products to sell on a fairly regular basis. Dodge was also a model employee. Was respectful, quiet, and knew how to talk the trader talk. That and he wasn’t intimidated by anyone. Not even Shi and Jessabelle didn’t like to admit even she was a bit intimidated by Shi. She left him in charge of the front of the shop while she was going over her ledger.

“Jessa!” she looked up when Dodge called her name.

“What?” she called back, not ready to get up from her desk quite yet.

“There’s a scavenger here looking for you-

Jessabelle jumped out of her chair and was through the curtain that separated her home from the shop before Dodge had even finished speaking. “Amun!” she sort of hated herself for being happy to see the Wildclaw. He was covered in dirt, his hide and feathers more than a bit smeared with dried mud and his normally shimmering wings were dull from a fine layer of dust over them.

“Jessabelle,” he said in short greeting and eyed Dodge as she came around the counter. “Who’s that?” His crest was a bit pulled back.

She stepped on one of his slowly extending big claws and gave him a look. “That’s my new employee, Dodge,” she said.

“Employee?” he gave her a confused look.

“It’s getting busier around here. The Hall’s getting bigger,” she said.

“Ma’am, who is this?” Dodge asked, eyeing Amun with equal distrust as Amun was him.

“This is Amun, he’s an associate of mine. He goes out and raids Second Age ruins and brings back interesting things… or garbage,” she gave Amun a look. He just shrugged non commitedly.

“Ah,” Dodge wasn’t so suspicious now.

“Where were you?” she asked Amun.

“Wastes, came north through Expanse coast. New volcano off the coast of the Wastes,” and he started unloading his bags and satchels and containers onto the counter.

“Hey, watch the dirt. You’re making a mess,” Dodge said. Amun ignored him.

“A new volcano?” Jessabelle asked him. Amun nodded. “You look into it?” He shook his head as he pulled a large, metal, ring out from a bag much too small to contain it and set it on the counter. “Why not?”

“Looked bad. Lots of fighting. Too much Fire,” he upended the rest of the bag and several large, uncut, pieces of gemstone fell out. “Great Furnace slow working,” he took another bag and started taking iron rods out of it. “Iron supply low, Lightning clans are buying whatever they can. Could only get this much.”

“How much is it?” Jessabelle asked.

“Fifty pounds?” Amun wasn’t sure himself.

“You put fifty pounds of iron in that bag? How?” Dodge demanded.

Amun looked at Dodge and then turned away from him. Dodge’s wings fanned out angrily but Amun was ignoring him. “Couldn’t get any copper. Lightning clans buy too much.”

“Silver? Gold?” she asked.

“Hmmm,” he took another bag and dumped it onto the counter. “Ore,” he said as dark rocks rolled out onto the wooden counter.

“Amun, we live in a swamp. What are we going to do with ore?” she demanded. Amun just shrugged. “You didn’t bring me something stupid like gravel again did you?”

“It had diamonds in it,” was his only reply.

“Yeah, and I had to pick them out by hand!”

“This,” he didn’t respond to her annoyance and reached into a pocket on his vest. “Found in ruins between Wastes and Expanse.”

“Oh,” she took the pretty thing. It was a ruby carved into the shape of a rose. Then she narrowed her eyes a little, “Did you bring it for me?”

“Two,” he took out another one. This one was bigger and she felt a bit slighted. She didn’t know why. She knew she just did this to herself.

“Oh, well that’s something,” he put the rose back into the pocket. “That it?” she asked.

“Mmmm,” he patted down his bags and pouches while Dodge looked at all the stuff he’d dumped onto the counter miserably. “Hmm,” he found a bag that wasn’t empty and carefully took the items out. It was a bunch of raw crystal of various colors.

“What are these?” Dodge asked.

“Fire crystal,” Amun said. “Er- made from fire, crystals. Not Fire crystals,” he elaborated and Jessabelle had never heard him elaborate on anything. He looked back at Jessabelle, “That’s it,” he said.

“Well, alright,” she looked at what Amun had brought. It wasn’t an insignificant amount of stuff. A bunch of trash like usual: Rocks, twigs, branches, scraps of fabric, cracked or broken pottery and glassware. But there was some good stuff too at least. “Dodge, I want you to catalog everything, sort it, and put it away,” she said.

“All this crap?” Dodge groaned.

“Yes. That’s why I pay you,” she said nicely but not too nicely.

Dodge sighed, “Yes ma’am.”

“When you’re done you can close up the shop and go.”

“Really?” he perked up at that.

“Yes,” she said.

“Okay,” he seemed more cheerful about that.

“As for you,” she rounded on Amun who was scratching some dried mud off his haunch, realized Jessabelle was looking at him and looked more than a little sheepish about being caught. “You’re filthy, come with me,” and she grabbed his claw and led him into the back house. Dodge watched them out of the corner of his eye but otherwise didn’t comment.

“Jessabelle-

“You can stand to spend some time here first,” she scolded him gently when Amun tried to weasel his way out of it.

Amun sighed a little. “Fine.”

