#fourth lamp as a dress

[palaemonfire]

some wips from this past year

[blueicequeen19]

The Nanny

Warnings: Rafe cheating on his wife with the nanny 🔥

I’d been a nanny for the Cameron’s since their oldest was a baby. They moved me into the guest house, paid for my college, and paid me more than I ever dreamed. I was extremely grateful for the opportunity even when I’d catch Mr Cameron staring at me for long periods of time.

I won’t lie by saying I didn’t enjoy the attention and living in OBX gave me the perfect opportunity to run around in bikini or crop tops or dresses. I’d feel his eyes on my skin like a warm caress, making me burn hotter and hotter until I had no choice but to leave the room.

I made sure to never catch myself in a room alone with him out of fear of what he’d do. What I’d let him do.

I wasn’t worried about his wife because more often than not, I’d spot a blonde, shaggy haired Pogue slipping out the back door on weekends that Mr Cameron was working despite her being pregnant with his fourth child. I wasn’t sure if Mr Cameron was entirely faithful either.

They fought so much that I was constantly trying to keep their children busy. Then when I’d check to make sure it was safe to come back inside, I’d find Mr Cameron taking his wife against the counter or on top of the kitchen table. On the stairs. In the middle of the floor.

She was always facing away from him and he’d always lock eyes with me while he pounded into her. Id ache between my thighs for days. No amount of touching myself would help. I’d seen his thick cock countless times in five years and I craved it. Something had to be wrong with me. I couldn’t risk losing everything.

I was deep in thought as I made my way back to the pool house where I lived that I didn’t even notice the door being unlocked as I stepped inside or the spicy scent of expensive cologne until it was too late.

“Mr Cameron.” I breathed, a lump forming in my throat as I watched him turn the side lamp on.

“It’s been five years, Y/N, I think we’re past the formalities.” His lips tip up into an arrogant smirk, “Plus you’ve seen my cock on more than one occasion so please, call me Rafe.” I couldn’t speak as his eyes raked over me, making me clench my thighs.

“W-what can I do for you?” I breathe. His wife and kids were asleep not far from here, just across the yard. He couldn’t be here. What if she came looking for him? Why was it suddenly so hot in here?

“I want you to fuck me. Whenever I want. However I want.” Mr Cameron said with confidence, lighting my blood on fire as my eyes widen.

“Your wife— your kids—what—.”

He suddenly stands, crossing the room quicker than I can back away.

“My wife is fucking a Pogue in my bed when I’m not here. I’m pretty sure one or two of my children aren’t even mine.” I gasp as my back hits the wall and his large hand finds the back of my neck. Our bodies are suddenly flush and I can’t breathe.

“Mr Cameron—.”

“It’s Rafe or sir, Y/N. Mr Cameron is my father and I won’t have you reminding me of him when I’m inside you.” Heat pools in my belly and I can’t stop from whimpering.

“I know you feel me watching you. I know you want me as much as I want you. It’s written all over your face.” His thumb swipes over my bottom lip, prying it free from my teeth.

“If your wife finds out I could lose everything.” I whisper, my hands fisted at my sides.

“You work for me. You belong to me.” My heart races in my chest, his possessiveness making my knees weak.

“You’ll take care of my kids during the day and you’ll take care of me at night. I’ll double your salary and fuck you so hard you’ll see stars. Do we understand each other?” I find myself nodding before I can fully grasp what he’s saying.

“Good. Show me to your room.” I blink a few times before realizing he’s stepped away from me, letting me pass. I can’t take in a full breath as I lead him up the stairs and to my bedroom. My knees are weak and when he locks the door behind him, they nearly give out.

“Face me.”

I do.

“Strip.”

I do that too.

I’m so wet between my thighs that they’re practically stuck together. I’d never been more turned on in my life. A stiff wind could make me cum right now. The ache only intensifies as he devours me with his eyes as he strips off his clothes, draping them over the chair before making his way towards me.

“This first time is going to be quick.” He pushes me down on the bed, the heat of his body making me gasp as he kneels between my legs.

“I’m so hard that it hurts.” He shoves my legs wider apart before taking the thick head of his cock and running it along my slit.

“Fuck, you’re so wet. Making a fucking mess for me, baby.” He groans. I whimper, unable to form words as we both watch his movements.

“Next time I’m going to take my time with you and savor this.” The head slips in and I gasp, my nails biting into his biceps.

“I just can’t control myself right now. I need you too badly.” When he pushes in further, a deep sexy groan escapes him and I clench around the head, making him hiss between his teeth as he comes down on top of me. We’re both shaking as he sinks deeper and deeper until I’m so full that it hurts.

“Fuck, you feel good. Fucking made for me.” I resist the urge to kiss him as we come chest to chest and he rolls his hips, stealing another moan from me.

“So hold on. Because this time I’m going to fuck you within an inch of your life.”

[a-ikuoliver]

you're finally being introduced to your girlfriend's friends, invited to a last minute party, any confidence melting from you when you see another girl clinging to her arm. ────no quirks

pairing: gender bend/masc lesbian bakugou x f!reader w/c: 6.7k (i need to be put down) warning/s: fauxcest (bakugou referred to as your step sister/sister), dubcon, bakugou is TOXIC, feminine/girly reader (she/her pronouns; wearing makeup; nails + a dress; long hair/out/on her face), reader referred to as a puppy (degradingly not petplay lmao), pet names (pretty + baby), emotional manipulation, cheating (on reader, implied to be with ochako but not overtly), alcohol + weed mention, reader a lillll bit of a crybaby, public/car sex, oral (r! receiving) notes: i have so many feelings about masc lesbian bkg *head in hands* um this is the most self indulgent thing i've ever written so this is my entry to @mechamedusa's self indulgence collab bc i really didn't need to make bakugou a lesbian on a power trip who treats you like a pet but who's going to stop me? NO ONE inspirations/acknowledgements: frat party playlist ; like a girl does ; soaked ; one of your girls + 10sim's art & @0301995 for always enabling me lmao

crossposted to ao3 • masterlist • wip updates & voting • kofi • askbox

fidgeting with your phone, you check the address once again, about the fourth time since you'd left home, the thumping bass worming its way through the walls to the courtyard enough to confirm it was the same party your girlfriend texted you to meet her at, reassured again seeing a group of boys crowding around something, loud whooping and cheering echoing when the tall redhead at the centre of the huddle landed the small ping pong ball in the final cup across the tabletop, the victor soaking in the cheers of his friends like he was an athlete in front of a stadium filled with screaming fans. with sweaty palms, you slid your phone away, your text to katsuki still reading delivered beneath it.

your fingers don't stay still for long, falling to the hem of your new dress, the one katsuki told you to wear when she'd sent you an invite. the hem sat at your mid-thigh, a little shorter than you usually went for, the long sleeves doing little to warm you from the cool night air, the lack of coverage everywhere else making you shiver while you made your way up to the front door.

checking your phone again, seeking the familiar sound of katsuki's text tone to soothe your nerves, your eyebrows pinched together in a small frown; the screen was still free of notifications, no reply from katsuki since she'd sent you the address hours earlier. with a soft sigh, you tucked it back away, pushing the door open. the music amplified tenfold when you stepped over the threshold, the beat making the ground beneath your feet vibrate and the walls shake, the vocals hardly legible over the sounds of speakers buzzing. tentatively, you closed the door behind you, taking a step toward the heart of the music, searching each room you walked past for the familiar blonde hair, finally spotting the spikes in the den towards the back of the large share house. your heart skips a beat in your chest at the sight of her seated on an outdated, soft dark green couch tucked in the far corner, her cropped shirt riding up on her abdomen when she leaned back, the white band of her bra poking out of the bottom, her legs lazily falling open, knocking knees with the black-haired boy beside her, her other knee nearly taking out the blond seated in front of her, his legs crossed on the floor, cradling a colourful glass bong between his thighs, the boy poking her thigh with a bright yellow lighter, not interrupting his conversation with a brunette girl just to tell your girlfriend to fuck off. an excited smile split across your face seeing her, wasting no more time, you excused yourself through the crowd separating you and your girlfriend, her eyes glinting predatorily in the low light of the lamp when they met yours.

katsuki looks you up and down, a pleased smile on her lips seeing your dress, dark eyes flick back up to your face, drinking you in. she thinks you look like a nervous puppy like this, obedient, bright, excitable but apprehensive, waiting for the order to speak, girl.

you raised your arm higher to wave to her, your anxiety melting away every second longer she looked at you, more teeth on display the closer you got to her. your movements caught the attention of the two boys with her, lazy, half-lidded eyes looking you up and down as you squeezed past the final person keeping you from your lover, the blond boy the first to speak, tilting his chin up without looking away from you, "this your newest fling, baku?"

your smile falters, your heart beating unevenly against your ribcage at the analytical look coming from the black-haired boy, hadn't she told them? she invited you to introduce yourself, didn't she? katsuki's expression hadn't changed from her minute smirk, no sign of the confusion you're sure is written all over your face, the only change being a lasting glance toward the girls the blond boy passed his bong to. brown and yellow eyes alike roam your features, everything about you is exactly katsuki's type, especially the cute, naive smile on your sparkly, glossy lips.

"huh? her?" she has a bored look on her face, vermillion eyes lazily falling from your face to inspect her chipped black nails while her friends dissected you, heavy gazes watching you fidget with the sleeve of your dress. her tone didn't leave much room for you to laugh it off, to introduce yourself properly, to smack her shoulder and whine that her joke wasn't funny.

your mouth goes dry hearing her suck her teeth, her head rolling on her shoulders like this interaction was exhausting her, languidly raising her hand to gesture to the dark-haired boy, then dropping to the blond, "sero, kaminari, meet my stepsister."

your blood rushes in your ears, drowning out her introduction, surely you misheard her?

"the old woman said i had to make her feel 'part of the family'." slender fingers make quotes in the air, her dark eyes flashing with something you couldn't place, almost amusement when they meet yours again. the blond, introduced as kaminari, climbs up off the ground, untangling his lanky limbs, arms stretching high above his head, chin at his shoulder while he cracks his neck, "so we gotta play nice?" he joked.

as if looking for guidance, or permission, you glance at katsuki, her chest rising and falling steadily, her heartbeat even under her skin a stark opposite to your deranged pulse. pulled from your thoughts by a shoulder bumping against your own playfully, kaminari held your trembling hand in his, "then we better get you a welcome drink!"

with his hold on your hand, you were whisked away before you could get another word in, stumbling through the path cleared by kaminari, dragging you hot on his heels toward the kitchen. steadying yourself, you spare a look back over your shoulder to stare back at your girlfriend, confusion and embarrassment painting your expression. a wave of anxiety washes over you, uncertainty twisting in your stomach, what did she want you to do? she didn't tell her friends she was kidding, and you were unwilling to disagree with her alone with kaminari, what if her friends just laugh off your claim?

maybe they were all high and they'd forget about it all by the next time you saw them. it was a bad joke, yes, but you'd get to try again another time.

your attention snaps back to the boys ahead of you, sero bringing you back down to earth with an arm plopped over your shoulders, boyish charm oozing from him, "what do you drink, gorgeous? you don't look like a cheap beer kinda girl."

your tense shoulders relaxed ever-so-slightly at his playful teasing, manicured fingers still fussing with your sleeves while you scanned the countertop littered with liquor and premix cans, spotting a bottle of confidence-boosting clear liquid, "vodka with raspberry soda? that's what i normally have."

your voice isn't as timid as you expected when you speak, your tone even, curious, albeit soft compared to the boisterous pair. your face warms when sero salutes you, a smile creeping its way back to your lips; he grabs a cup from the top of the stack in the centre of the counter, quickly mixes your requested drink, offering it to you after swirling it under his nose, muttering about its "bouquet".

his playfulness makes you giggle, finding easy comfort with him and kaminari.

"so you're bakugou's sister?" you choke on the chilled drink, body alight with embarrassment again, you'd nearly forgotten what katsuki had said, your gaze drops to the floor when you clear your throat. stiffly, you nodded, glancing over the rim of the cup to katsuki across the room, butterflies erupting in your twisted stomach when she winked at you. you really didn't want to make it awkward, claim you'd been dating her three months, you didn't want to see her upset with you, to storm out with you asking why you'd disagree with her, why you'd embarrass her in front of her friends. looking back at the pair, you nodded again, more certain, compelled to agree with katsuki.

"step, yeah, it's a boring story, though, i promise there's not a lot to say." you laugh, gulping down the last of your drink, wetting your dry mouth before changing the topic, wanting nothing more than to forget the spike of anxiety from katsuki's introduction, "what about you guys? how'd you three meet?"

falling back into the ease and comfort of chattering with them, you listened to sero and kaminari telling you all about their meeting in high school, stories of how crass she used to be, how smart she was, how they saved a room here for her after their first year in the share house, katsuki usurping kirishima's bed after many bar crawls; the image of your drunk, grumpy girlfriend kicking out the muscular six-foot-something guy had you in fits of laughter. apprehension melted from you the more you drank and laughed with the pair, your cheeks warm and aching after being with them for only fifteen minutes, your fingers almost permanently digging into kaminari's shirt to support you between giggles.

even with tears of joy in your eyes, you couldn't resist twisting around to check on katsuki, every atom in your body wanting her to join you, to wrap her arms around your hips and show you off, craving the way she'd toy with the hem of your dress, even wishing she would pinch at the soft skin of your thighs just to feel you squirm in her arms. instead when you spun around, the first thing you saw was the brunette girl, perched on the arm of the couch closest to katsuki, her pink-haired friend taking another hit from denki's bong beside them, oblivious to her friend leaning in front of your girlfriend to point at the newest piercing in her ear, her legs draped over katsuki's lap, even her slender fingers wrapping around the brunette's ankle to keep her steady. your eyes were glued to the couple, a morbid curiosity refusing to let you even blink while katsuki's cherry eyes idly traversed her body, her dress shorter and tighter than your own, your girlfriend's gaze was trained on her plush thighs, squishing together when she adjusted herself to tip closer again, blurred pink lips brushing against your girlfriend's earlobe as she spoke.

"you alright?" kaminari asks, you're slow to tear your eyes off katsuki, finally facing your new friends again with what you hope is a composed expression, "sorry?"

the boys snickered at the pitiful look on your face, your eyes almost cartoony with how big and sad they looked, "you look like a kicked puppy."

