#golden retriever so no surprise she wanted to sit in my lap and lick me

[random2908]

me: I'm not a dog person.

my little sister: What are you talking about? Dogs LOVE you.

me: That's not what that means.

my sister: It's the important part. Who cares how you feel.

[negative-speedforce]

Prompt time!

"You're so pretty."

"Aww, thank you!""

Oh, I was- I was actually talking to the dog. But you're pretty too!"

(feel free to change "dog" into whatever animal fits the scene)

You know what you're getting with this one? How Jay and Cassandra met! (feat. Stella the Golden Retriever)

Cassandra sighed, putting her head in her hands. How could Khalil have been such an idiot? Sure, choosing not to use his magic was weird enough, but understandable, considering what happened to their uncle Morgan, but publically renouncing his magic in front of the Coven elders?

She didn't know how they would react. Would her brother be stripped of his magic? Or could something worse happen to him? The existence of their magic was a tightly guarded secret, and threats to that secret were dealt with quickly and efficiently. If they saw Khalil as a threat...

Cassandra didn't even want to think about that possibility. Khalil was her big brother, the one who had been by her side all those years, who had taught her how to ride a bike, how to do her makeup, how to use magic that her parents thought she was too young to learn. He was her everything, the other half of her soul.

The idea of potentially losing him terrified her. What would she do without him? Would her dads be able to handle it? What if something happened to her, since her job was so risky? Who would take care of her dads when they got old, if both her and Khalil were dead?

Cassandra was brought back to reality when something large and furry bounded straight into her, a warm, slobbery tongue beginning to lick at her hands, which covered her face. Cassandra looked up.

Standing in front of her was a young man with sandy blonde hair and glasses, dressed in some kind of tank top with Hatsune Miku's face plastered on the front. He had a dog with him, which surprised Cassandra, since the base she worked on didn't usually allow animals, at least, not without a permit.

"You okay?" The dog's owner asked, cocking his head concernedly.

"Yeah..." Cassandra wiped at the corners of her eyes. "I'm fine. Thank you."

"This is Stella, by the way." The guy introduced his dog, a large, shaggy golden retriever. "She's the one who dragged me over here. She's trained to help people when they're having anxiety attacks."

"You're the new guy, right?" Cassandra recognized the guy's face from a file she had been assigned to look over a few days ago.

The guy with the dog nodded. "Yeah, I've been helping out in Engineering while I complete my field training, but I start tomorrow."

"You're an engineer?"

"Yeah, I am. I graduated last year."

"You're, what, twenty-one?" Cassandra was intrigued.

"Twenty." He replied, a wide smile on his face. "I graduated early. They say I'm some kind of prodigy, but I'm not so sure about that. Jay Barron, by the way."

"Cassandra Stevens." Cassandra gave Stella a scratch behind the ears. "You're so pretty."

"Aww, thank you!" Jay joked, obviously aware that Cassandra was talking to Stella.

"Oh, I was- I was actually talking to the dog." Cassandra laughed awkwardly. Something about this guy was making her feel all fluttery inside, dashing her normal stoic confidence to pieces. "But you're pretty too!"

"As are you." Jay said.

"So, how'd you get Stella, anyway?"

"Like, how did I get her as a puppy, or how did I get her on base?" Jay asked, sitting down next to Cassandra.

"On base." Cassandra clarified. Stella plopped down next to her, putting her head in Cassandra's lap. She was fairly certain she'd be picking little yellow dog hairs off her slacks for the next few weeks, but didn't really care.

"Well, uh, I had a really rough senior year." Jay adjusted his glasses, fidgeting to fill the awkwardness. "My two best friends died, one after the other, within the space of a couple weeks. Really violently, too. I couldn't really go outside alone for a while without completely breaking down. I already had Stella, she was almost one when that happened. So I decided to train her to help."

"Oh. I'm sorry about your friends." Cassandra frowned. "Metahuman?"

"They both were." Jay replied. Cassandra was surprised. She had expected to hear that they died because of a meta, not that they were ones themselves. "Gina could see into people's heads, and Siv was fast. Really fast. They were both amazing, and smart, and funny, and I miss them a lot. But it's fine now. It's been a few years, I've worked on myself a lot, and I have Stella to help me."

"No offense, but are you sure that you're up to this? Covert work is a lot, and I can't have you falling behind because you're having a panic attack."

"Don't worry. It only gets bad when I'm alone with nothing but my thoughts. When I'm in the field, or training, or working with tech, it doesn't bother me. My mind's occupied. And I already passed the mental and physical fitness exams, didn't I?"

"I guess you're right." Cassandra conceded, absentmindedly playing with Stella's ear. "Thanks for the help, by the way. I guess I was a lot more stressed out than I thought I was."

"It's fine. Do you want to talk about it?"

"Not really. My brother's just stirring up drama with the family."

"Yeah, I get that. My uncle lived with us for a minute, before he went to rehab." Jay replied. "He's clean now, but yeah, family can be stressful, even more so when someone's intentionally stirring the pot."

"Yeah, agreed." Cassandra smiled. Something about this guy... he just seemed so chill it was almost surreal. "Mostly, I'm just worried about my parents. If Khalil keeps causing trouble like this..."

"Your mom and dad are going to be okay. Don't worry."

"Dads, actually. But thank you." Cassandra corrected. "I have two dads. Weird, I know, but-"

"Oh, no, that's not weird at all." Jay reassured Cassandra. "My friends Max and Kyle, they're gay too. I don't think it's weird, don't worry."

"Oh. Oh, okay, that's cool." Cassandra cursed her sudden lack of composure. Why was she baring her soul to this guy she had barely met? Maybe it was the golden retriever. Yup. Definitely the dog.

"Yeah, it was great talking to you, but I gotta go. My boss is paging me." Jay grabbed Stella's leash. Stella jumped to her feet, sniffing at Cassandra's face one last time before trotting over to Jay's side.

"Hey, you start tomorrow, right?"

"Yeah, I do, why?"

"Do you want to get dinner tonight after work?" Cassandra asked. "As friends. Just to get to know each other better. Since we're going to be working together, after all."

A wide grin flashed across Jay's face. "I'd love that."

"Meet you here, by the fountain? Six-thirty tonight?"

"Sure." Jay patted Stella on the head. "I'll see you later, okay?" He started jogging towards the building, Stella at his side.

Something told Cassandra that she'd really like working with this new guy.

[babymilkawa]

are your requests open? if so can i get bakugou, kiri, shinsou and sero (or anyone) surprising their s/o with a puppy they’ve always wanted? or their s/o coming home with a puppy without telling the boys ? thank you !! n happy valentine’s day

this is so cute!! My requests are almost open lol and if they’re not, it’ll show up on my pinned post ^^ And happy belated Valentine’s Day to you too anon <33 make sure to take care of urself 🤍

surprise puppy headcanons with:

bakugou katsuki, kirishima eijiro, shinsou hitoshi, sero hanta

gn!reader :)

bakugou katsuki

he knows that you’ve been looking on adoption sites for dogs

you haven’t actually brought up the topic to him yet, unsure of what his response would be

it just so happened that your anniversary was coming up and bakugou couldn’t think of a better gift for you

he didn’t mean to be snooping around but he had searched your history and noticed one tab that you just never deleted

it was a a little puppy, about 2 months old and bakugou had a feeling that this was the one

sharing the site to his own laptop, he booked an appointment to adopt immediately

he had to choose between taking you to the adoption center or straight up bringing the puppy home

the latter seemed better though

so it’s the day before and your boyfriend is leaving it at your neighbors place so he can pick it up the next morning

he wanted you to wake up to the puppy

smiling at the thought, bakugou entered into the home you shared and greeted you at the door

“How was your day, babe?” you asked

“not too bad, you?”

you yawn and stretch and tell him of your day’s activities

then he asks what you want to do for your anniversary tomorrow

“Hmm maybe keep it lowkey this year? hang out at home?” you asked hesitantly, unsure of whether he wanted to do something more

but bakugou thought it was perfect

you could spend the whole day with your new puppy

the night before, as you laid cuddled to his side, bakugou stared at the ceiling until a thought occurred to him

what if you hadn’t told him about wanting a dog because you weren’t sure urself? No but you never closed that tab

You must’ve really wanted it

he just wished that you could’ve told him

he didn’t want you to hold yourself back for his sake

you were always so selfless and thoughtful of him

he hoped that tomorrow and in the years ahead, he can show you just how much he appreciates you

it’s 5 am and bakugous slipping out of bed

he makes sure you’re warm before leaving the house, careful to not make any noise

he knocks on the neighbors door and they hand him the puppy in its cage

at home, bakugou takes out the box he’s pre-wrapped and places the puppy inside it

it starts to squirm a little, now that it’s finally out of its cage but bakugou holds it still, petting its head to calm it down

the puppy was quick to obey and he let out a sigh of relief

carrying the large box to your room, bakugou froze when he saw you come out

“huh? what’s that, babe?” You say, sleepily

“just go back to sleep y/n” he said, placing the box down

he ushered you back in bed and you tried to pull him down with you, whining when he protested

“I gotta do something real quick, ok? I’ll be back”

thanking the heavens that you were facing the opposite direction as the door, he slipped the box right next to it

there was still a couple of hours until you would agree to start the day so bakugou joined you under the covers and pulled you close

he must’ve been exhausted because when he woke up, you had a little blob laying on your chest

“oh my god, katsuki!!” your face was split into a wide smile and the puppy was happily playing around with you

bakugou’s eyes widened and cursed out loud

“sorry babe, we were supposed to open it together. I must’ve overslept”

“Aww it’s ok katsu, I woke up to this little ball of sunshine here”

it must’ve jumped out of its box, he thought

“But how did you know that this was the exact one I wanted?” You asked

he shyly rubbed the back of his neck, “you had that tab open for ages”

the puppy continued to bounce in your arms and bakugou admired the smile on your face

leaning in for a kiss, he said, “happy anniversary baby”

kirishima eijiro

you had gone to the adoption center just to look around while your boyfriend was at work

you really hadn’t meant to actually commit to it when you saw the most cutest puppy ever

it was even clinging on to you, surely it was perfect

and your boyfriend also seemed to really like dogs so you really just said why not?

it was a pretty big impulsive purchase but you knew he wouldn’t mind

it was for the both of you after all

bringing it home, you couldn’t wait to think of names with your boyfriend, knowing that he’d come up with really creative ones

kirishima still had a couple hours left of work so you decided to pass the time with your new friend

you set up its bed and its food, all while having the puppy follow you around the house

you were in the closet at the back of the house, rummaging for a blanket when you noticed that your puppy wasn’t right behind you any more

not having a name for it yet, you weren’t sure how to call out for it

so you decided to just look for it yourself

it wasn’t until you were closer to the front of the house did you hear the sound of your boyfriend laughing

“eiji?”

he was holding the puppy in his arms and it was licking his face, causing him to laugh in response

it was such a cute sight, you had to snap a picture

“what’s his name, hun?” He asked

“haven’t decided yet. I was hoping you’d have some good ones”

“How long have you been planning this? There’s no special occasion is there?”

“I went to the center for fun and I decided to just get it”

“Good choice” he laughed

“so you got any names?”

he set the puppy down and it whined, looking up at him

“I was thinking d/n?”

it was perfect

calling its new name out, the puppy immediately turned its attention to you, leaping into your arms

“aww” your boyfriend said, before wrapping you both into a hug and picking you up

shinsou hitoshi

so we know he’s more of a cat person

but after seeing how much you interact with dogs and gush about them, he decided to surprise you with one

it was shinsou’s day off but you still had to work so he took that chance to visit the adoption center

before when he had asked you what kind of dog you wanted if you were to ever get one, you told him your favorite types, including gender

luck seemed to be on his side because he found the exact same breed you liked

it was a much younger one though, only being a few months old

excited to see your reaction, shinsou signed the papers and brought your new puppy home

he also figured that since you seemed to be stressed and overworking yourself, this was the perfect present

there was no special occasion but hey, couldn’t he just spoil his s/o?

by the time you came home, the puppy was asleep but away from your line of vision

your boyfriend kissed you hello and took your belongings

he could see how exhausted you were and part of him was glad that the puppy wasn’t jumping around right now

hopefully you could play with it when you had more energy

“you hungry y/n?”

“no just come here please” you made grabby hands at him and he laid on the couch with you

he ran his fingers through your hair and gave you a small peck on both your eyelids

you were about to fall asleep when you heard small, high pitched barks and the sound of paws on a hardwood floor

sitting up, you looked straight in the face of your new puppy

“toshi...?”

“that’s for you babe. I know you’ve been stressed out recently so I thought it would help”

“but I thought we agreed to get a cat?”

“you wanted to get a cat for me. But I know you like dogs better babe”

“aww” you pulled him into a hug and he kissed the top of your head

the puppy, wanting to be included, jumping in between you two and snuggled his way in

as it got settled on your lap, you gave your boyfriend a thank you kiss

sero hanta

sero’s birthday was coming up and you had no idea what to get him

you couldn’t think of anything your boyfriend had said he wanted recently

until you guys were talking about his boss’s anniversary with his wife and how she got him a golden retriever

a lightbulb binged in ur head

that’s what you’d get him

trying to not reveal your plans, you asked him what kind of dog he’d want

he was open to anything really

so you went straight to the adoption center the next day and you decided to find one you’d like too because your boyfriend was ok with any kind

after hours of playing with each dog, you settled on a small puppy

it had been sleeping on your lap the entire time until you brought out snacks the staff gave

it woke up immediately and obeyed when you told it to “sit” and “jump”

driving back home, you were satisfied and picked up a cake for the celebration tomorrow

you decided to just give the puppy early and have the cake on his actual birthday

when sero came home, he called out for you, receiving no response

thinking that you must be busy, he went into the kitchen to feed his stomach

turning around with a sandwich in his mouth, you popped up from the corner and held the puppy up, a cute ribbon tied to its neck

“tadaaa”

he looked at you and dropped his sandwich, his face lighting up

he pumped his fists in the air and yelled “hell yea we got a puppy!”

you let him scoop it from your arms and it’s snuggling up to him immediately, licking the remainders of his sandwich from the corner of his mouth

picking up the sandwich your boyfriend dropped, you set up dinner while listening to the joyful sounds of your boyfriend playing with his new puppy

bnha masterlist

[fruitcoops]

SIRIUS/REMUS PLAYING WITH PUPPIES WHILE ANSWERING FANS QUESTIONS

Please know that if we ever met in person, I would literally lift you off your feet and hug you for suggesting this. My afternoon was filled with adorable puppy videos because of this!

Sweater Weather credit goes to @lumosinlove!

“Can I have them?” Remus asked softly, staring at the person behind the camera with big, pleading eyes. “Please?”

“Do the introduction and then we’ll set ‘em loose,” Marlene said.

“Fine. Hey, everyone, welcome back to Lion Pride! I’m Remus Lupin and I’m here today to play with puppies.”

“And answer questions.”

“And answer questions,” he added. “Maybe, like, one or two in between snuggles.”

“You’re going to answer all of them,” Marlene said more firmly.

He rolled his eyes and took the lid off the jar of paper slips. “Can I have the puppies now?”

A door clicked open behind the camera and Remus lit up as four puppies tumbled into frame, racing straight for him. “Hello, babies!” he laughed as a tiny golden retriever jumped on his chest. “Oh, I love you so much. Come here, come here, let me give you kisses.”

“Question number one?” Marlene prompted as he began playing with them and rolling their toys around.

Remus sighed and pulled a question out. “What would I be doing if I didn’t become a hockey player? Physical therapy for su—ope, okay, you can have that one.”

The Irish Setter puppy growled playfully as they played a short game of tug-of-war until the paper tore.

“Oh no, it broke!” Remus exclaimed, giving the pup a scratch behind the ears while it chewed on the leftover scraps. “Yes, that’s all yours now. Next one: what is the best part about playing professional hockey? I get to do interviews like this.” One of the puppies, a medium-sized black one, began chewing on one of the laces of his Converse. “Excuse me—excuse me, young man, that’s my shoelace. Are you chewing it because it’s rainbow? Is this homophobia?”

“Remus.”

“Sorry.” He lifted the puppy into his arms and kissed his head. “Okay, munchkin, what’s next? What’s next? You’re so fucking cute, I just wanna squish you. Um, what’s the most common thing fans say when they meet me?” He laughed and the puppy licked his cheek. “Usually they look at me and go, ‘god, you’re tall’, which surprises people because I’m always around these gigantic guys. Do these dogs have names?”

“If I tell you their names, you’re going to get attached.”

“We have crossed, salted, and burned that bridge, Marley.”

“The one you’re holding is Mercutio, the red one is Juliet, the retriever is Pip, and the fluffy one on your lap is Lucie, after Lucie Manette.”

Remus’ jaw went slack. “They’re named after book characters?” he asked in a small voice.

“Yep.”

“Oh, no.” He reached out and pulled Juliet and Pip into his arms for a moment. “Oh, no, you all have to come home with me now. The next question is…would I ever do drag? Probably not, but I looked hot as fuck in eyeliner, so do with that what you will.”

“Which video was that?”

“It was the fear pong one, which I played with my fiancé and my friends James and Lily!” His voice pitched up as he turned to talk to Mercutio. “I did, buddy! It was so fun! Yes, it was!”

“Remus. Questions.”

“Right. What’s one of my weirdest or funniest fan encounters? There was this one lady, she was like forty-something, and she came up to me while I was at the post office and asks ‘are you Remus Lupin?’ and I said, ‘yes, that’s me’ and she’s like ‘from the Gryffindor Lions?’ and I said yes again and then she went—” He narrowed his eyes and nodded his head slowly. “—‘I knew you were gay. Good for you, kiddo’ and then left. It was the weirdest fucking thing, especially considering I had played, like, one game with the team by that point.”

“Are you serious?” Marlene asked.

“Totally honest. I never saw her again, either.” Juliet put her paws on the front of his Lions hoodie and began licking the edge of his jaw. “Hey, sweet girl, thank you for the kisses. Can I grab another question? No? Okay, we can stay here.”

Pip began yipping and Mercutio wiggled out of Remus’ hold, launching himself at the other dog with a tiny growl.

“Mercutio, no!” Remus gasped, scooting Juliet aside so he could put the two puppies under his arms. His hands were big enough to almost cover their whole bellies. “We’re not here to start fights, you two. Apologize.” They turned their heads to lick his cheeks. “I didn’t mean apologize to me, but okay. You’re so soft and warm, what the hell?”

“Next question?”

“What’s the craziest rumor I’ve heard about myself? A solid group of people thought I asked to be on the team, which isn’t true. I didn’t even know people were considering it until James and Lily’s wedding. Coach wanted it to be a surprise while he cleared it with the organization.” Remus shook his head and slowly petted Lucie as she napped on his thigh. “Is there a celebrity I’ve met that left me starstruck? Ha! Yes. There was a fundraiser a few months ago and Sam Neill was there, which I didn’t know until I turned around and he was about two feet away.”

“What did you do?”

Remus laughed and turned faintly pink. “Um, I made a sort of squeaking noise and he kinda chuckled, which was mortifying in and of itself. He goes, ‘hi, I’m Sam’ and I nodded because duh, he’s Sam fucking Neill, and then I mumbled something about Jurassic Park and he smiled and said, ‘son, you’re blocking the water’ and I just about died on the spot.”

“Did anyone see you?”

“Sirius was standing next to me the entire time and silently laughing his ass off. I saw them talking later, and when were about to drive home he hands me this napkin and it has Sam Neill’s autograph on it.”

“He didn’t,” Marlene gasped.

Remus nodded. “He did.”

“That’s the smoothest move I’ve ever heard of.”

“It was incredible.” Juliet waddled closer and nudged a red ball out from under Remus’ knee, which he picked up and tossed before taking out another question. “Do I appreciate when fans come up to me in public or is it annoying? Oh, it’s never annoying. It’s a little weird if I’m eating lunch somewhere or running errands and someone tries to sneak a picture, though. I love all the fans and it’s super fun talking to everyone, so please just come over and say hello instead of failing to be sneaky while I’ve got pizza grease on my face.”

“Even if you’re on a date?”

Remus snorted. “Okay, well, use some common sense. Pip—babycakes, stop trying to eat the questions. There we go.” He settled the puppy into his lap and rolled the ball for Juliet again. “In a movie about my life, who would I want to play me and Sirius?” He paused and looked at the camera. “I would want us to play ourselves, but only because neither of us can act and it would be so fucking funny to make the absolute worst movie.”

“Come on,” Marlene groaned.

“I’m being a hundred percent honest right now! I think it would be hilarious. We’d be terrible.” Juliet pawed at his arm insistently until he grabbed the ball, but she wouldn’t let it go and they ended up playing tug-of-war despite the fact that she had no traction on the floor and kept sliding around. “Aren’t you a feisty one, sweet girl! What is the most memorable moment of my life that I want to cherish forever? This. Right here, right now.”

“Really?”

“I have two dogs on my lap, one under my arm, and the other slobbering all over my hand. This is the best possible place to be. Wait, hang on a second.” Remus carefully lifted Lucie up and laid down, settling her on his abdomen as the other three clambered over to flop on him. “Oh, yeah, this is the peak of my entire life.”

“You’re not going to say your engagement? Maybe the day you started playing for the Lions?”

“Nope. The engagement was incredible and one of my favorite memories for sure, but I was shaking in my skates.”

“Just read the next question.”

“Okay! What’s my go-to karaoke song?” He hummed for a moment, then laughed as Lucie scooted up to rest her head under his chin. “I think it’s probably ‘I Wanna Dance with Somebody’ by Whitney Houston. Lily and I did a duet of that a year or so ago, and it rocked.”

Pip began gnawing on the cuff of his sweatshirt. “Pip,” Marlene scolded; her foot appeared in frame until Remus waved her off with a smile.

“It’s okay, he can chew if he wants to. It’s an old sweater anyway, and it’s not even mine!” He scratched behind Pip’s ears. “No, it’s not, peach-a-keen! You can go nuts with that as long as you’re cozy. What is…my favorite behind-the-scenes Lions moment? Our groupchat, no contest.”

“Does it have the whole team?”

“Most of us, yeah. You have to earn your spot.” Remus looked over at the camera and Lucie put her head on his neck. “Looks like I’ve been banned from turning my head now, huh?”

“Are you comfortable?”

“Marley, there are very few things that would make me happier than I am right now. I’m being slowly crushed by puppies and I get to cuddle them for free.” He reached blindly into the question jar. “This is a two-part question. Do I prefer big dogs or small dogs, and how is Hattie doing? I love all dogs, but I think I prefer big ones because they’re always so much fun, and I don’t feel like I’m accidentally going to break them if I move wrong. Hattie’s doing well! She’s almost eighty pounds and she’s at home with Sirius right now, probably getting snuggled within an inch of her fuzzy little life.”

“That’s the dream right there.”

“Tell me about it. Alright, sorry ladies and gents, but I have to sit up to get to the questions.” All four puppies made noises of protest when he started sitting up and he sighed, eyebrows pitching upward. “I know, I know, it’s really hard. Here, how about we…” Remus carefully gathered them until he held all four against his chest; their tiny faces looked out over his forearms and he placed a kiss on each of their heads. “Much better.”

“Can you get to the jar?”

It took a bit of maneuvering, but he managed to reach in. “Do you want to read it?” he asked Mercutio as the puppy tried to bite the slip. “No? Okay. What is my favorite thing about playing on the same team as my fiancé? That is an excellent question. My favorite thing is that we finally have the same schedule, so we can build in time to hang out more easily. It was hard to do that when we were doing different things.”

