#happy two year gotcha day

[gremlinshatephilosophers]

Also today is two years since I got marbles! He’s still an idiot.

[whathasangramainyudonewrong]

Wrong #559

Explain to me how this absolute menace can look so damn cute

The utter audacity

[australet789]

Some assholes on Instagram saying that Epic fans are "gaslighting" themselves about Odysseus being faithful to Penelope because of the Circe part and being pretentious about it and how we are stupid for considering The Odyssey romantic

Motherfucker

1. The Odyssey is an epic poem we all fucking know that? That it's a tragedy, technically comedy (comedy in ancient literature used to mean "happy ending", not funny stuff)

2. The Circe bit can be interpreted in different ways, as if it was fully consensual or not or just a transaction. There was still a difference in power dynamics, which was 100% mentioned by Calypso in the beginning, but if you choose to ignore that part if the same as saying some of Zeus' kids were ok to be conceived because the women agreeded to what A GOD wanted.

3. Obviously Epic!Odysseus is differente from Homer!Odysseus, but trying to say Homer! Odysseus is a horrible person that fully wanted to cheat on Penelope just because you want to defend ALEXANDER HAMILTON, i have bad news about you.

4. "The crew had to beg to go back!" I read the Odyssey too. As a child and a few days ago. They stayed on Circe's island to rest so Odysseus job as a captain was literally wait until his crew told him they were ready to leave, specially after what they have lived. Odysseus didnt force anyone to stay in that island, when the crew went "oh, sir, we miss our families, please lets go back now, yes?" Odysseus immediately said "ok". It literally felt like a father waiting for the kids to stop playing in the playground.

5. Homer!Odysseus is not perfect, at all (man killed his disloyal maids because he didnt want to deal with shit anymore, even if they also were coerced/raped by the suitors), but come with a better gotcha than Circe. You are just fixiated on the Telegony and it shows.

6. Idk what to tell you, but if you think renouncing a life with two inmortal godesses (one of whom offered you immortality), traveling for 10 years defying a God's rage, killing 108 men who wanted to marry your wife (and ruined your house), almost killed yourself when said wife rejected you only for her to go "haha i was just testing you, silly :)", have your literally marriage have a word created for you two specifically is not romantic... Idk go read Bridgerton

[just-my-latest-hyperfixation]

Hello, hello! Congrats to the milestone! For the festivity may I wish for a fic with 1/A; 2/Canon- adjasond; 3/Hurt/Comfort and 4 is up to you. If it fits your jam, would be an outsider pov be possible? 👀

Thank you so much for the ask, I definitely gave myself some feels writing this one! I've never done a Wayne POV before, but I'm quite happy with how it turned out. 🥲

Your first warden

Words: 999

Rated: T

Tags: POV Wayne Munson; Good uncle Wayne Munson; Child neglect; Child abuse; Alcohol abuse; Drowning; Referenced parental death; Eddie had a shitty childhood; Post-Vecna; Everybody lives; Hurt Eddie Munson; Recovery; Caretaker Steve Harrington; Hurt/comfort

The first time Eddie almost died, he was two years old. 

Al had insisted on bringing him along for that fishing trip. A proper men's day out, he'd said. Of course Al’s idea of a proper men's day out was hitting the booze the second they arrived. By the time Wayne heard him snore, little Ed had already wandered off. 

He found him floating face down between the reeds a few yards away. The water lillies and the pretty lights rippling on the surface must've drawn him in. Wayne thinks he lost five years of his life in the seconds between pulling him out and the kid's first coughs filling the air.

“‘s okay, kiddo,” Wayne murmured as he rocked the both of them, tears and lake water drenching his flannel. “‘s okay. I gotcha.”

The ruckus drew Al, of course. He took one look at them and yanked Eddie away by the arm, slapping him hard across the face. 

“Quit howling, it's your own damn fault for going in the water. And you,” his eyes found Wayne's and his face twisted into something ugly. “Who d'ya think you are, his fucking guard dog? Keep your nose outta things that don't concern ya.” 

And maybe it was because Wayne never liked being told what to do, least of all by his drunk, deadbeat brother - but he promised himself something on that day. 

For as long as Eddie would need him, he'd watch over him. 