"c'mon, i'll get jirou to play untouched, you'll feel better." again, denki was tugging on your wrist, leaving you stumbling along behind hanta's confident navigation, the pair of them clearing a path ahead of you for you to stumble through. tripping over your own leg, you caught yourself with a hand at the back of denki's bicep, giggling at your sluggish clumsiness, your quick movements quickly making you realise how tipsy you really were, forgetting your worries about katsuki the longer you drank, laughed and danced with them, hanta returning just in time to pass you another icy cup, pulling you closer to dance.

"i love this song!" shouting far louder than necessary, hanta laughed with you, singing the lyrics along with you.

naturally, with your eyes half-closed in a smile, you scanned the crowds again for katsuki, your eyes automatically locking to the couch, your heartbeat spiking when you realised she'd moved, your slow eyes zeroing in on her in the next room by the time the next song had ended. she was lounging on the carpeted floor beside the same brunette girl as earlier, swirling a non-alcoholic beer around in her hand while the girl spoke animatedly. even as denki squeezed closer to you, his chest to your back while he danced, you studied your girlfriend, the edges of her body blurred, not missing the way her eyes raked over the girl's body, resting far too long on the low neckline while other people gathered in a circle around them; your attention piqued when the girl leaned over katsuki, taking the bottle from her grip and downing the remnants of the drink before placing it on the floor in front of the blonde.

hanta spun you around, his chest now to your back, his hands resting high on your hips, pulling your body in rhythm to the music blaring through the speakers scattered around, glancing up at him, you flashed a small smile, certain it was lopsided this far into the night.

"what are they doin' in there?"

"huh?"

blinking slowly, all your movements outside of his hold in slow motion, you peered back over your shoulder to stare at katsuki again, catching her staring back at you with a wicked glint in her eye before she turned her hungry gaze on the brunette crawling over her, leaning back on one hand with an arrogant air around her, the other snaking around the girls neck to drag her into a deep kiss, the pretty girl melting into it the moment their lips met.

squeaking, you snap your head back around, your embarrassment apparent on your face when you face denki again, his curious yellow eyes trained on your mouth open in shock. the wolf-whistling in the adjacent room catching his attention, his lips tugging up into a smirk, "don't tell me you wanna play that."

hanta chuckles, bloodshot eyes shining with a mix of curiosity and judgement, what kind of step-sister were you to want to join their game, and where could he find one?

laughing nervously, you shake your head, mumbling something that has denki leaning closer, his pierced ear coming in line with your mouth, "say again?"

"i wasn't expecting to see that…" you repeat as loud as you can muster, suddenly shy once more, denki's eyebrows furrow until he looks back over again, watching the same thing you had, your girlfriend and the other girl he recognised as katsuki's ex from high school, kneeling beside her, a delicate hand tangled in blonde spikes, the other squeezing, pawing at katsuki's hip, travelling down the outside of her thigh while their lips were locked together in a kiss far more sensual than ever necessary in a game of spin the bottle.

dazed, you couldn't speak, couldn't tear your eyes away, watching the shadows cast from eyelashes stretch across katsuki's high cheekbones, edges of her lips tugging into a smile in the kiss, even as your eyes blurred at the edges. unsure if it was the alcohol or tears, you shook your head in an attempt to clear your thoughts, to ground yourself again by focusing on hanta's hold on your hips and denki's soft shirt under your fingertips, too drunk to think straight, too drunk to think of anything but her.

inhibitions clouded, you gulp down whatever is left in your cup. determined to have a good night with katsuki, you spin back on your heel, stupidly excusing yourself to go make another drink. upside down on the sink you spot a shot glass, emblazoned with the logo of some random city you'd never been to, deciding it was good enough to pour vodka in, holding it in your hand while you scan the counter for the bottle, only finding dregs left in countless clear bottles. about to take a wobbly step back to the dancefloor, you were stopped in your tracks when you were face to face with your girlfriend again. well, your face to her back.

your throat closes seeing her on the stairs, stunned into silence watching her heavy black boots climb higher and higher up, the brunette already around the corner, all you could see of her were her fingers sliding through katsuki's belt loops, the belt hanging uselessly either side of her hands while she dragged your girlfriend closer. blinking dumbly, you catch one last glimpse of katsuki before she eagerly submits to the girl pulling her along, her frame disappearing behind the wall, and you even think you can hear a door slam and lock above you over the sound of the music.

stunned, you stand still, stuck in the same spot by the cluttered counter, staring at the landing at the top of the stairs katsuki had just disappeared behind, questioning yourself if that's even what you just saw, trying to convince yourself it wasn't, mentally counting the amount of vodka raspberries you'd had. before you could fall too far into your delusion, denki manifests beside you again, snatching a packet of chips tucked away at the top of the cupboard closest to you, "lookin' for your sister?"

your eyes are slow, your head turned toward him entirely before your eyes caught up, meeting his citrine irises, a polite smile pulling at the corners of your mouth, the rest of your smile tight. just as quickly as denki appeared, hanta did, slotting himself beside you, slinging his arm over your shoulder to offer you his cup. you eagerly accepted, taking it in two hands, finishing whatever mix of liquor was in it in one gulp.

"yeah, what's with the sad puppy dog eyes? we're not enough fun for you?" sero jokes, squeezing you closer, your face burning his skin through the fabric on his shoulder, their teasing, the alcohol and your anxiety making your face only grow warmer. you tried your hardest to laugh off their joking, to play into it, your mind clouded by the look on katsuki's face when she told her friends you were her sister, the look on her face when she watched you dance, the look she had kissing another girl, the look on her face being dragged up the stairs.

even after shaking your head, trying to jostle the invasive memories, all you could see was her face staring up from between the pretty brunette's thighs, red eyes sparkling in the moonlight cascading in through a window, dishevelled but still smug.

you're not quite sure how long has passed since you were dragged over to the couch, your eyes flicking back and forth between hanta, denki and the bottom of the staircase, occasionally distracted by their banter and body heat, your eyes drawn back to the flashing screen each time your shoulders and thighs bumped with theirs. they don't keep your attention for long, every sign of movement having your eyes snapping back to the staircase, hoping every hint of blonde was her. stuck in a loop, their jeering and impish jabs dragging your attention back to the screen long enough to see the blood red fatality light up the TV before you were again checking over your shoulder for katsuki, losing every match against one of your newfound friends before they grew bored of watching your character idle; denki whining nearly immediately when hanta takes the controller from your hands, "that's so unfair, han, i had more to smoke than you did."

with the two bickering like siblings, you gave into your compulsion once more, looking through your hair to the bottom of the stairs before watching the pairs rematch; doing a double take when at last, you spot katsuki sauntering down the wooden stairs.

her spiky hair was mussed, a tuft gathering at the centre as she pushed it off her face, her lips glittering under the lights with a sparkly pink gloss that you knew wasn't her own, the tip of her tongue smearing golden flecks over her bottom lip as her slender fingers hooked through her now empty belt loops, bringing your attention down to her dishevelled shirt and band of her boxers poking out of the top of her baggy pants. without even a second glance behind her for the brunette girl, katsuki beelines for your trio, the hem of her pants hanging over her shoes only adding to her self-assured aura, nothing like your own perfect outfit, meant to impress katsuki and her friends, emphasise your assets, now crumpled between two sets of thighs.

reaching your group, katsuki drops onto the couch beside denki, her legs taking up far more space than necessary as she squeezed between him and the arm, scarlet eyes shining as you squished further between the two, your arms pushing against your chest and pillowy thighs pressing closer together with the space getting smaller. sheepishly, you spare a glance at your girlfriend, her eyes glimmering with a strange look you can't place your finger on as you shift again, your hem rising further up your thighs the more you adjust your position, timid again around her as she lounged back on the couch, draping her arm around denki to brush her fingertips along the nape of your neck behind him.

as quickly as she touched you, you jumped forward, your cheeks burning hearing hanta's wolf whistling, busying yourself with pouring yourself one more drink, something to busy your hands as the pair began interrogating katsuki about what happened upstairs.

katsuki doesn't respond with a single word, her dishevelment, glossy smirk, and a picture she flashes them enough of an answer; her phone screen dimly displaying the cute girl she had gone upstairs with, now with her brown bob messily strewn over the pillow she laid on, fringe sticking to her forehead when she smiled up at the camera, holding up two fingers as she posed with her the top of her dress buttoned up unevenly.

you want to look closer, a morbid curiosity washing over you, simultaneously wishing katsuki would answer every question hanta and denki threw her way and wishing she had never even invited you to this party, never met her friends, never seen the look in her eyes as the girl tugged her upstairs. never met her.

you're standing before you even register your movements, stumbling a little on your feet as you stand, only just managing to steady yourself before spilling any of your drink. three pairs of eyes are trained on you, all of them curious, intrigued, denki is the only one to cringe away from you, worried you might vomit where you stood. gingerly, you spun back around to face the group, a shock of adrenaline sobering you when your glassy eyes locked on katsuki's mischievous ones.

"you wanna go, or somethin'?" her voice was rough, deep like it was when she spoke half asleep in the mornings at your place, shrouded in dim morning light with your fingers tangling in the shorter hair at the nape of her neck. again, you grew quiet, a heat swirling inside your stomach that didn't match the jealous upset circling your head.

your tinted lips part, but your wobbly voice stays stuck in your throat; looking back down to the dark timber floor, you nodded, glancing up at her through your eyelashes to see her bidding goodbye to the pair beside her with a boyish handshake and a slap on her back. coming to stand beside you, katsuki gestures towards her friends, an ash blonde eyebrow quirked in a silent command, speak, girl, only moving down the hallway for you to follow out when you mumble a quick goodbye, their names nearly running into one, "'snicemettingyou."

katsuki walks ahead, each confident step thumping against the flooring, her hands tucked deep into her pockets to search for her keys; you wanted desperately to reach for her hand, to loop your arm through hers and walk beside her instead of trailing behind her with wide eyes and a trembling lip. your need for her only grew as you stepped outside, the night air far cooler than the humidity, the air growing stale from too many cigs, vapes and bongs littered around the house.

"you need to stop poutin', baby." your heart swells at the pet name, desperate for a hint of affection after being denied the whole night. she's just a blurry figure ahead of you when you glance at her through your eyelashes, slowly beginning to clump together with unshed drunken tears stuck in your lash line. katsuki observes you over her shoulder, studying the way you wring your hands together, how your dress slowly rides up your thigh with every step, and how hard you're trying to blink your tears away, she especially pays attention to the way you wobble on your feet, tripping over a stray pebble at the edge of the pathway.

the blonde steadies you with a warm hand at your wrist, gently guiding you the rest of the way to her car, parked in her usual spot. finally, alone together again, katsuki was back to being the perfect girlfriend, keeping her hand firm at the small of your back, opening the back door to her car for you as the first tear broke free, sliding down your cheek, holding out her other hand to you to pull yourself into the backseat.

your eyes easily focus on your girlfriend still standing outside the car, the courtyard a mix of blurry colours and shapes, but her image clearer than ever, the shock of cold air and your tears making you feel far soberer than you did when you'd started playing video games with your newfound friends; you looked her up and down, sniffling a little when you locked eyes with her again, the dark of her pupil staring intently at you while she gets herself comfortable slotted between your legs still dangling out of her car.

you're even more focused on the scent of her pistachio caramel shampoo in the car, sucking in a deep breath of the night air to clear your mind when her hand settles at your thigh, the very tips of her painted fingers crawling under the hem of your dress. you're unsure if it's her touch or the weight of her gaze making you squirm, her fingers twitching on your plush thighs just to analyse your reaction, like you were a specimen, like she was dissecting through your brain tissue to read your thoughts.

they'd be boring, you think, everything was just an echo of her.

your bleary eyes dropped back down to your wringing hands, only watching katsuki from the corner of your eye, she looked… soft in the blurry corner of your eye, all unclear, soft planes, like you were looking at her through an unfocused camera, instead of her typical jagged, harsh spikes, even her eyes looked nearly adoring.

"what are you doin', baby? what're my friends gonna think if you keep gettin' jealous over me like that, huh?" her fingertips are so soft underneath your ear when she cradles your jaw, tracing gentle shapes while she reprimands you. her voice dropped lower, inching closer to you hidden in the dark, her mouth only a breath away from yours, pink lips could easily brush against yours if she just dipped her head, "you gotta behave around them, pretty, or they're gonna think you're some kinda pervert… you want that?"

you shake your head rapidly, your mouth opening to defend yourself, to tell her you wanted her friends to like you, you liked hanging out with them, your throat too tight to get anything more than a whine out, "oh, baby, it's alright, i know."

your chest blossoms with heat, your stomach burning like a heath set alight by her matchstick words, a single fat tear falling from your eyes to roll down your cheek, running down your neck until it was joined by another. katsuki catches your tears as they roll down your face, slowly swiping a thumb over your bottom lip, sucking her own between her teeth before closing the distance between you.

her lips pressed to yours felt euphoric, the feeling of her tongue licking the remaining salty, raspberry taste from your lips as close as you thought you'd get to heaven. katsuki deepens the kiss, parting your lips with her own, her hand on your jaw keeping you hard against her while her tongue slides against yours. the kisses between the two of you are always messy, charged, full of hot, wandering hands, sharp teeth, her raspberry-sweet tongue and a foreign-tasting lip gloss tacking your bottom lip to your chin.

you sigh into the kiss, a whiny, needy sound that you never made until her, your eyelashes tickling her face when you press your lips harder to hers, pouring every ounce of your love and affection into her through your connected lips. a perfect, manicured hand travelled up her chest to tangle in the blonde spikes at the base of her neck, an apprehensive tug at her hair tilted katsuki's head back, your kiss deepening with the practised movements; always starting slow and sensual before devolving into a mess of neediness, swollen lips, sharp teeth and insatiable tongues.

"you're the one i take home, though, aren't you?" katsuki rests her forehead against yours, her breath mixing with your heaving gasps, her deep garnet eyes flicking back and forth between your own, blown pupils staring back at her. adoration bloomed in your chest at her confession, nodding your head as much as you could against hers pressing hard to your own. you paw at the collar of her shirt, intoxicated by her proximity; her figure clouding your thoughts, the image of her towering over a brunette, smiling up at your girlfriend as you did, katsuki's hungry eyes devouring her when her head falls back and her spine arches, the girl's hands digging into the same spot on her abdomen you clung to when you came, their lips wet with each other's affection. glancing down to katsuki's clenched fist at your hip, gathering the fabric higher and higher, you cleared your mind of the girl, you were the one in her car, going home with her, you were the one katsuki was comforting, the one she'd take home and cook for, she'd have probably offered to wash your hair for you if you'd cried any longer.