Pip yawned and the entire camera crew ‘awww’ed; Remus made a soft noise and nuzzled his floppy ear.

“I adore you,” he murmured. “I really do. Last question: What is my advice to those who want to follow their dreams? Oh, jeez.”

“You can take a minute to think.”

Remus crossed his legs and lifted his knees up so he could hug all the puppies at once while still looking at the camera. “The only reason I got big and strong is so that I can hold four puppies at once. Just thought people should know that. Uh, my advice to those who want to follow their dreams is to persevere. I never in a million years thought that I would get to play on a professional hockey team, but I worked really hard to overcome my injury and stay connected to the sport because I love it. If there’s something you love, don’t be afraid to hold on to it.”

“Wise words,” Marlene remarked. “Do you want to tell the fans where they can find the puppies?”

“At my house,” Remus joked. “But if that doesn’t work, they are up for adoption at Friendly Paws Animal Shelter, which is just south of downtown Gryffindor and has tons of adorable friends like these guys. Can I call Sirius real quick?”

“Sure,” Marlene laughed.

Remus gingerly lowered Lucie into his lap and pulled his phone out of his pocket, dialing a quick number before putting it on speakerphone and setting it down to pick her up again. “Re?” Sirius sounded confused. “Aren’t you still with Marlene?”

“Yeah.”

“…did something happen?”

“Nope, all good. Can we get another dog?”

There was a beat of silence on the other end of the line. “Marlene, what did you do?”

“It’s just an interview!” she called.

“What kind of interview?”

“Baby, they gave me puppies,” Remus said gleefully, burying his face in Lucie’s fluff for a moment. “Like, really good puppies.”

A long-suffering sigh came through the phone. “How many are you holding?” Remus hesitated. “Sweetheart, how many dogs are currently in your arms?”

“Four.”

“Holy shit, Marlene! You gave him four dogs?!”

“They named them, too,” Remus added. “Pip, Juliet, Lucie Manette, and Mercutio. Baby, they named him Mercutio.”

“This was a recipe for disaster.” Despite his protests, Sirius sounded intrigued. “How old are they?”

Remus glanced up at Marlene. “They’re all six to eight months old,” she said.

Sirius blew out a slow breath. “So they’re babies.”

“They’re all up for adoption.”

“We have Hattie already.” Sirius was wavering. “But…she might possibly need a friend. Maybe.”

“You already love these dogs and you haven’t even seen them,” Remus said with a grin.

“The names are perfect! What was I supposed to do?”

“I’m going to sign the video off and then call you back, okay?”

“Okay. Don’t let go of the dogs until I get there, please.”

“Wasn’t planning on it. Love you!”

“Love you, too.”

Once the call ended, Remus faced the camera with a smile. Juliet and Pip had already fallen asleep. “Thanks for tuning in, Lions! Be sure to like and subscribe for more content. Endless thanks to Marlene McKinnon for allowing me to spend an hour holding tiny dogs. Have a great day!”

[newtonsheffield]

so did Ben and Soohie got the puppy after all?

My Dude, My Pal, Of course they got the puppy. Just not right away.

Benedict Bridgerton was a grown man, Sophie reasoned, there was absolutely no reason why her saying Benedict, No. We aren’t getting a puppy Should cause him to have such an adorable little pout on his face. His bottom lip pushed out his eyes pleading with her.  “But Please��Soph! Charlie would love a dog, look how much Anthony’s kids love Newton!” He said and Sophie had to admit, bringing their son into this was low but he did have a point. Their nephews and nieces seemed ludicrously fond of Kate’s tiny little dog who seemed to follow the everywhere like the world’s tiniest bodyguard. She sighed “Sweetheart, we’re having another baby I just... don’t think having a newborn and a puppy is a good idea. No matter how cute golden retriever puppies are, Ben!” She said quickly when he’d made to show her more pictures of the litter of puppies he’d found for sale. 

And it wasn’t that she didn’t want a dog, she loved animals, it was just that having a newborn was a lot of work. And they already had Charlie this time around so it would surely be a little more challenging. They were busy people and it just... wasn’t the right time. She told herself repeatedly, to convince herself more than anything. Even when she thought about the fact that the dream childhood she’d imagine for herself when she was locked in a room as a child had definitely included a dog and something ached deep within her. In the end, Kate is to blame. Kate and Newton. Charlie had been sitting happily eating some liquorice strips on the living room floor and Newton had sidled up to him, nosing at the side of his face, Charlie giggling with delight the sound echoing through the roo as Newton licked at his face, and Sophie had caved. She’d called the breeder the next day.

She had hidden it from Ben for weeks. Maybe the first time in their marriage she’d ever hidden anything from him, honestly. And she’d quietly gone to pick up the tiny puppy on a Saturday afternoon, and the adorable little thing had whined from his place on the seat next to her until she’d scooped it up and driven home with him perched on her lap, his paws on the wheel in front of her panting happily. And yes maybe Ben was right, this was adorable and her heart was singing with happiness. She’d walked into the house quickly trying to guess where Ben and Charlie might be deciding the living room was the safest bet. She’d stood at the door and attempted to wave the puppy through only to hear “Soph, what are you doing?” from behind her in her husband’s very confused voice. She turned, puppy in hand to see Ben, their son perched on his hip his eyes wide with surprise. Charlie shrieked with delight. “Doggy! Is it mine?” his tiny hands reaching out to grab at the puppy’s fur who was wriggling to get to the small child, delighted himself at the discovery of two more people to meet. 

Ben smirked his eyes sparkling with delight, “Yeah Soph, is it his?”  “Yes, honey he is. But we need to be gentle, because he’s just a baby.” She said softly as Ben placed Charlie on the floor, the puppy beside him. And Sophie’s heart was burning with love, ridiculous tears burning in her eyes when Charlie very gently put his hand on the puppy’s head, giggling with delight when the puppy bowled him over.  “What’s his name?!” Charlie demanded looking up at his parents and Sophie heard Ben mutter “Dunno he’s a surprise to me too.” smirking at her happily as she rolled her eyes

“What do you want to call him, Charlie?” Sophie said crouching beside her son who was grinning happily, so much like Benedict already. Charlie thought for a moment and frowned “But didn’t his mummy and daddy give him a name?” He said, and jesus Sophie thought her heart would explode.  “It doesn’t quite work like that for dogs, little bean.” Ben said ruffling his hair. Charlie pouted for a few seconds.  “His name is Geoff.” And then ran into the living room yelling “Come on Geoff!” and much to Sophie’s surprise the tiny puppy turned on tail and sprinted after him as though yes that really was his name. 

Sophie felt her husband’s arm wrap around her waist. “So you’ve gone soft, and now I’m going to have to walk a dog name Geoff, hey? Tragic.” Sophie scoffed batting his hands away. “We both know I was always soft.” She said following Charlie and Geoff from the hallway.       

[oftenderweapons]

Mold Me New (5) — Kim Taehyung

A Small Town Swoons Story

Pairing: Taehyung x reader (nicknamed Frog — for now)

Wordcount: 5.2k

Genre: ceramic artist!Taehyung, divorced!reader, Strangers to Lovers, Fluff, Smut, Slice of Life

Rating: 18+

Hello to my readers!!! Welcome to the Small Town Swoons Universe!🥰✨

In this episode: Frog gets to see the final results of her hard work. Taehyung, feeling extremely proud of her, is in the mood for celebation. He invites her for dinner, but eventually the lasagna in the oven is not the only tthing getting hot — and the cheesecake is not the only sweet thing on the menu.

TRIGGER WARNINGS: swearing. mentions of alcohol. smut: making out, grinding, humping, groping (ass, breasts) hair tugging, fingering, very soft overgrown teenagers being inappropriate and horny and tenderly feral on the sofa. Also cramps cause topping ain't easy folks.

A special thank you to @taegularities, my cutest, most adorable, Taehyung stan, The Radiant Rid. I love you, babe. Can't wait to read your next masterpiece 💕

In case you like my writing, here is my directory for idol!AUs, scenarios and imagines. And in case you need it, here’s the Spotify music companion.

Navi: Chapter 1 — Chapter 2 — Chapter 3 — Chapter 4 — Chapter 5 — Chapter 6 — Chapter 7

Enjoy 💜✨

You were falling for Kim Taehyung.

This was by far an undoubtable truth, like the butterflies in your stomach, like the softness of his hair and the plump curve of his lip, like the excruciating, painfully perfect beauty of his face.

He was a gift to humankind, you realised.

You were sure that by now your heart eyes showed in a three-mile radius, and from the way he looked at you in return, you could tell the sentiment was somehow returned.

What made you insecure was his lack of initiative.

You noticed he enjoyed being on the receiving end — which had actually shown a few days before, when he’d fallen asleep in the comfort of your lap, you reading your book while he recovered from the stressful day.

You could still remember the soft golden light coming in through the window, the way his breath got heavy with sleep, his hand laying just an inch above your knee, growing clammy with sweat as he heated up under the blanket. And the feel of his fluffy locks under your fingertips.

He’d looked adorable, a gentle blush on his cheeks, his cherub face relaxing, chubby and plump with the sweet abandon of sleep.

His hands suddenly laid delicately atop yours. “The kiln has cooled up. Would you like to see?” Taehyung asked quietly, trying not to wake you from your reverie too abruptly.

“Oh, yes!” you replied as briefly as possible, hoping he didn’t catch you daydreaming while staring at him with a fond expression.

“Be very careful, they’re hot,” he said, lifting the top of the kiln slowly and letting the remaining hot air come out a bit at a time, without having to feel the heat hit his face.

“Are they going to be good?” you asked curiously. Not all your pieces had made it through bisque firing, and the idea of having something that actually looked like a finished, real work of art was getting you excited. You had been taking lessons for six weeks now and it felt about time to see some results.

“I think I can spot a good one,” he mused as he lifted the lid, bright blue glaze immediately catching your attention.

“Did the bowl survive? The one with the golden swirls? Please, tell me it did, I love it so much!” You felt ready to beg, pray, cry if something had gone wrong.

“It’s on the middle shelf. Be patient, you golden retriever,” he joked, wearing a pair of latex gloves to make sure the temperature was okay without damaging the glaze.

“It was my first to survive bisque, I am invested!” you argued back, peering from over his shoulder, noticing that your vase for Terry had survived.

“Vase accomplished, Frog. You should be excited about that one,” he said, moving it to a shelf. “It means you worked it nicely.”

You shrugged. It was one of your latest pieces, so you weren’t too surprised about it. Still, considering that shaping a vase with consistent walls is a feat in itself, you smirked. “You taught me well.”

“I did,” he replied, lifting a large, low bonsai plate. “Ready to see your bowl, Frog?”

“If anything happened to it, I’m going to kill you.”

Taehyung turned to you, grinning, his nose scrunched in a way that made you sure you would never lift a finger on him.

Your eyes closed: because you were nervous about the bowl, you told yourself — not because you couldn’t stand Taehyung’s expression without pressing your lips to his.

He lifted the shelf from the kiln. He turned to look at you.

He did not resist.

It was like you were waiting for him to kiss you, fist pressed underneath your chin, eyes screwed shut in excitement and fear.

He touched his lips to the apple of your cheek. Your eyes shot open, but the gentleness on his face calmed you. “Congratulations, miss Frog, you have a beautiful blue baby,” he declared in a very medical fashion.

You threw your arms around him, jumping up and down as you giggled hysterically.

“And she cheers for the bowl,” he said, shaking his head in disappointment. “As if she could mess it up after that vase.”

“Screw the damned vase, show me my baby,” you said, going grabby hands to the kiln.

“No, Frog. Wait,” he said, picking up the piece and bringing it to the table, you in tow like a tail-wadding, restless puppy.

“It’s so pretty,” you mused as soon as he set the bowl down. “It’s so sparkly. So glittery. Taehyung, it’s perfect,” you whispered in awe, feeling tears well up in your eyes as you turned to him.

Fondness overwhelmed him as he saw your amused look, so dreamy and happy and satisfied.

It was your baby. Your special creature. Selfishly, he felt like he had contributed to the creation.

For a second he thought that’s what it must feel like to be a father. “Watch over it while I finish the rest,” he said, taking a step away.

You grabbed his wrist.

He turned, waiting for you to explain.

“Thank you,” you murmured, voice emotional.

He twisted his arm in your grip until his hand could reach for yours, engulfing it.

And right in that second, he felt he belonged. Somehow crazily, stupidly, innocently, he felt at home. “Anytime, darling.” He rubbed his thumb against your inner wrist before letting you go. He still had half a kiln to unload.

Bowls and mugs came out easily, some of them even presenting unintended variations that would for sure attract buyers. He felt proud.

But most of all, he wanted to go back to your bowl, to you worshipping it like a little miracle, the poor vase sitting unattended on a high shelf, out of harm’s way.

He closed the lid and took the vase, bringing it to you and placing it on the table.

“You did a very good job, Frog,” he complimented you, placing his hand close to yours, hoping to rekindle the affection he had felt only a few minutes ago.

“It’s not like I did it by myself,” you admitted, beaming up at him.

“Stay for dinner,” he blurted out, “Seokjin brought a cheesecake this morning, I still have half of it. And I have his lasagna in the freezer. We could cook it and eat that — I don’t trust myself making anything edible.”

You snickered. “You don't want me to cook?”

He shook his head. “I wanted to… To celebrate.”

You smiled, standing up, his mouth right before your eyes, “What are we celebrating?”

He looked at your lips as they moved. “The vase,” he replied seriously, although the tone of his voice meant a thousand other things.

“Of course,” you conceded. “Let’s go. I’m hungry,” you confessed, grabbing his hand, tugging at his arm.

Taehyung could swear he was floating a foot off the ground out of happiness. He realised he’d been happier than usual lately; he’d been selling more pieces and his part time job was finally giving him some satisfaction.

He felt like he was drifting across the kitchen as he put his phone in a wooden box as an amplifier, playing an old jazz tune as he put the lasagna in the oven.

You sat at the table, watching him move around with a small smile, your head leaning on your palm. You were such a sucker.

“Wine?”

You shook your head. “You’re gonna get me drunk,” you smiled.

He sat at your side, “why not,” he teased, “just vaguely tipsy. I promise I’ll be a gentleman.” He placed a hand on his heart and bowed his head slowly.

“It’s not you I’m worried about,” you murmured, looking down before meeting his eyes again.

He licked his lips. “Who is it, then?”

“Me.”

“What about you?” His fingers skimmed the surface of the table, sliding all the way to your elbow and tracing your inner forearm.

A shiver ran down your spine. “I get clingy. And slightly inappropriate,” you chuckled embarrassedly.

“I could never be bothered by that,” he whispered, wrapping his fingers around your wrist. “I bet you’d look so adorable.” His hand opted to cup the back of yours before you slipped your hand away, making his palm touch your cheek instead, your face leaning in. “Which would make you absolutely irresistible,” he admitted, nodding fondly at your display of trust.

“Thank you,” you replied to the compliment, feeling your face heat up.

“Let’s lay the table.”

Let’s lay down and make out for three hours and fall asleep under the stars in the back of a pickup.

You gave your brain a second to calm down. “Sure. How can I help you?”

In twenty minutes, the tasty smell of lasagna began drifting in the air, making your mouth water as you and Taehyung talked about his other job — the one that actually paid the bills and brought food on the table. “I just love them, they’re adorable. I managed to practice when my granny used to babysit.”

You pouted, starry eyed as he talked about the children, going on and on about the five year old that always wanted to curl his hair and paint his nails.

Most of all, you loved the idea of him sitting on a baby chair, all curled up, giant hand sprawled on the table while the girl spread lacquer on his pretty nails.

“Your granny babysat?”

“She raised a few of us, yes, and then she was the babysitter for all the kids of the street,” he explained.

“I thought you grew up with your mom?” you said confusedly.

“Yes, we stayed with my mom until we turned four, but then she went back to her job and we started staying with my grandmother. And when I was ten, my mom started dating a good man. He’s one of the greatest people I know, but unfortunately, he was transferred out of state and my mom decided to go with him. I didn’t want to leave and my granny let me stay with her.”

You nodded, taking in more details about him. “Are you happy about the situation with your mom? Do you miss her?”

He shrugged. “Sometimes. But I like seeing her happy. She got married and she’s safe. Her husband spoils her, he takes care of her and he’s well off. She won’t need to worry about her health.”

“That’s a good thing,” you nodded, getting startled once the timer rang.

“Thank God,” he muttered, getting an oven glove as you stepped away quickly.

Dinner was a quiet ordeal, with easy chatting and small pauses. Silence was more than welcome as you slipped into the quiet comfort of sharing a meal. It was all so natural, effortless. And the food was delicious, filling your stomach but also pleasing your tastebuds; Seokjin was famous for his culinary skills, but he really outdid himself with the cheesecake, so creamy and perfectly sweet that you asked for a second serving, Taehyung more than happy to comply.

You kept chatting as you helped him clear the table, washing the dishes while he dried them.

“Last one,” you called, rinsing a plate before passing it to him.

You watched him as he diligently dried it, your gaze meeting his in his peripheral.

You tried to find something to say as his stare focused on you, his hands placing down the plate as he fully turned towards you.

“What?” you murmured hesitantly.

“I might do something stupid,” he said, his voice deep and barely audible, his face getting closer to you. “But I haven’t done it in a very long time.” His hand landed on your waist. “Stop me if you find it outright idiotic.”

There was nothing idiotic in the way his mouth looked so inviting from up close, all its curves too inviting for you to stop staring.

The mole on his lower lip teased you in ways that made you want to throw yourself at him. You couldn’t even understand how the attraction worked, you were simply needy, praying for his mouth to finally meet yours.

“Close your eyes,” he breathed out, trying to find courage.

You followed his suggestion, putting yourself out of misery and standing on your tiptoes before leaning in, finally joining your lips with his.

He didn’t even pretend to keep calm, both arms wrapping around your waist as he held you, delivering a string of small pecks with his lips slightly ajar, offering you the soft plumpness of the inner flesh, vaguely humid and hot.

You loved it.

All you could do was exhale, a tiny cry leaving your throat as your vocal cords caught the breath leaving your lungs. Your hands flew to his hair, hiding in him as embarrassment set you aflame.

A low grunt echoed through his chest as he felt you tug the locks at his nape gently, your body pressing harder against him.

He tried to hold you back, not sure he was ready to admit the carnal way his body reacted to you. He wanted to be gentle, delicate, cautious, but the tightness of his trousers around his crotch was anything but.

“Darling, I need a minute,” he mumbled against your lips in an almost tickling motion.

“Just one more,” you replied, your voice so heated and thin.

He tutted. “Let’s not go too fast.”

You stood straighter and chased his mouth as he tried to retreat, your eyelids lowered as you stared at the sweet, tempting mole.

“Just one…” you whispered before sucking his lower lip, licking it with the tip of your tongue.

His hand moved to your tailbone, pressing you closer. Rational thought abandoned him as he pushed his tongue against the seam of your lips, rubbing it against your palate before letting it tangle with yours.

That’s when you noticed the hardness between your legs, his thigh slotted there comfortably as you pressed your hips to it, eliciting a moan from Taehyung.

“Sofa,” you murmured, trying to hold him to you as you walked backwards to the door.

“Wait,” he breathed out, trying to part from you, causing you to whine.

“Don’t go,” you said with a pout. “I need you,” you almost whimpered, touching his nape, his neck, his chest.

“I’ll be there in a second. Don’t go all cute grumpy on me, I just need to grab my phone,” he explained, unglueing your body from his. Reluctantly made your way to the kitchen door, waiting for him before heading to the sitting room, refusing to let him out of your sight anytime soon.

Once he’d pocketed his phone, he turned towards you, his eyes getting dark and lascivious as he studied your frame while you leaned against the door jamb.

He strolled casually towards you, your eyes following his sinewy limbs.

You realised you were eager to see him naked, the thought making you pause mid-breath.

Once he stood in front of you, his arm slipped between your back and the wooden frame of the door, holding you as he leaned down. “Smartest thing I’ve done in a while.”

“Even smarter if you’re gonna do me,” you quipped, biting your lower lip and cringing once you realised you had said it out loud.

He snickered and kissed you, your hips pushing forward to grind against him, his cock too hard and large for you not to notice it. His hand wrapped around your asscheek, helping you grind even harder, his lean, strong fingers squeezing and kneading your flesh deliciously. Carefully walking towards his destination, he helped you navigate the corridor in a slight penumbra, a thin ray of moonlight slashing the floor before he pushed the door open and entered the sitting room. The space was illuminated in a blue-grey light coming from the full moon shining outside the windows.

Haphazardly, you managed to sit down, pulling him with you, making him lose his balance and stumble a little.

“Are you okay?” you asked, worried about the stupefied look on his face.

“Yeah, just thinking how to…” he fixed his stance, wondering if he should pull you on his lap or make you lay down or…

“Come here,” you murmured, kissing the mole on his cheek. “I’ve got so many kisses to give you.”

“They’re all mine,” he cooed, turning adorable for a second.

You melted. “Yes, now come here, don’t make me beg.”

He turned and leaned into you, cupping your jawline and holding you still before he slipped his tongue across your mouth. “You’re too far like this,” he complained, ignoring the fact that your bodies were literally touching shoulder to ankle.

“Wait.” You quickly bent your legs underneath you, thankful for the no-shoes rule in his house as you sat on your heels. “Like this?” you asked as he mirrored the motion almost too rapidly, his body rocking dangerously.

He immediately realised his trousers were tighter like this. He tried to ignore it, his only goal being for his mouth to meet yours, feeling the hot, milky taste of your tongue that still held some memory of the cheesecake. “Come closer,” he breathed, hoping to get some friction, the softness of your breasts against his torso, crying out at how much he missed the stand-up position, allowing the front of his body to adhere to yours with alarming precision.

“Can’t get any closer,” you chuckled desperately. “Can I lay down?”

He nodded, he needed close.

You untucked your legs from beneath you, bending them at each of his sides. “We can go to my room—”

“I like it here,” you replied, tugging him into you, his eyes shooting open once he’d risked falling from the sofa.

You managed to catch him, thankful for the wide cushions of the seats. “Be careful,” you giggled fondly, kissing his brow, his nose, following his moles like fire flights. The whole night felt magical. It felt even more magical once you managed to get his playlist to play again, placing his phone on the ground and enjoying the round fullness of his backside.

“You really have hands made for pottery,” he mused as he kissed your brow, your cheeks, the bridge of your nose, your chin, the shell of your ear. “I like them there,” he confessed, pushing his pelvis against yours, meeting it mid-thrust and coaxing a whine from your throat and a growl from his.

One of his arms lifted from beside your head. “Can I?” he asked politely, letting it hover just a few inches over your breast.

“Please do,” you replied, leading his hand with yours, his wrist and fingers immediately catching up on how to grab it, squeeze it, roll it in his palm and toy with the nipple.

“Harder? Softer? Just like this?” he checked in, attentive and concerned.

“Just slightly harder,” you panted. “Slower too, please.”

His pace changed immediately, getting you to whine as you completely connected with his touch. The soft, slow massage was making you hyper-aware of every inch of skin, every single part of your breast, every nerve ending and hard edge and soft curve.

“I wanna take off my bra. Can I?” you asked in the heat of the moment.

Taehyung was vaguely confused for a second, so lost in the feel of you that he barely understood the question. “If you want that, I want that,” he replied, his breath laboured.

