#for the sake of the thing lets pretend they can all legally get tattoos

[moonbeamwritings]

Hey I really love your writing! I was wondering if I could request the bucci gang with an s/o that just got a tattoo with them(or were there with them) and they seem like they'd be in a bit of pain but hardly bat an eye at it? I just got my first tattoo today and it really didn't hurt to me but I kinda don't look like someone whod be fine with it 😅 and I can just imagine Mista whining about it hurting lol

thank you so much!! i know this has been sitting in my asks for a bit, so i hope your healing process went/is going well!! ❤️

getting a tattoo (or them going with you) w/ the bucci gang

Convincing Bruno to actually get a tattoo with you would be no small feat. It’s not that he doesn’t want one ever, he just isn’t sure if he wants one now, so he chooses to go to the tattoo parlor with you as moral support instead. He voices his trepidations about you getting one, worrying that you’ll be in a lot of pain, but would never try to outright stop you. If you’re ready for it, then so is he, and he’ll be there to hold your hand the whole time. He’s surprised when it doesn’t seem to affect you as much as you were both expecting, and doesn’t hesitate to tell you how proud he is of you, dropping a kiss to your hairline and squeezing your hand when it’s all over.

I can’t picture Giorno being super into the whole tattoo scene, but again, I don’t think he’d be entirely opposed to it either. When you tell him you’re getting one, he’s completely supportive and promises that he has a hand to hold and some painkillers to take when you need them. At the shop, you keep up a conversation with him and your tattoo artist the whole time, smiling all the while, and Giorno is beyond proud of you. He’s heard how difficult the process can be for some and he’s glad that doesn’t seem to be the case for you, despite both of your initial worries. When you finish up, he grabs you by the hand and treats you to a nice meal.

I feel like Abbacchio has always wanted one, but has never really had a reason to actually follow through with it. With you in his life, so eager to get your own done, he’s more than happy to go along with you and finally get what he’s been thinking about. On the day of your appointments, he’s sure he’ll be fine with the pain, but he’s worried you may not be able to do the same. He’d never tell you that though, he simply assures you it’ll be fine and moves on. So it’s a huge shock to him so see you so... okay during the process. He smirks at the sight and feels pride start to bloom in his chest. He pulls you into a sweet kiss afterwards, holding himself back from tracing his fingers over the freshly-tattooed area.

Mista, sweet, innocent Mista, would talk a big game before going in to get a tattoo with you. He’s tough, he tells you the morning of the appointment, if anyone was going to handle the process well, it’d be him. Like the valiant and loving boyfriend he is, he’ll be there to hold your hand the whole time. When it comes time for him to get his tattoo though, his eyes start to water in minutes, looking at you with big, puppy dog eyes as he whines about how much it hurts. Throughout the whole process, he’s constantly asking you how you’re so unfazed by it, a hint of jealousy and disbelief in his tone. As soon as it’s over, he takes a huge, gulping breath and pulls you in for a hug, ranting about how you owe him ice cream after what he just went through.

Narancia would be excitable, to say the least. He doesn’t like needles, but he’s thrilled at the idea of getting a tattoo with his lovely significant other. He’s bouncing in his seat on the ride over and in the waiting area, slapping his hand against your knee and talking a mile a minute as he does. He winces and complains through the process of getting his tattoo, but is surprised to see you acting relatively unfazed. When you tell him it doesn’t hurt as badly as you’d thought it would, he smiles and calls you a badass, proudly telling the tattoo artist about how cool you are. He’s a sweetheart and your biggest fan, and his words leave you even more excited about your new tattoo.

Fugo doesn’t strike me as someone who would enjoy tattoos at all. Don’t get me wrong, he would be more than supportive of you getting one, especially if you were really excited about it, but I can’t picture him getting one himself. That being said, he’d be at your side throughout the entire process - helping you come up with ideas, going to appointments with you, and being there to hold your hand on the day you get it. He watches in confusion as you hardly wince during the process, complaining of little more than slight discomfort as time goes on. Going into it, you’d both figured you’d be a wreck (you never did handle pain very well), but seeing you so... comfortable puts him at ease too. When all is said and done, he helps you to care for the tattoo to make sure it heals properly.

[alkhale]

Moving In (Art trade) Slight Bakugou/Oc

thank you so much again @keepcalmandjustships​ for the lovely fanart of Fuyu!!! I hope I did Arashi justice and you have a good read <333 let me know if there’s anything you want to change or if I messed up at all, I had fun writing something new with this!!

BNHA Drabble, BNHA OC.

“What the fuck do you think you’re doing?”

Arashi half-stopped, one foot comically in the elevator doorway. Her mouth moved around the lollipop sticking out between her lips—a simple strawberry flavor she was using to bide her time until she could sneak one of her cigarettes into her waiting mouth. She hefted the cardboard box to under one arm, casually tucking a strand of wavy black hair behind her ear, dropping a finger down to thumb the choker around her neck for good luck.

Arashi swung around on her toe, turning with a sneaking grin toward the familiar voice. It made the little heart tattoo under her eye crinkle.

Oops, it’s Katsuki. Arashi waggled her brows at him, keeping her cocky little grin. Gotta be careful or I’m gonna get it.

Bakugou didn’t look the slightest bit amused, lips pulled back into a disgusted scowl as he surveyed her up and down, focusing specifically on the lollipop hanging between her lips and then the box in her hands.

“Moving,” Arashi said, fake sweet. “Are you here to help?”

Bakugou tipped his head back, lips pulling down further into a snarl. The jet black t-shirt and loose joggers made him a touch more intimidating than she was used to—Bakugou Katsuki in his uniform was an easy fix to mess with and stay a step ahead of if she tried—but this Bakugou, a little more normal, a little more… homey, was throwing her a bit for a loop.

This whole… cohabitation thing was something she was going to have to get used to.

And sneaky with. 

Because hell knows what Aizawa will do if he catches me with my goods. Arashi tightened her grip on her cardboard box. This had felt like the best time to move them since Momo was taking a break from helping her arrange her room— “Oh, Sakamoto-chan, you look like you’re missing some things! Surely there must be more? Shall I help you make some? What do you need? A new comforter? Or perhaps some silk sheets for—” and the hallways and elevators had been clear of everyone else. Arashi moving one more box shouldn’t be suspicious. 

But, of course, there was Bakugou. And Bakugou tended to make things just a little more dicey.Not that she couldn’t handle a little dicey. Arashi pointedly waited for him to continue, tapping her foot rhythmically against the little wooden floors. She wondered if there was something close to a studio she could practice her moves in private. So much has been going on… it’d be nice to hear some music and move the way I want too again.

“Around the school was one shitty thing,” Bakugou practically growled, Arashi bobbed her head, waiting for his point. “Didn’t give a fuck. If you want to ruin your shitty lungs, that’s your shitty ass mistake. Maybe they let you slide with shit like that in the General Course—”

“Oh, no, they definitely didn’t,” Arashi said, moving her lollipop to the side of her mouth. She held a finger up. “I’ve gotten into plenty of trouble for that. I don’t think Aizawa-sensei is gonna be any easier.”

And she was telling the truth about that. Shinsou had always been on her ass when it came to smoking… and the occasional beer or two she could badger off someone of legal age late night at a convenience store. He’d snapped one two many boxes of her cigarettes or had her emptying out her pockets with his Quirk.

Arashi sobered up a bit at the thought. Their… last argument hadn’t ended as well as she would’ve wanted it too. She knew Shinsou wanted the best for her… that he was happy she got what they were both aiming for—but where he thought she might be slacking off, she was always just waiting for him to meet her here too.

No one ever said only once of us really can make it here. Arashi bit harder onto her lollipop. Stupid Shinsou… let’s just make up already.

She missed their talks.

Right now though, Bakugou burned daggers into the side of her head. She beamed back at him, humming a little tune. Bakugou looked seconds closer to throttling her, but as she said, what was life without a little risks?

“If I catch you with one of those fucking little sticks in your mouth,” Bakugou threatened, pointing a callused finger her way. Arashi pretended to look affronted by his instigation. “I’ll snap that and then snap you.”

“Kacchan,” Arashi said sweetly, “do you have somethin’ against lollipops?”

Bakugou narrowed his eyes into slits at her. The familiar smell of something sweet, something warm—like cooked caramel on a stove wafted through the air. Ah, he’s stifling his Quirk a bit. Hahaha, even Katsuki can be a little considerate. 

Bakugou’s rough fingers snatched the corner of her loose black sweater, tugging her roughly toward him. Arashi stumbled, quickly setting a foot down for balance and swinging her eyes to him in surprise. The smell of burnt caramel increased, clinging to the corners of his shoulders and neck and Bakugou scowled down at her. Arashi blinked again in surprise, trying to keep her expression cool despite the close proximity. Yikes, what was that? Maybe smoking bothers him more than I thought—

“Move out of the way, dumbass.”

The elevator door dinged behind them. Arashi turned, realizing she’d been standing in its way. Oh.

Bakugou promptly tore the box out from under her arm. Arashi’s eyes bulged, whipping her head around. Her shadows licked up at her heels in response, a little miniature monster starting to take place, wagging a tail-like shape. “Hey! What gives? You can’t go rifling through my stuff without permission—”

“This shit reeks,” Bakugou snapped at her, turning his back. Arashi quickly tried to grab it from him but Bakugou shoved her aside with his foot, holding her back as she grabbed his slippered ankle. “I swear to fucking hell….”

“Aw, come on, Kacchan! You can’t expect me to quit cold turkey—”

“Take this shit seriously!” Bakugou shot back. Arashi paused for a second, looking like an idiot with her lollipop, shirt sliding off her shoulder as she held his ankle against her stomach. “You want to be a hero so fucking bad, you finally make it here, and you’re gonna throw it away for a little chase like this? Piss off.”

Arashi blinked again, unable to find the words to retort or snap back. A pleasant, happy little buzz was starting up in the pit of her stomach, unfurling out. Her friend’s words were always laced with malice and gasoline, ready to ignite—but if you were willing to take the time to strip aside the extra, the roughness, Bakugou’s words tended to be filled with something much more nicer than she’d ever known from anyone else.

Taking her stunned silence in stride, Bakugou ripped the top of the box open, plunging his hand in and fishing out the first object he found. His eyes narrowed in disgust, turning his head to look at—

Bakugou stared at the lacey black stockings. Arashi blinked innocently behind him.

He opened his mouth, frozen in a furious, angry snarl. Bakugou stared.

“Oh, Arashi-chan!” the elevator doors slid open behind them, revealing a beaming Ochako and a smiling Momo. “We were looking for you! Did you need help with—”

Momo and Ochako looked at Bakugou and Arashi. They blinked once at Bakugou’s foot holding Arashi’s stomach away, her hands on his ankle, and finally, Bakugou’s free hand holding a pair of black, lacy stockings—

Momo flushed bringing her hands to her mouth. Ochako did spit take, holding her stomach in laughter as Bakugou’s jaw tightened and an explosion rocketed off in his free hand. 

“You—fucking dumbasses! This isn’t what it fucking looks like!”

“Bakugou-san,” Momo said, taken aback. “That is… that is severely lacking appropriateness…”

“Bakugou-kun, you’re too forward! Too forward!” Ochako slapped her knee. “W-What are you trying to do with—”

“I ain’t trying to do anything!” Bakugou snapped, shoving the box back into Arashi’s waiting arms. “If you’re going to carry this shit around, close the stupid box!”

“But you’re the one who opened it—”

“Shut up!” She blinked as he aggressively refolded her stockings and shoved them back inside, folding the top of the box too for good measure. Bakugou stuffed his hands into his pockets, storming off with his back hunched. “Dumbass… if you smell like shit when we run tomorrow, I’m blowing your ass to kingdom come!”

“I’ll take a good shower~” Arashi called after him, trying to keep her snicker from slipping past her lips as she moved her box back under her arm. “Thanks for the pep talk!”

“Shut up!”

“Sakamoto-chan, are you alright?” Momo said, touching a hand to her chest. Ochako was finally breathing through her giggles. “That must have been startling…”

“No, it’s fine,” Arashi waved a hand. “He could’ve opened up a box of my bras and I wouldn’t have cared. These are just my ballet tights.”

“You should care!”

“Kacchan just means well,” Arashi grinned, popping her lollipop out and sneaking past the two of them into the elevator. “I’ll go drop this off in my room—let’s meet up in the kitchen?”

“Yes! That sounds lovely,” Momo said. Ochako nodded, waving after her. Arashi grinned back at them, waggling her fingers as the door slid shut.

She waited a few moments, making sure the elevator was on its way up to her floor. Arashi sneakily undid one top of the box, moving her tights aside and grinning at the familiar set of cardboard cigarette boxes.

He’s got a good nose, what is he, a bloodhound? Arashi hummed to herself, pleased as she popped her lollipop back into her mouth. She’d try harder for their sake, but it didn’t mean she was going to give up the little pleasures in life.

Maybe this cohabitation thing wouldn’t be too bad after all.

[koko-bopp]

Tatted

fuckboy!jeon jungkook x male!reader

word count – 3K

genre – Mature-ish | Fluff | somewhat angsty ending

warning(s) – Lewd things, hair pulling, sex jokes, tattoos

synopsis – fuelled by @hellishvu 's series Him! But also request by anon.

Jungkook is a bit of a fuckboy, a bit of a flirt, and perhaps a tattoo addict. Though there's nothing to suggest that he's not going to your tattoo parlour just to get into your pants.

"This one?"

"Yeah, thought of it myself."

"Clearly."

"Ouch," Jungkook winced, the insult hitting him dry, "You wouldn't fuck a guy with this tat?"

You examined the sketch again, pretending to at least be unimpressed, before quickly putting the art student's notebook aside, "I opened the shop hella early so you can get to class on time, I'm legally allowed to insult you right now," You sassed before looking back at Jungkook, "It's nice, where do you want it done though?"

Jungkook smirked, taking off his black shirt and leaning back against the chair all seductively. All the tattoos you had previously done on the man in front of you were visible; the playboy bunny tattoo on his forearm was the first one you did, he was apparently dared by his friend to get it done, and ever since he's come in to get many more.

There was 'pay it no mind' you'd written in cursive onto his chest the second time.

Also on his hands, it was the first time he actually made a move onto you, telling you how handsome you are, asking how big you are, asking if you have a boyfriend, at one point he was getting a tattoo on his thigh and he literally gripped your hair out of reflex. You told him it was fine, but Jungkook could swear on his life you moaned when he did.

Then you'd given him a neck tattoo, three on his bicep, one on his wrist.

He was calling you 'daddy' at one point in time. It was such a pain to keep conversations professional when it would literally make you beat red, but you had to tell him to stop when your boss had overhead it multiple times and asked if you were fucking clients.

Though, this is current times, you'd understood through other clients from the same University as him that Jeon Jungkook is a bit of a fuckboy, so you didn't pay his advances any major attention. Artwork on a natural canvas in your job, and Jungkook is a client, no matter how attractive he is.

The action of taking off his shirt was revealing his rather lean body, his v-line in particular caught your attention as he pointed at the space in the centre, "Here would be nice."

You licked your lips by accident, though quickly avoided doing anything more by looking at his eyes, "Alright," you paused, realising how much Jungkook is going to love your next words, "...You'll need to take your pants off so they don't get in the way."

"Is that a prerequisite for the tattoo or do you just wanna see me low-key naked?" Jungkook flirted. He popped off the button of his jeans, followed by carefully lowering it's zipper.

You watched him do it for a second, then subconsciously sucking in a discreet but deep breath. Jungkook looks great, and he knows it.

Man, if it weren't for the kids over at his University fucking crying when you ask about him, you probably would've had Jungkook under you like eight times already.

"I'm doing my job, Jeon. It makes it easier to clean the surface I'll be doing your tattoo on," You said, before turning around in your spinning chair and moving yourself towards your desk, notebook with the sketch in hand, first to get the tools to create the stencil but also to give Jungkook the privacy to take off his pants.

It wasn't drastically long before you'd made sure his body was on a hundred and thirty-five degree angle facing you, it was so he was leaning back slightly while both his legs were hung loosely on the sides of your hips, somewhat on your thighs.

Lucky You

In thin cursive, and the smallest of joker's hat underneath the words.

Simple, minimalistic, but rather pleasing, you weren't gonna lie.

You leaned back a bit, examining your work before looking at Jungkook, "Good?"

"Definitely," He chuckled slightly.

"Good," you replied, putting away your material before taking off your gloves, disregarding them into the bin before picking up another pair to begin the actual procedure of the tattoo.

It was a relatively small tattoo, but the joker's hat in particular was somewhat detailed, hence requiring the smallest of your needles.

The 'Y' on 'Lucky' was being tattooed, when Jungkook hooked his index finger some slightly on his bottom lip, admiring the chest piece you had, but he honestly just liked how close you were to his dick, "Kinda erotic, huh?"

You lifted the needle off his skin, having finished the first word with precision, then looking at him with a warning smirk, "Get hard and I'll tattoo my initials on it, understood?"

"Kinky," Jungkook giggled, before rolling his eyes when you were giving him a death stare, "Yes, sir."

You smiled slightly at the response, before looking back down to do your work properly.

"Have you got a boyfriend yet?"

"Jeon, I'm concentrating."

"Does he give you good head?"

"Jeon."

"Bet he's ugly."

Pft! You had to stop for a good second, just to lean back and place your back hand over your mouth to stop yourself from laughing.

Jungkook continued, a knowing smirk dancing on his lips, "He's ugly, isn't he?"

"Jungkook, for fuck sake," you sighed, humoured, "I don't have a boyfriend. Can I do my job?"

"Can I give you head afterward?" Jungkook smiled, "I promise on the person who made Soju, it will be the best blowjob of your life."

"No."

"Oh God, are you a bottom?"

"Do I look–" You stopped yourself again for the what felt like the tenth time. This boy is very lucky that he's attractive. You scoffed breathlessly, "Jungkook, your tattoo needs to heal, I couldn't fuck you even if I were considering it."

Jungkook raised his eyebrow, but his smirk staying consistent, "Are you considering it?" He checked, "Please do, I haven't gotten dick in so long."

You rolled your eyes, knowing that 'so long' definitely only meant a few days, so you just laughed slightly, "No comment. Now, I won't do the tattoo if you keep asking for sex."

Jungkook rolled his eyes too, relaxing himself so you were able to finish the tattoo.

And you did. With the occasional glances up to Jungkook for what you're justifying as no-reason-in-particular, only to be met with a wink.

However, the tattoo looked great. Not the best one he has, but you were willing to put it in the top six. His neck tattoo, in your opinion, being your favourite.

You cleaned and sealed artwork, legally explaining the aftercare for the tattoo.

He was sitting down in the same seat he's been in for the last forty-two minutes, and he was just staring into your eyes. Both lustfully and persistently, and you hadn't realised you'd stopped speaking moments later.

"I– I mean..." You tried to continue, but the way Jungkook had his eyes fixed on you made it hard to concentrate. You could feel your heart working too fast, and Jungkook was able to see it.

Him grabbing the silver necklaces that hung on you didn't help much either. He carefully pulling but teasingly pulled the material, causing you to be gently pulled to Jungkook's eye level.

His punk was acting like this was the most mundane act he's committed. He pulled you dangerously close to him, lips not far apart enough to call it professional in any means, but the fact that you weren't opposing his actions gave Jungkook all the more reason to continue.

He was mere inches from your face, his chin tilted slightly, his gaze alternating from your eyes and your lips but his expression reading lust-hungry regardless, "The more you talk, honestly the more I want you on top of me."