He'd often think back on that promise over the years. Teaching Eddie to ride a bike. Letting him sob into his shoulder at his mom's funeral, daring Al to say something about being a man one glare at a time. Taking him in when he showed up on his doorstep, bruised and beaten, hair shorn so short his scalp was bleeding in places. 

Wayne never regretted his decision, and he never broke that promise. 

Until the day Eddie almost died the second time. 

*

The beemer parked by the new trailer is a sight he should be used to by now. Still, Wayne can't help but grumble as he makes his way up the porch steps. 

Don't get him wrong, he'll be forever grateful to the Harrington boy for carrying Eddie out of literal hell, but he isn't sure if this new friendship between the two will ever be anything but bizarre to him. 

Maybe it's because the Harringtons don't mingle with the likes of them, or maybe it's because the lad is the exact type of kid Eddie hates with a passion, usually. 

Maybe it's because Wayne has noticed the way Eddie looks at the boy. He's always had a way of getting in too deep, Eddie has. Drawn to pretty flowers and rippling lights that'll slip through his fingers when grasps at them, luring him in until it's too late. 

The first thing he hears when he steps inside is a thud, followed by a wince. He's just taken the first step when Harrington barrels out of the kitchen and into Eddie’s room, completely unaware of Wayne standing in the door. 

“Eddie? What are you doing?” 

“Nothing,” comes Eddie’s reply, and Wayne knows that tone. The just-got-caught-doing-forbidden-shit one. “Just trying to put up this fucking thing.” 

Toeing off his boots, Wayne hovers closer to the half-open door. A look inside reveals Eddie, sitting on the bed with a sheepish grin on his face and that giant banner he made for his band beside him. Harrington, back turned to the door, huffs and picks up the hammer lying on the ground. 

“You’re supposed to be resting,” he scolds, climbing onto the bed and gesturing for Eddie to hand him the banner. A few swift movements and knocks of the hammer later, it’s hanging. “You could’ve opened a wound. Again. What do I need to do to make you stay in bed, tie you up?” 

Eddie grins toothily. “Okay, one: I am in bed, technically. And two: oooh, kinky.” 

Wayne groans soundlessly. Harrington rakes a hand down his face, plopping down cross-legged on the mattress. 

“Eddie.” 

Their knees bump together. Now that he has turned and he can see him in half-profile, Wayne recognizes the concern on Harrington’s face. Eddie’s grin shifts into something softer. 

“I know,” he says, watching his hand fiddle with a loose thread on his pajama pants. “It’s just … It’s annoying, not being able to do anything on my own. Being such a goddamn burden all the time. To Wayne, to the kids. To you.” 

“Hey.” Harrington’s hand settles on top of Eddie’s. “You're not a burden. We're all glad you're here. I'm glad. You know that, right? 

Eddie flips his hand, tangling their fingers together, and Harrington doesn't pull away. 

“Yeah,” Eddie murmurs. “I know.” 

Harrington smiles, reaching up to cup Eddie’s face with his free hand. 

“You just wait,” he winks. “You'll be back to walking on tables in no time. And in the meantime …” 

Eddie melts into the touch, lashes brushing the other boy's palm as his eyes flutter shut. 

“In the meantime, you got me.” 

“I gotcha,” Harrington confirms, and leans in. 

Wayne is just about to sneak away when the kettle whistles in the kitchen. The boys turn … and then they all just sort of freeze.

“Hiya, boys,” Wayne rumbles when they're still silently gaping at him a few seconds later. 

“Mr. Munson,” Harrington croaks. “I mean … sir. I mean … hi?” 

“Wayne?” Eddie blurts. “H-how long have you been standing there?” 

Wayne considers that question while both boys continue to stare at him with matching scarlet blushes coloring their cheeks. Their hands are still lying entwined on the mattress between them. 

“Long enough, I reckon,” is what he finally says. “I'll take care of the kettle, Steve. You lads stay put.” 

And with that, he closes the door on their confused faces and makes his way into the kitchen. It's been a long day, and he's looking forward to resting his feet. 

More celebration ficlets

[myobsessionsspace]

Cameras & People

Guys…

Please

Adust

Your

Expectations

And

Reality Check.

The show is for ARMY, for anyone and everyone to watch. That’s it, that’s all.

For watching Jikook and guest(s) partaking in activities, eating, drinking and a hell of a lot of laughter.