Quickly, you arched your back, Taehyung’s lips reaching the column of your throat and peppering it with soft pecks. “Do you need help?”

You tutted and moaned as his teeth scraped your skin lightly.

With some gymnastics, you managed to tug the garment out of your shirt, Taehyung moaning at the increased softness underneath his palm. “Goodness, they’re incredible,” he murmured, pressing his face against one, rubbing it as he turned his head side to side.

“Please, keep touching them,” you mumbled, your voice rough with the way you struggled to breathe.

He changed the arm propping him up, switching sides as he started to tease your other breast. “Does it feel good?”

“Yeah,” you managed to confirm before your hands grabbed his ass to push him against you.

He paused for a second.

“I’m getting out of control,” he warned you.

“And?”

“I’m gonna cum in my pants if we keep this up,” he confessed, purring as you nibbled his jaw. “Slow down, please,” he panted, lifting his hips away from you.

“Tae,” you called, breathing heavily, almost begging him.

“I want you a lot, ____, please tell me you do too,” he was almost feverish with need, his brow furrowed, his beautiful eyes glittering in the dark.

“Isn’t it clear?” you asked in return, trying to chase him on his retreat.

He tutted and pushed you down. “I want to hear it.”

“I want you, Taehyung. I need you. I want to see you lose control.” Your mind was gone, far far away, your brain malfunctioning as his curls tickled your upper chest.

“I don’t wanna go all the way,” he murmured, “I just… I just wanna—” he huffed out frustratedly. “I just want to make you feel good. And to feel you close to me.”

You bit your lip. “Maybe—”

“It’s not that I don’t want to make love to you. I really want to. But this is going so fast and I wanna savour every step. Take my time.” He pressed his forehead against your chest. “I just like you so much and I want you to know it means something to me.” He paused and you waited for him. “I don’t want you to think this is just a random thing to me, and I don’t want to be a random thing to you.”

“You’re not.” You cupped his cheek and pressed a soft kiss on his lips. “We can take our time—”

“You must think I’m a coward,” he murmured, voice filled with self-hatred.

You held him closer, trying to convey all your affection. “No, it’s okay. You’re okay. You’re safe with me. I get you, baby.” You rubbed the tip of his nose with yours. “Let’s take baby steps. We can just mess around. You want to make me feel good, and I you. No need to have sex to go there.”

He nodded. “I wanna keep touching you,” he murmured. “I wanna feel you with my hands.”

You blinked slowly, eager to feel his fingers on you, inside you. “That sounds great, baby,” you encouraged him, watching his shy smile and the gentle blush on his cheeks, out of exertion and shyness.

“Tell me if you need to stop,” he whispered in your ear before kissing the soft spot underneath it, his free hand moving down, from your breast to your stomach, slipping underneath your shirt, moving up against your naked skin.

You gasped once his palm cupped the underside of your bosom.

“Did I hurt you?”

You shook your head. “Feels very good,” you answered, caressing his hair out of his face, his eyes moving from your chest to your lips to your eyes.

“Are you okay with this?” he asked, reaching for your nipple with the pad of his thumb.

“Bless you, yes, baby. So good.” It was natural to trace his mouth with your finger, his lips parting to welcome it into his mouth. Your hips arched up, meeting his thigh to grind against him. You needed more pressure against your clit, your entrance clenching and widening as you felt wetness coat your folds uncomfortably. You refused to pressure him into leading his hand downwards, still you thanked several deities when his gentle fingertips started making their way to your belly button, dipping his digit in to study its shape, feeling all the ridges and tender skin. “It feels so cute,” he said after letting your finger out of his mouth, watching as you brushed it against your neck to dry it up. “I wanna make a little sculpture out of it.” He giggled. “Sorry, that’s so childish.” He shook his head.

“It’s adorable,” you replied, “it’s— Mmh, Tae. Yes.” He managed to scatter your thoughts across the universe once his fingers dipped into your jeans.

“Undo the button please,” he growled, reaching for the wet spot on your panties. “Darling dearest, you’re fucking drenched,” he said, a deep cry giving away just how desperate he was. “Can I get in your panties, precious?”

Mouth gaping, you nodded, an embarrassing mewl echoing across the room as he touched a slightly delicate spot. “That’s too sensitive,” you keened, a strangled purr leaving you once your back arched, his thumb relieving the disturbing pressure and wetness.

As slight friction began to build, Taehyung bit his lip, the vision of you so erotic and calming at the same time. It felt right, oh-so-right, to have you underneath him like that — maybe slightly overdressed, but adorably pliant and needy.

“Want them inside, darling?” he asked you, your head nodding yes quickly, without a shred of doubt. “Here, talk to me, sweetheart. Like this?” he murmured, waiting for your feedback.

“Yes,” was all you managed to utter, his digits hitting your sweet spot without even trying. “Rub there, please, stretch me,” you told him, guiding him as your hips started to roll, his thumb meeting your clit and causing a small whimper to exit your mouth before you clamped your lips around his neck.

“You feel amazing, darling. Soft and so hot and so velvety. You’re so dang slippery, it feels insane.” He kissed your head. “Want to make you cum so fast. I want to keep you up for hours like this, and then kiss you until you fall asleep. You’re spectacular, ____. I can’t take my eyes off you, my precious.”

You felt overwhelmed with the way he pushed his fingers inside you, pressing his long, strong, skilled, digits against your walls, stretching you so impossibly wide that you felt like you could probably fit four fingers in to the knuckles. But you didn’t have time to think much, simply arching your hips up and pushing your jeans and panties to your mid-thighs, trying to give him more space for action.

“Is the angle alright?” he checked in, binding his wrist a little lower, getting better leverage to finger you harder.

“Keep going like this,” you exhaled, your hand moving down, fixing his thumb as he struggled to find the right spot, “let me handle this, focus on the inside, please.”

He nodded and kissed your lips. “Sorry.”

You kissed him again. “No need to apologise— Yeah, right… there…” you said, starting to thrust up in earnest. “Clits are complicated but you’re doing so good inside,” you licked your lips, trying to ease the pain of them drying up with your and his breathing.

He bent down and chased the tip of your tongue as you ran it across your mouth, drinking in your soft hiccups and gasps as you neared your climax, his mouth crashing onto yours as you finally came apart underneath him, his kisses muffling your moans and cries.

Taehyung felt desperate as he slipped another finger inside you, giving you as much fullness as he could offer while you clenched around his digits, actually sobbing once you processed his generous offer.

It took you maybe thirty seconds before you could calm down, taking your fingers off your clit, whispering an “okay, slow down” to Taehyung, who halted the arching and pistoning of his fingers to simply press against your g spot and cup your mound with his palm.

“All good?” he asked, grunting a little as his arm cramped up.

“Yeah, are you?” you murmured back, noticing his wince.

“Cramp,” he huffed, squeezing his eyes shut.

“Want me on top? You’ve strained yourself already as it is,” you scolded him apprehensively.

He shook his head and withdrew his hand from your crotch, cleaning his fingers with lewd, erotic swipes of his tongue. You felt ready to begin all over again. “I need to be on top,” he said, drying his hand against his t-shirt before propping himself up on both elbows before bending down, hiding his face in the crook of your neck. “I kinda want to grind on you, if you’re okay with it.”

Nodding, you helped your hips up, fixing your clothes back in place but also leaving your zipper and button open. “Clothes on?”

You felt his head move in an affirmative motion, his hips starting to press against you. “I know I must look like a teenager to you.”

“It’s adorable. Makes me feel very young,” you said before chuckling. “It’s been so long since I felt this good with anyone,” you confessed, holding him to your chest, assisting his motions by moving your own pelvis in a wavy pattern. “It’s so comfortable. So familiar and nice,” you whispered in his ear before biting it gently. “You make me feel like I’m not an utter mess in this attraction thing.”

“You’re not a mess. You just feel attraction differently.” He managed to gather his thoughts and words long enough to reply to you. He thought it was important for you to feel that it was okay, that he didn’t mind, that all he cared about was how happy he felt by your side. “You’re hot, you’re smart. And you’re so…” He grunted as he found the perfect angle and pressure, his high rushing towards him. “So magnetic. And good…” Another purr left his mouth as he started humping you in earnest, going so fast you doubted you would survive having him inside you, his torso crashing on you as he hummed and bit the crook of your neck, crotch attached to your thigh as he pushed, harder and harder, his glutes impossibly tight under your palms.

“Yes, baby. I’m here, Tae. It’s all okay, babe.”

“So good,” he rumbled, still hiding against you. “So, so good,” he moaned again, your face tensing in a kind, elated smile.

“Lay on me, baby,” you kissed the crown of his head. You felt as if you were on cloud nine, and it had little to do with the orgasm and the freaky show. You loved his tenderness, his gentle approach, the way he had checked in on you throughout the whole night, wide puppy eyes staring at you in focus and adoration and wonder. And the way he had asked to take it easy, the way you had felt no pressure, no need to search for attraction, but finding it there, in the way his hands felt familiar and welcome and so, so loving, in his face and his smile and his stupid, stupid, ridiculously fluffy hair. There was attraction and even though you had asked yourself why at the beginning, you didn’t dare doubt it now. It was just like oxygen in your blood, like black holes and shooting stars and the moon phases. Undoubtable. Solid. Proven. Undeniable. It had become a main axiom to your existence.

I’m in love with Kim Taehyung.

It was like the world suddenly spinned the other way around. You let the revelation sink in, your hand running up and down Taehyung’s spine.

“You’re safe with me, babe.”

He nodded and nuzzled in closer. “Are you staying?”

“Yes, sweetie. You’ll be sleeping in my arms tonight, baby.”

You felt him smile against your neck before he found a comfortable position and closed his eyes.

Taglist is open

Navi: Chapter 1 — Chapter 2 — Chapter 3 — Chapter 4 — Chapter 5 — Chapter 6 — Chapter 7

[ronans-sepiaphotograph]

Adam Parrish, going home to the Barns for summer and Dogs:

It's Adam's second summer after he's gotten into Harvard. He going back to the Barns, with Ronan since he insisted because "Parrish I haven't seen you in months you better believe I'm coming to pick your smartass".

So that's how a while back, Adam finds himself in the BMW, all of his Harvard belongings in the trunk and Chainsaw dozing in the backseat. He is surprised Opal hasn't come with him.

"Where's Opal?" "The little runt was misbehaving" "Ronan" "I didn't tell her, it's a surprise" "oh"

Ronan's laugh makes his heart flutter like a hummingbird, as he watches Ronan drive. The weather is comfortable, with the green blur behind Ronan. Adam takes a moment to drink him in, the blue of his eyes, the sharp curve of his jaw, his buzzcut and of course the tattoo creeping out of his leather jacket.

"Stop staring at me Parrish" "I like looking at your face okay?"

Ronan blushes, the colour of his cheeks matches the pink hue of the sky. Adam smiled, places his hand on Ronan's on the gear stick.

They drive in silence. Adam is surprised that Ronan isn't playing the Murder squash song. He ponders whether something is wrong.

"I didn't think you'd want to come back"

Adam is shocked to hear the whisper of Ronan's voice as they make their way to singer's falls, to the Barns, to Home.

"Ronan, why would you think that?" "I don't know, you have a life there. You have smartass friends like you, all nerds and destined for greatness and I'm just, me" "Lynch you're being an idiot" "am I Parrish?" "Yes because I didn't goddamn leave for Harvard permanently you fucking asshole. Yes I wanted to leave Henrietta forever but you, you have given me to reason to stay. And I'll always come back, until you don't want me to. You, you giant idiot are the reason I come back, that I want to come back because I love you, if that's wasn't clear before. And yes I will leave at the end of summer again but I'm pretty fucking sure I'll make time to come back and stuff my mouth with turkey and cranberry sauce. I have a home at the Barns"

Adam swallows, he doesn't realized he's yelled at Ronan until Ronan stops the car and just stares at him. He doesn't want to fight, ever. But he's Adam and he's Ronan, they're bound to. Adam pokes a finger in Ronan's chest and quietly whispers "I have a home here, Lynch" as he feels his cheek become wet

"I love you too, Adam. Like a bee loves a flower, like the soil loves the rain, like the stars love the moon" "Of course, I almost forgot that you're a farmer boy, my farmer boyfriend" "shut the fuck up I'm not a farmer boy" "Sure"

They reach the Barns as Adam gets out and takes a moment to absorb all of it until he hears the hooves running and Opal crashes into him, Ronan smiling softly at them while Chainsaw caws in agreement. Laughing, he picks her up as she sobs and nuzzles into his neck.

"Hey Opal" "Et vos desiderabat, Adam" I missed you, Adam. "I missed you too, I'm here now all yours until the summer ends" "really?" "Yes, really"

She kisses both of his cheeks, before grinning at him and running off. Adam watches her and Ronan exchange whispers before she runs into the house.

Adam showers and changes into comfortable clothes, and sees Ronan sitting in the bedroom. They kiss lazily in the bed, Adam getting lost in Ronan's lips as Ronan's hands find their way on his waist, Ronan's fingers warm on his bare skin.

They make dinner together. Ronan is excellent at making pasta and meatballs and Adam doesn't mind watching Ronan cook, it's very adorable seeing Ronan in an apron cooking while he curses as usual.

They stay up till midnight, after Opal has disappeared to sleep and Adam has unpacked to some extent and they're officially done for the day. Adam rambles about stars and constellations as Ronan tangles his fingers in Adam's hair. Adam stops as he notices him doze off.

Adam wakes him up and they tumble into the bedroom, tired limbs and stomachs full.

That night, when Adam sleeps, his back pressed close to Ronan's chest, he prays to whatever God, big or small that Ronan believes him. Please let me get to keep this boy, all of shattered and healing edges, he prays in silence, I know I'm leaving again but I promised him that I would come back. Again and again and again because I was homeless and he made room in his heart for me. He clutches Ronan's hands tighter. And I want him, I need him as long as he'll have me and I'll love him until I die, he prays, hoping he's heard.

Ronan sleeps soundly that night, not waking up once. Adam counts that as a win as he wakes up. The other side of the bed is empty and Adam knows Ronan must've gone to do his daily chores. Before he can open his eyes, he feels his cheeks being licked.

He shrieks as we wakes up and opens his eyes.

THERE'S TWO DOGS

Two golden retrievers, hopping and jumping around him on the bed. Adam is shocked as he bursts into laughter and starts petting the dogs.

They plop down on the bed, tongues doing a blep and tails wagging as Adam scratches their belly. Opal and Ronan come in later, grinning from ear to ear. They sit beside him, joining him in petting the dogs.

"Who are these Lynch?" "Cinnamon and Butter"

Adam laughs. Cinnamon has a pink collar and Butter has a blue, so Adam assumes it's a girl and a boy.

"Are they-" "Jesus fuck no, I adopted them. Few months ago, the little runt is basically their mother"

"I'm not their mom Kerah!" Opal huffs as she coos at the dogs. They don't look very old, they're probably a few months at most, Adam thinks.

"Do you like them?" "So much that I want to take them with me" "fuck no" "why?" "Now you have one more reason to come back"

Adam rolls his eyes. He doesn't tell Ronan he's the only reason, the reason enough to come back. Ronan probably knows this.

Adam carries the dogs in his hands, they're a handful but he manages. He's fallen in love with them in an instant. Adam wants to cry seeing that they've managed to doze off in his arms, in a matter of few minutes.

He sits with them on his lap, Opal watching him with heart eyes as Ronan makes breakfast for them. He runs his fingers through their soft, fluffy and golden fur as Opal just watches, her head on Adam's side and arm locked with his.

She's missed me so much, he realises. How she look at him, never letting him out of sight, as if he'll disappear. No wonder she came out of Ronan's head, they're practically related, Adam laughs privately.

Ronan calls them for breakfast and it's just Adam who's awake by the time they get up. Even Opal had managed to fall asleep. The dogs wake up and run towards the kitchen, bumping and knocking furniture.

Adam follows them. He sees two food bowls on the floor as Cinnamon and Butter eye them and begin munching.

"I'm your boyfriend Parrish, not them" "I think you're mistaken" "asshole" "I'm leaving you for Cinnamon and Butter"

Ronan throws pancake at him as Opal just laughs in her chair. Adam grins and Ronan huffs before pressing his lips to Adam's. Adam smiles. Ronan tastes like maple syrup and mint toothpaste and home, home, home.

Ronan's a lovely shade pink by the time they've pulled apart.

"Now who's your boyfriend?" "You make a good point Lynch"

Ronan grins, sharp yet soft at Adam, his boyfriend. His boyfriend. Adam takes his pride in calling Ronan his and Ronan calling Adam his, and nobody else's.

They take a walk around the Barns, Ronan's hand in his and Opal and the dogs running around the fields. They both sit under a tree, with the dogs napping on their laps as they watch Opal make something with twigs and wildflowers.

She places something on both of their heads. The sight of Ronan Lynch in a flower crown is enough to give Adam a heart attack. Ronan glares but the tips of his ears are red and he carefully removes it and keeps it aside before he lies down too, his head on Adam's lap.

"I'm going to play, you're both boring" Opal huffs before running away. Adam knows she'll be back by the evening. Adam sits quietly under the blue sky, the rustling of the trees evident in his ears and the smell of flowers and earth and moss. He missed Cabeswater, he knows it wasn't his, but he was Cabeswater's. He feels the faint thrumming of the leyline and almost, almost feels Cabeswater.

He chooses to instead watch Ronan, who's napping adorably with Cinnamon on his chest and his hands around her as Butter makes himself comfortable on Adam's lap.

And this, Adam muses. This is what coming home feels like.

[dex-xe]

Ghost doggo 😌 I want pat to be able to pet a lil dog friend ok?!

O.O YES PLEASE!! Anon you hero!!

GIVE PAT A DOG YOU COWARDS!!

I’m obsessed with this idea so, you didn’t ask for this in the slightest, but I would like to posit my own ghost dog headcanons (like how all the ghosts would react to a dog), so enjoy!!

I’m imagining a huge golden retriever or labrador or something, a sweet boy who wanders onto the property with no collar on (and thus no identifiable name)

The Button House residents spend ages guessing various names to try and get the dog to respond but They never end up figuring it out so it’s up to them to come up with a name: 

Robin plumps for the name Luna, and both Kitty and Thomas agree on the name Alison (after their fave) but it’s quickly agreed that Alison would be too confusing and the dog is definitely a boy so neither name would work, Mary suggests multiple Biblical names before settling on Joseph (Humphrey concurs this would be a nice name), Pat suggests Scout as an obvious name (which is generally popular), and Julian is insistent on Thatcher but eventually compromises to Major - which the Captain is also thrilled about.

But, to everyone’s surprise, it’s actually Fanny who comes up with the perfect name: Buttons!!

He seems to love his new name and actually takes a shining to Fanny because of it, she will occasionally lean down to pet him but primarily leaves him alone to sleep by the fire: he gets enough attention from the others.

Robin delights in chasing Buttons around the garden for hours on end (and is often joined by Kitty and Mary) until both Robin and Buttons collapse in front of the fire exhausted.

Kitty instantly adores Buttons and, once she eventually convinces Mary that he is, in fact, not a demon sent by Satan himself, Mary loves the dog as well (we obvs know Mary has an affinity with children so that would probably translate to her having motherly instincts over Buttons as well)

The Captain originally greets Buttons with disdain, treating him like any of the other troops and demanding his respect. But whenever he tries to scold Buttons for nuzzling against his leg, Buttons simply licks his waggling finger and Captain can’t stay mad for long.

Eventually the Captain allows Buttons to join him on his morning run which Buttons is thrilled by and keeps up with the Captain easily. Meanwhile Cap is convinced that running with a mate will improve his time - it does not.

Buttons interrupts Thomas’ sighing on multiple occasions so he has little time for the dog, neither does Julian who practically ignores him - Buttons seems to ignore Julian in return much to Alison’s amusment.

Alison discovers Buttons running around with Humphrey’s hair gripped in his mouth but both of them seem to be having fun so she doesn’t interrupt.

But Buttons’ true affections lie with Pat - of course!! Pat takes an instant shining to him and Buttons responds with instant joy and affection.

Whenever Pat seems to disappear from Button House shenanigans, he can often be found hiding away in the library with Buttons strewn across his lap (far too large to curl up comfortably on Pat but that doesn’t stop either of them trying).

Buttons quickly becomes “Pat’s dog” and it’s rare to see Pat without Buttons close at his heels. Even at night, Buttons takes up residence as the foot of Pat’s tiny single bed, taking up far too much room to be comfortable for either the scoutmaster or dog but neither seem to mind - Buttons seems to quite like waking up to head scritches every morning.

Eventually most of the ghosts come around to Buttons’ presence in the house and welcome him as one of their own - Fanny often sits beside him next to the fire stroking his soft fur, Robin starts teaching him tricks he found on YouTube, even the Captain eventually begins throwing his swagger stick for Buttons to fetch while out on his nighttime patrols

Overall Buttons is just the perfect addition to the House, and is kind of an extension of Pat’s enthusiastic optimism (which he has often had compared to that of a retriever anyway)

So there you go!! This was so fun to think about, and I’m sorry Anon for derailing your ask but I love this concept so much. So thank you!! Also I’m definitely writing this into a fic at some point, maybe it’ll be up in about a week or so?? Yeh!! Look out for that and if you have any ghost dog ideas let me know so I can respond and maybe write them into the fic???

If you could add a new ghost to Button House, what would they be like?? Send it HERE

[nanagoswife]

For You? Always.

Chapter Sixteen

Summary: Over the next months, some things happen that bring you and Ben closer

Word count: 4.2k (Sorry, not sorry)

Warnings: Implied intimacy

A/N: I introduce you all to possibly my personal favourite installment of this story...

A month and a half had gone by and it’s been amazing. There were a few nights where Ben had to stay over at Siara’s, whether it be for work or to do something with Brian, but you were already accustomed to that. Other than that, he would meet you at your office, or you at his, to walk home together.

Then, one night, he told you about the many places he often volunteers at. The top being an animal shelter.

He told you many stories of the animals, but two dogs seemed to be his favourite. Cody, a golden retriever, and Boga, a Siberian husky. Ben had told you how Boga had the most amazing blue-green eyes.

"On the topic of learning new things about each other," he suddenly said. "My name wasn't originally Ben."

Shock hit you so hard that all you could manage was yelling, "What!"

He only chuckled at your reaction, "It's true. My birth name is actually Obi-Wan." Before he continued, he met your eyes. "When my mom and I moved here, many got confused. So, I changed it to Ben," he explained.

"Well," you started, the shock easing away, "I think Obi-Wan suits you better, personally."

As you smiled at him, he gave you one back as his cheeks turned slightly red.

"Then, you may call me what you like."

The rest of that night was spent learning things about each other. It was all endearing as he told you more, especially his time in London.

- - -

One day, he took you to meet Cody and Boga who took an immediate liking to you. Ben was a little jealous as they seemed to give you more attention than him, after the initial meeting anyway.

Between the two, Boga gave you the most attention. She had taken a liking to you very quickly, and the feeling was mutual.

Cody greeted you, but quickly went to Ben. He seemed more comfortable when being close to him.

At one moment when Ben had slipped away, you asked one of the other volunteers why Ben hadn’t adopted these dogs, as he had such a close connection to them.

“Well, he wasn’t able to own more than one pet in his building, and he just couldn’t choose. We’ve taken them off of the adoption list because we hope that he can take them home one day,” they explained.

