#good rock skipping beach

[nerdyqueerr]

feel free to answer as many or as few of these as you want!!!

comfort character(s)?

what kind of day is it?

do you say soda or pop?

how do you feel about chilly weather?

a scenario that you've played multiple times?

what kind of music keeps you grounded?

last adventure you've been on?

how many times have you changed your url?

how do you take your coffee? (adding on to say or tea or other warm beverage)

favorite holiday film? (adding on to say or fav film if you don't like holiday movies)

can you skip rocks?

oh you know im answering all of these come on. you even copy pasted them for me its perfec

i think the closest thing i have to comfort characters is like. Sierra and Samaël but both of those are d&d characters so idk if they count. let's also say Gideon Nav, which is a healthy and sane comfort character

nap day i took a nap today. thats the kind of day it is

i am french canadian and i say like uh. idk the brand name or soda sometimes. soft drinks maybe. it doesnt make sense to me either

very mixed feelings bc i get cold so easily but also it can be so lovely

i am interpreting this as a scenario in my head and let me tell you i love to think about having a sword

folksy stuff i'd say, including indie folk and folk rock and whatever. emo and punk make me feel really strong and high-energy, but i usually go to folksier music when i just need a breather. what can i say i love a good fiddle

i mean we did just get back from new york, the day where i did a walking tour without the rest of my family felt like a cool little urban adventure

once lmao

coffee is always decaf usually a latte. tea entirely depends on what kind of herbal tea im having cause yk some of it is good with milk and some isnt. don't usually put sugar tho

the astérix movies that play on ciné-cadeau every winter. and also Klaus (the animated movie) that shit makes us cry and we still watch it every year

HELL YEAH BABEY GET ME SOME FLAT STONES AND SOME WATER

[delulujuls]

the other one | jacaerys velaryon

hi, here comes the 2.7k of i don't know what, really. its for sure intense, so fasten up your saddle and enjoy the ride. i enjoyed making aegon such a cutiepie in my two last shots, but this man is designed to be a menace to humanity so yeah, i believe im gonna lose it in the next shots. prepare for chaos.

summary: heart want what it wants, and y/n's heart belong to young prince from dragonstone, not to the future cruel king of westeros.

warnings: targaryen brothers being mean to velaryon boys AGAIN, aegon is such a meanie oh god, fighting, arguing, threatening with a sword, last scene is smelling a bit like a rap3, so feel free to skip it. your comfort is the most important

pairing: sister!targaryen reader x jacaerys velaryon (ft. jealous, possesive and dark!aegon targaryen)

Two young princes stood at the gates of the castle, awaiting guests. For several minutes they kept glancing at the sky, looking out for dragons. However, only the sound of wind and waves crashing against the rocks could be heard, with no indication that any winged beasts would soon appear before their eyes.

“Do you think they’ll come at all?” Lucerys asked his older brother, glancing at him. The cold wind chilled him to the bone, and the youngest of the Velaryons longed to return inside and sit by the fireplace.

Jacaerys did not get a chance to answer because shortly after, a muffled roar reached their ears, and something flickered in the low-hanging storm clouds. The heavy sky was pierced by the massive body of Vhagar, who was the first to emerge from the clouds and flew towards the beach. Close behind were Vermithor and Sunfyre, who looked dainty in comparison to those two giant dragons. Aemond, Y/N, and Aegon had arrived at Dragonstone.

Soon after, all four appeared at the castle gates. Helaena was flying with her older sister on Vermithor, choosing not to sail by ship with their mother, father, and grandfather. The youngest of the siblings still couldn't bring herself to travel alone on the back of her Dreamfyre, but felt confident with Y/N, now walking hand-in-hand with her sister towards the castle.

Lucerys took a step back, seeing Aemond and Aegon confidently striding towards them. The youngest Velaryon swallowed hard.

“I hope they don’t sit close to us,” he whispered, prompting his brother to discreetly nudge his arm.

Jacaerys smiled at the sight of the siblings. “Welcome, it’s good to see you here,” he said.

Aemond, leading the way, wore his characteristic grimace, nothing like the smile the young prince offered him. The last thing he felt like doing was feigning politeness. In silence, he merely glanced at them, bypassing them and pushing the heavy gate doors.

“My favorite, strong nephews,” Aegon said sarcastically, with a mocking smile. Passing by, he nudged Lucerys in the shoulder, who was about to turn and say something when his aunt’s voice reached his ears. Y/N smiled joyfully at the sight of Rhaenyra’s sons.

���Luke, Jace,” she extended her arms, hugging them both at once. Hearing the girl's joyful voice, Aegon glanced over his shoulder and rolled his eyes. He thought his sisters were too lenient with those bastards.

“It’s good to see you, Y/N,” Jacaerys smiled, embracing her and catching the smell of her lavender-scented hair. While he sincerely disliked Aemond and Aegon, he was very fond of their sisters. Helaena was shy and harmless, often speaking little and nodding more. Y/N, on the other hand, often reminded him of his mother, unafraid to speak up or defend her position. She was also wise and very pretty, and he was genuinely pleased to spend a few days in her presence.

“Are you coming, or are we going to freeze out here like a bunch of idiots?” Aegon asked sharply, seeing Y/N hold onto older Velaryon a bit too long. The young princess gave him an amused look, tousled Lucerys’ hair, and linked arms with Helaena. The four of them briskly walked towards the castle.

Rhaenyra was celebrating her thirty-second name day, so the entire family from King’s Landing had come to Dragonstone. Viserys wanted his daughter to celebrate her birthday in the capital, but she wished to spend the day her way. The ailing king, still battling illness, had no intention of arguing with his daughter, lacking the strength and health to do so. Even to the Targaryen seat, he chose to sail by ship rather than ride on the back of one of the dragons. After Balerion’s death, he had given up flying and now didn’t think about it at all.

During the evening feast, the dining hall filled with people. Despite it being Rhaenyra’s day, Viserys sat at the head of the table. To his left was his eldest daughter, beside her Daemon, Joffrey, Lucerys, Jacaerys, Rhaena, and Baela. On the king’s right sat his wife, next to her the Hand of the King, then Aemond, Aegon, Y/N, Helaena, and Rhaenys Targaryen, next to whom, at the other end of the table, sat Corlys Velaryon.

The feast went on in a calm and surprisingly pleasant atmosphere. Previous feasts often ended in arguments before they even really began. The main instigators of all disputes, Aemond and Aegon, sat quietly, not speaking much. Many might have thought someone stuffed hay into the dragons’ bellies to prevent them from breathing fire.

Aegon, however, increasingly clenched his hand around the wine goblet from time to time, hearing Y/N happily talking with Jacaerys across the table. His blood boiled hearing her so delighted with the conversation with him. He felt like slapping that fucking son of a bitch.

Helaena was also having a good time, shedding her shyness piece by piece with each sip of wine. She chatted lively with Rhaena and Baela, who were already slightly tipsy themselves. Rhaenys sent an amused look to her husband, who tightened his grip on the wine jug and pulled it closer. The Sea Snake had to be vigilant to prevent his granddaughters and the young Targaryen from getting too drunk. Helaena, however, had more to celebrate than just her half-sister’s birthday.

Since Viserys and Alicent’s daughters reached reproductive age, the Hand of the King and the Queen Mother began looking for potential suitors for them. While there was no trouble finding suitors for Y/N, who, besides her wealth and possessions, had a strong character and good disposition, finding a husband for Helaena was problematic.

From birth, the princess showed signs of abnormal development. Though she grew as a girl should, her mind seemed not to keep up, still trapping her in a world of childish dreams. Helaena was quiet, read a lot, and spent all her time in the garden, not burdened with unnecessary duties.

The Hand decided that when the time came, that is, when Aegon was to take the throne from the ailing king, he would marry Helaena, and Y/N would marry Forrest Frey. The plans were made at a Small Council meeting, which neither Helaena nor Y/N attended. Probably neither would have known about the plans to marry them off if Y/N hadn’t accidentally overheard their conversation when one of the doors unguarded by sentries was ajar.

“I don’t agree!” she said firmly, pushing the heavy doors and entering.

“Y/N, you can’t be here-,” Alicent stood up, wanting to calm her daughter, but she sharply pointed her finger upwards. “And you can’t do this to Helaena! I don’t agree!”

Aegon, who was one of the people at the table, also didn’t support the Council’s idea. However, he was too drunk to make any objections. Only his sister’s intrusion somewhat sobered him up. If he had to choose, he could marry Y/N since she wanted to fight so hard for Helaena’s better fate. Frankly, he didn’t care either way.

The guards first wanted to remove the young princess, but she began presenting her arguments. The Council didn’t think an eighteen-year-old’s arguments could make any sense, but many underestimated Y/N’s negotiation skills. In the castle, by Aegon’s side, she could be more useful than in the Riverlands beside Forrest Frey.

The Council decided that Helaena would marry Frey when the time came, and Y/N would marry Aegon. The young princess didn’t want Helaena to spend her life in the castle, locked in chambers and bearing children. She wanted her to break free from King’s Landing and experience a life different from the one she had lived so far. Y/N knew that unlike her sister, she could handle an incestuous marriage and an unwanted husband, who Aegon was to become in the future. Helaena might have been driven to suicide.

But for now, these were just tomorrow's problems, or who knows, maybe even further. Helaena, in a sudden burst of joy, stood up and climbed onto a chair, much to Alicent’s horror.

“To my beloved sister Y/N,” she said, swaying. Rhaenys held the chair to prevent her from falling. “And to my sister Rhaenyra, who celebrates her birthday today. I love you!”

Alicent, Otto, Aemond, and Aegon looked at her indulgently, raising their goblets. All the other guests eagerly toasted, applauding the young princess’s words. Rhaenyra stood up from the table and hugged her sister; Y/N also rose to do the same.

“Helaena needs rest,” Alicent whispered, gripping her daughter’s shoulder before she stood up. “Escort her to bed.”

Y/N shook off her hand and got up, embracing her sisters. However, when she felt Helaena’s heavy body in her arms, she held her close around the waist.

As soon as the sisters left the dining hall, Jacaerys, sent by his mother, joined them. Young prince apologized to Y/N and with a single, confident motion, picked up Helaena, who laughed and wrapped her arms around his neck. She kissed his cheek, admitting that she would let such a handsome man whisk her away without hesitation.

Jacaerys only let go of Helaena when he placed her on the bed in her bedroom.

"Will you stay with her until morning?" he asked as Y/N began removing the rings from her sister's fingers.

"Helaena usually sleeps like a mouse under a haystack, but after wine, she sleeps like a rock," Y/N replied, smiling slightly at the sight of her sister's flushed face. "Wait outside, I'll change her for bed and join you."

The young prince nodded obediently and left the chamber. He stood outside the door, straight as a string, feeling like a guard. Shortly after, the princess joined him, quietly closing the door behind her.

"She'll sleep like a baby until morning," she assured, laughing softly.

"It's nice to see her with a smile on her face," Jacerys admitted as they slowly began walking down the corridor. He quietly offered his arm to Y/N, which she gladly accepted.

"I've noticed she smiles much more when she's here. I feel like the capital is suffocating her."

Jacaerys lowered his gaze. He had recently learned about the marriage plans for the young sisters.

"I heard she'll leave King's Landing sooner or later," he said, glancing at her. He didn't know how delicate ground he was entering.

The young princess sighed and nodded. She spent the whole way telling Jacaerys about everything that had happened in the past weeks. In the company of the boy, Y/N didn't feel like his aunt, as their relationship would suggest, but like a friend. After all, they were only a year apart in age. They had always had a good relationship and, unlike her hostile brothers, Y/N really liked Jacaerys. She cherished every opportunity she could spend with him. This was one of those moments.

The pair didn't return to the feast; instead, they went to one of the terraces. They sat on one of the benches, and Y/N involuntarily rested her head on the boy's shoulder. He wrapped his arm around her waist, hugging her close.

"You deserve more, Y/N," he said quietly. "Both you and Helaena deserve more."

"I know I'll manage, I'm strong," she said, watching the remnants of the day dance on the horizon. "But I'm so scared for Helaena. She deserves the whole world, not what's waiting for her in King's Landing."

The young princess wasn't sad; at this moment, she could even say she felt a lightness in her heart. Jacaerys' body warmed her pleasantly, and the cool, salty air chased away the heat caused by the wine from her cheeks.

"You're the bravest dragon I've ever known," he said with a smile, looking at her face. The girl smiled at his words. "I don't know stronger people than Targaryen women."

"Do you really think so?" she asked quietly, looking into his eyes. She didn't know if his cheeks were flushed from the wine or the cold wind. Nevertheless, his dark eyes looked at her so gently that the young princess never wanted to look into any other eyes again.

Jacaerys smiled and nodded. He cautiously lifted his hand and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. He touched her cheek and gently stroked it with his thumb.

"I would take better care of you than they would, you know?" he said after a moment, his whisper lost in the whistle of the wind. Y/N heard his words clearly, just as she clearly heard the snort of disdain that came from somewhere to the side.

"I don't know which of you is more pathetic," Aegon said, looking at them with drunken eyes. He could barely stand, but his fists were clenched. Aemond remained silent, standing in the entrance and blocking it with his body. Unlike his brother, he didn't look drunk.

"What is your problem?" Y/N asked angrily, standing up. Unintentionally, she shielded Jacaerys with her body, who also rose from the bench.

"That you act like a complete whore," he spat through his teeth, causing Jacaerys to step around the girl to stand in her defense. She grabbed his hand and pulled him back when Aemond drew a dagger and stepped forward, defending his brother.

"Watch your words," Jacaerys said angrily. He didn't care that he was addressing the future king. In his eyes, Aegon wasn't worth anything, and he certainly didn't deserve to be Y/N's husband.

"Or what, bastard?" Aemond asked calmly, looking at him intently.

"We haven't done anything wrong," the young princess said sharply, though her voice trembled. She knew that her brothers were unlikely to hurt her, but she wasn't capable of protecting Jacaerys from both of them. She had only her hands, feet, and teeth at her disposal. "Get out of the way."

"Oh, really?" Aegon smiled. His drunken eyes were shiny from alcohol and dark-circled, his skin ashen. Even despite the fire of hatred burning in him, he didn't have a bit of a blush on his face. "I see a fucking dog clinging to my future wife."