"you want me?" she asks, revelling in the way you vigorously nod, 'want' nowhere near what you felt anymore, only increasingly more pathetically needy for her.

"do you want me?" you repeat her question between heaving breaths, a sweet sigh escaping you again when katsuki's lips find their place under your jaw, kissing, licking and nipping at the sensitive skin until your ankles cross behind her back and your head falls backwards with a whine. her grin is like saccharine against your skin, slender fingers topped with chipped polish trace the crease of your thigh, only pausing when she feels the heat at the peak of your thighs, "you need me to show you, pretty?"

her forefinger follows the seam down the centre of your panties, huffing out a laugh when your hips buck at her touch, your free hand finding hers under your skirt, manicured fingers gripping her wrist to guide her to your puffy clit, "huh? this is what got you so desperate?"

you don't answer her, can't answer her, your hips bucking off the cloth seats into her touch, scratching at her scalp with your nails, hoping the gentle bite of your manicure at her skin is enough to tell her you need her, need this, the comfort of her touch, her lips, her tongue, whatever it was she usually did when she made you forget how cold she was, to remind you how your heart raced beneath her.

"let me give you what you need," you're not certain you hear her entirely, the blood rushing in your ears drowning out her low voice when she drops down to one knee on the pavement outside her car, her hair looking nearly black in the dimness of the night when she disappears under your skirt; although you're certain you hear a chuckle when she snaps your cold, wet panties against your skin. katsuki sets your skin alight with every expert pinch at your trembling thighs, never giving you a chance to worry about the open courtyard her car was parked in, instead already getting you squealing and whining out her name in the sweet voice you saved just for her ears.

"katsuki–" she rewards your needy gasp of her name with an animalistic stare, her eyes bright even in the darkness watching you, her breath warming the seam of your panties, "people might see."

katsuki thinks you're like a little mouse when you whimper her name, not even trying to hide from her sharp, hawk-like gaze; a dumb field mouse, lying with your stomach exposed to her talons. her clouded eyes drop back to your drooling pussy right in front of her face, the peak of your thighs slick with what your panties couldn't catch, "i'll make it quick."

there wasn't another word whispered into the night when she finally gave you what you needed; pressing her lips to the junction between your thigh and your cunt, not even bothering to slide the panties you wore just for her down your legs, instead settling for holding it out of her way to expose your pussy to her ministrations, a sigh against your skin the only indication of your effect on her.

not wasting any more time, her tongue was at your cunt, your euphoric gasps drowning out katsuki's own moan at your taste, her tongue flat against you to taste as much of you as possible in a single wide lick to your clit. your jolt flicks a switch inside the blonde, her nose pressing so hard to your pubic bone it nearly hurts when her tongue swirls around your throbbing clit, her saliva mixing with your wetness, the mixture already starting to gather on her bottom lip, not bothering to catch the string of cum dripping from her lip to the backseat.

your grip on her hair never weakens, pulling and tugging whenever your hips rose to meet her tongue, muttering out a swear between breathless murmurs when her tongue flicks over the bunch of nerves, following your movements every time you try to escape the pleasure washing over you, simultaneously grinding onto her tongue like you needed more. you can feel her smile against your skin when she licks at the wetness dripping from your cunt, her tongue and lips sliding against your skin like a debased makeout session with your pussy.

not ignoring your clit for long, katsuki's lips drag up your skin to suck at your skin, your noises only getting louder and higher with every flick over it, your girlfriend insatiable, refusing to give in until your thighs were clamping around her skull, "uhnnn, please, 'tsuki, i need it."

you can't see her face under the skirt of your dress, but you can imagine the evil twinkle in her eye, the same ravenous shine pooling in the blood red whenever she got you begging, whenever she had you humping her face, your nails leaving parallel marks at the base of her neck.

"tell me what you need," her words run together in her desperation to get her lips wrapped back around your clit, her tongue still half hanging out of her mouth when she speaks. your mouth bobs open and closed dumbly, wracking your mind for a word other than please or katsuki.

"you know what i need–ah" you try, raising your hips again, whining again when she licks back down to your wet hole, dipping her tongue inside only enough to feel how you clenched your cunt around the muscle, "cum on my face, and i can take you home and give you everything, baby."

katsuki's voice is rough and deep and it breaks on the last syllable.

your eyes roll back in your skull at the broken pet name, your hair knotting against the cloth seats when you nod, a string of unfiltered babbling leaving your lips when her mouth closes back around your puffy clit, "please, 'ki, yeah, i-i think i'm gonna cum, i wanna cum, i need you to cum."

your long moan echoes through the car to your own ears, too blissed out to feel embarrassed at how ruined you sounded for her, too dazed to do anything but buck your hips at her groan vibrating against your soaking cunt, sticky with cum, saliva and glittery lip gloss.

your cheeks burn feeling her tug your panties back in place, fighting the urge to lock your legs around her head and shield yourself from the chill, the loss of her body pressed between your thighs making the damp spot on your panties feel even colder than it was, "c'mon, pretty, let's get you home."

the smile she flashes you when she climbs back to her feet is sweet, despite the point of her incisors shining under the moonlight making her look viscous, like a vampire ready to sweet talk her way to your jugular. you'd fall for it, you think to yourself, the girl beneath the harsh lines so sweet, sincere when you were alone with her, you'd be disarmed, too powerless to deny.

a loud holler at the back of the house reminds you where you are, your thighs snapping shut, your ears hot when katsuki laughs at your sudden bashfulness again, your hands flying to tug your skirt back down your thighs, shielding your exposed skin like she wasn't just kneeling, face to face with your drooling cunt. you finish adjusting where the hem brushes your pillowy thighs at the same time katsuki finishes brushing stray, crisp leaves from her knee with one hand, her other on yours, pulling you from the backseat, both of you as dishevelled as the other; lip gloss smeared over chins, matching tangled hair and slick thighs.

you stare at her like she hung the stars in the sky just for you when she opens the passenger door for you, deep vermillion studying the way your bottom lip tucks between your teeth at her sweetness, the way it did every time she did something like this to you, leaving you waiting on your front steps for an hour for her, whenever she cancelled a plan an hour before when she knew you'd already be getting dolled up, suggesting you both just play video games at her place instead of whatever nice date you'd planned. and yet, it ended with her lips and fingers slick with the tartness of your cum and you, staring up at her with lovesickness shining in your eyes, every time.

katsuki winks at you when she closes the passenger door with a soft thud, hardly loud enough to be heard over the party still raging nearby, the fact giving you some comfort in knowing your lover was the only one to hear your desperate whines and moans.

you track her movements around the car, unable to tear your eyes away from her sharp beauty, amplified even more so by her smile; all dangerous teeth and silver tongue on display, still watching her when she turns the key in the ignition. the engine vibrates and purrs with life, the headlights and radio flickering on with one last turn of the key in the ignition, "wanna put on our song, baby?"

reaching into the cup holder for her phone, the picture of her friends reminding you to ask her to tell her friends the truth about you, maybe tomorrow, not wanting to staunch the adoration pouring out from her. leaning close enough to smell her shampoo and perfume again, you queue your song, katsuki turning the volume knob with one hand, reaching her other arm behind your seat, shifting the car into reverse. effortlessly, she manoeuvres between the countless other cars, each of them parked wonkier and messier, most people pulling into any spare spot they could get.

excited for your and katsuki's song, you lean forward with your tongue bitten in concentration, attempting to press the small skip button beside the obsolete CD player embedded in the car, sluggishly bumping a button, the song skips back, a curse leaving your lips. still trying to press the correct button, you're oblivious to the flash of her phone screen, the illumination dim but clear, unmistakably the same contact photo your girlfriend showed off earlier lighting up the screen, only a pink heart as the contact name beneath it.

i can't wait to see you again x

© all works belong to @a-ikuoliver, @gwen0m, and dlirious on archive of our own, do not plagiarise, translate, repost, feed my works into ai or recommend my work on other platforms, or bind my fanworks for sale.

[2ch3rr13s]

The final droplets of my patience

He's been busy lately, and you just wanted to talk with him.

cw/tw- hurt no comfort, you leaving them, gn!reader, not proofread

part 2

Alhaitham

The acting grand sage wanted nothing more than to go home and rest after a long day of work. His eyes had begun to droop on his way home, but he still stood up straight.

As he unlocked the door to his home, he sighed, finally home only to be greeted by his angry partner with their hands on their hips. An apprehensive expression upon their face, "Hey Haitham, can we talk?"

But he didn't really feel like talking or doing much, so he just reached up and instead turned on his noise-canceling on his headphones, as he began to take off his shoes before he got any further into the house.

You felt frustration well up into your chest as you stomped over before pulling his headphones down to his neck. "Hey! I'm talking to you!"

Alhaitham rolled his eyes, "And I'm ignoring you, can you not use your eyes to see that? Can't you go bother Kaveh or something [Name]?" Your eyebrows furrowed as you retracted your hand from him and crossed your arms.

"Kaveh isn't my boyfriend, you are. Now will you listen to me?" Alhaitham pinched the bridge of his nose as he glanced to you. "Well if I knew you were this annoying and can simply see how tired I am, I wouldn't have asked you to be my significant other."

Your heart sang to your stomach as you stared at him with a look of pure disbelief. Inhaling sharply, your throat suddenly felt dryas you nodded while rubbing your clammy hands on your pants.

"I understand..." And with that you picked up your shoes by the door, and left through the door without even sparing another glance. Like always Alhaitham knew you'd be back later, after any squabble or small petty arguments, you always came back and he opened his arms to only you.

With a sigh, he just continued to go to his room so he could see, if he sees you in the morning, then he'll apologize and then everything would be fine again.

Diluc

Balancing being the Darknight hero and still trying to make time to be present at Angel's Share at times, he just wanted nothing more than to collapse in his warm bed with his beloved.

He entered Dawn Winery with a sigh, his shoulders slumping as he breath a sigh of relief, somewhere where he felt safe enough to be vulnerable.

He closed the door behind him as quietly as he could as he just came back from his Darknight hero duties of protecting Mondstadt. But nearly jumped as someone cleared their throat from behind him as a lamp was clicked on.

"And just where have you been? Returning at such unholy hours in the night." He turned around as he gave a small breath of relief, "It's just you [Name], I thought someone broke it."

"Aren't you going to answer my question?" Well, as much as he wanted to tell them, he still never came out to anyone beside the Traveler and Paimon about being the Darknight hero.

"Apologies [Name], but I don't think I can... At least for your safety," with a click of your tongue, you stood up, and only now could he see that you were fully dressed up as if you were going somewhere. "[Name]?"

"Until you can learn to be truthful to be, I will be staying elsewhere Diluc. I'm tired of waking up in the middle of the night seeing you never beside me."

Diluc felt his heart stop momentarily as you walked passed him, he turned and caught your wrist, but you pulled away quickly. "I'll see you later, find me at Cat's Tail whenever you're ready to talk."

Kaeya

Kaeya was the calvary captain, but where is the calvary? No one knows, but he does go around town to avoid his work, well as long as Jean doesn't see him. And today was again one of those days he was caught by Acting Grand Master Jean and was roped into doing some paperwork, for the fourth time this week.

He was tired, slouching over a large stack of papers from noon to nearly midnight, and he didn't even get to bother Diluc at the Angel's Share tonight which made him a bit snappy.

He returned home only to be greeting into an immediate embrace. "I was so worried about you Kaeya! Where were you?" A sigh escape him as he took your arms from him and guided them to your sides as he held your shoulders.

"Darling, I am a bit tired, so can you maybe not be so hyper right now?" A frown made its way to your lips as you shrugged off his hands, "But I was just worried about you, why are you getting angry?"

"[Name] unlike you, I am a knight, and I help people around the city. And you just sit here and write poetry all day," He grabbed the papers on the desk and held them up, "Tell me how is this going to get us money to live in this house?"

He threw them into the air as he turned around, and pushed everything off the desk in irritation making your furrow your eyebrows and raise your voice.

"Kae-" He held a hand up and you huffed irritated, "And another thing, why is that you don't do anything around the house? Maybe if I had my head attached to my body the day I asked you out, maybe I would have seen how terrible this relationship actually is."

Tears quickly gathered in your eyes as you turned on your heel and went out the door leaving Kaeya to stand in the empty house of his in the dark.

Albedo

Well, he's always busy. But still he comes down from Dragonspine in order to talk with you everyday, or he just uses his lab at the Knight's headquarters instead to do some research so he could stay closer to you.

Today was one of those few days he was able to make it home to you, and he slipped his coat off of his body as he was just about enter further into you shared home.

"Albedo?" His head turned to see you at the small little entry way as you gave a little smile, "Hey... it's been a few days since I last heard or seen you."

Albedo gave a confuse glance as he was tugging off his boots, "Oh, I hadn't realize, I'll try to inform you when I come and go better." With a little sigh, you shook your head as you crossed your arm and he looked over at you.

"That wasn't a normal sigh... Are you perhaps upset with me?" You gave him a look and he felt his confusion further rise, "Duh! You've been cooped up in your labs and I can never see you becasue you don't even pay attention to me."

Albedo raised an eyebrow as he looked over to you, "Well, you know how much my research and experiments mean to me, [Name]." A sigh of frustration left you as you stood up straight and placed you hand on your hips.

"Would it kill you to at least show that you care about our relationship Albedo?" With a sigh of his own he began to put back on his boots. "If I had knew that pointless arguments about time management would be included in our relationship, then I wouldn't have asked to be in one with you."

You bit your bit as you felt anger wash over you, his words hitting your heart and ears roughly making you wish you didn't hear what he had just said. "Leave."

"[Name]," you shook your head as you walked to him, grabbed his coat from the coat rack and handed to him as you opened the door. You pushed him out the door before slamming it shut in his face.

Xiao

The Conquer of demons, he lives up to his name as he goes all across Liyue protecting the people from the evil that lurks in every corner. He hardly gets rest as he moves everywhere.

The one evening he returns to Wangshu Inn, he is a bit surprised to see your figure standing at the railing where he usual stands at, arms resting against the rail as you look at the setting sun.

"Hey, long time no see Yaksha." You turned and looked at him seeing his usual expressed with his arms crossed as he makes his way over to you, standing a bit away.

"What are you doing here tonight?" A snort leaves your mouth as he still didn't bother to look at you. "Xiao, I'm your significant other, I don't really need a reason to see you."

He shook his head as he continued to look over the land below, "Why are you here?" You gave a sheepish smile as you stood up straight, "I wanted to see if you'd join me for a day down at the harbor?"