For a bit, you thought to yourself. Watching him with the two dogs, you could see the connection between them. It seemed as if they saw him as their owner even when he wasn't.

When Ben had come back, you had to ask, "Ben, what would you think about adopting Cody and Boga?"

"Are you sure?" he said in surprise.

"You practically raised these dogs, Ben. It would break my heart to see them not be with the person they admire most."

He looked to the two one year old dogs. His jaw had dropped at the knowledge that the two dogs he had raised and trained will finally be with him.

Turning to look at you, he nodded enthusiastically with a large smile across his face.

Suddenly, he pulled you into a tight embrace. "Thank you," he whispered. All you could do was smile.

Ben and you signed any needed papers and got everything sorted. The shelter workers happily handed him their leashes. Almost as if he had a mental connection with them, the two dogs seemed to know exactly what had happened. Boga had been spinning in excitement with Cody jumping to rest his paws on his chest and lick Ben’s face as he kneeled.

Watching this, you couldn’t help but giggle at the shared excitement shown between them all.

Your house was perfect for all of this as well. It had a large fenced-in yard and plenty of space inside. Besides, you had been planning to get a pet of some sort for quite some time.

Attaching the leashes to each of the dogs’ temporary collars, Ben walked them to the pet-store with you to get essentials. Dog bowls, beds, toys, treats, a yellow and white collar for Cody and a swirl of turquoise and blue for Boga, and finally food and name tags.

Ben had drifted through the store swiftly as he picked out each item with great thought. The toys and collars were the most thoughtful as he picked what suited them most and looked for replicas of their favourite toys from the shelter.

When you had bought everything, you took Boga’s leash to let Ben have a better time carrying the large bag of food and beds on his shoulder while you held the bag of toys, treats, and bowls.

While you walked, you noticed how well Boga and Cody were on a leash. Obediently walking close by without pulling when taking a slight lead. No doubt, this was the work of Ben’s training. Plus, you had noticed that Boga had taken a greater liking to you. You had a feeling that you would steal away Boga from Ben quite often.

Arriving home, you let the dogs off of the leashes to let them explore their new home. You opened the back door for them so that they could come in and out as they excitedly explored every inch of the area.

“Before you ask, yes you can put the dog beds in our room,” you quickly told Ben after he placed the dog food on the floor. His smile beamed at your words.

“That would be great, but I was going to ask if we could get two more and then have them in the office and the room,” he said with slight shyness.

The thought of having company of the two new additions in those areas actually made you happier, meaning you nodded in agreement.

Before Ben turned, you added, “Let's give them blankets to lie on in the office, and the beds can be in the room.” He nodded and you went to grab a couple of blankets that you hardly used from a closet. You brought them over to Cody and Boga to let them sniff and choose which one they liked best.

To your slight surprise, they chose blankets that seemed to match their collars. Cody chose the orange-yellow while Boga chose the blue-tinted green. With their choices, you placed the blankets against the wall that was between yours and Ben’s two desks.

You had waited until the two dogs had calmed their exploration before closing the back door. Taking your place on the couch, Ben took his place on the reading chair that he inherited over the last few months. If he wasn’t there, he was right beside you, often resting his head in your lap.

By the time you got comfortable, Boga jumped up next to you and curled up. Ben was about to protest but you stopped him. Having the bright blue and green-eyed husky snuggle up next to you was sweet. Cody had taken a place beside Ben’s chair and curled up close to his feet. You could tell that Cody would be more obedient and Boga was more of the cuddling type. It made you smile at the thought.

Ben, in his mind, could tell that Boga had become your dog more than his from the moment you had met her. By the way you let her immediately take a place on the couch just solidified it. Especially when you had taken your book and absentmindedly started to pet Boga’s head.

Looking down to Cody, he met his brown eyed gaze before he rested his head on his paws close to Ben’s feet. With a small smirk, he grabbed his own book and pretended to read as his love only grew. The two dogs that were like his children were finally his to keep. No more trips to the shelter just to visit them. Sure, he’ll still go there to volunteer, but the two dogs, that had stolen his heart almost a year ago when they were born, would always be at home waiting for not only him, but you as well.

For another couple of months, you and Ben were met by the two dogs every time you came home. If the two of you went to different areas, Boga followed you and Cody followed Ben. There was a single day that it had been the opposite way around.

Some days, when Ben went to Siara’s or had to stay slightly later, the dogs had been just as excited to spend their time with you. Cody stayed on the floor by your feet and Boga took her place beside you on the couch, unless you went to the office where their blankets were. Then, at night they slept in their beds in your room.

Every morning, you got up earlier with Ben to take them on a walk. Then, you would take them on another in the park during the evenings. It gave you and Ben some quality time as well.

Now was one of the nights where he had to stay at the office with Siara for a few more hours. He told you to not wait for him for dinner as he wasn’t sure how much longer he’d be. So, you made dinner for yourself and gave Cody and Boga there’s as you ate.

You had decided to wait until it got a little darker before taking them for a walk tonight so that you could see the stars. That’s exactly what you saw along with the light breeze that ruffled the leaves on the trees.

When you got back home, Ben was home and probably in the office. You could tell by the quiet music and the fact that he wasn’t sitting in the living room.

Cody and Boga rushed to the office as soon as you unclipped their leashes. After their rush, you could hear the laughter from Ben which told you that they pretty much attacked him with love. With a light chuckle, you took off your shoes and coat and joined the room of laughter.

“Hello there,” he managed to get out through the multiple licks, mainly from Cody. After a few more moments, Cody and Boga calmed down and went to the blankets. It was your turn to greet him, but with a quick kiss on the lips.

Sitting on the office chair at your desk, you asked, "How was the rest of your day?"

He took a deep breath before letting out a sigh that you could tell had a twinge of annoyance.

“Not great. Apparently, a client has gotten into a slight hitch,” Ben paused as he was trying to find the right words. The look he had in his eyes caused a small feeling of concern to creep into your mind.

“I wanted to ask before agreeing to this. They need someone to go down there for two to three weeks to help get it settled." He paused again. "Siara wanted to see if I could go,” he finished.

To his surprise, you smiled before saying, “Of course it’s okay. I mean, she usually is the one to do the travelling.” He smiled but it was more forced as his expression dropped.

“Don’t worry,” you said as you knew what he was feeling, “the three of us will be fine. I could even visit a few times if it's possible. The neighbours said they’d be more than happy to take care of Boga and Cody if needed.” At your words, you saw some of Ben’s tension ease from his shoulders as a small smile reappeared on his face, but it was short lived as he looked at the ground.

“Unfortunately, I don't think I'll have any time. The first weekend, maybe." He looked up at you, "Are you sure?”

“Of course I am. Like all those months ago, I'll be ready for your call. No matter how brief it may be,” you replied.

Standing up you walked over to him and squatted next to his chair, placing your hand on his cheek. Leaning into your touch, he nodded before you placed a kiss on his cheek where his beauty mark was. He took your free hand into his and kissed the back of it, smiling as he looked into your eyes.

Seeing that he still had work to do, you stood up before asking, “When do you leave?”

“Well, today is Wednesday," he muttered to himself, "Monday.”

“We have time to plan out what will happen then. Until then, I’ll let you continue working,” you said. You gave him a quick kiss then started toward the door. Boga noticed and she followed you out the door as Cody stayed with Ben.

Ben couldn’t help but give a slight chuckle as he officially knew that Boga had very much become your dog. He couldn’t help but think he may even lose Cody to you as well, which would not bother him in the slightest as it was you.

A few days had gone by and you and Ben had a plan for while he was away. The two of you agreed to you coming to see him on the first weekend. You had found out that even your weekends would be busy with a new project that was coming up.

You had talked to your neighbours and they were more than excited to take care of Cody and Boga during that weekend. They even said that they would bring them over to their house so that they wouldn’t be too lonely throughout the day.

Tonight, as it was Saturday, you had decided to have an outing before Ben left. You hadn’t had a night like this in a while so you decided to have a later dinner and go from there. Ben wouldn’t tell you where you were going though.

All he told you was that it was a smart idea to dress up. For him, that was no problem as he always wore suits. This time though, he put on one that you had not seen before that made him even more handsome than he already was.

His jacket and pants were a darker shade of blue with lighter, parallel and perpendicular blue lines ran across it, making many faint squares over the surface. His dress shirt was still a darker blue, but just a bit lighter than the stripes on his jacket and pants. Unlike usual, his buttons were done all the way to the collar. This all made his eyes burn a more vibrant blue as you met his gaze through the mirror in the bathroom.

“Darling, you look stunning,” he said as his eyes examined the light blue of your dress that stopped just above your feet. The flowing material complimenting your form.

A blush formed on your cheeks as you clipped the necklace he gave you around your neck. Ben stepped up behind you and wrapped his arms around your front, resting his chin on your shoulder and kissing your cheek while slowly swaying side to side.

“And you look extra handsome in that suit. The colour really compliments your eyes,” you said as you made eye contact with him in the mirror. He straightened up and moved his hands on your shoulders, the touch gentle and calming.

“I’ll make sure to wear it more often, then,” he said before pressing a kiss into your hair and tracing small circles on your skin with his thumbs.

Turning to face him, you smiled as he offered his arm to lead you to the front door where your shoes were. Boga and Cody followed you, and you said your goodbyes after putting your shoes on and grabbing any last minute things.

Locking the door, Ben offered his arm to you again as you asked, “Will you tell me where we’re going now?” He answered that by only showing a smirk.

“You’ll have a guess once we get there.”

“Does that mean that you’re going to blindfold me once we start getting close?”

“How’d you know?” He chuckled as you gave him a sarcastic shake of your head. Well, you at least now knew that he really wanted to make this a serious surprise.

As you walked, he eventually stopped for a few moments to tie a piece of fabric around your head to act as the blindfold. To his luck, you didn’t know this area well enough to guess what restaurant he was taking you to before even arriving.

When you arrived, you heard doors open followed by, “Good evening, Mr. Kenobi.”

“Good evening, Sam. Is our table ready?”

“Of course, sir. Right this way,” Sam said, which told you that it was time to start walking again. You were so scared that there would be a step that you would place incorrectly that you found yourself clutching onto Ben’s arm tighter.

Soon, you stopped walking once again and heard Ben thanking Sam. Then, you felt Ben loosen the blindfold and let it drop away from your eyes.

At first you squinted as the light met your eyes, but it quickly cleared as you gasped from the sight. Now, you had no idea where you were, but it was breathtaking.

The table was surrounded by a red velvet curtain that met a wall that had an electric fireplace. On the table was a vase with a single rose with a couple of candles on top of a white table cloth. The area was its own small room with a black curtain acting as the door.

Noise from the rest of the restaurant was quiet, but fully drowned out by the soft music playing. The room was lit perfectly, allowing the colours of the room to show their best qualities, the table accented by the candle light.

“Have you figured out where we are yet?” Ben’s voice broke your thoughts. At first you didn’t until you saw a small logo on one of the napkins.

“Derek’s restaurant?” You knew it was, but the question came more as one asking as to why he chose this one.

Ben let out a small chuckle as he knew what you were asking.

“He told me that I should try it out one day. Since I had never tried it, I told him about our plan and he offered to set this up for us,” he explained as he met your eyes. Placing a quick kiss to your lips, he led you over to the table where he pulled your seat out and tucked it in before sitting himself.

Unbuttoning his jacket he asked, “So, what do you think?”

“It’s perfect. I knew there were VIP tables, but I didn’t know that this is what Derek meant,” you replied. This seemed to confuse him.

“Derek never showed you this area?”

Shaking your head you replied, “No. When I came here, it was part of a business meeting. The restaurant was closed for the night so we were in the main restaurant. I only knew where we were because of the napkin logo.”

Ben seemed to understand that, but was still a bit confused. You and Derek were good friends, so why he hadn’t he just given a tour of the restaurant puzzled him. He pushed it out of his mind though as he saw your smile find its way back onto your face.

Through your time, you talked, getting to know more details you haven’t learned in the last few months. He mentioned how his mother had been doing well since she fully recovered from her surgery a month ago.

When he said that, it reminded you of how you listened to his cries while you consoled him at the park. You would have never thought that you’d be in this moment then, but here you are.

You were here with the boy who you used to serve at the cafe during high school. The boy who had a silent crush on you and left for law school without a word. The man who made you feel not only safe, but truly loved. There is no one else that you wished to be with at this very moment. You love him, and he loves you.

The time went by and you hardly noticed the food being placed at the table. The two of you were wrapped up in each other's company more than anything else. Sure, you lived together, but it was moments like this that you really used the time.

When you both decided that you were done, Ben pulled out your chair and offered his arm once again. This time without being blindfolded, you walked through the restaurant doors.

On your way home Ben told you that he wanted to bring you to the park for some time. The night sky was clear and the moon was in the perfect area that it would be right in the centre of your view on the grass patch.

Arriving at the park, it was just as you had imagined. The moon, big and bright in a sky speckled with millions of sparkling stars that added to the beauty.

Instead of sitting, the two of you stood holding each other. Your head pressed into his chest as you observed the moon, his cheek resting on your hair with his face directed the same way as yours.

Tonight, there was something new. Something that you have felt before but was too afraid to act on it. Partially because of the past, partially because it was till relatively new to you and you didn't know.

When a breeze blew past you, you shivered even with the warmth of Ben’s embrace. Even though you tried to hide it, he still noticed like always.

Before he could take his coat off, your lips caught his and both of your hands pressed to the sides of his face. He brought his arms back around you, his hands resting on your hips. Pulling you closer to his warmth, he pulled away for a moment, resting his head against yours.

It seemed as if he could tell what you were suddenly feeling. That, this time, you were acting on it.

“Are you okay with this? Because I can stop if-”

You cut him off before he could start rambling, “Ben, I’m okay. Just promise to be gentle and possibly patient.”

Ben nodded, “I always will be for you.” Your lips crashed back against his, this time being more open.

Reluctantly, you had separated once again to make your way back home. Both of your paces were slightly quickened.

Unlocking your door, Ben had you in his arms after you took the key back out of the lock. Your lips locked again, built up feelings now being released. He reached behind you and opened the door, the two of you walking carefully backwards. Ben managed to close the door behind you without breaking contact.

Kicking your shoes off, you kept moving carefully backwards until your back met a wall. Your passion was still being shared until your two roommates jumped up at the two of you, causing a laugh as Ben was partially knocked off balance.

After telling them to go and lie down, he turned his attention back to you. In one swift movement, he lowered himself and picked you up, wrapping your legs around his waist and your arms around his neck. Taking a step away from the wall he placed his hands on your back to pull you closer to him.

He had to tilt his head back to kiss you as your head was now above his. Keeping his carefulness, Ben walked to your room and closed the door. Turning on the light, he let himself lean against the door.

To catch his breath, he separated from your lips. Both of you were breathing heavily and smiled at the extra glow that seemed to radiate from your eyes.

“You’re not having second thoughts, are you?” Ben asked once he caught his breath enough. "We can stop if you are."

This is one of the many reasons why you love him so much. Even with permission, he asks multiple times to determine that it really is okay.

Nodding your approval, he stepped away from the door and brought you to the edge of the bed. Gently, he let you down on the covers. Taking his jacket off, your lips meet once again, you unbuttoning his shirt.

Sitting up, you let his hands find your zipper, “Just be gentle,” you whispered again into his ear. With that, he easily complied.

Everything he did was gentle. All doubts you had up to this moment were washed away. The raging fire of the past was put out by the gentle stream that was the present. Guilt had flooded you thinking that you made him wait this long but, at the same time, it made the moment special. And he would never blame you, and doesn’t blame you for anything that had happened.

For you, he would always wait for you. No matter the reason.

@stardancerluv @jaydenwoo @madmax2003 @where-fantasy-meets-reality @hopeladybug @wintersoldiersthings

[ohsugar-honey-iced-tea]

Welcome home, Dexter

It's Bella's birthday and Ina surprises her with the cutest little puppy ever! Pure fluff :)

Writing this kind of helped me. We lost our dog 2 weeks ago, so writing this helped me a lot.

Also a big thank you to @kulaykape for helping me with getting some inspiration :)

Enjoy!

@domakir @dopeyouth @thedaft1 @citybornchick @astrangeandunusualgirl

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

Ina was very, very nervous for the next upcoming minutes. It was 4.45, Bella should get home from classes any moment now. Today was Bella's birtday, and Ina was going to make sure it was going to be one to never forget. She was going to make Bella's childhood dream come true.

*5 months ago*

Ina had a good band with Bella's parents, and she decided to call Bella's mother, planning on asking her what would be the perfect gift for Bella. Bella does so much for Ina, without her even knowing, she wanted to give her something that would tell her how much she meant to her and how serious she thinks their relationship is.

"Hello, ms. Fiennes, how are you?"

"I'm good dear, how about you? How's my little girl?"

"I'm good. We're good. Everything is going great."

They talked for several more minutes before Ina cut to the case.

"Bella's birthday is coming up in a few months. I want to give her something she's been wanting for a long time. Do you have any ideas?"

Ms. Fiennes simply laughed.

"Ina, sweetie, if you want to give her something she really wants, the answer to that would be a dog. Our neigbours used to have a black-brownish Golden Retriever she always walked and played with whenever she could. We also caught her telling that dog the problems she was having when she was going through something rough. We could never afford one because we had no time nor money, but if you want to give her her biggest wish, it would be a dog."

Huh. Ina always wanted a dog herself, and she knew her and Bella were ready for it. They were living together and were together for almost 2 and a half years now. And sure there was enough money, time and space in their appartment.

"Thank you, ms. Fiennes. I think I'll know what to do now. One question, do know any names she would like for a dog?"

"She always told us that if she would ever get a dog herself, she would name it Dexter if it was a boy, and Ella if it were to be a girl"

Dexter... that name had a nice ring to it

"Thank you for telling me."

"It's okay, sweetheart. Good luck! And if you'll ever get her a dog, make sure the dog will meet their Grandma and Pabby."

"I will make sure they will meet you very, very soon"

With that she hung up, opened her laptop, and started to look for the perfect dog.

*3 months ago*

Ina just arrived to the shelter to pick out their perfect dog. She told Bella she had to go to a night conference and that she had to go alone. Bella was a little suspicious, but believed her in the end. When Ina stepped foot in the shelter, her heart exploded with cuteness. 6 black little furballs stormed at her, making happy noices and licked her all over her face. Ina took her time, talking with the owner and observating the puppies. One caught her eye, the furriest of them all, cute, clumsy, and kept climbing into Ina's lap. It was decided. This little one was going home with her soon. Ina made the arrangements with the owner, signed all the papers and planned when she would pick this little rascal up.

*24 hours ago*

Ina came back to the shelter after buying a pillow, food and water holders, and a lot of toys for their soon to be best friend. She had bought a few balls, a lot of stuffed animals and a squeeky pear, which she knew Bella would absolutely love. She also bought a collar for him. A red collar, with the name 'Dexter' on it in golden letters.

When she stepped in, the puppies were a little bit bigger, but still furry and still very, very clumsy. But, Ina recognised her little friend the moment she stepped foot into the shelter, because that one came to her the fastest, and seemed to be the most happiest, almost like he knew he would come home with her. She talked for a bit with the owner, writing down everything she needed to know for the little puppy's first few months. And when it was time to go, the little furball said one last goodbye to his parents before being picked up by Ina. "Come on, little friend. Let's go home." Ina smiled softly and applied the collar to him. "...Dexter"

*present*

It was 4.55 and Ina did one last check if everything was on the right place. The squeeky pear on the table, the note next to it, and Dexter hiding with Ina in their bedroom. Ina's heart froze as she heard the front door open. "This is it, Dexter. This is it!!" Ina whispered excitedly to Dexter, and giving him a little kiss on his forehead.

"Babe, I'm home! Where are you, baby?" Bella asked. She walked towards the table and saw the squeeky pear lying on it. Next to it was a note. 'Squeeze me :D' was written on the note. So she did, she squeezed the pear, and when she did, Ina opened the door to their bedroom and Dexter started to run towards the squeeking sound.

When Bella heard the sound of little tippetytaps behind her, she turned around. And there he was, the black, fluffy, little furball, running excitedly towards Bella. Bella gasped, and fell to her knees, as the little pup was jumping up and down in excitement.

"Why hello there! How did you get in here buddy?" She said with the biggest smile on her face. Ina was watching her secretly through the door opening, being so insanely happy to capture this moment where Bella and her own dog meet each other for the first time. Dexter couldn't be more happy, jumping and barking (those tiny little barks were enough to make Ina's heart melt). Ina didn't even realise she had happy tears in her eyes until she felt them fall down her cheeks.

Bella kept petting the dog, and then she noticed the collar. "Why what a beautiful collar you have!" She saw the name on top of it. "Dex...ter?" Realisation hit her as Ina walked into the living room and sat next to her on the ground. "Ina, is this what I think it..." Bella was truly speechles. Ina smiled and kissed her cheek. "Happy birthday, sweetheart." On that moment, Dexter started to lick Bella's cheek, as if giving her a kiss too. Now happy tears started to shine in Bella's eyes too. "But I never told you... I mean how did you.... how did you know?" Ina smiled, patting Dexters head and putting an arm around Bella's waist. "I called your parents. I asked what would be the perfect gift, and one thing led to another, and here's Dexter." "Thank you. So, so much. I've always wanted a dog." "Me too, and now, we have many, many years to enjoy little Dexter here." Bella smiled and kissed Ina in the most grateful way ever.

*the following evening*

After a lot of cuddling, putting Dexters stuff in the living room and letting Dexter get to know his new home, it was time for bed. "Now, Dexter" Ina started "this is where you're going to sleep! You'll have a lot of nice dreams here" Bella smiled to herself as she saw Ina interacting with Dexter. It was the purest thing ever. "Sweet dreams, Dexter, tomorrow is going to be a very fun day" they left the livingroom door and bedroom door ajar, so that they could hear if everything was going well with Dexter.

*One hour later*

Ina and Bella were both asleep, until Bella felt something down her side. "Mmmhhh.... that tickles, Ina" "I'm not doing anything, sweetheart" Ina said, and Bella put their light on and pulled her blanket up, to reveal a very furry, smiling little Dexter. Apperantly it had been storming, and Dexter got a little scared. "Well hello there, mister. Where you scared of the thunder? Do you want your mommies to protect you?" Dexter gave Bella his best puppy dog eyes, as if asking if he could stay. "Well," Ina started "it's your first night, let's keep him here, just this once. But this will not be a habbit, understood, little man?" Little did Ina know it was going to happen a lot more times.

*three weeks later*

Ina, Bella and Dexter just came home from their evening walk. "Okay Dex!" Bella started "let's see if we can teach you some tricks." Ina took her glasses off, and took a treat in her hand. "Okay now... sit!" Dexter looked confused at Ina, so she tried again. "Dexter, sit." But Dexter was in a playful mood, and took Ina's glasses off the couch and started to run away. "DEXTER NO! COME HERE" But Dexter was already on the other side of the room. Ina's serious mode got on. "Dexter, this is not behaviour we want to see in this family. Now give me back my glasses." And just when Ina was about to grab the glasses from Dexters mouth, he ran away. Ina tried many more times to her her glasses back, but Dexter ran away from her ever single time. "Ina, he's a pup! You shouldn't treat him like he's a student! Or as any person!" Bella said through her laughs. "Well, you try it then! Winner gets to top tonight" "Hah. You, little miss, have got yourself a deal." "I am a smart, dare I say intelligent woman with a pHd, I can explain human behaviour and I've been nominated for awards for my research, I'm sure I can get a dog to drop a pair of glasses." "Shush! It's my turn now" she walks towards Dexter. "Oh Dexter come see what I've got! I've got the squeeky pear! Much better then some glasses, right? Come get the pear, boy, come get it!" She threw the pear, and whit that, Dexter dropped the glasses and runned towards the pear. Ina's eyes were wide and her mouth open. "Here let me close that for you" and with that, Bella closed Ina's mouth. "Looks like you have to prepare yourself for tonight. I'm top tonight."