Your words came out as a mere whisper, only because your body was reacting in ways that were foreign. "Jungkook, I... You know I–"

"–Do you want me?" He mimicked the tone of your voice, lowering it to fit the moment. He dropped the necklace, letting it hit your chest before he dragged his own hand south. His tongue dragged itself along the bottom of his lip, his way of telling you he's impressed with places his hands are travelling. Feeling you clench underneath his touch too when he stopped at your belt, it made him smile innocently.

You nervous chuckle left your lips, looking at Jungkook slightly, "You do a lot just to get into my pants, Jeon."

He grinned, "There's a few things I can't resist, [Y/N]."

[sassy-pelican]

Flower Tattoo

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Reader

Premise: Flowers show up on your body every time your soulmate is injured. Unfortunately for Y/N and Bucky, neither of them is very good at staying uninjured.

Prompt: (36) “You have flowers all over you all time. What the hell is your soulmate doing!” (bolded)

Warnings: language (this like a for sure thing now), fluff, angst (just a bit), allusions to abuse but no description, blood, mild violence and gore (canon typical), some nsfw, 18+, allusions to smut, brief sexual nudity

A/N: I wrote this for  @jbbuckybarnes Writing Challenge 2020. Also, for the sake of this story, we’re going to pretend that the Avengers won Infinity War, and everyone is alive. I wrote this in third person because I’m switching the point of view every once and a while and this makes it flow better for me. This is what I picture the reader’s tattoo looking like. (The link doesn’t work on mobile no matter what I do, it does work on my laptop thought)

This is unedited (for the most part)

All of my translations are from Google Translate (ew I know) but I don’t speak anything but English and, well, it’s easy to access.

Solnyshko – little sun (Russian);  Suka – bitch (Russian)

1938

Even at twenty-one Bucky still had yet to see a flower appear on his skin. His Ma had told him to stop worrying about it, saying that maybe he was one of the few people that didn’t have a soulmate. Steve said the same thing, and as hard as Bucky tried to hold onto that idea, he never could. Something about it didn’t seem right.

“Got another date tonight Buck?” Steve asks.

“Yeah,” Bucky sighs. “What about you?”

Steve stares at him flatly. “Buck, you know I don’t go on dates.”

“You should. There are plenty of dame out there that would love you,” Bucky reasons.

“I’m not you,” Steve says. “Girls don’t like me.”

Bucky stares at his friend, and at the small little flowers littering the parts of him visible. “Clearly someone is meant to. You’ve got flowers everywhere Stevie.”

“Well unlike you, I want my soulmate to feel special.”

“And unlike me you’re not gonna know how to talk to her.”

2018

Y/N’s nerves were on edge as Tony Stark and Natasha Romanoff surveyed the room. Every potential recruit being scrutinized under their gaze. Unlike so many of the others, she refused to lower her eyes when they came closer.

“Obviously you’re all good,” Stark begins. “You’ve made it this far.” Natasha rolls her eyes, something Y/N’s fighting not to do as well.

“What Tony means,” she says, “is that we can only take a few of you from here and we need the best.”

“You’ll be going at lot of different types of missions if you do move on,” Tony continues, “so, we need to make sure you’re ready for anything.”

The next thing Y/N knows, one of Tony’s gloves is aiming right for her. Not thinking much about it she eyes it, hears it getting ready to fire and ducks just before a blast shoots from it.

“Good reaction time,” Natasha murmurs. “I expected more though.”

“With all due respect,” Y/N interjects. “I’ve found that the reaction with the least physical strain is often the wisest and the least expected on the field, and almost always just as effective.”

Natasha smiles. “L/N, right?”

“Yes.”

“I like you.”

 Hours later, too many for Y/N to count, sweat dripping between her eyes, and already two recruits down, Stark calls it a day. Never has she ever felt such relief. “L/N!” Natasha yells from across the training room.

“Yes?”

“You’re on the team.”

“Excuse me?”

“You did the best out of everyone today,” she says, “and I think you’d mesh well with everyone.”

“Thank you, but shouldn’t I continue with everyone else?”

“No,” she replies. “Start packing your things. You can move into the tower next week.”

“Thank you.”

 Everyone was welcoming, although Tony had informed her that the Cap Trio – who she later learned were Steve, Sam, and Buck – were away on a mission and they were the ones that were hard to impress.

“Fuck girl!” Natasha says as Y/N enters the gym. “You have flowers all over you all time. What the hell is your soulmate doing!”

“Something stupid probably.”

“I never asked what the tattoo was about.” Natasha says, her question still unspoken.

“I was born with flowers around my shoulder and upper arm. Figured my soulmate was a litter older and had a scar there. I just made it darker and added to it over time.”

“You were born with it?” Natasha asks.

“Yeah,” Y/N says. “Apparently it freaked my mom and the nurses out when I was born. I’ve always thought it was pretty. Of course, I doubt my soulmate is fairing much better, not with the bruises you keep giving me.”

Nat smirks. “True, still I think it’s weird that you were born with flowers.”

“So does everyone else.”

 “Nat says there’s a new recruit at the tower,” Steve says. Sam barely looks up from his lap, head still drooping. Bucky however, his head spun as he looked to Steve.

“Do we know who it is?”

“She said her name was Y/N L/N,” Steve chuckles. “She was apparently the only one to duck when Stark shot his blaster.”

“Good tactic.”

“How old is she?” Sam asks.

“You don’t ask a woman her age,” Bucky snarks.

“Just makin’ sure she’s legal.”

Steve gives him an incredulous look from the pilots’ seat. “Of course, she’s legal! Nat wouldn’t let a kid join.”

“Um, need I remind you of Parker?”

“He’s got you there Stevie.”

Sam looks over to Bucky. “The flowers still showin’ up?”

“Yeah,” he sighs. “They’re everywhere. I’m a little worried about her. This woman gets a lot of bruises.”

“Kind of reminds me of me and Peg,” Steve comments.

“It does me too,” Bucky replies. “Although, I think even you had fewer.”

“What do you think she does anyway?” Sam asks.

“It’s gotta be something like us, either that or she’s an extreme klutz.” Bucky doesn’t bother saying the other thing running through his mind, doesn’t need too; Steve and Sam know what he’s worried about.

“I’m sure she’s fine Buck.”

“I hope so.”

 Natasha look up from her phone and glances at Y/N. “They’re on their way back. Do you want to meet them at the hanger?”

“Is that the best idea?” Y/N asks. “They’re all fresh from a mission and I don’t want them to feel pressured into being sociable.”

“It’ll be fine, but if you want to wait then that’s fine too.”

“Do you think they’ll be hungry?”

“They’re men, two of which are super-soldiers. They’re always hungry.”

“How does ravioli sound?” Y/N asks, hoping to do something nice for everyone after their mission.

“Perfect as long as it’s cheese.”

“I can do that.”

Getting up to start the pasta, Y/N decides that food is always the best welcome. She might be the world’s best chef, but she knows her way around the kitchen well enough that she can feed three men she’s never met; at least she hopes.

 Steve smiles when he sees Nat waiting for them in hanger. “No new recruit?” Steve jokes, Natasha just smiles.

“She thought it might not be the best idea to force you three to be sociable right after a mission.” Natasha eyes the two other men, sluggishly walking over to Steve. “She’s in the kitchen making ravioli.”

“Cheese?” Bucky asks.

“I made sure.”

“You’re the best.”

Steve slams his hand on his chest, Sam following suit. “I thought I was the best!” Steve mocks. Bucky smirks.

“Nah, you’re just a little punk,” he looks over to Sam. “And you, you’re punk two-point-o.”

“I take offence to that,” Sam says.

“You were meant to.”

 “Nice tattoo,” a strange voice says from the entryway into the kitchen. Unfortunately, Y/N jumps like a scared kitten.

“Jesus Christ! Don’t scare people like that!” Y/N yells, pointing at her offender with the spoon cover in marinara sauce.

“You looked easy enough to scare,” he says. “I’m Sam.”

“I figured that out,” she says. “Nat warned me about you scaring everyone for fun. It didn’t seem to prepare me though.”

“It sure didn’t,” he laugh. “I’m sure the two super-soldiers will be here in a minute. Had to shower and all that.”

“Must take long showers,” she mutters.

“Bucky does, Steve just doesn’t want him to come down alone.” She nods but refrains from saying anything. “Go on, say it.”

“It sounds to me like Steve might coddle him a bit much,” Y/N comments. “If he’s well enough to go on missions with you guys, he sure as hell is going to be well enough to meet the new girl making food.”

“I’ve been telling him that for months kid, doesn’t do a damn thing.”

“Fix yourself a plate, this is buffet style tonight.”

“My kind of food,” a new but familiar voice says from the doorway.

“I think a buffet is just about everyone’s style Cap.”

“Don’t need an introduction then,” he mutters.

Y/N rolls her eyes. “Your face is plastered all over the news Steve, I doubt there’s a person alive that doesn’t recognize you.” She turns to the other man, “and you must be Bucky.”

“In the flesh,” he pauses, “and vibranium.”

“I’ll certainly know who to ask when I can’t get jars open that’s for sure.”

“She doesn’t even know you five minutes and you’ve already got a new nickname,” Natasha says, smiling as she pushes past the two soldiers. “I’m gettin’ mine first, you two eat everything.”

 She felt a pull to Bucky but wasn’t sure why. Even after only weeks, she was the only one he allowed to snuggle up next to him on movie nights, the only one he would let into his room besides Steve or Sam. Y/N was almost the same way. Now that he was here, she very seldom found herself seeking out Nat or anyone else for comfort, she always went to him.

“If I didn’t know better, I’d think you two had a thing going,” Wanda comments one morning, Y/N’s bedhead at its worst, eyes still not completely open.

“Mmmm,” she grumbles, “what makes you say that?”

“You’ve come out of his room three nights in a row.”

“It’s just nightmares.”

“He didn’t sleep with Steve when he went to comfort him,” Wanda points out.

“She’s got a point,” Nat says. “The two of you are practically joined at the hip for people who met only a few weeks ago.”

“It’s not that bad!” Y/N counters. “Besides, I haven’t had enough caffeine to have this conversation yet.”

“If you say so,” Nat says, smirking over the steam of her cup.

 It happened before either of them could react. The guard both Y/N and Bucky thought dead turned out to have a bit of life in him. The sound of the shot echoed in the deserted hall, filled with dead Hydra agents. Y/N screamed. One faltering shot to the guard and she fell to her knees.

“Y/N!” Bucky screams. Pressing a finger to his coms he shots for medical, all Y/N can seem to do it stare at the blood seeping from the hole in her abdomen.

“Fuck,” she growls, trying her best to sit up.

“Don’t move!” Bucky shouts. He glances at it and goes pale. “Shit, okay.” Throwing his guns on the ground he starts to peel off his tac-gear before ripping the undershirt off. “Doll, I gotta cut this off you,” he mutters.

Blinking harshly, she nods. “Do what you gotta do.”

His metal hand pulls at the fabric of her gear and rips it, exposing her bleeding stomach and black sports bra. Bucky immediately presses the remnants of his shirt to the wound, “I’m sorry Y/N.”

Barely opening her eyes, she looks at him an winces. “It’s okay Bucky.” Her eyes fall to his bare torso and she gasps. “Bucky.”

“Yeah?”

“L-look,” she hisses when he presses down a bit harder, “at your stomach.”

“Doll I don’t see how that is going to he-”

“Please.”

Reluctantly, Bucky glances down at his exposed stomach and his eyes go wide. “Let’s get you on the jet.”

Loud footsteps ring as he goes to pick Y/N up. Without thinking much he reaches for his rifle and points at the doorway. “Woah! It’s just me Buck,” Steve huffs.

“Get my stuff. I’ve got her.”

Steve pales. “Is she gonna be okay?”

“If we get to the jet in time.”

Steve’s eyes blow when he sees the flowers on Bucky’s stomach. “Buck.”

“I know. We’ve got to go Steve,” Bucky says. “She has to be okay.”

 The beeping is what wakes her, not the intermittent squeezes of her hand, nor the yells of the doctors and nurses while she was transported. Even so, Y/N doesn’t open her eyes, she can tell the room is bright.

“You’re awake,” Bucky comments when he feels you squeeze his hand.

“Yeah,” Y/N mumbles. “I guess everyone knows huh?”

“Yeah, they do.”

“I’m sorry we found out like that,” she says.

“I’m sorry you were born with flowers,” Bucky mutters. “And that you have me as soulmate.”

“I’d argue with you, but I don’t have the energy,” turning her head Y/N opens her eyes a bit. “Raincheck?”

“Sure.”

“Bucky?”

“Huh?”

“How long have you been here?”

“Since you got here,” he looks down, “which is about three days.”

“You look like shit.”

“Thanks,” he laughs. “So do you by the way.”

Y/N glares at but it doesn’t hold any fire. As soon as she starts to laugh, she winces, the muscles in her abdomen protesting their use. “Don’t make me laugh.”

“Sorry,” he replies. “Raincheck?”

“Sure.”

 It had been a month, and while Y/N was still sore when she moved the wrong way, she was healed from the gunshot almost completely. Much to her dismay however, she still wasn’t cleared for active duty. She was cleared for activity though, which made her days much harder.

“You know,” Bucky says from the doorway into the gym, “you shouldn’t be doing that.”

“Bucky, I’m bored out of my mind!”

“And you were shot!”

“A month ago!” Y/N yells.

“And you still wince when you twist the wrong way,” he points out.

“Maybe I’m just getting old,” you tease.

“I’m old,” Bucky argues, “you’re still recovering.”

“I need to do something Buck. I’m losing my mind here while you all go on missions and leave the fucking compound.”

“Why don’t we go on a date? I can take you to that Italian place Tony raves about.”

“Would you?”

“Yeah. We’ll call, make a reservation and everything.”

 Less than twenty-four hours later, Y/N stands in front of her mirror, Pepper behind her, and can’t help but question her choice. “Are you sure this is fancy enough?”

“It’s fine. The place might be fancy but isn’t that fancy. This will fine.”

“What’s Bucky wearing?”

“Something that will match.”

“That’s helpful.”

“Wasn’t meant to be,” Pepper says smiling. “It’ll be fine.”

“I hope so.”

Despite knowing that everything will be fine, Y/N can’t help but feel nervous. It was her fist date in a long time, not to mention her first date with her soulmate. The added pressure for it to be perfect is almost too much. “He won’t care,” Pepper says, interrupting her thoughts.

“What?”

“He won’t care if it’s perfect or not, all Bucky is going to care about is that you’re there with him.”

“I know, but I still want it to be perfect.”

Pepper shakes her head, already exhausted with Y/N. “Are you always like this?”

“Always like what?”

“A worry wort, a person that is constantly overthinking things, you name it.”

“I take offence to that.”

“Good,” Pepper snarks. “Now get your ass downstairs and meet your man.”

“Yes ma’am.”

“Don’t call me ma’am.”

Y/N smirks. “Yes sir,” she says, mock saluting her.

“I’m going to let you fend for yourself next time.”

 It shouldn’t have been a surprise to Y/N that the minute her and Bucky stepped into the upscale Italian joint, she froze up. Truth be told, she wanted to freeze too. It was far fancier than Pepper had led her to believe. As much as she appreciated the effort, she knew both her and Bucky would bee more comfortable in a hole-in-the-wall pizza place.

“Reservation?” The hostess asks.

“Yeah,” Bucky replies, “should be under Barnes.” She checks over her list and smiles. “Right this way.”

Stiffly, Y/N and Bucky follow the hostess. “A server will be by shortly.”

“Thank you,” Y/N mutters before pulling out her chair, seconds before Bucky’s hand reaches out to just that.

“I was going to do that,” Bucky says under his breath. Y/N’s shoulders droop, the thought not crossing her mind.

“I’m sorry. I’m just so used to getting my own chair,” she smiles. “Next time?”

“Thank you.”

Glancing at the menu, Y/N sighs. “Um, Buck, can you read this?” He furrows his eyebrows before opening his own menu.

“Oh,” he says. “Is this all in Italian?”

“I think so,” she replies, staring blankly at the words she can’t read. “Do you know Italian?”

“Wasn’t one of the languages Hydra thought I needed to know unfortunately.”

“There’s not even any pictures so we can go off that.”

“Nope,” he mumbles. “It seems similar enough to Spanish though, maybe that will help?”

“Right,” she mutters. “Oh! I recognize spaghetti.”

“Cinque ziti di formaggio looks like five something ziti,” Bucky says.

“Five cheese ziti. I love that,” she replies. “Ravioli al formaggio is probably cheese ravioli and ravioli di carne is most likely meat.”

“Makes sense.”

“So, what are getting?”

“Probably just the spaghetti, with meatballs of course. You?”

“Of course. I’ll probably get the cheese ravioli, it’s simple.”

 Minutes after the food is set in front of their faces, she hears the whispers. She knows Bucky is trying to ignore them, but since he can hear them clearly, it’s hard. “Bucky, we can leave.”

“No, I want you enjoy your dinner.”

“I won’t enjoy it if you’re miserable.”

“I’m fine Y/N.”

“You are not. You can hear every words they’re saying, and it bothers you.”

“I’m used to it Y/N.”

“You shouldn’t have to be!” She knows not staying as quiet as Bucky would like but it’s far quieter than she wants to be.

“Do you need anything else?” The waitress is kind but even she can feel the tension rolling off Bucky.

“Some more water would be lovely,” Y/N replies.  

“Y/N, just leave it.”

“What is that man saying Bucky?” She can see the man eyeing him, whispering loudly to his wife across the table.

“Nothing that isn’t true.”

“What is he saying?”

Bucky sighs, shoulders dropping in defeat. “That I’m a killer.”

Without missing a beat, she stands, Bucky trying to grab her, frantically whispering for her to sit down. “I will not sit down!”

“Y/N, please.”

“No,” she states. Approaching the table, she squares her shoulders. “Do you have a problem Sir?”

“Yes, I do,” he says. “That man is a murder and he’s sitting in a nice restaurant!”

“That man,” she starts quietly, “is the longest serving prisoner of war in history. He has been through things that you wouldn’t dream up in your worst nightmares. And in case you’ve forgotten, he’s been acquitted.”

“He’s a killer!” The man’s wife has the decency to look uncomfortable, but not enough to make her say anything. “He deserves to be locked up!”

“He deserves the same respect you give to any veteran.”

“Most veterans aren’t murder’s,” the man argues.

“What do you think happens in a war! People die! People get killed! Soldiers kill! He didn’t have a choice.”

“Everyone has a choice!”

“No, they don’t. And I pity that you can’t understand that. I pity your wife that she has to live with such an unsympathetic and nonunderstanding person.”

“You both deserve to go to hell,” the man spits.

“Perhaps,” Y/N replies smiling. “But we’ll see you there.”

 “How was it?” Natasha asks. Y/N doesn’t get the chance to reply before Bucky is racing off without so much as a goodnight. “That bad?”

“It wasn’t terrible. The food was amazing. People are just asshats.”

“What happened solnyshko?”

“I may have gotten into it with a man over Bucky and now he’s embarrassed.”

“Go to him,” Nat says.

Y/N doesn’t argue with her, walking briskly to Bucky’s door. Tentatively, she knocks. “Bucky? Can I come in?”

“Yeah.”

Pushing open the door she sees him hunched over himself on the bed. “Why did you do it?” Bucky asks.

“Do what?”

“Stand up for me.”

“Because you deserve someone who does. That man had no reason to hate you so strongly.”

“He was right.”