“It wouldn’t kill you to take somewhat good care of yourself. Look at you, you’re filthy.”

“I was outside,” he huffed.

“So?”

“In the mud and stuff.”

Jessabelle stopped, “Amun,” she said slowly. “We live. In a swamp,” she reminded him. He just sighed but didn’t argue with her. “Go put your things down, I’ll start a bath,” she said and shooed him off to the other room. His wings slumped a little but he went. She heard him starting to take all his crap off in a clatter of metal, stone, and bags. She went to another room where there was a tub. She filled it and filled a smaller basin as well with a faucet connected to a water purifier. It was newish. She was glad that the Hall was getting larger, wealthier. They could afford things like this now.

She looked over her shoulder when he stepped into the room. He was still covered in mud and dirt but was without his effects. “Come here,” she beckoned to him. He did as he was told and she turned off the faucet so it didn’t overflow and grabbed a rather large rag, dunked it in the basin water and went about taking off the worst of the dirt and dried mud he’d accumulated. She knew it was a bit more difficult for him to get his back haunches and his back, Wildclaws weren’t flexible like Skydancers were, say nothing to the fact that their front claws were shorter. Not that you should ever mention the fact that a Wildclaw’s front limbs were too short. That was a good way to get maimed. He started making that content noise in his throat as she cleaned got all the gross dirt off him. “Okay, I think you can get in without making the water filthy immediately,” she said, standing back to admire both her handiwork and how good Amun looked.

A Wildclaw clambering into a tub of water was about as graceful as it sounded but Jessabelle didn’t let that ruin her enjoyment of it. Amun flopped down so just the top of his head and wings were above water, just enough to keep barely his nostrils in the open air. “You look silly,” she told him. His crest just flapped as if to so, ‘no I don’t’. “Like one of our hatchlings when I make them take a bath,” she said. Amun looked away from her. What? Did she not like reminding him? Well too bad. He had to live with his choices

“But you aren’t so I assume you don’t need my help to get clean, hmm?” she asked him. She handed him a different rag and a large bar of soap.

“You were doing a good job earlier,” he lifted his head out of the water just enough to talk.

“Yeah, but would you appreciate it?” she asked. Again he looked away. “That’s what I thought,” she tried not to be suddenly hateful. Why was he like this? She left the soap and rag on the side of the tub and left him in the bath. She went and checked on Dodge and found him finishing up. She left him there and went back to her ledger book.

She looked up when Amun came out of the bathroom, not quite dripping but his velvet and feathers were glistening. He scratched at his crest and went into the bedroom where he’d left his things. She was a fool but followed after him. “You’re all wet,” she huffed as she was in time to see him flop down in her bed.

“Stop complaining,” he said and yawned.

“It’s my bed, I will if I want.”

“Funny, I seem to be the only one in it,” he said.

Jessabelle didn’t take the bait. She went over and took his head in both her hands. “This is my house,” she said in a soft voice, “and you’re getting my bed damp.”

“Wouldn’t be the first time,” he said with such casualness Jessabelle felt her face heat up a little. He butted his snout against her chin cutely.

“No,” she shoved his fat head away. “Last time you did that I was sore for a week,” she folded her arms.

“Yeah but it was fun,” his lips parted in a Wildclaw smile.

“For you.”

“Nah, you had fun too,” Amun said. She wasn’t about to deny it twice. She just kept her arms folded moodily. He butted his nose against her chin again.

She put her hand on the top of his head and pushed it down. “If you want to have fun change forms,” she said.

He sighed dramatically and slouched across the bed. “But that takes so long,” he complained.

“Well it wouldn’t if you just stuck to one that works,” she said.

“I can carry more in my birth form,” he complained.

“What are you? My son? I don’t care,” she put her hands on her hips. “Dry off before you start so you don’t keep my bed all damp,” she added and gave his wings a bit of a push.

Grumbling Amun did get up and used a dry towel to dry himself off. Jessabelle helped and he kept trying to be cute and bump her chin or shoulder but she wasn’t falling for it. She already fell for him plenty but this she was putting her foot down about. Once he was dry he flopped back down on the bed and laid out on it with a sigh. She knew it had started when his leg jerked and he winced. She sat on the bed next to him and put her hand on his neck. He sighed again and closed his eyes. “I’ll be right here,” she said. Wincing he shifted a bit to put his head on her lap and she gently cradled his head and rubbed the top of his head and eye ridges comfortingly. “You just to this to yourself, always insisting on changing back,” she said, not quite scolding.

“Not helping, Jessabelle,” he grunted as his wings shuttered and she heard his jaw click as he ground his teeth. She looked at him sympathetically, knowing it was pain but she wasn’t wrong either. If he just stayed humi he wouldn’t have to do this all the time.

She called a box over from her nightstand with magic and opened it when it came into her hand. Inside were gears and a cylinder with bumps on it that would tink against a series of thin, tuned, pieces of metal when wound. She turned the knob, winding it up. It started spinning and playing a little melody. She set the box gently down on the floor. Amun shuttered again and she ran her fingers through his crest as the music box played which was enough the drown out his whimpering.