So Ina did.

And Bella fucked her silly that night.

Ofcourse with the bedroom door closed, because they knew Dexter wasn't, and will not ever be ready to see that kind of things. Little do they know Dexter will be able to open doorknobs later.

*4 weeks later*

Bella was alone at home, crying. Ina had left home for work while they were having an argument.

"Sometimes I feel like work is more important to you then me."

"Bella, stop being sad over every little thing. I don't have time for this." She snapped back. And with that, left for work.

Dexter woke up from his little nap, and heard Bella crying. He went over to her and tried to cheer her up. He sat next to her on the couch and started to lick her tears away. Bella started to laugh a little. "You're a good boy, Dex. Sometimes Ina is a little stupid, but we love her anyways, right?" And with that, Dexter lied down, putting his head in her lap.

Later that night, Ina came home. She had a bouquet of flowers and a box of chocolates with her. "Sweetheart, I'm very sorry I-" she cut herself off, because she saw Bella sleeping on the couch with Dexter in her arms. Ina couldn't help but smile a little. She put a blanket over the two of them and started preparing dinner. 'I guess a dog does make you feel happier, even when you're sad' Ina thought, as she was cutting up vegetables.

*one month later*

Ina and Bella were snuggled up on the couch together, with some snacks lying on the table, about to watch a movie together.

When the movie started playing, Dexter walked to them, sitting right before them, and introducing something he has never done before. 'The Infinite Stare'. When Dexter does this, he will stare at you without looking at something else, until you give him what he wants. "What does he want?" Ina whispered. "I have no idea" Bella whispered back, as she grabbed a piece of cheese off the table. She noticed Dexter's eyes following her hand, or more specificaly, the piece of cheese. "Oooh is that it?" Bella said excitedly. "You want the cheese? Can you catch it? 3... 2... 1..." and with that she threw it. And cute as Dexter might be, he is also very clumsy, so he tried to jump, but fell down to the ground. "Oh no, are you okay, Dex?" But Dexter simply ate the cheese, turned back to the couple and asked in his own way for another one. "This is going to be a long night." Ina mumbled. Bella chuckled and gave her a kiss on the lips. "Don't pout, babe, it's all part of the progress." She said, as she gave Dexter another piece of cheese.

When the movie ended, Bella had fallen asleep on top of Ina. Ina turned down the tv, made sure Bella was lying okay, and picked her up, bridal style, and carried her to their bedroom. Of course Dexter supervised, making sure Ina wouldn't drop Bella. After they settled in bed together, Ina could see Dexter's little puppy eyes over their bed, begging to come up there with them. Ina tried to be firm, but who could say no to those puppy eyes? "Alright Dex, come on." She patted on the bed. Dexter jumped, but fell off first time. Ina facepalmed herself, but couldn't help laughing. Then, Dexter jumped again, and was lying between her and Bella.

Dexter nuzzled his head in Ina's neck, so Ina had both Bella and Dexter in her arms. As she caressed Bella's stomach, and fluffed Dexter behind his ears, she couldn't help but feeling happy.

'Maybe this is what true happiness feels like' was the last thing she thought before she fell asleep as well.

The end

[miss-choco-chips]

Teaching you, teaching me

Four times mother and son learned from and about each other, and one time Tim used his knowledge for evil good.

(Warning: Tim is older in some and younger in others, without order)

(For my babes @the-quiet-carrotcake and @animemangasoul who cheered me up when I was feeling bad, hope this makes you happy as well! 

Also, hon tagged me on a ‘five word prompt generator’ thing and I lost the post, so this is my contribution, five words that inspired each part)

Animal

When Jack died, it was sad but they were prepared. He’d been in a coma for two months by then, and Janet had practically been readying both herself and her son for the outcome. Tim had been sad, but it was more because of a possible future lost (he’d never given up the hope of his father changing one day, of Jack wanting to stay and being more present in his life), than genuine sorrow. Or so had the therapist told her.

Janet hadn’t felt bad, not really. Her relationship with her late husband had been cold long before his death, ruined by years of neglecting their son and being absent of their lives, but she suffered for her son, with his too big heart, who didn’t hesitate on wasting his tears on a father that never deserved them, the second she told him the news. 

Still, she held his hand through the entire funeral, surprised by the way he held his head on high. When he threw an arm over her shoulders to guide her away, after the service was over, she realized he was trying to be strong for her. The thirteen year old, heart breaking inside his small chest, was puffing it out to make himself seem bigger, more reliable, to comfort a mother that didn’t really need it.

Her beautiful, kind son.

Max’s death, a short two months after, was nothing like that.

The dog had been part of their household for nine, almost ten years now. Bought shortly after the circus tragedy, in a desperate attempt at soothing her son’s nightmares with the company of something fluffy and loveable, Max had grown up next to Tim, been there for any sad or happy moment, comforting him or sharing his joy by turns. The golden retriever had seem made specifically of love, giving all of it to the kid he’d been gifted to, and for that alone Janet had gone all out on his medical treatments, desperate to make him live as long as possible for a dog. 

Still, he was gone too soon, taking with him Tim’s smile and leaving ample space for tears. Tim had stayed by his side from the moment the veterinarian informed them of his chronic condition, to the tragic end of it, petting him softly and speaking in low, comforting tones.

Max’s last act before dying had been to lick Tim’s hand, the only thing he could reach from where he was lying on the dog bed, and wag his tail once. Even at death’s door, he’d showed Tim more love than his father ever had. Just for that, Janet would Max more than she did Jack.

It also baffled her, when Tim rejected her offer to bring home another dog a week after the small funeral they held in the backyard, softly closing the book on his lap to give her his full attention.

-You love getting new pets -she felt compelled to point out, because it felt like the obvious course of action.

-I do, but I also know why you are suggesting it now, and it won’t work. You can’t make me forget my sadness over losing Max by getting me a puppy, mom. 

-It’ll fill the void -she insists. Almost desperately. 

(She can’t stand to hear her child cry by himself at night, his despair breaking her heart worse than anything else ever could)

-It won’t -he says, shifting in the window seat he always choose when deep in thought or in a contemplative mood-. I loved Max, not because he was a dog, but because he was Max. Even if you buy me a hundred puppies, I’ll love them because they’d be them. It won’t make me forget my pain over Max’s death. 

She wanted to fight him on it, offer more, whatever it took to wipe the dim and far away look from his eyes, but he glanced up at her, so softly and fond, and she felt her tongue glueing itself to the top of her mouth. 

She thought, weirdly enough, of Wayne. Of how, when his first son went away, how he took another boy in. Despite loving Jason, he never stopped missing Dick. She thinks she understands, a little, where Tim was coming from.

(Tim would throw his book at her, if he knew she was comparing the Waynes to dogs, but, if the shoe fits…)

Demonstration

They say watching was the best form of learning, and Tim took it to heart. He analyzed people, going to work, hanging out with friends, buying groceries, fighting, laughing, crying… he saw, and he learned.

The one he watched the most was his mother, though.

How she smiled oh-so-politely at parties, how she ruthlessly destroyed the person speaking to her with short, well informed facts and dirty laundry. How she did both at the same time.

He went with her to DI, and took notice of the way her hips swayed with each step whenever she needed the room’s attention on her, or made her heels click extra hard against the porcelain floor when she wanted averted eyes.

She waved sweetly to her secretary, and frostily glared at the board member sitting three seats away from her.

She clenched her teeth during a phone call with someone she hated, but kept her voice perfectly smooth, warm even, as if speaking to an old friend.

He knew he would inherit the company one day. And, small as DI had been in the past, it had flourished under Janet Drake’s tender and constant care, blooming into the powerhouse it was today, on par with Wayne Enterprises. It was intimidating, to imagine all that power, all that responsibility, on his shoulders. 

Mother, Aunt Nicole, Uncle Lex, Uncle Bruce, Dick, Jay… they all said it, that Tim was too kind, too soft. He would give his hand to someone down without a thought, rather than see if they had a weapon first. Sweet, they called him, and made him blush, because he liked it. Liked that, to all that ruthless, sharp, for moments cruel people, he was a warm presence. A safe, comfortable place to lay worries to rest and smile. He liked being their sweet Timmy.

But he also despised it, because he was a gothamite, and this city ate sweet people whole for dessert, just after finishing with the foolish and naive ones that made for it’s lunch. There was no place for tender people, because that was the best kind to sink teeth into, and Gotham feeds on them. And he can’t die, because who is going to make sure mom and Nicole don’t go off the deep end? Who’s going to help Lex understand and bond with his son, with Conner? Who’s going to make sure the Waynes are getting along, when Alfred himself decides to leave them to their terrible life choices?

So he watches his mom, because she’s a prime example of someone not to be fucked with. Someone who is going to survive this wreck of a city until her drawn out, bitter end, and when that comes, she’ll go kicking and screaming and suing people to the ends of the earth. She doesn’t fear Gotham, and while sure as fuck Gotham doesn’t fear her either, it at least respects her. 

So he watches, and memorizes, and adapts behaviours and gestures into his own, tries to mimic the look in her eyes that send people flinching back and laughing nervously.

And, since he’s watching, he notices that she knows. How she’d look over her shoulder, straight into his eyes, as if saying ‘pay attention, I’m only showing you this once’ before she does something particularly tricky. Demonstrates her way of surviving, and lets him learn from it to make his own.

Tim, eleven years old, so tender and soft he’s like a warm, eatable bunny in everyone’s opinion, closes his eyes and breathes in, deeply. When he opens them, the icy blue of his gaze is enough to send the closest board member stumbling back and mumbling an apology (for what, who knows) before scurrying out of the room. 

Mom looks back to the rest of the board, but Tim knows (because he watches her all the time, he’s learned her to the smallest detail) that she’s smiling. 

She’s proud.

Galaxy

It’s late, and she feels sick and wants nothing more than to go to sleep. She’d basically lived at the office this last week, because of some stupid mistake Jack had made with the one piece of paperwork she needed him to sign (how he manages to screw up from all the way across the world, she can’t quite understand; it surely requires talent), and feels about ready to collapse on her bed.

But, because it’s been a while since she saw him, something in her gut tells her to go look for her son. Tim’s probably asleep right now, it’s almost four a.m, but if she’s silent enough, she could sneak a quick peek through the door, make sure he’s fine, and then go to bed completely unburdened.

Except, when she gets there, she’s treated to the sight of her son, her eight year old son, getting back into his room from God knows where by climbing through his window. Which, by the way, was located on the third floor.

Janet pressed a hand to her chest, as if to make sure her heart was still beating. It was, but the speed couldn't be normal.

Was this a heart attack? 

Hidden by the shadows on the hallway, she noticed how he removed his tiny sneakers, that she had completely forgot he even owned, and thrusted them under the bed. They were worn out, full of grim, obviously used often for activities like sneaking out at night and climbing the house. 

Yes, she was having a heart attack. And an aneurysm. Simultaneously.

The camera around his neck, she did remember. The one gift he had asked for his last birthday, the only thing he ever begged her for. She hadn’t understand his passion for owning one, but since he never had looked so earnest (and wanting to make up for Jack missing the day) she conceded.

Was it a mistake? Watching the little boy making himself comfortable in his bed, going through the photos in the camera with the most delighted expression ever, she felt like ‘fuck yes’ wasn’t a strong enough answer.

Her first impulse, to jump inside the room and demand answers, was squashed down almost as soon as it hitted her. If she did, Tim would clam up and deny everything. Instead, she breathed in deeply and tapped her knuckles against the doorframe.

Tim almost jumped straight out of his skin, looking at her like a thief caught red handed. It’d be almost funny, if her heartbeat wasn’t still off the charts.

-Timothy, it’s quite late. Why are you awake at this hour? And with your camera? -she made a show of scanning his clothing, as if she wasn’t aware of the jeans and hoodie- Why aren’t you on your pajamas?

She could almost hear him thinking, brilliant mind kicking into overdrive as her prodigious son searched for an answer that would satisfy his mother and keep him out of trouble. Shame no such answer existed.

-I… was outside, mama -he mumbled; calling her like that, amping up the cuteness, was almost overdoing it, but she supposed the situation called for big guns- Taking pictures of the sky. I-I know it’s dark, and polluted, but I heard today was going to be extra-starry, and I thought maybe I could photograph the stars for you?

He was good, she ought to give him that. But years too young to even try to lie to her.

-I see -she answers, calmly walking closer to him. Her face betrayed nothing, and she could see how that was getting into him by the way he was fondling with the camera, almost carelessly compared to his earlier reverent touch.

He flinched when she sat by his side.

-M-mom?

-Well? -an arched eyebrow- Aren’t you going to show me? You did something incredibly dangerous, climbing down your window- no, don’t even try to lie, I saw you climbing back in. Don’t think we won’t be talking about that in the morning. But you did something truly reckless, for those pictures for me. The least I can do is see them.

Quick, trembling hands fumbled a bit with the buttons. Janet was honestly surprised when he turned the camera around, showing actual sky pictures to her. She believed it a bluff. Maybe preventive measures, in case he got caught? She was sure he was lying, because even if they were sky pictures, it wasn’t a particularly nice view, all foggy and polluted Gotham landscape.

She also noticed (though pretended not to) how those angles weren't ones he could achieve from their backyard, which upped her panic levels a few notches. Her baby had been alone, at night, away from home, in this shithole of a city.

-What a pity -she says, instead, giving back the camera, despite her burning desire to search for older pictures to get an idea of her son’s true activities-, those look like the usual sky. I would have loved to see the stars. Well, not your fault, this place is just ugly. Maybe we should move to Metropolis, I’m sure there are stars there.

-Mom…!

-Hush, now, go to sleep. We are talking about sneaking out and bedtimes tomorrow, I’m too tired right now.

She could see his anxiety (at moving away? Why did he love this place so much?), but he must have realized he’d push his luck too far if he insisted, so he kissed her cheek and let her tuck him in. 

Despite her bone-deep tiredness, Janet couldn't get a single second of shut eye at all. By six a.m and truly out of ideas, she picked up the phone. Too respectful of Nicole’s boundaries to bother her at that hour (or at least, not desperate enough; had the situation been a little more urgent, she wouldn’t have hesitated to drag her to the manor kicking and screaming), she called Lex.

At the fifth ring, her old friend's voice answered- I have a conference with the president in a few hours and need rest, this better be important.

-Please, your sleep schedule is even worse than mine. I need an opinion.

-And is Al Ghul unavailable? Why are you bothering me, when you two usually ignore my advice and go to each other?

-Don’t be jealous, green isn’t your color. Lavender isn’t either, but well, I guess you can’t win all your battles…

-Bold words for someone asking for help.

-Who said anything about help? I just need a new perspective. And I’m already regretting going to you for it.

-Well, I’m awake now, so might as well. Mercy -Luthor’s voice sounded a little muffled, probably covering the receiver while he addressed his bodyguard slash buttler- I’ll be in the study, bring me coffee.

She gave him a few minutes, twirling one of her dark locks in her pointer finger. Laying in bed, unmade by all the tossing and turning she did for the last hours, she looked the picture of unrest. Luthor would laugh himself sick if he saw her now.

-Alright, I have coffee now. What happened?

-I caught Tim coming back home  after sneaking out last night. It looked like he did it before, multiple times; he had specific shoes for it that he hid, and even got some backup-plan photographs to make it look like he was just in the backyard photograpying the sky.

She heard the squeaking sound his chair made as he sat straighter, floored by her confession. 

-You should oil that chair. Is unbecoming for your image if it makes that kind of sounds everytime you move on it.

-Sorry, I can’t answer properly to the last part because I’m still reeling for the opening bit.

-Weak.

He ignored her (rude), muttering under his breath- Tim what? No, he wouldn’t… well, he does have Janet’s genes, so maybe…

-So -she cut him off, because if he kept that line of thinking, she would hang up and he still hadn’t given her any advice-, your thoughts?

-Get a bodyguard on him 24-7 who’ll keep him from going out at night -he answered quick as a wip, not even needing to think it through. She huffed.

-If it were that easy, I wouldn't need your opinion, you fool. This is my son we are talking about. Guilt and duty might keep him from going out, if I appeal to those, but brute force and shackles? He’s smart, smarter than you, maybe even than me. If he really wants to go, and finds no moral obstacles, he’ll find a way. 

-So, do what you said, attack his conscience. 

-I want to keep him safe, not emotionally destroy him.

-Forbid him from going? Like you said, he’s a dutiful son, and very well behaved.

-Which means he’ll make sure I think he’s obeying, but no guarantees he’ll actually do it. Think harder.

A few minutes went by, before the man sighed.

-You said it yourself, if he really wants to go, there’s little you can do, short of locking him up like a prince in a tower. Maybe speak to him, tell him your reasons to worry… and get him some martial arts teacher, to give him a fighting chance if he ends up disobeying anyway.

----.----

After speaking to Luthor and a quick call to Nicole for a favor (namely, get Lady Shiva to accept a work as a sensei for Tim), Janet slept for a solid nine hours. Eating, overseeing some papers and phoning her secretary to clean her schedule for the rest of the week, and she was ready to face her son after having dinner together. 

They sat on Tim’s bed, and she held his hand as she spoke to him. About how cold it was, how easy it was, before he was born. How life was do this, think about that, conquer here, throw something away there. Act, consequence, simple as that. Clinical as that.

It was different, she said, when he came to her life, to her arms. Because it was warm, and difficult, and so, so scary. She’d never been so afraid of the butterfly effect before. Now, consequences of a misstep could come to bite her in twenty years, a simple act  now could make Tim despise her in the future.

“I’ve never been so afraid in my life”, she told him, baring her soul for the first time in her life. “But I’ve also never been happier, and it’s all because of you.”

“I love you”, she told him, giving her heart away for the first time in her life. “And I can’t lose you.”

Those words were the hardest for her to say. She did it, anyway. Because he needed to hear them, and because they might be enough to keep him from pulling last night’s stunt again.

By the time she was done, Tim’s face was a mess of tears and snot. He hadn’t uttered a single word, holding onto her hand like a lifeline, but his smile was the brightest, prettiest thing she’s ever seen.

-I’ll be careful, Mom -he promised, between wrecked sobs. It had truly affected him, to hear her heart thoughts so bluntly. She ought to do this more often, if he treasured it so much- I.. I won’t go out at night alone, not until I’m someone not even the Rogues can mess with. I promise -he looks at his bedside table, where the camera sits, and looks regretful but determined at the same time. She knows he means it. Whatever feeling he got from sneaking out to take pictures, it evidently wasn’t as strong as what he felt now, holding his mom’s hand and shaking from such strong emotions.

-Thank you -she breathed in deeply, relaxing for the first time since the night before, letting go of his hand to hug his shoulders, pressing him into her side.

After a few seconds of silence, he weaseled out of her hold, raising a hand to halt her when she tried to follow his example and get up- Stay there a minute, Mom, I have something to show you.

With that, he sprinted to the light switch, and turned them off. But a slight, greenish glow remained in the room, and then she noticed the glow in the dark stars sticking to the ceiling.

There were… a lot of them.

Tim came back and sat once again next to her, hand quickly snatching hers.

-You said… you said you wanted to see the stars, so I made you a little galaxy. Whenever you want to see them, you can come here… You’ll also know, that way, that I’m here and not sneaking out.

Thanking people wasn’t something Janet did often. But she had said ‘I love you’ today, and that one was a first, so this wasn’t too far fetched for her.

-Thank you, Tim.

Feedback

A week after showing his mother his multiple closets full of disguises and aliases’ clothing, he was called into her office. 

He had expected some questions, maybe even feedback or advice in how to perfect his portrayal of other people.

He hadn’t expected this.

-..and I know I’m not as… adapted to the ever changing times as younger people like you. Me, Lex, sometimes Nicole, we are too set on our ways, but. 

She cleared her throat. Tim still wasn’t sure he wasn’t having some kind of fever dream.

-But. It’s important for you to know that I… I won’t ever judge you for something you are. I might judge your actions, like when you accept Todd’s offers for a ride downtown, or Grayson’s requests for a dance, or when you are too dumb/ kind, too kind, towards other people… But I’ll never judge you for something you didn’t choose. Like this.

In the midst of this confusing speech, Tim still couldn't quiet comprehend why mom was gesturing towards the shoes on the desk. They were simple, red heels, not even that high, belongings of Caroline Hill, one of his more successful aliases. It was a wonder how people on the Alley’s clinic hadn’t catched on that their favorite voluntary nurse slash doctor in training was a fifteen year old kid instead of the nineteen year old shy girl they thought, but it was an ego boost when they called him Miss Hill, and a boost to his medical skills when they taught him something new.

-I understand this is an… -a quick glance to the papers in her desk. Had mom… wrote this down beforehand? What…?- age of changes, yes, an age of changes for you. And you are… discovering- no, learning yourself. And I’m honored that you trusted me enough to show me that, and came to me in this… confusing times.

Tim opened his mouth to speak. Mom seemed to panic, as much as mom ever did anyways, quickly sorting through her sheets of… Information? Pointers?

-Not that I think you are confused! I trust that you know yourself the best, and I trust whatever you say to me are your honest feelings on the matter. 

-I… I am confused -he managed to blurt out. 

Mom winced, and searched among her papers some more. When she seemed to find whatever it was, she pulled it above the others, gave them a quick glance, and kept going- It’s okay if you don’t know it yet, too. There’s more than just… male or female. According to my research, there’s a ‘neither’, ‘both’ and ‘sometimes one, sometimes the other’ option.

Janet seemed lost at her own words. Tim could relate. He wasn’t even sure they were talking about his aliases anymore.

-What I mean to say is -she breathed in deeply, letting the papers fall to the desk and meeting his eyes head on-, I love you. You are my son, daughter, neither, both, whatever you feel, but still mine. My child, and nothing you do about your… identity or sexuality can change that. I’ll always accept you, as you are. And if anyone ever gives you trouble about it, you can always come to me and I’ll set their minds straight, or remove them from the picture.

Tim felt fondness surging in his chest, even as his mind came to an abrupt halt when he finally understood what this was all about.

-You might have to be patient with me, or explain some concepts, as I learn about this, because its all new information to me. But I promise you I’ll always love you no matter what, and I’m willing and ready to do my best to/

-Mom -he finally choked up, torn between embarrassment and profound love- I’m not… I’m a boy. I really, really appreciate all this, but you don’t need to… I mean, the shoes and clothes? It’s because I’m making aliases, so I can learn different things and meet people without it being traced back to me. Like, tools. Caroline Hill, the shoes owner, for example, is a tool to learn about medicine, and practice the way of women in case I ever need to disguise myself as one. Not… not actual representations of Tim Drake.

There was a minute of silence.

-Well, this is… unexpected.

-But -he continued, cheeks warm but hurting from smiling so hard- you are the best mom ever, and this learning you are doing? It’s great, even if not applicable to me, because it… it’s good, for people to understand and accept other people like that. It makes you a better person, and I’m really proud of you.

