#gotta say she grew on me enormously

[smallnico]

I gotta know because I'm having a blast with her in my party: would Minthara and Esper get along well or would they hate each other?

🥺💕

asking me about esper.. on a random weekday..... oh i am so blessed thank u so much

to answer your question though!! it's complicated. i've played 2 full games as esper, one before you could save minthara without killing the tieflings and one after, because i wanted to find out the answer to this very question (among other things).

the short answer is that they hate each other, lol. but there's nuance to that, so! under the cut bc it's long!

from a character perspective, the most in-character thing for esper to do is kill her -- they're half-drow, so the first thing she said to them was a comment about their impure blood, which they did NOT care for, and then she immediately started talking about slaughtering those druids and putting those tieflings that our new allies wyll and karlach care about in harm's way. she gave them basically nothing but green lights that it was okay to kill her, and generally speaking, esper doesn't need much of an excuse (they struggled with recruiting karlach for a bit and they were disappointed they didn't get to kill kagha, for instance), so not only were they forced to kill her, they were pretty excited to kill her.

(sidenote: part of that excitement is a pavlovian response from their childhood. one thing their matron did to help esper channel their urges while she was training them to be an assassin was fully endorse them practicing their skills on anyone they caught questioning their half-human parentage or gender, so long as they could do it well enough to get away with it. this means they react to people being racist toward them with excitement, because it means This Is An Acceptable Murder And I Am Going To Do It Fuck Yes. they racked up a pretty extensive kill count after they got to baldur's gate for this reason, too.)

all this to say, the first time around i didn't get to know minthara and her dynamic with esper much. the second time around, she was a bit glitchy, since the ability to save her had only just been implemented -- a lot of her banter with other party members wouldn't trigger, she was completely naked for the entire span of time between meeting ketheric and rescuing her from the prison, and i think i only got to ask her like 2 questions to get to know her? -- so that didn't help much, but from what i did learn about her dynamic with esper was that oh my god they both hate each other so fucking much. they just cannot stand each other. they have so much in common but the things that are different are enormous dealbreakers for both of them and it's almost hilarious. esper couldn't get through one in character conversation with minthara without her disapproving of Something they said. she wants so badly to enable the behaviours they're actively working to stop cycling through. the funniest fucking glitch i got with her was after we saved her from orin, the narrator demanded on her behalf that i literally pay her so she wouldn't walk away, that was how bad their relationship was. i'm Sure that was a glitch but it was wild.

zooming out from the game though, i mean it when i say esper and minthara have a lot in common (even if esper doesn't quite remember a lot of it). they both grew up in menzoberranzan, both of their earliest childhood memories are of surviving murder attempts, they both trained in combat academies (minth in tier breche, probably melee-magthere, and esper in the hidden academy at house auvy'rae), they were both forced to abandon lolth and the underdark by the dead three, they were both mutilated by orin, they were both forced to live for a period committing atrocities on behalf of a quasi-deity who sapped them both of their will to resist. esper and minthara have similar approaches to violence -- seeing it as necessary and enjoyable, but something to be used sparingly to best effect -- though they disagree on when it should be used. they even have similar senses of humour -- minthara likes a bit of cruel irony, and we all know the line about the man who married a drider, while esper is deadpan with a secret love for stupid jokes and mischief.

where they differ the most is on the matter of power. minthara, as we all know, is a properly power-hungry person who takes great joy in accruing and showing off power. she's completely on board with using the tadpoles, she wants her allies to have the most power they could have, whatever the fallout is for them personally (thinking specifically about astarion's ascension, which she's totally on board with, and dj shadowheart, where she says something to the effect of "shadowheart absolutely shouldn't go through with this ritual, shar is a poisonous influence, but it would be better for Us if she did"). she encourages esper to take over the cult of the absolute -- something i know for a fact astarion does too, but for some reason that line never triggered for either esper game -- and she wants them to take back the cult of bhaal, too. all that runs pretty completely contrary to the way that esper wants to live. esper rejects the tadpoles outright because they find the idea of injecting another squirming alien consciousness into their brain (when they already have the urges and the voice of bhaal and the incomprehensible flashes of emotions and memories from a past they can't remember), especially one that lets other people poke around in their thoughts, completely revolting and terrifying. the power is Not worth it to them, they just want to be left alone for once in their life. they didn't even want to run the cult of bhaal when they actually were in charge of it -- they liked the menial aspects of it, things like bookkeeping and arranging rituals and planning murders and getting their hands dirty, but they hated being the center of attention. weird for a bard, but they were trained to work unseen and listen and manipulate subtly more than anything, so they're extremely out of their comfort zone when a lot of emphasis is put on them. as far as they're concerned, visible and showy power makes a person helpless and a target (one of the other reasons i decided to play again was because i accidentally let gale ascend in the first run, and esper also hated that and thought he was an idiot. and tara got mad at me and that made me sad. sorry tara i'll do anything for you).

minthara seeks power and esper rejects power. she respects shows of power, and they only show off their actual power to people who are about to die, so they can keep the element of surprise wherever possible. so many of their core conflicts would occur because she thinks they're weak-willed and they think she's foolish, and because she thinks they're weak, she tries to control them, which makes esper start snarling and biting, and the game didn't really let me resolve that. it only gets worse when you start getting into things like drow race and gender politics -- bhaal created esper to have as bad of a time as possible in menzoberranzan as both a half-human and a redundant male child that killed their mother in childbirth -- and especially class politics -- since minthara is a baenre, she is (or was) a member of menzo's top house, and esper is an auvy'rae, a member (born into, disowned, and adopted back into) of a house known for purposefully cultivating an uncompetitive and nonthreatening public reputation (so they can focus on hidden intrigue, information brokering, and pulling the strings away from public scrutiny). minthara may not be aligned with lolth anymore, but 300 years of drow politics is hard as fuck to unlearn, and every time she addresses esper like they're a surfacer (which she does, because in-game that's how half-drow are classified -- surfacer by underdark races, underdark by surfacer races) they feel the urge to kill her again, even though they don't have their Concrete memories to contradict her.

then of course there's the fact that they're trying so hard to resist the urge to do violence. esper has no problem with normal violence, but they try to manage their internal drive toward Cruelty by focusing those impulses on people who really deserve it. bhaal's influence makes them feel a deep and disorienting loss of control during moments of violence and cruelty, so they go from "yes violence good let's do violence" at the beginning of the game to "i'm really good at killing and it feels so fucking good to do but i can't, i don't want to be ruled by the drive to do harm just because i can justify my focus on it because i'm good at it, i want to learn how to be something else, something that hasn't been tainted by my terrible past. so i'll try very hard to kill only when it's appropriate and i'll try to rely on my friends to tell me when that is". smash cut to minthara telling them to cut off a child's hand for pickpocketing lmao,

so, yeah. i love minthara, but esper really doesn't lol. i think she just provokes the Old Esper to come out of them way too often for their comfort -- they want their memories back, but they'd like to be in control of the process. i've tried to write party banter between esper and minthara and it always comes out extremely hostile and unpleasant. unfortunately, the most in-character thing for esper to do is kill her and really enjoy doing it. if they had the ability to understand each other's core approaches to power and violence, though, i think they could be pretty good friends, especially seeing as astarion has a lot of the same issues as minthara does vis a vis power and violence in contrast to esper, and esper is closer to astarion than anyone else in the party.

i have another durge run going where i'm going to try and be evil to get to know a different side of minthara, though! i might change the answer depending on what i can learn there.

[neednothavehappenedtobetrue]

pivotal moments in Callie and Laura's life. (content warnings, murder, implied past child abuse)

Callie was fussy. She staggered into Laura's office with a hand over her eyes like it could block out what was hurting her.

"Oh, come here, baby." Laura scooped her daughter up.

.""I want Daddy."

"He just called me. He'll be home in an hour."

"No, he won't."

Well, she was probably right about that. Callie knew things. Still, Laura didn't worry yet. "He just called me. He's out with Uncle Finch."

"They didn't catch him."

"Come away from that, baby. Listen to me. " So Laura told Callie a story. She liked mythology, even if she had to sand the edges off a little for a four-year-old. Callie wouldn't settle, though. By the time there was a knock at the door, she was fully wailing in Laura's lap.

It was Finch at the door, and Lassie. Laura knew from their faces.

"Where's Toph?" she asked anyway.

"He's... look, do you want to do something with Callie?"

"She knows more than I do."

"He's dead, Laura. I'm so sorry."

"How did you-- how could you--"

"We don't need to talk through that right now. Get Callie settled down. I'll make you a drink. Kim says to call her when you can. Don't-- she listens to the radio when we're out. It's not like we told her first."

But she knew first. And she had done Laura the kindness of having Finch tell her, so they wouldn't fight.

For years, Laura had let Toph take the lead on his relationship with his mother. They hadn't been speaking for the past four months. Their periods of silence had gotten sharper and longer as Callie grew older. Watching his own baby grow up threw into sharp focus what his own growing-up had been like. He hadn't told Laura what he sometimes had nightmares about until they were engaged. He was only just starting, haltingly, to talk about it.

Callie screamed. Laura cycled through all the things that sometimes calmed her, soft music and lavender-scented bubbles and the calm-down jars and a long, hot bath. None of it worked.

Three hours later, Callie wept herself silent and allowed her mother to tuck her into bed. Laura was half-surprised to see Finch still in the living room.

"Fix you that drink now?"

"You don't have to."

"Well, I want a drink. Scotch?"

"Please." God. Her husband was dead, dead about four hours now, and she was only just barely allowing herself to feel it.

"Lassie went to check on Kim. Said she'd tell her you'd call tomorrow."

"Yeah."

"About funeral arrangements."

"I'm not going to fight her on funeral arrangements. If she wants to arrange everything, she can do what she wants."

"Good. You don't need to worry about that. You have Callie."

She started weeping after the second Scotch. "Did you catch them?"

"No. We've got people out, still looking, but we've gotta be careful. He's got a designed gun and we don't know what else."

Like her various exoskeletons, designed by Nolan. Nolan never made guns, but other people sure did.

"I should call Nolan." He would look after her, help with Callie, fix her drinks but not too many.

"Yeah, sure, get someone in the house."

"What do you and Lassie need?" They had been a trio for a long, long time.

"We'll be-- shit, Laura. I don't know. If I ever have the first idea, I'll tell you, okay?"

They wept together on the sofa for a little while and then Finch had to leave. Laura called Nolan, who would be there in the morning, and slept poorly in a bed that felt enormous.

She called Kim the next morning. Kim had already made arrangements.

"Don't you worry about anything. Just take care of Callie. I'll be by tomorrow with some dresses for her."

Laura was too tired for polite fictions. "Toph didn't want you anywhere near the baby."

"Well," Kim said. "You can have some sympathy. You're a mother."

That was more or less why she didn't.

"You'll embarrass me at the funeral."

"I won't. Finch and Lassie already know and I don't think he'd want me to tell anyone else."

"He would have called me soon."

"Maybe."

"You can't keep me away from my only family forever."

"I'll pick out a dress for Callie, thanks."

Callie screamed through the whole funeral, minute one to the end of it. Kim offered Laura a tiny bottle of pills from Dr. Monroe and Laura flushed it down the funeral home toilet. Fuck Dr. Monroe.

"You can't just let her scream," Kim said.

Laura didn't have a retort.

Two weeks later, the funeral was over and Callie could be calmed for a few hours at a stretch. When Callie was sleeping, Laura had taken to listening to the radio while Finch and Lassie and the new girl did patrols. She wasn't technically supposed to, but oh well.

They had found the man with the designed gun, holed up in a warehouse somewhere, maybe a dozen other weapons, dangerous as hell. They were circling him. They were waiting for their moment.

"Watch Callie."

"So you can go do something stupid?" Nolan asked.

"Somebody has to. He'll get away again. He'll hop a flight this time and we'll never catch him."

"You're not certified."

"They'll certify me retroactively."

"Callie needs you."

Laura's bones felt like molten lead. She left.

Finch yelled at her, after. Dangerous, irresponsible, uncertified, Callie needs you.

"She bought us the moment we needed," Lassie said. "We'll get her certified retroactively. It'll be fine."

"It could have damn well not been fine."

"Yeah, well, it was. Bastard's dead," Lassie said.

And then, three days later, Kim showed up.

"Callie's asleep. I don't want to wake her."

"Of course not. We need to have an adult conversation."

"About?"

"I couldn't get you certified retroactively. They're really clamping down on that sort of thing these days."

"There are things you can't do at the SRA?"

"Believe it or not. Let me come inside, we can't have this conversation in the doorway."

Kim sat on Laura's sofa. "You have two options," she says. "If you really want to do the principled thing, you could go to the Fortress, obviously. I'll look after Callie. It might not be such a long stint, under the circumstances."

"What's my other choice?"

"Send Callie to my school when she turns six and Finch and Lassie will lie for you. Putting a lot on the line to do it, so I expect you not to give them any grief."

"Six?"

"Minimum enrollment age."

"So it's just a question of which one of us goes to prison." Laura's bones felt molten again.

"It's a school, Laura. I sent my son there. Don't be dramatic. Take some time to think about it."

"You'll get custody, anyway, if I go to the Fortress."

"I will, yes. It's just a question of whether you get to visit her on the weekends. You'll see. She'll thrive."

Kim left. Finch came over fifteen minutes later and let Laura scream at him.

"Lassie's pissed about it, too, but you know how Kim is, Laura. If we try to back you without her in our corner, she'll tear down both of our careers, too, and we'll all three of us end up in there."

"So I have two years to figure something out."

"I went there for a couple years, Laura. It wasn't great, but it's not like I was in a war zone."

"You weren't six."

"I know."

"Toph didn't want her to go."

"Yeah, well, maybe you shouldn't have killed that guy. We'd have got him eventually."

"Toph was terrified of..."

"I know. Believe me, I know. They shouldn't let six-year-olds live away from home that much."

"Getting spinal taps every month."

"It's every six months. We need to understand super biology."

"Fuck off."

"Look, I'm sorry. It's just what it is now. Don't go to prison. Let us cover you. Visit Callie every week."

She didn't think of anything, the next two years. Nolan offered to take Callie and run, but Kim had access to the agency's best finders and it wouldn't work. She packed up sheets and stuffed animals and little outfits and dropped her wailing daughter at that goddamn school.

[crimeronan]

wow more of you are interested in and/or indulging me than i expected thank u i love u.

this got long enough to need a readmore but should scan p easily regardless. short paragraphs and lots of quick bullet lists.

i'm playing fast and loose with the canon timeline (obviously, since luz is 16 and the day of unity hasn't happened) and this AU isn't fully fleshed out so. don't ask me what anyone else is up to. BUT

the og premise:

luz wandered into the isles as like a preschooler and belos abandoned the grimwalker obsession in favor of raising a truly human successor who could carry on his work if he eventually returned to the human realm.

hunter unfortunately did exist already. so he grew up alongside luz n became captain of her guard on top of being emperor's coven. luz has no coven ~*~because she's royalty~*~ (you all know exactly why she Actually has no coven sigil).

luz and hunter are codependent freaks and literally everyone in the castle knows it.

SO. AMITY

oooh god. ough god.

you know my girl's gotta be EC right.

like. this is a timeline where she remained lilith's apprentice and kept following her parents' ambitions/pressure and didn't reconcile with her friends, she is ABSOLUTELY in the emperor's coven now.

she's probably the youngest member? but was older upon joining than hunter was when he did. it's an unspoken understanding that she'll take over the EC if lilith dies or retires

amity is actually Much Less Miserable in the emperor's coven than she was at home bc now she doesn't have to deal with odalia very often

basically she's decided lilith is her mom now; lilith also has yet to defect (i'm still figuring out eda's deal but just like. assume nothing significant from s1 has happened). lilith has all the emotional distance that amity expects from a maternal figure but she's also a good teacher and offers sparing praise/validation so. hell yeah!

luz thinks that amity is Unbelievably Fucking Cool and is completely fucking starstruck by her. luz believes this is a normal reaction to meeting a same-aged peer who isn't hunter for the first time. and in some ways it is, bc luz is severely socially isolated and lonely and would think ANYONE her age is unbelievably cool

but it's also. u know.

arrested development narrator voice the feeling was a crush but neither of them had ever experienced it before

however. despite (or because of) thinking she's cool, luz is Far too nervous to be herself around amity. she kind of views amity as the ideal of what a princess Should Be. n also as an illustration of all the qualities that luz herself lacks.

so she does a lot of neurodivergence masking trying to play a super refined smart poised princess who is Good Enough to be here, even tho she feels like an inadequate nepotism baby. she is frequently unsuccessful in her attempts to be aloof and poised and graceful bc she has a Much harder time masking than hunter.

amity really Really likes the luz she's seen every time luz slips up, but. the issue is. uh

despite being low-contact, odalia is still managing to put an ENORMOUS amount of pressure on amity to like. catch the princess's attention. and make her fall in love. bc what does heading the EC matter if you could be a queen?? cmon amity step 👏 it 👏 up

this has freaked amity right the fuck out.

she doesn't trust herself to maintain a ruse like that for a week, let alone decades

she's afraid of odalia somehow managing to get lilith or belos in on this Plan (TM)

and she does not want to be a commodity.

it feels like nothing she ever does will be good enough for odalia

she's up to her ears in both work and political drama WITHOUT the added stress

she resents the concept of being a trophy wife

she's Acutely aware that she is technically not allowed to ever ever ever say no to luz. about anything.

so if luz does decide that she wants amity then amity can kiss her autonomy Good-Fucking-Bye

(or at least, yknow. the autonomy that still remains for a soldier working for a fascist govt.)

as for amity and hunter... 😏😎🥰

there are a lot of AU premises where hunter and amity become instant friends due to shared trauma and similar bitchiness, bc they are The Same Fucking Person and would get along great in most situations.

tragically (well. delightfully for me).... this is not one of them.

amity's obsession with Being The Best and defining her self-worth by Being The Best has not ceased at all here. hunter Immediately makes her feel threatened because

he's ALSO a talented witch who's proven himself

he ALSO joined the EC young

he's a yearish older, so he has an advantage

he's condescending

and controlling

and passive-aggressive

and anal-retentive

and when amity first arrived at the castle n introduced herself to him in a very friendly way, he was hostile and rude for No Fucking Reason

so he is on her shitlist.

amity also has some strange and unpleasant feelings regarding hunter's relationship with luz. as the author i can tell u that these feelings are rooted in jealousy. but she's incapable of recognizing this bc it's like

like. it is a complicated jealousy. made more complicated still by how amity is Fucking Terrified Of Wanting Luz. Or Being Noticed By Luz.

amity instead interprets it as judgy resentment bc hunter clearly got a position he was underqualified / too young for just by wooing the princess. exactly like amity is Supposed to do. why is he better than her at keeping luz's attention, why does she even Care, why can't she be the best at everything ever including this, why does luz like him in the first place, why does HUNTER get to skate by on royal favors while amity has to bust her ass to constantly prove her worth, etc

hunter and luz aren't even romantically involved. they'd technically be cousins here but grew up similarly to siblings and i write them as qp weirdos (affectionate).

unfortunately knowing that they're not romantically involved would still not solve the jealousy. like at all. it is WAY more complex than just, like, "what if i wanna kiss her but HE'S kissing her instead. wah i'm sad and alone"

meanwhile!

hunter has never resented luz even a little bit for being belos's favorite. reasons for this include:

he WANTS her to be the favorite bc it's easier to protect her that way

luz acknowledges the favoritism and will ask belos for stuff hunter wants that hunter can't ask for himself, without him even asking her to do that, so it's hard to view her as spoiled

hunter assumes that he's just naturally more irritating than luz and therefore deserves it

belos has been telling him for his entire life that he loses his temper with hunter bc he Can't lose his temper with luz. because she is more fragile than hunter. & belos knows that hunter is strong enough to weather the physical abuse whereas luz isn't.

(god belos is so fucking awful it is fucking unreal.)

hunter loves luz so much that it's impossible for him to harbor resentment or any other negative feelings towards her for more than like 5 minutes

which is terrible for general boundaries but, like. These Kids Are Doing Their Best. Do You Fucking See These Circumstances Holy Shit

so. to LUZ, hunter seems incredibly friendly and well-adjusted and nice to be around, because hunter has been hiding belos's abuse from her for well over a decade & he lets his guard down around her when he doesn't around anyone else & he really likes getting to be flappy and autistic and sweet.

hunter is Also very good at compartmentalizing. and masking. and Knowing How To Do His Job.

and on a worse note, hunter has internalized from the whole belos dynamic that it's kind of.... uh.... fine to lash out at people n treat them poorly as long as that's helping you stay calm around the people who Actually Matter.

and hunter is under an enormous amount of stress all the time.

so all of this already creates a cocktail of pressure that explains why he acts so differently around amity compared to luz. he is kind of a hardass stickler for the rules with everyone. (except luz. with whom he privately breaks all the rules all the time)

there's something else at play with amity specifically though. which is. hunter has never been able to keep lilith's attention or win her approval and the more he tried as a kid the colder she became, so he figured it's bc he's annoying & gave up

but now lilith has taken on an apprentice.

and it's some girl who's not even from the CASTLE. she's not even IMPORTANT. she's not even GOOD AT NON-ABOMINATION MAGIC ❗️❗️❗️

hunter Cannot understand why lilith is so impressed by and praises amity for doing the same exact fucking things that he himself was doing even younger than she is.

he doesn't even Want to lead the EC here because luz protection is a full time job & one he likes Much Better than he'd like leading the EC, but. it's the principle of the thing!!

so basically all of the resentment he's never felt toward luz has combined with all of the resentment he's currently feeling about lilith. leaving him essentially feeling like the Perpetual Unfavorite

and he has funneled all of this resentment and anger into hating amity's fucking Guts. disproportionately. considering she has done literally nothing to deserve this

he's not trying to kill her or actively sabotage her or anything (arguably bc it's too much work for too little concrete reward), but he is Constantly questioning amity's place in the coven And criticizing her magic And correcting her And challenging her to spar n being a smug asshole when he wins And just generally being a huge bitch.

and god bless amity's heart, she is trying so fucking hard. but she's been in a toxic feedback loop for ages and is lonely and is stressed out and has no reason not to pick fights with someone who so obviously wants to fight all the time

so you KNOW she's pulling out "at least i'm not a half-a-witch."

and also that she's trying to sabotage hunter at least a LITTLE, probably by stealing/breaking/disabling his staff. which feels like proportional retribution.

so like. hoo god. oh boy oh my god what a fucking mess. what a mess. the three of them are A Fucking Mess,

STRONGLY considering injecting amity into the princess luz AU bc i know Exactly where she'd fit but the problem is that if i do that then i KNOW i'll fall down a fucked-up hyperfixation rabbit hole that only interests like six people at best. bc the amity-luz-hunter dynamic remains my kryptonite. i'm diseased about it. oooooh god oooh my god. oh my god. i have. Thoughts.

[your-daily-dose-of-fandoms]

Hi! Can I request a inosuke x reader where like how everyone would react if inosuke had scratches on his back after spending the night with the reader.

AN:

Hi! Thank you for your ask! I was tiptoeing if I should write this or not, hence my rules, but ended up writing this anyways. I thought this would be fitting to a song called "Everybody Talks" by Neon Trees, so I made this kind of a songfic. I hope you enjoy!