"You wish she were your wife," Jacaerys said without thinking much about the words that left his mouth. Aegon lunged at him with his fists, to which the young Velaryon responded in kind. Aemond sheathed his dagger and grabbed Jacaerys by the shoulders, holding him and exposing him to Aegon's blows. In the commotion, the young princess managed to draw her brother's dagger and without hesitation, grabbed Aegon by the hair, pulling him back. With tears on her cheeks, she pressed the sword to his neck.

The four of them froze in place.

Aemond still held Jacaerys tightly, blood was trickling from his lip. Aegon's heart was pounding, not from fear but from adrenaline and, at that moment, also from excitement. His sister's small hand was firmly gripping his hair, forcing him to tilt his head back. Blood flowed from his broken nose, running down to his grinning lips.

"She's a dragon, see?" Aegon said, addressing Jacaerys. "You couldn't handle her, fool."

Y/N pushed her brother to the ground, releasing the dagger from her hands as well. She grabbed Jacaerys' hand and pulled him from Aemond's grasp, who would have lied if he said his sister's behavior didn't leave him speechless. In shock, he wasn't even able to oppose her.

"I'm so sorry," she began tearfully, pulling him away as far as possible from that place. "I should have killed them when I had the sword in my hand."

Jacaerys pulled her by the hand, causing her to turn around suddenly and fall into his arms. Without a word, he kissed her, feeling her salty tears mix with the blood from his split lip. Y/N returned the kiss but looked at him in shock. Jacaerys smiled warmly at her.

"Don't apologize to me," he whispered, cupping her cheeks in his hands. "You are a dragon, so be a dragon."

The pair didn't return to the feast. Instead, Y/N went with the young prince to his chambers. Jacaerys initially protested when she said she would help dress his wounds. Eventually, he agreed to her proposal, lying on the bed in just his trousers. The girl carefully cleaned his cuts, placing a cold compress on his abdomen. She sat beside him, looking at him tenderly.

"I'm so sorry, Jace," she whispered, squeezing his hand. The boy, however, seemed to be in a good mood.

"If every fight with them means I get to spend time with you, I'm ready to fight them every day."

The young princess smiled and shook her head at his words. She felt her heart swell when she was with him.

Their eager lips exchanged a few more kisses before Y/N quietly left his chamber, returning to her own. Helaena was still sleeping soundly, snoring softly. She lay on her side on her half of the bed, not even stirring when her sister began preparing for sleep. Dressed in a nightgown, she let her hair down and carefully combed it. She put the brush away and blew out the nearby candles, lying down on the bed.

As soon as she covered herself with the quilt, she felt someone sit on her, pressing her into the mattress, and a cold hand covered her mouth. The girl wanted to scream but felt a blade against her neck. The attacker leaned over her, his hair tickling her face. The young princess smelled alcohol.

"Every time you raise your hand against me," Aegon whispered, tightening his grip on the dagger's hilt, "I'll have one of your fingers cut off, understood?"

Y/N squeezed her eyes shut and nodded. For the first time in her life, Aegon truly frightened her. She felt her heart leap into her throat.

"And that fucking Velaryon dog," he moved his hand from her mouth to her hair, gripping it tightly. "I never want to see him near you again."

"Aegon-" she whispered with difficulty, clutching his wrist to push him away. She felt herself running out of breath, and the cold blade pressed deeper into her skin.

"Is that clear?" he growled, pressing her harder into the pillows.

"Yes," she said tearfully.

A moment later, she felt her brother's alcohol-tainted lips forcefully and brutally kissing hers. Aegon stood up shortly after and left the sisters' chamber, closing the door behind him. In the darkness, the young princess found her sister's body and hugged her from behind, trying to suppress her tears. She was terrified.

How much she wished she could hide in Jacaerys's arms at that moment.

[heartlilith]

WHAT THE VENUS SIGNS REMIND ME OF

🩷Oddly specific things I think about when I hear ______ venus

Aries Venus: Summer, rubies, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, rollercoasters, fast cars, the color red, vampire fangs, Saturday nights, liquor stores and gas stations, fireworks, sour candy, cool bic lighters, “you’re mine”, Mario Kart, boys who wear nail polish, fuck it energy, oversized sweatshirts, middle finger emoji, cherries

Taurus Venus: Satin pillowcases, white candles, pearls, mirrors, hand holding, walking someone home at night, vinyls, red lipstick, full lips, fancy dinner dates, the wine and dine, old romantic movies, wallets and purses, hotels, French manicures, old money, “I won’t get on my knees for no man”

Gemini Venus: Driving around at night listening to music, reading to someone, comedy shows, mimosas, Samantha from Sex and the City, libraries, nerd kink, hot teachers/student kink, emerald green, laughter, swing sets, looking out of the window and just watching, untied shoelaces, dogs and puppies, dad jokes

Cancer Venus: Soft feather pillows, a bowl of warm soup, a bubble bath, tears and running mascara, babies and how babies laugh, poetry, “I’ll be whatever you want me to be”, hot tubs, hot coffee, teddy bears, heartbeats, soft hands & skin, lotion, bagels and cream cheese, doodling in your journal

Leo Venus: Lip gloss, mojitos, getting drunk at brunch, diamond tennis bracelets, drunk texts you regret sending later, the block button, lonely nights, shooting stars, blowing bubbles, piggy back rides, art museums, glittery eyeshadow, jumparoos, birthday parties

Virgo Venus: Taking a shower, Dove soap, smooth skin, symmetry, butterflies, the smell of books, getting a facial or going to the spa, chicken caesar salads, the good tasting water, chunky headphones, acoustic guitar, running errands, getting your eyebrows done, neat handwriting, neutral colors, sushi

Libra Venus: Blush, dimples, Y2K fashion, Hello Kitty, makeup skills, those little hand mirrors, princes and princesses, cupcakes, pedicures, Margaritas, taking pictures, art, castles, Disney movies, daisies, spin the bottle, cartwheels, soft hair, bubblegum, skincare, watermelon and pineapple

Scorpio Venus: Psychology, neck tattoos, “until death do us part”, Kings & Queens, snakes, sacred sex, chess, secrets, hickeys, the feeling after you stay up all night, the feeling of being at a concert, roses, knives, tequila shots, legs intertwined, dirty martinis, sparklers, Avril Lavigne, fantasy books, true crime and dark history

Sagittarius Venus: Clouds, rock climbing, rappers, Hip Hop and R&B, going on vacation, açaí bowls and fresh fruit, sun kissed/radiant skin, the color yellow, retreats, history, yoga and Pilates, spicy food, “it is what it is”, curly hair, the smell of weed, casinos, the last day of school, Las Vegas

Capricorn Venus: Leather, red wine, the cow pattern, cowgirl boots, the color brown, espresso, dark chocolate, briefcase of money like in the movies, the movie Scarface, whiskey on the rocks, bosses, owls, turtle necks, caramel, wearing suits, lingerie, business, New York City

Aquarius Venus: Lightbulbs, telescopes and microscopes, LED lights, hamsters, college parties, glitter, peace signs, 70s concerts, food trucks, skipping school, “fuck it”, diving in the pool, the beach at night, disco balls, getting detentions in school

Pisces Venus: Mermaids, kittens, cartoons and Disney princesses, champagne, Webkinz, little kid stories like Goldilocks, 3 Little Pigs, Hansel and Gretel, clear glittery lip gloss, holographic, snowmen and icicles, swimming in the pool, flower gardens, glow sticks , picnics, bumblebees, sand castles, elementary art class, 3D movies

Book a Reading 🩷

Masterlist 🩷

[navybrat817]

On the Rocks

Pairing: Bartender!Ari Levinson x Female Reader

Summary: You're not sure why Ari doesn't seem to like you, but you two have to work together.

Word Count: Over 2.4k

Warnings: Tension, coworkers, bit of grumpy and sunshine, misunderstanding, future smut, Ari Levinson and he's slightly rude at first (he's a warning, okay?)

A/N: More Beach Fun Nonsense! Hope you lovelies enjoy this intro to my Gin and Bear It AU. @spectre-posts requested bartender!Ari to Go for a Swim (smut) with prompt #13 in bold. TECHNICALLY not smut, but there will be smut in future parts. Not beta read and written on my phone, so any and all mistakes are my own. Please follow @navybrat817-sideblog for new fics and notifications. Comments, reblogs, feedback are loved and appreciated!

You weren't one to brag, but you were good at your job. You showed up on time and stayed late if necessary. Never dropped a tray or drink. Didn't skip out on cleaning or any other tasks. And not only were you attentive with your customers, you showed just enough skin to keep it professional and never went home with anyone at the end of the night. Your work ethic helped you earn the respect of just about everyone at the establishment.

Except for Ari Levinson.

You eyed the gorgeous bearded man behind the bar, your blood rushing faster through your veins. He didn't spare you a glance. He hardly ever did. Everyone else who worked there got a smile from him. Even a smirk. But you? An unimpressed look was what you got on a good day. You chalked it up to you being a new member of the staff, until the barback who started after you received kinder treatment from him.

To be fair, it wasn't like Ari hated you. He didn't seem to particularly like you either. For the life of you, you couldn't figure out why. Maybe there wasn't a specific reason. Some people just didn't mesh well. It didn't stop you from treating him like every other coworker. The two of you had to work together whether he liked it or not.

“Hey,” you smiled as you stopped at the bar and set your tray down. You waited a second for him to acknowledge you, but he kept drying glasses. “Three Jack and Cokes, please.”

That got Ari's attention. He didn't have to greet you, but you both had a job to do. You waited in silence while he made the drinks. He didn't look at you, but you looked at him.

He was in good shape. Great shape, in fact. With his large and somewhat intimidating size, you were surprised he wasn't a bouncer. He was a good bartender though. He wouldn't have a job there if he wasn't.

It wasn't right how attracted you were to him since he never seemed to give you the time of day.

“Thanks,” you said when he set the drinks on the tray for you.

He grunted and turned to put the bottle back.

“You know, we’ve been working together for almost three months. One of these days you may actually carry on a conversation with me instead of answering me with random sounds,” you teased.

“I'm here to work, not chat,” he said over his shoulder, his deep voice sending a wonderful shiver down your spine despite his statement. “You should do the same.”

You sighed when you picked up the tray. “I’m just trying to be friendly.”

Like always.

“Don't need friends.”

It was a bit of an odd statement. You said friendly, not friends specifically. “Aren't Steve and Bucky your friends?” You asked. They were two of the other bartenders. Best friends and good to the rest of the staff. Protective, too, always quick to jump in if a customer got mouthy or handsy.

Ari’s jaw clenched as he faced you, but you didn't cower. “Yeah, they are.”

You may not have cowered under his gaze, but you sure as hell felt small the longer he looked at you. “But you don't want to be my friend,” you said.

“I don't need more friends,” he said dismissively as your stomach dropped. You wished it didn't hurt to hear that and you had to blink rapidly when you felt a familiar telltale burning in your eyes. “Anything else?”

Plastering a smile back on your face that didn't quite reach your eyes, you straightened up. “Noted. We aren't and won't be friends,” you said before you added with more bite than you intended, “And don't worry, Ari. I don't need anything from you.”

He must've noticed the shift in your tone, too, since his jaw clenched harder than before. You walked off before he had a chance to say anything, cursing yourself inwardly at your tone. You shouldn't have let his dismissal get under your skin. Besides, he was right. You were there to work and your customers needed their drinks.

So, why did it bother you so much that Ari didn't want to be your friend? It shouldn't matter. There were lots of people who worked together who never talked or saw each other outside of their jobs. You wished he would've given you a chance, but you’d respect his decision.

For the rest of the night though, you planned to avoid him like the plague.

As your shift went on, you felt Ari’s eyes on you. Instead of looking back at him or giving him a smile like usual, you ignored him or acted like he wasn't there. You didn't stop at his end of the bar, going instead to Steve to get your drinks. For the first time since you started working there, you had Ari's full attention.

And for once, you didn't want it.

By the end of your shift once you wrapped up just about all of your tasks, you were ready to get out of there. “Any plans after closing?” You asked Steve, counting out tips for him.

“I might be seeing someone,” he smiled gently, his gaze flickering to a woman sitting alone at a table.

You raised an eyebrow. Patrons hit on the guys all the time, but it was rare for them to take anyone home. “Well, I hope you have a good time,” you said before nodding over to Bucky who was sitting at the bar, too. “Isn't it your night off?”

Bucky smiled softly. “It is, but my girl should be here in a few minutes. We won't stay long.” His girl has gone through some heartbreak before she rolled into town and the brunette quickly became her knight in shining armor.

“You have fun, too,” you said, sliding off the stool with a sigh.

Steve’s brows pinched. “You okay?”

“I will be,” you said, not wanting to lie to him and pretend you were fine. You also didn't want to get into what was going on. Feeling sorry for yourself didn't do you any good and everything would be okay tomorrow.

“You sure?” Steve swung his head toward Ari. “You think I didn't notice that you haven't been back to that end of the bar?”

You glanced in that direction, inhaling sharply as you met Ari’s gaze. He crossed his as he stared you down, tension as thick as fog. All you could see were the blue of his eyes and you had to look away so you didn't lose yourself.

“Just an off night. Nothing to worry about,” you said, pushing over Steve’s cut. “And I’m out for the night unless you need anything else.”

Bucky and Steve exchanged a look. “Need one of us to walk you out?” Bucky offered.

“No, I’m good,” you said, sighing again when you realized you’d have to pass by Ari to leave. You also had to give him his tips. “Enjoy the rest of the night.”

Ari stood in the same spot as you walked toward him, your heart beating erratically. One day he may not make your heart race like that. “Night,” you smiled sadly, setting his tips down on the bar and walking on.

You grabbed your bag from the backroom and headed out for the evening with your keys in hand, shivering at the slight chill in the air. It wasn't until you were about halfway to your car that you heard footsteps behind you, making you tense up. Maybe you should've had someone walk you out.

“Hey.” It was Ari. “Wait up.”

You stopped and turned to face him with a quizzical look. “Why? Do you need something?”

Ari looked up at the night sky and ran a hand through his long hair, but didn't reply. You were two seconds away from walking to your car when you heard above a whisper, “I’m sorry.”