He got up from his seat and walked around the desk, sitting in the floor by his mom’s chair like he did when he was a toddler, and rested his head in her lap, hugging her legs, eyes going to hers with wonder and happiness. She seemed utterly relieved, both at not having fucked up their chat, and at him not being mad at the misunderstanding.

-Aliases, huh. I can help with that. We can talk about it over dinner, and I’ll give you some suggestions.

-Thanks, mom. And, hum, since you brought up the whole gender and sexuality stuff… this might be a good moment to let you know I’m bi.

Long, sharp nails scratched his scalp softly, his eyes closing almost on instinct. Her laugh ringed in his ears.

-It doesn’t matter to me, Timothy. Boy, girl… whoever you bring home, I’ll…

He smiled, expectant.

-... never accept them. No one, no matter their genders, is good enough for my son.

Ah, there she was, the mother he knew and loved.

Movie

Tim, sitting in his study, didn’t even raise his eyes from the paperwork mom had assigned him (to help make him accustomed to dealing with it for when he’ll have a more central role in DI)  when the door opened and closed with a bang. He continued signing contracts with one hand, while the other patted his desk for his phone, shooting a quick text to the butler without looking.

-Can you believe it? -his intruder clamored, walking back and forth in front of Tim’s desk, hands messing through long locks of black hair.

-No -he replied, eyes still not leaving his work- It's amazing, how the stock market dropped on Wayne Enterprises. What is Bruce thinking, with the neon knights? He can’t do that and then go gallivanting around the world alone again, the stockholders won’t stand for such a big inversion without the logical follow up. I need to phone Damian about this, maybe he can ask his brothers to pose as Bruce and/

-I’m not talking about your precious Waynes!

-I know -he replied, hand finishing the last stroke of his signature, raising his eyes to his godmother just as the door opened and the butler brought a tea (and coffee) set, placing it by the little table in the corner of the study-, but I needed a few minutes to finish this before paying attention to you, Aunt. Now, a cup of tea? I’ll be having coffee, but it might not be the best for your frayed nerves.

-My nerves aren’t frayed, you little brat. Show some respect. Where is my cute little angel of a godson? -she complained, sitting as elegantly as ever in the plus couch by the little table. Tim sat opposite her.

-He hasn't slept in three days -and is being asked to meddle into adult’s problems, but he didn’t voice that part, merely mixing ingredients in the steaming cup-, It’s natural to be bitter. Now, tea?

She didn’t answer, but accepted the offered drink, already prepared to her tastes perfectly. Despite her anger, she smiled. Two sugars, no milk, a little lemon, the smallest hint of vodka. Her godson knew her so well.

A few seconds went by as Tim readied his own coffee and downed half. The butler topped the cup for him, and then left just as quietly as he had came.

-Now, want to tell me what has you so mad?

He already knew, but playing innocent was one of his strengths. Bruce still blamed Dick for the incident on the music room of the manor, despite the fact that Tim had been there at the moment and his eldest far away on a secret mission civilian Tim wasn't supposed to know about. That was the true power of a goodie two shoes.

-Your mother, she… You know we were planning on going to the movies today, and she…!

-Ah -he nodded, as if only catching up then- She went with Dana, right?

Nicole gritted her teeth, downing her cup in one long glup to calm herself. Tim merely took the teapot and filled it again.

-Janet doesn’t even like the movies! She hates being around other people. The only reason she goes is to humor me, and now… That woman…

-Dana is a good person -he intervened, because he genuinely liked her. Dana Winters had been in charge of taking care of his comatose dad until his death, and they had spent some time together during his visits to Jack. A lot of his alias Caroline Hill had been based on her. And right now, she...

-Too good -Nicole muttered, which Tim suspects, was the root of the problem.

-Shouldn't you be glad? -he asked, head tilted in his best show of naivety- That mom is trying to get someone kind to be by her side? Dad wasn’t… dad wasn’t bad, but he wasn’t as nice to mom as he could have been. I, for one, want her to be happy.

-Janet doesn’t do nice.

It took everything in him to not answer ‘well, she might tonight’, because that would ruin his innocent image, and he was afraid Nicole might actually stab Dana. Really, refraining himself like that was almost painful. Mom better appreciate his sacrifice.

-The nicest thing she could ever stand was you -she continued, ignorant to her godson’s internal struggle-, and you are her baby.

-I’m fifteen -he felt compelled to inform her, but was promptly shushed.

-To us, you never grew past your chubby stage.

-I didn’t have a chubby stage, and you can’t prove otherwise -he’d know. He was the one who got rid of the evidence.

-Back to the point… Dana is no good fit for your mom. She’d end up tearing off her own hair in frustration in less than a month after countless discussions of morality and ‘doing the right thing’. She can barely resist when it’s you doing the nagging and, again, you are the exception to all of Janet’s rules.

Tim hummed, thinking distractedly how someone as smart as Nicole couldn’t see that Dana’s good heart wasn’t the problem here. Oh well, he needed to be a little more direct.

-And who do you think would be a good match for mom? Someone distant, like dad? Or easily manipulated?

A growling almost came out of Nicole’s mouth. Tim refilled his coffee cup again.

-Neither… those make for good tools, but not partners. Janet needs someone who understands her, who couldn’t judge, who likes her as rotten and twisted as she is.

Should he protest? This was his mother they were talking about. Not that she was wrong, but… still.

Deciding against it, because he needed to get back to work and this conversation was already exhausting, he nodded- Mm, but plenty of people in high society adore her... 

-Those fools either don’t know of her true nature, or are too scared of it. None would make for a good life companion.

-So, someone who isn’t scared of her, knows her inside out, isn’t morally upright…

-They should also have similar objectives in life -Nicole interjected, empty cup clattering against the plater when she placed it there-, otherwise Janet might feel the need to remove them to keep them off her way.

-Objectives, like…?

-Staying on top of the food chain of the corporate world, for example. And keeping loved ones safe. Like you, for her.

“And Damian, for you”, he didn’t say. Finally, they seemed to be reaching the end of the discussion. Just a few more lines...

-And they should be strong -she kept on, digging her own grave for Tim’s convenience-, because Janet is, too, which means her enemies are as well, and she needs someone to have her back if she ever needs it.

-I don’t think -he wondered, finger tapping his chin in childlike confusion- that such a person exists. Someone as morally compromised as mom, strong enough to help her achieve her objectives, who knows her and loves her. I never met someone like that… I mean, besides you.

Time seemed to stop for Nicole, who dropped the scon she had halfway through her mouth. Tim knew what having a romantic realization felt like, so he let her deal with it while he finished his coffee. After a few minutes letting her stew, he force a look of curiosity and concern on his face- Aunt Nicole? Are you alright? You went really quiet…

Nicole wasn’t sitting in front of him any longer. Okay, he’ll forgive the rudeness, in the spirit of love and all that. Picking up his phone, he sent Dana a quick text, warning her to make herself scarce.

“Everything going according to plan on my end”

“Ah, okay. I’ll thank Janet for accompanying me, and ask her to just be friends. Then I’ll catch a taxi :) “

“Yeah, let me know once you are back on your house, it’s getting pretty late”

“Aw, you’re such a gentleman. Me and your mom spent all afternoon talking about you, you know. And Nicole”

“You buttered her up to the idea?”

“She seemed to be considering ending this ‘date’ early as well to go looking for her, so I’m guessing I did ;) “

“Thank you again, Dana “

“Make sure they invite me to the wedding, and we’re even!”

“If they don’t elope, that’s it”

“They won’t. That would mean missing the chance to make Uncle Lex miserable by asking him to plan the whole ceremony”

Smiling despite himself, he put his coffee cup down and went back to his desk. Better to get work out of the way before Mom and Nicole came back and informed him of the good news. 

Shocked face number three might do.

[doctorgerth]

mihawk nsfw scenario to their shy!s/o wearing a lingerie set please♡

Yessss this was…really fun to write 👀 sexy Spanish Mihawk is honestly my weakness. If the Spanish looks weird/wrong plz let me know I tried my best lmao

Also, you didn’t specify whether you wanted male or female s/o and since I suck at writing gender neutral smut, I went with female! I really hope that’s ok! Please enjoy some naughty Mihawk 🖤🦇

description: Mihawk’s s/o wears a pretty sexy anniversary gift for him and he likes it….a lot

warnings: explicit sexual content, steamy Mihawk content, Mihawk speaking Spanish (watch your panties folks), very much ns.fw

All For You (Dracule Mihawk)

Word Count: 1985

Maybe this was a bad idea…

Mihawk’s lover thought to herself as she sat awkwardly along his chair. The warmth of the fireplace and the hint of wine on her lips wasn’t near enough to calm her racing thoughts as she awaited her lover’s return. Hours passed and she knew he’d be home any minute. The longer she waited in that cursed outfit, the more her anxiety told her that he would hate it and she was only making a fool of herself.

Today was their anniversary and she only wanted to surprise him with a intimate night by the fireplace. Intimacy with Mihawk was something she craved but was still utterly shy about, even after all this time. She was hoping the lingerie would elicit some confidence, but she only pulled and prodded at the tightness of the clothes, not quite used to wearing something so forming and revealing. It was truly embarrassing.

She kept reminding herself that this was the outfit Mihawk had pointed out last week when they were visiting an island. They had passed by a lingerie store and she caught him staring, making a comment about it. Mihawk replied casually, stating how he thought she would look “ravishing” in that outfit before continuing on down the street. Little did he know, this gave her an incentive to buy the outfit. She was super embarrassed during the whole transaction, and on top of that it was pretty expensive, so there was no way she was going to waste it now.

A distant echoing of a castle door shutting brought her back to her senses, and she was instantly set into panic mode. She could hear his footsteps approaching and she reached for the closest thing nearby to cover herself up, too flustered to be seen in anything but his spare coat that covered her head to toe. The door creaked open and Mihawk strode in, making a double take once noticing his lover sitting in his chair.

“Mi amor, what are you doing in here?”

“Oh you know, just sitting by the fire. It’s awfully chilly today.” She muttered, clinging the coat tighter to her body and faking a chill to emphasize her false statement.

“It’s the middle of summer.” He chuckled dryly, waltzing over to her. He reached out to her, handing her a bouquet of roses that he was hiding behind his back, “Happy anniversary, my love.”

“Aww, darling…” She smiled, a small tear brimming her eye, “Thank you. Happy anniversary.”

She made no effort to move from under the coat to retrieve the flowers, so he sat them down on the table beside them. His head cocked to the side as he was picking up on his lover’s strange notions.

“Are you feeling unwell? Do you need a doctor?” His brows furrowed in sincerity, a hand reaching out to feel her forehead. Before his hand could make contact, she quickly retreated away from his touch, smiling awkwardly and burying her flustered face further into the coat.

“I’m fine, really…” She mumbled against the fabric, clearly unconvincingly as Mihawk was visibly not buying it. A small portion of the coat failed to cover her shoulder and a bright red strap instantly caught his eyes.

“What’s this?” Another hand reached for her and she squeaked as his fingers grasped curiously at her bra strap.

“N-nothing! Let’s just eat dinner and go to bed, please. I’ll go change real quick and…” She attempted to stand up, but Mihawk’s figure blocked her escape.

“Sit.” He demanded sternly.

With wide eyes, she complied instantly, as if under a spell. Adrenaline began to fuel her body as her legs quaked in the chair and she felt a warmth building in her lower body. She had been caught, but why did it feel so good?

“Now, are you going to remove this silly coat or shall I take it off for you?” His golden eyes were dark pools of lust now as he studied her, awaiting any kind of reaction. He knew better however, as he was well aware that his lover was shy in nature. He never minded this of course as he quite enjoyed dominating her, “Very well then.”

In one swift motion, the coat was removed and discarded elsewhere. She squealed and attempted to shield her body from his hungry eyes, but it was no use as he soaked in every visible inch of her body that was hugged in the most delicious ways by the intricate red lace. He eyed her like prey and decided that dinner could wait, he was starving for something else.

Her eyes averted as she tried to look anywhere except at her lover who was studying her figure in agonizing silence. Did he like it? Was he impressed? She could never tell with him as he was always so unreadable what with that damned permanent scowl on his face. He reached out to gently remove the hands that struggled to cover her body and she hesitantly allowed. Her cheeks flushed brighter than the lingerie and he was completely awestruck at the sight.

“You’re absolutely divine.” Mihawk muttered as he trailed along the curvatures of her body. His hands toyed with the fabric as he caressed her, leaving no inch of her untouched. She couldn’t help but lean into his embrace and steadied her breathing with every reassuring touch. He cupped her breasts, thumbs brushing over her pert nipples, causing a noticeable twitch in his pants. He removed his hat and coat before dropping on his knees for his lover.

She eyed down at him curiously, growing more and more nervous with each of his movements. He gripped her thighs and pulled her lower body towards the edge of the chair, eliciting a small squeak from her.

“M-Mihawk, what are you…” She began, but stopped as soon as his soft lips connected with her bare thighs.

“Te deseo.” he whispered sensually against her skin. A wave of chills spread along her body as she was covered in goosebumps from head to toe; her core beginning to ache for him, “Relax. I want to enjoy you like this, mi reina.”

It was easier said than done as she laid back and her head began dizzying at his ministrations along her thighs. She stifled some nervous giggles as his facial hair along her skin was a bit ticklish but the way he was slowly approaching her throbbing cunt was making her entire body quake.

He littered her soft flesh with gentle kisses. Surprising her with a few nibbles and swipes of the tongue here and there as he enjoyed her taste. He wanted to ravish her, to show her how stunning he thought she was. Mihawk knew it took a lot of courage to dress up for him like this so he was determined to thank her in the most loving ways possible.

With slow movements, he began to spread her open, putting her scantily clothed core on full display for him. He licked his lips at the sight, causing her to cover her face in sheer embarrassment. She wanted to clamp her thighs shut, but she also wanted him to bury his tongue deep inside her already. He always gave her such mixed feelings during intimacy that made her body quiver and her heart beat at dangerous paces.

As his lips grew closer and closer, he swiped a single digit along the fabric, causing her body to jerk at the sensation. She was so needy for him already, though she would never admit it, so he wasted no time in sliding the lacy underwear to the side. That same curious finger trailed around her core, encircling around her most sensitive areas. Breathy moans escaped her lips as her nails dug into the armrests.

He made use of his right shoulder and opposite hand to keep her wide open for him while he slid his finger into her slick heat, creeping further in until he was knuckle deep. She bit her lip to stifle a loud moan as he began pumping in and out of her at a steady pace. He eyed up at her with curious glances, loving every reaction she was giving him, but he was eager to make her come completely undone. Another digit was soon added, and he could feel her thighs shaking, begging to close together. He kept her spread however, and as his pace remained steady, he brought his face into her core to lick at her clit.

“Mihawk!” She exclaimed his name over and over in loving praises as her head threw back against the chair. His tongue toyed with her sensitive nub, circling it, and sucking it. His two fingers were beginning to pump faster, slightly curling upwards with each exit to tease her special area.  

The penetration of his fingers was sporadic now as he pumped into her core with haste, never ceasing his attacks on her clit. The knot in her stomach was tightening by the second and she could feel herself on the cusp of release until he retreated his fingers from her completely. She gasped at the lack of contact, until he replaced his fingers with his face, tongue diving deep into her cavern. His tongue picked up the pace as he explored every inch of her, his soaked fingers making way to rub at her clit once again.

He lost control of her thighs now as they slipped from his grasp to tighten around his head. Mihawk moaned against her pussy as he enjoyed being trapped between her legs; he wanted nothing more than to live between those beautiful thighs. Her nails scratched desperately at his scalp while she pulled at his hair, toes curling rapidly as ecstasy was near. Tingles lit up her body, beginning from her toes and spreading upwards, and her body stiffened in anticipation. Sultry golden orbs looked up at her contorted face; an alluring signal to let go.

Her body jolted as she came hard against his lips, endearments and praises spilling from her mouth effortlessly. Mihawk lapped up her juices with pride and adoration, making sure to not waste a single drip. He watched her with amusement as her body went limp against his chair, the high making her glow even more beautifully than before, making him realize that he wasn’t done with her quite yet. It was their anniversary after all, and he needed to show her just how much he loved her.

He helped lift her body from the chair, pulling her into his lap on the floor in front of the fireplace. She smiled sweetly at him as he held her, admiring the glow of the fireplace on her skin.

“So, I guess you like it?” She questioned. He chuckled lightly, placing tender kisses along her flushed neck.

“Very much so. Where did you get it?”

Puzzled, she studied him, “You picked this out remember? The island we were at last week? You pointed it out to me as we were walking through town.”

He hummed, hardly paying attention any longer as he wanted to continue loving her, “How could I remember something so specific? I’ve imagined you in plenty of things like this before.”

Her cheeks burned bright at his confession and she buried her face into the crook of his neck, attempting to hide her embarrassment, “Mihawk…” She was a fool to worry about this all along.

“Eres el amor de mi vida.” A small smile graced his lips as he gently tucked strands of hair behind her ear. Mihawk kissed her sweetly while running his hands along the fabric, “Thank you for the anniversary gift. Allow me to give you mine.” Embarrassed as she was, she couldn’t possibly say no to the idea of the two making sweet, passionate love together by the fireplace. She’d be sure to buy something even better to wear for their next anniversary.

[befitnesshub1]

Dog Breeds with Low Separation Anxiety

By choosing the ideal dog breeds with low separation anxiety from the start, your dog will be quite comfortable being separate, drinking water, walking around the apartment, and studying birds out the window while you’re gone.

Most working and hunting dogs, German Shepherds, Border Collies, and Golden Retrievers are not suited for the life of those who work all day.

Most people make unwise decisions regarding the dog breeds they make for a pet.  If you work all day but want to wish to keep the right dog, you need to choose the breed carefully and dedicate your time.

When you are at work, someone is waiting at home because you left him alone without companionship or social interaction. That someone is a social animal that needs your attention.

They’ll become destructive from anxiety or boredom or be barking all day long because of lack of stimulation.

5 Dog Breeds That Can Be Left Alone

Here are some dogs breeds that could stay independent and need low-maintenance and are excellent house dogs.

Maltese

Lhasa Apso

Peekapoo

French Bulldog

Labradoodle

Maltese Separation Anxiety

Maltese is a small house dog having traits of mellow. This little slacker is willing to sleep the majority of the day on the back of the sofa while waiting for his or her family to come home.

A Maltese isn’t likely to tear your house up out of boredom and is not expected to need long walks like some dog breeds. He or she will enjoy your company and will also need to be brushed carefully every evening because their long hair will mat if not combed.

If you’re not willing to groom yourself, take your dog to the groomer for a “puppy cut” (a short, even haircut) and brush him or her if they’re resting on your lap every evening.

He or she is good with cats. If you are looking for a puppy to keep your cat company through the day, the Maltese is an excellent choice.

Naturally, they’re dogs who cannot imagine life without their people. They are displeased when left alone for extended amounts of time.  They can suffer from separation anxiety and also become destructive if necessary, to get a long time. Your dog may start to act unusual when he hooks on that you are about to leave.

Website:https://befitnesshub.com/dog-breeds-with-low-separation-anxiety/

Peekapoo Separation Anxiety

Peekapoos are naturally suspicious of strangers, and new houseguest must earn their trust. The Peekapoo should live in a home with air conditioning since he can drop quickly to heat exhaustion.  He should not live outdoors or be left unsupervised outside.

A Peekapoo has to be socialized to many different people and stimulation to be the well-rounded and affectionate dog he can easily be.

Proper exercise is a need; expect at least one walk and a fantastic play session in the yard each day. They does not extend his affections to strangers; he is suspicious of them, and they need to earn his trust.

The Peekapoo generally gets along with everyone in his family.  He does well with older, more considerate children, and he must be socialized and raised with children to accept them.  He works well with other dogs and pets, but he needs to be raised with them and properly socialized again.

Peekapoos are fearless dogs that can be overly protective of their beloved humans.  Apart from realizing how much they care about their loved ones, you will have a good laugh when they attempt to defend you from a much larger dog or even human.  But don’t let their size fool you.  They are excellent watchdogs that will warn you whenever they see or hear something suspicious.

Unlike the other strains on our list, the Peekapoo is the least tolerant when left home alone, but it doesn’t mean he can not adapt to a busy household.  Naturally, that requires patience and time, but it will be easier to get a Peekapoo to accept that you need to go to work than for most other breeds.

Lhasa Apso Separation Anxiety

The Lhasa Apso is a dream come true in terms of personality.  This little puppy is so sweet and loving, and he is one that is quite affectionate.  He’s gentle and patient, though he does have a playful side that comes out from time to time.  He is a comfortable dog to train since it’s a breed which listens very well.

The Lhasa Apso is a small dog breeds with low separation anxiety who tends to act a lot larger than they are. You will find a fluffy lap dog.  Get to know this breed in detail, and you will see Lhasa Apsos proudly securing their home safe and sound.

When it comes to what breed of dog can be left alone during the day, he or she will probably gently stand guard until you are back — instead of getting bored and tearing things apart as other breeds do.

Lhasa Apso is independent, which means these dogs won’t mind being left alone while you are at work during the day.

Lhasa Apsos are great with children, family and other dogs.  They are sturdy and flexible to do well in almost home size, family type or climate. The Lhasa Apso trains well when a motivational technique utilizes to promotes positive behavior.

Labradoodle Separation Anxiety

Here are some of my tips about dealing with separation anxiety in Labradoodles and methods that greatly helped me throughout the years.

Labradoodles are a lively, energetic specie and need lots of training and socialization from an early age.  Bad behavior can sometimes be confused for separation anxiety, so it is essential to watch for the signs as both can cause destructive behavior, especially when the Labradoodle is still a puppy.

It is not surprising for a puppy to bond with one person in a household, mainly if there are no other dogs to play with.  Symptoms of anxiety can manifest when that person leaves the house or even moves to another room.

Some signs of separation anxiety in Labradoodles are unnecessary barking, self-licking, shivering, and biting off his legs and frequent urination.

Moreover, the Labradoodles gets along well with children and others. He is not a dog breeds with low separation anxiety; you should worry about being unfavorable.

What Dogs do when you’re Not Home?

Sleep:

The average dog sleeps for approximately 14 hours a day (including at night), but young dogs and elders sleep much more.  Dogs will also sleep longer during the day if exercised in the morning.

Examine the home:

There might be new smells in the kitchen, other animals running through the lawn or recognizable objects found in slightly different surroundings.  If your dog is lucky enough to have a doggy door, he or she can sit outside and watch the birds or listen to the noise of traffic.

Eat:

Water must always be left out when you are out; not all owners decide to leave out food to their dog. Free feeding choice can result in many problems, including obesity and laziness.  A better idea is to leave some toys full of snacks (like peanut butter) and stashed everywhere in the house.  After the dog bored, they can walk around and hunt for the snacks.

Play:

Your dog will engage with things around the home and find ways to pass their time.  They may find a favorite toy or chase another animal household member like a cat or another canine mate.

Watch the house:

Not all animals suited to do this. Some are more likely to wake up and observe any suspicious sound.  Others, like the Whippet, may wake up and hide.

Website:https://befitnesshub.com/dog-breeds-with-low-separation-anxiety/

What dog has the least separation anxiety?

Others dogs seem anxious or depressed when their guardians are not present at home. Some try to stop their guardians from leaving.

Usually, after a guardian goes, the dog will start barking and displaying other distress behaviors in a short time after being left alone often within minutes.  After the guardian returns home, the dog behaves as it’s have been years since he saw his mom or dad!