“He wasn’t.”

“Yes, Y/N! He was!” She’s never heard Bucky yell before, and no matter how much she doesn’t want to admit it, it surprises her.

“Why are you so hell bent on thinking the worst of yourself! Can’t you see that you aren’t the monster in this!”

“I am a monster!”

“You were a VICTIM!” Y/N’s breaths come in shallow pants. “Why can’t you accept that who you see in the mirror is not what I see?”

“What do you see?”

“I see someone with a kind heart,” she steps closer. “I see someone who was forced to become a fighter instead of a protector. I see someone who had their goodness exploited,” Y/N whispers, brushing her hand over his shoulder. “I see someone who was broken and is still in the process of gluing themselves back together.”

Leaning forward, Bucky buries his face in her stomach, arms circling around her tightly. She can feel him crying more so than hear him; can feel the dampness starting to form on her clothes. Her hands find his hair, running smoothly through it as she lets him sob.

“It’s okay,” she mutters. “I’ve got you.”

 The slight tightening of Bucky’s arms is what wakes Y/N first; his whimpers are what keeps her awake. She thought the nightmares were getting better, but it must’ve been the incident that brought memories back.

“Bucky, wake up.”

“No,” he mumbles, eyebrows furrowing. “Stop.”

“Bucky!” Y/N says, combing her fingers through his hair. “Shh, it’s just a nightmare. It’s not real.”

“Please!” He screams this time, his arms tightening almost painfully. She can feel the dampness starting to accumulate on his shirt.

Bucky shoots up, bringing her with him when does and looks around, panicked. As soon as he realizes he’s holding her, he runs. Y/N’s heart breaks as she looks at him curled in a ball, back against the wall. “Bucky?”

“Please don’t hurt me.” Ver seldom does he ever get nightmares he can’t come out of, but it seems this is one of them. Slowly, a single tear rolls down her face.

“I’m not going to hurt you Bucky.”

“Everyone hurts me.”

Approaching him slowing, hands help up in surrender, Y/N crouches down to his level. “I promise, I’m not going to hurt you. I want to help you.”

“They all want to help me.”

“No one here will hurt you,” she tries to reassure. “Do you think you could get into the tub, take a bath?”

“Why?”

“Because I want to give you clean clothes and if you’re all sweaty, they won’t be clean,” Y/N explains.

“Will you be there?”

“Only if you want me to be,” she says. “Would you like some water?”

He doesn’t answer, only stares blankly at her. Her heart sinks. He can’t answer, has been trained to never give in to a request, not one that pertains to him. “You can speak freely here Bucky. I won’t hurt you.”

“Do you promise?”

“Yes, I promise I won’t ever hurt you. Now would you like some water?”

“Yes, please.”

“I’m going to go get you some water, will you get into the bath for me?” He nods, almost not enough for Y/N see.

She sees Steve in the hall, already making his way to Bucky’s room. “What happened?” Steve asks.

“He had a nightmare. I’m getting him some water.”

“Should I go in?”

“No, he’s,” another solitary tear escapes. “He’s didn’t come out of it. He’s still there Steve. He won’t know you.”

“I’m sorry,” he says.

“So am I.”

 Sweat dripped down her face as she crouched down on the mat. It’s the fourth time Natasha had knocked her on her ass, something she isn’t proud of at all. “You’re distracted solnyshko.”

“No shit,” she gasps.

“Just stating the obvious.”

“You’re a suka sometimes, you that?”

“Only when I need to be,” Nat says. “But really, what’s going on?”

“Ever since we went on our date, the nightmares have come back with a vengeance. Most nights I have to wake him up, and when I do, he’s almost always still there. He’s Bucky, from the early days, when he was first captured.”

“You’re tired solnyshko, you need to rest. No amount of training is going to help you right now.”

“I need to stay in shape, I need to keep up with my routine.”

“You need to sleep. Alone,” Nat replies, voice holding a finality even Y/N doesn’t feel like challenging at the moment.

“Fine.”

“Good,” she nods. “I’ll wake you up in three hours.”

 Bucky knew he was dragging you through the mud, keeping you from what you needed. He didn’t know how to stop. The incident at the restaurant affected him for than he cared to admit. Old memories, old nightmares he lived through keep coming back. Sleep just makes it easier for them slip through.

“Barnes, we need to talk,” Natasha says from the doorway.

“What happened.”

“Y/N’s distracted, worried about you.”

“What do you want me do Nat! I can’t just turn the nightmares off!” She levels him with a scalding stare.

“That’s not what a meant and you know it. I think you need to start talking to someone again.”

“I don’t need to go to another goddamn therapist Natasha. I just need to sleep.”

“Even if you don’t do it for you, do it for her.”

 Bucky held Y/N hand tightly as he stared down the outside of the intimidating building. He knew Nat was right. He needed to do this; it doesn’t mean he wants to. “You can do this James,” Y/N reassures.

“I hope so.”

“I’ll go with you if you want.”

“It’s just, it’s been so long since I needed to come it feels daunting.”

“I know.”

“I love you,” he says.

“I love you too.”

Without warning he turns and grabs her face, slamming his lips against her in a needy and emotional kiss. Y/N brings her arms slowly around his neck, pulling him down to her. The pads of his fingers trail down her neck, over her arms and find themselves stopping at her waist. It’s there, in the daunting therapist’s parking lot that the two of them realize that they need each other; more than they will ever admit.

 Two Years Later

His hands roamed her back with practiced ease, teasing the buttons of her dress just enough to drive Y/N crazy. Her own hands found their way to his shoulders, trying to pull him impossibly closer.

“Stop teasing me James,” Y/N moans, his hand closing over her knee and pulling it over his hip, grinding against her.

“You first,” he groans.

“Fine,” she grumbles. With equally as practiced hands, she slips the jacket off his shoulders, the buttons of his shirt soon being torn open and discarded without care.

“That shirt was expensive doll,” he mutters, lips finding the sweet spot on her neck.

“I don’t care.”

“I don’t either,” he moans. The buttons of her dress are carefully undone, as much as Bucky wants to feel her skin, even he doesn’t want to feel her wrath. The fabric the dress pools at her feet, leaving her almost bare before him.

“You’re over dressed,” Y/N mutters, fingers closing over the button of his pants.

“You aren’t,” Bucky says appreciatively, eyeing the swells of her exposed breasts, the tiny lace number she says is a bra doing nothing to hide the peaks forming.

“You gonna touch?”

“Fuck yes,” he groans before his fingers are rolling the nubs between them.

“You guys could at least wait until the honeymoon!” Natasha calls through the closed door, both Y/N and Bucky’s faces burning.

“Ready to leave yet Mrs. Barnes?”

“We’re finishing this first,” Y/N replies. “Everyone will just have to wait; I need to fuck my husband.”

His fingers trace the flowers on her shoulder lovingly. “I still love these you know,” he says.

“And I do too. I’ll always love them.”

“Even when you’re old a grey?”

“Even when I’m old and grey.”

They don’t care about the groans of protest from Natasha from the other side of the door as Bucky seals his lips against Y/N’s again, pressing her bare back against the wall.

Everyone waits as Natasha returns. “The newlyweds started the honeymoon early.” The collective groan drowns out the loud moan coming from down the hall.

[emberbent]

QUESTIONS FOR YOUR OCs

[Originally posted by @cassandrapentayaaaaas, whose name apparently is also Elle, ayyyy. I’ll be filling this out for my Fire Avatar OC Shinza, and maybe also for some other characters later.]

What’s the maximum amount of time your character can sit still with nothing to do?

Previous to her airbending training, Shinza would have had a hard time being still and doing nothing for longer than a few minutes. Not out of a need to burn off energy, but out of a fear of being alone with her thoughts for too long. Now, she can meditate and be still for over an hour, or much longer if she takes short breaks. She sat for eleven hours for her tattoo, which was the longest she’s gone doing nothing.

How easy is it for your character to laugh?

She doesn’t appear to be easily amused - she’s more of a smirker than a laugher if she finds something funny. Unless she’s among people who are close to her, or she’s drinking pear sake.

How do they put themselves to bed at night (reading, singing, thinking?)

Shinza’s one of the lucky ones who falls asleep as soon as she climbs into bed. She doesn’t have to do anything special to fall asleep.

How easy is it to earn their trust?

Hard to say. Maybe moderate? She doesn’t like to reveal much about herself unless she really trusts someone not to abuse that information, which isn’t all that often. She’s self-reliant enough that she doesn’t need others to help her most of the time, which can be seen as untrusting. But really, all it takes is showing compassion and self-awareness to get her to let her guard down.

How easy is it to earn their mistrust?

Fairly easy, since her default mode is not overly trusting.

Do they consider laws flexible, or immovable?

She's always had trouble determining which rules are or should be flexible vs enforced. Now that she’s in a position where she’s more or less exempt from following rules as necessary to keep balance, she’s realizing it’s even more complex than she ever thought. She contemplates often whether she has a duty not to follow the rules she holds others to, or to lead by example and hold herself to those same standards.

What triggers nostalgia for them, most often? Do they enjoy that feeling?

The smell of petrichor mingling with the oily smog of Republic City brings her back to when she was small, and she would walk with her mother, a doctor, every day to the clinic. Her mother would hold her hand, and they’d traverse in silence, except to point out the stray capuchin cats sheltering under the Satos on the street, or Shinza would ask for a treat from the bakery.

What were they told to stop/start doing most often as a child?

Twirling, dancing, spinning around, singing. It wasn’t that her parents discouraged her from these normal activities, but she often didn’t have the presence of mind to refrain in the wrong situations.

Do they swear? Do they remember their first swear word?

Not often; usually to emphasize her point. She distinctly remembers being nine years old and watching someone walk into traffic. A bystander earthbent them out of the way just before a Sato could run them over. She said her first curse word aloud as she rode in a cab with her father. He wasn’t mad.

What lie do they most frequently remember telling? Does it haunt them?

She never got into habitual lying. Too much to remember, too much guilt.

How do they cope with confusion (seek clarification, pretend they understand, etc)?

Lucky for her, she has thousands of past Avatars to talk to. 

How do they deal with an itch found in a place they can’t quite reach?

She has long arms - this isn’t normally an issue.

What color do they think they look best in? Do they actually look best in that color?

Black and shades of red; absolutely.

What animal do they fear most?

Shinza’s not afraid of any animals in a phobia sense, but she does think canyon crawlers are fairly ugly, and she’d hate to meet one.

How do they speak? Is what they say usually thought of on the spot, or do they rehearse it in their mind first?

She thinks before she speaks, but she doesn’t rehearse what she wants to say before the conversation happens. She speaks deliberately and rarely says something she doesn’t mean. 

What makes their stomach turn?

The normal stuff - gore and viscera, bad smells, being anxious or nervous.

Are they easily embarrassed?

Very much so, although she tries not to let it show.

What embarrasses them?

The biggest thing is having her flaws or screw-ups used as an example to a group. She also suffers pretty bad secondhand embarrassment watching others do embarrassing things.

What is their favorite number?

She doesn’t have one.

If they were asked to explain the difference between romantic and platonic or familial love, how would they do so?

She’d explain familial love as distinctly separate from platonic or romantic love in that for her, it comes from a place of duty as well as physical proximity and similarity. Her personality closely matches both of her parents’, so they naturally got along well most of the time, which made them feel close, which she might define as familial love.

She feels there’s very little difference between platonic and romantic love, and that one can easily morph into the other and back. These are based on things outside of physical proximity or biology, like shared interests, a common goal, and sexual attraction. Sometimes it’s as simple as, “I don’t know. I just love them.”

Why do they get up in the morning?

Duty. Responsibility. The sunlight coming in through her window has woken her and she can’t go back to sleep. 

How does jealousy manifest itself in them (they become possessive, they become aloof, etc)?

It manifests as deep sadness and a feeling that there’s a flaw she should fix in herself that will make the situation better. Then it festers into shame for having those emotions or caring at all, and she becomes aloof.

How does envy manifest itself in them (they take what they want, they become resentful, etc)?

She might pine for whatever this other fortunate person has that she doesn’t for a second, but then she shrugs it off.

Is sex something that they’re comfortable speaking about? To whom?

She’s happy to talk about sex in an academic sense with acquaintances, but she’s only comfortable discussing her own experiences with her best friend Nero. Even then, she squirms a little.

What are their thoughts on marriage?

She likes the idea of loving someone so much that you’d enter a legally binding, life-long contract with them, and she certainly sees the financial and social advantages. As to whether she wants to get married herself, she’d be perfectly fine either way.

What is their preferred mode of transportation?

Xia, her dragon companion. Especially now that she’s not afraid of heights or the open air anymore. Plus, they just get each other - no words needed. They had a strong bond from the beginning, but ever since Xia saved Shinza’s ass in Gaoling, Shinza feels closer to her than ever.

What causes them to feel dread?

Knowing that the world is watching every move she makes, and that everything she does (or doesn’t do) will go down in history. Knowing that if she can’t protect herself, she could be the last Avatar.

Would they prefer a lie over an unpleasant truth?

Definitely not. Being lied to is something she has a hard time forgiving, and she’d much rather deal with the ripples of an unpleasant truth than feeling she can’t trust the person keeping the truth from her, and finding out anyway.

Do they usually live up to their own ideals?

No, but Shinza holds herself to impossibly high standards.

Who do they most regret meeting?

Yanyu, the ex-Dai Li agent who her parents hired to block her bending and repress her memories when she was little. Shinza thought Yanyu wanted to meet with her in Gaoling to apologize for her role in letting the world go for so long without its Avatar, but it turned out to be a trap; Yanyu attempted to subdue her and turn her over to The Organization.

Who are they the most glad to have met?

Amrit. She came to him on the Island of the Sun Warriors thinking she was a nonbender, that she couldn’t possibly be the Avatar, and he helped her through that confusion. He unblocked her chi and helped her flame. Maybe he was a little too hard on her during training, but he taught her the value of working til you puke. He’s always had her back, even from the first day.

Do they have a go-to story in conversation? Or a joke?

No. Shinza rarely leads conversations.

Could they be considered lazy?

Not by any stretch. She’s deliberate, diligent, and hard set on doing things right and thoroughly.

How hard is it for them to shake a sense of guilt?

Very, which is detrimental to her role as the Avatar. She doesn’t know yet that she will live with the burden of guilt for her decisions and actions her whole life, or how to be okay with that.

How do they treat the things their friends come to them excited about? Are they supportive?

She’s a supporter and an attentive listener. She does her best to follow up with questions or mention small details later. Unless it’s something like a friend being excited about getting back together with her toxic ex - then she’d be clear about where she stands on the matter. 

Do they actively seek romance, or do they wait for it to fall into their lap?

She’s never sought out romance, but she has experienced and enjoyed it. Romantic love isn’t something she requires to feel happy or validated.

Do they have a system for remembering names, long lists of numbers, things that need to go in a certain order (like anagrams, putting things to melodies, etc)?

She doesn’t have a system - she just remembers things like patterns, numbers, and names. It’s a gift that, oddly enough, she was bullied for in school. Sometimes she forgets that others don’t have such an incredible memory and gets frustrated with them, but she’s working on it.

What memory do they revisit the most often?

Leaving Nero alone at the bar, mouth agape, as two Fire Nation officials all but dragged her out the door with them. She never got to explain to Nero what happened after she figured it all out, and she hasn’t seen her since that day almost two years ago. The guilt eats at her.

How easy is it for them to ignore flaws in other people?

Fairly difficult. She can’t ignore her own flaws, so she’s unable to extend that to others. She’s working on it though, and she’s got Amrit to practice on. No shade tho.

How sensitive are they to their own flaws?

Extremely. She was an only child, so her parents were hawks circling her, watching her every move. They didn’t pick on her on purpose, but it was pretty clear to Shinza that they were disappointed she didn’t go to medical school or join the military. On top of that, she grew up believing she was a nonbender, which culminated in a general, oppressive feeling that she was deeply flawed.

How do they feel about children?

She was an only child and didn’t grow up around her extended family, so she doesn’t have a lot of experience being around kids. Before, she could think of worse things than raising a child of her own. But now, she can’t fathom trying to balance her duties while raising a child.

How badly do they want to reach their end goal?

The shame of leaving the physical and spirit worlds out of balance and being remembered as an ineffective Avatar is unfathomable to her. She’d say she wants it more than anything.

If someone asked them to explain their sexuality, how would they do so?

She’d say she’s sexual, sometimes, and leave it at that.

QUESTIONS FOR CREATORS

A) Why are you excited about this character? 

In every OC, I think there’s at least a little bit of their creator; I didn’t intend for Shinza to end up so similar to myself, but she is. And as I develop my own sense of self, I see that reflected in Shinza when I write her, and that’s pretty exciting.

B) What inspired you to create them? 

I’d been wanting to write an Avatar OC story for a long time, and nothing felt right or fun or exciting until I considered using Shinza, a character I’d had stewing in my head for a while. Once I pictured her in the Avatar world, things started falling into place pretty quickly.

C) Did you have trouble figuring out where they fit in their own story? 

Absolutely. I planned the story from start to finish so I knew where I was headed, but along the way, Emberbent!Shinza started to take shape in unexpected ways and deviate from the original plan. As her personality in this story evolves, I have to figure out her reactions to things, and the ripples from those reactions, from a new perspective. I don’t have a clear view of her transformation arc, because it’s happening in real time along with mine. The (already flimsy) ending I’d intended has been blown to smithereens, and I have no idea how it’ll go - I’m essentially 50% pantsing at this point - but I feel less frustrated knowing I have more room to see what happens.

D) Have they always had the same physical appearance, or have you had to edit how they look? 

She’s had a number of different physical appearances. At one point, she was a monk child in a DND campaign I played in. In the preliminary planning stages of Emberbent, she looked like Nero, her best friend, and was an Earth Avatar.

E) Are they someone you would get along with? Would they get along with you?

I like to think we’d get along, but we’d both have to be okay with natural silence. Neither of us are inclined to lead conversations.

F) What do you feel when you think of your OC (pride, excitement, frustration, etc)?

All of the above. Pride because of how hard she’s worked to get where she is; excitement because of all the horrific and wonderful things she’ll go through to turn her into who she’ll ultimately become; and frustrated because she feels flat to me, so I’m assuming she feels flat to others too.

G) What trait of theirs bothers you the most? 

She can’t see past her own nose yet in terms of her role. It will take some time for her to realize she has to relinquish all of her own desires and happiness to her duty as the Avatar. For now, she’s stuck in selfish-mode, doing her best to help those close to her while trying to maintain her grip on her old ego.

H) What trait do you admire most? 

While she’s still working on seeing things from a broad perspective, she has an innate ability to deeply understand people, their feelings, and the situations they find themselves in. She’ll drop everything in order to help.

I) Do you prefer to keep them in their canon universe? 

Yeah. I’m not into crossover fics... yet.

J) Did you have to manipulate or exclude canon factors to allow them to create their character?

Mmm, I don’t know about manipulating canon, but I definitely extended it and filled in some parts as needed. Since she’s not the Avatar that came directly after Korra, I had to create the character that came between them. And since Shinza’s timeline is well after Korra’s, I had to envision what Republic City and the world would look like 70 years or so in the future.

Edit: Actually, just kidding. I forgot I totally manipulated canon when I figured out a way for Shinza to reconnect with the Avatars before Aang.

[ssa-montgomery]

Requests Are Open!

Hey everyone! Since we’re all stuck inside at the moment and I seem to have found my writing inspiration again I thought I would open up my requests again! Of course if you want to make a request you don’t have to use these so feel free to send me any requests, I just thought this might be fun! 