"And Liyue unprotected? No, and plus I'd rather not further engage with mortals," you gave a frown as you huffed resuming your position to lean against the railing.

"Why can't you take a few hours of you day out for me?" You glanced at him but he didn't even bother to acknowledge your gaze. "[Name], I would sacrifice you in order to keep the people of Liyue safe rather than to leave them unprotected."

Your eyebrows furrowed as you stood up immediately, and then began to walk away. And you didn't even bother to glance back him, and he didn't bother to spare you a look.

[ifimdreaming]

blurb!

I cant sleep

jack hughes x reader || fluff

summary: jack wakes you up at 2am becasue he cant sleep an wants mcdonalds lol

word count: 0.6k

-

Jack tossed and turned beside you, reaching over to the nightstand to check his phone for the fourth time in the past 10 minutes. You tried desperately to ignore him, being way too tired and annoyed to tell him off. You also knew that if Jack knew you were awake he would take every opportunity to keep you awake.

Not even two minutes later Jack is sitting up in bed and you look at him confused with squinted eyes and your head still on the pillow, not wanting to lose your sleepiness. 

He begins ripping his shirt off and loudly starts fluffing his pillow, punching and throwing it on the bed repeatedly, clearly uncomfortable with how it was before. You groan slightly in annoyance and Jack turns his head to look at you.

“Oh you're awake too?” He turns to face you and lifts the pieces of hair that are covering your face so he can see if your eyes are open.

“Well I am now. Literally how could I be asleep with all the noise you're making?” you huff and turn your body to face the other way, away from jack.

“I can't sleep...” 

You feel poking at your side after staying silent, trying your hardest to ignore the irritating boy beside you.

“...Hello? Did you fall asleep again?” Jack says as he continues poking your back.

You grab his hand to stop him and kick his leg under the covers. 

“OW!”

You reach over and grab your phone, checking the time. “Jack, go back to bed its almost 2:30 in the morning!” he looks at you with furrowed brows and grips his leg, dramatically emphasizing the pain, which makes you crack a smile and laugh.

“Go. to. bed.” you sit up in bed and hold his face in your hands trying not to laugh, “im serious.” you add, trying to get your point across but he just chuckles in response, clearly seeing you fighting back your own laughter.

“I can't. I'm hungry and I really need mcdonalds.” he says as you reach over to turn the lamp on, reluctantly giving up on getting much sleep tonight. 

He looks at you and pouts his lip, and you just roll your eyes in return. You knew you'd be giving in but it was funny to watch him get so worked up about it.

“Pleeaase come with me?” jack says and pulls you in closer beside him. You sit up more and he lifts your leg over him so you are now sitting up on his lap, facing him.

“Please?” he says as he leans in to place a soft kiss against your lips. 

“Hmmm… I dont know. I think I need a little more convincing.” you say as you scooch closer to his chest and place your arms on his shoulders, wrapping your hands around his neck.

“Oh yeah?” Jack leans in and leaves gentle kisses along your jaw and down your neck. He picks a spot along your collarbone and leaves marks that will definitely last for at least a few days.

“How bout now?” he lifts his head to look at you but you push it back down to your neck. 

“Come with me?” he says leaning up again and you reluctantly open your eyes, not wanting him to have stopped.

“Mm fine I suppose” you reply, and he flashes you a big smile.

“But this continues when we get back, yeah?” 

“Of course.” He says and places one last kiss on your lips, moving his hands back and forth along your thighs.

“Well lets go then hungry boy” you laugh out as you begin to climb off his lap.

“I'll get the keys!” Jack says and basically pushes you off of him so he can get dressed and get in the car as fast as possible. Leaving you laughing hysterically and scrambling to keep up with him.

-

-

[steviewashere]

To Be So Mundane

Rating: General CW: Brief mention of Covid-19 (as this is set in 2021) Tags: Post-Canon, Post Vecna, Future Fic, Set in 2021, Tooth-Rotting Fluff, Older Steddie, Domestic Steve Harrington/Eddie Munson, Teacher Steve Harrington, The Intimacy in a Bowl of Soup, Emotional Steve Harrington, Eddie Munson is a Sweetheart, Steve Harrington is a Sweetheart, Soft Eddie Munson, Soft Steve Harrington

Thought about finishing up the fourth chapter of my merman Steve fic. And then I got sidetracked, so here's this. Also, I don't know where they live or what Eddie does for work (maybe mechanic, if you feel so inclined to imagine him that way). Pick your flavor <3

🥣—————🥣 At the end of the day, Steve realizes it’s not the horror he’s experienced that will linger. Sure, they persist and he is frightened and he shakes sweating from it all. But when he comes home, exhausted to his core and sluggish to the soles of his feet, it’ll never be the agony he finds in his kitchen. It’s the warmth.

The sweet musk of vanilla bourbon candles bought from the home aisle of the neighborhood Walmart. A singular orange bulb in a second-hand floor lamp, tucked cozy by the couch, in the corner between the back door and the right armrest. Bookshelves of knick knacks and framed photos from 2003—when he finally tried the college route and graduated. The sprawl of mini-figure painting equipment on the coffee table: half-open paint jars that he closes up tight, still drying clean paint brushes, paper towels and yellowed newspaper, and magnifying goggles.

It’s to music. Soft crooning through the—now considered ancient—record player from 1988. Sometimes Jim Croce. Sometimes John Prine. Sometimes the goddess, Dolly Parton. Something familiar and nearly worn out from playing the records over and over and over. Tonight, it’s Jim. It’s coming back to the floating husking rasp of Eddie Munson’s fifty-five year old voice, not all that great but always sweet from by the stovetop.

To where Steve migrates, shoeless and briefcase free and his teacher’s badge hung up. Where soup simmers on the low heat—smelling of paprika and roasted carrots and chicken bouillon. The oven heating up a loaf of French bread, basted in garlic butter, sprinkled with shredded mozzarella cheese. Where Eddie stands, stirring and singing—his now silver hair pulled up into a bun, dressed down in a plain white t-shirt and black sweatpants, and his scruff not shaved—he must’ve had a lazy day. Steve wraps his arms around Eddie’s waist, his body warm and his tummy a little pudgier. Eddie hums, reaching down with a free hand to cover the back of Steve’s, squeezing. And Steve’ll never be used to their wedding rings clinking together.

“Long day?�� Eddie murmurs low.

Steve grunts. Digs his chin into Eddie’s left shoulder. His glasses going crooked from the angle. Peers down at the bubbling pot of dinner. “Kids kept threatening to take their masks off. Nearly started a coughing fight,” he answers at the same volume. He sighs, long and genuine. “They’ve officially turned Covid-19 into classroom warfare. Whatever happened to spitballs and globs of food?”

Eddie chuckles deep in his chest. “Don’t give ‘em ideas, Stevie.” He smiles softly down at his cooking, dimples deep and smile lines deeper. Steve kisses under his left ear just because. Because he can. Because this is what the world is when it doesn’t end, thank god. The soup is stirred slowly for a few more beats. He scoops up a spoonful in their beat up ladle. It’s got a few char scars from when they first learned to cook meals for one another—Steve believes it’s from the time he forgot to turn off the stovetop when making macaroni and cheese. Lesson learned.

“Here, taste this for me, baby?” Eddie gently requests, holding the ladle to Steve’s face over his shoulder. Hand cupping the underside. Face turned slightly to try and make eye contact, he’ll give himself a knot if he does it too long. Steve knows, having given many massages over the last decade.

He leans forward slightly, accepting the soup as Eddie tilts the ladle. Makes an obnoxious slurp that Eddie snorts at. Smacks his lips and hums. “Ooo, that’s good,” Steve mutters close to Eddie’s ear. “Got a little kick to it. You put a little bit of that new chili oil?”

“Mm and chili flakes,” Eddie hums. “Thought it would pair nicely. Remember that chicken I began marinating last night?”

“The chicken you told me I couldn’t make for my lunch today?”

Eddie rolls his eyes, turning back to the soup pot, shutting the burner off. “I told you not to take it all,” he points out with pleasant tease. “Because you’ll do that if I don’t stop you. And then you come home and complain that your stomach hurts because you ate too much. And then I have to put you on bed rest for the night.”

“I’m not that bad—“

“Anyway,” Eddie cuts in. “I marinated it in this ginger, coconut sauce that I saw a few nights ago on uh…What’s that app that Robin’s always sending videos from?”

“The…The TickTick app?” Steve guesses.

Eddie snaps his fingers together. “Yeah! That app!” He exclaims softly. (They’ll learn later it’s definitely not that, but it doesn’t matter.) He shrugs Steve off to grab the bread from the oven. Steve just moves around to their bar countertop, not a complaint on his tongue. Eddie continues, “I also added a little bit of coconut milk to the base broth. So, hopefully, this’ll be good. With the leftovers, I was thinking you could make your cauliflower rice for lunch and put the soup on top? Only if it’s good, though. If this sucks, I’ll pay for pizza tonight.”

Steve laughs from his belly. “If you do, make sure to get the gluten free crust. Stupid stomach has been acting up again,” he says softly.

Standing up, Eddie hisses. “You’re lucky that the bakery section at the grocery store only had gluten free baguettes then,” he teases gently once more. He sets the finished bread on the countertop, grabs the bottle of chili oil from by the pot of soup, and drizzles it lightly overtop the cheesy, garlic goodness. When he finally dishes up their dinner, he settles next to Steve at the counter. Bowls and small plates of bread in front of them. Glasses of crappy Barefoot red wine, because this is what they can afford—and it doesn't really suck, not when it's served thoughtfully like it is tonight.

“Thank you, baby,” Steve murmurs. He leans in close to Eddie’s side, presses a chaste kiss to his cheek, and then promptly digs in.

And it’s good. Everything’s so good. Jim Croce is singing about time in a bottle. The soup is warm and fresh and homemade. Every light is a careful amber. He’s tired and happy and…complete.

Eddie’s got soup in the scruff under his lip. But Steve doesn’t say anything. Just admires the fine wrinkles and lines to his face, where they’ve begun to really deepen. Admires how his eyes are just as big and soft and expressive as they were thirty-five years ago after Vecna. Where his body is soft. His endearingly white hair.

How he’s alive.

“Hey, Eds?”

Immediately, Eddie looks onto him. Eyes wide with trepidation. The corners of his mouth pinched downward. “Is it not good? I can go get my wallet if it’s—“

Steve lays his hand on the back of Eddie’s forearm. The right one, closest to him, where scars swamp the bats. And that says something, too, he’s sure. About how Eddie fought the bats and came out victorious anyway. His thumb runs soothingly over Eddie’s malleable, aged, warm skin. And his eyes prickle with tears—it would’ve been embarrassing if he were nineteen still, but what a wonderful thing to be alive and cry at all.

“I’m so fucking happy you’re here with me,” Steve breathes out all at once. He sighs through his mouth, a gentle sob escaping.

Eddie drops his spoon into his bowl of slowly cooling soup. And he reaches up, dislodging Steve’s hand on his arm completely, cupping his face between his hands instead. “Oh, baby,” he coos. “Baby, are you alright? Where’s this coming from?”

Steve shrugs because he doesn’t know. Not really. But it’s here. And he’s got a therapist in the aftermath of everything, and feelings deserved to be felt—so they’ve said. “I just—“ He wetly exhales, leaning into Eddie’s soft hands. “—I don’t know. It’s so fucking…I’m so happy to just be boring. To do the same mundane things every single day. To just come home.”

“Oh,” Eddie coos again. He tugs Steve closer, burying his face into his shoulder. Pets a hand through Steve’s own white hair. A hand between his shoulders. Letting him dissolve safely. “I am, too, Steve,” he states like a promise. “You have no idea how my heart just soars in the morning when I look over and you’re…God, you’re drooling all over your own forearm and snuffling deep into the pillow and your hair is all spiky and you’ve got creases all over your face from going to war with the top sheet.” Steve chuckles just as Eddie pulls him back. Hands back on his cheeks, thumbs soothing tear tracks. “You have no idea how relieved I am to look over and see you at peace, sweetheart. Every day—I don’t know how you do it—but every day you let me discover a new part of you to love.”

They smile at one another, softly, eyes shiny with tears. Their soup is going cold, but it doesn’t matter. They’ve got all the time in the world to reheat it.

“I love you,” Steve breathes, states. Just because he can.

“I love you, too,” Eddie says immediately. Because it’s that easy.

It’s easy when life is nothing more than this.

🥣—————🥣

[hoodieseasoned]

sketchbook stuff yea

have been busy w work so no energy for painting or digital,, just some guys !!! a random assortment of drawings from my sketchbook

i did not edit these at all so some shine from the lamp and camera shake to be expected

IMAGE ID'S:

(note: please tell me if I'm doing these wrong, thank you)

[first image: a photo of a sketchbook page, the first drawing on top is of Smallishbeans, depicted from the waist up. He's leaning on his palm while looking disinterested at the camera. He is wearing a life series long-sleeve and red glasses, and he has alien antennas on his head. On his right is a drawing of a small a cartoon alien, with the text "joel smallishbeans" under it and a pink heart. The drawing is mostly uncolored with a green background. Under this drawing is a bust-up marker drawing of Ethoslab. He is looking at the camera while holding up a peace-dign and winking. The drawing is colored with a purple background.]

[second image: A marker drawing of Grian from the waist up. He is looking at the viewer, expression annoyed and holding up his pointer finger. The background is purple, with a repeating circle/swirl pattern starting off from said finger.]

[third image: A small marker portrait of Etho on a post-it note, with blue details done with pencil. He is looking at the viewer, his expression is slightly sad. The background is purple]

[fourth image: Same as the previous one, only with ZombieCleo instead. They are looking off to the side, expression slightly annoyed.]

[fifth image: Pen drawing of Geminitay on a dotted paper. Depicted from the waist up, she is wearing a dress similar to her season nine skin, with wide antlers on her head and pointy ears. She is looking off to her right and downwards, smiling. Behind her head is a halo done with blue pencil, blue is also used to shade the drawing.]

[sixth image: A marker drawing of Pearlescentmoon, on a page next to the previous Gem drawing. Depicted from the waist up, and a side profile, she is smiling up at Gem on her left while resting her chin on her palm. She has purple wings and a red dress, and blue antenna on her head. A big blue crescent moon done with pencil is behind her.]