“Sorry?” You asked when he met your eye. “Sorry for what exactly?”

“I was an asshole to you earlier,” he replied, surprising you as he took a step forward. “Been kind of an asshole to you since day one when you've been nothing but friendly.”

“Yeah, I know,” you said. Why did it matter now?

A stricken look crossed his features before he put up his mask again. “Why were you so nice to me then when I was an asshole to you?”

You shrugged, trying to convey that it wasn't a big deal. “Because I had no reason to be rude to you, Ari,” you replied. It was that simple. “I was upset earlier though and I did avoid your side of the bar, but it’ll be fine tomorrow.”

“But-”

“You don't have to like me. You really don't,” you told him, the words bittersweet. “But we do have to work together. So as long as we’re civil to each other, it’s fine.”

You fought the urge to step back when Ari took another step forward. There was usually a bar between the two of you when you stood near him. Up close with nothing between you showed just how large he was. And he smelled good, too, because of course he did. “I never said I didn't like you.”

“Maybe not with words, but your actions kind of said it for you. Seriously, there’s an obvious difference in your demeanor with me versus everyone else,” you pointed out.

“Yeah, there is,” he agreed, his blue eyes full of regret. At least he acknowledged that.

“Not to mention, you just said tonight that you didn't need more friends. Between that and your attitude, the natural assumption is that you don't like me,” you said. What else were you meant to think?

He nodded. “I can see why you’d think that, but I'm sorry.”

Both of you stayed quiet for a moment. You weren't exactly sure what to say. “Okay, well. Apology accepted, I guess. Good night.”

“Wait,” he said when you began to turn away. “Do you really wanna know what I thought about you when you started working here?”

The skeptical look was back on your face. “I’ll admit I'm curious, but I won't just stand here if you’ll continue to be an asshole to me.”

He chuckled. Did you actually make him laugh? “I wouldn't expect you to,” he said, taking a breath. “This might get me fired if you complain.”

“Just say it, please,” you half begged. “Whatever it is, it can't be-”

“I wanted to bend you over the bar and fuck you ‘til you screamed my name.”

You sputtered, an embarrassing sort of sound. It wasn't what you expected to hear. Ari Levinson wanted to fuck you? Since the moment you met?

“You what?” You asked, wanting to hear him say it again.

“I want you and I’ve imagined fucking you all over the bar every day since you started working here. The tables, the booths, the office, against the wall, even in the bathroom stalls,” he spoke, his voice deep and confident as you tried not to whimper. How were you already wet? “But not just that.”

You bit your lip. “What else?”

His gaze softened. “I think about your smile. You have such a beautiful smile.” You did whimper this time. Since when was praise so important? “And how you giggle at bad jokes. And how you sway your hips to the songs you like. And how you're just so fucking kind, even to those who don't deserve it.”

“You like me?” You asked.

“Yeah,” he whispered.

You held up a hand, your head spinning from his confession. “Wait. Hold on,” you said, trying to get your bearings and not throw yourself into his arms. You needed to have some self respect. “You’ve been an asshole to me because you like me?”

Why do men do dumb things?

Ari winced. “Not my smartest plan, I’ll admit, but I thought pushing you away before anything happened was the best move.”

“Why though? Why push me away?” You asked.

He clenched and unclenched his fists. “I don't like to mix business with pleasure. Been there, done that.” It wasn't a secret that Ari was single, but there was a story there. “But that doesn't excuse being cold toward you. And if you’re willing, I’d like to start over.”

You searched his gaze for sincerity and found it. “So would I.”

His expression softened more, relieved. The fact that he wanted to try gave you hope for things moving forward. “And maybe we can grab a coffee at the diner? Just talk?”

Your eyes rounded. Was Ari asking you out? “When? Now?” You asked.

He smiled. “If you’re free.”

You smiled back and shook your head. “Nope. Sorry, Ari.”

Ari's smile fell immediately. “No?” He repeated the word in disbelief. You were in disbelief yourself. “No you aren't free or no you don't want to hang out with me?”

“Any other day, I’d love to have a coffee with you and talk or for you to make good on that promise of bending me over the bar and making me scream your name. But tonight?” You batted your eyes for good measure. “No, I don't.”

“Oh.” Ari blinked and cleared his throat. “I guess that makes sense after how I acted.”

“It makes perfect sense. A quick apology doesn't get you off scott free for how you treated me,” you told him, taking a step closer yourself this time. “So change my mind.”

“Change your mind?”

“Yeah. Let's start over like you suggested and you find a way to change my mind. I'm not saying you have to be overly friendly during our shifts, but treat me a little better. Show me why I should give you a chance and ask me again later,” you answered, gliding your fingers along his forearm once you were close enough. “And I'll still be nice to you. I promise.”

“So, you want me to woo you?” He smirked after a moment, one that nearly made your panties melt. “I can do that.”

You giggled. “I think I deserve it.”

“You do. And my first step in mending things,” he said, offering his arm as he stepped back. “How about I walk you to your car?”

“You may,” you smiled, linking your arm with his. You felt him flex a bit and you almost giggled again, a spring in your step as you walked. One day you’d feel him pin you down with that strength. You’d be patient though.

After all, he promised to woo you first.

How do we think he'll make it up to you? Love and thanks for reading! ❤️

Masterlist ⚓ Ko-Fi

[notspiders]

Liminal Spaces w/ 141

A thought I made with a few friends who fleshed it out more:

Liminal spaces! But you know, 141 are the monsters :P Now, the rule is that as long as you're compliant and not trying to escape, your liminal space is going to be heaven. They'll make sure of that to ensure you don't associate anything negative to their space. Can't have that, hmm?

Each man has their own domain. :)

Price - Suburbia:

Quiet, infinite neighborhood, everything looks the same. There's people but they all seem to act exactly like you'd imagine Stock Images people would act.

You can't really talk with them either. Strange how when you approach one of them, they just disappear in a blink of an eye.

Price would prefer if you act as his loving partner :)

The fridge is always stocked! Beds are warm and cozy. The television plays anything you want.

You also get WIFI. Don't bother messaging anyone (that isn't your husband.)

You can try to 'exit' the neighborhood. There's a car even! You can drive in it. There's unlimited amount of fuel. Too bad the road never seems to end and the houses are still there...

Not to worry. You can exit out of the car and enter any one of the houses. Price is always waiting :)

Got that all out of your system, hm?

Gaz - Shopping Mall:

Shopping mall has everything and anything.

Movie theaters, designer clothes, outlets, cafeterias, anything you want- it's there! Have fun exploring :)

It's just you though. No one else is in this mall.

Gaz's voice will always guide you over the speakers, should you ever get lost.

Or, your favorite music always plays over the speakers. You can ask Gaz to skip any song or play whatever you want at any moment of time.

Arcades, cafes, even a pet shop! Gaz will be happy to join you if you wish for company :)

The doors to the exits don't budge open. Stop trying.

There's an Internet cafe and library in this mall. Anything you want to read, watch, listen- it's all there. Still can't talk with anyone... Shame.

But you have Kyle. Who else do you want?

Soap - the Woods:

The Firewatch tower in the endless, dense woods.

It's pretty cozy.

Food is always stocked in the fridge. Plenty of water too. If you want something fresh, just ask! Soap is happy to hunt for you :)

You can watch sunsets and sunrises with him. He loves it :)

No WIFI here unfortunately, but, really- say goodbye to your electronic devices and embrace nature. It's good for you.

If you want to explore the woods, always have Soap beside you. He'll guide you around. Maybe you might find a small, beautiful clearing beside a lake. It's a perfect campsite. Could go swimming, fishing, canoeing...

Don't worry. No harmful bugs or creepy crawlies you dislike.

Oh? You want to go rock-climbing? Why how convenient that there's this cliff right beside us. With harnesses and such attached to the wall! And would you look at that, it's very easy to climb.

Plenty of things to do.

Starwatching. :)

As long as you're with him, no harmful monsters are going to bother you two.

Never go alone.

Ghost - the Beach

It's... a lovely beach.

If it weren't so foggy in most days.

But that's what you have Ghost for. He's your personal heater. :)

Seriously it gets freezing at night and the small shack by the ocean isn't really keeping the cold out.

Don't you worry. Sand won't get everywhere. And it's smooth. Calm your tits, Anakin.

Some days, when the Sun is out, the sand is just the perfect warm bed for you to lay down and just... sunbathe.

You can tan with Ghost to get that impeccable bronze. Don't worry, you won't get sunburnt. Of course... could always ask Ghost to lather sunscreen on you. He'll be happy to help you with that :)

The water can vary in temperature- from freezing cold to a nice sunny warm.

You can swim and wade in it. And you can try to go deeper but isn't that strange? The depth isn't changing and you just don't seem to be leaving the shore too much.

The currents do get stronger when you keep on trying. Don't bother, you're never getting past it.

Plenty of food and water in that shack. And spare clothes, towels...

WIFI? Babe, this is the beach. You don't need it. You have Ghost.

Bonus:

Credits to @angelcqre for this line:

something about the boys all going to Gaz’s domain at random points to pick up shit they don’t have in their own domains [...]

Yes.

Yes they would. They absolutely would.

[wolvietxt]

💭 thinking about…

𝗅𝗈𝗀𝖺𝗇 𝗁𝗈𝗐𝗅𝖾𝗍𝗍 𝗌𝖾𝖾𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗒𝗈𝗎𝗋 𝗋𝗈𝗈𝗆 𝖿𝗈𝗋 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝖿𝗂𝗋𝗌𝗍 𝗍𝗂𝗆𝖾!

pairing : logan howlett x fem!reader warnings : reader has ocean / beachy themed apartment, logan calls reader kid, petnames, nervous!reader, budding relationship, bit awkward (like every fic i write), fluff wc : 1k a/n : IM SORRY FOR THOSE OF YOU THAT CAN’T STAND WHEN LO CALLS READER KID ☹️ but i’m afraid i love it

logan wasn’t sure what he expected when you invited him over, but it wasn’t this. as he stepped into your apartment, he couldn’t help but let out a low whistle, his eyes sweeping over the room. 

“damn,” he muttered, more to himself than to you, taking in the sight of the small space filled with ocean-themed decorations. there were seashells hanging by the windows, paintings of waves and sunsets, and even the scent of the sea in the air, though he couldn’t quite tell where it was coming from.

you glanced back at him, biting your lip nervously. “i know it’s a lot…”

he shook his head, still looking around. “no, it’s good. ‘s very you.”

you watched him as he wandered over to one of the paintings, his fingers brushing the edge of the frame. “you paint this?” 

“no,” you replied, your voice soft as you rocked up and down on your heels. “i just found it at a fair.”

he nodded, his gaze still on the painting. “‘s cute, though,” he said, his tone casual but sincere. 

you felt a flush of warmth at his words, though you tried to play it off. “thanks. i just… like the ocean, i guess.”

logan glanced at you then, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips. “yeah, i can see that.” 

there was a moment of silence, the kind that wasn’t uncomfortable but just there, like the space between words that didn’t need filling. logan seemed to take it all in stride, his usual gruffness softened by the quiet wonder in his eyes as he continued to look around.

��it’s kinda like a little beach house in here,” he finally said, his tone thoughtful. “peaceful.”

you hadn’t expected that from him, and it made your heart skip a beat. “that’s what i was going for,” you admitted, your voice a little steadier now.

he gave you a look, one that was almost approving, like he was seeing you in a new light. “you nailed it”

there was something about the way he said it that made your nerves ease up a bit. it wasn’t just the words, but the way he said them, like he genuinely meant it. you found yourself smiling, a small, genuine smile that you didn’t have to force.

logan’s eyes softened at that, and he moved closer, his fingers brushing against the back of the couch. “you don’t let a lot of people in here, do you?” 

you shook your head. “not really. just… didn’t feel right before.”

“but you let me in,” he said, more of a statement than a question.

“yeah,” you replied, feeling a little shy under his gaze. “i did.”

he didn’t say anything to that, just nodded like it made perfect sense. then, with a casual ease, he leaned against the wall, crossing his arms as he looked at you. “you wanna show me the rest?”

“sure,” you said, leading him down the short hallway. he followed close behind, his eyes taking in every detail without a word.

when you reached your bedroom, you hesitated at the door. the room was the most personal part of your space, and you weren’t sure how he’d react. but when you glanced back at him, he just gave you that same steady look, like nothing you showed him would change his mind.

so, you opened the door, letting him see the deep blue bedspread, the moonlit beach paintings, and the little shelf of trinkets. he walked in, his movements slow and deliberate as he took it all in.

“you really love the ocean,” he said after a moment, his voice low and almost reverent.

“yeah,” you replied, feeling a little more at ease now that he’d seen everything. “it’s kind of my escape, i guess.”

he nodded, his eyes lingering on the small details - the bottles of sand, the tiny shells, the way everything seemed to fit together. “everyone needs a place like that,” he said, his tone almost thoughtful.

you watched him, feeling something warm and soft settle in your chest. “yeah. guess i do.”

logan turned to you then, his gaze meeting yours. there was something in his eyes, something deep and quiet that you couldn’t quite place. but before you could figure it out, he gave a small nod, like he’d made some kind of decision.

“thanks for showing me this,” he said, his voice rough but sincere.

“thanks for… being okay with it,” you replied, your words coming out softer than you intended.

he just nodded again, his eyes never leaving yours. “damn right.”

and with that, he stepped closer, his presence warm and solid beside you. he didn’t say anything else, didn’t need to. instead, he just reached out, his fingers brushing lightly against your arm, a touch so brief and gentle it almost made you shiver.

you felt your heart flutter at the contact, but before you could say anything, he pulled back, his gaze flicking to the window where the sun was beginning to set. “sun’s going down,” he muttered, almost to himself.

“yeah,” you whispered, feeling a strange mix of emotions swirling inside you.

logan turned back to you, a small smile tugging at his lips. “let’s sit for a bit,” he suggested, his voice low and inviting.

you nodded, leading him back to the living room. as you both sat down on the couch, the soft, ocean-blue throw between you, you couldn’t help but feel like something had changed. the air was still the same, the room still filled with the gentle sound of seashells clinking in the breeze, but there was something else now - something new and unspoken between you and logan.

and as you sat there, side by side, the conversation flowing naturally between you, you realised that maybe this little apartment, filled with pieces of the ocean you loved, wasn’t just your sanctuary anymore. it was becoming something more, something that felt like home in a way you hadn’t expected. and maybe, just maybe, that had something to do with the man sitting beside you, who seemed to fit into your world like he’d always been there.