To make a request just send a number(s) from the list below and a ship or show! You can send me a bit of plot if you have an idea of what you would like to see but if not just send me the number! You can send me up to three prompts for one request :) You can send me the request through a message, a comment on this post or an ask.

The Fandoms I mainly write for are:

Supernatural

Once Upon a Time

Shadowhunters

Hannibal

Merlin

Lucifer

I will write character x character and character x reader as long as the ship is legal! Of course the ship doesn’t have to be a romance ship! It can be friendship/family/enemies too.

I will complete your requests as soon as I can!

1. “You scared me!” “Well, I am naturally terrifying.”

2. “I’m fine.” “You don’t look fine.” “Then stop looking.”

3. “Where is Death when you need her?”

4. “You are all remarkably well behaved tonight. What did you do?”

5. “You look…” “Beautiful, I know. Can we move on?”

6. “Ohh so you think I’m cute when I’m angry? Well, get ready because I’m about to be GORGEOUS!!!”

7. “I don’t give a damn.” “You give so many damns they’re visible from SPACE.”

8. “Tell I’m going to die, tell me the sun is going to explode, tell me the world is ending and there’s nothing I can do about it because if I hear it’s going to be okay one more time I. Will. Scream.”

9. “I hate you.” “Why? I’m lovely.”

10. “Who are you?” “Demon to some. Angel to others.”

11. “Yeah, I have a plan.” “Is it a good one?” “I have a plan.”

12. “You love her don’t you?” “Was it that obvious?”

13. “I hate the sight of blood.” “Then maybe you shouldn’t kill for a living.”

14. “Are you sober?” “I’m moderately functional.” “I’ll take that as a no.”

15.“I’m trying to have a serious conversation with you!” “And I’m trying to subtly avoid it.”

16. “On a scale from one to ten, how bad do think it would be if-” “At least a twenty.”

17. “Well, aren’t you a little ray of pitch black.”

18. “So… I just realized … that I’ve been shot.”

19. “Did you hear that scream?” “Yes, I’m the one who screamed.”

20. “Only a fool would fall in love with someone as deadly as me.”

21. “Excuse me I have to go make a scene.”

22. “I warned you not to hurt his sister.”

23. “How does it feel, my dear? Losing the best thing that has ever happened to you.”

24. “Oh darling, you are so very broken and no cares to notice.”

25. “All that blood looks good on you. It really brings out your eyes.”

26. “I have to go … iron … my cat.”

27. “If I go through with this, I die. If I don’t go through with this, we all die.”

28. “I’m trying my best to be polite, but if you move that knife a centimeter closer to me I will tear you apart.”

29. “I can’t keep kissing strangers and pretending that they’re you.”

30. “I’m not completely human anymore. Remember that next time you want to punch me in the face.”

31. “I am either going out for ice cream, or to commit a crime. I’ll decide in the car.”

32. “Don’t think about it too much or your head might explode.”

33. “I’m with him. For better or for worse. It’ll probably be worse. I knew that the day I met him.”

34. “I don’t hate you. I hate them for turning you into this.”

35. “Loving any of us is a death sentence isn’t it?”

36. “All I know is, one of us is right. The other one is you.”

37. “Hold on, you died.” “Yeah, well it didn’t stick.”

38. “Why are they all afraid of you?”

39. “I can’t go back to sleep after that. I need coffee- no. I need a drink, a stiff one.”

40. “Just know that I love you. I love you with all of my fucked up piece of shit heart.”

41. “You here to finish me off, sweetheart?”

42. “Oh. Hello. Excuse all the blood.”

43. “Guess who came back?”

44. “I made it through the day without beating anyone with a chair. I’d say my people skills are improving.”

45. “You keep pointing that gun at me and blabbering on about how much you’ve been wanting to kill me. I’m beginning to doubt your commitment…”

46. “It’s only murder if they find the body. Otherwise, it’s just a missing person. Just saying.”

47. “I can’t do this anymore.”

48. “The worst feeling in the world is knowing you did the best you could and it still wasn’t good enough.”

49. “Because to you I am merely a monster. And in the end that’s all I ever was. ”

50. “And if I asked you to name all the things that you love, how long would it take for you to name yourself?”

51. “You already know how this will end.”

52. “Don’t you understand? You were her happy ending.”

53. “Lord give me patience or an untraceable handgun.”

54. “Did you actually think you mattered to him? Silly girl.”

55. “You can’t love someone unless you love yourself first. Bullshit. I have never loved myself but you, Oh god, I loved you so much I forgot what hating myself felt like.”

56. “It’s okay. You don’t have to love me.”

57. “There’s someone in my head but it’s not me.”

58. “Foolish child. Thinking the stains of your sins can be washed away by your tears.”

59. “I wanted you to fight for me and you didn’t.”

60. “it’s scary what a smile can hide.”

61. “You had me at “we’ll make it look like an accident.”

62. “Is this one of those times when you want me to lie to protect your delicate emotions?”

63. “I’m surrounded by idiots!”

64. “You gotta stop doing that.” “What?” “Saying things that make me wanna kiss you.”

65. “If you’re going to get in trouble for hitting someone, might as well hit them hard.”

66. “I never said thank you did I?” “For what?” “For… well … everything.”

67. “I’ll find her and bring her home. I promise.”

68. “Dance with me and pretend the world doesn’t exist.”

69. “What are you afraid of?” “You.”

70. “You’re ok. Breathe. Just breathe. Open your eyes. Come back. It’s ok. It’s over now. You’re ok. Wake up. Please wake up. Don’t do this to me. Don’t do this to me. Don’t do this to me. I love you so fucking much. Come back.”

71. “Can I ask you a dumb question?” “Better than anyone I know.”

72. “If we’re going to get out of here, we’re going to have to work together. After that, we can go back to killing each other.” “Oh fine.”

73. “If it is destroying you, then it’s not love my dear.”

74. “ I never stood a chance, did I?” “That’s the sad part -you did once.”

75. “Eh, screw it. Let’s just blow it up and call it a day.”

76. “Underestimate me. That’ll be fun.”

77. “The problem is, if I kissed, I don’t think I don’t think I’d be able to stop.”

78. “Lie to me again.” “I love you.”

79. “Why are you avoiding me?” “Because … because I think I’m falling in love with you, okay? That’s why I’m avoiding you.”

80. “Whos ass are we kicking today?”

81. “I could strangle you.” “You aren’t tall enough.” “You’ve sunk low enough for me to reach.”

82. “Wait, did you just flirt with me?” “Have been for the past year but thanks for noticing.”

83. “Maybe I deserve someone else, but I always wanted you.”

84. “Darkness. When everything you know and love is taken away so harshly, all you can think about is angry, hatred and even revenge. And no one can save you.”

85. “For God sake! Who have you killed now?”

86. “Please point your gun at me if it helps you relax.”

87. “Tell me not to do something and I will do it twice and take pictures.”

88. “there is not enough salt in the WORLD to protect us from the hell you’re trying to unleash.” “Oh don’t be such a worrywart. The demon and I go way back.”

89. “You wanna know who’s beautiful?” “Aww who?” “Me.”

90. “In my defense, I was left unsupervised.”

91. “Wow can we just pretend, for one second, that you’re not a complete douchbag?”

92. “Are we there yet?” “Get out.” “We’re going 85-miles an hour down the highway in the middle of nowhere.” “Did I stutter?”

93. “Oh, honey, no. I love you too much to let you humiliate yourself this way.” “Bitch please, you don’t think I can beat you at Mario-kart? ”

94. “Fix me up with six cups of coffee and we’re good to go.”

95. “When someone gives you the "don’t pull your gun out of the back of your pants” nod, don’t pull your gun out of the back of your pants!“

96. "Do you feel guilty? Like, at all?” “I don’t have time to feel guilty. and neither do you.”

97. “Hey man nice tattoo.” “I don’t have a tattoo.” “Okay, how drunk were you last night?”

98. “Are you always stupid or is today a special occasion?”

99. “Literally everything about this is illegal.”

100. “I need something that’s more than coffee but less than cocaine.”

101. “Pay me enough, and I didn’t see a thing.”

102. “Sorry I hung up on you, I didn’t mean to answer the call.”

103. “Today I’m wearing a lovely shade of I slept like crap so don’t piss me off.”

104. “Hey, I didn’t kill anyone today!” “What do you want? A gold star?”

105. “Since I met him, he carries more anger and pain than a thousand armies could ever bear. He was betrayed, deceived, hurt. Believe me when I say he had already crossed hell, and the only time I saw peace in his eyes was when he saw you. You are the only reason he’s still alive.”

106. “Touch her, and you’ll learn exactly what’s worse than death.”

107. “I don’t want to look like a princess, I want to look like a formerly evil queen who reluctantly redeemed herself for the side of good.” “You read too much.” “Damn right I do.”

108. “You’re not as evil as people think you are.” “No. I’m much worse.”

109. “No. Not you. Anyone but you.”

110. “One of the hardest things you will ever have to do, my love, is to grieve the loss of a person who is still alive.”

111. “It goes away, that ache in your chest when you hear his name.”

112 “I feel like everything in my life has led me to you. My choices, my heartbreaks, my regrets. Everything. And when we’re together, my past seems worth it, because if I had done one thing differently, I might never have met you.”

113. “Don’t go.”

114. “If he cared, he would have made an effort.”

115. “You love him, don’t you?” “He’s not mine to love.” “But you still do?” “More than she ever will.”

116. “This is what, the third time I’ve crashed my own funeral?” “Fifth.” “Really? That many?”

117. “Y’know… that’s not what an apology sounds like.” “Bite me.”

118. “Don’t try to shut me out of this. I’ve been here since day one. I’m more a part of this than you are.”

119.”…. At least the snow’s pretty.”

120. “Don’t give me attitude, darling. I have one of my own.”

121. “I want you to remember you deserve this.”

122. “I’ve lost count of how many times you’ve died in front of me.”

123. “I don’t care if I  don’t get any sleep tonight. As long as I can be there for you.”

124.  “I should have told you a long time ago.”

125. “Letting you go was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do.”

126. “Silly girl,  can’t you see the truth right in front of you? This is his little kingdom, and you’re not the Queen anymore.

127. “If we get arrested, it’s your fault.”

128. “Wow, I can’t believe I said that out loud, please excuse me while I go die of embarrassment.”

129. “How sweet, sacrificing yourself for her, when did you get a heart?”

130.  “Let me go! I can still save them!”

131. “She’s my best friend. That hasn’t changed.” “It’s clear you feelings for her have.”

132. “You made your choice and I made mine. Just because you can’t live with yours doesn’t mean you should shame me for living with mine.”

133. “If someone gets nosy just .. you know … shoot ‘em.” “Shoot ‘em?” “Politely.”

134. “Show me your scars.” “But.. why?” “I want to see how many times you needed me and I wasn’t there.”

135. “It’s okay, it’s over now.” “No it’s not. It hasn’t even begun.”

136. “It’s like you want to ruin men/women for me.”

137. “Look. I’m glad you’ve saved everyone and all that, but it’s time someone told you to take care of you.” “I’m fine.” “No you’re not and furthermore, if you don’t take care of you think of all the people who will need you in the future who won’t have you.”

138. “I want you. Right here. Right now”

139. “Tell me what you want.”

140. “You look so fucking hot right now.”

141. “You say “I hate you.” But all I hear is “fuck me.”

142. “You think you’re the boss of me just because you’re hot?”

143. “You make me feel .. you make me feel and I don’t like it. I want it to stop. Now”

144. “You survived what you thought would kill you. Now straighten your crown and move foward like the Queen you are.”

145. “What I lack in common sense I make up for in sarcasm.”

146. “Because I am the big brother. I’m sorry I wasn’t better at it until now.”

147. “Aw look at ‘em - so young and willing to get themselves killed.”

148. “You’re kind of turning me on.”

149. “Studies show that I didn’t ask for your opinion.”

150. “You alienated everyone you loved , and now? You’re all alone.”

[creatingnikki]

Dearest Atlas,

That is a really fun choice for a pseudonym. Perhaps, your actual name? Unlikely but for the sake of this letter and me you’re Atlas irrespective. So, hello! You’re almost a decade younger to me and I must admit, I’m a little nervous to write you this love letter. I’ve never had an issue writing or interacting with people older to me by 3-4 decades even. But talking to someone younger always takes me back to when I was their age and how much I hated older people acting as though they knew better.

Of course, now after growing up I have realized that it’s just natural for you to know more and learn more as you live more (exceptions exist always and there’s not an equal increase in age and knowledge/wisdom, as we all know). I mean, compared to a 5 year old, you know so much more. But I think the one place where most adults go wrong is that instead of looking after those younger to them, they either patronize them or exploit them. Shouldn’t we, by default look after those younger to us? Protect them, so that they don’t lose their innocence and heart due to this shit world as early as we did? This sentiment is why I love a classic that most people don’t – The Catcher in the Rye by J.D Salinger. If you haven’t read it, I highly recommend it. I will warn you that the narrator is annoying but his heart is in the right place and that’s the most important thing.

I guess since I’ve already started writing this letter my nervousness is out the window. Do forgive me if at any place I come across as preachy or pretentious. Know that isn’t one bit intentional.

You know how I know I’m no longer a teenager? Because I just spent 10 minutes looking up what LB(BT) means. I still don’t know but as per Google this is what it could mean:

Let’s be bored together (doesn’t fit the context as you said ‘I’m LB(BT)’)

Something related to LGBTQ+ (Is it?)

Lembaga Bela Banua Talino (Which is an Institute for Community Legal Resources Empowerment – umm probably not?)

When older people would be so clueless with slangs like LOL and TTYL and BRB 10 years ago I would think, ‘Are they serious? What’s not to get in that?’ But this is a WTF moment for me because I have crossed over to the other side, clearly. Anyway, now I’m quite curious so do let me know, please! Haha

Though, I do have a really embarrassing and silly story related to internet slang and ‘brb’. So this was back in 8th grade – 2010 – when I had just joined Facebook and had started to talk to this senior in school who I soon developed a crush on. Now, you need to know 2 things for context:

Back then everyone in school would type in “chat language” which was very “cool”. For instance, ‘What is up with you?’ would be typed as ‘wht is up wth u?’

This guy would use terms of endearment for me like sweetheart, darling, etc. *pukes*

So, for a whole week when we would chat, and he would use ‘brb’ during our conversation I had no idea what it was but I just assumed it was another term of endearment. Oh my god. Shall I even say it? Okay…so I thought it was….barbie. YES WHY WOULD HE CALL ME THAT. It’s bloody weird but my 14 year old brain worked in weird ways, and yes you’re a whole lot smarter than I was at 14, and I just assumed that. Why I continued talking to a guy who I thought called me ‘barbie’, I do not know. From entering the world of social media at 14 and not knowing slangs like the back of my hand to reaching here – writing a letter to a 14 year old and not knowing another slang’s full form – a I believe I have reached a full circle. Thank you? I think it’s very humbling but also grounding to realise how old you are or just how much time has passed by. Adulting is quite disorienting and moments like these are needed.

And thankfully, I know what you mean when you say you’re Wiccan. And I think that’s pretty cool! Around when I was 16 I read a Jodi Piccoult book about teen Wiccans and I was so fascinated that post that I did 3 things:

Convinced my friend to become Wiccan with me

Installed an app for spells

Convinced my mom to let me get a tattoo with a sentence from the Wiccan Rede

My friend ditched me, the spells on that app needed things that weren’t accessible to me and I was too much of a chicken to actually get inked (still don’t have a single tattoo!) and none of those things ever really materialised.  In yet another way you’re so much smarter than I was back then. I keep saying this not to be weird but to admire you and just express how in awe I am by certain things you mentioned.

Shall I just paste the Wiccan Rede here for everyone to see how beautiful and solid it is? Or perhaps the end of it that hit me the most?

“With a fool no season spend or be counted as his friend.

Merry Meet and Merry Part bright the cheeks and warm the heart.

Mind the Three-fold Laws you should three times bad and three times good.

When misfortune is enow wear the star upon your brow.

Be true in love this you must do unless your love is false to you.

These Eight words the Rede fulfill:

“An Ye Harm None, Do What Ye Will”

And the sentence I wanted to get a tattoo of? Any guesses?

Well – An Ye Harm None, Do What Ye Will.

While I didn’t get it, I do want to talk about it.

People will always tell you what to do and what to be and what to think and how to behave and what to not wear and what to see and what to not talk about. These people will be your friends, parents, teachers, siblings, relatives, strangers, lovers, the government, employers, enemies and bullies. A lot of them will be well-intentioned and that’s where it will get tricky. But you should always do what feels right to you. No matter who says what. Stand up for what you believe in no matter who or how many people are against it. That’s from the book To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee and another book that I highly recommend.

As you grow older, the lines between good and bad, black and white, brave and weak will quickly and confusingly blur. You’ll have to make a million choices, a lot of which won’t matter in a few years while some will stay with you for the rest of your life. And sometimes it will feel like you’re in a maze and thick fog (all the confusion between what’s right and what’s wrong) is surrounding you and there is this loud, piercing noise (other people’s voices) that won’t stop until you find your way out that maze. What’s waiting for you outside? Some people think it’s success, money, love, or even death. It really depends on how you see things and what’s the most important to you.

To me? I think what’s waiting out there for me is peace and truth. Lately, I’ve been able to find my way out but it’s only seconds until I’m dragged back inside. So, how to figure a permanent way out this maze is my journey next. I don’t know anything. No one knows anything. But yet people insist on pretending to know. And sometimes that’s important too (like at work). But I hope when you’re on your journey of figuring things out for yourself, you do what feels right to you and only remember – An ye harm none do what ye will.

A picnic with your friend family where everything was so happy sounds like such a precious and beautiful memory. I’m glad you got to experience that and I can only hope that while you navigate your way through the maze, you find such absolutely lovely and blissful moments in plenty. And as for your ex who sent you anon hate – so glad that such an ass is out of your life. As someone who has received a lot of nasty anon hate on tumblr, I know it hurts the most when you suspect (more like just know it) that it’s someone who used to be close to you. I guess that’s the other stuff hiding in the maze – bitterness and pain. But I think as long as you have a few people who have the best interests for you at heart who hold your hand and figure the way out together, you’re going to be okay.

So, Atlas, I do think this turned out to be a tad bit didactic but know that’s only because the part inside of me that’s still 14 is cheering on for you and sending you much love.

xoxo

Nikki

PS I know I’ve given you 2 book recs already but here’s a third one cos I think you’d quite like it – Undead Girl Gang by Lily Anderson. It’s a book about two high school best friends who are Wiccans and one of them kills herself and the other uses a spell to bring her back to live temporarily to figure out what really happened.

Guys, February is 29 days of love letters. I’m writing love letters, as part of The Love Project, and if you’d like me to write one to you, drop me an email at creating.nikki@gmail.com

There are 10 more spots left, and you can still be a part of it if you’d like :D

I wrote this letter for Atlas based on some questions they answered. You can read their answers here.

[jumoonjae]

STAY // CHO SEUNGYOUN

PAIRINGS: SEUNGYOUN X READER

GENRE: ANGST X FLUFF

WARNING: SMUT, CURSE WORDS

ENJOY...

Never once you doubted your alcohol tolerance in your life even if it comes to your saddest day. But last night was different. You met a stranger, an attractively hot stranger who was a good listener. He never cut your words, he never asks questions and you liked that so much about him. You poured your problems out and for the first time you think that its fine because you wont see him again right after that.