[seventh image: The Geminitay & Pearlescentmoon spread in full]

[eighth image: A waist up pen sketch of Geminitay dressed in knight armor, holding a sword in front of her and looking off to the side with a slightly unhappy expression. Her armor is shaded with a silver marker and detailed with a gold marker]

[ninth image: A pen drawing of Joe Hills with a fjord horse. The horse is resting it's head on his shoulder and eating an apple from his hand. Joe is smiling with his eyes closed, and he is holding the horse's head with his other hand. His hair is up in a ponytail. The background is a pink square.]

[lowkeyrobin]

hey!

idk if you’re still writing but if u are - and have the time - could you maybe write fourth grade or ray seeing the readers sh scars? totally understandable if not :))

ooo yeah sure! ; also I'm still active I promise haha, if I ever had to retire (which will hopefully never happen) I'd probably but a thing in my bio to detail that I'm gone temporarily/permanently ; but yeah, it's all cool, I've written ab sh plenty of times before and I'm fine with writing about it ; decided to do ray on this one cause I've given fg enough attention atm haha ; and thank you for requesting! hope you enjoy!

RAY ; don't hurt yourself again

summary ; he finds your sh scars

warnings ; language, substances, self harm & weapons (razors/scissors iykwim) used (slightly) in detail to cause physical harm

disclaimers ; pre-stevie era

word count ; 1.3k

masterlist

This hot, sunny summer day was no different than any other. Patsy Cline's Walkin' After Midnight rung in your headphones, your cassette player quietly whirring as it plays your mixtape. The summer vibe had finally hit you, inspiring you to get with the theme and listen to some more beachy/summery songs for the season.

Ray always found it funny how you had such a taste for music. He didn't get how certain music was only for certain seasons or only gave you the vibes of a certain time, but he wasn't against it. You were way better at making mixtapes than he was.

Speaking of him, you were on your way to meet him at an abandoned pool you'd found a couple months ago. It was around sunset, the heat wearing down against your back.

Trust, the pool was clean, you made sure of it. But you found it as some hole in the concrete by some unused project apartments, water just sitting stagnant inside. You pick up your pace a bit, wanting to hurry before the sun completely set.

As you arrive, you see Ray, Fuckshit, Fourthgrade, and Ruben, dressed down to their boxers as they fuck around in the water. You wave hello as they welcome you, watching as you strip down into whatever you preferred to wear in the water.

You join them as the moon illuminates the pool, the only other slight source of light being the mostly burned out street lamps.

You end up starting a little water war, with you, Ray, and Fourthgrade against Fuckshit and Ruben. It was mostly just a splash party, with lots of shouting and yelling. Said shouting and yelling earned you a noise complaint, causing police to come deal with you.

"Hey! Hands up, get out of the pool!"

As flashlights are pointed at you all, you quickly scramble out, grab your belongings, and run barefoot down the street to avoid the police. You laugh and yell to one another as you sprint down the road, adrenaline fueling you as you aren't able to feel the rocks in the road wedge into your feet.

You hide in a garden, lit up just enough so you'd be able to put your clothes on properly and be able to tie your shoes. You shove your dry clothes on over your wet ones, attempting to warm up before you begin to freeze due to the cold water soaked in your under clothing.

You notice Ray staring at you a little too long before looking away as you slide your shirt on. You brush it off, maybe thinking he was looking over at one of the other guys, and you happened to be in the way, or maybe he saw a rabbit or a squirrel run through the lawn.

You and Ray separate from Fourthgrade, Fuckshit, and Ruben, as the trio were planning to go to some 24 hour diner to eat dinner before heading home. You and Ray head the opposite way, wanting to go home as sleep slowly creeps up on you both.

Your walk home is mostly silent, warm street lamps lighting your way down the sidewalk. You slowly glide on your board next to Ray, who decides to walk. He shakes his locs out of his face to look up at you.

"Do you hurt yourself?" He asks bluntly, unable to word what he wanted to ask any differently.

"What?" You quickly look at him confused, almost shocked. "No"

"I saw scars on your arms earlier when we were in that garden," He speaks, "Those weren't cat scratches or just rush burns or some dumb shit, those were cuts. It's fine if you don't wanna talk about it, but it's not fine to bottle it up and just hurt yourself. Like, we're here for you, okay?"

You slightly shrug and look away, your foot hitting the pavement as you give yourself a little push. "I don't hurt myself anymore"

"Oh"

You hold back a light smile. "Yeah"

"When did you hurt yourself then?" He asks, almost disappointed in himself that he never caught onto it if it was in the past. "Why?"

You shrug as you give him a blunt explanation. "Long ago. They're just scars for a reason. Life got rough, and I didn't know how else to cope. I was too scared to drink or smoke like you guys, but I was somehow able to hurt myself instead."

He nods. "Sorry"

You nod, "It's cool. I was waiting for it to happen anyways. Just another consequence of my actions, but I've grown and yknow, sappy shit"

He chuckles, "Yeah, yeah."

He pulls a blunt from his pocket, like he'd pulled it from Mary Poppins' bag, considering he just randomly had it and a lighter. He lights it up, puffing it to feel a little calmer about what you'd told him. He was such an extreme empath when it came to shit like this because he knew what the bottom felt like after losing his brother. He understood but didn't know how to help, so he just listened.

The rest of the walk is fairly quiet, the smell of weed filling your noses while the sound of your board rolling on the concrete whirs in your ears.

He waves a slightly awkward goodbye as he walks up to his front porch, knowing you'd stay on the sidewalk until he actually got inside. He grabs at the screen door, pulling on it to realize it was locked. Within the Marry Poppins pockets he had, he surprisingly didn't have his housekey.

He turns back to look at you, giving you a look you knew all to well. You laugh before waving him down to you, offering up your bed for him. He jogs back down the sidewalk to catch up as you'd already drifted away, knowing he'd follow like a lost puppy.

He holds onto your hand as you trail down the neighborhood towards your house, trying to hide the fact that holding your hand was his only comfort that he knew you weren't currently hurting yourself.

You open your front door to let him inside, placing a finger over your mouth to tell him to hush as you walk toward your room. You close the door and hand him some clothes he'd be able to wear to bed, allowing him to go to the bathroom to change while you also change.

You both flop down on your bed, sitting in silence as you stare up at the ceiling covered in glow in the dark stars. A lamp illuminates the room, covering it in a warm blanket.

He turns to look at you. "Do you wanna talk about it at all? Get it off your chest?"

You shrug before answering, "Yeah. I mean, what do you wanna know?"

He shrugs in response. "What'd you use?"

"Scissors, razors, pencil sharpeners. Anything sharp, used a knife once."

"Damn" He mutters. "How often did you do it?"

"About multiple times almost every day" You answer. "I was at the bottom then"

"When was then?" He asks, "A few weeks, months, years ago?"

"Months" You answer carefully. "I'm not anywhere near depressed like that anymore, I swear"

He nods, turning on his side to look at you as you speak. "You know you can reach out for help, right? Like, we aren't gonna yell at you or something, we wanna help you, I promise"

You quickly nod. "Yeah, it's just, when you're that low, you don't think help will actually help. I was worried if I reached out, I'd just be thrown to the side or I'd be yelled at and lose everything I have left."

He nods. "Can you promise me you won't hurt yourself again?"

You smile, appreciating the thought of those words. You hold your pinkie out to him, allowing him to shake his with yours to pinkie promise on it.

"I promise"

[phoenix-downer]

Catting Around Chapter 4

Summary: Donald stops by to turn Sora and Kairi's family human again. Naturally, shenanigans ensue.

Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4

(This story is a sequel to After Ever After, Love’s Cost, and Enchanted Neighborhood).

Kairi wasn't sure how long she managed to sleep before she was awoken by pitiful mewing. Sighing, she flicked the lamp on, disturbing Sora in the process. He yawned lazily and stretched before resettling next to her.

It would seem the two of them had visitors. Kageko was now sprawled out at the end of the bed, and Miyu and Haruto had joined her. They looked at her and blinked, eyes adjusting to the light. Kairi sighed and stumbled out of bed to look for Emi. She soon found her youngest daughter below the bed, looking up and mewing pitifully. Emi made one more attempt to jump up onto the bed that didn't work before Kairi scooped her up and set her next to her siblings and nanny cat.

Emi purred loudly as she curled up next to her sister. Kairi just sighed again and shook her head.

“Fine, just this once.” Normally, she and Sora tried to keep their bedroom sacred. The kids knew not to come in here except in emergencies. But this definitely was an unusual situation. Her family had never all turned into cats before. Good thing their bed was king-sized too, or the six of them never would've all fit.

Sora immediately cuddled up next to her once she was back under the covers. He switched to making biscuits against her back and nuzzling her neck, and she giggled. She was certain he would be spooning her right now if he were in human form. He loved spooning her and he also loved being the little spoon or, as they called it, jetpacking.

Basically, any excuse for cuddles was a good one in Sora land, which she found incredibly endearing for a 37-year-old man.

She wished with all her heart that he would be back to himself soon. That their kids would be back to themselves soon. And with those thoughts on her mind, she fell into a deep, peaceful sleep.

When she woke up next, sunlight was streaming through the window and something warm was against her back. Strong, steady arms were wrapped around her—

She glanced backwards, and her husband smiled sleepily at her, his blue eyes as vibrant as ever.

“Morning, wife,” he said, and she loved hearing his voice first thing in the morning like this, lower with the vestiges of sleep.

“Morning, husband.”

Somehow, he was himself again. He was human. She rolled over and kissed him, a morning ritual they always made sure to perform. He kissed her back, savoring the moment, letting his lips linger.

Just then, the baby kicked, and she smiled and brought his hand to her belly. A huge smile spread across his face as he felt their little boy kick again and again.

“I think he's saying good morning,” she told him.

“Good morning, Kaito,” he said, leaning close so he could kiss her belly. “Daddy and Mommy love you very much.”

“Our soaring little sea is already living up to his name, so energetic and full of life,” she said happily, but at the thought of their newest child, her other three children sprung to mind.

“Wait, Sora, where are the kids? They were in here last night—”

Paternal panic flash through his eyes, and without another word the two of them sprang out of bed. Sora was still wearing his clothes from yesterday, which were very rumpled by now, and she was in sweatpants and a T-shirt. They staggered into the kitchen together, looking very messy and unkempt. Kageko was calmly eating out of her bowl on the floor, and two plates had been set out on the table with still warm breakfast food that were covered in paper towels and labeled “Mom” and “Dad.” 

At last they spotted their kids in the backyard. The three of them were all human again, neatly dressed, and with a fourth person. Kairi didn't recognize him at first because she had never seen him in human form before.

As she put two and two together, she put a hand over her mouth to stifle her guffaw, but Sora just roared with laughter. Because Donald had somehow been turned into a human, and he looked very, very annoyed about it. His blue jacket was too short, his cap was too small and couldn't stifle the shock of white hair poking out of it, and thank the stars Haruto’s magic seemed to produce clothes when they were needed, because he had on a pair of very baggy pants and oversized shoes. He was a fashion disaster, in other words.

He seemed to hear Sora even through the back door, and he turned and glared in their direction. “That’s not funny!” she heard him squawk at the top of his now-human lungs, his face red. “Your son needs to learn how to control his magic! It's the second most powerful transformation magic I've ever seen!”

That just made everyone laugh even harder. Miyu had forgotten her teenage dignity and was bent over giggling. Haruto fell to the ground, he was laughing so hard, and Emi was already there, a fresh wave of giggles hitting her as Haruto joined her. Even Kageko lifted her head from eating to see what was going on.

Sora opened the door and Kairi followed after him. “Oh, I think this is just payback for all the times you transformed me,” he said with a grin, crossing his arms as he raised his eyebrows. Donald had done it a number of times to prank Sora over the years, including a mischievous matchmaking ploy to get Sora and Kairi closer when they were teens.

“Watch your mouth, I can punch you now and really make it hurt,” Donald said, forming a fist.

“Bring it on!” Sora said with a grin, readying himself for a playful brawl.

Smirking, Kairi winked at Haruto. As Donald launched himself at Sora, Haruto summoned his Keyblade right as Kairi summoned hers. A moment later, Donald was a duck again and floating in midair just inches from Sora’s face.

Beautiful coordination. All that training for Miyu and Haruto was paying off.

Donald went into a new tirade about how unfair it was that they could all team up against him. Kairi couldn't make out much of it, mainly just the ranting about how Sora had a wife and three kids who could gang up on him.

“You mean four?” Sora said with a proud smile.

Then Donald finally noticed Kairi’s belly and went into a new excited sputtering session involving lots of flailing.

Kairi brought Miyu over to show her how to cancel an anti-gravity spell so Donald could celebrate with them properly. As soon as he was on the ground again, he launched himself at Kairi for a big hug. Before long, the entire family and Donald were all hugging. 

“By the way, Kairi,” Donald said, when they finally broke apart, “you turned them all human again on your own. I don't know how you did it, but everyone was back to normal when I got here.”

Sora looked at Kairi. “Even after all this time, you still underestimate yourself sometimes,” he said, proud and sad at the same time. She reached for his hand, and he gave hers a gentle squeeze. He always believed in her, even when she didn't believe in herself.

“I guess I just thought that after all this time, I had lost my touch a little. I mean I know I saved Sora back when he got hurt, but that felt different. That was an emergency. This was just… a goofy mishap that made me realize how much I treasure each of you the way you are. I remember wishing last night that you would all be back to yourselves soon, and I guess that wish transformed you all.”

“You’re really powerful, Mom,” Miyu said, a newfound respect in her eyes.

“Yeah,” Haruto said. “I didn't get this ability from nowhere, you know. And you can even use it without a Keyblade. You're pretty awesome, Mom!”

“Everyone, let's have a party!” Emi cried. “To celebrate Mommy and being back to normal and Kaito coming soon!” 

That sounded like a splendid idea to everyone, so they all scrambled to make preparations. 

Several hours and many gummiphone calls later, they were all on the beach of the Play Island with their closest friends and their kids enjoying a delicious barbecue. Kairi smiled as she watched everyone enjoying the impromptu baby shower for Kaito/celebrating everyone being back to normal…and celebrating her. Frisbee, races, tug-of-war, and so much delicious smoked fish and veggies plus plenty of fresh paopu provided the perfect party atmosphere.

Kageko sat on her lap, and she stroked her sleek black fur with one hand as she put the finishing touches on the mobile for Kaito’s room with the other hand with the help of Aqua, Naminé, and Naminé and Roxas’s daughter Yume. It was made of thalassa shells they’d crafted into multiple Wayfinders. A way of keeping Kaito safe and always bringing him home.