Fandom: Demon Slayer

Characters: Inosuke Hashibira

Warnings: Mentions of sex

Everybody Talks

“Hey baby, won't you look my way? I can be your new addiction”

It had been a rocky start, when you and Inosuke first met. He was the total opposite of you; hot-tempered, oblivious, and hungry individual, whereas you were calm and collected, attentive towards others. At least, that’s what you liked to think of yourself. In truth, despite being attentive and often staying calm in demanding situations, you were as hot-tempered as him. You were a good strategist, but that was taken away from your ability to tolerate the certain boar-headed boy. To prove this, during the several years you had travelled with the boys, none of them was spent in peace, you and Inosuke bickering with each other at every chance you got to. The boy got on your nerves, so much that you often would curse him to the ends of hell, murmuring curses under your breath every time he challenged you.

That’s why it was such a surprise to notice the scratched back of your rival after sharing a room together for a night

“Hey baby, what you gotta say? All you're giving me is fiction”

In hindsight, it wasn’t surprising that the both of you got along so well. You must add wood to the fire for it to flare to its full potential. That’s what you did to Inosuke. You were more like gasoline to his fire, letting him flame up and explode into enormous flames every time the two of you crossed paths. He saw everything as a challenge, and you were the best one for him to yet conquer. He couldn’t get enough of the explosions you caused within him, and he grew to be addicted to it, drawn in by your luring aura. After your heated arguments turned into heated make-out sessions, steam and vapor radiating off from your bodies during the quiet and cold nights after sparring, it was clear to him that you were not just an odd phase. He was quick to learn with your lead and he had fallen for you, tripped over the rocks you had set on his way. And it was almost natural to him.

“I'm a sorry sucker and this happens all the time I found out that everybody talks Everybody talks, everybody talks”

When Inosuke stepped into the training fields by the butterfly estate, with a smug smile on his face, as if he had won a lottery, he wanted nothing more than boast of his victory to others. In his opinion, he indeed had won a lottery. You had been so far the trickiest challenge he’d ever faced, and much to his disliking, he had enjoyed every single moment of it. What came as a surprise, were the stunned and perplexed looks of his comrades, staring at him as if he had just committed a crime and caught red-handed.

“Oh my, oh my...”, Shinobu gasped, covering her mouth with her hand, halting the conversation she was included in.

“Inosuke! Here, take this! I insist!”

Before Inosuke could notice, one of his comrades, Munjiro, was already standing before him, taking off his own haori in hurry, and covering Inosuke’s torso with it.

“What-!”, Before Inosuke could go on, had the certain thunderboy ran up to him already hitting his chest in despair, shouting out incoherent words with worryingly little breaths taken between them. Inosuke could make out words such as “unfair”, “traitor” and “asshole”, and bunch of explicit words which were not appropriate to list nor ones he understood. This made Inosuke to scoff and shake off the haori Gonpachiro had given him, as he grabbed Monitsu by shoulders, shaking him violently from side to side.

“OI! WHat the hell are you talking about?!”

Inosuke stopped, and Monitsu looked at him with a trembling lip, his nose already running, and plenty of tears dripping on his cheeks down to his chin. His eyes were glassy and red. The borders of his eyes were tinted with pink, as all he could whisper was:

“How could you? I thought it was bros before hoes...”

“It started with a whisper And that was when I kissed her And then she made my lips hurt I could hear the chit chat Take me to your love shack Mama's always gotta back track When everybody talks back”

That didn’t stop Inosuke, as the two of you had formed a habit of spending the nights together, of which everyone on the estate knew. Inosuke knew no shame, but often, when Inosuke would walk around the estate, searching for food or going to sparring, he’d surprise his comrades, sometimes even Shinobu, conversing with each other, only stopping in their tracks when Inosuke came in view. This bewildered Inosuke, as he did not know what the huss was about. At times, he’d wish that he’d have Monitsu’s enchanted hearing, so he could know, but on the other hand, he could not care less. He’d puff out his chest, raise his chin, and walk past them, continuing his journey. He’d swear he’d hear whispers following him after, tickling his back with their tiny breaths and silent words, but he would pay no mind to it, keeping up his pace.

At other times, especially if the one talking was Monitsu, the thunderboy would sprint away even at the sight of him, knowing if he stayed there longer, Inosuke would not leave him alone nor alive. The boar-headed boy had caught him gossiping once, and that did not end well. Though, escaping nor time did not help him forgive Inosuke any easier, being reminded of his potential wife’s fate every time he turned his back at him, -literally-, giving him a bitter taste in his mouth. This, unknowing to Inosuke, led to Monitsu casting him a teary-eyed look every time Inosuke wouldn’t notice, with such a venom in it that even Inosuke would halter if he were to see. In Inosuke’s mind, Zenitsu had apparently decided that the right way to treat him, was to honor his superior with silence.

“Hey honey, you could be my drug You could be my new prescription Too much could be an overdose All this trash talk make me itchin' Oh my, my shit Everybody talks, everybody talks Everybody talks, too much”

Oh.

So that was what this was about.

You had just explained Inosuke why everyone was acting so weirdly around him. After a week of suspicious glances being shot at him and tiny whispers tickling his ears, he had finally come to you, admitting his defeat and obliviousness with social interactions.

“Pffft-”, Inosuke snorted, taking off his boar head, as he began to cackle, holding his stomach with his arms, struggling to inhale in between the cackles. This took you by surprise. After the years of knowing him, you still couldn’t claim to know him throughout, as he was like a flag, changing its direction unexpectedly with the wind. Inosuke was now cackling and rolling on the floor, his raucous laughs bouncing off the walls of the room, filling the whole estate with it.

“Idiots! They are idiots! Don’t they know everyone does that!? Even the animals!” He managed to say, not understanding why such a natural thing was considered as a taboo between the corps. It made no sense to him. Why hide such a thing, that gave all of them an opportunity to live in the first place!?

Suddenly, the boy was on his feet, hitting his fist of his palm, as a lightbulb went on overhead.

“Master Inosuke must teach his apprentices a lesson!” Inosuke roared, comical sparkles surrounding him. You couldn’t resist a laugh leaving your lips, covering your mouth in the process, trying not to hurt his surprisingly fragile ego.

“Alright, go ahead, I’m sure they’ll appreciate it”, You encourage him, and off he went on his merry way, nodding enthusiastically to you. In a blink of an eye, he was already gone, and you were left alone, stifling with laughter.

“Oh my, they’re gonna end me for this”

[anika-ann]

My Timid Hello, My Clumsy Goodbye (S.R.)

Type: one-shot, canon semi-compliant?

Pairing: Steve Rogers x Barton!reader    Word count: 8900 (...sorry)

Summary: You’re spending the evening and the night before your wedding with the two most important men of your life.

When the sun rises again, you’ll say your ‘I do’ in a close circle of friends and family. It’s not a goodbye to your old life and it’s not a hello to some enormous change; but you will no longer be a Barton. You will be a Rogers. Why not reminisce a bit? 

Warnings: mention of an abandoned baby, blood and injuries, alcohol, implied possibly rougher sex (nothing graphic) ...mature?, language, so much sappiness... let me know if I missed any

A/N: For what-is-your-backupplan-today 10th anniversary of CA:TFA challenge. Prompts in bold. Thank you for coming up with this wonderful theme and hosting this challenge! Long live CA:TFA!

A/N: Throughout the fic, you’ll find snippets of lyrics from SYML’s "Everything All At Once”. Honestly, the song has a completely different meaning to me, but tearing it out of context works for this story just fine :) When you’re done reading, I recommend the music video. It friggin’ broke me in the worst and best ways. Enjoy!

This is my hello This is my clumsy goodbye I'm putting my glass down I wanna remember tonight

Tony rented an island for you. Clint nearly passed out learning about it and grumbled for days about having a hard time to top that, which, no arguing, was understandable.

It was an incredibly extravagant thing to do, throwing around money that could have been used for a much more honourable cause, but you couldn’t complain. One should not look a gifted horse into mouth – and so you didn’t.

Because Tony Stark renting an island was his premature wedding gift. The fact that your brother bitched about not being able to top that, well, that was his problem. You were certain that deep down, he knew you didn’t need any fancy gifts like that.

Then again, Tony’s gift might have been epically overpriced, but not exactly unthoughtful; along with a private island came a private jet and you being literally flied under radar so no single paparazzi knew where you and America’s golden boy Steve Rogers would seal the deal with your ‘I do.’ So, you were everything but ungrateful to your friend that he succeeded at pulling off such covert operation; and frankly, this place was nothing short of wonderful.

The golden sand was pleasantly warm under your toes as you as you and Clint walked towards the two single beach chairs facing the ocean. Wearing bikini under the baggy t-shirt and a pair of shorts, sunglasses on top of your head, because why would you deprive yourself the gorgeous view of the sun beginning to set down, you followed your brother – not in blood but in every other sense – to the seats, allured by the view, the serenity and the cold sixpack in his hand.

You had already had a traditional bachelorette party with your girls – with the team, with your family. Natasha, Wanda, Pepper, Sharon and Maria. The night had been the perfect blend of what was considered typically feminine, dress up, fanciness and wine and gossip, and a fun night out with shots, dancing, karaoke and pool. That particular night sadly was interrupted shortly by an annoying photographer, but he soon understood it was not very clever to annoy three and a half Avengers or the CEO of Stark Industries for that matter.

Clint however… Clint deserved a special evening with you. With the rest of the team in various state of chilling out, scattered around the luxurious small houses and gorgeous beaches, you two were left the privacy such moment required.

Even if the special moment consisted of simple talking and drinking beer while watching the sun set, a symbolic end of one phase of your life – a phase that was undeniably tied to the famous and yet barely known archer, one of the seven defenders who rushed into the Battle of New York to save the Earth.

One of the seven had been your brother, having previously been controlled by the monster who brought an army from outer space; there was no questioning whether you would join the fight or not, no matter how you preferred the latter part of your field medic job title to the former.

Another of these brave people, as it turned out, was your future husband. A man you had met for the first time that day, but whom you didn’t hesitate to push back down when he got hit by a freaking alien weapon and stood up, wanting to shake it off as if it was nothing. Your medical training told you not to let him; and your stubbornness had been just a touch stronger than his that day.

Apparently, Steve found you always standing your ground to be one of your most endearing qualities.

What a fancy way to express it instead of simply calling you a stubborn pain in his ass.

“You’re lost in your head, Twinkie,” Clint hummed, playfully nudging your ribs with an elbow, bringing you back to the present.

Your nose automatically scrunched at the childhood nickname.

“You gotta stop calling me that, Bobo,” you retorted, a grin spreading on your face as it was his turn to grimace.

You knew it was nothing but an act and that he in fact loved that nickname, because it held so much sentiment, so many memories… as did his endearment for you.

Bobo had been your first word or so Clint always claimed. Obviously, you wouldn’t remember.

You wouldn’t remember your parents, having been only two days old when your mother left you with a damn circus which was in your hometown at the time. You couldn’t recall how you wouldn’t stop crying until you heard a seven-year-old Clint humming a lullaby for you, with silly replacements of lyrics that always made you laugh later on when you could understand them.

How he started calling you Twinkie, because he was a sugar addict and apparently, you were sweet and small and he liked you; so much that he soon appointed himself to be your brother, your bro, your Bobo.

Once you were older and learned that your involuntary nickname for him also meant ‘crazy’ in Spanish, you were sold to that Bobo endearment forever.

Including the night before your wedding.

“You keep zoning out on me, Kid. Getting cold feet?” Clint hummed, casually handing you a can of beer, opening it up for you.

You automatically reached out and took a sip, eyes fixed on the warm colour on the horizon. What a ridiculous question… but kind and caring, with a hidden promise of getting you out of here if you just asked. Your amazing, protective, crazy brother.

You couldn’t but smile widely, glancing at him from the corner of your eye.

“You offering to kidnap the bride, Clint? I’d like to see you try. You were always better at trapeze than at being an escape artist.”

Clint scoffed. “Please. These are amateurs. I bet I could pull it off.”  

That drew a laugh from you.

“Are you calling the Avengers amateurs? Better yet, are you calling your wife an amateur?” you teased him, watching his face lose colour when he realized that he did exactly that. You leaned over and patted his thigh. “Don’t worry, Bobo. I won’t tell Nat.”

Clint visibly relaxed, but a shadow of worry twisting his expression.

“Seriously though. Where’s your head at, Kid?”

You just shrugged, smile resting on your lips as you wondered if you ever felt so relaxed. It went along well with the reminiscing of the past and despite the fact that tomorrow was a big day and you should probably be nervous, you weren’t. Not in the slightest, more like the opposite. You were giddy even; it dawned to you that nothing in your life had ever felt so right.

No moment in your life offered you such serenity to your heart, your shoulders free of any weight, body light as air.

“Just taking a trip down the memory lane. Thinking about how lucky I was to be dropped at your circus of all circuses of the world,” you grinned at Clint, your tone remaining completely serious.

Because you were being serious – words couldn’t express how grateful for everything that led to this moment you were. How grateful you were to your brother for watching over you, making sure you would always see the light of a new day, guiding you when you found yourself in a dark.

Clint didn’t react beside his fingers twitching and you knew he was giving you the chance to say what you needed to say.

“About how you taught me pretty much everything I know. About how while I might not be the best person in the world, my brother, who is the best brother ever, made me into a decent person and I owe him everything I am. And how I should probably feel guilty for tying myself to another guy who just swept in and whisked away your little sister.”

Clint stared at you, gulping as his eyes gradually filled with tears. You found yourself in a very cheesy moment, bordering on absurd and it was almost too much to handle – but Clint took a deep breath, cleared his throat and swallowed his tears.

“Well, that bastard did steal my greatest life achievement with way too little effort,” he remarked, voice cracking slightly, the image of him causing your eyes to burn as well even if his words made you both tear up and burst out laughing.

“Dammit, Clint, stop making me laugh and cry at the same time…”

“You started it!” he pointed his index finger at you accusingly, taking a large sip of his beer to drown his sentiment. “But for the record, you should not feel guilty. It’s not like you’re leaving me.”

“I know, but-“

“And if you were, you’d be leaving me in good hands.”

“That’s true, Natasha does have a grip on you and might keep you outta trouble-“

“She’s the one who gets me into trouble half of the time!” Clint cried out in protest and you would have argued if it wasn’t the truth.

But before he had met her, Clint was able to make up his own trouble just fine – he was more than half of a reason why while doing a bit of trapeze yourself, you also grew interested in medical care. Because who else than the little sister should treat her big brother’s wounds when he got too crazy?

“In all seriousness, I’m proud of you, Twinkie,” he said sincerely, one corner of his lips raised in a lopsided smile. “You’re entirely entitled to have your own life and if there’s one guy in this whole damn world I’m willing to trust to have you… well, I guess it’s that big blond dumbass.”

“He can be a bit dumb of ass occasionally, can’t he?” you mused lovingly. “I guess it’s right what they say… we do pick our partners similar to our parents, maybe not only in looks. I didn’t really have a dad, I had you, so…”

Clint sighed, smile widening, before it slipped from his face as he caught up on the not-so-hidden insult.

“Hey!”

You couldn’t but laugh at his shocked expression, accidently spilling a splosh of beer on the sand.

“Just… maybe make sure that even married, you still find time to hang out with your big dumb of ass brother every once in a while?” Clint suggested, sounding surprisingly vulnerable.

Your whole demander softened, a little pang of guilt stinging in your heart as he took your words too seriously – and at his worry.

“Clint… I will always find time for my amazing brother.”

“Well, you’re marrying a pretty amazing guy too, so, you know, I understand the dilemma…”

You snorted when he seemed to genuinely fawn over your future husband, shaking your head before downing the rest of your drink.

“As amazing as Steve might be – and gosh, he is, don’t get me started – you still own a pretty big chunk of my heart.”

“Good. You are a Barton at heart,” Clint hummed, pretending that a few tears didn’t roll down his cheeks, leaning towards you as his expression once again grew serious.

Your chest tightened. Oh no. He was gonna say something to make you cry too – as if you already weren’t at verge of crying, emotions bubbling under the surface.

“Clint-“ you warned him silently, but he spoke up anyway and you gulped, bracing yourself.

“Just… whatever happens tomorrow, you must promise me one thing. That you will stay who you are. Not a perfect housewife, but a good woman.”

That was not what you were prepared for, as touching as the sentiment was.

You burst out laughing, head thrown back, hands clutching at your stomach as it actually hurt with the sudden clench. Tears did spring from your eyes, a perfect blend of touched and infinitely amused at your brother’s words.

“Har, har, that’s what I get from trying to speak from heart…” Clint muttered grumpily and you willed yourself to calm your hitching breaths as you looked at him, the pout of his mouth causing you to cackle again.

“Sorry, sorry. It’s just… I am moved, I really am. Thank you. But me? A perfect housewife? And you realize I’m marrying Steve Rogers, right? The epitome of a good man? He would probably threaten to sock me in a jaw if I tried to change into something I’m not just for his sake and actually sock me in my jaw if I turned into a bad woman.”

Clint’s eyebrows jumped, a smirk appearing on his face. “That’s a lot of punching.”  

“My thoughts exactly,” you agreed, reaching for another can, pausing when a thought occurred to you. “Just so we’re clear, I might turn into a bit of a housewife when we have kids, alright? And I want to be a good wife, a good partner to Steve, which is what I’m trying to do even now.”

“I mean, yeah, sure, wouldn’t expect anything less. But… just promise me you’ll stay you and that you’ll keep giving him a run for his money, keep him on his toes a bit,” Clint shrugged with a grin, drawing another chuckle from you.

You saw his point – and you fully intended to keep Steve on his toes. You had a good reason to believe that your future husband enjoyed when you did.

“Oh Clinton… I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

He nodded contentedly, picking up another beer and raising it for a toast, his can clinking with yours.

“Cheers to that!”

A comfortable silence settled between the two of you then, a quiet joy wrapped in one moment; the sun ending its quest, the warm breeze in your hair, the waves whispering of a journey you were about to take off to. And all that with a wordless comforting presence of your family, ready to offer you a shelter if a storm rocked your boat and the wind caused you to lose course.

As your mind wandered, you had to laugh at yourself – it was almost as if you were raised by pirates and not circus performers. Perhaps it was the little bit of free cheeky spirit these life journeys had in common what brought the metaphor to your mind. It was a bit like working with the Avengers too, always on a road, adrenaline in your veins even as you mostly stayed on the jet, ready to assist them… yet here you were pondering that maybe, you were yearning for settling down a bit more.

“Cap wouldn’t punch you anyway, right?” Clint remarked, breaking the silence and you blinked yourself back into reality, taking a moment to figure out what he was talking about.

Oh. Right. Steve punching you if you changed yourself significantly for his benefit.

You smiled softly, heart swelling in affection when the answer to that question appeared obvious.

“No, he wouldn’t.”

“Good. He’d try once and I’d put an arrow straight between his eyes,” Clint promised darkly, almost causing you to choke at the sudden violent note. He quickly fixed it with a ramble, lightening the atmosphere yet again. “Minus training of course. He’s allowed to try in order to improve your hand-to-hand. Not that he would ever land a hand on you anyway. Always so soft on you…” he grinned, seemingly alright with that attitude if not slightly calling the big strong supersoldier out.

Oh you could be cheeky too alright if that was what your brother wanted.

“That you know of.”

A confused huh was the only reaction you got – that and a puzzled look.

“He’s always soft on me,” you repeated Clint’s words, turning to him, lips slowly spreading in a wicked smirk. “That you know of.”

Clint’s brows furrowed for a short moment and then his features twisted in a disgusted grimace, face growing a tint crimson.

“Gross!” he complained, more blood rushing to his cheeks. “You know what, I changed my mind. We’re leaving. You’re not marrying him. I’m kidnapping the bride and never returning her, locking her somewhere far far away-“

You snorted at his indignation, your grin undoubtedly battling the one of the Cheshire cat.

“No will do, Bobo. I’m marrying Steve and you can’t stop me.”

This time, Clint didn’t even protest, eyes misted over, nose still scrunched at the mental image, lamenting as the night slowly settled over the paradise-like island.

“Oh god, please help, I can’t unsee it, can’t unhear it--- ew-”

Your laughter was carried away by the breeze as Clint seemed to be unable to look at you.

You swung your beer around, thinking that yes – nothing quite ever felt so right as being here in this moment. Relaxing with your brother, teasing him relentlessly and counting down hours to when you’d say ‘I do’ to the only man who in your eyes ever battled the mantle of the best man in the universe.

In one unending moment You fall within my reach I'm close enough to whisper Hold on to me Hold on to me

You weren’t sure what time it was when you snuck into the beach house, one of few, which had been wisely chosen to be occupied by you and Steve only. You attempted to be quiet and liked to think you succeeded, in your even barely tipsy state, but your effort turned out to be in vain as you found Steve perched against headboard of your bed; reading a book, thin white t-shirt and sleep shorts on display as the soft sheet had been kicked away, scrunched up by his feet.

He was gorgeous – he was gorgeous and yours, a momentary picture perfect of peace, appearing to feel just as light as you did and somehow the dullness of the moment, just him relaxing in bed with a good read as you came home… it was more alluring than one would think.

Steve looked up from the book when you wavered in the doorway, soft lopsided smile spreading on his face.

God, that smile. It might be over two years since you saw it for the first time, but it could still make you weak in your knees.

And somehow, it was now even more charming now than the day you met, more tender than just before you kissed for the first time, sweeter than when he proposed.

“Hey sweetheart,” he greeted you, appreciative gaze roaming your figure and the little too much skin on display – something you regretted when the warm sunrays had bid you goodbye, raising goosebumps. And Steve, the attentive man he was, noticed, his smile earning a teasing edge. “You look a bit cold in there.”

You resisted the urge to stick your tongue out.

“And you look pretty cosy in there. Thought you’d be either asleep or with Bucky.”

Steve shrugged, not letting go of his unfinished chapter just yet, knowing you had a routine to go through before joining him.

“Maybe I missed you. Maybe Bucky is an old man and needs his sleep.”

You chuckled, not rising to the bait – you knew what would follow if you dared to say Steve was just as old. Not that you would complain about Steve trying to convince you about the opposite. You could never.

“Well, I bet he still made you a promise of breaking a bone of mine or two if I ever hurt you. He’ll find energy for that, centenarian or not,” you hummed nonchalantly as you bounced off the doorframe, heading to the bathroom and leaving Steve puzzled by your remark.

“How did you know?” he called out after you, endearingly confused.

“That’s what big brothers do, love!”

Short silence was your answer as you reached for your toothbrush and begun your nighty ritual.

Steve must have figure out what did it mean for him, considering you had a protective brother of your own, because a moment later, his half-amused “noted!” reached your ears.

You chuckled and shook your head, smile spread on your face which you didn’t think could be erased as long as you were in this paradise – free of worry, full of joy. And why wouldn’t you be? You were about to marry one of the smartest, kindest, sassiest and most beautiful men that ever walked the Earth. What was not to love?

You couldn’t but let your mind wander again; if you had only known the day you met, right from that moment, that you’d end up here…. well. It felt a little surreal, knowing that by this time tomorrow, you’d be Steve’s wife; then again, Steve’s life story was surreal enough on its own.

Who would have thought that the stubborn handsome man in the ridiculous suit and you, equally stubborn about you at least checking on the wound upon half-dragging him to a quiet corner in a middle of a battlefield, would grow so close?

It hadn’t been simple. Steve wasn’t the most open guy and while friendly enough, he wasn’t exactly offering his heart on his sleeve, not to strangers. But it hadn’t been too hard, once you were meeting on regular basis. Piece by piece he revealed his true colours and soon after he did… you started falling; hard and fast.