[achenetype]

Hihi can you please do a Luke x reader where it’s basically an unrequited love like reader is so in love with Luke and he has no idea so she moves on and years later she’s over him and confesses to him like a oh I thought you should know and the whole time Luke had been in love with her, kinda base it off that one TikTok audio where it’s like “I’m not in love with you anymore” “I never knew you were” 🩷🩷

OHH YOURE FEEDING MY ANGST BRAIN WITH THIS ONE. buckle up lets break some hearts

edit: this ended up being WAY sadder than i originally intended. i am so sorry anon oh my god

i gave you a rare gift (but you didn't want it) — luke castellan

pairing: luke castellan x fem!reader

word count: 2.8k

content: angst, major character/reader death, unrequited love, mutual pining, reader is part of kronos' army, luke and reader are doomed by the narrative, [Y/N] used (sparingly), alcohol mention, description of injury

listening to: bloodfest (from mizumono) by brian reitzell

You are twenty-two years old, sitting on the rocky beach of a lake somewhere in the forests of upstate New York. Light, gentle fog hangs in the air around you, and the only sound is the tap-tap-tap of Luke skipping rocks across the water.

Come dawn, the world will burn. The gods will be dethroned. Every demigod will either be free, or dead.

But now, at midnight, you are twenty-three and Luke turns to you. He's holding a small, squashed cupcake in one hand. "Happy birthday," he says, "to my right-hand man." He pauses. "Woman. Right-hand woman."

He holds the pastry out to you and smiles, but something behind his eyes is empty. Hollow. He hadn't been sleeping recently. As much as he tried to hide it, he couldn't stop you from seeing when he came to you every morning for a cup of coffee and to debrief for the day.

Perks of being the revolution leader's best friend, you think. His right-hand woman.

Luke's eyes flick from the cake to your face. "Do you like it?" He asks, and for a split second, you swear there's a note of hope in his voice. "I wanted to do something, y'know," he says. "Twenty-three is huge. It's a monumental age."

You nod, but stay quiet.

He pauses for a second. "You remember how you always said you wished you never had a birthday?"

When you were twelve, nearly thirteen, your mother drove you across the country to go to summer camp.

"It'll be like a road trip," she said, tossing your duffel bag into the back seat of her battered car. "And then, hey, you'll only stay at camp until the end of August, and then you can come back and go to school. See all your friends again." She squeezed your shoulder and pushed the car door closed. "How about that?"

"Sure," you said. "Super fun."

And it was; you were actually kind of excited. You'd never been to New York. It seemed a million universes away.

And it was your birthday tomorrow. Maybe this was a gift, something that your mother had put together to make up for the years of being too tired and too drunk to make a cake, or get presents, or anything.

Your mother put her hands on her hips and sighed. "You know how I feel about the attitude, yeah? Let's not do this today."

"I wasn't even trying to—" You cut off as your mother glared at you, her face tense. You knew that look: the biting-the-inside-of-her-cheek, trying-to-be-understanding, trying-to-be-a-good-mom-despite-it-all look.

You hated that look.

"Just..." She sighed. "Just get in the damn car, [Y/N]."

You did, fighting back the tears building in the corners of your eyes, and the slam of the car door closing was as loud as thunder.

Twenty silent minutes of city streets and highway merge ramps and cold, empty stretches of asphalt and concrete passed before either of you spoke.

"Mom," you said, thirty-three seconds into minute twenty-one, "I'm sorry for talking back earlier." Your voice was quiet, shaking, cupped in your throat like a scared animal.

She didn't answer, keeping her eyes fixed on the road.

"I don't like being like this, Mom," you said, looking over at her. The silhouette of her through the driver's side window, backlit by the streetlights, was shapeless. Impassive. "I don't like doing this with you all the time."

She scoffed.

You pulled your legs to your chest, tucking your head between your knees, and tried to find sleep.

You weren't sure how long you slept, but you woke up to the sound of music playing softly over the speakers. Exit signs whizzed past you at what felt like breakneck speed. You wondered, briefly, if you would break your neck if you jumped out of the car right now.

Ultimately you decided against it. You didn't want your mother's last words to you to be, get in the damn car.

That would make her feel guilty, you thought, and that guilt would make her hate me even more.

"I don't wanna fight," you tried instead, picking at a loose thread in the cuff of your jacket sleeve. "Mom, I'm sorry, okay? I don't want us to be mad at each other anymore," you said. A sob caught in your throat, heavy and wet and choking.

Your mother sighed and reached one hand from the wheel to tuck your hair behind your ear. "I know you don't, sweetie," she said. "I don't want to be mad at you either."

"Then why do you do it," you asked.

When she turned to look at you, her eyes were wet. She smiled, or tried to. "Sometimes, certain people just…can't help but fight," she said. "It's just part of who we are, I think."

"Did you fight with Dad?"

Your mother inhaled, quick and sharp through her nose, as she flicked the turn signal to right and guided the car down the exit ramp from the highway, her eyes locked ahead. "Yes," she said. "Sometimes. Sometimes I think that's where we get it."

You swallowed. "Do you ever miss him?"

She doesn't peel her gaze away from the road. "Every day."

The two of you made your way through bustling streets and across too many bridges to count. You thought you fell asleep again, for a minute or maybe a year. Maybe it was all a dream.

"Mom," you asked as she turned onto a worn dirt road, the sunrise barely stretching over the horizon, "why are you bringing me here?"

She didn't answer for a moment. Two moments, then three. Through the leaves, you saw one tree standing impossibly tall. A pine tree.

Your mother parked the car and turned to you. "Because I don't know what to do with you, [Y/N]," she said. "I don't know how I can keep you," she paused, "safe. How I could do this, on my own, in any normal way."

She got out of the car and grabbed your bag, shoving it against your chest. "Camp is just up that hill there," she said, gesturing in the direction of the large tree you'd seen earlier. "They’ve got people up there waiting for you."

"Mom," you said. "Wait, I—I wanted to talk to you—"

She shook her head. "I can't come with you, sweetie." She smiled, the curve of her mouth falling just short of her eyes. "You just remember that I love you, okay?"

At that moment, you knew: she was going to leave you here.

“No,” you said, tears rolling down your face. “No, no—Mom. Mom, please.”

“Before you go,” she said, her voice tight and sharp, “I wanted to give you this.” She reached into the back seat and pulled out a jacket, worn leather with patched elbows. “It was mine in college,” she explained, not meeting your eyes. Like she was reading from a play or book, and you were the unfortunate audience. “I figure, it doesn’t fit me anymore.” 

She pressed a kiss to your forehead. “Happy birthday, baby.”

It was the first time you had ever felt like your mother loved you. You knew she liked you, sometimes. But you were never quite sure if she loved you until that moment. 

And then she got back into the car with one final, teary nod. 

And you never saw her again.

“Yeah,” you tell Luke, shrugging. “I think I’ve got a pretty good reason, though.” Your lips curve into a smile.

He laughs and tilts his head. It’s a habit of his; he’ll say something and twist his neck just a fraction, narrow his eyes. A nervous tic that not even years of training and fighting and killing could stamp out.

You used to think about kissing his neck when he did it, but now you’re not sure whether you would know the difference between kissing and ripping his throat out. 

“True,” Luke concedes. You laugh, too, unrestrained and loud. “Gods, your sense of humor is dark.”

“You laughed first,” you remind him. He grins.

The cupcake he offers you, despite its lumps and smears of frosting, is pretty good. You split it apart with careful fingers and hand half of it back to him.

“You’re celebrating with me,” you laugh, “so you get half. That’s the rule.”

Luke simply smiles at you and takes the crumbling cake from your hand. “Whatever you say.”

You roll your eyes, grinning back. “Damn right.”

Luke’s laugh rings out again, sharp and bright against the night sky. Firelight flickers across his face, painting him in brilliant streaks of orange and gold. 

“After tomorrow,” Luke murmurs, pulling his knees up to his chest, “we can do this whenever we want.” The wind ruffles his hair almost fondly, floppy brown curls stirring and settling back against his skull.

You raise an eyebrow. “This?”

He gestures in a wide arc. “Be here, like this. Just be people, instead of demigods or heroes or revolutionaries.” Luke’s voice picks up, conviction surging into his words. “I mean, seriously—when was the last time you thought you would ever have a normal life?”

You’d never understood the demigods who joined Luke’s cause without knowing him. The plan itself seemed crazy—the only way anyone would follow it was if they knew their leader could pull it off. 

You have to know Luke to know he was capable of that, you think.

Until now. Now, you see what you think everyone else sees—a real leader, a revolutionary. A force for change with a silver tongue.

He makes it all seem so possible. You almost think he might pull it off.

Luke looks over to you. “We’re going to change everything,” he says. 

Almost.

“We’re going to change the rules,” Luke said, spreading the map over an empty cot in his cabin. “If we want to win, we need to be thinking six steps ahead of the enemy.”

A few of the campers huddled around the makeshift table shuffled and coughed awkwardly. 

“Every strategy’s been done before,” a tall girl with bubblegum-pink hair and an eyebrow piercing shouted from the back of the group. “How are we going to out-war the god of war’s kids?” 

Murmurs rushed around the table, soft and susurrant. There’s no way we’re going anywhere here. We’ve gotten our asses beat six weeks in a row. What are we even doing?

Luke smiled. “Ares is the god of war,” he said, “not strategy.” He slung his arm around one of the campers next to him and inclined his head in the direction of the map.

Quietly, almost too quiet for you to hear, he murmured into the girl’s ear. “Don’t doubt yourself, Bethy,” he whispered.

You learned three things in the ten minutes that she spent explaining your team’s new strategy—

—one, your team was going to kick some major ass—

—two, your strategist’s name was Annabeth Chase, and she was the smartest eight-year-old you have ever met—

—and three, Luke was right.

Annabeth’s plan took the rules of Capture the Flag and threw them out the window. She split the team into four subgroups, each with a delegated leader. Luke nodded along as she talked, marking the map with a stubby pencil. 

When Annabeth’s eyes, dark and piercing, searched the crowd and landed on you, you felt your heart stop.

“You,” she said, “are you good with a sword?”

You raised your eyebrow, pointing to yourself—just to confirm this genius child was speaking to you—and Annabeth nodded. 

“I guess?” You said, shrugging. “I know some basic stuff, and I’m good at disarming.”

Annabeth’s face broke into a smile. “Work with Luke on the first wave of offense.” She gestured to the map. “You two will take points B and B-one,” she explained. “My group will take the A-points. You wait for our signal to move in.”

You met Luke’s eyes across the table. Hey, you mouthed. 

His eyes flicked up and down your form. Hey, he mouthed back. You ready to win?

You smiled and nodded.

Good, Luke said, all teeth. Let’s go.

He stood and grabbed his helmet. You did the same.

“I’m [Y/N],” you said as you followed Luke through the forest. “We, uh—we met when I first got here, like, a year ago.” I was sobbing my eyes out because my mother abandoned me, you didn’t add. It was kind of pathetic. I think I threw up from crying so hard.

You suddenly hoped Luke didn’t remember meeting you, actually. That would be less embarrassing.

He turned and caught your eye. “You live in the same cabin as me. ‘Course I know you.” 

Of course he remembers.

You laughed, flushing red. “Oh. Yeah. Of course.”

The silence was so thick, you could have cut it with the sleek bronze of your sword.

In the end, it was Luke who broke the silence. “You wanna play a game while we wait out here?”

You shrugged. “Sure,” you said. 

“Twenty questions,” Luke replied. “So we can learn enough about each other to actually work together.” He smiled. “What’s your favorite color?”

“Low-hanging fruit,” you said, your voice just barely taking on a teasing tone. “It’s green.” 

Luke laughed, loud and full and bright. “Apologies,” he said; mirth crept into his words, staining everything with a tinge of that laughter. “I’ll go for the more gut-wrenching, intimate questions next time.”

You flushed red again. Intimate questions. What the hell does he mean by that?

“My turn,” you said instead. “What do you want to be when you get older?”

“We’ll be heroes,” Luke whispers. “Real heroes. Not figureheads propped up by the gods.”

You wish you could believe him. He’s lying on the beach next to you, his head resting in the junction between your shoulder and your neck. Over the treetops, the stars are beginning to fade from the sky.

It’s almost time.

Your throat feels like someone has sanded it down to expose your vocal cords. This is a bad idea, you want to say. We shouldn’t do this. Tell me we can still not do this. 

“Wanna play twenty questions?” You say, crackling and hoarse.

Luke turns to look at you. “Yeah,” he murmurs. 

“My turn first,” you whisper. Luke nods.

You take a deep breath, in and out. “Are we going to die doing this?”

Luke inhales sharply. “Maybe,” he says. Slowly. Deliberately. “But we’ll do everything we can to make sure we don’t.”

“I got another question,” you say. Luke raises an eyebrow. His knuckles brush yours as you sit up.

“Are you scared?”

It’s your birthday. 

You think you’re going to die. 

Luke is kneeling over you, the palm of his hand pressed against the wet opening in your stomach where someone had caught you with a spear. The shaft of it is still sticking out of you, you think. You’re afraid to look down, afraid to see it. 

“No,” Luke gasps, “no, no, no.”

You watch as the gold fades from his eye, leaving behind the honey-dark brown you remember. His hands are slick with blood—most of it’s probably yours, it has to be yours. You’re bleeding out, after all. 

You tug on Luke’s sleeve weakly. “Hey,” you breathe. “Luke. It’s okay, it’s okay. It’s going to be okay.”

“No,” he says. “You’re—you’re hurt.”

“I know,” you rasp. “I know it hurts. I’m the one—” 

You break off as a cough sticks in your throat. It feels wet. Oily. Desperate to get out. You taste the blood in the back of your throat before you can even take another breath.

“—I’m the one who’s feeling it,” you finish, your voice tilting up at the end. A joke. Gods, your sense of humor is dark.