Kairi watched as Sora, Riku, Roxas, Terra, Ven, and Strelitzia played frisbee with Miyu and Haruto, plus most of the other kids, including Julius, Terra and Aqua’s oldest son, their daughter Camilla, and Riku and Xion’s three kiddos, Yuki, Rie, and Mamoru. Ven and Strelitzia’s twins, Priscilla and Peony, were searching for shells with Xion, and Hayner, Pence, and Olette were taking photos and hollering advice at the frisbee players. Axel and Isa were grilling up more food for everyone, and Goofy was putting it on plates. Daisy, Minnie, and Mickey were building sandcastles together with Emi and Augustus, Terra and Aqua’s younger son who was around her age.

Kairi’s eyes met Sora’s, and he smiled, his face lighting up like the sun. It was so good to have him back, to have their kids back. For everything to be how it was supposed to be.

“What a weekend it's been,” she said, smiling in contentment. Her friends agreed, and Kageko also purred her agreement. She would have to ask Sora and the kids if Kageko had told them anything interesting while they were all cats.

Each day brought with it a new adventure, and she couldn't wait to welcome Kaito into the World and introduce him to so many wonderful family members and friends.

————————————————————————

Kaito’s name is 海翔 in Japanese, the first kanji meaning “ocean” or “sea” and the second one meaning “flying.” I wanted a name that combined aspects of Kairi and Sora’s names. I've always loved how Sora's name means “sky” in Japanese but also sounds like the word “soar” in English.

A big thank you to @scoobysnack1107for letting me use her Rokunami child name, Yume, for Roxas and Naminé's daughter. I gave Terra and Aqua’s children Latin names since their names are Latin (and years ago @angel-with-a-pipette and I thought up the name Julius for their oldest son), and for Ventus and Strelitzia, I gave one of their children a Latin name and the other a flower name to match their parents. For Riku and Xion‘s children, their names are Japanese, with Yuki meaning courage, Rie meaning pear tree (as a shout out to her mother's flower-based name) + grace and kindness, and Mamoru meaning protector (it's also the name of Riku's Japanese voice actor).

Anyway, this was a blast to write. It was nice exploring things from Kairi‘s point of view, like how she still might underestimate herself from time to time but also how she and Sora unconditionally support each other. It was also fun making a call back to one of my earlier stories (Transform) and the shenanigans that happened there. The scene with Donald was amusing to write, he would look so funny as a human and I kept chuckling to myself imagining it.

Thank you for reading! And thank you to everyone who left comments, liked the story, and reblogged it! Appreciate the support ❤️

[imclimbingthestairsoforthanc]

Tradition - Caranthir x Reader (Pt. 2)

Both you and Caranthir reeked of anticipation for the evening to come.

A/N: this piece by @mandhos was the inspiration for the way the Day of the Lamps is celebrated :)

When you received the letter a week before, you were beyond excited to spend the day with the fourth son of Fëanor, and your giddiness only continued to climb. You had made haste to the tailors and had splurged on a new dress and new home decorations that ever so subtly coordinated when you had finally finalized your plans with Caranthir. Your brother had always ridiculed you for your strange obsession - avidly decorating for holidays such as the Day of the Lamps. That was why you couldn’t stop the triumphant grin that plastered itself on its face when you finished placing the last garland. If only Eäner could see this! You had to admit, you were a bit hesitant to accept Caranthir’s proposal to spend time with him during the holidays, seeing as most people did it with their families, but decorating your home seemed to help lighten your spirits, and even excite you even more. 

It wasn’t as if you were setting off your lamps with your family, anyways. 

You set out the candles and began to warm up the stove before jumping in the bath. It was still quite early, but you wanted to look your best, and to be prepared. The last thing you needed was for Caranthir to come to your home as a guest and find you still undressed and dinner not ready!

Caranthir rocked from side to side on horseback as he made his way to your home. His nerves had been in a knot all morning (he was nearly late getting back to Tirion, and he wasn’t entirely sure he got the right flowers while on his trip), and he could only hope that his distress wasn’t visible on his face. The stable hand greeted him, rather casually, noted Caranthir, and tended to his horse before Caranthir gave him specific instructions for later and approached the door to your home.

He didn’t even have the chance to knock before it was pushed open gently in his direction. The light of the chandelier peaked out of your doorway, but even enveloping you in its golden glow it couldn’t have made you look more ethereal. Caranthir suppressed the shudder that threatened him as his eyes not-so-subtly raked over the blue silk that hugged your figure. The sound of your voice tore his gaze away from the golden belt at your hips. 

“Hello, Caranthir,” you said, smiling and stepping aside to let him in, “I have just finished dinner - I hope it is to your liking. You know, I am not much of a cook.”

He chuckled, nerves alight, and probably his face alight, too. The smell of the earl gray tea brewing was potent, and he could only hope that it would keep his mind clear. He really didn’t want to mess this up.

“What have you got in that package?” you asked.

Caranthir looked down at the package in his hands like he had forgotten it was there. He took a deep breath as his eyes were still downcast and mustered up every ounce of confidence he had in him. He was going to need it.

“Don’t ask so many questions,” he said, smiling and tilting his head as he sauntered into the kitchen, “Dinner first, and then you can open your gift.”

You made to protest - But Caranthir, you shouldn’t have! I don't have anything to give you, after all. - but Caranthir would have none of it. Surging with boldness, that he would probably run out of later, he ushered you into the dining room as if it were his own home. 

The two of you made comfortable small talk at first. You had known one another for quite some time, but this was the last time you could remember being alone with Caranthir. It made your head spin to think about it. As the night went on and the Reisling loosened your lips, you had gone from complimenting his attire to complimenting the way the candlelight flickered in his eyes.             

“The sun will be setting soon,” you said, “We hardly have time for desert before it is time to set out the lamps. We should set them out beforehand.”

“That is quite all right,” said Caranthir.

You nodded and stood, “Good. I am going to get the lanterns.”

Caranthir gave you a rather curt reply, much to his own annoyance, and stood after you had disappeared down the hallway. He made for the kitchen to retrieve the gift. Caranthir’s heart was pounding and he was sure his face was red (he could practically hear his brothers taunting him now - You gone shy, loverboy?), but he made no move to back out of his plan. Newfound confidence planted itself in his chest as he watched you emerge from the hallway with the lanterns in hand - he couldn’t wait to see your face as you opened the gift. 

“Are you ready?” you asked, “I figured we could set them out on the back porch. It gives us a lovely view of the suns-”

“Actually,” interrupted Caranthir, wincing as he took not of his bad manners, “I had a place in mind. I requested that your stable hand have horses ready for us after dinner, I hope I have not overstepped my boundaries, and I was hoping that you would open your gift when we arrive.”

You smiled, “That’s perfect, then! Let me get my jacket.”

Caranthir watched you with a smile as you made your way to the coat closet. He was utterly enamored with you. He couldn’t help but imagine what he would do for the opportunity to be yours, if only for a moment.

“Are you ready?” you said. 

He nodded and held the door open with his left arm for you to walk by him. The scent that floated about you only drove him farther up the wall for you than you before; his maddening want amplified at the fleeting brush of your dress against his robes. His right hand reached over for the large basket that had the desert and your gift tucked safely away. 

Your pace picked up as you neared to stables - where could he be taking you? Anticipation sent thrums through your chest, and you couldn’t tell if your breathing was ragged because you were walking so fast or because of the waning and waxing of the fire of expectation licking at your nerves. 

Caranthir was quick to catch up to you and mounted before you did. You flashed him a smile as you climbed atop your horse.

“Where are we going?”

Caranthir tsked, “You will know in good time.”

You settled for the answer and guided your horse to follow his lead. He rode along rather swiftly, presumably to arrive at this mystery destination before the sun set. 

The bottom of the sun began to tease the horizon when Caranthir finally began to slow. When you got to the top of the grassy hill in front of you, your eyes were met with quite the vision: out of the forest ahead poked a bluff with a waterfall about the width of an eagle’s wingspan trickling down into a silver-blue pond. The water was nearly as clear as the air, jostling itself against the rocks on one shore and against the soft grass on the other. Caranthir secured the horses next to a willow tree, then produced a blanket for the two of you to sit on. You blushed and hid your smile. Who knew that Fëanor’s middle-most son could be so sweet?

He settled and looked up at you, awaiting for you to do the same. The dim light couldn’t conceal the blush that plastered itself on his already darkened cheeks. Despite his redness and the fluttering of his heart, he kept his cool, if only by sheer willpower. 

You smiled at him before looking at the sunset. It had sunk quite a bit farther down - only her golden crown was visible. You supposed you could have lost track of time, enamored as you were watching Caranthir arrange everything. Shuffling sounds reached your ears, and you looked over to see Caranthir gesturing for you to open your gift. 

“Oh,” you said, “Caranthir, you know I can’t take this! I haven’t got anything  to give you.”

“To think that the premise on which to share gifts with my close friend is on whether or not she has one for me - don’t be absurd!” He said, “Besides, the sun is fast falling, and I should like to celebrate the day today and not tomorrow.”

You cut your eyes playfully at him before taking the package with delicate hands. You almost felt bad to open it - it was wrapped perfectly and tied together in a pretty bow, but you could no longer conceal the anticipation at what Caranthir had in the box for you. When you finished opening it and saw what was inside, your heart leapt for joy.

“Where did you get these?” you said, taking the floral arrangements out of the box with wide eyes and a buoyant smile, “I have not seen any hydrangeas since I left Alqualonde. Surely you did not go all that way.”

Caranthir couldn’t contain the sheepish look that crept to his face, but the longer you admired the gift, the more his confidence grew. “It wasn’t too hard a journey,” he replied, “And who would have that Celegorm of all people would have known how to weave them into that shape? Of course, Celegorm has more knowledge on growing things than any of the Noldor I know.”

“It is not for his knowledge for growing things that he crafted this.”

Caranthir looked at you inquisitively.

“These look just like the ones we did at my home, and that is a craft that only the Teleri know,” you replied, “Perhaps Celegorm had taken a lover in Alqualonde?”

Caranthir laughed, “Perhaps. I will have to ask him about that, then!”

You laughed and began to prepare the arrangements for the lamps - enveloping a bright flame safely within the weaved ring of flowers - as Caranthir set made two fruit covered scones and poured two glasses of the tawny port wine packed away in the basket. When you were both finished, you stood. 

Though the two of you were lovesick fools and your mannerisms betrayed you to the world around you, you had both managed to remain somewhat composed around each other - until now. That changed when the both of you stood and locked eyes. 

Caranthir, on the daily, was by no means rude, but his quiet demeanor and tendencies for solitude had earned him a reputation as temperamental and isolated. Though his friends and family knew he did not completely disregard them, there was no denying that there was something lacking in him, whether it simply be the right kind of affection or something else. Today, he had all but convinced you otherwise. His handsome face was complimented by the kindest silver-gray eyes you had ever seen, warm and inviting and entirely good-natured and so damn alluring. His intimidating frame, rivaled only by his brothers, had relaxed and opened up to tease an embrace countless times over the course of the day. Though not wholly self-centered, but not at all selfless, Caranthir had seemed to become the most thoughtful and caring man you had ever met. He had been so kind - what with providing desert and taking you out here and the gift. Though you would always harbor the slightest bit of resentment toward your family for leaving you in Valinor alone, you most certainly missed them and the traditions that the Teleri held for holidays such as this. Though you loved the friends and new family you had in Tirion, taking you ache for home and how bitter-sweet the holidays might hold for you was something no one had taken into account - except Caranthir.

And he was more than glad he did. You were kind and charismatic and friendly to everyone you met, but the privilege of being the one behind your sweet, melodious laughter and the gleeful twinkle in your eyes was exhilarating. Here and now, he couldn’t tear his eyes away from the glow the flame of the lamps cast on your visage. The sun setting behind the waterfall now colored in a dim golden hue tried her hardest to rival you as you stood in all your beauty; but you looked as glorious as the sun herself, and she was but a candle. 

“Shall we, then?” you said, voice now quiet and timid. 

Caranthir smiled and delicately reached for the lamp you prepared for him with one hand and laced the fingers on his other with yours. The two of you kicked off your shoes and made for the water. 

It was fortunate that the both of you had worn thin outer layers, seeing as neither of you made to remove them or hike them up when you began to wade into the pond. You let out a breathy laugh when you realized, but made no move to amend it. Mud seeped in between your toes and the chilly water sent goosebumps down your spine. You looked tenderly at Caranthir when you were waist deep in the water - this was where you would set out your lamps. He smiled and swept you hair behind you before you both looked back over the water. You shivered, and his arm came to rest behind you. The water felt cool and refreshing on your hands. It sloshed up in between your fingers as you settled your lamp onto the surface. Out of the corner of your eye, you could see Caranthir doing the same.

The two of you met eyes as you brought your hands back to your sides and smiled at one another. This time next year, he would kiss you in these very waters, vowed Caranthir. He tightened his arm around you as you looked back out to the water.

Two lamps floated still side by side on their journey to the other shore. Maybe this was the beginning of a journey not just for the lamps - but for you and Caranthir, too. 

[foolishfoolsgold]

Immune system go brr

A few designs I’ve done since I had this mutated brainchild back in October. I have others like eosinophil and dendritic but I wanna redraw them. I was still learning the way of the cell creature back then lol. Image IDs under the cut

[Start ID: The first image shows the AU design for U-1146. The background is white with a gray triangle pattern. He’s wearing his usual uniform, but he has a rounded, noseless snout, long ears without holes, and his one eye that is showing has black sclera and a round silver iris. His skin, turned cell membrane, is pure white with faint gray striped that resemble the markings of a raccoon. He has a tail with the same colors, it’s long, skinny, and has multiple lobes on it. Who on the very end, and a few dorsal lobes along its length. Again, like a raccoon, the tail has those faint stripes on it. He’s standing and staring at the viewer with his one visible eye, with his left hand in a fist, and the other gripping a silver knife. There’s some text next to his head that reads: “Only has one eye, and it can’t un-dilate so he always has that big sauger pupil we see in the media.” Another text box reads “Some raccoon inspiration because the official art makes it look like he has an eye mask.” There’s a piece of this official art in the top left corner of the image for comparison, and in the bottom right, there’s my watermark.

The second image shows Killer T Cell’s design. The background has an orange-yellow triangle design. He’s standing with his usual uniform, head turned and arms crossed. He doesn’t have bones, though, so his arms look more like they’re tied in a knot. He keeps his canon skin tone and hair style, but his membrane has dark blue markings that make him resemble a peregrine falcon. He shares the basic physical features with U-1146, except his tail is thinner and only has two small lobes on the end. His tail is yellow, like his hair, and has an arrow pointing from it to a picture of a banana flavored Snack Pack pudding package, noting that his tail looks a lot like banana pudding by humorously noting “Is it worth it?” Unlike 46, T’s hazel eyes are made up of multiple pupils that coalesce like a lava lamp, and this is true for all future entries as well. Again, there’s my watermark and an actual picture of killer t for reference.