But you were wrong.

You wake up this morning heavy headed next to him cuddling your naked body with both of your hands still entangled to each others. But what surprise you the most was everything fits perfectly, every gap, every curves and every holes, he seems to fit in perfectly. His bare toned abs touches your back gives all the comfort and warmth that you haven’t felt in a long while. That almost cause you to melt to his every touch and you fight so hard not to caress his smooth hand with your thumb. You wanted to get up and leave but your eyes were too heavy and his body were too comfy and you love the way his warm breath tickles your nape.

“Just a little while.” You smiled then snuggled back into his warmth and drift back to slumber almost instantly. You swear you just fell back asleep when you felt your phone vibrate right next to you which you saw it was on the floor when you woke this morning. You squint your eyes to see the text. It was your secretary. You sat on the edge massaging your temple with the blanket still covering your chest.

“New producer presentation at 11am.” You read as you sat while looking back then around to look for the guy from last night but couldn’t see any sign of another life inside the spacious studio apartment so you assumed the he left for work when you saw the clock. Its almost 10 in the morning.

You brushed your long raven black hair back as you just remembered that you have a meeting in an hour because Seungwoo just hired a new producer to replace the last one that you just fired and you were pretty sure he made himself clear that he wanted you to be at the presentation so you can evaluate him yourself. Your project was closing to the deadline.

“If you fire this one on halfway again we’ll be dead.” Seungwoo’s voice keep ringing in your head. You replied your secretary text telling you’ll be there in an hour.

You saw your clothes neatly folded on the sofa and there’s a note, you walked to the sofa dragging the blanket which still covering your chest as if there’s anyone in the room. You read the note with a small smile.

‘Sorry I have an important meeting this morning. Just make yourself a home and I hope I can see you again. -CSY’ You didn’t know the simple note can make your heart flutter so bad that you couldn’t help but to smile. You decided just to shower at your own apartment and left after tidying the bed. You stare at the bed for the last time. You couldn’t remember much about the detail from last night but you pretty sure you had a great time.

“Thank you.” You whispers with a smile. Maybe a gratitude for being a good listener or for giving you the pleasant sore between your legs.

The sound of your heels dominated the hallway as you make your way to the conference room only few minutes late followed by your secretary who was explaining your schedule for next week while you were checking your email on your phone. You enter the room without looking up because you already know who will be there with you, or you just don’t even care to see the person’s face. You nod when they greet you, still busy with your emails. As you take your seat on the end of the long conference desk.

“You’re late.” Seungwoo greets you in a monotone.

“Good morning too Seungwoo. Mina lets start.” You waved your hand and she hands you a portfolio.

“This is the new music producer for the ongoing project. Mr Cho Seungyoun.” She announce then took a step back. You raise your head to greet the said guy but you froze when the familiar smile greets you. Porcelain skin, cute button nose and that adorable dimple on both side of his cheeks whenever he smiles. It was the guy from last night. He bowed a little and you nodded still in shock but you manage to cover it up thanks to Seungwoo who starts to asks few question about his background.

You swear the presentation was the longest one you had ever attend and you almost broke a cold sweat every time your eyes met his. Maybe because everytime both of your eyes met, the memories from last night came back clearer. His deep delicious kiss, his gentle touch, you suddenly recall it all, and his tattoos. You can’t deny man with tattoo are ten times hotter than the one with none. You remember the one on his lower right abs which you admire so much last night. You started to play with the hem of your pencil skirt under the desk out of habits everytime you were nervous when the image of you went down on him and your lips stop right on the gun tattoo and made out with it before giving him a long blow job that you never knew you were so good at. You pinch the bridge of your nose harder and pretend to look at his portfolio when the memories of his handsome face getting it from you were getting clearer. Boy did that image just turn you on again.

“Are you okay? You seems to be out of place this morning.” Seungwoo asked when you both walked to your office followed by Seungyoun and Mina who was showing the office to him. You nod just to prevent him from asking anymore question because your head still spinning and your hangover was still there.

“Where did you go last night? We were waiting for you all night. Yohan wanted to say goodbye but he couldn’t wait for you because his flight was this morning. Did you call him?” There’s that name. The one that cause your emotion to chaos for the first time last night. But blaming him wasn’t going to change anything and it was your fault because you turned down his confession. But started to develop feeling for him right after which is already too late because he found someone else.

“I was hanging at the bar with someone last night. I couldn’t come and I should’ve have told you earlier. Sorry.” It wasn’t entirely an excuse, you were alone playing dart at your favorite bar and someone who playing next to you was playing poorly so your tipsy mind decided to challenge him for fun at first before he suddenly became so competitive and beat you almost at every round. So you end up offered yourself to pay for his drink which leads to long random talks, he insist to pay the drink instead, you don’t remember much and then you wake up on his bed. But somehow you were glad that he help you distract your mind from Yohan for a while.

You entered your office leaving Seungwoo and Seungyoun who was making their way to the studio. You were so nervous being around him so you didn’t even spare him a glance afraid that anyone would notice anything. But the thing that you like about him was he did his presentation professionally without sending any signal or hinting anything that something had happen between both of you.

“He wont be here all the time because he prefer to work on his own studio and besides, he’s only working with us only for this project and that’s until the end of the year.” Seungwoo explained while you were eating your lunch together as usual.

He were your best friend since childhood and had been there for you since the death of your parents, and during your hard time when your late father’s sibling started to show up and claiming the company that your father had established alone since day 1 was theirs too and you know nothing about it because you were still young and had no sibling. You fell rock bottom when you thought they came to mourn with you, to help you stand during your father’s funeral. You were hurt because they were your only family left but they never cared about you. Long story short, they end up had no shares on the company and their name were never mentioned during the reading of your father’s trust and annuities. They’re still finding their way to take away the company until now. But you leave everything to your legal lawyer to handle.

Seungwoo was there for you and end up working together with you helping you run the company so he can keep an eye on you all the time. You were glad that he did, but at the same time you hate it because it gives you the idea that you aren’t capable of taking care of yourself.

Everything that happened in your life slowly turns you into a darker person. You started to talk less even to Seungwoo which worries him but you brush him away everytime he asks too much question. Even Yohan tried comforting you as he was working at the company even before you took over, so you both were quite close before you starting to develop feeling for him, but you end up pushing him away as well just because you don’t want to talk about the reason you are distancing. Its just that you think that no one will understand how hurt you are, how tired you are. You had to give up your everything for the sake of your father. Sometimes you hate him for leaving you right after your mom did. Sometimes you just miss being yourself again.

So you created a new you. An alter ego. Who would treat everyone as cold as ice, your aura screams respect every where you go. People even bow to your shadow and it appeal you. But the truth is, that was just to mask how weak and tired you are with the life you’re living in. everything was too dull for your liking. You don’t even smile much anymore even with Seungwoo.

“Do you always work till late night like this?” You almost stumbled on your heels when you saw Seungyoun standing right beside you at the taxi stand waking you up from your train of thoughts. You almost smiled upon seeing him before you but you didn’t.

You gave him only a nod. Adverting your focus back to the road you leaned your elbow on the rail again so you wont miss any taxi that passes by. You fight back your weak heart that screams to you asking you to look at his handsome face again. But your head wont let you. You only took your mask off when you’re at home.

“Sorry I saw you leaving so I decided to follow just to greet you.”

“Just to greet me?” You can’t help to think that how sweet his gesture was, then it take you back to the note he left you this morning. Maybe he just some guy that always sweet talk to girls just to make them sleep with him. Your heart and head really had some arguments going on right now and it makes you dizzy.

“Do you want to join me for dinner?” His voice make all the voices in you stops and you almost thank him. But you guess you head won.

“Why so sudden? I don’t even know you.”

“So did last night. But we’re doing just fine.” He chuckled and smiled at you showing his dimples again.

“It was just a one night thing.” You bit your lip for being too forward. It was weird that for the first time you were afraid to hurt him.

“I want to know you more. I’m not that kind of guy.” He walk closer to you closing the gap with his smiles that you’re pretty sure will be one of your favorite if he wont stop appearing in front of you.

“Thank you for showing me that gentleman still exists but I don’t think its necessary. Good luck for the project. I’ll see you at your next presentation Mr. Cho.” You bowed slightly leaving the attractive guy as you saw a taxi came to a halt and he managed to open the door for you making your heart flutters again. You didn’t look back after the taxi dash away from the stand.

Another day on the meeting because you were close to year end so your company schedule were packed with award show and concert. You were busy visiting few site where the event will take place to monitor the progresses and that is how you gain respect from every single person in the industries. You took part in every project without anyone tell you to unlike other CEO who only listen to the progress from the second party. You like being scared off, you like it when people bowed down to you especially the older one. It turn you into a snob but you gives no shit because you did your job perfectly.

“Anyeong CEO-nim.” You were in the middle of monitoring the staff doing the sound check with a few artist doing their rehearsals when a quite familiar voice made took your focus away. It was Seungyoun.

“What are you doing here? I thought you asked to work at your on place and I’m sure that this is not where you should be.” You talk without looking at him even a part of you was dying to see him after a week since your last encounters at the taxi stand.

“Seungwoo hyung told me that you were here which is a few block from my place and I decided to stop by just to say hi.” He chirped and the corner of your lips almost lift up to his cuteness but you manage to stop it from happening. You hate it when he made your heart flutters, you were fine the whole weeks. But you refuse to gave in to your own feeling, which you never did. Not even once. But then you’ll suffer alone regretting all the decision you had made. But your mind doesn’t seems to care about your heart either.

“You’ve said it. You can leave now.” You didn’t even spare a glance to him afraid your wall would fall down and gave in as soon as you see his face. Because you still remember how good looking the man was and his sweetness and randomness did leaves some crack on your walls.

“I saw a nice Chinese restaurant on my way here.” You furrowed your brow finally looking at him questioning how the hell did he know your favorite food and he seems to pick it up.

“You told me that night.” He raise his hand surrendering as if you’re going to attack him for knowing what you like. You rolled your eye with a scoff.

“Well you told me a lot of thing you know, and the woman from that night was total opposite from this one. Its almost like she was another person.” He mumbled the few last words with a pout and you couldn’t help to think how adorable he is.

“How old are you really?” You crossed your arm and lean your body on one side of your foot. You were honestly curious. There’s no way he’d act like this if he was on the same age with you or Seungwoo.

“I’m not a minor for sure.” He gave you a sly smile which had you taken aback a little.

“so do you want to eat lunch with me or not?” he tilted his head. “yes or yes.” He interrupted before you even had a chance to open your mouth and you’re pretty sure he’s not the type that’ll back down in any occasion, so you went.

He came to you every single day to join him for lunch or dinner. Sometime you succeeded at pushing him away, buy most of the time, he managed to drag you with him and feed you. At first you both were eating in silence, super awkward silence. But as day passes by, you started to like his company, even how annoying he can be, he’s the only one who can distract you from your stress from overworking yourself every single day. You started to smile a little and you glad he never mention it. Eating lunch together had become a routine for both of you. You found yourself waiting for him to barge into tour office just to say ‘good morning’ or to take you for lunch and sometimes his weird self just waved at you everytime he saw you in a meeting room.

He did made you loosen up a little bit and many of people saw it, your worker also loosen a little bit around you, they sometimes smile when they bowed to you. Strangely, it made you feel good. They seems to like you more and still respect you. You slowly loving your office atmosphere because of him. He put some color to your dull office and not to mention, to your life too.

But you never stop wondering.

Will it last?

Will he last?

Of course he’s not. You saw him one day with eating with some girl. The girl was holding his hand and you saw him noticed you and pulled his hand away from her. You were hurt, jealous because you ridiculously think that it should had been you. You were with Seungwoo and Mina that day and they saw it too. They seems to noticed you were in distress as you excuse yourself to the ladies.

“Y/N. its not what you think.” You heard his voice when you were about to push the door.

“What should I think then?” Your hand was obviously shaking but you turned to face him instead. Your heart was literally giving up and you let your mind took over.

“She’s-“ you cut him even before he could talk.

“I don’t understand Seungyoun. Why should I listen to your explanation when it wasn’t necessary.” You calmed yourself down. Its your turn to hurt him with your poisonous tongue.

“Why do you act like we had something special between us that it’s a must for me to be jealous?” You ask him which you already saw how hurt he was and it hurts you too. But that wasn’t enough to make you stop.

“I don’t really care about your private life Seungyoun. I went to lunch with you everyday because I feel bad for making you work so hard more that other because we’re so close to the dead line and sometimes you give me no choice, nothing more than that. Stop thinking that we had anything going on between us, because clearly nothing is going on between us, and it never will.” Lies. You had the urge to smile at him before you left him without giving him the chance to say anything. You saw how hurt he was and it kills you for not giving him any chance to explain. But you’re hurt too.

“What’s wrong Y/N?” Seungwoo confronted you after you blow off almost single person you saw after you went back from your untouched lunch. Its almost like a hell break lose when you found some error in ledger on you table. You almost fire someone if its not because of Seungwoo who almost drag you into his office.

“This.” You throw the ledger on his table and he pick it up.

“But firing him wont solve anything Y/N. I know this wasn’t entirely about this ledger. Its about Seungyoun isn’t it?”

“What about him.” You crossed your arms and leaned on the couch. Not knowing if you can keep your walls intact if you heard his name again.

“You love him didn’t you?”

Crack.

“Seungwoo don’t start.” You tears had threatening to fall, you bit your lips as it started to quiver.

“See. You cant even deny it. Did you give him any chance to explain when he followed you to the ladies?”

Silence.

“Stop pushing people away from your life Y/N. they wont stay like I did because they don’t know you like I do. I know your regret when you pushed Yohan away. I hurt me to see you hurt when he left right after you reject his confession. Don’t do that to Seungyoun too. Listen to your heart only for this once.” He was on his knee now. Holding your hand trying to persuade you. But you refuse to give up, you let your tears fall and he carresed your cheeks.

"Stop." You beg. Adverting your blurry vision to somewhere else.

“you’re not the only one who had to sacrifice your dream to stand here. We both were young when we started to take over. I know I don’t deserve to say this because you lost everything and I don’t. but please stop being a coward and take the risk Y/N. Chase him. I never saw you smile like that for years and I miss that. At least give him the chance to explain. Don’t lock yourself up like this. Everybody hurt sometimes, you just need to be brave to take the risk. But for now, just take a few day off and rest for now. Sort everything out. Just call me if you need someone.” He tapped your head with his soft smile and stand ready to leave you with the ledger.

“Seungwoo.” You called before rushing to his embrace which. He smiled and let you cried into his chest.

“I love him yes. But i'm scared. It hurts so much that I cant even breathe. It feels like de ja vu. The pain. You know. I was so scared.” You sobs as he caressed your hair. You couldn't even talk properly.

“Shhh. Its okay. You’ll feel better after you listen to his explanation even if its not the one you expect to hear. Take all the time you needed first. Put your heart first this time. Choose what makes you happy.” He hushed you and let you stay in his office until you’re ready to drive home.

You were feeling restless at home, tossed and turn on your bed. Is it because of what you said Seungyoun. Did you overeacted? Or did you feel guilty. You couldn’t denied the fact that you feel emptier without his text and phone call. Did he managed to fill the void in you all this time? Did your stupid mind had realize it too now? Was that’s the reason why you felt lonelier than before. You realize how you’re hoping that all the text from Seungwoo asking if you’re okay was from him instead. You heard you doorbell rang and take your time to open it. Mybe its Seungwoo who come just to check up on you. It had been three days you locked yourself up in your apartment.

“Hi.” He stood with his hand waving at you. Seungyoun.

“How do you know I live here?” You asked. Surprised.

“I asked Seungwoo hyung. Sorry. I know I shouldn’t have, but please. Listen to me. Only for this time.”

“I was trying to fix things by trying to know you more and asked you out for a decent lunch and dinner you know. I just though that maybe if I sent you home instead of taking you home that night maybe things would be different for us because I really like you. Call me weird because we just met that night but I like the way you really see the world. You weren’t that cold as a person, you’re just tired. You didn’t said it but I know by all the stories that you had told me that night. But I was stupid. I thought that if I take you home, you’ll stay. We can bloom. But I was wrong. I’m sorry. I wont bother you anymore I promise. I came because you didn’t let me explain myself that day. The girl was my ex who wanted to get back. But I turned her down because I want to be with you instead. I’m sorry.”

He gave you a small smile before turning his heels to leave. You still couldn’t move your limbs as your mind was in a middle of a war between stopping him and apologize or letting him go and live your dull life without him. But your heart keep telling you that you need him more than you think. He lightens your life these past week, radiate your life like a thousand sun. He was your distraction when you’re way too caught up with your stupid job.

“For fuck’s sake.” Shutting all the voices inside your head and you ran out from your apartment straight to the elevator barefoot. You press the button and it open immediately. He’s still there, looking down, but raise his head after the door open fully. Boy how your heart beat drumming through your ribcage when you saw him. The door closed and you hurriedly press the same button again. He saw your urgency even no word escaped your lips, he seems to understand. He walk out and cupped your cold face. You stare into his eyes and you saw hope. Then, you advert your eyes to his lips before catching it with yours. He kissed back without hesitation and let you drown in his sweet delicate lips.

“Please stay.” You said after you pull away. You leaned your head on his chest which you could feel his heartbeat as well matching your own. He took you into his embrace giving the warmth that had been lost for years. You felt safe again. All the voices in your head had disappeared putting you in ease.

“I’m sorry for what I’ve said. I never regret my word so much like I did this time.” You look for his eyes which now looking at you with adoration. His sweet smile never left his face.

“I’m sorry too that my behavior had given you the wrong idea. I should’ve just said it so there wont be any misunderstanding.” He pulled your head into his chest again and rest his chin on top of your head.

“I like you too you know. I just afraid if acknowledge that feeling, I’ll lose you too just like I lose everyone I cared for.”

“I promise I will stay if you let me.” You smiled to his chest and muttered okay and he tightens his embrace just enough to make you feel safe that someone had hold on to you now. That you’re not alone anymore and you’re ready to feel again. To feel loved.

#AN: I'm not entirely sure about this fic because i've constanly change the plot and stuff. I've been working way too long for this one so i hope ya'll enjoy reading it. This is one of Seungyoun fic from my draft. Still working for another three. WWW drama series inspire this fic because i really love Bae Tami and Park Mogan love story. This is the simple version with a little twist. Feel free to like and reblog.

[madelinecoffee]

On Her Own Ch. 2

Summary: 10 years into being a vampire on her own Bella meets Esme at the bookstore where she works, and Esme brings her home hoping Bella will choose to join their family. A/N: Oh my gosh the fact that people are reading this story has blown me away. If you reblogged it or let me know you liked it thank you, I literally am just writing this because I enjoy it. But you people telling me you like it means the world. Here you go another chapter  Words: 2149 Previous Chapters: Ch. 1

Jasper and Esme had made sure that no one tried to sidetrack Bella as she told the Cullen’s her story, Edward had when Bella said she grew up in Forks. And the poor girl was frightened, she was already so nervous about telling them and trying to answer Edward’s question was hard. Jasper smirked as he thought of her emotions; this young vampire was definitely smitten with his brother.

“My dad the police chief, he was quiet and strong and had a great mustache.” Bella smiled at the memory, “He was great, he was busy but he always made time for me. He used to take me fishing with him, even though I’d just read it was special. He and my mom, René fought a lot. She had wanted to leave when I was a baby but I don’t think she was responsibility enough to care for a baby” Bella sighed and Rosalie spoke up.