Not necessarily swooning, not on the outside at least; you were a professional, after all. The safety and the well-being of the team was your priority.

It was just too bad – or the best thing, you supposed – that Steve had the same goal as you with one significant difference; as far as he was concerned, the responsibility to look after his team sometimes excluded him.

Oh, was he wrong about that.

And boy, did you let him know you thought so. You still kept proving him wrong to this day and was planning on nurturing his own acknowledgement of his self-worth till your last breath…

“Get your ass in here, Steve!” you called out after him, slowly losing patience as you had tried asking politely the previous two times with no result but being dismissed.

The change of tone and language made his head snap to you from where he was talking to Sam, an offended scowl on his face.

“Excuse me?”

“You heard me, Captain. Don’t be a stubborn jerk and get your ass in here so I can clean your cuts.”

A few months ago, you wouldn’t have been able to talk to him like that; to the great legend, Captain America. At least you certainly wouldn’t have called him his first name and maybe, just maybe, you’d be a little less crass. But now? He might be Captain America still, a hero who deserved all the good things for the sacrifices he made for the world’s safety, but first and foremost, he was just Steve to you.

A colleague, a teammate, a friend. You might not be a part of the team per se, not the way Clint, Natasha or Steve were, but you still belonged. And you were all friends.

Friends irritated each other sometimes and frankly, Steve was often battling with Tony for the mantle of the most infuriating one.

Friends also needed to call each other out on their bullshit by any means necessary when the time was right and now the time was as good as any.

Usually, Steve slipped through your fingers, because he was a supersoldier and the others weren’t, so their injuries took precedence; today, it was only Natasha, Sam and Steve, and the captain was the only one whom you hadn’t checked yet. And you knew there were things to check, the trickle of blood from his eyebrow probably the least of your concerns.

“I wouldn’t argue with her, Steve. She can be pretty stubborn. Clint wouldn’t stop complaining about it,” Natasha supported you from the pilot seat and you fought yourself so you wouldn’t grin at her in victory – it would only irritated Steve further. “She’s almost as bull-headed as you are.”

At that, your smile would have slipped. But honestly, she wasn’t wrong.

“Don’t I know it,” Steve grunted, sparing Sam another glance and when the Falcon himself beckoned to you as well, wordlessly asking Steve to get himself checked up.

The captain sighed irately, but made his way back to the separate and well-lit space of your examination room.

He didn’t try to hide his annoyance – in fact, he squared his shoulders and his steps sounded a bit loud for anyone to believe it was a coincidence. Also, the scowl of exasperation never left his otherwise handsome face.

“This is completely unnecessary. A stupid waste of time,” he hissed as he walked past you and you took a deep calming breath, exchanging an eyeroll with Sam before you disappeared from sight.

“Captain. I respect you and your position, but you say one more time that my job here is unnecessary and stupid, you’ll be looking for a new medic,” you retorted as he stripped the upper part of his uniform angrily, revealing his white-tank-top-clad torso.

Well, at least the fabric used to be white – now a blood stain the size of both of your palms was seeping into the material at Steve’s right side, gushing from what definitely appeared to be a knife wound.

You were gonna murder him one of those days... unless he got killed himself first.

“Seriously?!”

“It’s just a graze-” he started to argue but you cut him off when you tore the fabric away. He winced as some of the dried blood had acted as a glue, having stuck the cloth into the wound, and now was violently ripped off.

“Tr to insinuate again that I’m incompetent at recognizing what’s just a graze, Steve. I dare you. This is a cut wide and deep enough for stitches! Haven’t you had the serum, you could have been bleeding out to death on this table!”

“But I do have it-“

“Or for fuck’s SAKE, stop being a baby and let me treat the bloody gash in your right mesogastric area! The serum accelerates your healing, but it doesn’t make you invincible OR immortal as far as I know--- Jesus fucking Christ-!”

He bristled, taking a deep breath to fight back, but he never got the chance, because you started working and the words died in his throat. Surprisingly, inspecting the damage, poking around a knife wound that might have already begin to seal itself thanks to Erskine’s formula but had not been just a graze hurt and coincidentally, it pulled the rug from under his feet.

To his credit, Steve barely even hissed at the pain.

“Just so you know, I’ll be using the disinfection that stings worse,” you noted, voice dripping venom, because you were genuinely done with Steve’s bullshit.

You lied through your teeth though. You wouldn’t. No matter how infuriating Steve was and how difficult he made your life – causing you to fall for his stupid martyr ass and pine after him among other things – you would never purposely hurt him.

And he must have sensed that, because your remark didn’t earn you a murderous glare or a retort – much to your surprise.

In fact, Steve fell entirely quiet, watching you work without protest, not even objecting when you applied enough local anaesthetic to knock out an elephant and sewed the tissue together so it healed easier. He let you inspect the rest of his torso and bandage his ribs, vigorously shaking his head when you asked him if he was injured anywhere below the waist.

He observed you as you kept an eye on his face for any minute sign of pain he’d be hiding, but all you could see were his irises, startlingly bright blue, pools of honesty and something you had trouble decoding. He seemed… humbled almost. It silenced the anger inside you, the flames of rage – and fear for his well-being, if you were being honest with yourself – turning into a barely smouldering pile of ash.

When you moved on to his head, gently pushing away the strands which obscured the gash on his eyebrow, his eyelids slid shut. You knew how unpleasant facial injuries were, especially around one’s eyes and so you took care to be extra careful as you cleaned the wound and the area surrounding it, most definitely not using the stingy disinfectant.

Not that Steve could get an infection as far as you knew. It was more force of a habit than anything else… and it made you feel better. He had this idiotic mask of an invincible hero he put up sometimes and it drove you insane, because you knew he was only human, a beautiful kind soul, but god, could he be an ass.

“Almost done,” you whispered soothingly when you noticed his jaw tightening as you had to apply a bit more pressure to get a tiny piece of gravel from the cut. You certainly didn’t want that to stay under the newly healing skin.

The moment you retreated with the bloody gauze, Steve’s eyes were back on you, wide and regretful.

“I’m sorry,” he offered quietly, a genuine apology that sounded almost absurd after you two were hissing at each other like damn hellcats. “I didn’t mean to--- I’m sorry for being rude and ungrateful. Thank you for taking care of my injuries.”

One glance into those deep irises and benign hesitant smile and you were done for. How could you stay mad at him? Well, you were still mad at him for the absolute disregard of his own health, but… well. You also understood he felt like he needed to stay strong for the team and put them first and how he actually was in pain.

Pretty much everyone was a pain in the ass when in pain.

You sighed as you searched for few band-aid strips to cover the cut.  

“It’s alright, Steve. I’m used to old men being grumpy and not meaning things they say when they are,” you offered lightly and he hung his head with a chuckle, clearly not taking the old man remark personally – and understanding you were referring to your brother.

His smile was wider when he looked up again. “You shouldn’t have to be used to it.”

You shrugged, carefully slipping two fingers under his chin to angle his face so you could stick the strips over the wound.

“Well, I deserve it sometimes. I don’t mean to… to be overbearing and make you feel like you’re incompetent or something,” you added hesitantly, worrying your teeth over your lower lip as the tone you’d been handling him with caught up with you. Perhaps you could have been nicer.

You smoothened the stripes of band-aid, gulping as you felt Steve’s gaze boring into your face while you continued.

“I know you’re not incompetent. You’re very capable, you’re the best. It’s just… I still--- worry- for all of you. For the full-time Earth’s mightiest heroes. Silly, huh?” you muttered self-depreciatingly and when your eyes met, you were startled by the intensity he watched you with as you laid your fears bare in front of him, leaving you vulnerable. You swiftly looked away and dropped your hands. “Here, almost as good as new.”

A lump grew in your throat as you stripped your gloves, tossing them into the bin. Did you reveal too much? Didn’t it sound silly indeed as you said it out loud? Yes, you were all friendly with each other, but you were supposed to be a professional, focused on your task, not getting distracted by-

-by Steve gently grasping your wrist, causing your heart to skip a startled beat. Definitely not getting weak in the knees when you shot him a surprised glance and he just… brought your hand to his face, lips briefly skimming over your knuckles.

Jesus Christ, Lord have mercy with me.

“Don’t you ever apologize for caring. Don’t stop caring. Silly is the last thing I’d call it.”

Your cheeks felt like set on fire, stomach fluttering as well as your heart. You could feel the ghost of Steve’s lips on your skin, sending your heartrate sky-high, causing your head to spin a bit, your body hot all over.

Did he really—did he just-? And did it mean that… did it mean anything at all?

He let go of your hand, thumb brushing over your knuckles, but held your gaze adamantly as he gave you a sad smile and rose to his feet, clearly ready to leave.

You, on the hand, stood there frozen, mind racing.

Why had he done that? Was he really just trying to express gratitude and say sorry for his previous behaviour? Because that was not the way it was supposed to be done, because such tenderness left you entirely bewildered. Was he trying to tell you he was somehow interested in something more than friendship? Was he just high from the anaesthetic, mind you, local one that was not supposed to mess with his brain? Was there any sign of a head injury you missed?

“Thank you, again,” he whispered softly, moving to sidestep you and your hand instinctively shot out, latching onto his forearm… gently.

You gulped, heart stuttering when he glanced at you, puzzled.

One part of you wanted to sink into the floor in embarrassment at your unwitting reaction. Another part of you observed him so closely that you would swear that there was another emotion in his eyes and it was neither apology nor gratitude. You wistfully hoped for longing, the same longing you felt when you were near him, sometimes distant and barely there, other times so acute it hurt.

With your stomach somersaulting in doubt, you willed yourself to raise your free hand slowly, purposely giving him a chance – Lord, please, don’t let him take it – to stop you before your palm settled on his cheek.

You were certain you experienced a small cardiac arrest when Steve not only didn’t avoid the touch, but actually leaned into it, gaze fixed on your face, eyes brighter and softer than you ever remembered seeing. Your gaze flickered to his mouth deliberately, throat turning dry. Too daring? He kissed you knuckles, surely you could reciprocate some affection?

Swallowing against your dry throat, you leaned in before you could change your mind and dropped the briefest peck to his lips, causing his eyelids to flutter shut.

Oh no. Oh no no no no, you totally crossed a line-

You went to retreat your hands from him, but the second you moved, his eyes were snapping open, hand covering yours on his face to keep it there, the other cradling your face and then there was a warm and soft sensation on your own lips as he seized them with his.

Your mind went completely blank save two single thoughts: Steve is kissing me. I really like that.

A small sound escaped you, a blend of surprise and contentment, breaking you from your trance and turning you into an actual participant of the pleasant and entirely unexpected activity.

You drew in a small breath, head spinning from the scent of Steve’s shampoo, disinfectant, sweat and something you couldn’t quite put your finger on and not caring.

He tasted faintly of blood, but otherwise was nothing but sweet as his lips caressed yours, gently tugging at your lower lip and then the upper, the lightest graze of teeth and tease of tongue, finger pressing into your jaw to pull you closer, thumb stroking your cheek.

You whimpered involuntarily when his lips parted from yours, soothing as they returned for a short peck, to drop a brief kiss to the corner of your mouth, to brush your cheek.

Your name was a breathy whisper between the two of you, barely audible as all you could hear was your heartbeat pulsing frantically in your ears, growing aware of your fingers clutching at Steve’s still unzipped armour and nearly sinking in his hair, his hot breath tickling your skin.

You didn’t dare to open your eyes – what if you dreamed it up? What if you looked at him and saw regret – it didn’t feel like he would be regretting it, but… still. Insecurity tugged at your mind as it slowly cleared from the literally breath-taking kiss.

Steve repeated your name with urgency that was unheard of, the single word sounding almost as a plea.

“Please say something.”

Oh.

You blinked your eyes open, surprised to be met with his searching gaze, a minute furrow of his brows. It seemed you weren’t the only one whose mind was being the worst of one’s enemies.

Perhaps your brain was being stupid. Perhaps you both wanted this. Perhaps you felt exactly the same.

As you forced yourself to move, fingers actually slipping into his hair to caress his nape, Steve inhaled shakily, shoulders slumping. The tinniest of smiles tugged at his mouth, tempting red and minutely swollen from the kiss; you had to resist the urge to just taste it again.

Instead, you licked your lips only, savouring the previous sensations, smiling unwittingly.

“That’s… uhm, that’s a really creative new way of driving me crazy.”

Steve’s eyebrows rose along with one corner of his mouth, relief written all over his face.

“Oh? There are other ways in which I’m driving you crazy? Because I couldn’t tell...”

You narrowed your eyes, but you didn’t think he bought you unconvincing act of being irritated with him at such remark.

“Don’t push it, Captain,” you warned him, but your treacherous mouth kept curling up in a smile, your body still buzzing with aftershocks of the kiss.

“Wouldn’t dream of it.”

“Uh-huh… s-sure,” you stuttered briefly as his thumb caressed your cheek, bright smiling eyes watching only inches from your face – and yet it felt like he was too far.

“You’re driving me crazy too, you know,” he noted in a breathy voice, causing you to gulp as his gaze flickered to your mouth, clearly implying how you do so… among other ways… like your stubbornness practically matching his.

“Oh really? I do? I couldn’t tell…”

He chuckled, his hand slipping to your nape, soft tickle of his fingers making you squirm.

“I’m gonna kiss you again now if that’s okay,” he whispered, not waiting for your permission and erasing the distance between your lips again.

Still, you whispered your approval to his mouth.

“So okay…”

Long moments later when Sam called out to warn you that you’d be landing soon, you said yes to the grumpy old man’s request to let him treat you dinner.

Oh if you only knew by then how far you’d come…

Lost in thought, goofy smile on your face, you exited the bathroom, ready to snuggle your future husband… and to fully take the opportunity to make love, last night before you officially became his and he became yours.

You had a brief second to register that the bed was empty, your heart skipping a started and disappointed beat. The second you stepped out though, you were literally swept off your feet.

A yelp erupted from your throat as you found yourself with no ground under your feet and high in the air, one of Steve’s arms under your knees, the other under your back. Your hands frantically gripped at the nearest firm point, Steve’s shoulder and arm as you finally realized what the hell happened and was met with a cheeky grin and sparkling blue of his eyes.

That traitor was waiting just by the door to ambush you! Why?

You slapped his very much bare shoulder playfully, hissing a curse, not unaware of the heat radiating of him and seeping into your skin.

“You jerk! You almost gave me a heart attack!” you complained, but he didn’t even have the decency to look apologetic.

“Sorry, sweetheart.”

“No, you’re not.”

Steve grinned wider, shrugging and pulling you closer to his torso, nuzzling your temple and dropping a placatory kiss there.

“Still looking a little cold.”

“No, I look like this because you scared me,” you emphasized, vainly trying to resist the seduction; a mixture of playfulness, sweetness and blatant display of strength as he still held you with ease. It was hard not to be temped. “And you look like you’re awfully warm, parading here without a shirt.”

“Well, I’d call us even since you’re parading around in these absolutely sinful shorts. Makes me hot. I can warm you up,” he mumbled to your skin, lips moving to your ear, causing you to shudder.

How was it so easy for him to make you all hot and bothered? You guessed that at least, as he said, it made you even... it wasn’t difficult to get him riled up either.

“You’re incorrigible.”

“Driving you crazy?” Steve offered, sounding awfully delighted at the idea and you only melted into him further at the reminiscence of your first kiss and what followed.

“Always,” you confirmed, deadly serious, but you couldn’t help the smile tugging at the corners of your lips or the mewl that escaped you when his teeth grazed the shell of your ear, warm breath tickling the sensitive skin of your neck.

“But you love it.”

“Uh-huh…”

“I can live with that with that then,” he said, stalking to the bed determinately. “Now let me drive you so crazy you can barely speak and the only sound you’re making is whimpering my name.”

He all but tossed you on the bed, a yelp of his name in fact erupting from your throat, followed by a fit of giggles that only died when his mouth seized yours, his lips only leaving when heading south to indeed drive you crazy.

And yes; you loved it.

And you loved him too.

In one unending moment I fall within your reach My song a sweet surrender Hold on to me Hold on to me

Before the girls could steal you from him, Steve decided – with your enthusiastic agreement – that you should once again try how it felt to make some morning lovin’ outside marriage. With the ceremony planned for the late afternoon, you had plenty of time; and needless to say, it was bliss. Then again, you believed that marital sex with Steve would be just as delightfully pleasant, thank you very much.

Then, it was a whirlwind – make up, hair, dress, a tear or two spilled when you saw the result in the mirror.

More tears spilled when you glanced out of the window and saw the tastefully and modestly decorated arch, the path created by few scattered rose petals, the male part of your almost family sans Clint in the suits, effectively hiding Steve from you; and you from his just in case, because no one wanted any bad luck.

Your staring was interrupted when your brother went to pick you up to lead you down the aisle.

Upon entering the room and setting his gaze on you, he promptly looked away with a sniffle. It both warmed your heart and made you laugh as did his remark.

“Nope, not giving you to him. In fact, I’m never giving you to anyone. No one will ever be worthy, so I’m keeping you.”

“Hush, Clinton, you’ll still have me,” Natasha winked at him as he took a deep calming breath before carefully eyeing you again.

Clearly, it hadn’t done the job, because few tears still found their way down his cheeks.

“You’re a knock-out, sis,” he sputtered hastily, but no less honestly – clearly moved to tears.

And yet… you snorted at his choice of words and he rolled his eyes, quick to compliment your beauty instead.

You wouldn’t have it any other way though, even appreciating his first remark more for it came from the bottom of his heart rather than from what convention required.

Embracing you carefully in fear he would mess up the work of art his wife and other girls created, he held you in his arms for a moment, as you retuned the hug, clutching at his suit with a little too force. From the corner of your eye, you noticed the bridesmaids clearing the room.

“It’s not like I’m leaving you, Bobo,” you hummed with a smile, throwing his own words from last night at him.

And you weren’t leaving him; your heart swelled with love for your brother, your father figure, your long-life friend.

With sniffle, he let go of you and looked you up and down, proud smile spreading on his lips.

“It’s okay. If you are, I have the best spy in the world for a wife, we’ll drag your ass back home.”

You just slapped his chest playfully and took a deep breath – it was time. Clint grasped your hand firmly then, elbows interlocking, and went to step out just a moment after the bridesmaids left to join the groomsmen.

Well-aware everyone was going to stare and that Steve awaited you at the end of the aisle to marry you, your legs were shaking minutely as the magnitude of the event finally dawned to you.

“Getting second thoughts now?” Clint teased you, eliciting a chuckle from you and shake of your head.

What a question.

“No. Just… please don’t let me fall,” you muttered to him, entirely serious and grateful for your choice of footwear – simple flats hidden by the long flowing skirt of your dress. Better chance of not spraining your ankle on your wedding day.

“Never.”

Clint squeezed your hand under his warm palm and you took a deep breath, stepping into the doorway. Soft melody welcomed you, your very own wedding march Bruce was playing on a mouth organ – something you had previously had no idea he was capable of.  

Looking up from your skirt, you feasted your eyes on the company and the beautiful scenery for only a regretfully short moment, grateful for Sam’s Redwing programmed to record and take photos.

Your gaze instinctively searched the small crowd instead, until it fell under the arch where three men stood.

One of them was Sam himself, having obtained a licence so he could be your wedding registrar; he looked positively dashing. So did Bucky, who patted his best friend dressed in his old-fashioned green captain uniform on the shoulder, his smirk visible even from tens feet away as he stepped back.

Naturally, your gaze lingered on Steve, your feet acting of their own accord and following your brother’s lead.

Gosh, your future husband was the most handsome and absolutely hottest specimen to ever walk the Earth. Hair combed neatly to one side and in his old army uniform, he truly looked like the gentleman from another era he was and yet, he undeniably belonged exactly where he was. His eyes were bright and blue just like the sky, lips slightly parting before curling up into a brilliant smile which somehow still carried the tenderness he treated you with when he felt particularly affectionate.

He must have uttered something under his breath, because Bucky pressed his lips together as if he was holding back laugh. The absolutely best best man, ladies and gentleman.

Your found yourself smiling just as widely, a stray tear tickling the corner of your eye and you had to fight the sudden urge to ditch Clint in order to gather your skirts and run the rest of the way just to jump into Steve’s arms.

But in reality, there was no rush – here, on the damn island Tony rented, there was so much time that one short walk meant nothing in comparison.

“Alright, maybe I’ll give you to him,” Clint whispered, making you bite the inside of your cheek so you would cackle.

Leave it to your brother he would find Steve Rogers so fine he’d be willing to give you out just to have him become a part of your family.

One corner of Steve’s lips twitched in amusement – supersoldier hearing didn’t miss the remark then. Good. Then Bucky heard it too and you had a witness just in case Clint would change his mind. Again.

Finally, with your heart almost in your throat, you reached the end of the aisle, Clint gently putting your hand into Steve’s… without letting go.

“You be nice to her, Cap. And I mean really nice, you hear? Or else-“

“Hush,” you hissed good-naturedly in your brother’s direction, winking at him before you returned your gaze to Steve. “Hey there, handsome.”

Steve chuckled under his breath when Clint stepped back. He returned the greeting with soft ‘hey there, beautiful’ and then proceeded to lift your joined hands, brushing your knuckles with his lips – just like the day you shared your first kiss.

Well now you truly found yourself on the verge of crying. And Lord, you wanted to kiss him so much-

Sam cleared his throat loudly, casting you both a meaningful look as if he could read your mind and wanted to remind you that there were a few things to go through before that could happen.

Ugh. Formalities. Just let me kiss him…

Steve licked his lips – the audacity! – and turned, lightly tugging at your hand so you both faced your friend who held a little leather book open, beckoning towards the guests: Bucky and Natasha, the best man and the best woman, Clint, Bruce, Tony, Vision, Wanda, Sharon, Pepper. Just your closest friends and family.

Sam cleared his throat again.

“Alright. We all know why we gathered here today. To get these two amazing people married, so they could officially become a special team within our team.”

You grinned, peripherally noticing Steve eyeing you as well. Team indeed.

“This is the part where I would ask all of you, bride and groom included, to speak up now if you’re aware of anything standing in the way of this wedlock or to remain silent forever. But frankly, if you have something to say, right now is the perfect time to keep it to yourself. Just let these lovebirds get married…”

Muffled laughter and giggles erupted from your group. Honestly, you wouldn’t say it better. You noticed Clint shifting and Natasha forcefully holding his hand down; you bit down on your lip so you wouldn’t laugh and sent her a grateful smile instead. The best maid of honour ever.

“Good, that’s what I wanted to hear, folks. We have the rings, correct? Great. Just so you know, these two saps asked me to read one vow which they are making to each other, because they didn’t trust themselves to say theirs individually without bursting into tears. So now it’s left to me to cry instead. Thanks for that.”

Your cheeks were honestly starting to hurt from smiling so wide, but tears prickled in your eyes acutely just at the thought of the vow you agreed on. You spent countless hours thinking about what you wanted to say and realized that your vow would be too long and that you would in fact start crying and that you could never name all the things you loved Steve for. It had been a relief to find out that Steve shared the sentiment and the deal was made.

Natasha and Bucky dutifully laid the rings on the pillow Wanda’s powers held levitating by your and Steve’s side – not without Bucky finding a split second to compliment your appearance and earning a brief smirk from Steve.

“I know,” Steve uttered and you wondered if there was a dare going around as to who would make you burst out laughing first.

This was your wedding dammit. You could be at least a bit a lady and remain collected.

Hardly.