People need to BFFR with their expectations on things for real.

And be disappointed in yourselves NOT Jikook, they didn’t lie about a damn thing, nor tell you to make your own assumptions, inferences, speculations etc. That’s on us, not them.

Enjoy the content for what it is, fun, happy Jikook. They’re currently enlisted in a companion program together. They currently bustin their asses in the DMZ.

They weathered exhaustion, colds, stomach viruses, doing 101 activities for our enjoyment in between international promotions, album recordings, dance rehearsals, MV shoots, choreography learning and practices, birthdays, music show performances I could go on.

This is not content for gotcha moments, for one upping anyone, for proving or disproving how close or not close they’ve been since 2019 or 2020 or 2021 or 2022 or 2023.

From the inception of the group people are always trying to gauge if they’re close or not close.

FFS a duo show isn’t enough

tattoos from the same tattoo artist isn’t enough

them saying they were the last to leave the dorms isn’t enough

them being the only two having their segment on the monuments show isn’t enough

them having their section in their 10 year autobiography book isn’t enough

the members constantly mistaking Jimin for Jungkook and vice versa isn’t enough

years upon years of them being documented attached at the hip isn’t enough, being spotted out for white day

all their sus selfies just the two of them isn’t enough

Jungkook’s lives of 2023 isn’t enough, this show isn’t enough

their companion enlistment isn’t enough.

Leave the picking apart of their closeness, if they are or aren’t, if they did or didn’t see each other or speak to each other outta the show, real talk.

[xmads-omensx]

DAY 12 - THE SPECIAL GIFT

Word Count: 2,369

Pairing: Noah Sebastian X Reader

Content Warnings: smut, costume lingerie (Mrs. Claus), swearing, pet names, oral f receiving, making out / kissing, grinding

Tags: collisionofyourkissmakesitsohard lma1986

This is my first time writing smut so bear with me lmao

Smut under the cut

I had this planned out for a few weeks now.

Noah had made a passing comment about liking the idea of costumes in bed. Not any specific character, just more of those generic ones lingerie stores often sell.

Now that Christmas was coming up, they had started selling new costumes. “Mrs. Claus is a popular choice.” the sales assistant had told me after I popped into one on a work break, just for a look around, “It sells out quite fast around this time of year.”

I ended up getting one. After all, what’s the harm? I could always just decide that I don’t want to wear it. It’s not exactly like there was a contract that I would be signing saying that I had to wear it.

I got home that night and tried it on. I looked… good. No. I looked fucking amazing.

Happy with my decision to buy it, I neatly folded it up, wrapped it back in the bag and tucked it away into my underwear drawer. Noah wouldn’t be going in there, so it would remain hidden away until I decided to wear it.

I didn’t exactly have a plan on when I wanted to wear this for Noah, but I kept Christmas Eve in the back of my mind as a possible option. I was trying not to overthink it, already nervous about it, but the conversation Noah started that night made my decision concrete.

I was stood in the kitchen cooking some pasta on the stove when I felt two long arms circle around my waist, making me jump.

I whipped my head around to see who had grabbed me, and was greeted by Noah looking down at me with a smug look on his face. I sent him a playful slap on the chest before laughing and returning my attention back to the pasta.

Noah rested his chin in the space between my neck and shoulder and hummed along to Wham’s ‘Last Christmas’ as it softly played from the speaker.

He slowly started to kiss the side if my neck, making me giggle. He laughed quietly into my neck before pulling away and resting his chin on the top of my head instead.

“Are you bored babe?” I asked with a laugh.

“A little. And I just want to be near you right now.” He sighed, kissing the top of my head.

I hummed in reply and continued my cooking.

“What’s up with that bag in your underwear drawer?” Noah asked, making me stop everything that I was doing for a moment.

“N-nothing.” I stuttered quietly.

“You sure?” I could tell Noah had a smirk on his face when he asked this.

“Yep.” I replied, going back to the pasta and popping the p.

“Okay. I’m only asking because if it was that Mrs. Claus outfit in the window of that lingerie store, it would really make my Christmas.” He whispered into the crook of my neck.

I paused. Noah was never usually this abrupt unless he already knew the answer.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” I said with a slight giggle as I went back to cooking dinner.