The third image shows Macrophage’s design, and a cream-colored triangle background. Macrophage has large, frilled ears, and a darker cell membrane that looks almost like light coffee. She’s wearing her normal ruffled dress, but instead of legs, she has long tentacles without suckers, built almost like Ursula. She’s covered in white patterns with ripple-like stripes and spots, resembling a cuttlefish. With her right arm and one of her tentacles, she’s holding her signature cleaver, dripping with red blood, which also stained another tentacle and parts of her dress, and the other arm is held up to her face in an “I didn’t do that!” pose. She’s accompanied by a picture of anime Macrophage and a microscope photo of a real macrophage, reaching out with its “arms” to some bacteria. There’s a text box under it that reads: “like come on I HAD to make her a sea monster, have you seen real macrophages? Look at this bitch.” Another box reads: “lots of cephalopod inspiration, octopus-like build with cuttlefish markings and frills.” A final humorous box says “it’s ok she just had to refill the ketchup at McDonald’s,” referring to the blood.

The fourth image featured NK’s design with a green patterned background, as are the following images. She keeps her skin tone and clothes for the most part, but she has a centaur-like build. Her black tank top is extended to cover her chest and has short sleeves for her first set of legs, and ends with a belt around her midsection to her green shorts. She has green boots on all four of her feet, and her tail is black with green splotches, and has lots of lobes, almost like that of a leafy sea dragon. She has army-green spots resembling a cheetah, and she’s smiling and looking confident, with her left hand in a fist. She has her saber in a sheath on her back, and a brown bag secured to her belt like a saddlebag. There’s an arrow pointing to the photo of anime NK from a text box that says “there is something about this SPECIFIC png of NK that cracks me up sm and I don’t fucking know what it is.”

The fifth image shows Helper T, who shares many basic traits with Killer T such as bipedalism and a two-loved tail. While he still has the creature features like the big ears and rounded snout, he’s race-swapped as a black man, and has dark stripes along his arms and face like a peacock. His eyes are blue, and he’s holding a cup of green tea, dropping a cookie in it. There’s a small figure showing that his hair (flagella) are each coiled rather than straight.

The final image shows B cell’s design, which has a lot of bird inspiration. He has a longer snout, plumed tail and ears, and big flat lobes along his arms that look like wings. His eyes are silver md his stripes are brown and green, patterned like that of a blue jay. He’s also holding his antibody gun. A text box reads: “Bird boy! B cells were first discovered in birds and are named after the bursa of fabrics, a thymus-like organ for B cells that only birds have.” There’s also a note that says “face shape inspired by the Hilda bird because look at him,” accompanied by a screenshot of the raven from the Netflix series Hilda. He has a simple, completely black design with a rounded face, stick-figure legs and small wings. End ID.]

[tobiasdrake]

The political conflict at the heart of the film is honestly pretty interesting, though I wish Mariko was more directly involved with it.

And also there are some... unpleasant consequences created by the choice of a foreign venue for this story.

About 3/5 of the way through the film, Logan finally gets a chance to interrogate Mariko's fiancé and find out what the fucking plot is.

Noburo Mori, the Minister of Justice, is engaged to wed Mariko but is also trying to have her killed. Weird flex. It's because he's working for her abusive dad.

Despite being hailed as a visionary whose incredible technological advances altered the course of Japanese life, Yashida's a quack billionaire who threw the family's fortune away chasing after dumb shit. He's basically Japanese Elon Musk.

So, he sucks and his son Shingen has a legitimate grievance with him.

Except Shingen also sucks. Yashida decided to skip Shingen and give everything to Mariko, so now Shingen's flipping out and trying to murder his own child to protect what he considers to be his rightful inheritance.

Noburo's throwing in with Shingen because he's a cheating piece of shit and Mariko would dump him in five seconds flat the second her inheritance went through.

He's going to lose Mariko either way so he figures he might as well make a buck and get a friend in high places out of it.

Meanwhile, unbeknownst to everyone involved in this, Yashida faked his death and is actually in the middle of carrying out the immortality plot he nearly bankrupted the company over.

Everybody sucks here except Mariko.

It's a cool idea on paper, but there's a couple problems that the two white male writers and one white male director overlooked. The first is Mariko's complete lack of agency in the plot.

There she goes, the character that this interesting story revolves around.

Mariko... hasn't actually done anything, at any point in this plot. Yashida only picked her as successor to spite Shingen, and not because she had any merits whatsoever of her own. Shingen and Noburo, in response, are trying to kill her for the choices of Yashida.

She's involved in this story not because of any choice she ever made, but for the choices that the men in her life have made about her.

Which can still be fine. A hero's journey isn't always something they control. But she isn't the hero here either. All of this serves to create a journey for this man.

All of this complex political drama surrounding Mariko serves only to explain why there is a princess in a castle for Logan to rescue. She is a lamp that was being passed around between three men until a fourth men showed up from a foreign country to play keep-away with it.

Which is the other problem with the film. That the main character is the only non-Japanese person involved with the story (well, besides Viper) means that this is a movie about a gaijin going to Japan and painting the country red in Japanese blood because he wants to bang a hot Japanese woman.

What they really needed, what this story needed to sort it out and get everything to a happy ending, was a hardy white man to murder all the evil Japanese people involved in an orgy of violence, so that the fuckable Japanese woman can live happily ever after.

This is. Uh. Not great so far as cultural representation goes. They try to balance it out by giving Logan some Japanese sidekicks. Look, you can see one of them standing around in the background in those shots up there. But it's still pretty obvious that they're just window dressing around a story that is ultimately about Wolverine carving up Japan so he can bang the hot princess.

Honestly, watching this movie now, I would love to see a version of this movie that Uno Reverses it. Having Logan, Mariko, and Yukio on the run together but with Logan taking the role of the damsel who finally gets kidnapped halfway through instead of the action hero, and putting Yukio in the action hero role instead.

Of course, that movie never would have been made and also probably wouldn't have sold as well to a white male audience hungry for Wolverine action. But I'd love to see it, all the same.

[sunlightmurdock]

Katie, congrats on your milestone !! <3 I don’t think that sub rosa Bradley would ever actually be this ballsy—lest Iceman might literally kill him—but please indulge me for a second 😂 I can’t stop thinking Bradley fingering lil Kazansky under the table at a family dinner because she’s been teasing him all day before they had to go to her parents’ house. The whole family is there along with Mav and Penny. Bradley’s hand slowly creeping up her thigh, discreetly making its way under her dress and making her breath hitch, nearly choking on her drink, his movements painfully slow so as not to alert anyone of what’s going on, but also to punish her for teasing him, and stopping right before she can reach her high and leaving her a flustered mess :)

- @sugarcoated-lame 🥰🫶🏼🫶🏼

She’s a tease at the best of times but this past weekend, when all of them have been invited to her father’s lake house for the Fourth of July weekend — she has been an absolute menace.

Asking him to reapply the sunscreen on her shoulders, pushing her ass back against him as he had.

Looking him dead in the eyes, ice-cream on her lips, being extra slow to lick it back off.

Falling into bed last night wearing not a stitch of clothing, claiming that it would just be too warm otherwise — knowing that these old beds creak and her family were right down the hall.

Today, he has been avoiding her as much as he can and being an excellent future son in law. Her mother is really starting to warm up to him, and Mav always tries to vouch for his good character so that’s a bonus too.

Becoming an expert at this game now, Bradley makes it impossible for her to get him alone all day. So, she takes matters into her own hands. He’s sitting out on the back porch on the left of Thomas Kazansky when his phone buzzes with a text message from her. He should know better but he opens it out of instinct.

Bradley almost chokes on his beer at the sight of a picture that he took himself suddenly appearing on his own screen. It’s her, on her back in his bed. Bathed in the glow of his lamp, completely naked and her eyelids heavy with lust, not sleep. His fingers are in her mouth, his cum is coating her tits, and his still hard cock is just between her legs.

Her face isn’t in it completely, but either way Bradley’s first instinct is almost to toss his phone into the lake rather than get caught looking at a photo like this by his future father in law. And boss. Fuck, he forgets that Ice is his boss.

He shoves his phone into his pocket and turns his head, watching her lift her head and smile sweetly over at him from where she is playing with her nieces.

Bradley has tried to let go of the grudges he holds, and he’s working on telling himself that retaliation isn’t worth it. But today, she needs to learn.

He settles in beside her at dinner. It’s nice, a candlelit meal on the back porch, overlooking the lake with everyone that they love most in the world. Bradley slips his hand into hers, lifting her hand and kissing her knuckles softly.

To everyone else, he looks like the perfect gentleman as he brings their hands under the table and squeezes hers softly in his. He grabs his beer and takes a calm sip as he uncurls his fingers from hers and digs them into her thigh.

Her eyes widen. She bites her cheeks immediately. She was beginning to wonder when he would break.

Conversation carries on around them. Bradley is polite and engaged as his fingers dip under that pretty little skirt of hers and circle her clit until she’s soaking the pads of his fingers through her underwear.

She always fidgets so much when he’s touching her like this. She sips nervously at her wine glass, reaching down and curling her fingers around his wrist.

“Bradley,” She leans across to him, frowning softly. “I — I can’t… in front of all these people.”

“Feels like you can.” Bradley answers her, his face as calm as if they were talking about the weather. His fingers ditch her clit abruptly, making her jolt towards her wine glass. She grips his wrist tightly as he sinks two fingers into her at once.

Her eyes are ablaze — she loves when he takes charge like this, but god she wishes they were anywhere but here. She swallows softly, turning her head to stare at her silverware as his fingers curl into the plush of her walls, white knuckling the edges of her chair.

Her stomach grows tighter and she’s the furthest thing from engaged. Bradley’s deep in conversation with her sister, listening tentatively as he fucks his fingers in to her. Finally, she grabs at his wrist and squeezes tight. He pulls his fingers from her and relents, giving her thigh a soft squeeze.

“Are you going to behave now?” Bradley asks calmly, taking a swig of his beer. She swallows, then gives a shake of her head, wetting her lips with his tongue.

Bradley’s cock twitches in his pants as she turns her head to look at him, eyes serious.

“Meet me inside in three minutes.” She breathes out, excusing herself politely before he’s got a chance to argue. Bradley exhales softly, lips quirking to himself as he takes another drink. Really, he wouldn’t have this any other way.

[genderfluiddipshit]

Smoke Break - A Pressure One Shot

Rated General (no tw/cw apply)

Tags: Reader Perspective, AU, Sebastian is just a wee bit depressed, taking advantage of the fact he smokes tobacco

Despite the name, the EXR-P divisions were anything but what they were meant to be: expendable. Blood transfusions, defibrillators, and resuscitative measures were used to ensure that prisoners wouldn’t just kill themselves to get out of a prison sentence. Instead, they had 2 choices: actually complete the objective of collecting the crystal and escaping with their lives, or be forced to loop endlessly in futile struggle. You wanted to do the former, but luck wasn’t on your side, so the latter ended up being your new purgatory. 

On your current “run,” you decided to go solo, as your previous group was too cowardly to go anywhere beyond the starting dock. While the solace was eerie, it was nice to be alone for once. However, that didn’t mean you were fully alone, of course. 

You had just reached the next door after an Eyefestation. As your head cleared, you looked up at the red navpath behind you. Fifty two. Ugh. You looked around for loose assets as usual, picking up folders until you heard something other than the jingling of key rings with USBs and manila folders with proprietary information. A clicking noise could be heard throughout the room. What could it be? A Wall Dweller making a hunting call? A collective Good People chittering as it awaited fresh meat?

You couldn’t quite pinpoint the sound until the faint clicking preceded a loud bang and a frustrated grumble. It sounded like it was coming from a distant room, so you continued onward. Fifty three, fifty four, fifty five, fifty six…

By the sixty-fourth room, you wondered if the noise was just a figment of your imagination. 

Then it was right next to you. 

A soft click sounded next to you, on your left. You only heard it once, followed by a deep inhale and exhale…Was someone smoking? You could smell the sour tobacco seeping out through the door. Smelled like a Chainsmoker, but softer, less pungent. 

You slowly opened the door. 

The wave of cigarette smoke hit you like a train. You coughed and attempted to regain your senses as you turned on your lantern to see. 

“No no no, allow me.” A figure stood out against the smoke and weak lantern light. It seemed to fill the entire room. From what you could make out, it reached up toward its head and pulled at one of its appendages to illuminate itself, reminding you of an old lamp. 

“What brings you here, prisoner?” It took a big huff from its cigarette. Two empty packs laid on a desk in front of him, with a third halfway done. Its voice rasped from the cig binge, and it tilted its head curiously as it awaited a response. 

“Just doin my job, big guy. What are you, and how did you get here?” And why do you have so many cigarettes, you added mentally. 

It chuckled and uncurled its long, serpentine tail that it rested over, smudging the butt on the desk in a divot made from being burnt. 

“My name is Sebastian, and I was like you once. I was imprisoned under Urbanshade, and so I was subjected to whatever nefarious programs they had on the docket. The wheel landed on experimentation when I was being looked over, so they decided to attempt at giving me gills. It worked, but look at me,” it gestured dejectedly to its body, “I became this monster. I got so angry that I practically murdered the whole research team and fled down here. Now I just sit here and think about life and how to maybe go back up to the surface to have a normal one.”

As it had been talking, you had taken a seat beside it, the creature towering over you menacingly. While it didn’t attempt or appear to be threatening, you kept yourself on high alert. That is, until it made a proposition. 

“Care for a smoke?”

OUGHHG FIRST PIECE OF PRESSURE FANFIC BAYBEE also these lovely dividers are by cafekitsune on tumblr! :3 i was drawing a pic of sebby in the gabe dress and it reminded me of a flapper so i gave him the long...cigarette...holder...thingie- ANYWAY here's the gist of it:

[shallahi-and-snowflake]

Hello! Sorry about the roughness of my blog, I mostly just used this one for lurking before I ever thought to get in on anything.