“With this ring,” Sam started, breathing in and out and you knew you already lost, first tear rolling down your cheek as you gazed into Steve’s inviting eyes, “I give myself to you without giving up myself. With this ring, I surrender to you for I have faith you understand the value of wielding such power and for I deem you worthy of it. With this ring, I promise to love you, to respect you and to support you to be your best self as I trust you to do the same for me, for us.”

You blinked away the waterfalls, reaching almost blindly for Steve’s ring and with fingers trembling – with giddiness, not nerves – you somehow succeeded at slipping it on his left ring finger.

“I do,” you whispered, your voice cracking even in such simple sentence and the watery smile Steve graced you with made your ribcage feel too small for your swelling heart.

Fingers equally clumsy, he slipped a ring on you as well, shoulders squaring as if in pride.

“I do,” he said firmly, the damp path down his left cheek only adding severity to his vow.

“You may-- uhm, okay, you may kiss the bride, your wife--- I mean, Mrs. Rogers. You may kiss the groom, your husband…” Sam mumbled under his breath until he didn’t, because Steve pulled you in for a kiss the same moment Sam said the first ‘may’ and incidentally, the same moment you practically threw yourself at Steve.

Laughter and whistles erupted from the group of your friends as Steve bend you back dramatically, the determined press of his lips to yours not at all disrupted by the change of angle, claiming your mouth in ways that made you shudder and stirred flames in your belly.

Years and years later, you’d recall that kiss and realized an amazing thing; how it felt just like your first kiss, your last one, and every single one in between.

With you still practically horizontal, Steve’s crinkling eyes met yours, delighted smile on his kiss-swollen lips.

“I love you, Mrs. Rogers,” he hummed, adding a cheeky grin. “You’re stuck with me now.”

“The horror,” you muttered back teasingly, pulling at his nape, demanding another kiss, your own declaration whispered to his mouth. “I love you too, Mr. Rogers.”

And you did. Gosh, you did.

S.R. masterlist

(divider by firefly-graphics)

Well. This turned out SO DIFFERENTLY than I anticipated and SO MUCH LONGER. If you feel like leaving feedback, I’ll be grateful. If not, well. *shurgs*

Excuse me while I go and continue dreaming of ONE fictional man. Ugh. Anyway.

Thank you for reading!

And once again, thanks to WIYBUPT for hosting and for just being awesome in general :)

[fatiguing-thoughts]

“Fate” - Paul Lahote

Request: The reader (shy!fem!reader) meets Paul (twilight) in the woods while he is in wolf form and he imprints on her. Coz the reader is shy and has no friends (lol) she befriends the 'wolf'. So when they have been friends for a while Paul finally transforms into his human form and explains everything and then fluff? Thank you 😊❤️

The crunching of leaves. That’s all I can hear now. I continued walking forward, loving the noise and the smell of the pine trees around me. 

This was my daily routine now, for the last week. The woods were always my safe place, where I went to clear my head. It’s where I always spent my free time, my time for my personal thoughts.  

I had just moved to Forks about three week ago, I came from Oregon. I wanted to be closer to the Olympic National Forest, and for some reason, it just called to me. It called to be my new home. 

I spent the first couple of weeks unpacking and settling, but the newfound freedom and time to explore the great forests around my small town were beyond enticing. 

The loneliness was setting in, pushing me to go into the woods more and more. Even though I was still lonely out here, it was much better than being alone in the house. I missed my family and friends, but living here was something that just felt like I was doing something… right. 

The loneliness out here wasn’t as deafening than in my small home. I felt better surrounded by trees, listening to the sounds of nature, or the lack of normal everyday sound; it was music to my ears. 

As I pressed forward, I found the new clearing I chose the other day. This one a little bigger than the last, more calming to me. 

I put my blanket down, played some soothing music; a beautiful composition. I took out my sketchbook, drawing my surroundings. 

That’s when I heard the grass shift across the clearing. The leaves crunching, a shift in the atmosphere. The feeling washed over me, I was no longer alone. 

I felt my breath hitch as I tore my eyes away from the sketchbook, looking across the clearing. 

I saw a wolf. An enormous wolf. I couldn’t believe my eyes. I’ve seen wolves, and they’re not anywhere near the size of this. I wouldn’t even come up to the shoulder on this one, it had to be about 6 feet tall on all fours. This couldn’t be real.

I blink hard, but when I open my eyes, it doesn’t go away, my sight was not deceiving me. 

That’s when it happened, our eyes connected. I couldn’t break the eye contact, neither did the massive creature. 

The wind got knocked out of me, I felt something in me shift. I felt like I couldn’t breathe, but it wasn’t fear. 

No, fear was the last thing from my mind. What I felt was peace. I couldn’t imagine why I felt so at peace with a creature that could kill me faster than I could blink, but it’s all I felt. 

I broke the eye contact away, hoping that I didn’t make the situation worse and frighten the wolf. 

It walks a bit closer, head low. I still feel that feeling, the feeling of someone sitting on my chest-- but in the best way. 

“Jesus.” I mutter as it moves closer. 

The paws were easily the size of my head, thumping along the path to me. I felt the ground move as it got closer. 

A look of curiosity and caution painted the enormous face, eyes never tearing from mine. 

“Holy shit.” I mutter again.

It stops in its tracks, about five feet from me, looking at me as if it was asking for permission to approach closer. 

I gulp and swallow the lump in my throat. The sense of peace and calm is still radiating through my body. I stood up from my spot, feeling as if it was the best thing to do at this moment. 

The wolf nods its head towards me, in which I nod back. 

It walks closer before bowing its head, eyes still looking into mine. I see my reflection in the iris. Its eyes were that of a beautiful chocolate brown. I admire the rest of the wolf up close, noticing all of the different grey and silver tones in its beautiful fur. I cautiously reach my hand out, knuckles out, offering it to smell me before I even thought about petting it. 

As I outstretch my hand, I feel the enormous head under my palm. I begin to graze my fingertips along the top of its head, daring to dance my fingertips upon the center top of its snout. 

Its ears laid back against the massive head, leaning more weight into my touch. The fur was so soft, I found myself growing more and more comfortable with the presence of this being. I was way too close now, I lost all sense of caution. 

I smiled at the wolf as I returned the eye contact. It moved even closer, standing against my side. I laid my head upon the side of where its shoulder began. I never felt so small before. I felt a little grumble come from the wolf’s chest before it backed up, and laid down next to my blanket. I plopped myself back down. 

I caught the wolf’s eyes wandering over to my drawing of the clearing. 

“You like art or something?” I chuckled softly, knowing how silly it may seem to be talking to this wolf, though deep down I felt we had some kind of understanding.

The wolf nodded, before placing its head on my leg. The head was heavier than I imagined, but I enjoyed it. It was a soothing weight. The nod must have been coincidental, I tell myself. 

I then begin to scratch behind its ears, and laying the rest of my body down, head still on the front of my thigh. 

“This is the best, well only, company I’ve had in a month.” I smile to myself, once again trying to converse with the creature. 

I heard a large huff of air and felt the warmth on my thigh grow, the breath passing through my jeans.  

I check the time on my phone, seeing that it was later than I thought. The wolf and I sat here for hours, though they passed quickly. 

“I should leave now, sunset is approaching. I gotta get out of here before dark. After all, who knows what’s in here.” I chuckle as I begin to sit up, getting my things together into my backpack. 

The wolf looks at me, puffs again, and almost seems to roll its eyes. I could’ve sworn it looked just like it did. 

As I begin walking, I notice the wolf walking beside me. 

“Ah, walking me to my car? A gentleman, I see.” I laugh softly to myself. 

As we approach the end of the forest, the beginning of the treeline and my parked car in sight, the wolf looks down at me. 

I return the eye contact, and scratch behind the ear again, earning the leaning of the massive head into my hand. 

“This is an everyday thing for me. Same place tomorrow.” I say laughing at how ridiculous I sound. 

I earn another nod from the wolf and can’t help but feel that it truly understands what I’m saying. 

I walk over to my car, the distance between the wolf and I growing. I felt empty as the space grew, a newer feeling. I walked over to my car and looked back to see the wolf standing where I left it. 

I wave goodbye, earning a nod from the massive being. I get into my car and watch it run away, faster than I’ve seen anything move. 

The drive home was quick, as it mostly consisted of replaying the days events. 

I knew for certain that I was either insane or blessed. 

Sleeping tonight came easier than ever before. No nightmares, though the eyes of the beautiful creature filled my dreams that night. 

I woke up the next morning feeling at ease, but also if something was missing. I was almost counting down the minutes until I got to go back to my little clearing. Hopefully doing some work will make the day pass faster. 

I ferociously finish my work for the day, hoping that it would make time pass. Though my mind continuously wanders back to yesterday. 

Was it even real?

What if the creature didn’t show up today? Would I just have imagined the understanding that I thought we had? Was the connection just an imagination? 

No, I know what I saw. I am not insane, I am not making any of this up. 

As the agonizing hours passed, I sat and drew. I found myself drawing the eyes of the creature.  They were all I could see all day. 

I look over at the clock and basically spring off of my couch, grabbing my keys and backpack to head back out to the woods. 

I walk over into the clearing and sit in my previous spot on the blanket. This time I had some snacks with me, as I didn’t eat today from being so distracted. 

I began to peel my orange when I heard the snapping of a branch behind me. I took a sip of my water as I turned to look at what was behind me. 

The deep, chestnut brown eyes looking down at me. I felt such a connection to this wolf, I felt safe. 

It then moves next to where I sat, laying down once more. 

I place my orange down back onto the brown paper bag.

“Blueberries?” I outstretch my hand with a few berries in it, offering it to the creature. 

His snout found my hand, hot breath finding its way into my palm. The rough tongue and soft scraping of teeth against my palm as it took the berries from my hand.

I smile before getting some more, offering again. The wolf once again took the food from my hand. 

I truly enjoyed the company, though it did confuse me more than anything. I couldn’t describe the connection I felt to this magical being, but it was there. 

I began to make some small talk to the wolf, though I know I would not get a response. 

“You’re my first and only friend, bud. I moved here a little less than a month ago. Still unsure of what brought me here, but I think things are starting to add up. I just miss having people around, ya know?” I look over to the creature, noticing that their eyes never left my face. 

The wolf nods, putting his head back into my leg and nuzzling into me. I scratch behind their ears. 

“Anyway, I left Oregon to come here. I miss my friends and family, but I think I’ll be happier here. So far, I’m loving the new scenery. I used to spend a lot of time in the woods back there, it’s where I have my personal thoughts, where I unwind. Now that I’m here, I already have a buddy so soon. I always did it alone, but here you are. Even though you can’t talk, I enjoy your company.” I spoke softly to the being. 

Its eyes never broke from mine, just like always. 

“Your eyes are magnificent.” I softly chuckled. 

The wolf nuzzles closer to me, and I lay down on my blanket. 

This is how I spent my days now. This continued for weeks. Getting closer to this beautiful creature, befriending the most beautiful being that ever existed on the planet. 

Until one day, when I showed up to the clearing at the usual time. My new friend nowhere in sight. 

I sat down in our usual spot, waiting for the arrival of the creature. 

I waited for about ten minutes before I finally heard the relieving crunching of twigs and leaves behind me. 

“It’s about time you showed up, I got worried.” I bit back my smile. 

The wolf had a telling look in its eyes today, almost nervous. 

I scratched behind the large ear, once again being leaned into. I grew to really love this. 

As soon as I sat down, I noticed the wolf didn’t follow suit as per usual. 

It looked me in the eyes, nodding its head to the treeline. My eyes followed as the wolf walked behind the brush. 

I stood up, but didn’t follow the being out of the clearing. I watched from the treeline as it disappeared just out of view. 

Then I heard it. 

The shifting of bones. The brush disturbed from movement. 

I back up cautiously. 

A moment later, a tall, muscular man walks out of the tree line. 

I back up a bit out of surprise. I observed him in his entirety. His cutoff jean shorts, t-shirt, and beat up old shoes. Beautiful russet skin, cropped black hair, and... deep chestnut brown eyes. 

Those eyes. The ones that engulfed me into a state of peace with every look. I would recognize those eyes in a sea of people. 

The tall man smiles at me, walking closer. 

I don’t back up this time, confused yet comforted by the look in his eyes. He was the most beautiful man I had ever seen, I was drawn to him. 

“(Y/N), it’s me.” The man says. 

“How do you know my name?” I question. 

“Well, you told me a few weeks ago. Well, my other form.” He chuckles. 

“Okay, maybe I am nuts.” I laugh softly. 

“No, you’re not. Well, after listening to you for weeks, you might be. But, I have a lot of explaining to do. I’m Paul by the way.” He chuckles. 

“Hi Paul.”

We walk over to my blanket and he sits with me. 

“So, I guess I’ll explain to you what I am.” He says, slightly smirking at me. 

“I think you should, I’m very confused right now.” I smile back. 

“Well, I’m what you would call a shapeshifter. I shift into a wolf. You met me in that form.” His chestnut brown eyes peering into my soul, pleading for my attention. 

“But how? Why?” I manage to speak. 

“Well, we’re not the only magical beings. But it’s a Quileute legend, well clearly a lot more than a legend… I’m a protector of the land and people. But these are tribal secrets.” He says, still never breaking eye contact. 

“Protector? From what?” I was now concerned. 

“Well, vampires.” He answered, laughing at how crazy it sounds to say out loud, to explain to an outsider. 

“Vampires are real? And they’re here?” I ask, slightly getting fearful. 

“Yes. There’s been some coming into the area for some, not for anything good. There’s a coven here, though they’re what you call ‘good ones,’ only feeding off animals instead of humans.” He explains. 

“Wow, this is insane. But, how did you find me?” 

“Well, one of the other members of the pack picked up your scent, as well as one of the vampires we were looking for. So we took turns watching to make sure they didn’t hunt you. Which by the way, you should not be spending so much time in the woods alone. Have you ever heard of bears? Or murderers? Have you learned anything from horror movies?” He laughed. 

“Yes. I have. But it’s just, it’s what feels right for me.” I admitted. 

“I understand. You seem like one with nature.” He laughs.

“So you guys protected me?” I jump back a step.

“Yeah, well we took turns while the others went other places.” 

“Oh, so why did you stay for weeks? And why did you hang out with me?” “Well, when it was my turn, something happened. And then I couldn’t leave you. I needed to be the one who watched over you. I wanted to get to know you, I wanted to meet you. We connected.” 

“I know, I felt that. I feel like I’ve known you for ages. But what happened? How are we connected? Why do I get to know the tribal secrets?” I asked, I needed to understand. 

“Well, you’ve taken this so well. So there’s this thing. It’s called imprinting.” He finally looks down at his hands. 

“Imprinting?” I question.

He looks back into my eyes. 

“Well, it’s kinda like soulmates. Like love at first sight, almost. Although, it doesn’t have to be romantic. It’s kind of like-- when it happens, whoever a wolf imprints on, becomes the world. There is no gravity, it’s them holding you down to the Earth. You would do anything, be anything for them. A brother, a protector, a lover. It’s super intense, but it happens to some of us. And well, you’re my imprint.” 

I looked at him and nodded. I was trying to take this all in, it all made sense as to why I felt so strongly connected. Why I felt so at peace, why I loved being so close. 

“Listen, I know it’s a lot to take in. I understand. But just know that it is dangerous for us to be apart. It’ll hurt us both-- emotionally, physically, mentally. However, you hold the reins here.” He gave me a soft smile. 

“This is a lot. You’re right. But, I feel so connected to you. I wanna be around you, I love being around you. I’m so glad you’re actually a real person. However, I do want to take this slow. I want to get to know you as a person, not just the wolf. I want to meet the real you. I want to expand the friendship before any kind of romantic relationship blossoms too fast.” I say honestly. 

“That sounds like a great idea. Maybe you can come to the bonfire at La Push tonight. I think it’ll help you understand more. Plus then you’ll meet the rest of the pack. We could work on the friends thing, too.” He smiles from ear to ear, probably excited at the mention of a romantic relationship. 

We talked for hours, more about us personally than the imprinting thing, wolf thing, or vampire thing-- we saved that for the bonfire. 

The bonfire went well. I met the whole pack. A lot of banter and rough housing between the guys, especially when the imprint jokes came around. 

I took a liking to Leah, though she was rough on the outside I felt that we would be great friends. 

Over the next few weeks, Paul and I spent almost all our free time together. Things were great. Of course the friends thing didn’t last too long, how could I not want to have this amazing man as my partner? He was caring, sweet, protective, and even handsomer than anyone else I had ever seen. Our relationship was one purer than anything I could’ve ever imagined. 

Getting closer to the pack was great, I always had friends around. I loved Emily and helping her cook for the bottomless pit-stomached boys. It was like I was meant to be around, I guess that’s fate for you. 

Most of all, I cherished every moment I had with Paul. Stealing hoodies and having more fun than I’ve ever had before. 

I loved Paul Lahote more than I could put into words. No words were needed. 

This was happiness, this was pure bliss. 

We spent our days on hikes, fooling around and rough housing at the beach, and doing whatever we could do together. 

He whispered sweet-nothings into my ear at any given chance, causing me to smile, blushing like a maniac. His warm hugs and cuddles, sleeping next to him only brought me peaceful sleep I desired my entire life. 

Fate truly is something. 

_____________________________

Word Count: 3280

Yes this was long. No I’m not sorry. Yes I enjoyed it. Might have been a swift transition, but it’s super long and idc. Thank you for coming folks 

[whimperwoods]

The Goblin and the Giant

Ok so I saw this post by @pleasancies and holy cow?? I love it?? So here, have the biggest whumpee and the tiniest caretaker (she said and then immediately whumped them the other way around a little bit, but like... just wait for it, it’s there):

Venk’s entire body was on edge, thrumming with adrenaline. This was the worst part of being a scout, or maybe the best. Whatever was crashing around out here in the woods was big, and for a while earlier, at least, it had been getting closer to camp. He needed to get to it, get information, and get back in time for everyone to get ready, or to run.

He darted between trees, staying in the shadows where the moonlight didn’t reach, light and silent on his feet, and with a firm grip on his spear that only mostly made him feel safer.

When he saw the thing, it took him a minute to work out what it was.

It was a foot, on the end of a leg, attached to a hip, and then to a body he could barely see, it was so high up. The foot, wrapped in an enormous roll of cloth, swung through the air and then landed on its tiptoes. It was a giant. And it was sneaking.

He wasn’t sure if that was a good sign or a bad one.

For about a minute and a half, he scrambled alongside the giant’s slow, careful steps that crunched branches underfoot and nearly shook the ground, realizing as he did so that the giant was moving parallel to the camp, keeping a distance instead of coming closer.

Then, Venk got distracted, too absorbed in watching the enormous feet swinging overhead to spot the wasp’s nest in the ground until his own foot was in it.

He yelped at the first stings, too surprised to keep it in, and the giant seemed startled, too, the feet leaping backward away from the noise and coming down hard enough to shake the ground and make the wasps even angrier.

Venk pulled his foot out of the nest and scrambled instinctively up a large rock nearby to get away, cursing vociferously when the wasps flew up with him, continuing to sting.

An enormous hand reached down and grabbed Venk by the back of his ratty leather armor, lifting him up toward the giant’s face.

“Oh no,” the giant boomed, clearly trying to whisper to him.

Venk was still being stung, but that was suddenly much less important. He growled, baring his teeth, and brandished his spear in the direction of the face. “Put me down! Put me down, or I’ll put your eye out!”

“Oh! Ouch! There’s uhhh - there’s stingy things down there. Let me - uh - uh - over here.”

The giant held him at arm’s reach, took several long, hurried strides toward a nearby clearing, definitely shaking the ground this time, and set Venk back down on top of another large rock, about 400 feet from where they’d started.

Venk brandished his spear again and was surprised to see the giant shrinking away from him, one arm up in front of his face as if to protect himself from something.

Venk turned quickly to look behind himself, but saw no one. He looked back at the giant, raising his spear higher again. “Stay back!” he ordered, “What are you doing here?”

The giant had grey, stony skin, and was both thinner and narrower than most giants Venk had seen before - though, he supposed, he’d only ever seen the other ones at a distance, so perhaps he just didn’t know how to judge.

“Please don’t hurt me!” the giant said, “The master says I have to get into those ruins over there,” his huge hand pointed in the direction of Venk’s camp, and the ruins behind it they were supposed to explore in the morning. “He sent me to bring something back for him, but then I saw your camp, and I - I promise I was trying to go around!”

“What kind of something?” Venk asked, curious in spite of himself.

“It’s, um - it’s some kind of sphere, I think. It’s very magic. He said I’d know it because it was very magic and if I wanted to be sure not to disappoint him, I could just bring everything that seems magic. I - I don’t mean to - to - it’s -”

The giant’s voice started faltering, and his shoulders shrunk inward, his enormous arms coming up around his middle as he hugged himself, wilting visibly in front of Venk’s eyes.

The goblin glanced back over his shoulder one more time, verifying that it was really just the two of them, and then sighed, lowering his spear.

As frightened as the giant seemed to be of him, there was no way he could do any real damage. Not when he knew he was knee-high to the giant at best, with a spear the giant could have perhaps held as a pencil, but not as a spear.

“Can you come down here so I can talk to you?” he asked, putting the spear down and raising his empty hands. “I promise not to stab your eyes out. Just don’t grab me again.”

“Oh!” The giant’s eyes widened, and then it was falling to its knees next to his rock, so fast that the stone underneath Venk shook a little.

Even on his knees, the giant loomed over Venk and his two-foot rock, but he seemed to realize it pretty quickly and fell backward onto his butt with another shuddering crash. Then he pulled in on himself again, as if he were trying to be as small as possible, which didn’t actually do much to put him at Venk’s height, but did make Venk feel a confused tangle of emotions.

Now that he was closer to the giant’s head, he could see a huge, nasty-looking collar around his neck, black leather studded through with small metal lightning bolt shapes. Above and below the collar radiated several overlapping sets of electrical scars, like the giant had been struck by lightning a dozen times. He winced sympathetically.

“Alright,” Venk said, trying not to squander the giant’s apparent intimidation before he figured out he could probably crush Venk between his palms in a single motion. “It seems like maybe this is a time when we ought to just make a deal. That sound good?”

“I - I don’t think I can. I have to give the master what he wants.” The giant was - shaking? He pulled even farther in on himself, bringing his knees up to his chest and wrapping his arms around them. Venk couldn’t see the collar anymore, but he could see scars crisscrossing the giant’s shins.

“Why?” Venk asked, “What kind of master have you got, that you’re that scared?”

The giant shook his head. “I can’t. I can’t, if he found out I told his name -” he looked half-panicked, his breathing getting quicker, “I can’t!”

Venk held his hands up in front of him, trying to calm the giant down. “Whoa! Hey, no. No names. You don’t tell me your master’s name, I won’t tell you my clan’s name, everybody’s happy. I’m guessing he’s some kind of mage or demon or devil or something, if he wants his name safe?”

The giant nodded, but didn’t indicate which one.

“What’s he want the orb for, anyway?”

The giant shrugged one huge shoulder.

“See, that’s gonna be kind of a problem. My clan’s got this whole thing with the orb. We’re camped there to go find it, ‘cause we’ve got this whole underground war going with a bunch of kobolds and it’s supposed to get us a dragon on our side or something, and even if I was going to let you go around past our camp, which I’m not sure the others would be thrilled about, I get the feeling our shaman’s gonna say we’ve gotta kill you before we let you take the orb.”

Venk adjusted his stance as he was talking, ready to leap backward off the rock and away from a blow if he needed to, but instead the giant wailed.