Luke laughs weakly. “Don’t talk,” he says. “You’re gonna be just fine, [Y/N], just fine.”

He meets your eyes. You see him realize it in slow motion.

Tell him. Tell him now. He’s never going to know otherwise—he could die any minute—

“Luke,” you murmur. “Luke, did you know I loved you?”

He freezes. “What?”

You cough again. Blood spills over your lips. “I loved you,” you repeat. “Since we were campers. Had the…the biggest, stupidest crush on you.”

Luke shakes his head. “No, no,” he says. “You—”

“You’re my best friend,” you continue. “Whatever feelings were there, you’re my best friend.”

Luke’s palm against your stomach is warm. It feels safe. It feels like sleeping side-by-side in the cabin, like shared meals and shared secrets. 

“Why are you telling me this?” Luke says, “why are you—why?”

You blink, just once, but it takes everything you have to open your eyes again after closing them. “Because I’m going to die,” you whisper. “And even if—even though I moved on, I wanted you to…to know.”

Luke bows over your body, pressing his forehead to yours. Tears slip from his cheeks and fall onto yours, driving little rivers through the blood smeared there.

He’s crying. Why is he—

“You idiot,” Luke says brokenly. “I loved you too. I loved you too.” He cradles your head in his lap, brushing your hair away from your face. “[Y/N], I’m so sorry.”

Your eyes slip shut.

I loved you too, Luke’s voice echoes. I loved you too.

[bectoshi]

iwaizumi hajime, big ol’ nature fan.

i hc him as a pretty outdoorsy guy. he likes hiking and he loves camping.

i just know he’s a loyal patagonia and lululemon customer. reading every single one of their promotional emails and snagging those sale items. 

always suggests hiking as the team’s team bonding activity. always gets rejected by everyone else. (it’s because the last time they all went hiking as a team, he complained that they were all too slow. he got fed up and went ahead of everyone. they got lost, they blamed him).

camping with him would be a dream!!! builds the tent for you, chops up firewood, sets up the hammocks, etc. he says that it’s because you shouldn’t have to lift a finger, but you both know that he does it because he is a CONTROL FREAK! about his camping gear. 

always on the prowl (that phrase is so funny) for good camping spots. his requirements: body of water nearby. that’s all. 

HAS A PADDLEBOARD!!! i definitelyyy see this being a thing. would take you on lake dates where he paddles you around on it while you read!! would also include his dog on it next to u!

he’s such a dog person btw. into big dogs. i'm thinking dobermans, german shepherds, labradors! he’d want a dog that he could take on long walks and runs. 

SPEAKING OF DOGS I KNOW THIS IS OFF TOPIC FROM THE NATURE HCS BUT I CAN’T STOP so as an athletic trainer (🤓☝️) he would care very much about his dog’s nutrition. researches raw diets and gets high quality things to add to their meals. very dogfather!iwa. 

back to nature. when you go to the beach together and you’re tanning, he’d be digging holes, trying to catch fish, making you play fetch with him, and jumping over waves. guy cannot sit still. eventually you feel bad and let him drag you to the water.

OH and i feel like he would tan so easily?? always outside so it makes sense. always a few shades darker by the end of summer. #needthat.

always finds cool things on his little nature day trips. molted feathers from rare birds, shark teeth, animal footprints, seaglass, you name it. if he’s able to, he brings his treasures home to gift to you like a crow. one day he brings you a rock that perfectly matches your eyes, another day it’s one that matches your hair. 

and lastly, is so good at skipping rocks. gatekeeps his strategy from you (spoiler: there is no strategy, he also doesn't know how he does it).

[justlemmeadoreyou]

boyfriend!harry headcanons

-> Every day starts with Harry's sleepy face pressed into your neck, his breath tickling your ear as he mutters "good mornin', lovie." He steals kisses between yawns, his warm hand tracing patterns on your back until you're both giggling, tangled in the sheets.

-> He knows your perfect cup of coffee, the one that makes you smile like sunshine. He surprises you with it in bed, accompanied by a plate of fluffy pancakes or French toast, shaped into hearts, of course.

-> He pretends to scoff when you put on a chick flick, but you catch him stealing glances at the screen, his lips twitching with a suppressed smile. He hums along to the cheesy soundtrack, his voice husky and low, sending shivers down your spine.

-> One minute you're planning grocery shopping, the next he's whisking you away to a hidden beach for a sunset picnic, complete with a spontaneous bonfire and stargazing. He lives for creating memories that make your heart skip a beat.

-> He believes in you more than you believe in yourself. He cheers you on at work, celebrates your victories (big or small), and holds you tight when you doubt yourself. He whispers encouragement in your ear, his voice laced with unwavering faith.

-> He leaves little love notes tucked in your purse, on the fridge, even in the pages of your favorite book. He hides tiny trinkets for you to find – a seashell from your first beach trip, a vintage postcard with a romantic quote, a single, perfect rose.

-> He pulls out your chair at restaurants, opens doors, and insists on carrying your groceries. He walks on the outside of the sidewalk to shield you from the rain, and offers his jacket when you're cold. It's the little things that make your heart melt.

-> His hands wander under your shirt, sending goosebumps erupting on your skin. He whispers sweet nothings in your ear, promises of forever and endless love. He makes you feel like the only person in the world, cherished and adored.

-> He strums your favorite song on his guitar, his voice husky and soulful, just for you. He pulls you close, swaying to the rhythm, his gaze never leaving yours. He turns any room into a dance floor, his laughter echoing as you spin, lost in your own little world.

-> He's your rock, your confidant, your safe harbor. He listens without judgment, offers advice without pushing, and celebrates your individuality. He loves you for who you are, flaws and all, and that's the most beautiful love story of all.

♡~~~♡~~~♡~~~♡~~~♡~~~♡~~~♡~~~♡~~~♡~~~♡~~~♡

jealous!harry headcanons

let me know if you like this! you can tip me here!

please like and reblog, it may seem stupid but it actually helps a lot! ♡

♡~~~♡~~~♡~~~♡~~~♡~~~♡~~~♡~~~♡~~~♡~~~♡~~~♡

taglist:@freedomfireflies @gurugirl @thechaoticjoy @styleslover-1994 @gem1712 @ellaorchard @bxbyysstuff @opheliaofficial07 @rafaaoli @tchlamqtsgf @the-mouse27 @indierockgirrl @vrittivsanghavi @walkingintheheartbreaksatellite @drewrry @babyiamperfectforyou @me-undiscovered @tbsloneely @whoreonmondays @kathb59 @avalentina @kittenhere @speedywritingharrystylesjudge @mypolicemanharryyy @theendx888 @ladscarlett @daphnesutton

[shitsndgiggs]

Can you do one where the reader also plays professional football and is with Kenan and they try to keep the relationship private ?

You write very well thanks for the stories 🫶

UNSEEN AFFECTION - KENAN YILDIZ

In which Kenan and his girlfriend, a star player for FC Barcelona, has to keep their love and affection hidden from the world

Kenan Yildiz x professional football player! reader

︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿

Keeping our relationship a secret wasn't easy, but it was necessary.

Kenan and I had both agreed that our careers should come first, and being in the public eye was already hard enough without adding the complexity of a high-profile relationship.

While he played for Juventus, I played for Barcelona Femeni. The distance was hard, but the moments we shared made it worth it.

After a particularly grueling match against Real Madrid, I was exhausted.

The locker room was bustling with post-game chatter, but all I could think about was Kenan. We'd planned to meet up in a quiet café later that evening.

It was one of the few places where we felt safe enough to steal a kiss or two without being spotted by fans or paparazzi.

I quickly showered and changed, eager to leave. My teammates were still celebrating, but I slipped out, texting Kenan on the way.

Meet you in 20. Can't wait to see you. x

I arrived at the café first, settling into a corner booth that offered a decent amount of privacy.

Moments later, Kenan walked in, his face lighting up when he saw me. He slid into the booth beside me, his hand immediately finding mine under the table.

"Hey," he said softly, his eyes sparkling with the kind of joy that made my heart skip a beat.

"Hey yourself," I replied, squeezing his hand. "You look good."

He chuckled, leaning in to kiss me on the cheek. "You always look amazing, especially after a win."

We spent the next hour catching up, laughing, and exchanging stories about our teammates

Despite the secrecy, these moments made everything feel right. Kenan was my rock, my confidant, and being with him felt like home.

Let's get out of here," he whispered after a while. "I know a place where we can be alone."

We left the café, hand in hand, until we reached his car. He drove us to a secluded beach, the moonlight reflecting off the waves. We walked along the shore, the cool breeze ruffling our hair.

Kenan stopped suddenly, pulling me into his arms. "I hate that we have to hide," he said, his voice tinged with frustration. "I want the world to know how much I love you."

"I know," I replied, resting my head against his chest. "But it's safer this way, for now."

He sighed, kissing the top of my head. "One day, we'll tell everyone. And they'll see how perfect we are together."

"I can't wait for that day," I said, looking up at him. "But for now, let's just enjoy this."

We kissed, the waves crashing around us. It was passionate and desperate, filled with all the love we had to keep hidden from the world.

A few weeks later, Juventus played a match in Barcelona. It was the perfect opportunity to see Kenan again.

I watched from the stands, my heart pounding every time he touched the ball. He was brilliant, as always, and I couldn't help but feel proud of him.

After the match, we met in a quiet corner of the stadium. He pulled me into a tight hug, kissing me fiercely.

"I missed you," he whispered, his breath hot against my ear.

"I missed you too," I replied, my fingers threading through his hair.

We didn't have much time, but every second was precious.

"I love you," Kenan said, his eyes locking onto mine. "And I promise, one day, we'll have our happily ever after."

"I love you too," I said, my heart swelling with emotion. "And I'll be waiting for that day."

For now, we had to be content with stolen moments and secret kisses. But I knew that our love was strong enough to withstand anything.

And one day, the world would see just how perfect we were together.

[voxslays]

Autumn Breeze~

Featuring >>> Adam x Reader; In which the reader doubts Adam’s abilities, and he has to show them just how good he is…

Warnings >>> AFAB! Reader, Adam Being Adam, Adam’s a Misogynist, Beach Smut, Dub-con?? It was a bright fall day, and you were walking on one of heaven's beautiful, golden beaches. The rays of sunshine beaming down on you, casting a golden light, while the autumn breeze carried leaves past you. Adam was walking alongside you. Even he couldn't miss out on a beautiful fall morning on the beach. Adam, with his broad chest puffed out, waded into the shallow water, turning to face you. "Alright, Sugartits," He said with a smirk, "Catch me if you can!"

You smirk, “Is this a competition?” You ask, your tone filled with cockiness and pride. "Everything's a competition when I'm around, Wifey." Adam chuckled, his wings rustling behind him as he flexed his muscles, showing off. His smirk widened. “We aren't even dating.” You point out the obvious. Adam threw his head back and laughed, his voice echoing across the empty beach. "And whose fault is that, Sugartits?" he said, his laughter subsiding. "I've been trying to woo you since we were both newly created."

You roll your eyes. "Whatever," Adam muttered, pushing off from the shore and swimming out further. He surfaced a short distance away, his hair slicked back and water dripping from his wings. "Come on in, the water's fine," he called out, his voice mocking. You wade into the water and look around. The golden rays of Heaven’s sun beam down upon the water, giving it a golden glow as the leaves from the nearby trees are carried by the autumn breeze and float on top of the water. 

Adam watched you enter the water with a playful glint in his eye. "You know," he taunted, "For an angel, you're not very good at...anything." His wings fluttered behind him, sending droplets flying. "I mean, look at me. First man, original equipment..." He says cockily. “Excuse me…?” You say giving him a chance to take back what he just said.​​ "You heard me, Sugartits." Adam grinned wider, clearly reveling in the chance to provoke you. "I'm the ultimate specimen. The pinnacle of creation. And you...you're just...you." He splashed water at you playfully, his wings shimmering in the sunlight. 

"Aw, did I hurt your delicate feelings?" Adam mocked, circling you in the water. "Face it, angel. No matter how hard you try, you'll never compare to my raw, unbridled masculinity." He flexed his wings for emphasis, the muscles rippling beneath his skin. “And this is why we aren't dating.” You snap back, clearly upset. Adam laughed heartily, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Oh, come on," he cajoled, "I'm just messing with you. Besides, dating is overrated. We could just… skip to the good part." 

“No.” You finally put your foot down. "And why not?" Adam pouted dramatically, his lower lip jutting out. "I'm irresistible, I'm telling you. The sexiest devil in all the realms." He waggled his eyebrows suggestively. "Just give in, angel. Let me rock your world." You roll your eyes. “As if you could.” Adam's expression darkened, his eyes narrowing. "You doubt me?" he growled. "Well, prepare to eat your words, because I promise you, Sugartits, once you do it with me, you will never go back."

With a sudden burst of speed, Adam darted forward in the water and grabbed you around the waist, pulling you close. "Just one kiss," he murmured, his breath hot against your lips. "If you can resist, I'll back off. But if you can't..." His grin turned predatory. His lips crashed against yours, demanding and insistent. Adam's hands tangled in your hair, holding you in place as he devoured your mouth. His wings wrapped around you, trapping you against his chest. He kissed you with all the passion and charisma he possessed, determined to break down your resistance. 

Adam’s hands roamed over your body possessively, trying to ignite a fire within you. He grinded his hips against yours, leaving no doubt about his arousal. "See?" he murmured against your lips, "I'm irresistible." You scoff. “I've seen better.” Adam's eyes flashed with anger, but he quickly replaced it with a smirk. "Oh, feisty, are we?" He stood up, pulling you with him, and tossed you over his shoulder. "Fine, if you won't give in willingly, I'll just have to convince you otherwise." Adam quickly walks out of the ocean water and carries you to a secluded cave, far away from prying eyes. He unceremoniously dumped you onto the sand. "Now," He says, his voice low and dangerous, "Let's see if you can maintain that attitude with me between your thighs." 

​​Adam loomed over you, his eyes burning with a fiery intensity. He reached out and grabbed your ankles, spreading your legs apart, while quickly ripping off your swimsuit. He knelt between your thighs, his hands resting on your hips. "You're going to regret those words," he growled, before burying his face between your legs. Adam's tongue delved into your folds, licking and sucking with a fervent passion. He gripped your hips tightly, his fingers digging into your flesh as he devoured you. He growled against your core, the vibrations sending shivers through your body. "You taste like heaven," He muttered softly. 