“What do you mean she wasn’t responsible enough for a baby? You were her child she should’ve wanted to care for you.” Rosalie sounded confused and slightly angry

“She was forgetful, my dad did all the bills and that stuff. If he didn’t I would’ve had to. Once I was about 8 I started taking over the cooking and the cleaning. I think my mom thought I liked it, but I just did it because she didn’t seem to want to.” Bella gave a tiny smile, “I’m quiet the people pleaser, my dad always told me I didn’t have to cook or clean or any of the house work. But I know he appreciated it. Mom just went off doing whatever was her thing for that day.”

Esme spoke up, “What do you mean sweetie?”

Bella tried not to preen at the name, “She was forgetful and really just a free spirit. Her and my dad fought a lot.  She was always wanting to leave Forks and go somewhere else, but he couldn’t leave he was the chief. Honestly I don’t think she understood me at all, she was loud and spunky and always making friends and talking to people. She always wanted to change or do something different. She was convinced I should go blonde.  I didn’t like any of that stuff. I was more like my dad, he was thoughtful and he just knew things. He used to call me Bells.” Her lip trembled, “I miss him.”

Jasper tried to ease the pain she was feeling but she brushed him off and continued, “After I got out of high school he had a heart-attack unexpectedly and died. I was a wreck for the year after, between me and my mom I was the adult so I was grieving while dealing with her grieving. I was paying bills and planning his funereal and trying to figure out what I wanted to do next with my life. And it was just doing it all.”

Alice spoke up, “Oh Bella that’s horrible!”

Bella shrugged, “Its just how it is.” But Alice huffed in irritation, “I tried to work through it I got his badge number and Chief Swan tattooed on my side so he’d always be close to my heart. And he always will be now.”

Bella bit her lip and took a calming breath; she hated talking about her change but that’s where she was in her story.

“So I was about to turn 20, I was gearing up to take community college classes because I just didn’t know what I wanted to do. Some of the guys form La Push and I had gone camping when it happened. The man had long hair and his mate had bright red hair, he said-said he had never smelled anything so good. Apparently the legends are true because after he bite me Jacob went full wolf and tore him to shreds, but the red-head got away. Sometimes I worry she’ll find me and that she blames me for taking her mate. But I mostly try not to think about it.” Bella drew in a shaky breath.

“Jacob knew what was happening, and he stayed with me while I burned. It was easy to leave Forks after that. Rene had been dating this man named Phil and had been staying with him. I just left her a note saying I needed to be away from Forks. And I took the important things with me.”

Carlisle spoke, “And that was it? You’re still legally alive?”

Bella nodded, “Um, yeah. It’s helped because Charlie left me his pension.”

Esme spoke next, “There was never any word from your mother?”

Bella felt her lib quivering overwhelmed with the compassion of Esme’s tone, “No I haven’t. I still have the same number, same email. She knows how to contact me. I guess it’s just easier to pretend that me and Charlie never happened.” Venom started to fill her eyes and Esme was by her in an instant as was Alice pushing Edward off the love seat.  Esme pulled Bella into her arms as she cried and Alice rubbed her back.

It took a few minuets for Bella to calm down; she wiped her eyes on her sleeves. “That’s why I don’t think I’m meant for a family. My own mom doesn’t even want me.”

Rosalie spoke with such venom Bella cowered into Esme, “Well your mother’s an idiot. What I wouldn’t give to have a child and here she is with one and she doesn’t even acknowledge your existence!”

Esme started stroking Bella’s hair, which seemed to sooth Bella who slumped against Esme. “It’s not fair that any of that happened to you Bella, and it’s no doubt that you’ve done very well on your own. But we’d still love to have you as part of our family.” Everyone nodded.

“Yeah Bella, Edward here can’t be the odd one out forever!” Emmett bolstered

“Emmett!” Edward sputtered

Bella sniffled, “You’d really want me?”

Carlisle spoke, “Bella, both me and Esme see the rest of our coven as our kids and we would love it if you’d be our daughter too.”

Bella bit her lip and snuggled further into Esme’s loving embrace, “I’m not sure”

Esme spoke up, “That’s okay sweetie. Why don’t you spend the weekend with us and see what you think okay?”

Bella nodded, “Okay but I’ll have to run by my place to get some clothes.”

Alice burst up, “I have a whole closet already set up for you! And I know you don’t like fashion. But there’s some soft t-shirts and sweaters, and everything is in your size.”

Bella turned away from Esme to hug Alice, “Thank you Alice, no one’s ever bought me anything like that before.”

Alice chuckled, “Well you better get used to it! I’m quiet good at the stock market and you need someone to take care of you for a change!”

Bella could feel that shopping for Bella was what Alice really wanted so she smiled and tightened her hug.

--

After the rest of the family had dispersed around the house, Esme and Alice lead Bella up to what would be her room. She was intrigued with the rest of the Cullen and she admitted to herself, she was attracted to Edward and wanted to get to know him. But he made her nervous, as did Emmett and Jasper. They both looked like they rarely lost a fight. And Bella had her fair share of run-ins with some not so friendly nomads. She felt more comfortable with Esme for now, and Alice was kind as well.

Esme held her hand as she led her up the stairs at a human pace, Bella was grateful for Esme holding her hand. It made her feel grounded, and although she was a grown-up. She was almost 30 for god’s sake! She still needed a mother though; she wanted to be part of this family. She was just afraid.

They walked into a room with windows facing the forest, and a queen bed against the wall.

“We’ll obviously decorate it however you want Bella, but we figured this could be your space. We’ll get you some book cases, I know you’ll need them” Esme listed off

Alice clapped her hands, “Oh this will be such fun! We haven’t decorated a new room in forever! I’ll get my laptop and we can start ordering!” She was out and back in a flash. “And Bella, your part of our family that means our money is yours. Don’t worry about the prices, it’s okay!”

The girls settled on Bella’s new bed as they decided on some bookcases and a cozy chair, and some decals for the wall. They got Bella new sheets that Alice said were really soft and a large comforter for the bed that had star designs on it.

Esme spoke up as they were finishing, “Even if you decide against being part of our family, you can always stay with us.” Esme kissed her head and Bella felt herself sagging against the women and she embraced her.

Esme spoke softly, “Do you want to go to bed sweetie?” She felt Bella nod against her, “I have some pajamas that should fit you. Give me a second okay.” Bella didn’t want her to let go; she hadn’t realized just how much she missed someone caring for her. But she nodded and let go, but she didn’t need to worry Esme was back in a flash with a large button up nightshirt. “Its really soft and it should cover all the necessary parts “We’ll let you get changed, okay?”

Bella slipped into the nightshirt, it was very comfortable. She’d have to ask Esme where she got it. She took out her braid and brushed her fingers through her hair to loosen it.

She stepped out of her room and ran straight into Edward chest where Edward let out an ‘ope’.

“I’m so sorry Edward! I was too in my head I guess” Bella smiled up at him, she hadn’t realized just how tall he was and that hair of his added another bit of height.

“Don’t worry Bella, I was in wrapped up in my thoughts too.” Edward smiled down at her, “You look really pretty by the way. I know you’re just going to bed, but yeah you look nice.”

Bella knew she’d be as red as a tomato if she was human, instead she bit her lip and tried to use her hair to hide her face but Edward pushed it behind her hair. “Don’t be embarrassed Bella, I could compliment you a thousand times and it wouldn’t bother me in the slightest.”

“Thank you, I was just trying to find Esme to say goodnight.”

Edward smiled kindly, “She’s just down the stairs she was just letting us talk. But I’ll let you go goodnight lovely Bella”

“Goodnight Edward”

When Bella bounded down the stairs she had to smile at the scene, Esme was tucked into Carslie’s side reading a book while he read his own. Alice and Rose were designing something together on an i-pad, and Bella had a supsision it had to do with her as alice kept glancing her way. Emmett and Jasper were playing some video game together and they all seemed perfectly content. Her non-beating heart hurt for a moment with want, she desperately wanted to be part of this family but she wasn’t sure if she could be.

Before she could get too lost in her own thoughts Esme stood up noticing Bella. “Are you headed up to bed Bella?” When she nodded, Esme came towards her, “Wonderful I’ll come tuck you in” Bella felt vemon pool her in eyes again, what it would have been like to have a mother who tucked her in at night.

“Headed to bed already Bella?” Emmett said aloud pausing the game him and Jasper were playing, “Don’t you want to help me kick Jasper’s butt?” Bella giggled but shook her head. And one by one she was embraced by the Cullen family, each wishing her a good nights sleep and telling her the nightshirt suited her and that she looked cute.

Esme held her hand as she brought up stairs and help the think comforter open so Bella could climb in, and sat by Bella’s side for a moment stroking her hair.

“I really hope you decided to stay Bella, I’d love you to be my daughter.” Esme told her softly before kissing her head as Bella nodded to overcome by emotion to respond with her words, “Edward is across the hall if you need anything in the night, and we’re all a shout away if you need anything. I love you sweetie.”

With that Bella slipped into the most comforted sleep she had, well ever, knowing the house was filled with people who just wanted her to be part of their family. Maybe she could stay.

[greekowl87]

Fic: Vegas Embers

Summary: Written for the Summer Fic Exchange. A post ‘Never Again’ fic. While undercover in Las Vegas for “Summer Getaway in Winter,” Mulder and Scully try to resolve whatever is between them. 

A/N: Cross-posting on Tumblr. [Linke to AO3] | @xfilesfanficexchange Link.

Written for @serahsanguine. Prompt was "summer vacation, with loads and loads of UST, alcohol, jealousy on both parts finally resulting in RST" taken someplace between season 3-7. I hope I did this prompt well. I tried my best to stay true to the prompt, especially on summer vacation part. For Serah  @SerahSanguine. I hope you enjoy. Thanks to @clover-covered-hills for a being a second set of eyes.

Songs referenced: “I Don’t Want to Set the World On Fire.” - The Inkspots “Baby, It's Just You.” - Lynda Carter “Love Me As Though There Were No Tomorrow” - Nat King Cole

The classic song, “I Don’t Want to Set the World on Fire” by the Inkspots, crooned over the radio somewhere in their glitzy hotel room in Las Vegas. The door slammed open with Scully storming in wearing a black dress that hugged her body and Mulder trailing behind sputtering endless apologies. His sharply dressed-suit now sported a large red wine stain down his tie and white collared shirt. “Scully, how many times do I have to say sorry? I’m sorry, okay? What’s done is done. Water under the bridge.”

“You almost blew our cover,” she snapped. “I don’t want to be here pretending to be on summer vacation with you undercover as husband and wife. It was bad enough. Now you had to go and make a fool of yourself and ruin it. Organized Crime was daft to get us involved.”

“There’s nothing else we can do about it,” he signed, dabbing his ruined tie with a cocktail napkin. He shut the door more gently. “The orders came from Skinner. There’s nothing we can do about it.”

The Organized Crime unit desperately needed two agents to pose as a couple for a romantic vacation retreat for married couples titled “Summer Getaway in Winter” that was a front for the mob families in one of their latest money laundering schemes. Someone higher up had tapped Skinner for assistance and, in response, he assigned both Mulder and Scully to go undercover with organized crime and fly to Las Vegas to pose as a married couple and try to gain intelligence about the Di Finamore family’s latest scandal. However, after four days of posing as husband and wife, Mulder and Scully were at each other’s throats.

“This was supposed to be simple, Mulder. Just watch and observe. Then you had to go and ruin our chance by causing a scene! Trying to get closer by getting the autograph of a drag Cher performer is not the way!”

Scully kicked her heels off and lost three inches as she began to take the bobby pins out that had been holding up her hair. She could feel Mulder’s eyes penetrating into the back of her skull and shook out her hair in frustration. “Like me spilling my wine all over my shirt was part of this plan,” he replied.

She heard the acidity in his voice and she kept her steely gaze reflected on her reflection. She could still feel the tension between them. It had been days. Going on over a week. Maybe it was the nonexistent one night stand she had with Ed Jerse that still hung between them. He was still mad at something. Scully shrugged her shoulders. It felt good to have a man give her the attention that she deserved as a woman rather than the FBI agent. However, when she appeared back in the basement office covered with bruises and cuts, claiming her life was her own, that all disappeared. Ever since then, he treated her like an overprotective alpha male and she was sick of it.

“Well, you are awfully convincing about it,” she spat.

“How long is this going to go on, Scully?”

“What are you talking about?” She turned her head slightly as she took out her pearl earrings. “This farce or what this bullshit going on between us?”

“You’re still mad at me about Philadelphia?” he panned.

“And you’re still mad about me having a life outside of what we do?”

“That’s low, Scully, even coming from you.”

“Bullshit, Mulder! Instead of treating me like your pretend wife, you treat me like a whore.”

Mulder’s eyebrows shot up. “Woah! Woah! Now, wait just a second there, Scully. That is low and untrue.”

“Then why are still trying to punish me for a nonexistent one night stand. How many times do I have to tell you, Mulder? I didn’t sleep with Jerse! Get it through your thick head!”

“This isn’t about you and Jerse!” he snapped. “This is about us, Scully! How do you expect us to be husband and wife if we can’t even act like partners!”

Mulder was trying to undo his ruined tie in frustration, pulling and yanking at the silk. Scully came forward in frustration to help him as the radio band sang, “I’ve lost all ambition for worldly acclaim. I just want to be the one you love.”

“The song is rather ironic,” Mulder whispered. He stilled as Scully’s skilled fingers undid the knot and gently slide the tie from his collard.

The song continued hauntingly. “I don’t want to set the world on fire. I just want to start a flame in your heart.”

She refocused her gaze and met his eyes. “We need to come up with another game plan if we want to get the intel tonight.”

“Scully, Dino is gone for that night. You heard him his wife. They’ll be back tomorrow morning for breakfast, which I promise we’ll be there.”

“You don’t get it, do you?” Scully rolled her eyes. “You only do things when it’s convenient for you, Mulder. Scully, I’m going on vacation, go to Philadelphia and chase down this lead. Scully, how could you sleep with a man that ended up being poisoned by hallucinogenic tattoo ink? Why on earth did you get a tattoo, Scully?” She let out an exasperated sigh. “Why do have to be so controlling, Mulder? I told you, this is my life too! We are supposed to be partners. Do you know what that means?”

“Scully…”

“Part-ner,” she stressed the syllables using her doctor’s voice. “Noun. Singular. Either a pair of people engaged in the same activity. Definition two: be the partner of.”

“I don’t need to recite to me the actual definition of what a ‘partner’ is, Scully. What do you want me to do? I’m trying.”

“Are you really? What has been bothering you most? Are you still mad about me and Jerse?”

“Are we really going down to this road, Scully? Now while we are undercover?”

“We have to have it sometime,” she said. She crossed her arms and stood up to her full five foot two height. Mulder looked away as he tried to finish undoing his tie. “The minibar is stocked full of booze if it makes it easier, Mulder.”

He glanced down at the fake wedding band on the left hand. He bit his lip before considering his words carefully. “Why now, Scully?”

“Well, let’s begin with the obvious,” she started.

She was already unzipping that gorgeous black dress that had been driving him crazy all night as she disappeared into the bathroom. The door closed. The bobby pins were coming out of her hair and he heard the pinging of them as she laid them down on the bathroom counter. Mulder was already growing uncomfortable he felt his blood rush downwards. He tried to rub it away. “Not now,” he hissed.

“Did you say something, Mulder?” Scully called.

“No,” he called. He tore off his tie and dress shirt, revealing a white t-shirt was stained with red wine under it. Scully emerged with her red hair flamed curling and wearing a white, fluffy robe. She stood in front of the bathroom with her hands on her hips. “Scully, are you trying to torture me?”

“I don’t know what you are talking about, Mulder. Are we doing this talk or not?”

Mulder shuddered to hear the boldness in her voice. “I might need something if we are,” he winced. “I’m almost afraid to say anything since you know how to get away with murder legally.”

“I’ll pour us a couple of drinks. This is on the Bureau's dime after all.”

“I suppose it is,” Mulder whispered in reply. This entire situation was already incredibly uncomfortable as far as he was concerned. His rational mind began already screamed that he should full brakes on this entire situation. “Scully, we really don’t have to do this.”

“I think we do,” she answered. “Ever since Jerse, you walk around with a giant chip on your shoulder. You couldn’t even finish your sentence the day I came in all bruised. I told you, Mulder. This is my life too. I won’t let the x-files or the work consume me.”

“So,” Mulder swallowed, using all of his, “how do we start this conversation?”

“I’d suggest talking.”

“It feels like we are incapable of that sometimes, wouldn’t you agree?”

“Well, you’re the one with the fancy Oxford education, Agent Mulder. How would you suggest we begin?”

Scully set down two rocks glasses filled with ice and clear liquid. Mulder eyed it warily. “It’s vodka. A very, very good vodka,” she replied to his unspoken question. “The stuff you and I could not afford with our government paychecks.”

She sat down on elegant white leather couches that accompanied the California King bed in the other corner. She folded her legs under her so that her bare toes were the only things that stuck out from underneath her fluffy robe.  Mulder crossed his legs uncomfortably in a vain attempt to hide the growing evidence of his distraction. “How about the way I treated you? Maybe we should just keep my mouth shut before I do something else embarrassing.”

“Why do you do that?”

“Anything I say to you gets me in trouble regardless.”

“Aw, Jesus Christ, Mulder. Quit playing the martyr card. I don’t have time for that shit.”

“Just like you did with Jerse.”

Scully’s eyes narrowed dangerously. “I did not sleep with him! I merely spent the night. What the hell makes you think I did?”

“The police reports, Scully! You were wearing a man’s shirt!”

“Doesn’t mean I fucking slept with him, Mulder! You know me for Christ’s sake.”

“Then what do you call it?”

Scully picked up the expensive vodka and downed in one smooth gulp. The fiery liquid burned in her veins and she winced. “I don’t know, Mulder. What would you call it? Being an overprotective ass? Some summer vacation this is turning out to bed.”

“It’s February,” he muttered in annoyance.

“Doesn’t matter. We’re in the desert. Las Vegas. This marriage retreat is ‘Summer Getaway.’ We’re on summer vacation,” she corrected bitterly. “Why the fuck does  the exact choice of words matter, Mulder?”

“So what? Now you’re cursing like a sailor?”

“I’m mad!” Scully slammed the glass down. “I’m mad at you! Do you think that I am incapable of feeling emotions?”

“I don’t know? You are so fucking closed off to the world. How the fuck am I supposed to know what you are thinking?”

Mulder was furious at this point. The combination of being tired of Scully’s closed nature and endless nagging was quickly wearing him down. She frowned and her brow creased with anger. “What the hell are you talking about?”

“What do you want me to do, Scully? How am I supposed to treat you?”

Scully arched an eyebrow. “What are you afraid of, Mulder? Are you jealous?” Mulder recrossed his legs and grimaced. “Does it bother you that I am finally speaking my mind?” She leaned forward, grabbed the other glass, and emptied in one draught. “Or the fact that I am not acting like the usually Agent Scully that you know?”

Mulder could not help but glance down her robe before quickly looking away. He missed her satisfied smile. “What do you want, Scully?”

“I want you to acknowledge me as you used to, Mulder. As your equal.”

“I still do!”

“You haven’t in weeks,” she scoffed. “You’ve been treating me just like any man who has tried to take over my life.”

“Scully.”

She poured another hefty helping of vodka into the two glasses and glared at Mulder. “You know, you haven’t moved once since we sat down. Have a drink with me,” she challenged. “Show me.”