“Whoa, hey!” Venk said, patting at the air between them as if it would help, “Hey, calm down, you’ve gotta be quiet, there’s worse around here than wasps.”

The giant was weeping, and that was - huh. That was something else, too.

“I d-don’t wanna die!” he blubbered.

Venk took a deep breath, trying to calm himself before he spoke again. “Hey, buddy, it’s alright. I didn’t say we would kill you, just that I figure that’s what the shaman would say. Maybe we take the orb, we do whatever magical mumbo-jumbo gets us a dragon long enough for it to tell those kobolds to fuck off and give us our caves back, and then we let you have it. I’m just saying we gotta be clever about it, is all.”

The giant shook his head fiercely. “No, my master will know. My master will know I wasted time. I shouldn’t even have gone around I - I don’t want to kill anyone, but I have to make it back, I -” he reached up around his neck, wrapping his hand over the collar, “I have to make it back with what he wants, I - I have to please him.”

Venk felt a stab of something through his heart and sighed again, sliding carefully off the rock and landing on his less swollen foot. He was an idiot, and he was about to die for it, but at least none of the rest of the clan was around to see it. They’d probably assume he’d done something heroic when they found the pulpy mess of his body out here. Probably.

He stepped up to the giant’s side and patted his huge ankle. “Hey, it’s alright. It’s alright, I don’t want you to kill anyone, either. You gotta calm down. We can figure this out.”

We can figure this out. As if he even knew what “this” was. The giant’s sobs grew a little softer, though. Venk patted his ankle again. “There, there.”

“I shouldn’t have talked to you,” the giant said miserably, starting to pull himself together, “Master always says it’s my own fault things are so awful and upsetting, ‘cause I don’t kill people fast enough. And now I’ll be sad even if I do kill you fast enough, which I don’t even want to do.”

Venk looked up at the huge figure. This close, he could tell that the scars along the giant’s shins were burn scars, like he’d been standing in fire. The lightning scars on his chest and face weren’t really visible at this angle, but there were a couple of small but deep bruises dotting his ribs, black against the stony grey of the rest of the his skin.

“Ok, buddy,” he said, making a decision even as he spoke. “Let’s take a step back. Let’s take a step back from the orb. What’s up with you and that master? He got anything on you, or is it just that collar up there?”

The giant shook his head and said nothing.

“I won’t tell. Not a soul. Just between you and me. I just need to know what I’m dealing with here. Gotta get all the options on the table, you know? And then once we’ve looked at the table, it’s all between you and me still, alright?”

“It - it’s mostly the collar,” the giant said, voice so faint it actually came across as a whisper this time.

“Well, then we’ll get it off you, and then you don’t have to kill anybody. How’s that sound?”

The giant shook his head again, vehemently, wrapping his hands around the collar again. “No! It’s locked. It’s locked, and it’s got traps! It’ll shock me and it’ll shock you, and then he’ll know, and then -” Venk could hear the giant starting to cry again, “And then he’ll know!”

Venk breathed deeply again, trying to center himself. “Ok. Ok. That’s - good to have on the table. You’re gonna be ok, buddy.” He patted the giant’s ankle again.

As the giant continued to sniffle and snort and try to get ahold of himself, Venk breathed deeply and tried to think. How serious was he? How dumb was this? He bit his lip and kept patting the giant’s ankle, weighing the dangers to himself, the giant, and the clan.

Finally, he stepped forward and leapt up to tug at the giant’s sleeve. “Hey, buddy. One more idea, ok? One more idea. We’re gonna take another step back. I’ve got this amulet,” he lifted it out from under the collar of his armor, “And it dispells one spell a day. Only the best of our scouts have ‘em, so you’re lucky it was me that found you, but they’re made to get us out of a tricky spot. If I turn the spell off and pick the lock myself, are you gonna get hurt? Or just me?”

“But what if he finds out?” the quiet hiss was still louder than a whisper, but Venk appreciated the attempt.

“Then you tell him I did it. You tell him a tree fell on you and I came across you before you could get out from under and I thought maybe if I took off that collar I could be your master, only then it zapped me and I died and you’re still a good boy following directions, or whatever.”

“What if it does kill you?”

“Then you tell my clan to get back underground before your master gets here, and you go on forward to the ruins like you were going to anyway. I’ll write a note for them.”

The giant shook his head. “I can’t escape.”

Venk looked around and, finding no body part particularly convenient for grabbing, leapt up to tug at the giant’s sleeve again. “Give me your hand.”

The hand that came to rest on the ground beside him was too big to hold, but he wrapped his hands seriously around the giant’s thumb, trying not to think too much about babies and their hands, just now. “I promise, I can do this. And if I can’t, you weren’t gonna get away before, either. But if I can, then you can get away when you couldn’t before. That’s worth a try, right?”

The giant bit his lip, but didn’t immediately say no.

“What’s your name, friend?” Venk asked, “Mine’s Venk. I can promise you by name, if you want.”

This time, the giant’s eyes widened. “F-Falgh, Sir.”

Sir. Huh. “Falgh, I promise, if you let me try to take that collar off, I’ll be as careful as I can and I’ll give you the best shot I know how to give. Ok?”

Falgh closed his eyes, but then nodded, once, quickly.

Venk took a deep breath and nodded back. “Alright. Let’s try it. Bend forward so I can stand on the top of your back and get at that latch.”

Clambering up a living being was an odd feeling, even one that was lying on its stomach, but Falgh helped, clearly trying to flatten his back as much as he could under Venk’s feet.

The amulet flashed with a soft light and a pleasant heat, and then Venk set to work with a set of thieves tools, wishing he had more practice on things that weren’t manacles.

Then the lock clicked audibly, and both their bodies tensed immediately, but nothing happened.

“There we go,” Venk whispered, “I think I’ve got it. Let me try to open it.” The mechanism that closed the collar was more clamp than buckle, clearly designed for medium-sized hands, which sent a little half-shiver through Venk’s spine to think about. Falgh wasn’t medium-sized, either.

He held his breath as he pried open the clasp, and then - the collar fell free.

He almost fell over as Falgh let out a great, heaving sigh of relief, tension draining from his muscles. “Whoa!”

The giant froze again. “Sorry.”

Venk bent down and patted the giant’s back, beside where he was standing, “It’s ok, bud. I get it.” He wasn’t sure he did, but it seemed like the thing to say.

Falgh nodded, seriously, which also jarred Venk a little bit, and he hurried to scramble back off the giant’s back.

As he settled back onto the ground by the giant’s face, Falgh looked at him with big, soft grey eyes, and whispered, “Are you my master now? Or was that just for pretend, if it didn’t work?”

One answer to that question was clearly more interesting than the other, but he knew he could never give it, even as it crossed his mind.

He placed a small hand on Falgh’s huge cheek. “It was just for pretend, Falgh. I don’t mind if you come with me, though. I’m sure you’d be a great help in the ruins. Or you can go somewhere and hide. I’d understand that, too.”

Falgh’s eyes were dark, serious as they gazed into his own. “Are you sure you wouldn’t mind? I’m -” his eyes darted away, “I’m not convenient. Or sneaky. Or very good at things”

Venk raised an eyebrow. “Think you’d be good at carrying me back to camp? My one foot’s pretty bad. Dunno how much you feel wasp stings, but I feel ‘em kind of a lot, just now.”

Falgh’s eyes widened, darting back to Venk’s face. “Oh! Yeah, I can do that! If you want.” He bit his lip. “Will the - will the shaman still want to kill me?”

Venk smiled, patting Falgh’s cheek again. “Not if you’re with me, buddy. Not if you’re with me.”

[risquefanfics457]

S/o Sleepover with the Dwuang + yong Joseph ?

I’m sorry, personal stuff has been crazy, I hope it’s okay with just Okuyasu and Josuke and Joseph.

The Duwang first has the idea when Okuyasu says that he has never had a sleepover. Josuke pounces on the chance and shakes him around, “DUDE!” 

“What?”

Koichi chimes in “We should have a big sleepover!”

Josuke hops around in a small circle like a kid on Christmas eve. “We should do it at your house!”

After that, the plan was set, Two days from then, from 7:00pm to 10:00am. 

Josuke

“Y/N, Y/N! Are you ready for the best night ever?”

He is so friggin excited! He is packing early and buying snacks and everything!

Blankets are a yes, big ones so he can snuggle next to you. He is stoked to get his chill on.

Bam! Romantic movie, BAM, Marvel, BAM, oh, some DVD about him as a baby. He brings it to his mom, “What is this doing with the movies?” Tomoko laughs and tells him it was just a keepsake she made herself when he was small. You yank in out of his hands and pack it in with the rest of your stuff for the sleepover.

Totally worth it.

By the time you guys are almost all settled after watching Captain America, you whip out the DVD much to Josuke’s surprise. “Y/N! No!!!”

You slide it in and watch a small wrinkly infant appear on screen. Bald.

Josuke sighs in defeat.

“Josuke, you were bald as a baby?” Yukako snickers.

“Hey, like you are one to judge me! You were probably just a baby... made of- hair or something!” Josuke defends.

It doesn’t make a lot of sense but as the slideshow progresses you can see him with some black tuft on his little head. From his first smiles and giggles to rolling over. This must have meant a lot to Tomoko. The more you watched, he gets bigger and bigger and his hair grows out until by age 4, the famous pompadour makes it daybout. He slowly grows more and more confident and your boyfriend slides up to you and puts his hand on yours and you wrap each other in one of the many blankets Okuyasu had. 

“You sure grew up to be handsome.”

He smiles.

“You were adorable though.”

“I’m not adorable...” He pouts. “I’m... masculine, and-”

You kiss him “And mine.”

Okuyasu

Shoot. He doesn’t know what he’s doing.

On the day of the sleepover he shouts, “Y/N! You’ve gotta help me!!!” He wraps his arms around your waist and slowly sinks to the floor. “I dunno what I’m doing...” He actually starts tearing up. 

“Oku, you’re gonna be fine. I’ve got you.”

You start by picking out a room for the sleepover to take place, “Living room would be good, right?” Okuyasu sets up a metric ton on blankets on the floor. “Is that enough blankets?”

You giggle, “More than enough, babe.”

“Oh thank god, I spend my months allowance on this stuff.”

“So, Josuke is bringing snacks and movies, and Koichi and Yukako are bringing games and activities, we just need to have the place decorated and music. 

You make a quick stop at your house and grab a bunch of fairy lights and by the store to pick up the latest album you had been saving for and you phone Josuke and tell him to bring a CD player for music.

When the time comes, everybody is awed by the lights and the enormous pillowfort from all of Okuyasu’s blankets. When Josuke goes to set up the movies Okayasu pulls you aside, “Thank you, Y/N. I couldn’t have gotten this to look as good as it is without you.” He awkwardly scratches the back of his neck. You reach up and cup his cheeks in your hands, “Anything for you babe.” You give hima quick peck and slip away to go watch 

Young Joseph

“Oh, Y/N!~”

You stop what you’re doing and follow the sound of his voice to him. “Y/N! Guess what?!”

You smile and shrug.

“Tonight, Lisa Lisa has Caesar and I pulling an all nighter! She wants us to spend all night awake without a wink of sleep, she says it’ll show resilience, or something, but do you know what that means?”

“Hamon training?” You ask.

“NO! SLEEPOVER!” He practically swings you around, “My best friend and my lover, having a whole night of fun together!”

“You made that sound really weird, Joseph.”

“My bad, but we can hang out all night, that’s like...”

You sit and wit for him to do the math in his head and then count on his fingers...

“8+ hours for anything!”

You smirk, “So, what’s the plan? Some booze and and music?”

“Precisely! I got some stuff in my room and then we just need a couple records and we’ve got a night of fun!”

“Okay, I get it. But don’t ever call it that again.”

The night begins with Joseph rushing into Caesar’s room yelling, “I BROUGHT TEQUILA!” 

You brought some makeup with you, Joseph said you should but you weren't expecting 2+ hours to be dedicated to ‘Joseph’s Drag Show’. You enjoyed it but Caesar just sat in the corner just shaking his head. Joseph frequently begged Caesar to let him put makeup on his face, with that a new competition began. Whoever falls asleep first gets a full face of makeup.

They played ‘Never have I ever’ with shots, and just competed over who was better with ladies, in the end, they both got super drunk, it was never decided because they threw hands and passed out. You were still somewhat sober and decided to cake both of them in makeup. 

[hobbitsnapes]

The heart of the Scout Regiment part 3

A mini Levi Ackerman story

Summary: Since the beginning of the survey corps, not one member has changed the group like she did, if only they knew, what one persons heart, could change them all.

Everyone sat at the table, making idle conversation as they ate. A strew of different topics were heard, ranging from what they had done that day, the next mission that next morning, to the one at hand between the majority of them.

“Hey can you pass me the pepper?” She asks levi, who sat to her left.

He grabbed for the spice, a small chuckle leaving him.

Due to her mother being a cook, she grew up with lots of soups that contained lots of pepper. Everyone swore that she would put a dash of it on her ice cream when nobody was looking.

“Thanks Kitty.” She says, a soft smile on both their faces.

“Okay, I gotta ask.” Jean says, making both of them tear their gazes from one another. All eyes were on him, knowing what he was gonna ask. “I think I speak for everyone, but, why do you call him Kitty? And not to be rude, but why do you let her? You won’t even let most of us call you by your own name.” He wasn’t trying to be rude or pry, but everyone had wondered why he let her call him by something like that. Nobody ever had an issue with it, they all rather liked it. Finding it endearing seeing the usually cold and emotionless captain visibly enjoying being called such.

They both let out a chuckle, looking at one another again with the same look they always share. “Want me to?” She asks. “Sure, you are the one who came up with it.” He says, a soft smile on his face.

“It happened 6 months ago, it was one of the first times I had been out as the watch over. Erwin had given me the position the week prior, after seeing how majority of the time, I was watching over everyone. But, you all know this by now.” She chuckles.

“This day, was one of the worst ones we had been on. I, I don’t wanna go into it too much. It, still pains me to remember how many we lost. So I’ll just cut to it.”

“We were swarmed with abnormals. Nothing like Eren, but, they just weren’t the normal ones we usually face. They, almost seemed, hungry? Rather than just doing it for the hell of it. There was desperation in them, a need to wipe us all out. I was still so new, I hardly made it out alive myself. If it wasn’t for Levi that is.”

~flashback

Screams echoed and ripped through the air, as if you could tear through it like flesh and muscle.

Blood soaked her almost entirely as she flew through the air, trying desperately to find any survivors as war raged on around her. Her heart squeezing so tightly, she felt as if it would crumble as her stomach felt like it would drop to the ground any moment.

Her eyes burned from all the blood coating them, tears trying to desperately wash them away as she screamed for any answer besides the agonizing screams from her team. This, this was what hell was.

It was as if time and all trace of the world fell behind her, when she felt her line being cut down, her body being thrown to the ground before she could even recognize what had happened as a scream ripped through her burning throat.

Her body screamed out in pain as she hit, a pained groan ripping from her as sharp tree branches poked into her agonizing body.

Her eyes finally opened, and she wish she never had.

The large beast looked down at her, it’s eyes void of any humanity as drool fell from its large mouth. It’s hand reaching out to her.

She let out a soft prayer, prayer that it would be quick. Prayer for everyone she ever loved in her life. Prayer to see her family again.

None of those prayers were answered though, as it’s hand sliced through all the way off, blood soaking her body as a gasp left her lips.

A wild scream, ripped through the depths of his burning throat as he sliced through every inch of the beast, his body screaming out in pain and adrenaline as he ran up the side of its body, it’s screams of pure torture fueling him as he reched its nape. His eyes burning from blood soaking them as he sliced its nape clean off.

As he felt the beast falling, he flew from its back to her, catching her mere seconds before she was crushed, his body screaming out as he held her body close to his, both their hearts thumping wildly in their chests as they clutched to one another.

~end of flashback

“It was the first time I had ever seen him do it, it was, both amazing but terrifying to watch. I could hardly comprehend what was happening the entire time, I hardly even recognize any of it until we were laying in the grass, my mind finally catching up to what had happened.”

“When we got back, everyone was rushed to the medics as soon as we stepped foot inside. There were so many that were almost gravely injured, that there were quite a few people who had to wait for help. I was lucky in that I could patch myself up, I was fortunate in that my father taught me how to wrap up any injury when I was young.”

“But the thing is, I hardly even paid any mind to my injuries. My focus was only on Levi’s.”

~flashback~

Tears collected in her eyes, blinking them away as best as she could as she washed his body down. Soft groans leave his lips, trying not to worry her worse.

He told her she didn’t have to do this, but alas, her caring heart didn’t let her listen as she tended to his wounds. His heart fluttering in his chest as she continued.

“You could’ve gotten yourself killed you know.” She said, voice still raspy from her shouts. Letting out a sigh, he looked into her eyes. “Need I remind you that you were about to be eaten.” She lets out a small chuckle at this, her eyes still soft as she washed his face. “Yes, but my job is to protect you guys. But thank you anyway, I won’t try and pretend that I’m not utterly grateful. And equally amazed.” His brow turned up in question, another chuckle leaving her lips. “I’ve heard the stories of how fast you are, how amazing your skills can be. But I had yet to see it myself. You were borderline feral.” She chuckles, his heart thumping wildly in his chest. “What can I say, you’re important to us. And besides, I was waiting for the Opportunity to take that bastard out.” He chuckled, making her let out a laugh.

Soft chuckles left her lips as she continued dressing his wounds, his eyes asking the question before his words could. “You just, you reminded me in a way of a cat who’s protecting their owner.” She laughed, his heart thumping wildly in his chest at the noise. “You know what, I think I’m gonna refer to you as kitty from now on. If that’s okay with you?” She asks, her eyes looking into his. His heart warmed considerably more, a flush dusting his cheeks. “Sure.”

It was truly hectic, a merical that they made it all out okay mostly. All but one.

She had managed to evade every titan attack at the last second, snatching her fellow cadets in the lick of time. Each time, she felt her heart soar in her chest as she flew through the frigid air, feeling the chill down to her very bones.

It was as if all the air that hit her in the face stopped, along with her heart as she watched her line cut, feeling her body fall at rapid speeds to the ground.

Even in his titan form, Eren had been able to think just as clearly as he did previous, only no words could leave past his lips, only to be heard in his mind.

He watched as she fell through the air like a comet, his heart falling as he heard the screams of terror rip past her lips.

His feet carried him faster than his mind could catch up, completely tearing through every tree in his way as to get to her as fast as possible.

But as fate would have it, he just wasn’t fast enough as she hit the cold hard ground like a rock, screams of pain ripping into the air as she rolled into the snow.

As soon as he could see her close, he halted his legs to a slow walk as to not rumble the ground she lay on.

She watched with tears in her eyes as he came close, his eyes almost glazing over as she watched his large face fall, her heart breaking as she can feel the pain he’s experiencing.

A whimper leaves his lips, a sound you’d never expect coming from him as he slowly crouches down, trying his hardest not to hurt her any further.

A small smile graces her lips as she looks into his eyes, her heart warming. “Hey my big baby, I’m okay.” She mumbles, hoping he could hear her.

She watches with a smile on her face as he cups his enormous hands, slowly feeling her scoop her up, feeling just how delicately he’s holding her. It was as if she was a rare flower, that would fall into a layer of dust in his hands as he brings her up to his chest, the warmth from his body nearly making her fall unconscious.

Everyone watched in amazement as he emerges from the trees, his feet hardly moving as he slowly shuffled over to them as to not harm her. They watched as his eyes trained on his hands, a solemn look on his features.

A gasp leaves Levi’s lips as he sees him bend down, seeing her frail body laying in his hands.

Instantly running over to her as Eren sets her down onto one of the beds, ones that she had made herself for the wounded soldiers who needed the extra padding beneath them.

Levi instantly got in the cart with her, his heart sinking in his chest as he looks at her. She had bad cuts running over her skin, tree residue coating her skin, nestled deep into each cut. But her smile still remained.

Levi didn’t leave her side as they went back, his hands holding her limp one in his as he prayed for her. Hoping that she would make it out okay.

And as if both men’s prayers had been answered, her eyes opened as she looked at them, her smile growing in size as she looked at their worry stricken faces.

Both let out a sigh as they look at her, small smiles gracing their usually scowling faces. “Told you I was okay sweety.” She mumbled, a smile growing on the young mans face.

His heart warmed as she pulled him into a hug, her soar arms wrapping around him as she rubbed his back. She always did it to him, feeling his muscles unclenching when she ran her fingers over his clothes. It reminded him of his moms, the warmth he felt in his chest that he king forgot about had come again from her embrace.

Eren sits as he looks at his plate, a soft smile on his lips. She had made her famous muffins recently, something that everyone looked forward to each time she had all the ingredients. But what nobody knew, was she always gave him and his close family and friends an extra, as she always overestimated the amounts.

Jean sits beside him as he eats, a teasing smile on his lips as he savors every bite. “I see you saved your extra huh?” Jean teases, watching as his eyes bore into his. “Oh calm down there, was only teasing.” He chuckles, Erens eyes softening slightly as he looks down.

She truly had helped him with not only his anger, but his will to understand and forgive. Before he would’ve threatened the man, now he couldn’t help the smile on his lips.

“What can I say, she’s the best cook here.” He replies, finishing the treat with one last bite. Jean let’s put a chuckle, his eyes looking down at his own food. “Yeah you do have a point, but then again, I think you might just have a soft spot for her.” Erens eyes bore into his as his face scrunches. “I don’t look at her like th-“ “not like that you idiot, god no, I think only the captain does. No I mean like how the rest of us do.” Erens eyes relax, before they squint as he looks at him. What does he mean?

It’s like he could read his mind, or rather his look of pure confusion. He lets out a soft chuckle.

“We all think of her as a mother, I mean we hardly ever call her by her name. She’s become like our mother, but in the best way possible. Speaking of which, why don’t you ever call her it?” Erens heart races in his chest, his eyes looking away from him. “I don’t know what you mean.” He replies. “Almost all of us younger guys call her ma, hell even armin and your sister do. You’re the only one who doesn’t. Yet, you guys have a closer bond than most of us do. What’s the reason you never do?” Eren lets out a deep sigh, his heart pained in his chest at the reason. “It’s, not because I don’t think of her as it. I have for a while. It’s that, I can’t.” Jeans expression matches the same confused look he wore some minute ago. “I watched my own mom die, watched her take her last breath as she was eaten alive. I, I never appreciated all that she did for me until she was gone. I feel like she’d, be angry or hurt if I called another woman that ever again.” Tears collected in his eyes at the confession, blinking them away as best as he could.

He felt jeans hand on his shoulder, looking back at him. “Your mom loves you, correct?” “Of course she did?” “Then if she did, she’d be happy.” Erens face morphed into another look of confusion. “She would want you to. If you look at Y/N that way, and you truly feel it in your heart, your mom would be happy. She doesn’t want you to go your entire life empty, and pushing away every mother figure out there. I know we’ve all been dealt hell, but there, in that woman, is a saving grace. She was meant to be here with us. And if she was meant to be our mom, then we should all call her as such. Your mom would want this, and I know you’d make Y/N so incredibly happy in return. She already calls you her big baby, she won’t even call any of us something like it.”

A smile graces Erens face, a single year collecting in his eye.

His feet tapped lightly along the floor, trying not to alert the captain or any remaining members of the team of his presence.

It was late, the noon high in the sky as snow pelted every inch of the outdoes, creating a chill in the air that he longed to escape to his own quarters. But first, he must do this.