His hands slid under your backside, tilting your hips upward for better access. His mouth was insatiable, feasting on you like a starving man. Your hands flew to his head, gripping his hair tightly as you moaned loudly. "A-Adam...please..." You cried. Adam ignored your pleas, his focus entirely on the task at hand. He hooked his arms around your thighs, holding you down as he continued his onslaught. He sucked hard on your sensitive bud, then thrust his tongue into your opening. "Adam...please...I can't..." Adam's tongue stilled, and he lifted his head to look at you. His face was glistening with your juices, his eyes blazing with triumph. "You were saying something about me not measuring up?" He chuckled darkly.

"Mmm," Adam hummed against you, his tongue resuming its torment. He slipped two fingers inside you, pumping them in and out while his mouth continued to work its magic. Your body tensed, your breath hitched, and you cried out as waves of pleasure crashed over you. Adam slowly kissed his way up your body, a smug grin on his face. "Still think I'm overrated?" he asked, his voice low. “N-no.” You say, catching your breath. Adam rose, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. He undid his swim trunks, dropping them to the ground. He crawled onto the furs, his muscled body hovering over yours. "Now," He rasped, Adam nudged your entrance, his hard length gliding through your folds. He leaned down, his lips capturing yours in a deep, hungry kiss. "Last chance to take back your words," You gasp. “I take it back!” You say quickly.

Adam's lips curled into a satisfied smirk as he broke the kiss. He grabbed your legs, throwing them over his shoulders as he thrust his hips forward. He buried himself to the hilt, a guttural groan escaping him as he finally filled you completely. "Good," He grunted, his powerful hips snapped back and forth, each thrust burying him deeper inside you. His fingers dug into your thighs as he held them apart, his face a mask of intense concentration. "You're so...tight," he hissed, his voice strained. Adam leaned forward, capturing one of your hardened peaks between his lips. He suckled hungrily, his tongue swirling around the taut bud. 

Leaning forward, Adam draped your legs over his arms, altering the angle of his thrusts. He leaned down to nuzzle your neck, his teeth grazing over your skin. "You feel so good, my love," He murmured, his voice laced with reverence. ​​His hips began to move faster, each snap of his pelvis sending jolts of pleasure through your body. The wet sounds of your coupling filled the air, mixing with Adam's increasingly labored breathing. "I'm getting close," He growled, his eyes darkening with lust.

You are a complete mess beneath him. Adam's hand slides between your bodies, his fingertips finding that sensitive bundle of nerves. He rubbed furiously as he pounded into you, his body tensing as he neared his release. "Come with me, my love," he rasped, his voice hoarse from exertion. Adam's release hit him like a freight train, his body tensing as he drove deep inside you. He let out a roar, his body convulsing as he filled you with his release. Adam’s release triggered your own, your body milking him for every last drop. He leaned down, his forehead resting against yours. "And how do I measure up now?" 

​​Adam's face split into a wide grin, his fangs glinting in the firelight. He collapsed onto the furs beside you, his arms wrapping around your waist as he pulled you flush against his chest. "Glad to hear it," He murmured, his lips pressing against your shoulder. Adam let out a satisfied hum, his arms wrapping around you as he rolled onto his back, bringing you with him. He nuzzled your neck, his hands idly caressing your back. "I love you," he murmured, his voice content. "And I promise, this is only the beginning." He promises, as he holds you in his loving arms.

[peachesofteal]

Dad!John Price/female reader The Ocean anthology Note: The orcas mentioned in this series are based on a real population. Coolest things on this planet.

The strait is quiet. 

Fog rolls across glass, painting grey sea smoke on top of clear, hyaline waters, mirror images cast from horizon to cliff. It’s a prehistoric stillness, the kind that’s sung low in the belly of this passage for millions of years, volcanos and glaciers all doing their worst, their best, to shape and carve this land to be as it’s known now. 

Granitic wall looms above and below, plummeting into the earth beneath you until the water is too deep to see where it ends and hell begins, water and plants and light refracting into a teal green color. painting the pitch something most only see in magazines. It stretches tall too, forms the base of the islands, of all the land that flanks the strait, and you have to crane your neck to see where rock ends and soil begins. 

It’s a marvel onto itself, but you’re not here for the geology. 

Where are they? 

Your paddle dips, pushes, forging a path through the quiet, preternatural stillness, wrists to ribs moving with hypnotic pace. Left, right, left, right. Dig. Dip. Your lungs burn, muscles ache, and still you paddle, up and down the coast, maintaining your determined pace in the face of exhaustion, forcing yourself past the brink of logic and reason, as always, in the pursuit of passion. You focus on your breath, on the cold, settling it in your bones, falling into the beautiful rhythm that is paddling, cold sea spray dripping down to your gloves.

It’s easy to get lost in the quiet of the water. The fog and the cliffs crowd inwards, silent watchers of a sacred place, protectors of a balance long disturbed and derailed everywhere else in this world. Your paddle strokes in perfect time, kayak cutting through the eerie mists and propelling you forward, focus fixed on the horizon, looking, listening. Waiting. You simmer in the silence, straining to hear the telltale blow of air, the signal of surfacing.

Nothing comes.

Where are they?

Salmon jump in front of the kayak, shattering the serenity in their wriggling flight.

The residents elude you. You say good morning to an otter, a sea lion the size of two men, some curious Dall’s porpoise, but are left bereaved at the noticeable absence of the pods. 

It’s the first day. It’s okay, it’s only the first day. 

The alarm on your watch goes off, just as the lighthouse, affectionately named Little Rock, looms ahead, faded and chipped green paint calling you back to the cove, a glacial breeze whipping under your goretex and neoprene, cutting to the quick, right down to flesh and bone. 

Time’s up. 

“Did you see them?!” Aly bounces on her toes at the edge of the dock, running alongside the pace of your paddling. 

“No.” Your tone is light, but you don’t hide the disappointment, and she smiles sadly, sympathetically. What a smart kid.

“I’m sorry.” 

“That’s okay.” 

“Are you coming in now?” You nod, motioning to the beach, and she skips ahead, running down the steps onto where millions of little pearled rocks give way under her feet, echoing the same as you run the fiberglass bottom of your kayak aground, popping your legs out on either side. 

“I know you wanted to see them.” Her eyes are wide and a little fearful. You frown. 

“I’ve got all year, I’ll see them. Don’t worry.” The assurance is tepid, but present, and she shrugs. 

“You should ask my dad. He knows where they are a lot.” 

“Oh yeah?” You could try. She nods, excited, shiny dark braids gleaming in the mid-morning sun. You glance around, looking for an adult, or someone who accompanied here down here, but there’s no one, and you chew on it, pulling your boat higher up than the tide will reach today. “Shouldn’t you like, be in school or something?” 

“I do school online.” She rolls her eyes, gap tooth grin stretched across her face. “It’s for gifted kids but I always finish early.” 

“Does your dad know you’re running around this place unsupervised?” She shakes her head, and then sobers, glancing towards the woods. 

“I’m not unsupervised.” What? You look the same direction, but all you see is the shadow of the forest, darkness so thick you’re not sure you could see your way in broad daylight. 

A chill traces your spine, ice cold and cautious, slow in its discovery, pressing against your skin like it’s moving under your clothes. You gasp, whirling and- 

There’s nothing. Only the lapping of the tide, the gentle waves that rake through the shore. Your beached boat. Remnants of the morning’s mists. 

Must’ve been the wind. 

The Ranger’s daughter giggles. You raise an eyebrow, and then motion up the hill. 

“Want to head back with me then?”

“Aly!” The Ranger’s voice reaches you, even a hundred meters away. She sprints ahead of you, and your stomach twists, iced over fear spreading through your veins. 

He’s going to freak. He already hates you and now he’s going to think you kidnapped his kid or something. 

“Where have you been?” 

“Down at the water.” She kicks a rock, beaming. One of his too wide palms sweeps over her forehead, moustache and lips kicking to the side with a sigh. 

“Not supposed to be down there on your own, remember?” 

“I wasn’t.” She stands tall with her insistence, and proudly points at you. “I was with her.”

John straightens. He stares at you with a scrutiny that you’ve never felt, an intense pressure building behind your eyes, in your thighs, incinerating all the muscle in your body until you’re sure to explode. 

The silence is painful, and Aly hops from one foot to another. 

“You find ‘em?” There’s no softness in his eyes for you, only a hard edge, hand coming to rest on his daughter’s shoulder. 

“No.” You think he’ll turn away then, drift away in the wake of this encounter, but he holds you steady there, caught between him and the earth, crushing weights on either side. It’s unnerving, this stranger, this Ranger, a moon to a tide, and you swallow when he finally speaks, it’s with that rich timbre, the accent that twists you up in boundless knots.

“They make you earn it.”

“You should sleep with your window open.” Aly pipes up, and John’s mouth twitches.

“You can hear them in the cove, in the middle of the night.” He explains. “They hunt and play in the shallow off the beach pretty often. Though it’s too cold to be sleeping with your window open.” The last piece is serious, like a warning, but you’re already vibrating with anticipation, attention fixed through the trees, like you can see down the hill to the harbor.

When you turn back, John is watching you. Hard muscle and tone turned dulcet, there’s less shadow in his eyes, replaced by something wild, willful.

There for a second. Gone in the next.

“Well I’ve… work to do.” Paltry effort. It sticks in your mouth the way this man has stuck to your mind, lurking and wandering, leaving you wondering what he's doing on the other side of your bedroom wall, your living room. Wondering what he’s like, what he’s really like, under the clipped and caustic words, the churlish airs swirling around him whenever he lays eyes on you. He’s the definition of surly, and the reluctance to interact with you stings, even though you shove it down. Secrets lay beneath his ribs, you have no doubt, protected by his thick coat and wide frame, a mass of tenured muscle and strength visible under the heaviest wool.

He nods.

You turn your back.

"Leave a note, when you're goin' out." He's got Aly in hand, halfway up his side of the porch, breath fogging in the space between your bodies. "Shouldn't be out alone, without anyone knowing, alright?"

Leave a note.

"Alright."

[sugar-omi]

(I’m on my 🩸so please excuse the hornyness)

I woke up this morning with cove on my mind (who doesn’t) and just thought of a funny scenario. imagine the step 2 moment where MC and Cove can cuddle but they weren’t quietly told that it’s not ok by Cove’s mom. Skip to step 3 they love cuddling as friends. (they are still secretly in love with each other tho) this leads us to my dirty little thought, Cove and MC as friends having a little sleepover at Cove’s house and cuddling. Poor sweet Cove has a dirty dream about his dear friend MC, when he wakes up from it he finds himself hard as a rock and his hips grinding on their own into MC’s ass. And of course cove would quickly run to the bathroom without waking MC and panic to himself and try to get it down.

Or MC wakes up before cove because of the movement and lowkey doesn’t mind it, MC pushes back against cove a little and just listens to the little sounds he makes in his sleep

OMG TWINS 🤭🤭 omg maybe thats why my cove posts have been so unhinged lately... so excuse ME for the feralness im about to drop rn because youve planted a nassssty seed in my head..

cove usually doesn't have dirty dreams, always dreams about the beach or his fish, or something asinine. can count his dirty dreams on his fingers with some leftover.

before, they'd always been faceless. couldn't tell a single detail of who it was, even if it didn't matter.

but this time it wasn't a question of who it was.

the dream is so vivid, and the pleasure shooting through his veins feels way too good when he realizes it's you grinding against his bulge.

in fact, it feels better than when he gets himself off, and dream-you isn't even touching his cock yet, your crotch grinding along the length of his bulge in his sweatpants.

every roll of your hips is so fucking delicious he feels like he could collapse. can't help but grab onto your hips, helping you move and roll his hips into yours.

and when you lean forward, hands on his chest under his shirt, feeling up the dips and valleys of his lean muscle, your lips inching closer until they finally meet...

he definitely thinks this is as close as he can heaven. your plush lips move against his, the kiss becoming more passionate, more heated as he tries to match you.

if anyone could see inside his dream right now, they'd think you're passionate lovers, your lips slotted together perfectly, like you're meant to be, and he wonders if you'd feel like this in real life too. if your kiss would be this good, this enticing, and when your tongue slips past his lips, invading his mouth, he wonders if you'd taste this sweet too.

you break the kiss, leaving him hot and panting, his chest rising and falling like he's ran a marathon, your lips trailing from his mouth down his jaw, quickly finding a sensitive area under his ear, right behind his jaw.

doesn't even realize you're shoving down his sweatpants, your own pants disposed of at some point in this dream, until he feels the heat and wetness of your sexes rubbing together

let's out such a pretty and loud whimpery-moan, curses and bucks up into your cunt, making his length glide against your wet, hot core. / hand, thrusting up into your tight fist wrapped around both your cocks.

forgets this is a dream for a moment, distantly thinking he wants to see the end. and his stomach feels so hot, so tight like he's gonna burst.

eyes rolling when dream-you says his name right in his ear, your voice breathy and desperate...

when he opens his eyes, hoping to see your blissed out face, all he sees is a dim room. his room. and the back of your head...

his heart is beating out his chest, and he doesn't even need time to wakeup before he realizes what happened. especially when he feels his hard length pressed right against your ass, the heat and bit of pressure from your ass against his cock has him losing his grip on reality a bit.

but the guilt crashes on him, can't believe he had a dirty dream about you. much less with you in his arms.

it's a miracle if you don't wake up, cove's a big clumsy mess all the time, but this time the shock has him moving a bit more calmly. calmly as in he doesn't scream or squeak, and doesn't flail or fall off the bed like he otherwise would.

but he does unwind his arms around you, carefully pulling his arm from under your body and trying to untangle himself from his bedsheets and your legs.

really, it's a miracle this hadn't happened before. especially when you were 13 and your hormones had more control of your body than you did.

slips out of bed, so thankful that his bed is close to the door and there's minimal creaking of the door and floorboards. all but dashes to the bathroom.

i wonder how he'd deal with his. well.. big problem.