I’m Shallahi Ksheh Bah-Teft, I’m… around… Nanish-er, that’s 20 years old, I think? (Years, months, days, and hours are different where I’m from.) (UPDATE: it’s closer to 22.) I’m human (mostly), Thaylen/Alethi, but I have longer eyebrows than most half-Thayleni. (I’m a Luxray Hybrid now, as of 2-29-24.) Yes, long eyebrows is a weird thing here. I tend to wear them over my ears, if that’s a good image to use as a metric.)

(Update: Apparently I’m Luxray-kin? I just figured it out, so…)

I’m from Kharbranth, also known as the City of Bells. I’m a Knight Radiant (something like a “Chosen” for a smaller, less powerful being. I’m of the Sixth Order, a Lightweaver of the Fourth Ideal as of 1-23-24), a Worldhopper (a “Faller” with more agency in where they go, basically), a collector of stories and knowledge and a lover of food and adventure!

I am a member of Bridge Four and an Incursionist.

I thought I was 6-foot-something, but I’m closer to 6-and-a-third of this world’s feet in height.

I use she/it/fae, and by your standards of gender, I would be transfeminine. (I transitioned by accidentally taking in an entire lamp’s worth of Stormlight, so no need to worry about HRT access, thank goodness. It’s such a shame that others can’t just breathe in magic and—poof! Be properly aligned to their Spiritual aspect.)

I may say words that don’t make sense to you, or don’t fit in the context you’d use them in, that’s just a consequence of the mixing of my own vocabulary and knowledge that I took with me here, me learning new words and assuming their meaning, and the Connection tricks I use to help learn new languages.

I said I was a Worldhopper earlier; don’t worry, while yes I might steal away to Scadarial or elsewhere for a bit, I’m making this world with weak storms, static grass, and colourful fluffy creatures my home. Like Shinovar but with more colour and less ksenophobia!

Now for you, Snowflake!

Mmmmm…

Ah! I am called “Snowflake” or “Snowy,” (She/Her) and I am a Patternspren or Crypticspren. A spren is… mmmm… a small fragment of a God. Not your gods, mind you. I am bonded to Shallahi, who you have already heard from. This world is strange to us. There is no Shadesmar, no Cognitive Realm that we could find. This means that I am just a Pattern on a dress or other form of clothing. I am dictating my words to Shallahi. Mmm… unfeminine.

(SH: Don’t listen to that stupid old book, it’s full of lies.)

I like lies. You know this.

SH: Then why let those lies dictate your life?)

Mmm… I am called Snowflake because that is how my Pattern looks. This is everything I can think to say.

I sign asks as ❄️.

I have a ton of siblings from Bridge Four, and also Oppy @freeroaming-curiosity is my sister!

Malkah (@faller-of-kharbranth) who just Fell here recently, is also my sister now!

Konnie @abyssanon is also my sibling, as well.

My little sister, who goes by Kitt but is technically a younger me, is at @kitten-of-kharbranth.

SALUTATIONS. I AM HER MAJESTY THE DUSK QUEEN LUNALA, THE PSEUDO-PATRON OF SHALLAHI.

My name, should you need it, is Nyx, and I use she/he/it/moon pronouns.

Should I send any asks, I shall sign them with -Her Majesty, the Queen of Dusk, Lunala.

Rose @hisuianhellion is MY GIRLFRIEND AND I LOVE HER SO MUCH!

I have 12 kids:

• Sword @sword-of-injustice, who talks like this. (Your pronouns.)

• Crystal @crystalclearribbons, who doesn’t live with me. (She/Her)

• Vivillon @shinx-oh, who also doesn’t live with me. (She/her)

• Fox (Eevee), who lives with Vivillon. (He/him)

• Illanero @zoruascanbetrainerstoo, who is the Champion of Hoenn, Kanto, Kalos, and Unova!! (All, but mostly xe/xem)

Xe usually travels with Cresselia/Zrosenza @moondreamscape. (she/it/dream)

• Svirak-Daughter-None, a Squawkabilly (She/Her).

• [Zeradin, a Zebstrika] (They/He).

• <Zan, a Dwebble> (He/Him).

• {Vinette, a Joltik.} (She/It).

• Palana, a Natu (She/Him)

• Navari, Eevee/Axehound hybrid, egg obtained from Quasar ( @rogue-nebula) (She/her? Hatched. Unknown.)

Here’s my Trainer Card:

Annoyingly, there are very few darker-skinned Trainers with blue eyes in the options. Nessa(?) here is the closest I could find.

Pelliper Mail is ON!

Same with Musharna Mail!

Don’t be afraid to ask me stuff, serious or silly!

In fact, don’t be afraid to be goofy with your asks.

Magic Anons are ON, but FILTERED!

Current Arc: Arc Shash (on hold sort-of), Purrsona! (more of a topic tag).

Previous Arcs: Purifying Waters Arc, Time Heist Event, Rotomblr in Wonderland, Lightweaver Luxray, Robot Rescue, Mini-Arc: Curse Of Angy Teen, Muse Mixup Madness (Get PMD’d (Luxrayposting)), Mini Arc: Pokesona Time!, Muse Mixup Madness (Shashariposting) Mini Arc: More Cat, Castelia trip!!

//No proshippers, no TERFs, no NSFW stuff. I don’t really want drama, I just want to have fun. Oh, yeah, also, POTENTIAL COSMERE SPOILERS!

//Sentient Pokémon are A-OK to interact, if previous reblogs haven’t made it clear.

//Self Insert Fallers and Branded are also clear to interact.

[the-knightmare]

Rudy's Trick (Louise's Treat)

Happy Halloween! Here is my fic for the @roudiseshipweek Halloween warm up prompt cult classic/picking out costumes. I mixed the two together, and hope you enjoy:

AO3

“Come on, Rudy, the popcorns going to get cold, and I’ve listened to the Halloween theme at least five times already,” Louise called.

She had popped the bag of kernels, drizzled a liberal dose of butter and nacho cheese seasoning over the final product, and set up the DVD minutes ago. All the while Rudy was, as he has told her before disappearing down the hall, putting the ‘final touches’ on his costume for tomorrow’s party.

He had not told her what it was, even after she had pestered him all week. Not even after Louise had promised to tell him her what her, Tina, and Gene were dressing up as before they showed up to Zeke’s Halloween party. And so, Louise resorted to guessing. Each time Rudy just smiled and even if she guessed correctly, he wouldn’t tell.

“If you don’t hurry up, I’m playing the movie without you.”

“Okay, okay,” Rudy said, suddenly behind her and making her jump, “careful, you almost dropped the popcorn.”

Dramatically clutching her chest to hide just how much he had scared her in the growing dark of the evening, Louise twisted around to look up her boyfriend.

Rudy hadn’t been regular-sized since grade nine, which happened to be when Louise had stopped growing. She was the shortest Belcher, which she could live with if she weren’t also the shortest in her friend group.

“Geez, Rudy, way to sneak up on a girl. Is your costume Michael Myers or something?”

Laughing, Rudy shook his head as he sat on the couch next to her.

“I’ve never seen Halloween, or any other slashers, you know that.”

She did. Which is why they were correcting that now. Movie nights had been a staple long before they had started dating halfway through grade twelve. This being their first Halloween as a couple, Louise was determined to start Rudy’s education on classic horror movies.

“And honestly, that’s a shame.”

Neither mentioned how that was technically untrue, as Rudy had been one of the kids traumatized by a certain deli zombie flick back in fourth grade. It was something they didn’t talk about.

Hitting play. Louise settled into the couch. The bowl of popcorn was emptied before Laurie spies Michael Myers watching her from behind drying sheets, leaving an empty space between them. Louise looked at it from the corner of her eye.

“You know,” she started, “if you get scared, I’ll protect you.”

Rudy glanced up from the screen and flashed her a smile, and only said:

“I’ll remember that.

And didn’t move an inch.

Louise turned back to the movie. Watching as Annie got strangled in the garage. She wasn’t scared, she’d seen plenty of scarier movies, but Rudy seemed far away in the dark.

Without making a sound, she moved a hair closer. She kept doing this, shifting just enough to not be noticed. Her plan at getting closer without him nothing was working. Until:

“Oh man.”

Rudy had been silent most of the movie, but Laurie stabbing Michael with knitting needles got a reaction. Which would have been fine, funny even as his uneven reaction to someone being stabbed in the eye, except for Lousie’s position. She had managed to get so close that his mumble sounded much louder in her ear.

Jumping across the couch, Louise felt her face flush. Twice. That was twice tonight that she had been startled by Rudy. A guy so unscary that birds didn’t even fly away when he approached.

Laughing, Rudy turned a lamp on.

The rest of the movie passed with Louise and Rudy on the opposite sides of the couch. Occasionally, Rudy would look at her and giggle. She would respond by scowling with her tongue out in mock indignation.

When the credits finally rolled and the eerie Halloween theme filled the silence, Louise was left to think of what to say next. She was just about to suggest another scary movie when Rudy beat her to the punch.

“My mom won’t be home for another few hours. If you’re interested, we can watch Hocus Pocus next?”

“That’s not even scary,” Louise argued.

“But it’s a Halloween cult classic,” Rudy said, “and we can cuddle, I was missing it a little during the last movie.”

Louise smiled, then quickly turned it into a smirk. Even though they had been dating for almost a year now, and had been friends for much longer, she refused to acknowledge how soft she had gotten when it came to Rudy.

“Well, in that case, sure. Why not? I’ve never actually seen it anyway.”

Rudy clutched his chest dramatically, “you’ve been trying to educate me, when it seems it’s you who’s been deprived of true Halloween must-watches.”

Rolling her eyes, Louise scooted towards him on the couch.

“If you count baby movies as a must-watch, then sure, educate me.”

He assured her it was not a baby movie as he changed the discs. Settling back onto the couch, Rudy didn’t even give her a chance to move before he pulled her into his arms. Louise felt the warmth of his chest against her back and relaxed without a fight. She only squirmed a little, and that was more to settle herself better than defiance.

“Much better,” Rudy said, his voice a low vibration along her spine.

This time, the movie was watched with more of their usual chattering. Quips about the Sanderson Sister’s thinking a sprinkler system was going to kill them and how cool an immortal talking cat would be passed between them with ease.

The next day, she, Tina, and Gene showed up in their costumes, a medley of Studio Ghibli characters, to Zeke’s a little early. They had brought sliders their dad had made, and Tina had roped them into setting up. Louise had only agreed because she liked Zeke, and it seemed like a good idea to be nice to her future brother-in-law.

Zeke, dressed as Ashitaka to match Tina’s Mononoke, had promised her the ability to setup a haunted hallway equipped with all of the affects he and his cousins had put together.

She also got two full sized candy bars of their choice for the help. Which Louise wouldn’t say no to, especially when her Chihiro costume had so many pockets. Who knew working in a hot spring for spirits would have better pocket options than most regular clothes?

Gene, dressed as Howl, had been promised full control over the music. Something he was taking seriously, with a small DJ station that consisted of a laptop and speakers’ setup in a corner.

Alex and Courtney arrived soon after them. Courtney insisted on adding some songs to Gene’s playlist, which devolved into the old argument of her music major versus his natural talents and composition schooling.

“But you guys always come up with something great together, why not work together?”

Alex’s appeal was just another part in the typical argument that formed the trio’s friendship.

Louise only laughed as she passed them on her way to get Zeke’s approval on her hallway setup, only to groan when she turned the corner. Wrapped in Tina’s embrace, Zeke looked a little busy. Which meant that, with only ten minutes until more guests were supposed to arrive, that her handywork would have to do.

It also meant that she would be able to finally see Rudy’s costume.

Except he didn’t show up. At least, not in the first few minutes like he normally did for parties. Not ten minutes late, which he would smile and say made him fashionable late.  Jimmy Jr., Andy and Ollie, Kaylee, Susmita, Henry, Arnold, and the rest of the usual suspects filed through the door, but no sign of Rudy.

After twenty minutes, she found Millie and Jessica, dressed as Norman Bates and Mothman, in the corner chatting about horror movies, and joined them.

“Hey, if you wanna take a look at this, we got an illusionary visionary in the house tonight, the Amazing Rudy, and he’s kind enough to perform a trick as a treat!”

Zeke’s voice cut though the sound of conversation and music, catching Louise’s attention at the mention of her boyfriend.

“Tonight, I have one trick, a costume change from man to beast!”

Rudy’s voice had his customary magicians’ cadence, and Louise found herself smiling as she made her way towards the front of the crowd to see. It was almost like he was waiting for her to be in sight before he continued, but Louise knew that timing was a big part of an act, and it wasn’t for her benefit.

But her smile grew even more when she finally caught a glimpse of him. He looked a little silly in the green-black wig, but Rudy’s Haku costume was good. She wondered which of her siblings had told him about their costumes, since she hadn’t revealed it.

“I stand before you as a simple boy, but what you don’t know is,” Rudy raised his arms in a flourish, “my true identity is that of a river spirit!”

Shocked silence, followed by applause and cheers filled the room as Rudy dropped his arms and his costume suddenly changed into a green and white dragon, complete with a detailed mask and horns over his head.

Louise’s jaw dropped. She’d helped with some of his tricks over the years, but this was the best one yet.

“Wow, that was so cool…”

“How’d you do that?”

“…think I saw something like that on YouTube, do you follow…?”

Louise waited until the cluster of people who had swarmed around Rudy dissipated before she approached.

“Some trick, Rudes,” she said, catching his attention.

“Thanks, I made it all myself. I even got to build this cool dragon head hat to go in my collection.”

“Yeah, it is cool,” Louise agreed, “so how did you come up with the idea for your costume?”

Rudy flushed, rubbing his arm, and looking away. He stuttered out the start of an answer, but Louise just punched his arm with a laugh.

“Easy, Rudes, it’s fine. I know I said no couples’ costumes, but this makes me reconsider that. Especially when you can do cool transformations.”

After that, Jimmy Jr. pulled the attention to the dance floor with a dance-off that Gene’s sound effects only made better.

“Hey, you want climb on my back, and I can carry you like in the movie across the dance floor?” Rudy asked, after they watched the Pesto twins spin around.

“Hell yeah!”

Louise launched herself on Rudy’s back and cackled as he took off across the room. They burst into laughter after making their second crossing, Louise sliding off his back to lean against him.

The rest of the night was spent eating treats, dancing with their friends, and watching people get their pants scared off by Louise’s haunted hallway. In all, she would count it as one of the best Halloween party’s she’d gone too.

Later that night, after her shower, Louise returned to her room and saw that a photo was laying on her pillow and remembered someone had brought a polaroid camera. Picking it up, Louise smiled as she saw what it was: her, eyes closed, laughing, as Rudy carried her around on his back.