He had thought about it for some time, and by some time, it had been months. Months of thinking of her as his mother, feeling his heart warm whenever she held him dear or called him by anything she thought of. Months of nearly calling her it on accident, all leading up to this.

His hand slowly opened the door, letting out a wince as the door creaked loudly, the old metal growing rusty.

His eyes fell onto her sleeping form, a soft smile on his lips as he walked slowly to her.

Crouching down, he looked at her face, there were some minor abrasions, none that would scar thankfully. He couldn’t help but notice her eyes, they lay shut as she slept. But he could see them moving, wondering what it is she could be dreaming. Maybe it was one of those many tales she would speak of, ones she would tell him on nights he lay awake. At first he found it childish, but he couldn’t deny how calm he felt as she told him, told him of the stories her family red to her that she memorized. A soft smile at the memory of her lulling hun to sleep.

His smile dropped as he looked at her, watching her body shake slightly.

A small gasp leaving him when he saw his breath in front of his face. Having forgotten he runs warmer than most, he didn’t even notice the open window to his side.

Quickly getting up and shutting it completely, he walked back over to her.

She had moved her extra blanket to the bottom of her bed, folding it in just a way that it would unfold if pulled towards her. She had learned it from her mum she said.

Pulling the blanket up to her chin, a smile on his face when she visibly calmed.

Bending down slightly, he laid a soft peck on her temple, his heart warning in his chest.

“Goodnight, mum.” He whispered, his heart skipping as he said it. It felt, right, so right that he couldn’t help the large smile on his face as he got up.

A gasp leaving his lips however, when he felt his hand pulled back. Turning back around, he looked back into her now open eyes that shined with tears, a large smile on her face.

His heart soared in his chest as she pulled him in, wrapping both their arms around one another. Long fat tears cascaded down their cheeks as they wept, soft laughs leaving them as they embrace one another.

“I never thought I’d hear you say it.” She sobbed, her body shaking in his. “I never thought I could, but I’m so glad I did it.”

Her body shakes as she held him tighter, planting a kiss to his forehead. “I love you so mum baby, I’ve thought of you as my son for so, so long.” Sobs shook his body even harsher, more coming as she rocked him back and forth. Never did he think he could feel this love ever again. After taking his mother’s love for granted, to whitening her death, he never thought he’d get another chance at a mother’s love. But as fate or God or whatever was out there, he had it.

“And I, I love you too, mum. So much.”

[justapoet]

we'll be putting this fire out

"No, TK," he said, looking down and avoiding the other man's gaze. "I don't want a house. I want a home," concluded, and TK seemed to be pretty confused for a little while, his face squirmed with lack of understanding. Carlos sighed.

"A home?" TK asked, then, and Carlos shrugged. "Babe, but you gotta find a place where you can make a home out of, isn't it? I mean, I don't think there's anything anywhere that instantly feels like home―"

"You do."

Or,

After their house burned down, Carlos overthinks about how the fire can die out ― and maybe not just only literally. He overthinks, TK loves ice cream, and they are definitely not buying a duvet with stripes.

13.2k

Second part of this fic. Read on Ao3

"Are you even listening?" Carlos heard TK asking beside him and turned his head numbly in his direction. The paramedic had his arms crossed over his chest and his hip pressed against a kitchen island, his green eyes squinched in Carlos' direction and a shadow of worry over his beautiful face. "Haven't you liked any?"

Carlos looked down at the floor, and TK waited for whatever he was going to say.

He'd been out of the hospital for two days, now, and spent the three previous days stuck in a bed with oxygen masks and too many machines around himself. TK had been by his side, either laughing when the nurses announced one more exam that made Carlos pout or rocking his sore body to sleep, his head against the paramedic's shoulder. Weirdly, it would always, somehow, make breathing easier while his lungs were recovering.

They both stayed at the Airbnb, and Carlos would have o admit he barely looked around the place in an attempt not to miss his house so much ― it was comfortable, indeed; it had a good location, for sure, but Carlos only wanted to be quiet and cuddle up with TK until his boyfriend brought the oxygen mask over his face regularly.

It was something new to let himself be taken care of ― and it was a little eerie but not entirely regretful. TK seemed to love it, showing affection through little things and smiling at him even when he needs some help to get to the shower ― there were two types of smiles in that situation. Carlos knew how much TK loved to show his love through the simplest things ― he didn't even realize he was doing it, though ― and he definitely wouldn't be one to complain about it.

The night before, when they were lying on the bed and Carlos had his head against TK's chest, the oxygen mask around his face, and the paramedic's fingers playing with his still dumped curls, his boyfriend announced he had scheduled with a realtor so they could see some houses.

Carlos knew why TK had done that ― the new yorker knew him well enough to notice that he'd been a little off their surroundings the past days and wanted to make something to fix it. Although Carlos was a bit reluctant with the idea at first, it wouldn't kill him to give it a shot ― maybe they could find somewhere nice, and the cop wouldn't ghost around the furniture anymore.

Now, he was only ghosting through houses.

They had already been to three ― or four. Maybe five? ― houses so far, and Carlos honestly didn't pay much attention to any of them. The first one made TK himself flinch since the living room had each wall a different color ― and who, the hell, could ever think that light green and purple would fit together? ― and its space was way too small to fit all that furniture.

The second one was better, but they both had had a wicked impression of the neighborhood, and the chills down both their spines were reason enough for them to tell the woman with them ― Mrs. Brown ― they worked way too far from the place for it to be an option.

They didn't, but she didn't have to know.

The third was a little better, but something didn't click right. TK had liked it, and Carlos felt sorry not to have the half enthusiasm his boyfriend showed while discovering the rooms in the house. TK seemed to notice but didn't say a thing and suggested they see at least one more option, and that's where they were standing.

It was a great place, but not gigantic; it was good, indeed. The frontage was quite simple, a large wooden door contrasting to the grey walls and a wide window. There was a second floor, although Carlos didn't pay much attention while getting into the house.

The living room was roomy, and this one didn't have furniture included with the sale ― something Carlos was pretty thankful for since it felt weird to use something that someone else did. It had a beautiful chandelier to which TK stared for more than a few minutes, and Carlos couldn't stop his heart from racing with the delightful view of his enchanted boyfriend. Mrs. Brown found it funny, too, and couldn't help but smile.

Around the living room, too, there were those enormous windows to replace two of the walls, and it gave them a clear view of the yard and the pool ― and TK looked like a child to see the pool through the window. The other rooms ― the main one with a balcony and two guest rooms ― were also large and roomy, and the house seemed, indeed, to be a great place to live.

It wasn't too far from the police station nor the firehouse, and its price was surprisingly good ― a little bit more costly than his old house was, but it was a fair price.

The thing was that it didn't seem right, didn't feel right to be there, standing in that incredibly equipped kitchen and wondering if it was worth it to buy that beautiful house. It was making all his gears turn inside his head, and he knew it would be just a while until TK asked about it.

Now, he didn't quite know what to say.

"Carlos?" his boyfriend called again, one of his hands going to squeeze the man's arm. "Are you okay, babe? Didn't you like the house?"

And that was the thing because he did like the house and could easily picture a future in there, with dogs, maybe kids, and with TK right there, standing in the kitchen while grumbling about how ridiculous it was that he couldn't even touch the oven. He could see them both in the living room after a long shift, quietly admiring each other's presence, and he could see a lot of Saturdays spent on that yard.

But he wasn't alone in none of those thoughts, and it seemed wrong to be alone in that place, too.

"I did, TK, I just―" he said, then, when the wrinkle between the paramedic's eyebrows grew deeper with Carlos' silence. "I don't want a house," he said, only, and TK frowned.

"Oh," he said, now sounding like those times you feel like an idiot. "W― well, we can ask Mrs. Brown about apartments, and―" he tried, and Carlos shook his head.

"No, TK," he said, looking down and avoiding the other man's gaze. "I don't want a house. I want a home," concluded, and TK seemed to be pretty confused for a little while, his face squirmed with lack of understanding. Carlos sighed.

"A home?" TK asked, then, and Carlos shrugged. "Babe, but you gotta find a place where you can make a home out of, isn't it? I mean, I don't think there's anything anywhere that instantly feels like home―"

"You do," Carlos cut him off, and TK's voice died in his throat. Carlos blushed, even avoiding the pair of green eyes, and sighed again. "You feel like home to me, and it feels wrong― I mean, I don't know―" he tried, but the words got lost somewhere in his mind and tongue.

TK's face, which was contorted in confusion, melted in a sweet smile. He tried not to tear up, failing miserably and softened his voice before speaking up again.

"Are you tripping over a way to ask me to move in with you? Again?" he asked, the grin on his face showing just how much the possibility was welcome to his heart.

The thing was that the fire in the house they were sharing brought something other than smoke to settle in the bottom of his stomach, and Carlos couldn't quite explain why he was feeling so insecure about everything ― and everyone around him, too. The feeling wasn't about being near death, since he had already been down that road before, but maybe how far from a reason to live he had been for a while, and how Carlos could've lost the someone who makes his heartbeat off-beat and so rhythmically.

Also, everything had been a rollercoaster since he had woken up after the fire. People were coming in and going out of the room non-stop; his lungs were way too heavy inside his chest, and a restless TK by his side all the time. Carlos couldn't help but appreciate the caring and the love he was receiving during those days ― it was something new, and definitely great to have more than his parents caring about him in that situation ― but it was also settling a heavy feeling of restlessness in his chest, and breathing was already hard enough.

He was used to be left after something like that happened, for he had gone down the same tale at least twice. It happens that people think twice before being all in and giving all of them when you're a first responder, and most of them can't really bear the fact they might not make it to the next hour every time they're on shift.

The first time it happened, he thought he really loved the guy ― and after he left after Carlos got shot, he wasn't so sure about it anymore. Maybe he did love Harvey and denied it until being left didn't hurt too much; perhaps he didn't and just projected something he wanted to feel.

Harvey, at least, talked to him about it, unlike Richard, who just left after a concussion Carlos got from trying to apart a fight in a bar. It really wrecked him and left the cop wondering where he had gone wrong, and it took a while until Michelle convinced him it was never on him.

And, after all, Carlos knew it was ridiculous for him to think that TK would leave him after he got trapped in a fire ― precisely the man who had gotten shot, kidnapped, and pistol-whipped ― but it was a feeling he couldn't shake. The feeling that TK would maybe want to live with his father again because it was way more comfortable than searching for everything they needed all over again, and the feeling that TK might want to take a step back, take things slower.

And somehow, TK seemed to understand where all the insecurity ― and the question ― had come from and only smiled at Carlos with that kind, loving look on his face. It made Carlos' breath get stuck in his throat, although a grin couldn't help but be stretched on his lips before he nodded.

"I think I am," Carlos answered, voice still low and his eyes still glued to the floor. TK's smile was big enough to make his cheeks hurt, and the tears in his eyes showed just how much of an emotional, confused mess he was by the moment he sandwiched Carlos' face between his hands, lifting it up so he could stare in those shiny brown eyes.

When he saw the look on the paramedic's face, Carlos' lips also melt to a smile just as big and just as gorgeous as TK's. It faltered for a second, though, and TK knew how much Carlos sometimes needed reassurance of what was going on ― he was quite an expert on misinterpreting crossed signs, and they've already talked about how much none of them wanted to mess it up.

"Then I think I'm saying yes," TK said, more breathlessly than anything, and Carlos' smile grew even nobler ― and a smile that beautiful should be seriously forbidden for everyone's heart's sake. "I'll always say yes, babe," he said, and Carlos felt his heart pound heavily against his ribs.

TK leaned forward to capture Carlos' lips in his, and the other man happily sighed to the loving touch, his arms wrapping TK's waist and bringing his body closer. They kissed for just a while since Carlos' lungs were still struggling a bit to work as they should, and he got breathless a little more quickly, and they pressed their foreheads together when pulled apart.

"You know I love how you always manage to steal my breath," Carlos said, still panting. "But I really need the air, lately," he joked, and TK couldn't help but laugh.

"I could always do a mouth-to-mouth," TK answered playfully, and Carlos laughed too. "Although it wouldn't be smart to have to do it on a house that we don't own," mentioned him, and Carlos agreed, his thumb making circling patterns over TK's waist.

"And which house do you want to be yours?" Carlos asked, then, even if he already knew the answer. TK smiled sweetly, popping a kiss on the tip of his boyfriend's nose.

"Ours," TK said, then, and Carlos could only stare at him with the heart-eyes everyone could see when he was looking at the man in his arms. "And I really like this one, babe."

"I could tell," Carlos chuckled, and TK blushed a bit before slapping Carlos' arm softly. "I really like this one, too. Although I don't really care about it at all."

"Liar," TK said. "I know how much you love interior design. You would always be proud when someone complimented the house, Carlos," concluded him, and Carlos shrugged.

Read the rest on Ao3

[summerofpinecestcontest]

The Dream of a Normal Life

by @cornytyrannosaurus

The fresh breeze of the Norwest lands scurred between the mountains, between the hills, beneath the trees, until it reached the nostrils of a young man inside a van which was stationed atop a hillside.

He breathed deep, filling his tired lungs with the soft breeze and all the scents it brought from every corner of the undying forest. His always hurried mind took this moment of serenity to fuel itself back to be awake, he already processing within his blurred thoughts all the duties of the day.

Mile 82, 54. Mile 21, 12 up to date. We go downhill until…

Then he opened his eyes, and the list stopped. He saw her, gently snoring in her sleep, her hands improvising a pillow. He smiled, recalling how annoying she could get when her hands felt sore; but what to do about it? She looked just too adorable right now to be awoken just for the sake of a mere slumbering formality. Her neon-stained, raggedy hair fitted with her purple sleeveless shirt, the only piece of cloth she was wearing in her sleep. He rolled his eyes down to her nude legs, remembering with heated fondness how much he made her to feel loved last night. Maybe he should put the blanket over such gorgeous sight, he thought. Unfortunate, but necessary.

Heavily, he put the brown blanket over her underside, to stop at her slightly inflated belly. His eyebrows dropped, reminding the main why of her needing to feel loved last night. She was having one of those delicate hormonal moments, a thing he took years to get accustomed and now was proving itself really useful during these uncertain times.

Uncertain, never better though.

He gave a quick kiss on her forehead, rolled his body around in search of his clothes, and hurriedly put his pants on.

He opened the backdoors, sat at the edge of the white van they lived in now, and took a long look at the immediate surroundings.

The gigantic mountains came across his sight like an unfathomable Leviathan welcoming his life with its majestic shape. Around him and all across the hillside, countless trees of all shapes and sizes covered the outline of horizon like a fortress for their tiny kingdom of intimacy and solitude. What he could give for them to have a tiny home where to start a family at a place like this, he could not tell but was certain in it.

Then he heard the growls coming from the trees, and he recalled they were just passing by.

A couple of man-sized hoofed monstrosities ran wild from between the depths of the forest, galloping over the concrete and disappearing behind another line of old pine trees. Their countless mouths filled with human-like crooked teeth, placed all across their headless, dark furry bodies, screeched continuously as they waved their long rat-like black tails at the fresh airs of the of morning.

Aaaaaaw f*ck.

Tagging eldritch creatures in a national park wasn’t precisely his dream job, but was quite within the spectrum of skills of the Mystery Twins, and as these non-euclidean beasts began to reproduce, they found themselves at a chance of getting a good source of income at the aftermath of events he didn’t want to remember right now.

If only his mind could listen to him to stop rerunning the horrible memory of that day.

Before sorrow had the chance to overtake his heart, he felt the warm of a pair of arms circling his tummy, a pair of legs caressing his, and a slightly inflated belly gently pressing his back. He smiled in relief; he hadn’t figured yet how she was able to slip across surfaces.

“Good morning, Dipdop” she murmured in his ear with seductive tone.

“’Morning, Mabes” he said back, turning his head to kiss her cheek, and then her lips, to go back to look at the hill.

“Why are yah awake so early? I wanted to spoon yah” She asked, squishing his belly with her arms”

“Dunno, just… wanted to start earlier today” He said with slow content.

“Before breakfast? You gotta be kiddin’ me” she said with pretended anger.

“You’ll never let me to skip it, will you?” He mustered with a grin.

“Nope, I won’t” She asserted. “Besides…” she said, as she squished her legs around his.

“Besides?”

“I’m still just in my shirt” she whispered at his ear. His grin grew bigger, as his sister slipped back from where she came and he rolled around to follow her.

“But what about the breakfast?” He asked with fake indignation.

“First this breakfast, then food breakfast”

“Mhmm, I like the plan…” He said as he closed the van’s door behind him.

It wasn’t the most conventional form of Love, nor the beginning of a normal life. But it was theirs to live , and they loved it anyway.

At least there, away from the unsuspecting and prejudiced eyes of the world, they were free.

If only the world could know the pain it could cause.

- Six months ago…

Mabel Pines had endured many terrifying moments in her life. When Dipper broke his leg at their kickboxing practice, when she was at the hands of a gigantic childish mechanoid, when her brother was about to be devoured by a living corpse, when she was about to be erased from existence by a extradimensional pyramid god, when she got lost in that trip to the unknown… but these immediate moments were heaving in her stomach more than any of that. Maybe it was because those moments were a little far in her memory, or because her resistance to cringe was absolutely superior to her brother’s. Or maybe it was because this time, the impending threat came from within her very own family.

And now she was frozen in place inside the van, watching how Dipper stood over the grass of the family home, his forehead bleeding and his face turning to their parents, his shape contrasted between the darkness of the night and the porch’s lamp.

Maybe they weren’t as angry and freaked out as they were an hour ago, but their resolution wasn’t something they were willing to accept. Right now, Mason “Dipper” Pines was standing against the destruction of his incoming family.

“Dipper, please… be reasonable. There is no way out of this” His father reassured, trying to appeal to his intellect, trying to undo the damage of the wound he had done to his own son. But Dipper had already cried, so the wound would stay a long time.

“No” Dipper pronounced in crackly voice.

His mother approached to him a couple of steps more, heartbroken for the glance of their own children at them. “Dipper, you’re not in your right mind, you don’t-”

“No, Mom!” Dipper yelled high. “We-we tried, we really really tried. But it didn’t matter how much we tried, how much we were honest with you. You didn’t listen, and you are still not listening. You look at us like if we were just a couple of f*cking monsters!”

“Dipper… You won’t be able to live a normal life with Mabel” His father told with serious tune. Again, they weren’t listening; again, they were mistaking their love for another crooked urge they needed to repress to have fulfilling lives. If only they knew.

“Well.. maybe we don’t want one!” Dipper finally shouted, turning around to walk aimlessly to his van.

Their parents only watched impotent how their beloved children drove away from home, and away from their lives…

“Mhm… so… I’ll want a French-Fry-Fantasy and a Slurpy Surprise” the young woman finally chose her meal options from between the short menu in the grease-stained paper sheet. It was kind of her personal politics about road restaurants to “choose the weirdest dishes in the menu or don’t say yourself worthy of a road trip”. The waitress with curly black hair and more freckles than space in the face to have them, could read for her bun hairstyle, her capri pants and her lots of laces and bracelets on her arms, that she was the extroverted and adventurous of them.

“I’ll want a pancake plate and a coffee, thanks” the man said instead. Judging by the old flannel coat and his black pants, he was the quiet one. The young waitress tried not to smile too much at the enormous contrast between their breakfast options, pondering in her mind how so alike persons could have such starkly different personalities. Anyhow, they made such a lovely couple, one of those who brighten the day of a service worker doomed to attend uncourteous people the rest of the day just like she was.

“Oh right, so a coffee cup, a Slurpy Surprise, a pancake plate and a French-Fry-Fantasy” The waitress repeated as the couple at the table nodded in agreement. “Ok, your order will be done in 10; anything else?”

“Nope, that’s all; thanks” he answered with kind tone.

“Okie dokie” The waitress said. “Oh! And congrats for your baby!” The waitress said before to leave.

“Owww thank you so much!” she said in joyful tune, making the waitress to enlarge her smile as she left to attend the order.

The young woman turned her attention back to her brother, moving over her seat with impatient joy. It was one of those days where the world seemed that friendly at them; after an inconceivable quantity of bad days in between, both had learned to appreciate them.

“Gosh I’m so hungry!” she exclaimed, enthusiastic at the edge of childishness.

“Yeaaah I kinda doubt ten minutes will be enough for your order” he asserted, resting his elbows on the table, looking out the window for a moment.

“Ooh, hush you there, bro-man! Have a little of faith in these peoples; they’re experts!” she dismissed.

“Experts in road restaurant dishes?” He asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Yep, I’m sure they attend to a special college for restaurant workers and stuff” she said with erudite-like pride.

“I did!” the old cook behind the bar yelled at their table with a stoic smile, raising his spatula. Maybe they were talking too high for a public place, but as they were currently the only customers it did not seem like it mattered at first. He usually would beg for her to slow down a little, due to the obvious need for them to conceal their true identities, but given the events of last night, he was simply happy to see her so free and being herself.

“You see? Road restaurant experts” She finally asserted as she raised her arms in a gesture of obviousness.

“Ok, I’ll eat my words along my pancakes” Dipper commented with an ironical smile.

“Yes you will, you will” She asserted, bopping his nose with the tip of her finger. Suddenly, she got aware the sorrow behind her brother’s eyes, and she worried. “What’s up, Dip?”

He paused for a couple of seconds in which his always hurried mind deliberated. She didn’t like unnecessary dramas, but she also liked him to be honest, as they had committed themselves to be. So after that instant that felt eternal, he spoke.

“Dunno, kinda… I know you’ll just tell me it was some kind of hormone rush or whatever but… I really…”

“Hey, it’s ok, Dip” she interrupted him, taking his hands with hers over the table. “I guess I was just… scared about the call Mom and Dad made and…”. For a moment, she thought she could express better by enacting, so she leaned across the space between them to rob him a deep kiss, to just after returning to her seat. “I want this, Dipper. I want all of this” She said, her eyes getting moisty.

“We’re just that crazy, aren’t we?” he asked with a moved smile. She was that fantastic and brave he couldn’t contain his love for her.

“And I couldn’t be happier for it” She asserted. He raised his hand to caress her cheek. Maybe it was the magical pregnacy hormones he had heard about in documentaries, or the strange and unnamed dimensions of their mutual love reacting again for a full catharsis potential, but she looked especially beautiful this morning, and (as energetically as he showed how much he loved her earlier at the van) she deserved to feel it. “To heck with a normal life” she cited from him as both just stared each other until the dishes were ready.

- Six months ago…

Dipper was quiet, as he had been all the way the long long time of driving lasted until the gas ran out near San Francisco Bay. He hadn’t said a word, nor even tried to clean his face of the blood; anyone with no idea of what really happened could have thought he was just coming out from a horror scene.

The unnerving silence was the exact kind Mabel recognized perfectly; she knew exactly what he was thinking and why he was thinking it. The waves of fear and regret and self-hatred and so many other things too deep to have a name. She let him have his inner battle, because Dipper Pines was the man of resolutions; but at some point she got aware he was just self-loathing again. Self-loathing for loving his sister in unexpected and strange ways she also felt. Self-loathing for stripping her dreams away just because he said he wanted to be with her and promising they would fight together whatever it would take. Self-loathing about the fact he actually accomplished his promise and now faced the true, palpable consequences of not having a plan this time. If he only had a plan, if he only…

“Dipper!” Mabel yelled at him, and he raised the head to look at her. His wound had closed enough for his blood over his face to dry a little, but the scar was still cutting his birthmark at half.