he'd been leaning on the counter, his shaggy hair hanging in his face and he's painfully aware of how hard his cock is. he's fucking throbbing in his sweats, his hard length heavy against his thigh.. he couldn't fucking forget about it. and can't forget that dream.

thinks about waiting it out or a cold shower. but a cold shower doesn't sound appealing at all, and he really doubts his hard-on is going anywhere...

resigns to getting himself off. hoping just once will be enough.. hopes that maybe he can finish quickly before you wake up, he's still pumping after his near orgasm in that dream.. fuck he's kind of glad he woke up now, realizing it'd be really fucking embarrassing if you woke up to cove creaming his pants of you dry humping him (and then some) in his dream

his eyes roll and flutter shut when his hand wraps around his length, his shirt muffling the moan on the tip of his tongue. it doesn't feel nearly as good as it did in his dream...

but he really tries not to think about that. it's so fucking disrespectful to you to keep thinking about it, let alone get off to it.

focuses on all his ero spots, that way he can finish faster and even if he's shaking in his hands because he's running his thumb over his sensitive mushroom head, and giving his cock short, tight pumps, and his nimble fingers find their way to his chest..

well he just needs to hurry up and finish before you wake up and so he doesn't think about that dream, trying to replace all his senses with himself in lue of you. albeit dream you, but still you.

hates that he thought about his best friend like that, and hates that he can hardly get off without distantly thinking about how this would probably feel so much better if it was you touching his cock...

thrusts up into his hand, biting down around his shirt as he groans lowly, but the sound is still loud in this quiet house, and he hopes you didn't get up at some point, walking by and hear him..

if only you could see what a pathetic sight he is.. panting, shirt bunched up and wrinkled, his pants sloppily shoved down his thighs and his cock flushed and throbbing in his hand, covered in his thick, bountiful load.

even he can't help but curse because fuck he feels like a fucking degenerate. feels dirty. he doesn't eve. know how he's gonna look at you, and fuck you definitely can't cuddle anymore until he gets a grip on himself.

but how would he explain that? "hey i had a wet dream about you, sorry bestie, let's not cuddle anymore unless you wanna wake up to my hard dick on you"

that's too weird, and creepy. God he'd hate if you found him creepy and disgusting, the thought of what your expression could be makes him said and he makes his stomach twist...

can't even return to the room, it feels too awkward to do so now. he'd really feel like a creep if he slipped back into bed with you.

ends up setting up camp in the living room, either doing his abandoned homework or trying to find some way to distract himself, wouldn't be surprised if he ends up falling asleep on the couch.

but regardless of how he spends the rest of the night. what if you are awake, and realize what's happening?...

doesn't matter if you're a night owl or a gentle sleeper, although either help because you realize it so much sooner than if you're asleep

i mean, who wouldn't realize their best friend (and crush), gasping in their ear and then moaning softly, his hips bumping into you..

whatever the case, you're awake now when he tightens his grip around your midsection, his hips easily and expertly rolling against your butt, and his legs, which are tangled with yours, easily forces you to move against him, his cock so obviously hardening, getting thicker and so fucking prominent, against your ass.

your heart is beating against your chest like a drum. you're losing your fucking mind, you can't believe what's happening..

your teeth sink into your lip when you hear cove call out a soft, cut-off call of your name.

he's dreaming about you. and clearly it's something dirty if his bulge is anything to go by.

you can't deny that it's turning you on either. it's be weird if it didn't. your crush pressed against you, grinding his fat cock into your ass while having a nice dream about you? it's surprisingly flattering, and you're loving it

as it goes on, cove's hips progressively get more.. aggressive. almost. your head is spinning.

you wish you could know what he's dreaming about and wish it'd happen in real life, right here and right now. but for now, you'll settle for your own mind. afterall, you have plenty of fuel to run off of.

cove's moans and gasps are so pretty, even his indistinguishable mumbling is making your blood pump. his murmurs are usually a good sign after all.

and his cock.. you didn't expect him to be small. he's a big guy, after all, and to say he's packing a third leg might be an exaggeration, but fuck if he's not coke bottle thick and clearly long enough to hit all those deep, deliciously impossible spots inside you.

you wanna wake him up. but if you do.. you wonder what he'd do. run away? probably. you're not even going out, so his first reaction would definitely be to apologize profusely and go hide.

of course, he does wake up, though. you realize that when the grinding stops suddenly, and he tenses around you, and eventually, he starts prying his limbs from under you.

you reprimand your heart for being disappointed that he doesn't check if you're awake and proceed to do something with you, anything at all, maybe even recreate that dream.

and you are torn between logic letting you let him slip out the door, and your desperation wanting to pull him into bed.

he's gone for awhile, you're not sure how long, but it's a few minutes that make you think maybe he's.. taking care of his problem. and then it makes you think that you could take care of your own problem if you're quick enough.

there's definitely a line crossed. tonight has blurred the line between you, knowingly.

you let him keep grinding into you, even if he doesn't know that.

so whats one more thing he doesn't know, your body shifting to his side of the bed, his body heat and the scent of his shampoo and cologne thicker now that you're on the side he slept.

and your hand slipping under the sheets.. your eyes fluttering closed as you try to imagine a scenario between you. surely, you can imagine it just this once, balance out the scale?

[fanfictiongirlie]

Twilight: Some Soulmate - Chapter Four

Click here for masterlist

Parings: Paul Lahote x Reader

Description: Y/N a member of the Cullen family is imprinted on by one of the wolves, she is shocked, he is shocked. She is struggling with drinking animal blood over human, and he is disgusted by a vampire for a soulmate… But maybe it could work..?

Rating: General Audiences

Warnings: None

Words: 1,216

It was the beginning of the summer holidays, luckily there wasn't much sun. But in a few days, me and my family were going on holiday to Denali to see our cousins, which I was so excited about. But also I wouldn't be able to see Paul.  

I was getting ready to go see him today, he wanted to take me to La Push beach. It was strange because suddenly I was allowed everywhere. I decided to wear more clothes than usual, I had been to the beach once when I was human with my mother and younger brother. Since being a vampire I had avoided them. I put on long jeans, trainers, and a top with long sleeves. And I tied my hair into two long braids. 

"Guys I'm leaving for my date" I yelled out smiling, I had a date. I jumped onto my motorbike and started driving towards La Push. I was so excited. I kept driving until I reached the beach, Paul was waiting there, his eyes wide. 

"You drive a motorbike?" He asked I nodded, parking it. I jumped off and skipped over to him, we hugged tightly. 

"How are you?" He asked, smiling. 

"I'm good, how about you?" I smiled and took his hand, and we started wandering the beach. I took my shoes off and felt the sand on my toes, which was nice. 

I noticed the sun hiding behind the clouds. 

"Are you sure no one is around?" I asked, nervously. He nodded. 

"Yeah, not many people come here" He smirked, holding my hand tighter. 

We turned a corner and there was a blanket on the sand, with a basket. I smiled at him. 

"Is this for us?" I asked, he nodded, with a cheeky grin and sat down. I sat with him and watched him start to unload the basket. He put a drink next to me and some food around us. I suddenly felt back. I didn't eat, surely he knew that. 

"Paul, I don't eat," I said, he grinned. 

"I know, the food is for me, the drink is for you, its bourbon, I read that vampires like alcohol" 

I felt so happy. I grabbed the bottle, it was a water bottle and took a sip, it was bourbon, good bourbon. 

"Thank you, Paul" I smiled. 

He started eating, I looked out at the view, it was lovely. The ocean was crashing onto the rocks, and the smell of salt was wonderful. 

"I forgot how much I love the beach" I smile. 

"When did you last come to the beach?" He asked. 

"I was 14 I think? I remember wearing my swimming costume which covered my entire body, my brother and I got ice cream" I smiled, remembering. 

"Can I ask how old you are? Is that rude?" He asked I laughed. I was so used to people asking me my age. 

"It's fine, I just don't want to put you off, but I'm 154" I answered

"Wow, when were you born?" He asked.

"1866" I smiled. 

"I bet time was different back then," He said awkwardly.

"Yes, back then we wouldn't be left alone like this" I giggled, "You would have courted me after asking my father's permission, and then after a few months, you would propose to me, and then not long after we'd be married"

"I suppose I could ask Carlisle permission" He laughed. I shook my head, 

"Carlise is more like my brother, he found me a few months after I was turned" I explained. 

"What happened to your family? What did they do?" He asked. No one had really asked me about my family. 

"My mother was a housewife, my father worked in a factory, I wasn't really close with either of them, they let me know they didn't like me as much as my brother" I explained "I loved my little brother, Henry, he was only 17 when I died. I know it hit him hard, after a few years I went to go check him and his life"

"Was he happy?" Paul asked I smiled, I knew I'd be crying if I could. 

"He married and had a few children, he was happy, what made me really happy there were a few photos of me when I was younger in his house" I smiled.

"Well, that's normal though, having pictures of your loved ones" He chuckled. 

"Well it was still kind of new to have photos, I even have this large painting of me and my family at home, because that was still a thing when I was young" I explained. 

"That's kind of cool" He smiled, taking my hand in his and rubbing his thumb over my hand.

"I'm leaving tomorrow to go to Denali" I tell him. 

"For a holiday?" He asked, and I nod. As he said that I felt the sun peak from the sun and glitter along my skin. 

"Wow, vampires really do sparkle" He stated. I nodded, stretching my limps. 

"It feels nice" I smile.

Paul reaches up and strokes his hand over my glittering cheek, I lean into his hand and close my eyes. 

"You're beautiful" He smirks, shuffling forward. 

"Can I kiss you Y/N?" He asked, quietly like he is nervous. I nod, not opening my eyes. I hear him shuffle some more, and then his warm lips touch mine. We stay still until I moved closer and push my lips more firmly against his. It had been years since I had kissed someone, but this beat every kiss I've ever had. His hand flattened against my cheek and his other hand pressed against my other cheek holding me as our lips movies together. 

We kissed, for what it seemed like hours, but Paul pulled back to breathe. I smiled and noticed his blush. I wish I could blush. 

"That was really nice" I smiled, he nodded agreeing. 

For the rest of the evening, we laid on the blanket, looking up at the sky, talking about our lives, dreams, and school. He was impressed with how many college courses I had done. And with how many books I had read. Just wait until he saw my room, it was basically a library. The entire time we spoke, his hand was holding mine, like he was scared to let go. I hoped he never let go. 

As the day came to an end, and he had to go on patrol for Sam, he kissed me again before I hopped onto my motorbike and sped home. 

Of course, when I got home, they were all waiting, massive grins on their faces. 

"How did it go?" Esme squealed. 

"It was lovely, now I'd love to chat but I'd like to take a nice hot bath and read for the evening" I smiled walking past my family. 

"A hot bath thinking about Paul, I'm sure" Emmett piped up. 

"I'll fight you" I laughed speeding up the stairs to my room. 

I started running the bath with an expensive bubble bath Tayna got me last time I saw her. I picked up three books, I'd probably stay in the bath for a few hours to ease my hard muscles. 

When I sunk into the water and sighed loudly, I thought to myself. Emmett was right. 

Previous Part - Next Part

[bradshawssugarbaby]

Heavenly Kind of State of Mind - Bradley Bradshaw x Reader

summary: Bradley takes you out to thank you for taking care of him when he broke his nose. He didn't expect dinner to turn into something else.

pairing: baseball!Bradley x reader (Angel)

warnings/content: depictions of broken nose, Bradley being a manwh*re, sexual references, fluff, awkward first date.

word count: 2.3k

taglist (also tagging those who were interested in Take One For The Team since it's a similar vibe and explains the lack of updates lol): @avengersfan25, @jessicab1991, @atarmychick007, @b-bradshaw, @nouis-bum, @mamachasesmayhem, @floydsmuse, @kmc1989, @dckweed, @katfanfic, @nerdgirljen, @whatislovevavy, @mrsevans90, @averyhotchner, @yuckosworld, @tgmreader, @allepaula, @lourd-ita, @mariaenchanted @sorchathered, @sarahsmi13s, @hangmansgbaby, @djs8891 @primroseluna @silversprings-mp3 @drxgxnslxyer @gardenavenue @seitmai @unhinged-bitch @mattyskies

Bradley wasn’t the dating type.

At least, that’s what he told himself on the drive over to the San Diego pier. 

As Bradley crossed the bridge from quiet, serene Coronado into the bustling downtown core, he tapped his hand against the steering wheel, nervously drumming the beat to a classic rock song. He pulled up into a parking space, looking around the parking lot for your obnoxious little car with its pink interior that he’d been thinking about since you took him to get his nose checked out. The break had healed nicely, unable to tell that two weeks prior, his nose had met with the fist of a grown man. Bradley sighed as he realized you weren’t here yet, adjusting his sunglasses in his rearview mirror. 

He didn’t date. 

It wasn’t his thing. 

The awkward small talk. The painful silences. The uncomfortable stage where you waited to see how the other person wanted to proceed, all for it to fall apart in the end anyway. He knew dates were just a stop gap to heartbreak. He was the expert, in fact. In the years since his marriage fell apart, he’d skipped dating all-together, resolving himself to one night stands and quick hookups as a means of bypassing the inevitable heartache he’d be faced with if he’d gone the dating route. 

After his marriage, he didn’t know what he wanted. He’d wanted kids, he thought, but then again, kids meant his career got less focus. Kids meant he’d have one of two choices — retire and become a picture-perfect dad, working a normal career and being the doting husband and father he knew he’d want to be, or, stay playing baseball, continue his dedication to his career, and always feel guilty for not being home, fielding the upset accusations of his wife, telling him he was doing it as an escape, running from his responsibilities. 

Being alone gave him freedom. It gave him the ability to further his career and focus his attention on whatever the fuck he wanted. And he liked it that way. 

However, despite his best efforts, he couldn’t stop you from occupy every thought that he had over the past two weeks. Being unable to play didn’t help — doctor’s orders had him benched for two weeks until his nose had healed. 

He’d attended practices, worked out at the gym a few extra times for good measure, and even took a guest spot in the commentator booth for a game over the past fourteen days to keep himself busy, but he couldn’t stop himself from thinking about you. 

Every time he thought he was comfortably distracted, focused on something else, his brain would circle back around, coming back to you each and every time.

It was exhausting.