“Oh? You do know that I have eyes right? I see the way you were glancing at it in the window when we walked past the store last week when we were Christmas shopping in the mall.” Noah explained in a slightly taunting voice.

“Nope. Still no clue.” I replied, still trying to play dumb.

“So if I go open that bag, that coincidently has the same logo on it as the lingerie store, I won’t find the Mrs. Claus lingerie set?” Noah asked, turning to walk away.

I spun round and grabbed his arm.

“Gotcha.” He grinned.

“Noah it was supposed to be a surprise.” I sulked.

“Aw I’m sorry baby.” Noah started. “Hey, it’ll still be a surprise. It’s not like I know when you are planning on wearing it, or how it looks on your amazing body.” Noah trailed his huge hands up and down my waist.

“So, you want me to wear it?” I tentatively asked.

“Baby, I only want you to wear it if you’re comfortable wearing it.” Noah reassured with a tender kiss on my forehead.

By saying that, Noah had completely eased any doubts I had about this. I always had an out. No matter what.

I smiled up at my boyfriend and went back to finishing dinner before serving it onto two plates and placing them on the dining table.

Noah and I ate our dinner together in comfortable silence. We had already caught up on our respective days when he returned from the studio earlier that evening.

Noah stood up from the table and placed the dishes in the dishwasher once we were done, then walked back to the table where I was still sat and kissed the top of my head.

“I’m going to go do some more work in the studio for an hour or two. Maybe we can watch a movie together later? Or just some Naruto?” He said.

“Naruto sounds good babe.” I replied with a smile.

Noah leant down and placed a chaste kiss on my lips before walking down the hallway and disappearing into the studio.

This was my chance.

I got up from my seat and slowly walked towards the stairs before heading up to our bedroom. I opened up my underwear drawer, pulling out the bag and pouring its contents onto our bed.

I started at the spilled contents for a moment, trying to muster the confidence to do this. I really wanted to wear it. Hell, I looked damn good wearing it. But part of me was still a little bit worried about what Noah might say.

No.

Fuck that.

I’m hot, Noah would be lucky to see this.

I pulled off each layer of the clothes that I was wearing and pulled on the lingerie. I turned to look in the mirror and I looked amazing. However, there was a few bits missing. I re-curled my hair and topped up my makeup, adding a dark red lipstick that was a secret favourite of Noah’s before taking another look at myself.

There was still something missing.

Then I realised what it was. I reached up to the red, fluffy Santa hat that hung on the corner of our mirror and placed it on my head.

There it was.

My outfit was complete.

I grabbed my phone off of our bed and snapped a couple photos before opening my texts to Noah and sent him a photo.

Noah’s thundering footsteps almost shook the house as he sprinted up the stairs to our bedroom.

He burst through the door with an urgent expression on his face, waving his phone around in the air, his cock already half-hard in his sweatpants. His urgency made me giggle.

“You’re evil.” He said, pointing a finger at me as he walked towards me slowly. “So very evil. So evil, in fact, that I might have to punish you.”

I giggled. “Not tonight baby.” A look of mild surprise crossed his features. “Tonight, is all about you. I want to make you feel good.”

Noah groaned slightly as his cock grew harder in his joggers.

“Baby.” He muttered, cupping my face in his large hands. “You don’t even know what you do to me.”

He leant down and placed a passionate kiss on my lips, walking me backwards towards our bed. I felt the backs of my knees hit the bed behind me. Noah kept moving backwards, laying me down on the mattress and climbing over me to be straddling either side of my hips.

I pulled at the hem of his hoodie. A sign that I wanted him to take it off.

Noah grabbed it and pulled it over his head, taking his t-shirt with it and leaving him shirtless. I reached my hand up and traced the tattoos that covered his  chest with my finger. Noah gently grabbed my hand and brought it up to his face, placing a kiss on the palm of my hand.

“I love you.” He whispered. Not breaking eye contact with me once.

“I love you too.” I whispered back.

Noah leant down and placed another kiss on my lips. He reached his hands up to my chest and squeezed my breasts, making me gasp and enabling him to slip his tongue into my mouth.

We stayed like that for a while. His hands exploring my lingerie clad body, whilst our tongues explored the familiarity of each other’s mouths.

Every time we were intimate with eachother, it felt like our first time all over again. My heart still raced the same way. My stomach still fluttered with butterflies the same way. My pussy still throbbed the same way.