“I…”

“No. Don’t you ever dare to say you’re sorry about this. And you know what? It’s because this is not your fault, Dipper!”

“Bu-“

“But nothing, Dipper! It was Dad the one who punched you, it was Mom the one who pushed me, it was them the ones who wanted to… to wanted to…”; Mabel couldn’t even pronounce the fact that her own parents wanted to kill their unborn grandchild. “This is the part where I get all serious and say to you: We did everything we could. It didn’t work, eh? Well, we just move on and keep going forward! Because we have each other, just like we always had!” Mabel said, half crying, half smiling. Dipper smiled as well, because he knew it was true. He had saved the universe (now more than once), living in it was the least of the problems if they were that powerful together. At least, as powerful as their love was.

“To heck with a normal life” He said with trembling lips as they approached each other and kissed fiercely. Young? For sure. Inexperienced? As every young adult. Willing to face the full grasp of all the risks, the current perils, and unexpected tangents of becoming a wandering couple of roadside adventurers? As few souls in the whole Creation were.

-

It had been a tiring day. Some unseen thing had tried to eat his leg; some random stone had pierced a tire and they had to wait until a car stopped to help them and the muscled father of the family aided them to change the tire; they had tagged 328 adults and 58 younglings within the 36 nests across 28 hectares. Should they worry about the spreading of the hairy Lovecraftian monstrosities any further? Maybe, but first they should get some profit out of it. Now they were on their way to the next town, way far along the road.

For moments, they held hands together, staying in silence. For moments, Dipper changed the gear lever. For moments, they stopped so she could pee, as unceremonious as it was; pregnancy issues, she could recall very well. But they were in their way, announced by the gorgeousness of the sunset, sealed between unsaid promises coming from silent smiles. For moments, they talked as well.

“What are we gonna call our baby, Dips?” She interrupted the sound of the radio ballad songs.

“Hadn’t we agreed we were going to wait to know what our baby is to suggest names?”

“I knoooooow but I really wanna start having this solitary baby tummy-mommy chatter and I can’t just keep calling our baby ‘unnamed baby in fabrication’”.

He laughed wholeheartedly, as only she could make him laugh.

“Ok then, what if it’s a boy”.

“Weeeeeell I was thinking about Bob, or Steve, or Ronan!” She said in joy.

“Ronan? Heck no, that sounds too much. What about Connor?”

“Mhmm, I like Connor” she nodded. “Ok, so what if it’s a girl”

“Well, I kind of thought about Madeline, or Samantha, or Cassiopeia!”

“Do you really want to call our baby girl like a Greek tragedy?” she dismissed with a defiant smile.

“Ok ok, maybe it’s kinda preposterous. That’s a hard choice, Mabes”

“What about Mabel 2.0? Like Grenda!”

“I still want to figure out how names with numbers are allowed, by the way” he asserted.

“Eh, we’ll know when we reach New Jersey”

He smiled with hope. It was a still-in-process plan, but it was something they could have for sure. That, if the thing with the eldritch furry monsters didn’t grow for them to having to change it. They were going to land at New Jersey, where the grunkles would reach in some months to help them to acquire the old pawn shop they once lived in. It was a plan, and that’s the only thing they needed to know as they approached their destiny.

“We’ll make it, Dips” She reassured with a gentle glance.

“I know” He said back, as they drove deep within the endless road. Life was theirs to live, and that was everything that mattered.

[bobathirstaccount]

Zaddy

Boba x fem!reader, smut

Boba offers to be your daddy.

Lyrics are from Baddie by Dylan & Dakota

***

You were vibing with your music blaring while everyone was out. You danced around in your underwear, sing songing along with it. “You could be my daddy, zaddy,” you belted out, making eye contact with Fett.

“— shit!” You jumped down off the observation table and scrambled to put your clothes on. This is why we don’t get distracted after a shower, you thought to yourself, frantically jumping into your pants. When you’d pulled your shirt over your head, you shakily turned around to face him.

Fett was standing there, leaning against the doorway with an amused look on his face. “Nice tattoos,” he commented. You blushed at their location.

“Sorry about... the table...” you mumbled. He smiled. “It survived.” You felt yourself growing redder. Fennec appeared behind him. “What’s the matter?” She peered around him.

“Nothing,” you tried to act casual and leaned against the table you’d just been dancing on. You realized that your music was still playing.

“... I’m a good girl, but I can make it nasty,” the ship sang to everyone. You rushed to the comm and slapped the button to turn it off. “Nothing’s going on.” You tried to convince everyone.

“Nice tunes,” Fennec squeezed past Fett, who was still lingering in the doorway. She kept going, to the cockpit. You were left with Fett, whom you recently called both daddy and zaddy while staring directly into his face. You winced internally. “Well, I gotta.. yeah.” You tried to squeeze past him to just leave the room. You had to go somewhere else to finish being embarrassed. He stopped you with a hand on your arm. “I could be your daddy, you know. Though I admit I don’t know what a zaddy is.”


You were so shocked the only thing you could think of was to give the definition of zaddy. “It’s, uh... it’s a guy that is good looking and has swag. Basically.”

“What’s swag?”

“It’s uh... are you... are you teasing me?” You tone went up at the end.

He smiled mischievously. “Perhaps.” He dropped his arm. You stared at him, wide eyed. You finished processing what he’d initially said. “So, uh..” you winced internally again at your brilliant start to the sentence. “... you —“

”Hey what’s up guys?” Din paused on his way down the corridor.

Oh no. “Nothing,” you tried to smile casually. Boba turned to Din with a smile playing on his lips, “She can’t catch a break is what’s going on.”

“Huh?” Din’s helmet tilted in confusion.

“Whelp, great talk guys, gotta go,” you speed walked down the corridor. You weren’t sure but you thought you heard gentle laughter.

You grabbed a book and got into your hammock, relatively alone. You had decided Fett was teasing you the entire conversation. Why would he seriously say that he would be your daddy? You fiddled with you book. You thought about how close you’d been to him, his strong hand resting lightly on your upper arm. You sighed. Oh, great — and he’d seen you in your mismatched underwear. You’d forgotten that part already. You put your face in your hands for a moment. Shit. What a day. You decided to call it and curled up for sleep.

***

You had woken early, having gone to sleep relatively early the day before. You opened the Slave 1 up to the desert and walked out into it. The light from the suns was just starting to appear on the horizon. You took off your boots and socks and stretched your toes out into the sand. You stood there, just watching the sky change. You heard someone on the gangway of the ship. You partially turned to see who else was up early. It was Fett. Your heart jumped; you still hadn’t recovered from his teasing of you yesterday. You nodded and turned around, trying to remain calm.

He came up to your right side and stood there. “Communing with the desert?” He nodded towards your discarded footwear.


You smiled, “Something like that.”

“Let me take you somewhere for the sunrise.”

You looked at him curiously.

“We have to hurry or we’ll miss it.”

You nodded and sat down to quickly put your shoes back on. You popped up, ready. He led you to his speeder, parked to the side of Slave 1. You both got on. You realized you had to hold on to him. You inhaled and wrapped your arms around him tentatively.

“I don’t bite. Unless you like.” He didn’t turn around, so you had no idea if he was serious or not. You snuggled into him softly, grabbing each arm with the opposite hand. “I’m ready.” He nodded and you two took off, skimming over the sand. The suns were almost breaking through the horizon when you reached an outcrop of rocks. You stopped near the base of it.

Hopping off, you and Fett followed a well worn path up to the top. You looked out over a vast expanse of canyon. It was very shallow, but huge. Like an enormous river bed. Fett pulled you down, so you sat there with him. The suns broke through the horizon and started to shine across the canyon. You watched, waiting. Suddenly a shimmering mirage appeared. Slowly at first, it dribbled into the canyon giving it a warm, filmy feeling. It didn’t look like part of reality. The golden mirage continued to spread, seeping out from its point of origin. It widened and took over the floor of of the big riverbed, glimmering like water. It was a river of light and air. You watched it unfold, open mouthed. It lasted for several glorious minutes, then faded into the day.

You turned to Fett, “That was breathtaking.”

He was already looking at you. “Yes, breathtaking,” he said, staring into your eyes. His gaze trailed down to your lips. You felt soft leather on your lips and bit your lower lip. He leaned in. You were stupefied. You felt his lips touch yours and instinctively closed your eyes. He kissed you lightly. You leaned into him and kissed back. You felt a hand slide up your thigh, and gave a soft moan. He grabbed your hips and pulled you into his lap. You sat there on your knees, straddling him. He snaked his arms around your waist and stopped to look at you. “You want to go back, or stay here?”

“Stay here.” You slowly rolled your hips into him for emphasis. He exhaled heavily through his nose and grabbed your hips. You rolled your hips again, harder this time. You felt his cock getting hard. You kept going. He mmmd into your chest, and his grip grew tighter. You put your hands on his torso, feeling his uneven breathing.

You kissed him deeply, enjoying the fact that he was kissing back. You bit your lip and voiced your desires, “I want to feel you inside me.” You felt his cock jump and smiled wickedly. Your hands went to his pants. His hands went to your shoulders, stripping your jacket off. You paused in your work to let him pull your arms out of it. You finally got his cock out of his pants. You realized you were still in yours. You undid them and kicked them off. He pulled you back into his lap. You grabbed his cock and nuzzled it into your wet folds. He groaned and gripped your thighs.

You ground your pussy on the tip of his cock, teasing him. “Hn, I thought you wanted me to be inside of you,” he grunted. You smiled again, “Patience, daddy.” You tried out the moniker.

“Daddy isn’t very good at being patient,” he ground out. His use of the word lit a fire in your pussy. You slowly impaled yourself on him, making his eyes close in pleasure. He felt good. He stretched you out perfectly. You moaned and started to ride him. He grabbed your ass and slid his hands up your hips, under your shirt. His hands kept going and pulled it up and over your head. You were totally nude in the early sunshine. He looked up an you, entranced. The soft leather of his gloves glided over your body. It felt delicious. You started to fuck him harder, holding on to his clothing for purchase. He groaned your name, pulling you closer to him. You continued to bounce on his cock, your mouth open slightly as you made eye contact with him. His eyes were hazy with lust.

“I’m close,” he grunted. It made your pussy clutch to hear him say it. “Daddy I wanna feel you cum in me,” you panted. He growled at you and came as if on command. His head fell forward onto your shoulder. You stilled and wrapped your legs around him. You were so worked up you ground against his still hard cock. You felt one of his hands travel down to your groin. He found your clit and rubbed fast circles on it, making your body shudder in pleasure. “Ooh fuck daddy...” you saw stars as an orgasm ripped through your body. You moaned his first name as your orgasm continued, squeezing his hips between your legs. “Daddy, you feel so good,” you murmured. His lips found yours. You cupped his face with both hands as the kiss became passionate. You were totally enveloped by the experience. He grabbed the back of your head with his hand to keep you there. When you finally came up for air, you gasped for it. But you wanted more. The two of you sat there, kissing like teenagers for awhile.

When you finally dressed the suns had both cleared the horizon by a fair margin. You smiled at Boba, as he had asked you to continue to call him by. He was already on the speeder, waiting. “Ready to head back?”

“Not really, but we should.” You turned towards Boba and walked the short distance to the speeder. Hopping on behind him, you snuggled into him readily this time. He looked over his shoulder, “So, tell me, am I a zaddy?”

You gave a small laugh, “Of course, zaddy.”

[reinerispretty]

beneath the moon. (sokka x f!reader) pt8

hello!! sorry for the wait, this week has been a little bit crazy for me :) but thank u all for your patience!! i adore all of u

pt1

pt7

pt9

“Yeah, Appa hates going underground,” Aang said. “And we need to do whatever makes Appa most comfortable.” To confirm this, Appa let out a small growl. (Y/N) smiled and hugged Appa’s nose, giving him a light kiss on his fur. She might fear a lot of things about her new life, but Appa was not one of them. They left the nomads at the lake, only to return a few moments later covered in ash from the Fire Nation catapults that had been hurled at them. 

(Y/N) was so scared. She hated being scared. Back home, she had felt like one of the bravest girls in her tribe. She was willing to defy authority. She wasn’t afraid of bullies like others were. For as long as she could remember, she had tried to approach her life without any sort of fear. But here, out in the world, she felt so small. It was difficult for her, adapting to the nomadic lifestyle of the Avatar and his friends. Each new place they encountered had different cultures and different people that (Y/N) feared of offending. Even not being referred to as ‘Princess’ caught her off guard. The people looked different, the food tasted different, and sometimes she had trouble taking it all in. Plus it was so unbearably hot, she wasn’t sure how Katara and Sokka had ever gotten used to it. 

She chastised herself in her mind, for standing at the sidelines of any interaction their group had. The others were more talkative and far more open than she ever dreamt of being. So she stayed silent and watched, inhaling each piece of her new life bit by bit until sometimes it felt like she was suffocating. (Y/N) new that the whole point of her leaving the tribe was so that she could live the life she had always wanted, but she was doing a horrible job at it. She looked over her friends’ easy-going mannerisms with slight jealousy. 

Her friends, could she even call them that? She considered them to be her friends, but (Y/N) had no basis of friendship to go off of. (Y/N) had only one true friend in her entire life, and now she was gone. Everything had always been so easy with Yue, and now (Y/N) found herself replaying every single word she had said that day over and over again and reliving the embarrassment. 

She watched as Momo approached the bank of the river she sat along. He sniffed the air once and bent down, lapping up the cool water. (Y/N) frowned. “I wish I had been born a flying lemur monkey,” She muttered. Momo stared at her in confusion. 

Their group had reached an Earth Kingdom outpost a few days ago in hopes that they would be escorted to Omashu. The results of their visit were near-disastrous, and they decided to travel to the city by themselves. They had been walking for a few days now and rested at a small lake. Sokka drifted along in the middle while Katara and Aang practiced their waterbending. (Y/N) had had her waterbending lesson with Katara earlier that morning. 

“Why don’t you hop in?” Sokka asked as he floated past. “The water’s fine.” 

“I can’t swim,” (Y/N) said simply. Sokka raised an eyebrow at her. 

“You’re a waterbending, what do you mean you can’t swim?” 

“I don’t have to swim in order to bend water,” She said defensively, her cheeks flushing red. “Besides, we have to get going soon.” 

“Yeah, I guess you’re right.” He turned to Katara and Aang. “Will you guys be done soon? We have a lot of ground to cover if we wanna make it to Omashu today!” 

“Like you’re ready right now?” Katara called back. She continued teaching Aang his waterbending. Sokka grumbled to himself, something about ‘any minute now.’ 

(Y/N) wasn’t quite sure how to feel about Sokka. Her eyes were trained on him now, watching his every move as he moved through the river. She hadn’t been the nicest to him when he arrived to her tribe. She only tolerated his presence because of Yue. Then he had done her an enormous favor and provided her with the escape that she had always wanted. Since then, their exchanges had been few and far in between. She spent most of her time talking to Katara and Aang. Sometimes Momo and Appa, but never really Sokka. She rested her chin at the tops of her knees. Maybe it’s too painful, she thought to herself. Because every time she looked at Sokka, she thought of Yue. 

Her thoughts were interrupted as a group of singing people wandered into where they were relaxing. “Hey, river people!” The man holding the guitar said. The four kids stared at him quizzically. 

“We’re not river people,” (Y/N) said slowly. The man blinked at her. 

“You’re not? Then what kind of people are you.” 

“Just people,” Aang said with a shrug. 

The man had introduced himself as Chong and he had a wife named Lily. They traveled with another man named Moku. Once the others dried off, the nomads, along with Katara, Aang, and (Y/N), all sat around Appa as they told stories of their travels. (Y/N) couldn’t help but be absolutely entranced by what they were saying. She had seen more in these last few weeks than she had in her entire lifetime, and it shocked her that there was still more out there to see. Lily strung them all flower crowns and placed them atop their heads. (Y/N’s) was made from lovely lilacs that grew around the lake. 

The nomads informed the group of a pass through the mountains that would lead them directly to Omashu. “I think we’ll stick with flying,” Sokka interrupted. The almost parental look he gave urged the rest of his group to get up. 

“Yeah, Appa hates going underground,” Aang said. “And we need to do whatever makes Appa most comfortable.” To confirm this, Appa let out a small growl. (Y/N) smiled and hugged Appa’s nose, giving him a light kiss on his fur. She might fear a lot of things about her new life, but Appa was not one of them. They left the nomads at the lake, only to return a few moments later covered in ash from the Fire Nation catapults that had been hurled at them. 

“Secret love cave, let’s go,” Sokka grumbled. 

(Y/N) dusted herself off as they walked to the cave, her frown deep and her forehead creased with unhappiness. “I just washed this,” She huffed. 

“Come on, princess, it’s not that bad,” Sokka said, and just as (Y/N) was about to snap back at him, she looked at his smile and realized he was joking. The anger left her face quickly. 

“Not a princess,” She muttered. Sokka’s smile fell into sad one before he turned back to the nomads. 

“So how far are we from this tunnel?” 

“Actually,” said Chong, “It’s not just one tunnel. The lovers didn’t want anyone finding them, so they built a whole labyrinth!” 

“A labyrinth?” Sokka and (Y/N) asked at the same time. 

“Oh, I'm sure we'll figure it out,” Chong said with an air of nonchalance. 

“All we need to do is trust in love...according to the curse,” Lily hummed. (Y/N) and Sokka stared at each other. 

“Curse?” 

“I didn’t sign up for a curse,” (Y/N) mumbled bitterly.

As they reached the entrance of the cave, they learned that whoever entered and did not trust in love would remain trapped within its walls forever. This shook (Y/N) deep to her core. She wasn’t sure if she would be able to trust in love like the two lovers wanted. The only love she knew was for her family and she was quite sure that that wasn’t the same. 

Swiftly though, they realized that the Fire Nation was still tracking them. Reluctantly, (Y/N) entered the dark cave. Within minutes, the entrance behind them collapsed. She stared in horror as Appa pawed at the rocks. 

“It’s okay Appa,” Katara reassured him, but her own voice did not seem so sure. 

“It’s fine,” Sokka said, trying to be confident and take charge. “All we need is a plan.” 

“The last time you had a plan, we almost died from fireballs,” (Y/N) noted. Sokka waved her off with a flick of his hand. 

“That was at least thirty minutes ago. My slate is clean. Here, I’ll keep track of all the ways we go, so that way we can solve it like a maze. Chong, how long do those torches last?” 

“Uh, about two hours each.” 

“And we have five,” Lily said as she lit all of the torches. “So that makes ten hours!” Sokka ran over to her and stomped out all of the flames. 

“It doesn’t work like that if they’re all lit!” 

(Y/N) sighed. “I’m gonna die in here.” 

“No, no!” Aang said. “We’ve gotta remain positive!” 

“Okay, I’m positive I’m gonna die in here.” 

After ten dead ends, Sokka came to the conclusion that the tunnels were changing. This led to a massive panic within the group, that alerted their presence to a giant wolfbat. It swiped at their heads and Sokka tried to shoo it away with one of their torches, but the hot sparks landed on Appa. The poor animal roared, shaking the cave around them and causing rocks to fall, separating Katara and Aang from the rest of the group. 

“Don’t worry!” Chong said to Sokka and (Y/N). “At least you guys have us!” 

(Y/N) leaned over to Sokka and whispered, “Do you think I’m a good enough waterbender to kill them?” Sokka stifled a laugh, but shook his head.

“We’ve gotta think of a plan to get out of here.” (Y/N) sighed. 

“I don’t--I don’t know. I’ve never been trapped in a cave before.” 

“Oddly enough, me neither.” 

“Really? With all your adventures I was sure you’d have at least some experience with this.” 

“Yeah, well,” Sokka shrugged. “All the times a super dangerous cave was presented to me I turned it down, so I’m kinda lacking experience.” (Y/N) let herself smile at him. Sokka’s eyes darted from her to the nomads. 

“We all need to think of a way to get out of here.” The nomads smiled their big, goofy smiles. 

“I think the best thing to do right now,” Lily said, “Is to play a song!” They all started strumming their instruments and singing a song about two fish traveling through the river. 

Her hope was quickly dwindling, but (Y/N’s) brain was far too distracted trying to think of a solution to their current problem to notice. She paced around the dirt floor and stared at the curvature of the cave. Could they go up? Could she use waterbending to get them out of there? Could they use Appa as a battering bison? 

She whirled around, turning to look at Sokka. “How did the two lovers find their way through the cave?” 

“Earthbending, I’m assuming.” 

“And love!” Chong added. 

“And love,” Sokka deadpanned. (Y/N) shook her head. 

“They had to have anticipated that more people would come through here. That there’d be a way for them to get out...”

“Love!” Lily said. 

“If you guys say love one more time I’m going to stick these rocks in a very not-lovely place!” (Y/N) snapped. The nomads stared at her with wide eyes. 

“She’s not very full of love,” Chong mumbled. (Y/N) crossed her arms and buried herself into Appa’s fur. As much as she hated to admit it, he was right. (Y/N) wasn’t very full of love, not anymore. 

The cave began to shake again, but this time the sound of dozens of wolfbats surrounded them. They flew overhead of the group and (Y/N) ducked down to avoid them clawing at her. Sokka waved his arms frantically as they passed. 

“Hey! Sokka saved us!” Chong cheered. (Y/N) opened her eyes and shook her head. 

“No, they were running away from something.” 

Just after she said it, two large badgermoles appeared from the shadows of the tunnel. (Y/N’s) mouth fell open as she stared at them. She had only heard stories about the badgermoles from back home. They were the original earthbenders and they were giant. They very nearly towered over Appa, who let out a low growl at their presence. The two moles sniffed the air, their noses pointed directly at Sokka. (Y/N) could practically hear him gulp as he stepped back. 

She cringed as he stepped on Chong’s guitar, but the sound made the badgermoles stop approaching. “The music!” Sokka said, scrambling to pick up the guitar. He started strumming, rather horribly, and looked back at the nomads angrily. “A little help here!” 

They began singing a song, which seemed to make the badgermoles happy. (Y/N) tried her best to keep up with the words, but her singing came out as incoherent mumbles. Slowly, she began to approach the one that stood closest to her. She put her hand on its rough fur and began stroking. “Do you think you could help us find a way out of here?” 

Both moles sniffed the air once and lowered themselves to the ground. (Y/N) grinned at Sokka, who ran over to her and lifted her onto the badgermole’s back. She pulled him up and he sat behind her, his arms wrapping around her waist as he gripped onto the animal’s fur. She felt herself blush but held her head high as they began earthbending their group out of the tunnel. 

“Nice work back there,” (Y/N) said to Sokka. “I didn’t know you were so into music.” 

“I am a man of many talents,” Sokka said casually, and (Y/N) laughed. Perhaps this was the start of them being friends. It only took them being trapped in a cave together, but it was a start nonetheless. “By the way,” Sokka said. “I think you’re very full of love.” 

(Y/N’s) face flushed furiously once more and she cleared her throat, staring straight ahead at the moving rocks. “Thanks.” 

---

Tag List!