“Show you what?” He asked. “What on earth has gotten into you, Scully? You aren’t acting like yourself.”

She held out the glass and he took it reluctantly. “Maybe it’s the alcohol. What bothers you more, Mulder? The fact that beneath this,” she motioned to her robed body, “or is that fact that I can be more than Agent Scully?” She shook the vodka glass as the ice clinked against the sides, mocking Mulder. “Is it the thought of me with Jerse?”

“Scully, stop it. I think you’ve had enough to drink.”

“This is supposed to be summer vacation. We’re undercover. You know, Jerse took me to some rock bar. It reminded me of something from my teenage years. It was nice to pretend but it wasn’t me.”

“What’s you?”

Scully smiled enigmatically. “You’re looking at me like that again.”

“What’s that?”

“You don’t know what to do with me.”

“I don’t.”

“Tell me, Mulder,” she answered. “What do you see?” She sipped the vodka and slipped onto the couch next to him. Her expert blue eyes caught the evidence of him being uncomfortable. “What do you want from me?”

Mulder could see this situation spiraling horribly out of control like an airplane falling to the Earth about to explode. But the look in her eyes pulled at his heart and he found the jealousy that sprung like a vocal no originally ebb underneath her healing gaze. “I was hoping this undercover assignment would be a chance for us to turn the page, start anew. You’ve been nothing but mad at me since we got here. I am tired of us fighting, Scully. I was jealous.” She raised an eyebrow and he corrected himself. “I am jealous. I wish we could really take a summer vacation and just get away from it all.”

“You just had a vacation,” she pointed out.

He shrugged. “It wasn’t really that exciting. I would have rather been with you.”

Scully rested her head on her hand and sipped the vodka. “I was really pissed at you.”

“I can imagine. I think you shot me the last time.”

“I still saved you.”

“That’s my favorite scar,” he whispered. He watched her eyes glaze over either from the alcohol or emotions. “I know that sounds a bit macabre but it is true.”

Silently, Scully set the glass aside and leaned closer to him. She glanced down at his lap. “That evidence suggests you are hardly jealous of Jerse,” she murmured.

He tried to pull away but her gentle hand on his shoulder stopped him. “I don’t know what you are trying to do, Scully, or what you want.”

“What do you want, Mulder? Did you wish it had been you?”

“Scully, I don’t think you are in your right frame of mind,” he stuttered trying to push away.  

Scully got up in a fit of rage. “What do you want me to do, Mulder?” She wrapped her arms around herself. “At one moment, I thought we were just partners. The next, after Jerse, I thought you jealous, genuinely jealous. Maybe we could have something after you finally got it through your thick skull that this is my life. I choose who I want to be with. And I see that this…” She gestured wildly to her robe, the empty glasses, and vodka bottle, “was useless.”

“Oh for fuck’s sake,” he muttered, standing up suddenly. The blood rushed to the groin again and he winced. “You have me acting like a fool, Scully. I don’t know what you want me to do. Do you want me to be angry? Do you want to pretend what we have is nothing?”

Scully crossed her arms and eyed the enlarged bulge on his suit pants. “What we have is not nothing,” she sighed. “I didn’t sleep from Jerse because of you. You are the one who stopped me. No matter how mad or angry I get with you, it means nothing at the end of the day.”

The radio switched to a new song came on by Lynda Carter, “Baby It’s Just You.” The upbeat jazz ensemble began as she began like a siren. “Like an earthquake starting to roll, I felt my world shake out of control. Like a new world war starting to brew. Baby, it’s just you.” Mulder held out his hand as the song continued.  “Like a cyclone, wild and extreme, I got my mind blown, stalking a dream. Waking up without a clue, ‘cause baby, it’s just you.”

The longest moment paused between them but Scully grasped his open hand and allowed him to pull her close. Roles were forgotten. Work was nonexistent. It was just them. Mulder and Scully. She wrapped her other arm around his neck and pulled him down with gentle pressure. Their foreheads bumped awkwardly and Mulder smiled. Scully pressed against him. “This is for me, huh?”

“For once, I don’t have to hide it.”

They smiled as the singer’s voice continued her siren song. “Help me, help me, rescue my heart. Save me, save me from falling apart. Take me, take me, baby I’m sure. You’ve got the power, you’ve got the cure.”

They swayed together as Scully wrapped her arm around his neck pulling him close. The tempo picked up and she smiled and chuckled. In perfect time, they continued their small little waltz. “I was hoping we could put things to rest,” Mulder continued. “I...I realize that this, whatever it is...we could move forward somehow. Or at least get rid of the bad blood between us that presides over Jerse.”

“I’m willing to move forward if you are,” she whispered.

The song continued and Mulder swayed with her. “Yes,” he promised.

Taking that as a hint, she inches forward, and gently kissed him. It was a simple innocent kiss but the flame swallowed them whole. They broke away briefly to ground themselves in the hotel room. Scully’s hand snaked downwards, her deft fingers unbuckling Mulder’s black leather belt, undoing the button, and zipping down the fly. He took a deep breath and gave a weak smile. “You have me at an unfair advantage here, Scully,” he whispered.

She squeezed him firmly. “I’m a doctor, Mulder. It’s my job to always have the edge.”

He smiled. “Well, Agent Scully, let’s investigate shall we?”

He kissed her again, delving his tongue into her mouth, tasting the drops of vodka from earlier. She moaned in appreciation and began to pull him backward with her to the large king size bed. “Turn out the lights except for the lamp,” she ordered softly.

Her blood was singing as she had fantasized about this moment before. Sometimes it was in their basement office or some motel on the road as they were wrapping up the case. Maybe it had been in a moment of passion or anger. But not like this. The idea of pretending to be someone else was alluring. She played with those cards while she had been of Jerse in Philadelphia but nothing had come of it. Their undercover roles as husband and wife weren’t right either. She twisted off the fake wedding band and placed it on the nightstand. Mulder turned out most of the lights except the lamp she had indicated.

The radio faded to Doris Day and he smiled. “The radio is playing all the right tunes, Scully. Why can’t we?”

“Leave it on.”

The music slowed time as if freezing the moment. Mulder kicked off his shoes and socks. Scully propped herself up on her arms to watch him. “Take off the wedding ring, Mulder.”

“What? How come?”

“Just do it.”

He slipped off the gold band and placed it by the white leather couches. “Now what?”

“Just come here.” He took of the stained white shirt and cast it aside. It was almost like a weight being lifted off of him. He was no longer chained to being Agent Mulder or whatever stupid alter ego the Bureau had dreamed up for their undercover case. He was himself again. They were themselves. “What?”

“Just thinking,” he murmured.

He walked forward, slowly, trying to look confident and in control but Scully burst out laughing. “Stop it, Mulder. You're not making this any easier.”

“First times are never easy,” he answered. He lay beside her on the bed. “I was trying to play it cool. They are awkward, uncomfortable, sometimes forgettable.”

“I’m certain this won’t be.” She propped her head up on her hand and gently traced the puckered wound near his shoulder. “Are you certain you want to do this?”

“Yes. You?”

She took a deep breath and nodded. “No regrets, Scully. Whatever happens between us, it doesn't change a thing.”

“What happens if it does, Mulder,” she asked. Scully let her mind drift to malignant possibilities of what they had destroyed. “What happens…”

Mulder silenced her with a searing kiss that zapped away any lingering doubt that she had between them. She let released her arms and rolled onto her back pulling Mulder closer. “No ‘what happens’ or ‘what ifs’ tonight, Scully.” He kissed her again on her forehead, her temple, her lips. She unconsciously arched her back slightly. “I was jealous. I only imagined what Jerse did to you. I was filled with regret. Regrets that I wasn’t the one who could show you how you deserve to be treated.”

He leisurely ran his hand down her bare thigh. He arched an eyebrow in surprise. “Well, it’s you now,” she whispered.

“Do you want to pretend some more?” He kissed her softly. “Pretend that we are on summer vacation? Have another drink?”

“I don’t want to cloud my senses anymore,” she told him. “I’m already quite buzzed and feeling quite good. No. I want to do this just as us, Scully and Mulder.”  She raked her fingers through his hair. “I want this to mean something.”

“It already does.” Mulder chuckled and pulled at the knot bounding her robe. She breathed sharply as the cool air hit her bare skin and Mulder’s warm fingertips traced her smooth abdomen. “You were holding out on me, Scully.”

“Hm. Maybe I had a feeling or maybe I finally knew what I wanted with my life,” she told him. “There are still some barriers between us.”

“I want to take my time first.”

In true Vegas fashion, the radio changed to Nat King Cole’s “Love As There Is No Tomorrow.” They smiled at one another as Mulder peeled the robe back like a forbidden fruit. God, how long he had dreamed and fantasized about this moment. Scully, before him as the amazing goddess who stood by him over the past four years as the chased monsters in the dark and became his staunchness defender standing over an autopsy table or by his side in front of Skinner’s desk. He, himself a feeble mortal, allowed to worship at her alter.

Mulder’s fingers traced her body, slowly working his way upwards. Nat King Cole continued in the background. Scully closed her eyes and let her simply enjoy the moment. He gently traced his fingers around her left areola before trailing his tongue and smothering it away with a kiss before moving onto the right. Scully continued to run his fingers through his hair and sigh with ecstasy.

Scully didn’t know why she had let herself go for so long without feeling this...this moment. Everything that encompassed it. He was gentle in his explorations, revenant even. He tore away the remains of the rob as she took of the remains of his lower clothing. Time stood still as they explored each other. Mulder worked his way down, his lips and tongue leaving a path like breadcrumbs to the ultimate treasure. Scully sighed with pleasure as her entire body shivered.

The reaction did not go unnoticed by Mulder. He continued to run his hands up and down her body reverently, trying to memorize every aspect of her and this moment. Scully closed her eyes. Jerse didn’t even come close. Ethan was just to proper and his nagging pressure to marry him properly was the straw that broke the camel’s back. Jack continued to treat her as his subordinate, never fully able to disengage with the role of instructor. While their relationship had its sweet moments but mostly was one-sided. They mutually ended it after three months.  Then Daniel. She fell for him because of what he represented. She ended it because he wanted to tuck her away on a shelf like a replica of a bygone era as his wife.

But Mulder…

She gasped as he struck gold. It had been so long since she allowed herself to be a woman and simply be present in the moment. This recent strike of rebellion was not born out of resentment towards Mulder (although he did act like an ass). But it was a sudden desire to change things between them.  A few weeks ago, Scully had experienced a horrific nose bleed. She tried to put it out of her mind but then there was a second nose bleed. At a regular check-up, she mentioned it off handly to her doctor who suggested seeing a specialist for high blood pressure. After all, Scully was in a very dangerous profession. But because of Philidelphia and this stupid undercover assignment, she had yet to find the time.

But in the back of her mind, despite the doctor’s assurances and her own medical training, she had the growing feeling of something bad happening. With that growing feeling slowly starting to gnaw at her insecurities, she decided to take a chance tonight and confront Mulder and see what would happen. She was not complaining at all.

She left his nose nudge that sensitive area away, that marvelous sunflower shucking tongue of his play her like a violin. The warmth was slow at first, like a distant memory, growing at the base of her spine and pelvis. But it was growing slowly, like a smoldering wildfire. He pinched, licked, and teased. It soon became all too much for her and she screamed his name in satisfaction. Mulder lifted his head with a shit eating grin on his face.

“I bet Jerse couldn’t make you scream like that,” he told her.

Scully was on her back, panting heavily. Mulder’s large hands were tracing her legs, her body, everywhere. She chuckled and pulled him upwards so they could be even. “No one has,” she whispered.

She felt like her entire body melted. Had it really been so long since she allowed herself to feel this good? He was gentle in his ministrations, kissing her tenderly. She could taste herself on his lips and it made her weak in her knees. They crawled beneath the 800 Egyptian thread count cotton sheets and he propped his head upon his arm to drink her in. “Scully, you okay?” His fingers traced her profile. She nodded and turned onto her side to press herself against him. She felt the length of him against her stomach. This moment was going to her head. She couldn’t think or reason. Mulder smiled. “Just be in the moment, Scully.”

“Be in the moment. I was by taking a risk like this.”

“I think it is ending up rather well, don’t you?” She was silent. “Scully? Did I say something wrong?”

“Is this just a meaningless one night stand?”

“No!” He promised. He kissed her again and Scully knew she had been lying to herself for a while. “No, I promise. I don’t know how to put into words what I feel. We’ve never actually, uh, been good at that.”

“Actions speak louder than words,” she murmured.

“They do.”

Both burst out laughing after a serious moment of silence as Scully rolled on top of him. “Enough chatter,” she whispered. “I’m tired of waiting.”

She was beyond ready. Mulder’s admission that this meant more than a one night stand sealed the deal. She slid down his engorged member and they both moaned at the sensation. Nothing had ever felt so good. Maybe it was whatever had been between them vanishing or four years of pent up stress disappearing or just finally consuming the next evolutionary step in their relationship.

They moved in synchrony, just like they did together in their work. Mulder watched, entranced, as she moved above him like a graceful spirit. He was convinced that this was too good to be true. After all this time. Scully place both of her hands on his shoulders, the pad of her thumb caressing the puckered bullet scar. He grimaced at the pure pleasure of being in her surprised by her own inner strength. “Mulder,” she whimpered.

She rested her forehead against his. A thin sheen of sweat covered his back. “I love you,” he confessed, unable to stop himself.

“I know, Mulder. Me too.”

Their frequency increased, either out of desperation or eagerness to feel every aspect of one another. “I’m close, Scully. I...I don’t know how much longer I can last.”

She nodded wordlessly, panting. “Let go, Mulder. Let go.”

“What about you?”

“It’s okay,” she hushed.

She took his hand with hers and guided below him into the familiar circular rhythm that had gotten her through many lonely nights. Mulder’s eyebrows raised in surprise ad his hazel eyes focused with the intensity that she shuddered. The orgasmic pleasure both felt was overwhelming. It was Mulder first that broke as he cried out into her shoulder. Scully held him close as she rode out the last of his orgasm to help her own. With curled toes and stars behind her eyes, she felt the wave crash over the cliff with both of them on it.

“That…” Mulder laughed. “That was something.”

He wiped away a strand of her wild hair and she smiled. Drunk off their post-coitus lovemaking, laughed like she hadn’t in ages. Mulder held her tightly, his own laughter dancing off the Vegas suite. Then she felt it. The light trickle above her lip. She touched her finger to her nose and saw red blood. “Not again,” she muttered, rushing to the bathroom.

Scully nearly tripped over the sheets dashing to the bathroom with Mulder hot on her heels. She grabbed a wad of toilet paper and pinched her nostrils in an effort to stem the flow. “Scully?” Mulder asked. She could detect the worry in his voice. “Are you okay?”

She jumped feeling his warm hand trace down the length of her spine, momentarily forgetting the current state of their undress. “Yeah,” she said. “Yeah. It’ll stop in a few minutes.”

She looked at their reflections in the mirror. Mulder stood behind Scully, wrapping his arms around her waist, and resting his chin perfectly atop her red hair. Holding the tissue to her nose, she tilted her head back and rested it against his chest. She could vaguely hear his heartbeat and had a strange sense of deja vu. After ten minutes, she managed to stop the bleeding and Mulder hugged her tightly. “Ready for bed?”

“Yeah,” she answered him.

She threw away the bloodied toilet paper and eyed it one last time before letting Mulder bring them back to bed. He held the blanket open for her as she climbed in first and then him. Scully let herself be wrapped up in his embrace, forgetting about the bloody noses and the fact they were supposed to undercover.

“You know, Scully,” he whispered, “we should consider summer vacation more often.”

“It’s February,” she yawned. “In the desert.”

“Don’t ruin this fantasy, Scully,” he whispered. “This the beginning of something wonderful. I promise.”

“Promise me that nothing will change between us,” she breathed.

“What do you mean?”

“We’re still equaled.”

“In every aspect. Do you want me to get you a desk?”

“No. Not right now.” A small smile played on Scully’s lips. They watched the Vegas lights dance outside their room window. “This is perfect right now.”

[robot-unicorn-attack]

❂ RACERS

Ice World (𝕿𝖜𝖎𝖑𝖎𝖌𝖍𝖙)

Snow (31, FC: Anna Selezneva) is unicorn racing’s resident Ice Queen. But she was once, surprising as it may seem, Ice World’s sweetheart. She was scouted when she was 17, and given the name of “Snow Princess”. With her blonde curls and blue eyes, she had a smile so pretty and sweet that people said it could melt ice. And her first unicorn was the same-gentle, with an even disposition and as pretty as a picture. But that all changed when an armed thief tried to rob Snow on her way back from practice with her unicorn. That first unicorn, the one who was pretty and sweet and gentle, saw Snow panicking and attacked the thief, killing him. In order to avoid legal sanctions, 𝕿𝖜𝖎𝖑𝖎𝖌𝖍𝖙 was forced to deactivate (more like put down, in Snow’s opinion) the unicorn, and Snow Princess disappeared from the racing scene. She re-appeared with Sparkle Charmer three seasons later, but she was different. Cold. She dropped the ‘princess’ from her name, becoming just Snow, and would go on to become an industry veteran. She’s now over 30, but shows no signs of retiring....and she’s perfectly capable of competing with the newer, younger racers, thank you very much. (Alicia / @ayzrules)

Sky (23, FC: Luiza Scandelari) is the newest and the youngest of  𝕿𝖜𝖎𝖑𝖎𝖌𝖍𝖙‘s current 3-racer team. With Celestial Resonator, a unicorn made with the most cutting-edge technology that looks like they have shifting galaxies inside them, Sky is (according to her agency) breaching the ‘new frontier’ of unicorn racing. And with her dramatic backstory and enigmatic tattoos, it’s not hard to see why. 𝕿𝖜𝖎𝖑𝖎𝖌𝖍𝖙 crafted an image of a mysterious and otherworldly beauty who burst onto the racing scene seemingly overnight. Although none of her alleged backstory is in any way real, her ethereal looks have more than done its part to attract public attention. That, combined with her skill (not to mention her very Ice World-esque ambition), have all but guaranteed her a spot at the top, sooner or later. (Nikki / @jay-swagsby)

Ice (27, FC: Soo Joo Park) is the brash, hotheaded counterpart to Snow’s icy persona. Whereas Snow is cold, Ice is straight-up intimidating...and her unicorn, Wrath Mare, only adds to that image. Blunt, curt, and straightforward, Ice has an air of exoticism (probably from the fact that she was born on Ice World but grew up in a different galaxy, giving her a distinctive accent) that 𝕿𝖜𝖎𝖑𝖎𝖌𝖍𝖙 has eagerly capitalized on. Unicorn City’s biggest tabloids have described her style as ‘biker chick glam’; Ice is all leather jackets and sharp suits and motorcycles with flames painted onto the sides. She’s brazen and a bit ruthless, both on and off the race track, and does not take any bullshit. 𝕿𝖜𝖎𝖑𝖎𝖌𝖍𝖙 definitely likes to hype up a sort of “rivalry” in between Ice and Snow (#TeamSnow and #TeamIce, amirite?), which both racers think is totally stupid but go along with for the sake of keeping their positions within the agency. Ice, at least, likes to have a bit of fun with their alleged rivalry. (open)

Sky World (𝑅 𝐼 𝒮 𝐸)