He tried so hard to push it off. Too hard, in fact. As he sat in his Bronco, hands still drumming on the steering wheel as he listened to the radio, now blaring The Beach Boys through his car, he hummed along to the familiar tune, hoping that it would provide him a little reprieve from the all-encompassing thoughts of you. 

Just as he closed his eyes, letting his imagination take him to the beach, walking across the warm sand, cool waves lapping at his feet as he stepped towards the ocean, he heard a gentle tapping on his window. Snapping back to reality, his eyelids fluttered, eyes opening wide as he spotted you gently tapping your knuckles against the window. 

He turned the car off, pulling the keys out of the ignition and stuffing them into his pocket as he hopped out of the driver’s seat. Your warm, friendly smile was enough to make him weak in the knees and he could barely keep himself together when he saw you standing there in that sweet, pretty little sundress you were wearing. He just hoped that his light-washed denim jeans didn’t betray him and give away how tight they were getting.

“Thanks for inviting me out,” you smiled as you looked at Bradley, hand raised to gesture at his healing nose, “Looks like you healed up nicely, Bradshaw.” 

“Not having baseballs flying at my face for the last two weeks might have helped. Stayed out of bars too, wasn’t about to risk having another drunken baseball fan taking swings at me.”

“You just didn’t want to lose another bar fight, did you?” you teased, pursing your lips as you looked around at the pier. 

“There’s like four different restaurants here, I figured I’d let you take your pick. Reservations aren’t an issue,” Bradley explained calmly, giving his head a gentle nod as he surveyed the parking lot. 

“Wow, you have that much influence here? Aren’t they used to pro-athletes?”

“That’s not what I meant. I made reservations at all four. Just in case.”

“Wow, never had you pegged as a people pleaser, Bradley. I’m impressed.”

“I’m not,” he replied stubbornly, shaking his head. “I just didn’t want to pick something and find out you were deathly allergic to seafood or something. Killing you with a food allergy didn’t seem like an appropriate way to thank you for helping me the other night.”

“You’re right, unexpectedly poisoning me doesn’t sound like a good thank you. You’re in luck though, no food allergies.”

Bradley let out a sigh and looked around again, looking more vulnerable than ever. He looked uncomfortable, nervous even, and you couldn’t help but feel sorry for him.

“Steak?” You hummed, raising an eyebrow as you tried to break any tension between you. “I could go for steak.”

“Steak works,” he grumbled, nodding his head. He leaned in towards you, his lips just milimeters from your ear as he whispered softly, trying to be as quiet as possible before being spotted. 

“Photographers are over there, they’re gonna want to snap a few photos of us. Are you ok with that? We can either play it up or downplay it. Up to you. I can always walk in ahead of you if you don’t want the attention.”

You felt your breath hitch in your throat as he whispered into your ear, the hairs on the back of your neck standing at full attention. Craning your neck to look above his shoulder, you spotted a white Escalade with a short, weasel of a man sitting in the front seat, camera poised and ready to capture a shot. Your eyes flitted back to Bradley as you nodded your head. 

“Give them a show,” you nodded, granting him permission to play up the dinner, “Maybe it’ll help stop people from watching you for a reaction now that your ex’s upcoming nuptials are plastered over every glossy magazine there is. I can’t even read Cosmo without seeing her—” 

Bradley grumbled something at you, interrupting your ramble. He took you by the hand and nodded his head, looking back over his shoulder towards the camera before his gaze landed on you once again. Before a word was spoken between the two of you, Bradley’s large hand was on the small of your back, pulling your body in against his. Lips pressed together, you felt your body melt back into his hand. 

Although you’d never admit it to his face, you’d thought about kissing Bradley Bradshaw’s lips over and over and over again since you met him two weeks ago. You’d thought a lot about Bradley, more than you’d care to admit. You thought about those large hands of his, picturing his rough, calloused palms cupping at your tits, feeling their weight as he gently squeezed at them. You’d pictured his lips on your skin, soft and slow, pressing hot kisses over every inch of exposed flesh, unable to keep his hands and mouth off of your body. 

Bradley Bradshaw had you tangled up in a crush that rivalled the ones you’d held in high school. And weirdly — you found yourself refusing to give it up. Since that night you dropped him off to get his nose examined, bloodied and battered and vulnerable in the passenger seat of your car - you’d been completely head over heels for him, whether you liked it or not. 

As Bradley’s calloused hand held yours, enveloping it in his large fingers, his expression softened, lips forming into a gentle smile. The two of you walked hand in hand towards the restaurant, with Bradley giving his name to the hostess as he approached. He gave another glance towards the photographer behind him, furiously snapping photographs from the seat of his car, headlines practically writing themselves in his eyes as he watched Bradley closely.

Bradley didn’t want to admit it, but you agreeing to give the press a little show was helping his career more than anything - appearing to be on a genuine date would help quell the rumours about his long-storied sexual escapades since his highly publicized divorce. 

When his marriage crumbled, he went through a series of bad decisions. His temper was already the stuff of legends in the game, with stories about locker room fights and fines for unsportsmanlike conduct, but those rumours proved true when his life began to fall apart around him. He’d been caught, on more than one occasion, with a pretty blonde in a compromising position with him. Dancing in bars, drunken stumbles in hotel lobbies, walks of shame the following morning. He’d earned the nickname Bradley “Hit-It-And-Quit-It” Bradshaw for crying out loud, and while it wasn’t something he was proud of, it sure wasn’t something he chose to dispute either. 

As Bradley tucked your chair in, he leaned down to whisper in your ear once again, his hand resting gently on your shoulder as he spoke. 

“Let me know if this gets uncomfortable for you,” he nodded slowly.

“Mhmm,” you hummed, shivers running up and down your spine. 

Bradley took the seat across from you, smiling politely at the waitress as she took your drink orders. Moments later, his hand wrapped around his beer glass, raising it to his lips as he took a long sip, the frothy head brushing against his mustache as the liquid passed his lips. He watched as you looked out at the pier, eyes gazing at the sunset over the horizon, the sky painted shades of pink and orange. 

“It’s nice view sitting here, isn’t it?” Bradley nodded in agreement as he spoke. “It’s my favourite. I haven’t come in a while though.”

An awkward silence washed over you both. 

The kind of silence that reminded Bradley why he hated dating.

An uncomfortable pause later, Bradley cleared his throat, nodding his head towards you as he forced an uneasy smile. You looked back at him, sensing his discomfort and wanting to smooth the tension as best as you could, you said the only thing that came to mind as a safe topic of discussion.

“Are you ready for the game tomorrow?” 

“Hmm? Yeah, yeah,” he nodded casually, sipping his drink. “I’m excited to be back on the roster. Did you hear the excuse they came up with for how I broke my nose? PR said a bar brawl wasn’t a good look, so they said I did it during practice.” He scoffed, laughing softly. 

“Practice? What’s the story they came up with?”

“Mhmm, said I missed a rogue line drive, caught it with my nose instead of my glove.”

You shook your head and laughed, cocking a manicured eyebrow up at Bradley as he spoke. Another awkward pause hung in the air as you took a sip from your wine glass. Your eyes drifted back to Bradley, sensing his nerves.

“Alright, enough of this,” you laughed, shaking your head, “Why do they call you Rooster?”

Bradley’s eyes went wide as he set his drink glass down on the table. His dark brown eyebrows raised in surprise as he looked at you. A strained laugh escaped his parted lips, his dark brown curls moving as he shook his head. 

“It’s not exactly dinner conversation,” he said simply.

“What—you’re joking,” you retorted with an incredulous laugh. “There’s no way.”

“‘Fraid so. Rooster Bradshaw. It’s not because I’m up early for practice every day.”

“It’s because you’ve got a big—”

“Not at dinner,” Bradley warned, shaking his head.

“So, the whole, you know,” you frowned slightly as you thought over how to word your inquiry, your voice dropping down to a whisper, “Bradley-hit-it-and-quit-it-Bradshaw thing, that’s connected to it?”

“Unfortunately,” Bradley grumbled, shaking his head, “It’s not something I’m proud of.”

Another awkward moment passed, the clinging of silverware against a dish was the only sound emitted from the two of you as you sat there. Between bites of steak and sips of wine, the odd question would slip out, basic small talk that no one enjoyed on dates, facts about the two of you that weren’t important to anyone. You had to remind yourself at several points that this was never a date - it was never intended to be. It was a thank-you. A half-hearted gesture of kindness from Bradley in exchange for you not running to the papers about his bar-room brawl and his broken nose. A gesture of thanks for not fuelling the already tainted reputation he had for himself. 

Between the breakdown of Bradley’s marriage, his subesquent outbursts that he was prone to devolve into at any time on and off the field, the heated locker room exchanges that got him traded between teams, and the now infamous, and probably over-dramatized accounts of his sexual conquests, his life was falling apart around him. You keeping his broken nose a secret was the first kind-hearted gesture anyone had made towards him in he didn’t know how long. 

All Bradley knew was, despite the clumsy awkwardness, the silences and pauses, the uncomfortable pressure he was putting on himself despite reminding himself it wasn’t a date. Bradley was left wondering. 

Maybe he wished it was. 

[htpssgavi]

JUST A PRANK PART THREE

The weeks after that final meeting with Y/N were some of the hardest of my life. I threw myself into football like never before, trying to drown out the pain with exhaustion. But no matter how hard I trained, no matter how many goals I scored, nothing could fill the void she had left behind.

I tried to move on, to focus on my career, but every time I saw her in my mind, with someone else, it was like a dagger to the heart. I wondered what he was like, if he treated her better than I did, if he made her laugh the way I used to. The thought of her being happy with someone else was bittersweet—I wanted her to be happy, but I had always hoped that happiness would be with me.

Days turned into months, and the pain slowly began to dull. It never fully went away, but I learned to live with it, to accept that Y/N was no longer mine. I started spending more time with my teammates, trying to fill the emptiness with friendships and new experiences. But no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I had lost something irreplaceable.

One day, about six months after that meeting, I ran into her by chance. I was walking through the park near the stadium, headphones in, lost in my thoughts, when I saw her sitting on a bench. She was alone, reading a book, and for a moment, I debated whether or not to approach her.

Before I could decide, she looked up and spotted me. Her eyes widened in surprise, but she smiled, a genuine smile that made my heart ache with nostalgia.

“Pablo,” she said, standing up as I walked over. “It’s been a while.”

“Yeah,” I replied, pulling out my headphones. “How have you been?”

“I’ve been good,” she said, her smile never wavering. “And you?”

“Better,” I said honestly. “It’s been hard, but I’m getting there.”

She nodded, her eyes softening with understanding. “I’m glad to hear that. I’ve been thinking about you.”

“Really?” I asked, surprised.

She nodded again, a little shyly this time. “I wanted to see how you were doing, but I didn’t know if it would be too painful to reach out.”

I hesitated, then asked the question that had been gnawing at me since our last meeting. “Are you still with him?”

She looked down, then back up at me, her expression unreadable. “No. It didn’t work out. We realized we were better off as friends.”

I wasn’t sure how to feel. Part of me wanted to jump at the chance to win her back, but another part of me knew that rushing things would only lead to more pain. We both needed time to heal, to figure out who we were without each other.

“I’m sorry to hear that,” I said, meaning it.

She smiled, a little sadly. “It’s okay. I’ve had a lot of time to think, and I realized that I need to focus on myself for a while. But I also realized that I miss you, Pablo.”

My heart skipped a beat. “I miss you too, Y/N. More than you know.”

The months that followed were some of the most challenging of my life, but they were also some of the most rewarding. Y/N and I took things slow, just as she had asked. We started meeting up more often, sometimes for coffee, sometimes for a walk in the park, each time a little less awkward, a little more like the way we used to be.

But it wasn’t easy. There were moments when I could see the doubt in her eyes, moments when I knew she was holding back because of the pain I’d caused. I had to be patient, had to prove to her with every word, every action, that I was serious about winning back her trust.

One night, about six months after we had reconnected, we were walking along the beach, the sun setting in the distance. We had spent the day together, and for the first time in a long while, it felt almost like old times. We were laughing, joking, the tension that had hung between us finally starting to lift.

As we reached the end of the beach, where the sand met the rocks, Y/N suddenly stopped. She turned to me, her eyes searching mine in the fading light.

“Pablo,” she began, her voice soft but steady, “do you really think we can make this work?”

I looked at her, my heart pounding. “I know we can. I’ve never been more certain of anything in my life.”

She hesitated, then reached out and took my hand, her fingers lacing through mine. “I believe you,” she said quietly. “But I need to know that you’re in this for the long haul. No more pranks, no more games. I need to know that you’ll always be honest with me.”

“I swear,” I said, holding her gaze. “No more games. No more lies. Just us, building something real.”

She smiled then, a real, genuine smile that made my heart soar. “I want that too.”

In that moment, I knew that we had finally turned a corner. It wouldn’t be easy, and we still had a lot of work to do, but we were finally on the same page. We were ready to move forward, together.

Two years later

The church was filled with the soft hum of whispered conversations, the air thick with anticipation. I stood at the altar, my heart pounding with a mixture of nerves and excitement. The past two years had been a journey, full of highs and lows, but they had led us here—our wedding day.

As the music started, signaling Y/N’s arrival, I felt a wave of emotion crash over me. The doors opened, and there she was, walking down the aisle with a smile that took my breath away. She looked stunning, her eyes locked on mine, and in that moment, I knew that every struggle, every tear, had been worth it.

When she reached me, I took her hands in mine, feeling the warmth of her touch. The officiant began to speak, but I barely heard the words. All I could focus on was her—my love, my future, my everything.

We exchanged vows, promising to love and cherish each other for the rest of our lives. When the officiant finally said, “You may kiss the bride,” I didn’t hesitate. I pulled her close, our lips meeting in a kiss that sealed our promise to each other.

As we turned to face our friends and family, who were cheering and clapping, I knew that we had made it. We had overcome the past, rebuilt our trust, and now, we were starting a new chapter together.

As we walked back down the aisle, hand in hand, I couldn’t stop smiling. We had been through so much, but in the end, love had won. And I knew that, whatever the future held, we would face it together.

@spidybaby @gavisfanta @gadriezmannsgirl @pablitogavii @lucy90712