When treating dog breeds with low separation anxiety, the purpose is to resolve the dog’s underlying anxiety by teaching him to enjoy being left alone or at least tolerate.

This is accomplish by setting things up so that the dog encounters the situation that begins his anxiety, namely being alone, without experiencing fear or stress.

[fanfictionaries]

Love and Academia Ch. 7 - Date Night and David Bowie

Pairing: AU Professor!Bucky x OFC

Warnings: Swearing, smut, NSFW/18+ only, mentions of death/violence/suicide, Angst

Author’s note: A bit of moody conflicted Bucky? Check, check, and check! Some nice Bucky/Emily interaction? Check, check, and check! 

And as always, I do not currently have a beta reader so please excuse any larger issues. It’s just little ol’ me!

***

The phone rang. Ring after ring after ring after ring. The sharp tone assaulting Bucky’s ears. It was funny, how a sound that once filled him with excitement, the promise of a voice on the other end, now left him feeling empty and expectedly disappointed.

“Hi! You’ve reached Diane. Sorry I’m not here right now but leave a message and I’ll get back to you.”

The beep of the answering machine rang through and Bucky found himself doing something that he hadn’t bothered doing for a while. He left a message.

“Hey, Diane. You know, you really should change your message since we both know you’re the worst at calling people back,” Bucky laughed the humor in the memory of her poor communication skills momentarily filling his mind, before evaporating into thin air and leaving only the silence on the other end. “Look, I know you won’t call me back. Won’t even listen to this, but I have…things are just really hard without you here. I know we talked about this and I know that if things had gone differently that you’d be here with me, but it’s been hard without you. I understand why you had to stay in Brooklyn, but I…I wish you hadn’t,” Bucky breathed deeply, the air coming in shakily as the weight of her absence laid heavily on his chest. He swallowed, his throat tight and constrained, “Alright. I should probably let you go. Trixie’s been eyeing me all night to take her for a walk and you know how she gets. Alright, um…I love you. You know that. Uh, bye.”

He sighed deeply, looking around the darkening room. The house was a mess and he had absolutely no motivation to fix any of it. Sure, he kept it clean, but what use was a clean house when it was falling apart under every sweep of a broom and pass of a duster? The walls needed to be repainted. The floors needed to be refinished. The floorboard needed to be repaired in some places and light switches needed to be replaced. There was a leak in the basement. The showers needed to be recaulked. The stove was disgustingly outdated. And of course, there was the giant hole in the middle of the staircase. A cold, wet nose on the side of his hand brought his attention back to the present and away from the looming pressure of the house and all it represented.

“Okay. Okay. I hear ya,” Bucky grumbled, standing up from the couch before grabbing Trixie’s leash from the hook near the front door. He attached it to her collar, earning him a kiss on the back of the hand. Smiling, he patted her on the top of the head and grabbed a roll of ecofriendly poop bags. The door slammed behind him as he stepped out onto the porch. He didn’t bother locking the door. Let them take whatever they wanted. There wasn’t really anything to steal aside from the TV anyway. Everything of value he and Diane had ever owned was back in Brooklyn. Back with her.

The sun was beginning to set, the deep streaks of oranges and reds painting the sky in a swirling watercolor of light. The air held an unfamiliar freshness; a slight breeze cooled the warm late summer night. It was quiet. Only the faint sound of passing cars in the distance filled his ears. Bucky hated to admit it, but small-town suburban life wasn’t as bad as he thought it would be. The small town of Pocatello didn’t hold the same cramped, claustrophobic feeling the city did. People were friendly here. They said hello when they passed you on the street. They started conversations at the grocery store, the car wash, the dentist’s office. Even his coworkers possessed the same level of open candidness and comradery. So far, his barbeque invite count was up to three and he’d only met them all a week ago. It had taken nearly two years at his last position for him to grab lunch with his coworkers. That level of human connection never struck Bucky as something he needed. However, the more he received it, the more he seemed to crave it like a drug. It felt nice to feel included. Staying out of his head was easier done when people acted as constant distractions.

He wandered the street a few blocks, stopping when Trixie did to sniff a particularly interesting tree. Glancing to his left, his eyes fell upon a little white house across the street. Bright light streaming from the living room window illuminated the yard in front of it and framed the scene inside. Three children, clad in brightly colored pajamas ran rampant through the room, jumping and, he could only assume, screaming as they chased each other. A golden retriever followed behind the youngest’s heel, tongue out and tail wagging. They circled the couch, smiles wide across their little chubby faces. The eldest couldn’t have been more than five, boldly and confidently leading the younger two as she climbed onto the couch and began to jump on the cushions. The younger two, a boy and girl followed suit, jumping gleefully. However, their fun was short lived. Coming into the room, a man in his thirties grabbed the eldest around the middle and lifted her into air, before sitting down onto the couch and pulling her onto his lap. In seconds, he was covered by the other two. The joy in the man’s eyes made Bucky’s chest clench. That was supposed to be him. In another life it might have been. Now, the chances of it ever happening felt slim to none.

From his side, he heard Trixie let out a small bark. He paid her no mind as he continued to stare at the family through their open window. Trixie let out another, louder bark and his arm jerked to the side. Her leash slipped from his grasp, drawing his attention back in her direction to see the black and white collie bolting down the street in the direction of a person. Once his mind registered what was going on, Bucky took off after Trixie, his feet pounding on the pavement trying to catch his dog before she got to whoever she had beelined for. He watched the thin figure, that he could now distinguish as a young woman, pull back slightly as Trixie approached her and then squat down to greet her. A mop of long blonde hair hung low, almost to the ground as she cuddled the dog.

“Sorry! She doesn’t usually run away like that,” apologized Bucky as he reached them. “I hope she didn’t—”

His words were lost when the young woman whipped her head up, surprise written across her face. Of all the people it could be.

“Oh. Miss Colvert. Hi.”

“Dr. Barnes, um hi.”

The silence was palpable as Bucky and Emily stared at each other, neither knowing what to say. As if sensing the tension, Trixie yipped before tackling Emily and licking her face. Bucky panicked, afraid that Emily would put ‘attacked by his dog’ on the long list of grievances he had caused her.

“Oh my god. No—”

Again, the words were lost from him as the soft lilt of Emily’s laughter filled his ears. The young blonde gladly and opening accepted the love from his dog, scratching behind her ears and continuing to laugh as she shifted her face left and right, trying to avoid any direct contact of tongue to mouth. Wrapping her arms around the dog’s neck, she sat up and shifted to the side, briefly hugging Trixie, her small hands digging into the long shaggy coat.

“She’s absolutely fine. She just wanted some cuddles—” Emily pulled back cupping Trixie’s face in her hands before speaking to her directly “—didn’t you girl? Yea. Yes, you did!”

Trixie’s tail wagged a thousand miles a minute as she stared into Emily’s chocolate brown eyes. Bucky couldn’t help but let a little smile slip across his face as he watched Emily croon over Trixie. It had been a while since the border collie had been in such high spirits. It was nice to see her taking to someone so quickly and looking so happy. Bucky crouched down next to the two of them, grabbing ahold of Trixie’s leash once more and scratching behind her ears.

“She really likes you.” He tried to make his voice seem light. The last thing he wanted to do was upset the poor girl. He probably seemed like such an ass at this point. Ever since his outburst earlier that day he had felt awful. Bucky didn’t want to say that it had been a reaction born out of jealousy, but really there was nothing else he could call it. He’d taken one look at the tall, muscular man wrapped around his graduate student and something inside of him had snapped. A twisting in his gut that turned his mood 180. A stupid, primal, monkey-brain reaction. To her, he probably seemed like the sleaziest guy in the world. A married man that picks her up at a bar, leaves her half-naked in an alleyway, accuses her of stalking him, and then gets jealous when he sees her with another man? What a psycho.

“That’s because she has good taste. Isn’t that right—” Emily paused, looking to Bucky, “What’s her name?”

“Trixie.”

Bucky watched a string of emotions cross Emily’s face. First surprise, then confusion, and finally embarrassment?

“Trixie? I thought…” she pulled her bottom lip in between her teeth and he could just make out the faint hint of a blush on her face in the fading daylight.

“What?” asked Bucky, tilting his head at her.

“Nothing,” she laughed, standing and shaking her head.

Bucky stood too, still looking at the soft lines of Emily’s face as his mind tried to piece together her reaction. As if deciding in that moment that she was bored with the situation, Trixie headed in the direction they had originally been going, pulling Bucky with her. Emily followed, smiling down at the dog. They continued down the street, allowing Trixie to lead the way as she sniffed and marked her territory. It was a few minutes later that Bucky realized that he and Emily were just…walking together. No tension. No cold shoulder. No biting edges. Just walking. It was nice. However, when he glanced over at her, he found her expression to be far from tranquil. She seemed sad. A little forlorn. A little lost. A little familiar.

“Do you have any pets?” he asked, hoping that conversation would bring back the light-hearted smile and laughter that Trixie had produced a few minutes before.  

“No, my building doesn’t allow animals much bigger than a fish,” Emily said, staring down at her hands.

“Not a fan of fish then?”

“Not really, but…” Emily nose scrunched in thought as she spoke, words trailing off, hesitation in her voice.

“But, what?” Bucky smiled, glancing over at her as they stilled for a moment to let Trixie inspect a fire hydrant.  

Emily continued to play with her hands. Avoiding eye contact with him as she seemed to be battling something inside of herself.

“What is this?” asked Emily finally, looking up at him and staring directly into his eyes. The question was blunt. Desperate almost.

“What’s what?” Bucky asked in confusion.

“This. This whole, twenty questions thing. I just—”

“Hey,” Bucky cut her off, holding his hands up in defense. “Look, I know we started off on the wrong foot. But, I promise, there’s no ulterior motive here. You’re my graduate student. We’re going to be spending a lot of time together this year and I want you—I want us to feel comfortable around each other. For no other reason than for the year to just go a bit smoother for both of us.”

There. He had said it. Well, he had kind of said it. He didn’t think for a second that it was lost on either of them – the fact that he had managed to bring up their past without really bringing up their past. But still, the cards were on the table and now, it was her turn to decide. He waited as Emily appeared to chew on his words, letting them ruminate.

“But…I’ve always wanted an axolotl,” Emily said, beginning to walk again. Her answer to his first question, really an answer to his second. She was willing to make an effort to bridge the gap. This was good.

Bucky sighed in relief, following after her and easily falling into step, “An axolotl? Really?”

“Yea, this girl I knew growing up used to have one. She named him Buzz, but I always thought he looked more like a Ziggy.”

“Ziggy? As in—”

“Ziggy Stardust, yea. My mom was a big David Bowie fan. Guess it rubbed off on me a bit,” said Emily with a small smile.

“Well your mom has good taste. Where does she live?”

“She’s um, she’s dead.”

He was an idiot. Two seconds into their new semi-friendly conversation and he managed to bring up her dead mother.

“Oh, I’m so sorry Emily I—”  

“It’s fine. You’re fine. It was a long time ago,” Emily assured him before continuing, “After she passed, I used to go over a lot to see, Ziggy, and I’d just sit and watch her float. I’d think of my mom and, I don’t know, it…”

“Helped?” Bucky finished for her. Emily nodded, looking up at him with a small smile, a glint of surprise in her eye.

“Sorry. Wow. I did not mean to spring the whole dead mom thing on you,” she laughed before turning to him in excitement, her tone light and casual “I have a question!”

“Shoot.”

“Your accent,” Emily responded.

“My accent?” Bucky questioned, raising an eyebrow at her.

“Yea, your accent.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about. I don’t have an accent,” Bucky teased her. He knew full well he had an accent. He got it all the time in Boston and even more since he’d moved to the Midwest.

Emily laughed, his heart lightening at the sound and swelling with pride that he had managed to finally lift her spirits. “Don’t lie. You totally have an east coast accent. I can hear it in your A’s and E’s and the way you drop your R’s”

“Oooohh that accent,” Bucky said in mock realization.

“Yea, that accent,” Emily teased back.

“Brooklyn.”

“Really?”

“Born and raised,” Bucky admitted. Stopping when he realized that they had ended up in front of his house. Emily stopped as well, spinning to stand in front of him, her hands placed casually in the pockets of her light coat.

“Idaho must be a big change for you then. What’s been the hardest part?”

Not having Diane.

“Honestly? The elevation. I’ve never felt more out of shape in my life,” said Bucky exasperatedly, trying to ignore the nagging voice in the back of his head.

“I’d like to say you’ll get used to it, but I’ve been here almost four years and I’m still out of breath by the time I get to the top of the stairs to my apartment. Or at least, I keep telling myself it’s the elevation,” joke Emily, pulling a face at her own expense.

“Well I run every morning with Trixie, you’re more than welcome to join us. Might help with the uh, elevation.”

“I think I’d rather keep lying to myself.”

Their laughter filled the air around them, falling into a soft comfortable silence as the wind blew around them. Golden strands whipped through the air and guilt washed over Bucky as his thoughts strayed for a second in just how beautiful she looked in the setting summer sun. Clearing his throat, he turned to the house behind him, windows dark and curtains drawn.

“Well, um, this is me,” said Bucky.

Emily frowned in the direction of his house, “Looks awfully dark in there. No one waiting up for you tonight?”

The question struck Bucky as odd, but he answered it all the same, “No one to wait up for me. Just me and Trixie, huh girl?” He looked down, patting Trixie on the head as a way to ground himself, trying not to focus on the sadness that washed over him at his statement. No. There was no one waiting for him at home.

“Oh—” a mixture of confusion and sadness etched across Emily’s face “—well, this was nice. I’ll see you on Monday.” Emily turned, beginning to head down the street.

“Wait!” Bucky called out at her retreating figure. “It’s pretty dark. Do you want me to walk you home?”

“Oh no, I’ll be fine. I live pretty close to here actually,” said Emily, turning, an appreciative grin spread across her face.

“Are you sure? You never know when an axe murderer might be lurking around,” Bucky joked, earning him a light laugh from Emily, the sound like bells chiming through the air.

“You’re not in the big city anymore, Mister Brooklyn. Axe murders are limited around these parts.” Bucky smiled at the nickname and the way the gentle teasing came so naturally from her lips. No, he certainly wasn’t in the big city anymore.

“Well, I can’t in good conscience let you walk home without knowing you’re safe. Why don’t you take my number and text me when you get home?”

Emily took a moment to ponder his offer and then nodded in agreement, pulling her phone from her pocket and handing it to him. Bucky created a new contact, punched in his number and gave the phone back to her.

“Alright, I’ll text you,” said Emily, turning back around and heading down the street. Bucky waved, watching her retreating figure until it disappeared around the corner. Turning back towards the red brick Victorian, he felt conflicted. A lightness filled his chest. A sense of relief and ease that he hadn’t felt in months. Was it because of Emily? Was it simply relief that she appeared to no longer hate him? That she felt comfortable enough around him to joke and even open up? Or was it the way her laughter and smile brightened the space around him? Or the way the sun shined through her hair, illuminating it like strands of gold? A heaviness fell back onto his chest, crushing the weightless feeling almost as quickly as it had come. Diane. Diane was his wife. He loved his wife. But she wasn’t there. She had been the one to tell him to let go. To move on. To move to a different state and forget about her. So, he shouldn’t feel guilty. Right? Not to mention, Emily was his graduate student. Nothing would ever happen with her now. Nothing could ever happen with her again. So, there was nothing to feel guilty about. Right?

It was fifteen minutes later, when Bucky found himself already curled up in bed, that his phone buzzed from the bedside table.

Unknown Number:

Made it home safe and sound. The axe murderers will have to try harder next time.

The smile that broke across his face was uncontrollable. Fuck. He shouldn’t feel guilty, right?

Marvel Taglist: 

@caffiend-queen

@hidden-behind-the-fourth-wall

@theavengersandme (I saw you recently read through the first 6 chapters - thought you might like to know that the newest chapter is up? Let me know if this is totally off base!) 

[drakexwillow]

One Long Summer

Chapter 2

Pairing: Drake Walker x Willow (OC) Maxwell Beaumont x Sophie (OC)

Warnings for the series: Smut, Swearing, Drug use, Sexual references. do not read if under 18.

Premise for the series: This will an AU following Drake when he leaves Cordonia to go to Texas for a year, instead of college he decides to get a job and just live a simple life with Maxwell joining him to also get away from court.

A/N: Okay this is my first ever series, i’ve decided to make the jump and just go for it so it might be abit rough around the edges. Let me know if you want on or off the tag list at any point

Tags: @burnsoslow @i-bloody-love-drake-walker @lyndsaycdrake1111 @furryperfectionlover @tinypenguincheesemachine  @janezillow  @of-course-i-went-to-hartfeld  @msjr0119 @jlynn12273

Chapter one here if you need to catch up.

Drake was roused from his sleep when his alarm on his phone went off. Groaning her rolled over shutting it off before burying his head back into his pillow. His head was pounding and his mouth was dry, silently thanking himself for remembering to leave some aspirin and a glass of water on his bedside table. He popped a pill into his mouth before downing the glass of water. He dragged himself out of bed and hopped into the shower, hoping it would help him feel more awake. He swiveled the handle letting the water run before he climbed in, he stood as the water cascaded over his body. Once satisfied he climbed out, grabbing a towel and drying himself before throwing on his work clothes and boots and making his way to the living room in search of coffee.

Drake wondered into the living room finding Max sitting cross legged on the couch wrapped in a blanket, eating cold pizza from the night before and engrossed with the cartoons on the TV. He chuckled taking in Max’s disheveled appearance “you look like shit” 

Max groaned as he rubbed his hand over his face “I think i’m dying”  

Drake made his way to the kitchen, grabbing two mugs from the cupboard and pouring coffee into each of them “i thought you’d be used to a hangover by now”

“I’m never drinking again”

Drake snorted as he walked over handing him one of the mugs “We both know that’s a lie”

Max nodded “yeah” he took a sip of coffee while side eyeing Drake “Sooo...you and Willow looked like you got along last night”

Drake shrugged “just being friendly” taking a swig of his own drink and thumbing at his phone.

“so friendly that you kissed” Max waggled his eyebrows as he nudged Drake’s shoulder with his own.

Drake glanced at Max before looking back down at his phone.

“Drake and Willow sitting in a tree K-I-S-S” 

“Okay” Drake interrupted standing from the couch putting his phone in his pocket “i preferred it when you were dying”

 “Hey!” Max shouted “take that back”

Drake chuckled as he walked over to retrieve his keys from the bowl by the door “I’ll be back at 5″

“Are we watching the game tonight?”

“sure” Drake called over his shoulder as he left the apartment.

*********************************************

Willow’s eyes snapped open as she felt the covers being pulled off of her “5 more minutes” she groaned pawing at the blanket desperately trying to pull it back over her head.

Sophie stood, arms crossed over her chest “Willow get your ass out of bed it’s nearly noon”

Willow sat up rubbing the sleep from her eye’s “fine i’m up, happy now?”

Sophie cocked an eyebrow “sitting up doesn't count as getting out of bed and I've come to help you unpack your stuff”

Willow eyed the boxes around the room full of her things. She’d been back a few days and still hadn't unpacked not wanting the memories of the past 3 months to flood her mind. She sighed as she rubbed a hand down her face “Alright i just need to get this over with”

Sophie sat down on the bed placing a reassuring hand on Willow’s arm “Look i know it hard but the sooner it’s done the sooner you can forget about it”

Willow slowly nodded her head “I know”

Sophie pulled her into a hug “It’s good to have you back Lo, i missed you”

Willow pulled her tighter “i missed you too”

***************************

Drake was finishing up his work on the ranch for the day. Walking around the stables making sure all the horses were secure. he left the stables pulling the gate closed and securing the padlock around it. He slid both his hands into his pockets and began walking up the dirt path back towards the ranch. He paused as he looked at over the field's and rolling hills in front of him, the sun peaking over then casting a golden glow. Drake as startled when he heard a voice behind him “Beautiful isn't it?” He turned to see Willow sitting under a tree leaning against it, a sketch book on her lap and various pencils laid on the floor beside her. Drake looked back at the view as he nodded “sure is” he turned making his way towards her “I’m surprised to see you out here” Willow twirled the pencil in her fingers “trying to find inspiration”

Drake sat down beside her as he glanced down at the drawing on her sketch pad “you like drawing?”

“yeah, i’m a bit rusty i haven't drawn anything since I've been back”

“Mind if i take a look” Drake gestured towards her sketch pad. She nodded him handing him the book. she shifted pulling her knees up to her chest and rested her head on her knees as she watched him. Drake turned the pages looking through the drawings. All of them of different landscapes, forests, rivers, lakes and various other locations. Some had pictures taped to the opposite page he guessed used for reference “these are really good”

“you think so?”

“Yeah” Drake nodded “have you been to these places?”

“Most of them, i traveled for 3 months.Took a lot of pictures and decided to draw the ones i liked” Willow shrugged

“i think this ones my favorite” Drake pointed to the drawing on the page. Willow shifted to look over at the book, a smile tugging at her lips “Mine too and lucky for you i can actually take you there” she stood picking up her pencils and took the sketch book from Drakes lap “come on” Willow held out her hand to help Drake up. He took her hand and he got up onto his feet. He followed her to the ranch, just as they reached the steps she turned towards him “wait here i’m just going to put these inside” she motioned to her pad. Drake waited as Willow ducked inside the ranch and then appeared moments later. She lead him round the back of the ranch and to a wooded area, she held out her hand “take my hand it will be easier to get through” Drake placed his hand in hers as they weaved there way through trees and bushes until they came to a clearing. She lead him just short of a little cliff edge and dropped his hand, she sat down with her legs dangling over the edge and patted the space next to her. Drake complied and sat down mimicking her position, He looked out taking in the few. Not far down from the little drop was a lake that sat in the middle of a wooded area, as the trees encircled the lake. the sun shone through the trees causing the water bellow to sparkle in the light. It was quite and peaceful, the only sound to be heard where the birds singing. “This is beautiful i didn't even know it was here”

Willow smiled as she scanned the lake “Most people don’t venture past the trees that’s why” 

“So how do you know it’s here”

Willow sighed “My mom used to bring me here all the time as a kid. every night we would sit out here and talk or just enjoy each others company away from everything. Once she died i used to come out here when i need to think  or draw or just be away from everything when it all got too much. i haven't told anyone about it, it’s always been my own little safe place.”

Drake smiled as Willow slowly swung her legs back and forth over the edge “i’m surprised Sophie doesn't know about this seen as its part of her ranch”

Willow shook her head “It’s not, it’s my families ranch Sophie was just looking after it while i was away”

A comfortable silence fell over them as they both took in the scenery. Drake turned hie attention to Willow allowing himself to drink in the sight of her. Her hair was tied up in a loose messy bun. The way the light hit her caused the gold flecks in her brown eyes to shine. He loved the freckles that were scattered across her nose and sprawled down onto her cheeks. Willow turned to look at him, blushing under his gaze, she grinned caused to deep dimples to appear either side of her face “what?”

Drake shook his head not able to hide the smile on his face “Nothing just...thank you for bringing me up here”

Willow grabbed Drakes hand and squeezed it “I know we only met last night but i like you Drake, Sophie’s told me a lot about you”  

Drake watched as her eyes flitted to his mouth and back up to meet his gaze, he licked his lips in anticipation as she started to lean towards him. There faces were inches apart when Drake’s phone began to ring, he sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck, he fished his phone out of his pocket to see Max’s name flash across the screen. Willow giggled as Drake rolled his eyes as he answered the call

“What is it Max”

“Drake the game starts in 5 minutes you were meant to be back an hour ago!”