Supernova (40, FC: Natalie Portman) is widely considered to be the Cindy Crawford or Naomi Campbell of unicorn racing. Supernova was scouted when 𝑅 𝐼 𝒮 𝐸 was putting together its very first team of racers after one of the agents saw her at a robot horse show-jumping competition. And so at the age of 16, Supernova became one of the very first unicorn racers in the entire galaxy. Thanks to her background in show-jumping, she would go on to become one of the most successful-and most iconic-racers ever, and is widely regarded as one of the girls who made the sport what it is today. But all things must come to an end, and Supernova’s career lasted until she was about 30, when she decided to put her personal life first. She retired to focus on her wife and their young family, and was pretty much off the radar for 10 years. Recently, however, Supernova has decided to make a comeback, after a messy divorce ended with her wife getting custody of their kids. 𝑅 𝐼 𝒮 𝐸 was all too happy to have her back, and they even let her keep the unicorn she’d raced on all those years ago-Robot Unicorn MK II. And make no mistake about it-the word ‘rusty’ isn’t in Supernova’s vocabulary ...but ‘overwhelmed’ certainly is. The robot unicorn industry has changed dramatically since Supernova was active, and she’s starting to think that all this media stuff is a bit...much. (Semp / @interluxetumbra)

Sunbeam (28, FC: Blanca Padilla) is one of the most beloved racers on the entire planet-honest, loyal, calm and collected, with a firm belief in doing the right thing and an unbeatable technique on the race track to boot, she is the epitome of everything Sky World. 𝑅 𝐼 𝒮 𝐸 dresses her in classical Sky World fashions, going light on the makeup so as to emphasize her classical sort of beauty. And although Sunbeam is no super genius prodigy of a racer, she’s hardworking and consistent as hell. There hasn’t been anyone on all of Sky World who could match her precision and technique since the original three 𝑅 𝐼 𝒮 𝐸 racers retired, and Sky Worlders know it. Sunbeam and her unicorn, UV N-7, are on their way to becoming industry icons. At this point, it’s not so much a matter of if as it is a matter of when. (buffy / @shiftyprincess)

Flower (25, FC: Ming Xi) is 𝑅 𝐼 𝒮 𝐸 ’s newest addition. Originally from a little-known moon in the middle of nowhere, Flower was scouted solely based on her doll-like looks during a visit to Unicorn City. And although she was only 16 at the time (and had never touched a robot horse or unicorn in her life!), she jumped at the chance to earn money and provide for her family. Her first race was, as expected, not super great, but Flower refused to quit. 𝑅 𝐼 𝒮 𝐸 pulled her out of the public eye for a while so that she could have time to train with Pageant Princess while they cultivated an image for her to grow her fan-base. And so, after all those long years, Flower is finally back. The public knows her as the Long-Legged Bimbo to Supernova’s polished Heroine and Sunbeam’s beloved Sky-Daughter personas, and though having to pretend to be someone she’s not all the time has taken its toll on Flower, she’s determined to win and to finally cement herself as a serious racer. (Fanfan / @bebemoon)

Lava World (ʟᴀᴢᴇʀ)

Flame (22, FC: Rasika Navare) is Lava World’s resident firecracker. Blunt, vulgar, a bit crude, and more than just a little bit sarcastic, Flame’s fierce, tough-girl demeanor may have gotten her into trouble on Planet Hughes, where she grew up, but it has also made her into one of Lava World’s favorite racers. Flame is a new face, but people already adore her pure badassery and ‘no fucks given’ attitude. Flame is flashy and headstrong and will 100% fight you for the tiniest of slights...and Lava World is eating it up. Her unicorn, Iron Pegasus, is just as fiery as Flame is, and although her rash recklessness gives ʟᴀᴢᴇʀ one hell of a headache, she’s good enough at racing that they won’t drop her. Flame is the type of girl who curses too much and drinks too much and gets into bar fights and likes blowing things up, and you can bet that Lava Worlders fucking love it. (Destiny / @filthysoulls​)

Nyx (24, FC: Duckie Thot) signed her contract at 18, and has been with  ʟᴀᴢᴇʀ ever since. Nyx’s ruthlessness is not unknown; in fact, it’s what made her popular in the first place-ʟᴀᴢᴇʀ has never tried to hide the fact that Nyx will do anything she has to in order to get what she wants. Nyx’s image and her skill with her robot unicorn, U-800, have brought her moderate success. Recently, however, especially with the addition of Flame to the team, Nyx has been worried that her popularity is declining. She’s good, but she’s no Snow or Supernova. Of course, Nyx doesn’t take no for an answer, so she’s going to do whatever it takes to get to the top. Even if it means exacerbating all the rumors of foul play that already surround her. (Tol / @kzombi3)

Widowmaker (26, FC: Binx Walton) is different from every other racer with any racing agency in the fact that she actually owns her robot unicorn. She grew up in the sketchier parts of Lava World, becoming a rogue thief to survive, and when she was 15, she successfully stole Void Maker. Widowmaker has been continuously making improvements on her unicorn ever since, and she’s discovered that she’s a pretty great mechanic, all things considered. Widowmaker was scouted when a recruiter for ʟᴀᴢᴇʀ caught her stealing robot unicorn parts from one of the production centers. They were so impressed with her skill with Void Maker that they offered to sign her on, right then and there. Considering that the alternative was going to jail, Widowmaker accepted. She refused to sign over the rights to Void Maker, though she was happy to let the agency polish the unicorn up a bit. She also refuses to let her agency oversexualize her, something that has actually panned out in  ʟᴀᴢᴇʀ ‘s favor, as Lava Worlders are loving the badass vibe. Widowmaker wears severe black leather and never has any make-up on that isn’t black; she’s the dark, severe counterpart to Flame’s flashy, fiery persona...and she is on her way to becoming one of Lava World’s lasting favorites. (Elissa / @now-on-elissastillstands)

[justcallmemitchie96]

Prompts

1.   “Tell me.”

2.   “Matter of fact, you should be here.”

3.   “Why didn’t you tell me?”

4.   “I was out of my mind trying to look for you.”

5.   “That would’ve made a difference.”

6.   “I don’t care, just — just tell me if it’s true.”

7.   “Got a tattoo, I don’t regret it one bit.”

8.   “Why am I the one who loses? Every fucking time.”

9.   “I’m just getting used to you.”

10.   “It’s a long way down.”

11.   “I promise you.”

12.   “What happened?”

13.   “It isn’t fair.”

14.   “What happens if I don’t?”

15.   “There’s gonna be a time when I’m not beside you, a time when I would be gone. And God forbid that it would come to that.”

16.   “Say something — just anything, to be honest. I can’t stand not hearing your voice.”

17.   “Tell me you love me.”

18.   “We aren’t going anywhere with this.”

19.   “I get tired too.”

20.   “Thank you.”

21.   “If this is what it takes, then take my word, I don’t want this anymore.”

22.   “I’d gladly come home to you.”

23.   “I love you.”

24.   “Get me a drink.”

25.   “Easy does it.”

26.   “Wait — right now?”

27.   “Last name’s Styles.”

28.   “I’ve waited too long to say that.”

29.   “Wear something noticeable. Something eye-catching, I’ll easily see you.”

30.   “You — we may not be each other’s firsts, but I assure you, we’re each other’s lasts.”

31.   “Come here, please.”

32.   “That’s not how you do it.”

33.   “Deep breaths, love. Deep breaths.”

34.   “Cheers.”

35.   “Welcome back, love.”

36.   “My life.”

37.   “We need to buy these.”

38.   “Just for another month, just another thirty days. It’ll pass by quicker.”

39.   “Easy for you to stay.”

40.   “You’re making me nervous.”

41.   “How much longer?”

42.   “You’re very impatient, I’m serious about it.”

43.   “Are you mad?”

44.   “Please don’t.”

45.   “Could see the both of us here. We’ll be here. Maybe not now, but soon.”

46.   “I wasn’t the one who chose that.”

47.   “Maybe I’m tired, maybe I’ve been for a long time.”

48.   “And to many more.”

49.   “This is exhausting.”

50.   “Hands-on; I like that.”

51.   “I think we have too much.”

52.   “Please? Just one more, just one more.”

53.   “Oh, I wasn’t informed.”

54.   “No, I’m not overdressed. You just have the wrong event.”

55.   “I know it’s untimely, but I just need this done, I promise.”

56.   “This is making me cry.”

57.   “Just do what I’m doing.”

58.   “Look at me. No, no. Look at me.”

59.   “I feel a bit — I don’t know.”

60.   “My turn.”

61.   “Is it legal?”

62.   “Don’t cry, bub. Please, not again. Shhh. No, no, don’t — damn it.”

63.   “Holy shit.”

64.   “That’s amazing.”

65.   “I want to know what you’re thinking.”

66.   “Power’s out.”

67.   “I’ll always come back to you.”

68.   “It’ll last longer.”

69.   “I don’t want to do it.”

70.   “Do I really have to?”

71.   “I see you in everything. Every single thing and I don’t know how to feel about that.”

72.   “I think I’m losing my shit.”

73.   “Never thought that it would come to this.”

74.   “Everyone, my game-changer.”

75.   “Hi, she’s my wife.”

76.   “Off-limits.”

77.   “What did you say?”

78.   “I know.”

79.   “I love shopping.”

80.   “Are we ever gonna work out?”

81.   “We’re gonna go past this.”

82.   “Forget what you saw, this is real.”

83.   “You’re making me feel guilty.”

84.   “Glad I did.”

85.   “Not a home.”

86.   “Let me go.”

87.   “It’s easier that way.”

88.   “Maybe I don’t want to. Maybe I do. I don’t know what I’m going to do but please, just stay here.”

89.   “With me.”

90.   “I’ll join.”

91.   “I tried to fix you. Got broken in trying to.”

92.   “Then why do I feel it’s not okay?”

93.   “I’m sorry.”

94.   “Am I or am I not going?”

95.   “Happy birthday, love.”

96.   “Then tell me, for fuck’s sake, just tell me where I stand in your life.”

97.   “Congrats, love.”

98.   “Those two don’t mix well together.”

99.   “Pushing all your buttons, look.”

100.   “He — oh my god. He has my eyes.”

101.   “I like the way that your hand fits in mine.”

102.   “But I want to hear you sing.”

103.   “I heard you talking in your sleep.”

104.   “Fine, but only if you stay in bed for another five minutes.”

105.   “You don’t have to leave, you know. You could stay the night. I don’t mind.”

106.   “If I kiss you I don’t think that I’d be able to stop.”

107.   “My kisses aren’t easily won. Congratulations.”

108.   “We’ll explore the world. Just you and me.”

109.   “I always want more when it comes to you.”

110.   “You wrap me around your fingers like it’s nothing…”

111.   “You have no idea how fast my heart races when I see you.”

112.   “I don’t care where I’m sleeping, as long as it’s with you.”

113.   “Come here.” “Why?” “Just come here.”

114.   “You’re the most beautiful person I’ve ever met.”

115.   “You don’t know how much you mean to me…”

116.   “I should have told you a long time ago.”

117.   “Just trust me.”

118.   “You’re in love with her.”

119.   “I don’t owe you an explanation.”

120.   “We have to be quiet.”

121.   “You’re trembling.”

122.   “I can’t keep kissing strangers and pretending that they’re you.”

123.   “I might never get another chance to say this.”

124.   “Lie to me then.”

125.   “You’ve thought about this haven’t you?”

126.   “We need to talk about what happened last night.”

127.   “I never stood a chance, did I?”

129.   “Are you drunk?”

130.   “I still remember the way you taste.”

131.   “How much of that did you hear?”

132.   “What happens when I do this?”

133.   “You make me want things I can’t have.”

134.   “Is that a new perfume?”

135.  “This is why I fell in love with you.”

136.   “Are you jealous?”

137.   “I wish we could stay like this forever.”

138.   “I’m pregnant.”

139.   “Do you trust me?”

140.   “Can I kiss you right now?”

141.   “You’re cute when you’re angry.”

142.   “It’s lonely here without you.2

143.   “I can’t stand the thought of losing you.”

144.   “Is that my shirt?”

145.   “I tried to move on but nobody is you.”

146.   “Can I at least buy you a coffee? For old times sake.”

147.   “I gave you your chance and you just used it to stab me in the back.”

148.   “Can you please come and get me.

149.   “How long has it been since you’ve slept?”

150.   “Stop telling me you’re okay.”

151.   “You need to eat something.” 

152.   “Why didn’t you tell me?” “Don’t touch me.”

153.   “Is this the end? After everything we’ve been through?”

154.   “We shouldn’t be doing this.”

155.   “Is that a blood stain?”

156.   “You can spend the night, if you want.”

157.   “You can’t always expect me to fix things for you.”

158.   “I let people down. It’s what I do.”

159.   “There is no us.”

160.   “I needed you, and you weren’t there.”

161.   “Go ahead, hit me.”

162.   “Take me home.” “Now.”

163.   “I think I’m falling in love with you.”

164.   “Don’t you dare say that to me.”

165.   I don’t need to hear your pathetic excuses anymore.”

166. “Just so you know, i don’t regret anything.”

167.   “I want you. Right here, right now.”

168.   “I’d be more than happy to show you a good time if you’re looking for one.”

169.   “Tell me what you want.”

170.   “On your knees. Now.”

171.   “Say my name. Again.”

172.   “I don’t like being told what to do unless I’m naked.”

173.   “What did you just say?”

174.   “Behave.”

175.   “Stop teasing me so much…”

176.   “You have no idea what you do to me.”

[haletothewolf]

a rec list with no theme other than awesomeness

or, a handful of fics that I’ve read recently (either for the first time, or the bajillionth)

Light Up My World Like Nobody Else by @lissadiane In which Stiles Stilinski has a little too much to drink, and steals a baby goat.

Trigger Warning by @thesuninside Derek goes home to New York shortly after the nogitsune is dealt with. He begins the long, slow climb toward mental health, and begins a text-based relationship with Stiles. Stiles, who is struggling with very real issues of guilt and consent, is climbing his own mental health mountain. Together, they’ll try to make it.

These Are the Days That Bind Us Together by @brookesbutler In which Stiles volunteers to go to Chicago with Derek and it’s awful. (Except it isn’t).

Cruising by @thepsychicclam Stiles and Scott spend Friday and Saturday nights cruising through town. All the kids do it. Stiles and Scott cruise around, confident and cool. Except, they’re totally not. Stiles and Scott are definitely not cool. They don’t have their own cruising posse, a caravan they ride around with, taking corners too fast and yelling out the windows at each other.They have Liam and Mason, two freshmen who sit in the back and complain about the choice of music.

Rebalance by @rhysiana When Derek loses his powers while saving Cora’s life, he gets sent to Stiles Stilinski, acupuncturist to the supernatural set, to try to fix him. He sincerely doubts it will work, but he’s run out of options.

Come Fly With Me (Or Don’t) by @stileshale Stiles is overworked and stressed out when his flight home gets delayed due to copious amounts of snow. He finds entertainment with one Derek Hale, whom he hasn’t seen since high school but really doesn’t mind getting reacquainted with.

Like Real People Do by @tatsukitty The ladies at the local yarn shop knew him by name now. Sometimes, he sat in one of the ancient soft armchairs in the store with them, frowning at his work as he struggled to maintain his tension.

“How’s it coming?” Edith asked, settling across from him in another chair, working on a delicate lace shawl with a pattern Derek couldn’t even fathom yet.

“It’s… better.” He hedged.

Wednesday Morning by @deepspacebison Derek's going to break, and Stiles is worried he's going to be the one to do it. 

Written in the Stars by @quixoticity Derek Hale is a lucky guy. He's got a great family, good friends, and a fulfilling job as a tattoo artist. He's also one of the twenty-five per cent of the population born with a soul mark. He likes his life, but he's waiting for his soul-match. The odds of meeting them aren't great but hey, Derek's a lucky guy. He has faith. He can't believe how good his luck really is when one day his soul-match wanders right into his studio, all long limbs and copper eyes. There's just one problem: Stiles is there to get his soul mark covered up. Permanently.

Best Case Scenario by @ladyofthelog The fourth time Stiles breaks the fridge, Dad is less sympathetic. 

“Stiles,” he says as Stiles holds the door steady for him to screw it back onto the chassis—there's new hardware involved this time, and not a little duct tape— 

“I thought this werewolf thing was going to help.”

“Yeah, with the dementia,” Stiles says.

Fight Me, Helen by @witchspark Important OTP question: Which one aggressively argues with the suburban soccer moms at the PTA meeting and flips Helen’s 9x12 pan of betty crocker brownies? 

Take Me Out to the Ballgame by @zjofierose It's all fun and games until someone catches a baseball with their face, Stiles.

In Which Laura is Never Going to Let Derek Live This Down by @omimouse A soulmate fic where you’ve got “Help! Save me!” on your wrist. So you do the martial arts classes, and ROTC, and get a concealed carry permit, you are READY, you are SO up for this… and then one day you’re at a friend’s house, and someone comes pounding down the stairs laughing and ducks behind you and goes “Help! Save me!” and that’s how you find out your soulmate was escaping a tickle fight.

Gravity’s Got Nothing on You by @zosofi “Three weeks,” Derek says.

“Still don’t want to,” Stiles says.

“I’ll pay you,” Derek says, and that… that has Stiles interested. Alf’s Antique’s may be a great job, but it’s not a high-paying job, and half of Stiles’s tuition is coming from financial aid, so…

“How much,” Stiles asks, “are we talking here? Because I know your family, dude. And it’ll be kind of awkward after.“

“My family thinks you’re some sort of fucking gift to the world,” Derek seethes, like he’s jealous, “they’ll probably be pissed at me when we break it off, so don’t worry about that. Five hundred bucks.”

“A thousand,” Stiles says, because screw ethics. Also, the Hale family is loaded. Derek can deal.

Chasing the Horizon by @obroech Stiles nearly laughs and for a moment, he sits there trying to think of anything to say. "It's been a good year," he croaks at long last. "I got you back--I got you back and I was so scared I'd lose you, you know? I got out there; I backpacked across half of Europe with my best friends - I got to see the never less than perfectly composed Lydia Martin after a few days without showers or real beds. Scott and Allison got married, dad. I made a speech."  

The Sheriff's expression softens and he smiles, reaching up and clapping Stiles' shoulder. "You did. I was there. You had Melissa, Scott and Allison in tears."

You Can Plunder My Dungeon Anytime by @13callieb Stiles is numb. “I’m a kid,” he repeats blankly. “I’m nearly seventeen. I’m a kid.”

“Um,” Scott says, or at least, the weird man-hybrid that Scott apparently is these days. “You’re twenty-seven. We had, like, a party.”

Thank You for this Dance by @matildajones Derek picks up another glass of champagne, and that’s when he sees him. A man stands at the edge of the room, chewing his lip and staring at the dance floor longingly. Every person walks past him. Derek must have done it a hundred times this evening.

A Strong Heart and a Nerve of Steel by @lupinus, @uraneia Stiles and Derek wake up married in Vegas. Well, they would have if it was legal. In which Stiles is the president's son, Derek is his bodyguard, and Papa President orders them to pretend to be in love for the sake of gay rights.

Seems to Me It’s Chemistry by @halffizzbin Awkward Nerd Derek has been crushing on Handsome Jock Stiles since forever—so getting paired with him on a Chemistry project is definitely the best/worst thing that's ever happened to him.

Somewhere to Start by @lissadiane Stiles has always known that he isn't quite human - the plant life that tends to sprout around him whenever he gets upset or excited gives it away. He's never really fit in among the regular people in Beacon Hills and is determined to wait it out, go to college, and find somewhere to belong. He's forced to abandon those plans, however, after he desperately agrees to enter into an arranged marriage to save his father's life.