The Santa hat on my head had fallen off and now lay forgotten on the mattress beside me.

Noah’s kisses began getting increasingly more desperate as his hands gripped my hips. I began to grind my hips up into his, chasing some sort of friction. Noah groaned into my lips then pulled away.

I shot him a confused glance but was just met with his sly smirk as he lowered himself between my stocking-clad thighs, placing a kiss on each of them.

He reached his hands up and pushed the skirt part of my costume up until my lacy red panties were revealed to him.

His eyes practically leaped out of his eyes like a kid seeing all his Christmas presents under the tree.

“Crotchless?” He whispered, looking at me. I nodded. “Merry fucking Christmas to me.”

He reached his arm up and grabbed the Santa hat and put it on his head, making me giggle, before he dove right into my pussy.

The guttural moan he let out as soon as his tongue touched it was one that I wanted to hear for the rest of my life.

It was a strange sight, seeing my boyfriend eat me out whilst wearing a Santa hat, but he looked so damn good I wasn’t exactly going to stop him.

He pulled back ever so briefly before leaving little kitten licks and gentle pecks of kisses on my opening, nudging my clit with the tip of his nose.

“Don’t stop. Oh God!” I cried out, feeling a sudden rush of immense pleasure.

I could feel Noah smirking from in between my folds at the reaction he was causing me to have. He always took immense pride in hearing my moans and cries as he pleasured me. “It means I’m doing a great job.” He had told me after I revealed that it made me slightly insecure.

For as long as we had been together, Noah had only ever made me feel beautiful every time he undressed me.

I could feel his finger begin to prod at my entrance as Noah continued to expertly eat my pussy like it was the last meal he would ever have.

I let out a loud moan as he slid one of his long fingers inside of me.

He sped up his pace as he could feel me clenching around both his tongue and his finger.

My back arched as my moans grew more desperate, making him insert another one of this perfect fingers.

He pulled his mouth away to place a chaste kiss on the inside of my thigh.

“Let go for me baby.” He whispered before diving back into my pussy.

My back arched once again as I gave into the pleasure as I felt my body heat rising. My heart beat faster as I gave way to my release. Sparks exploded in a fantastic firework display behind my eyelids as my first orgasm of the night ripped through my body.

Noah left kitten licks as he began to slow his movements down, letting me gradually come down from my high.

Finally pulling away, Noah placed another tender kiss on my inner thigh, his favourite place to kiss me, before pulling himself up to place a kiss on my forehead, then touching his own forehead to mine.

“I love you.” He whispered against my forehead. “I love you so much.”

“I love you too.” I whispered in reply, placing a chaste kiss on his lips.

Noah then rolled onto his side, pulling me into his chest. His heartbeat raced inside his tattooed chest.

We lay like that for what felt like eternity before Noah reached over to his bedside table, grabbing a water bottle and handing it to me.

I took it gratefully and took a long swig of it before passing it back to him so that he could have a drink himself.

Noah sat up with this back against the headboard, the Santa hat still snuggly pulled over his head. I couldn’t help but take my phone off of my bedside table and snapping a quick photo.

“Babe, come on.” Noah protested with a laugh, raising his hand up as if to block my camera.

“But I can’t help it. You look so cute.” I laughed.

“Cute, huh?” He said with a mocking tone. “I’m not cute.”

“Yeah you are, idiot. You’re adorable.” I giggled.

“Adorable? You’re killing me.” He laughed, sitting further forward and placing his arms on each side of my hips, making me lie back on my elbows. “I’ll show you how un-cute I am.” He smirked.

“Un-cute isn’t even a word dumbass.” I laughed.

“You really wanna push me right now honey?” He taunted, trying to act menacing, but failing somewhat miserably.

I smiled up at him, lifting myself up to kiss him.

“Ohh, I see how it is. You’re gonna fucking get it.” Noah said with a laugh before capturing my lips in a deep, heated kiss.

I could hear two doors in the hallway open and close before angry footsteps stomped towards the stairs, they banged on our bedroom door as they passed.

The front door slammed shut as Jesse and Jolly retreated for the evening. Noah and I erupted into laughter.

“Good. Now we can be as loud as we want, Mrs. Claus.” Noah whispered in my ear.