@aangsupremacy , @treestarrrrrrrr , @beifongsss , @mdgrdians , @aroyaldarknessblr , @musicalkeys , @aimee1602 , @plxstic-rose , @davnwillcome @squeamishdionysus , @clowninfortodoroki @thia-aep , @jinxed-tea @sara5208 @valiantprincessthea @alrightazula , @awesomelupe , @itsivyberry , @thebluelcdy , @samsmultifandomblogs , @loganrwebb , @minifruity , @cuddlykoala101 , @dionnaea , @alive-ahahah-fuck , @pipsqeak1326 , @krxliesdexd , @wastelandbbyg , @milk-n-cheese , @the-firebender-girl , @zukosvice , @justab-eautifulmess , @awkwardnesshabitat , @tomshollandz , @mmmidek-blog , @lavendercrystals , @dailytrashypanda , @bigbuckyenergy , @honey-ruel , @jackbamexpress , @astralsaf , @thebluelcdy , @solarsuki , @sometimeseverythingsucks , @nataliahaslosthershit , @teenbiology , @eridanuswave , @izzieserra , @astroninaaa , @jaylarkson , @realimbo ,

[thetiredstuff]

It’s well known how toxic the dark angel set was and how horrible both Jessica Alba and Michael Weatherly were to Jensen. With Jessica, while it certainly doesn’t excuse her behavior, you can at least understand why she was like that (young, under a lot of pressure from the studio/producers, in a clearly toxic relationship with MW, etc), but MW was a just a total dick and has continued to be that way for his entire career.

So yeah, Jensen standing up for himself and calling Jessica a bitch when she was absolutely being one is not remotely misogynistic. I’m assuming the people who think it is are radfems who believe that women can do no wrong and a man defending/standing up for himself against a woman is automatically misogyny.

Hi anon!

yeah I know. I grew up watching NCIS and I loved the character that MW played but then i started learning about his behavior on the set of Dark Angel and then learned he’s a sexual harasser and hence a piece of shit.

I didn’t mention the toxicity of the Dark Angel set because it doesn’t really matter how toxic it was in this instance. Like telling a colleague that he’s just window dressing with his pretty face is unprofessional and you don’t do that.

And a work environment doesn’t even have to be as enormously toxic as the Dark Angel set was for people to make comments like that.

so even if Dark Angel wasn’t as toxic of a work environment, I still think he’s justified Like is it professional? No but calling someone a pretty face and window-dresser also isn’t. And again you gotta rise above it all etc but sometimes people just really get under your skin so you call what quacks like a duck a duck on in this case a bitch

It’s not just radfems. I actually saw a lot of people on spn fan twitter who are pretty reasonable etc say yeah it’s not okay he said it but he used words of the jensen of 20 years ago, not something he would say now

and again I’m like???

it is 2022, people are still bitches and assholes or have moments where they are a bitch or an asshole (same thing just gendered). I have my bitchy/assholish moments 🤷‍♀️

But maybe I just don’t get the outrage cuz I’m not American I don’t mean to shit on the Americans to be clear, there just seems to be a lot of purity culture about curse words and calling people names

and again yeah be the bigger person but sometimes people just really get under your skin and well if you don’t wanna get called a bitch/asshole then don’t act like one to begin with. (And since there are always people who will misunderstand me: this is very clearly regarding someone saying something bitchy/assholish and then calling them out by saying they are a bitch/asshole. Not about people using bitch/asshole however they see fit when it’s not at all applicable)

[thelastspeecher]

Stanuary ‘21 - Week Three: Crime

I decided to go with one of my favorite AUs, my Superhero/villain AU, and write a scene that I should have written a while ago, to be honest.  Namely, Ford convincing Stan to give up a life of crime and become a hero like he always wanted.

Shout-out to the ficlet “Farmer’s Market”, by @mythomagically-delicious, which takes place in an AU of the Superhero/villain AU.  I drew some heavy inspiration from it.  ;)

Enjoy.

———————————————————————————————————–

              Stan made a mad dash for safety.  He ducked into an alley just before the police following him rounded the corner and crouched behind a dumpster.

              “Think he went in there?” one of the cops asked, nodding at the alley Stan was hiding in.

              Shit!  Stan took a deep breath, trying to steady his breath.  No, stay calm, Stan.  It’s fine. You have a backup plan, remember? As if on cue, said backup plan went into effect.  There was a loud bang in the distance.  Stan didn’t want to look and risk being spotted, but he knew from experience that his distraction was producing enormous plumes of ash-colored smoke.

              “He’s a pyro, that’s gotta be him!” the other cop said.  The two rushed off towards the planted smoke bomb and away from Stan.  Still, Stan waited a few minutes to be sure.  Once he was positive the coast was clear, he emerged from his hiding spot.

              “Damn,” he breathed.  His smoke bomb was still billowing, filling the sky with gray.  “I mighta souped that one up a bit more than I needed to.”

              Not long ago, Stan had discovered he could use his pyrokinesis to enhance the effects of smoke bombs.  That discovery led to him learning how to make his own. Unfortunately, the method he’d used to improve store-bought smoke bombs didn’t work for his homemade ones, so he had to develop a new one.  All in all, he’d invested a lot more time than he’d care to admit into his smoke bomb research.

              At least it’s paying off now.  The smoke bomb showed no sign of slowing down.  Damn, I might have accidentally caused more smoke damage than fire damage.  Stan shook his head, dispelling those thoughts.  Get back to your car, get outta dodge before the cops come back and get a look at your face.  Stan trudged out of the alley.  He seamlessly joined the crowds that had gathered to stare at his latest disturbance.

              As he mingled with the rubberneckers, Stan’s ears picked up on a nearby conversation that, for some reason, stood out more than the background muttering.

              “What could cause that amount of smoke?”

              “A fire.”

              “Well, yes, but they put out the fire already! And the smoke isn’t coming from where the fire was.”

              “My lil brother used to prank our older brother with smoke bombs…”

              “Could a smoke bomb be responsible for this?”

              “Only if there’s a pyro behind it.”

              Stan ducked his head and picked up his pace, hoping to get far away from the two men and their eerily accurate discussion.  He quickly arrived at the Stanleymobile and got in.  But not until the town had faded into the distance, did he allow himself to relax.

              Okay.  Back to the drawing board.  Can’t use a smoke bomb that attracts that much attention.

-----

              Stan finally straightened his back, stretching to dispel the kinks that came from hunching over a desk for hours on end. He was back in his crappy motel room, trying to do something about his overeager smoke bombs.  So far, he hadn’t had much luck.

              The news blared on the TV.  After a lot of trial and error, Stan had found that the news was just loud enough to provide background sound, but just boring enough to avoid being a distraction.

              “In another blow to peace in the Middle East-” the newswoman began.  Stan grabbed the remote.

              “Nope,” he said, turning off the TV.  He stood and stretched.  “I’ve got my own problems, lady, I don’t need to hear about other peoples’.”  His stomach rumbled.

              …I could use a snack.  Just as Stan was heading for the place he’d stashed his bags of chips, he felt a tingling sensation akin to feet falling asleep spread throughout his body, starting at his toes and gradually reaching his head. Though it felt familiar, it took him a moment to place it.  He blinked, and he wasn’t in the motel room anymore.  But the dorm room he was in now looked just as bad.

              “Oh, thank goodness, you’re not nude,” said the man standing in front of Stan.  “It’s been some time since I summoned a person, and I was worried I might accidentally leave your clothes behind.”  Stan crossed his arms.  He raised an eyebrow.

              “You say ‘thank goodness’ now, Ford?” he asked dryly.  Ford looked away, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly.

              “I might have picked it up from my roommate.”

              “Good for you.  Now, tell me where the hell I am so that I can go back to where I was,” Stan said.  Ford blinked.

              “You’re not curious as to why I summoned you after all this time?”

              “Nope.”

              “Why not?”

              “Look, Sixer, if you wanted a nice, brotherly chat, you would’ve summoned me back when Pops first kicked me out,” Stan snapped. He fought down the small amount of happiness he felt at seeing his twin again.  “But it’s been years.  Which means either someone’s dead or you want something from me.  And whichever one it is, I don’t care.”  Stan turned on his heel and stormed for the door.  As he put his hand on the doorknob, Ford spoke.

              “I know,” Ford said softly.  “You don’t care about me, about yourself, or anyone else.” Stan paused.

              “Why do you think I don’t care about myself?” he asked.

              “Because you’ve given up.”  Ford interpreted Stan’s continued silence as permission to continue.  “You’ve given up on the thing that gave you drive our entire lives.”

              “What?”

              “Being a hero,” Ford said simply.  Stan’s hand fell away from the door.  His heart pounded in his ears.  “I saw your latest arson on the news.  Actually, I saw it in person.  My roommate and I were shopping in the store next to the one you set on fire.” Stan looked over his shoulder.

              “You’re not gonna snitch on me, are you?” he asked.

              “No.”

              “Good.”  Stan fully turned around.  He let his hands burst into flames.  “It wouldn’t end well for you if you did.”  Ford didn’t react to the threat.  At least, not in the way Stan expected.  Rather than blowing up at him or scoffing, Ford just stared at Stan, evidently sorrowful.

              “Have you really gone that far astray?” Ford asked. Stan’s mouth went dry.  “Would you hurt your own twin?”

              “Where’s all this coming from, huh?” Stan demanded. “What, I set a building on fire and suddenly you’re worried about me?  After spending all this time pissed at me?”  He threw his hands, still aflame, up in the air.  “That was the secret all along!  I shoulda committed a crime in front of you years ago!” That got the reaction Stan expected. Ford’s worried frown twisted into a snarl.

              “I despise what you did to me, but that doesn’t mean I’ll allow you to throw your life away!” Ford snapped.  “Ever since we were kids, you wanted to be a hero.  You worked hard to follow in Mom’s footsteps. But now?  You’re perfectly fine with burning down stores and setting off smoke bombs?”

              “Why do you care?!” Stan roared.

              “Because I’m the reason you’re letting all your potential go to waste!” Ford shouted.  Stan stared at him in shock, the fire around his hands finally smothered. Ford’s eyes widened.  He looked away.  Stan stepped forward.

              “What do you-”

              “You heard me,” Ford said tartly.  He looked down at his feet.  “I- I hate what you did to me.  But I can’t deny my role in your current situation.”  Stan opened his mouth.  “And the reason why I summoned you now…”  Ford took a steadying breath.  “I started feeling guilty the moment Mom kicked out Pops for what he did. But I’ve been able to stifle that guilt under anger.”

              “Until today.”

              “Until today,” Ford repeated.  He took another breath.  “When I realized you had committed that arson, I knew you had given up on your dream of being a hero, and I couldn’t ignore the guilt any longer.”

              “Why?”

              “Honestly?”  Ford looked up at Stan.  He managed a weak smile.  “Because you’d be a damn good superhero, Stanley.  You could do so much, help so many people, save lives!  And that’s been your goal since we were children.”

              “Because I could help other people.”

              “Because it’s what you were meant to do.  Mom saw that in you, even before your powers manifested.  I saw that in you.  Hell, Pops saw it in you, too.”  Stan raised an eyebrow doubtfully.  “He saw it in you,” Ford insisted.  He rubbed the back of his neck.  “He just didn’t care about supers.”

              “You’re right about that,” Stan said.  He cleared his throat.  “And you might be right about the other things, too.”  Ford perked up.  “Everything’s not suddenly hunky-dory, just so you know.”

              “I know.  I have negative feelings towards you that have yet to be resolved.”

              “Yeah.  Same for me, but in a less nerdy way,” Stan said.  Ford rolled his eyes.  “But…” Stan trailed off.  He sighed.  “I turned to a life of crime ‘cause I didn’t have a choice.  But I never felt that great about it.”  A faint smile quirked the corners of Stan’s mouth.  “Call it Mom’s influence.  I couldn’t quite shake the feeling I was meant to follow in her footsteps.”

              “Of course not.  You were meant to become a hero,” Ford said.  Stan’s smile grew stronger.  “We both have issues to work out, between the two of us, but I don’t want you to give up on your destiny.”  Stan let out a bark of laughter.

              “Destiny, huh?”  He grinned at Ford.  “Well, when you say it like that, I can’t really say you’re wrong, can I?” Ford smiled back.

              “So you’ll give up crime?”

              “Yeah.”  Stan cocked his head thoughtfully.  “Not until after I fill up the Stanleymobile one more time, though.  She’s running low on gas.  Once that’s done, I’ll go back on the straight and narrow.  Just gotta figure out how to join the Defenders or whatever.”

              “There’s a newer team on the West Coast that I think you have a better chance at joining,” Ford said.  Stan shoved his hands into his pockets.

              “I’ll look into ‘em.”  Ford nodded in relief.  “Oh, by the way, remember our deal?”

              “Deal?”

              “Every time you summon me without warning, you owe me food,” Stan said.

              “Wh- we made that agreement when we were children!”

              “And I’m holding you to it,” Stan said.  “I’m guessing you brought me back into town when you summoned me?”

              “Yes.”

              “My motel isn’t too far away, so I’ll be back at 6 for dinner.”  Ford sighed.

              “Very well.”

              “See you then.”  Stan opened the dorm room door and strolled out, whistling.  As he walked out, Ford’s roommate Fiddleford walked in.  Fiddleford looked curiously at Ford.

              “Ya had a visitor while I was out?”

              “Yes.”

              “Was it a good visit?”

              “Yes.  It was.”

              “That’s nice.”  Fiddleford walked over to his bed and set his bag down.  “I found what I wanted at the library.”

              “What were you looking for, again?”

              “Blueprints.”

              “For?” Ford pried.  A devious twinkle appeared in Fiddleford’s eyes.

              “Haywood Hall.”

              “The building that all our school records are kept in?”

              “Yessir!” Fiddleford chirped.  He began to dig around in his bag.  “Surprisingly easy to get.”

              “I’m shocked that they even allowed you to check them out of the library,” Ford said.  Fiddleford hummed noncommittally.  Ford’s eyes widened.

              Wait, Stan doesn’t have the Stanleymobile.  How is he going to get back to his motel? Ford closed his eyes and focused. A surge of power flowed through him. There was a shout from outside.

              “What the fuck?!”  Ford walked over to the window and looked out.  Stan stood in the parking lot, staring at his red El Diablo. He looked up at the dorm.  After a moment, he lifted his middle finger.

              Ford snickered.

[insomniac-dot-ink]

The Hopping Lamp Post

The night was thick with sugared darkness that left my neighborhood feeling grainy and unreal in the velvet insides of night. I was hunched over on the sidewalk with my back to the front door.

“You can’t just come home at all hours of the night and expect--” “I told you I was at work!”

“Work my ass!”

“Can’t I come home from a long day without being…”

The voices screeched back and forth like alley cats defending their own piss-smelling crevice of the street they owned. I flinched and knew I didn’t want to go back inside. Never, ever, I could stay outside in the grim darkness for as long as it took no matter how much my mom hollered and pulled out her hair.

I used dirt to doodle circles in the cement in front of me and lost myself to the rough feel of the smeared earth. I was studying it like a painter studies the face of a subject when I heard the front door open.

“Where is that girl?” I jerked myself to my feet and scurried away down the street. My mom wasn’t so determined as to go anywhere past our front lawn. The neighborhood was hushed with little moths zapping at porch lights and windows all but empty black eyes staring out.

I wandered away from our block and it was only when I couldn’t see our house anymore that I let out my held breath. I blinked a few times as mist started twisting off the ground in haunting tiny spirals.

I turned around in circles as I watched the ground grow foggy and it wasn’t until I looked up that I saw it.

I stood up straight like the pads of my feet had been electrocuted. Right at the end of the street standing proudly tall and stiff was something that shouldn’t be there. I rubbed my eyes with my fists until little white spots appeared.

I opened my eyes again to find the same black metal thing with a glittering white light ahead. It wasn’t like any of the other lamp posts on the block-- not tall and tired bent metal and a hanging dull yellow light.

It was finely crafted with indents like a roman column and a curved neck with a hanging lantern at the end that gave off light like snowfall and stars. I took a cautious step toward it. It took a step back.

“What?” My brow folded in.

I edged closer and the thing edged back. I looked down and found that through the mist and unfurling curls of clouds that there was some sort of foot at the bottom of the lamp post. “Well that ain’t right.” I muttered and took a few hurried steps closer.

It leaned back from my presence like a fancy lady from a corner bum, but it wasn’t fast enough. I managed to get a few feet from the lamp post and squint up at its tall metal body.

“Where you from?” I asked as I would any stranger from out of town. It hopped back and I followed. I was on Wilkinson street now with more faceless tiny beige and grey houses that bled out into the highway. I couldn’t hear the busy traffic right then though.

I only had eyes for the hopping lamp post.

“You come far?” I said and circled around the light like a dog with a scent. “What’chu ya doing here?”

Bugs bumped into the glass of it's head and landed on it’s metal top as if to take up residence. I was close enough now to make out the big grey feathery moths with fat bodies and tiny white moths that look like delicate fairies lost from home.

I frowned at the closest moth. It’s wings were frayed and threadbare like it had been through the wash one too many times. Another moth had two sets of wings on its back. A third one was a little firefly that could barely glow it’s little butt at all.

“Huh.” I bit my bottom lip and glanced up shyly toward the light as we strolled to the end of Wilkinson. “They’re like me, huh?” I spoke slowly in a low voice as if not to spook it.

The mist was fuming off the ground in great big fistfuls now like the whole world was a bathtub and it was determined to fog up every single mirror nearby. I couldn’t hear so much as a yapping dog by then and no whir of cars that should still be running at this hour.

I gathered myself a little closer to the lamp that gave another enormous hop forward in a jerking unsteady motion. I glanced up to see that a bat was hovering close to the light. It’s tiny body was fury and it flapped mechanically by the side of the light. From head to foot it was pure white.

“Like me . . . ” I murmured and brought a hand up toward my chest to fist my shirt. “Wrong.”

I had never been wrong in the way people could tell. They couldn’t point at me and say “there’s that wrong girl!” But I had never had a teacher that hadn’t given me funny looks for my questions and hadn’t gone to a family reunion without an auntie muttering “that one’s a little off in the head” to another auntie.

I looked down as to not focus on the white bat or the double-winged moth or any of the other creatures that were pulled to the light of the lamp post. I stopped in place as I peered at the ground, but the ground didn’t seem to be there. It seemed to have fallen away and I gasped.

It was just dark beneath my ratty white sneakers. I looked up and the houses were all but distant outlines from a different life. The mist was growing thicker and the only light was from the silvery glow the lamp ahead.

I clenched my teeth and inhaled sharply through my nose. “Where are we?” I looked up and the lamp was now at least several paces away. “Wait!” I ran after it. “How do I get home?” It gave another mighty hop and I wasn’t sure if I wanted to turn back or find out about more things that shouldn’t be. I gave a small glance over my shoulder and it was all mist and darkness behind us now anyway. I kept following the hopping lamp.

The darkness became almost absolute and I held my breath as the mist grew thick and tangible. It licked my cheeks like a wet kiss and my hair was heavy on my shoulders from the moisture clinging to it.

I started shivering. I didn’t want to keep looking. I didn’t want to see what was beyond that mist and dank gloom. I started to hear things. I heard deep ugly breaths from something that had be bigger than the biggest horse I’d ever seen and bigger than any dog from down the street.

It gulped down air in a deep raspy voice. In. Out. It’s nose was probably the size of a bus and it’s lungs bigger than any whale. I could smell brine and salt in the air and I couldn’t stop shivering.

To my surprise the lamp’s pace slowed. It stopped in place and it’s hanging head turned and faced me. My eyes went wide, “So you ain’t gonna just leave me after all?” I whispered and slowly reached out my hand. I put it softly on the cool metal of the lamp and we began to walk together.

I closed my eyes because I didn’t want to see the monsters we were approaching in the dark. I didn’t want to see what lay ahead. Nonetheless, I felt that warm bath of air hit me across the face and we passed the beasts.

I opened my eyes again to the sound of cars honking and an even stronger scent of salt. I turned and we were standing on a road this time with the mist still thick and dancing off the cement. Something was different.

The road was winding up a huge mountain top and on the other side was the twilight dusk and an ocean that spanned as far as I could see. It was a shifting flatness with pools of blue midnight and frothing white waves out in the distance. I smiled broadly. “I’ve never seen the ocean.” A car passed with it’s headlights blinking and it was like no car I had ever seen before. It’s windows were too broad and lamps too bright. The figure inside was shadowed and strange with hands made out of smudgy murkiness and a shrouded face.

I steadied myself. “Alright,” I put my hand back on the lamp post. “Let’s keep going.” We walked through that world of ocean and ghosts. I closed my eyes and we passed between another darkness with the sounds of sleeping monsters and into new unknown places. We entered a world of dirt roads that led past unkempt green gardens with fruit like diamonds and rubies. We went through nights that were all storms with lightning flashing out on the horizon and people that were shaped like angels flying out toward it.

The sun never rose and we never stopped walking. It could have been a lifetime. It could have been just that night and nothing else. I oohed and awed at the strange sights and smells of ozone and sunshine. It was only in that third darkness that my legs started to complain and my eyes started to droop and betray me.

The lamp slowed its pace to an inching crawl.

“It’s alright.” I yawned. “I don’t wanna go back.” I said softly with my eyes closed. We walked into the darkness of beasts once more. “But I gotta. Don’t I?”

Something landed on my shoulder as we went into a new road made of crushed white shells and with running water the color of mirrors besides us. Little floating lights dancing just above the surface of the river and I blinked at a giant moth perched on me. She had white feathery feelers and wings with grey eyes in the center. She was missing an eye on the right side of her face and I smiled at her.

“Well hey there,” She was the size of a kite and her little legs tickled my shoulder. “You’re not from where I’m from.” I said with a nod, “you’re awful pretty though. You all tangled up about going home too?” She moved her feelers up and down and cocked my head to the side. “It’s not so bad. But it’s not so good either.” I shivered from somewhere deep inside of me and gave her a sad smile. “I just . . . can’t seem to get myself to turn around yet.” The moth gave me a long look before she took off from my shoulder. She flapped away into the moonlight of this strange land and the lamp post simply sat in place. I made a face, “now you feel like stoppin?”

The lamp post simply angled it’s face to the sky.

I followed it with my eyes. It was a long few minutes in the cold damp air with the water rushing besides and lights flitting around. I waved when the moth finally returned with something between her feet. She was carrying something that shone with the force of gold teeth in the mouths of rich men. I opened my hand and the moth dropped a single coin into my hand.

“Oh,” I breathed and held up a golden metal disk. The front held face I didn’t recognize in any way on it.

A queen maybe. She was in profile on the coin with a half-smile, her eyes closed, and crown of light on her head. I made a hiccup of sound as the coin fit snuggling in my palm and gave off a strange burning warmth.

I turned it over and over in my hands and ran my fingers over squiggles on the back that could only be words. I sucked in breath. “What’s this for?” The moth only turned around and suddenly it was flying back toward the way we came. The lamp turned too and I frowned. In a twist that was more ironic than not the lamp started to follow the moth.

"Wait for me!" I trailed after.

We went back through the beast realm. Back through the night garden of jewels and back through the storm lands of angels and mountains of ghosts. We returned to my street with the slanted roofs and scraggly lawns.

I held the coin hard in my hands and turned to the lamp post. “Thank you.” I said with a nod as you’re supposed to for helpful strangers. “I’ll remember this, always.” I wasn’t sure if I was brave enough to return yet, but the lamp bent its long head and the light caught in my eyes. I looked down and the words on the coin righted themselves like soldiers called to duty all at once.

“Be brave,” I read the words and traced them with my fingers. “Because the light will always come.” I blinked and the words remained just as the lamp kept hopping down the street on its endless trek. I slowly waved goodbye in the way of children who are able to accept things that shouldn’t be but are.

I turned and went back into my house just as the night was losing its shape and the sun broke across the heavens. And I was going to be brave for however long it took until the light came again.

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