Drake could see Willow Biting back laughter as he smirked at her “yeh sorry i got caught up i’ll head back now”

“Make sure you bring food”

Drake chuckled “okay i will” he ended the call and slide his phone into his pocket. Willow playfully nudged his shoulder “i didn't realize you had a curfew ill keep that in mind next time” Drake laughed as he rose to his feet, offering out his hand to Willow “come on I better head back he’ll only keep calling me otherwise”

the pair walked back to the ranch hand in hand, as they reach the steps to the porch Willow turned to look at him offering him a smile “i guess i’ll see you round”

Drake nodded “i’m sure you will” Willow stood on her tiptoes and placed a kiss onto his cheek, she turned and headed up to the front door as she reached it she turned and gave him a small wave which he returned. As she diapered through the door Drake headed towards his truck, a smile plastered on his face as he rubbed his cheek.

[justlightlysedated]

a little something to make me sweeter

for @roswellnewmexicoweek , written for the fic prompt, not just sugar and spice

a D.E.B.S. au

The alarm sounds loud and insistent, flashing bright red in all of the rooms as Valenti's voice sounds over the intercom yelling at them all to wake up.

Rosa looks up at the ceiling and wonders why she puts herself through this.

Liz snuggles up closer to Max, wrinkling her nose at the alarm, but not waking up.

Maria is already awake fielding calls from Chad while getting dressed.

"It's not you," she lies. "It's me. I don't love you, okay?"

"Who says that we have to be in love," Chad says, sounding incredulous. "We're the Golden Couple. You can't break up with me two weeks before Endgame. How am I supposed to find another date in time?"

Maria rolls her eyes and hangs up the phone.

She slips her handgun into her thigh holster and tugs against the hem of her plaid skirt a little making a face in the mirror before she walks out of the door and opens Rosa's bedroom door.

"Good," she says when she sees Rosa sitting on the edge of her bed, a sketchbook in her lap as. "You're up. Valenti wants us to meet her at the Crashdown in twenty."

Rosa throws herself back on the bed and covers her face with her pillow before she screams.

Maria rolls her eyes and goes to wake up Liz.

She opens Liz’s door and rolls her eyes at the Max shaped lump beneath the covers. 

“Liz!” she yells and Liz jumps, and falls out of the bed taking the sheets with her. “Crashdown! Twenty minutes!”

She closes the door, counts to five and then opens it again, “And no Maxes allowed after curfew, you know this.”

Liz throws a pillow at the door.

Maria walks downstairs and picks up the landline with the light flashing red that is connected to the alarm and puts the phone up to her ear as the alarm cuts out immediately.

"We're on our way, ma'am," she says and is answered by a dial tone.

Maria rolls her eyes and sets the phone down, only for her watch to start beeping.

She rolls her eyes even harder and presses the button.

“Babe,” Chad says. “Listen, let’s just stay together until after Endgame, and then we can go our separate ways.”

Maria hums, “Let me think about that. No, thanks.”

She lets the button go and looks up as Liz walks into the room placing her gun into her holster.

She looks up at Maria mouth open to speak when there is a knock on the door.

Liz answers the door since she's closest and rolls her eyes as Agent Guerin walks in through the door.

"Good morning," he says, and reaches for one of the fake apples in the centerpiece of the living room before frowning when he sees that it's fake. "I've been sent to retrieve you."

"We're working with the CIA on this?" Maria asks taking the apple from Guerin and setting it back down.

"It's a surprise," he says winking, before he yells. "Rosa, lets go!"

"You're not my dad, Guerin!" 

"Who here made a promise to Mr. Ortecho-?" he starts and Rosa just rolls her eyes and walks out the door.

Michael follows after her, hooking his arm through Liz and looking back at Maria.

"Come on, DeLuca, you don't want to be late for this meeting."

Maria scoffs but follows after them.

Michael gets them to the Crashdown with five minutes to spare, a slightly manic smile on his face as all the lights on their way turned green even at impossible times.

Maria leads the group into the diner, and to the booth where Valenti is already seated at with a cup of coffee in front of her.

Maria slides into the seat beside her and Guerin and Rosa and Liz pile up on the other side.

Valenti wastes no time in getting the meeting started, pressing a button against the wall right next to the salt and pepper shakers that creates a privacy bubble around their table before pulling her phone from her breast pocket and pulling up the monitor for them all to see.

“Let’s get his started shall we.”

The monitor stays black for a second before a picture flashes to life and Maria gasps.

“Jenna Cameron has been spotted in the country for the first time in over three years,” she says switching the picture on screen to a recent one showing Jenna in winter gear, getting off a plane, with her trusty sidekick who never leaves her side, Alex Manes.

“We don’t know why she’s back, but we do know that she’s been looking into several different candidates to replace the assassin turned traitor that almost decimated her entire crime syndicate before she went underground. This tells us that she’s planning something big. And we need to figure out a way to stop it.”

Maria licks her lips and turns to Valenti, opening her mouth to speak, but she’s cut off by Rosa.

“What’s so important about her anyway?” she asks looking unimpressed. “She doesn’t look like a big bad scary super villain to be honest, why is it so difficult to capture her?”

Michael accidentally knocks over the salt shaker, coughing a little, and Maria raises an eyebrow at Rosa.

“This was covered in class three weeks ago,” Liz says turning to her sister. “She’s ruthless and isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty. Not only is her right hand man, Alex Manes former airman turned traitor-”

Michael accidentally knocks over a glass of water, cutting off the rest of Liz’s sentence as she gasps in shock at the cold and throws him a glare over Rosa’s shoulder.

“Sorry,” Michael says, not sounding sorry at all.

“No one who has ever fought her has lived to tell about it,” Maria finishes for Liz and turns back to Valenti. “Do you think I’ll be able to interview her after we capture her? There are still some spots in my thesis where I could use some direct information.”

Valenti ignores her.

"What we need is a way to figure out where her headquarters are located," Valenti says looking at the monitor with narrowed eyes.

Michael's phone chimes and he tugs it out of his pocket and smiles before answering back.

When he looks up, Valenti is raising her eyebrow at him. "Is that important intel?"

Michael smiles winningly back at her. "Nope, it's just my boyfriend letting me know where he's staying. He just got back from a vacation in Antarctica."

His phone beeps again and he looks back down, "I mean Reykjavík."

“This is serious,” Valenti says, slamming her hand down on the table and making them all look at her. “This isn’t the time to be playing games, or worrying about who you’re dating or who you’re not dating. This woman is a menace to society and she won’t stop until she gets what she wants. And god only knows what that is.”

No one says anything.

“Good,” she says and straightens up. “Now. Our intel suggests that she’s going to make an appearance at Le Venue, a new restaurant in town that caters exclusively to people who want privacy. She’s meeting a former assassin by the name of Isobel Evans, and I want you there running point and figuring out exactly what she wants with her.”

Meanwhile in Jenna Cameron's Evil Lair Headquarters

"What's her name?" Jenna asks, sitting on the arm of Alex's computer chair.

"Isobel Evans and she's a former assassin, who is relocating to the States," Alex replies immediately, typing fast on his keyboard and minimizing a window of what looks like the traffic light database, pulling up her profile. "She even has her own custom made rifle."

Jenna makes a face. "Where did you find her?"

Alex doesn't look at her as he responds, "I asked around and-"

"Michael told you about her didn't he," she says scoffing.

Alex sputters. "It's not like it's a D.E.B. okay? She’s a bonafide assassin. You should see her record."

Jenna gives him a look. "Cancel it."

She pushes off the chair and walks out of the room.

Alex comes running after her. “Give me one good reason.”

“I don’t like blondes,” Jenna says, not turning to him.

She can feel his judgemental stare at her own blonde hair.

“I said, good reason,” he says following Jenna into the planning room.

Jenna doesn’t answer.

“Look,” Alex starts and Jenna groans throwing herself back into one of the chairs, as he looks at her seriously. “You were dumped.”

Jenna scoffs. “I was not-”

“You were dumped,” Alex repeats. “It was brutal. But you took some time off and go do whatever you were doing in Antar-”

He closes his eyes and inhales deeply before giving her a look, “Iceland or whatever, but now it’s time to get back on the saddle.”

Jenna sighs closing her eyes briefly before giving Alex a serious look. “And you think this Isobel is the answer?”

“No,” he answers, leaning against the table. “But it’s not like you have a lot of options when you refuse to date anyone who doesn’t have a record.”

“You try dating someone who doesn’t,” she says, and raises her hand when he opens his mouth. “Michael has a record.”

Alex rolls his eyes. 

“And anyway,” she continues. “I’ve been on dates since, you know. With that drummer from-”

Alex cuts her off. “First of all, we went on a group outing, you both just happened to sit next to each other, and you pretended to have food poisoning and left before the appetizers got there.”

Jenna makes a face at him, and Alex just rolls his eyes even harder.

“You’re going. I already made reservations. You’ll have fun. And if you don’t. Then at least you’ll have actually done something about it instead of letting a Chad win.”

Jenna gives Alex a look and shakes her head before she sighs. “Fine, but then you’ll stop bugging me about this. Just because you’re in love doesn’t mean-”

Alex pushes away from the table and heads out of the room.

Jenna just drops her head on the table once, before lifting her head and doing it again for good measure.

Time Skip to That Night

They’re all set up in the restaurant. Maria is the bartender in the middle of the room, and she has Isobel Evan's directly in sight. Liz is at the front of restaurant playing hostess, while Rosa is waiting the tables and has already taken Isobel’s order. Guerin is outside in the van monitoring the feeds.

“Incoming,” he says, at the same time that Maria’s phone rings.

She sighs. “Chad,” she answers. “Now is not the time-”

“I’m coming to you right now, we have to talk.”

“Don’t,” Maria hisses. “I’m in the middle of a mission-”

“Exactly,” he says. “Jenna Cameron is dangerous-”

“I have a team,” Maria snaps. “And most importantly, I can take care of myself.”

Maria hangs up the phone on Chad before he can say anything else and groans, "Please tell me you have a way to make sure he doesn't actually interrupt our mission."

"Relax," Guerin says through the earpiece. "I have eyes on every entrance. No one is getting in or out without me knowing."

There's the faint sound of someone knocking on the van, but Maria gets distracted by Jenna Cameron as she walks into the room and looks around.

"Wow," Maria says well aware she sounds awed. "Jenna Cameron, she's-"

"What?" Rosa demands when Maria trails.

"Real," Maria finishes swallowing hard. "I never thought I'd ever get to see her in person."

"Well, she's a real person," Liz says. "With a real ID, that I'm scanning into the system, right now-and it's fake."

Liz sighs, and Rosa snorts.

"Obviously," Maria says. "She's a professional."

There is complete silence over the line, broken only by a rustle of clothing and the squeak of the chair Guerin is probably sitting on.

"All I'm saying," Maria continues feeling flustered and like her team is judging her. "Is that she's smart. She'll be covering her tracks. So obviously, she won't be leaving anything as obvious as her own ID for anyone to grab."

"Okay," Rosa says long and mocking. "Now that we've heard the opinion from her biggest fan-"

"I'm not her biggest fan," Maria hisses as Jenna takes a seat across from Isobel. “I just think that she’s fascinating. With her skill set she’d make an excellent candidate to-fuck me.”

“I’m getting that,” Rosa responds, while Liz bursts into giggles, and then she’s heard apologizing to one of the customers.

“That’s not what I meant,” Maria says, and moves from behind the bar. “You go get their orders so we can get an idea of what they’re saying, there’s something I have to take care of.”

She stalks towards where Chad just entered through the kitchen with a group of very obvious agents all wearing their uniforms.

“What the hell, Guerin?” she says and hears a loud thump before Guerin is cursing in her ear. “You said no one could get in here without you knowing.”

“Oops?” Michael says sounding strangely breathless.

Maria ignores him and pushes until she has Chad pressed up against the wall. “What are you doing here?”

“I told you-” he starts looking earnest, and it sends a dozen red flags flying in Maria’s head.

“And I told you I don’t need your protection,” she snaps. “Stop bullshitting me. What are your orders?”

“Capture the fugitive,” he says, face going to it’s usual neutral expression. “And ensure that no civilians are harmed.”

“We are playing the long game here,” Maria hisses. “We can’t just capture her without actual proof that she’s up to something.”

“We don’t need proof,” he states. “Just the arrest.”

“Now,” he continues and pushes Maria back, until he’s able to slide out from where he was pinned to the wall. “If you’re not going to follow that up with a kiss, then I have a fugitive to catch.”

He moves towards his team, and Maria makes a low noise of frustration.

“Status,” she snaps.

“Clear outside,” Michael responds immediately.

“They were talking about Isobel’s greatest hits,” Rosa responds walking towards her. “Did you know that she was behind the assasination of the former presi-”

“I don’t want to know actually,” Liz says and Maria can just see the face that she’s making. “I’m pretty sure that Isobel is Max’s sister.”

There is complete silence for a beat, and then Isobel’s voice rings out. 

“Waitress,” she calls out, and both her and Jenna turn towards where Rosa is standing, right next to Maria, right in front of Chad’s group of soldiers.

“Well, shit,” Maria says.

Meanwhile at Table Number Twenty Two, Two Minutes Ago

“...it was the easiest shot of my life, if I’m being honest,” Isobel continues talking about herself, unprompted.

Jenna looks down at her watch to see that she’s only been here for less than ten minutes, and wonders if Alex will keep his end of the deal if she leaves right now.

“But that doesn’t mean that I want to keep killing people for the rest of my life,” Isobel says, taking a sip of her wine. “I’ve always wanted to be an actress-”

Jenna groans, and presses a hand to her stomach.

“What is it?” Isobel says, reaching towards her with one hand looking concerned.

Jenna moans a little pitifully, and says, “I don’t know. I think I might have food poisoning.”

“They say seltzer water is good for that,” Isobel says and then starts looking around for their waitress.

“Waitress,” she calls out and turns and then freezes, making Jenna turn towards where she’s looking.

Jenna counts the agents and the D.E.B.S. and curses underneath her breath.

“Target has spotted us,” she can hear some bonehead saying loudly. “Permission to open fire.”

Jenna is ducking down under the table and rolling towards the most secure spot she can find before the guns start going off, tugging her phone out of her pocket at the same time.

“Alex,” Jenna hisses into her phone as she ducks down behind the bar to avoid getting shot at. “How could you miss a whole group of CIA agents and a gaggle of D.E.B.S. staking out the place? What good is your little CIA boyfriend if you can’t get intel?”

“First of all,” Alex says sounding smug. “There’s nothing little about my boyfriend.”

Jenna gags and hears Michael asking Alex for a high five in the background.

“Second of all, the only reason our relationship works is that we don’t involve our jobs in it, meaning that I don’t ask him for intel and he doesn’t give the CIA information about us.”

Jenna makes a wordless sound of rage and hangs up the phone.

“Yeah,” Isobel says making Jenna jump as she turns to stare at her. “That’s the only acceptable reaction to whatever it is that Michael thinks he’s doing with your lackey.”

Jenna makes a face at that, and then pulls her guns from the small of her back and looks at Isobel who gives her a nod as she pulls her own gun out of her purse.

They both duck out from behind their cover and shoot over to where the spray of bullets aimed at them had been coming from while everyone seems to be reloading their weapons at the same time.

Isobel runs out of bullets first, and then Jenna and then they duck back behind the bar as the guns start going off again.

“Was it the accent?” Isobel asks sounding less Russian and more American. “Because that was totally fake.”

“What?” Jenna asks feeling confused. 

“You were making up excuses to go, I just want to know what I did wrong.”

Jenna shakes her head. “It’s not you. I’m just not looking for a relationship right now, and you seem like a-”

“I’m not looking for a relationship,” Isobel says scoffing. “It’s just hard meeting people when you do what we do, especially when you don’t have an interest in men.”

Jenna nods her head, but before she can answer, there is a shadow over them.

“Any last words?” the bonehead with the ridiculous haircut says pointing his rifle at Jenna.

Isobel says, “Bye,” and runs away, dodging the couple of bullets shot at her and slipping out through the door.

“Rosa, wait!” someone calls out, but Jenna can see a D.E.B. following the same path Isobel took.

Jenna looks up again to see that the bonehead is distracted and so she grabs the rifle and tugs it right out of his lax grip, before using it to hit him in the face.

He falls back groaning hard and Jenna ducks out from behind the bar and takes the same path that Isobel took, dodging the bullets and running through the door. 

She takes a moment to use her lipstick laser gun to seal the door shut and then runs hoping there is a way out of what looks like the place where the restaurant keeps all their produce.

She runs down one of the aisles looking for a door, and bumps right into someone, who immediately rolls her to the floor, using the momentum to pin her down.

Jenna looks up into wide brown eyes, framed in bouncy curls, set on a face that looks like it’s been carved by an angel, and she feels her heart stutter in her chest.

Wow, she thinks as her breathing goes all funny, and then she notices the uniform, and curses, reversing the pin, and wrapping her hands around the D.E.B.’s wrists and pinning her to the ground.

She looks surprised, and Jenna just smirks down at her, “Didn’t they teach you not to let your guard down at your fancy academy?”

The D.E.B. gives her an unimpressed look, before she’s pushing Jenna off her and getting to her feet in one smooth movement.

Jenna is impressed in spite of herself, but she tugs the two smaller hand guns she has tucked into her boots and points them at her, because a D.E.B. is a D.E.B. and the only good D.E.B. is a dead D.E.B.

The D.E.B. is also pointing her gun at her, and it’s a beauty that Jenna wants to test out immediately.

“You’re under arrest-” she starts, and Jenna snorts.

“Are you being serious right now?”

The D.E.B. gives her a serious look. “You are wanted for-”

Jenna rolls her eyes. “You don’t have to list all of my crimes. I know what I’ve done. And while usually I would just shoot you for shooting at me for no reason, I really wanted to get out of that blind date.”

The D.E.B. gives Jenna a confused, slightly incredulous look. “Blind date? With Isobel? You were on a date?”

Jenna feels defensive immediately. “What about it? Do you have a problem with-?”

“No,” she says immediately and vehemently. “Not at all. I just, I didn’t know that you were-”

Jenna scoffs, “Why would you know?”

The D.E.B. inclines her head as though Jenna made a point, and then she’s quiet for a second, looking at Jenna with more curiosity than anything, before she licks her lips and relaxes a little.

“Here’s the thing,” she says, sounding less authoritative, and making Jenna narrow her eyes at her. “I’m kind of writing my thesis on you and-”

“What?” Jenna says furrowing her brow.

The D.E.B. gives her a look. “You are one of the most prominent female figures of organized crime, but there is hardly any information about you, and-”

“What?” Jenna asks again, letting her hands drop to her sides as she stares incredulously. “You want to interview me?”

The D.E.B. licks her lips. “Something like that.”

Jenna shakes her head. “I tend not to answer personal questions for people whose names I don’t even know.”

“Maria,” she says immediately, and then bites down on her cheek, and sighs. “Maria DeLuca.”

She holds out her hand, and Jenna tucks her guns into her pockets and takes her hand.

A shiver goes through her as they shake, and she finds herself opening her mouth. “Jenna Cameron.”

“I know,” Maria says slowly, looking down at their hands and then back up to Jenna with a furrowed brow before she seems to remember that Jenna is the bad guy.

“You’re still under arrest,” she says, and points her gun back at Jenna.

Jenna feels a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth, and thinks that this girl is absolutely adorable, for a D.E.B.

“Am I?” Jenna asks conspiratorially, raising an eyebrow.

Maria furrows her brow at her, but before either of them can say anything else. There is a shout as a door opens with a slam and several footsteps run into the warehouse.

“Maria!” someone yells.

Maria takes her eyes off Jenna to yell, “I’m over here.”

Jenna takes the moment to move and hide.

“Dammit,” she hears Maria say as she turns back to find that Jenna is gone. “Maybe next time,” she says in an even lower voice.

Jenna bites down on her lip, and feels her heart jump in her chest at the thought of a next time, and then she sneaks out of the warehouse as quiet as possible. The fact that everyone else seems more worried about Maria than finding her, helps her slip out unnoticed.

She runs out into the street and finds Alex immediately behind the wheel of the car.

She slides into the car, and he puts it in drive and peels out of there immediately, not even bothering to wait and see if someone is coming after them.

Alex starts ranting and raving, and Jenna looks at him, and eyes the fresh red hickey high up on his neck, and just rolls her eyes not feeling like teasing him about Michael when she can still feel the adrenaline running through her.

Alex stops speaking when Jenna doesn’t say anything in response and watches her out of the corner of his eye, not saying anything, and breaking through Jenna’s willpower easily.

"What?" Jenna asks not being able to help the smile that tugs at her lips. 

"I knew you were going to like her," Alex says smirking smugly.

Jenna rolls her eyes. "Isobel was a self absorbed trainwreck who isn't looking for a relationship."

Alex rolls his eyes back at her. "I said get back on the saddle, not walk down the aisle."

"Wait," he says stopping the next words out of Jenna's mouth. "If it's not Isobel, then who?"

Jenna bites down on her lip and looks out the window to avoid answering.

Alex has perfected the art of looking at you while driving without taking his eyes off the road, and Jenna cracks two seconds later.

"Okay, but don't freak out," she says turning to him.

"Just tell me already," he says.

"Maria," she says on an exhale.

"Maria?" He asks furrowing his brow, and he goes through the data banks in his brain to come to the right conclusion with just a name.

"Wait," he says, and stops the car looking at Jenna in disbelief. "Maria DeLuca? Curly hair, plaid skirt, carries a .357 magnum?"

Jenna gives him a winning smile and then gets out of the car.

Alex follows after her. "She's a D.E.B. and not just any D.E.B, she's The D.E.B. Their golden child, the perfect score."

"Well," Jenna says and holds her hand out. "Their golden child doesn't know it yet, but she's into me. Give me the keys."

“The perfect score means the perfect spy,” Alex continues ignoring her raised hand.

Jenna gives him a look. “Like you’re one to talk about dating a spy.”

Alex makes a face. “In my defense, I didn’t know Michael was a spy when I decided that we were going to spend the rest of our lives together.”

“And yet,” Jenna says giving Alex another look.

Alex just rolls his eyes, but still doesn’t hand her the keys.

“Look,” she says. “I’ll be careful. All I want is to talk to her. She seems, fascinating.”

“Fuck,” Alex says sighing roughly. “How do you even know she’ll be into you?”

Jenna gives him a look raising her eyebrows and then signals her entire self with her hand.

Alex gives her an unimpressed look back. “You do know I’m gay right?”

“You’re not blind, though,” she responds. “Anyway, I got that vibe, you know. She wants to know more about me, and that’s more than enough to start with.”

“Okay,” he says and goes to give her the keys, only to clutch them in his hand. “But I’m going with you. Who knows what trouble you’ll get in otherwise.”

Jenna rolls her eyes as she turns to head back to the car. “You just want to see if your boyfriend is going to be there.”

Alex scoffs. “How are you going to get through their state of the art security system without me to hack into it?”

Jenna doesn’t say anything, because he has a point.

“And yes, Michael should be on duty tonight,” he hums as he gets into the car. 

They both close their doors at the same time.

“Let’s go spy hunting,” he says grinning at her. Jenna smiles back and turns to look out of the window as he starts the car and feels her heartbeat tripping in her chest and for the first time in a long time she feels the rush that comes with infatuation.

She can’t wait to find out more about fascinating, refreshing, lovely, Maria DeLuca.