MAIN MASTERLIST

25 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS MASTERLIST

[rotthepoet]

i’m still thinking about fwb/bsf!theo every day, the way you wrote his yearning drove me crazyyyyyyyy. do you think you would ever write out all the boys’ reaction when they finally get it confirmed?? walking back in at the party, clearly fucked out or (if they never come back down) when someone makes a comment on a hickey and you’re like “oh yeah theo got carried away” and they’re all like AHA GOTCHA and they’re like ?? have no idea what you’re talking about we’ve never been secretive. just like straight up gaslighting them as enzo gives blaise some galleons from their bet. theo becoming even more touchy in public and absolutely devoted to his girl. oh and their summer in italy???? good loooooooord. thinking many thoughts always

This message made me so happy. Im gonna be real, I had completely forgotten everything I wrote about them and I got to go back and read my old writing. Hand over my mouth like i dont know whats going to happen. Part 3??? Genuinely have no recollection of writing a full length fic about them. SO IM SO GLAD YOU BROUGHT IT BACK UO BECAUSE WE CAN HAVE CLOSURE!!!! WOOT WOOT (lowkey just kinda rambling in this. If we want a full, put together fic of summer in italy im so fucking down bro because mattheo is so pissy in this and I need more jealous bestie mattheo)

He was so gentle the first time he took you, his girlfriend, his lover, his. Finally his. Fuck, you were finally his. His hips rocked slowly into yours, pulling you into heaven with a blissful orgasm. But fuck it wasn’t enough. It was never enough with the two of you. Not with all the time Theodore had spent shoving away his feelings. Not with all the time wasted whike you cried over a boy who would “never love you back”

How stupid you both were for wasting precious time.

Throughly fucked out, eyes hazy and limping slightly while Theo guides you back out to the party. He fixes your dress for you, his hands lingering on your exposed skin without shame as he admired how the green lights darkened your new hickies and love bites.

His friends sat on a couch, each with a drink or joint in their hands, yelling and calling over Theo with excitement. They cant help but catcall you as well, noting your disheveled look.

“Got lucky tonight?” Lorenzo asks you tauntingly, nudging an unimpressed Mattheo, who can’t help but glare between you and Theo. His leg bounces anxiously, and Blaise sits further on the edge of the couch.

“Yeah, Theo got a bit carried away,” you hum in response, falling into Theodores lap as he sits down on a soft, green chair.

Mattheo’s gaze pierced through Theodore’s, smoldering with a look you couldn’t quite place. It seemed Theo hadnt noticed yet, with how busy he was sucking a new bruise onto your shoulder.

Draco sits up, a bit drunk, “What did I say? I knew they were fucking— fuckin’… little whores,” he laughed, “Thought you were so slick, but couldn’t keep shit secret.” He laughed.

Your gaze meets Theo’s, and you both know what needs to happen.

“What do you mean? Why wouldn’t I be making my girlfriend feel good?” Theo questioned, faux curiosity and confusion lacing his tone.

Lorenzo chokes on the smoke of his joint, eyes bulging from bis head. “The fuck? You—“ he paused, coughing up a lung, and Draco interjected with his prissy annoyance, “You said there was nothing going on between you two not even a week ago.”

You knit your brows in confusion, forcing down the smile trying to force its way onto your face. “I don’t think either of us ever said that… we’ve made it pretty obvious, y’know, that we’re together?” You debate, but you can’t bother listening to Lorenzo and Draco break out into angered rants as Mattheo stands suddenly from his seat. He shoves through the crowd, disappearing beneath the haze of vapor and smoke.

Theo’s eyes follow him, but his grip never loosens on you.

Thats a whole other problem there.

Blaise, waving off the bickering, nods his head at you. “And are you joining us at the Nott summer home this year?” He asked, and Theo grinned big, “Of course she is. Would miss my girl too much otherwise,” which only instigates another loud argument from both Malfoy and Berkshire.

His girl. Thats what you are now. Thats what you were always meant to be<3

[ao3-rex1223]

𝕿𝖔 𝕭𝖊 𝕬 𝕶𝖊𝖓𝖓𝖊𝖉𝖞: 𝕮𝖍𝖗𝖎𝖘𝖙𝖒𝖆𝖘 𝕾𝖕𝖊𝖈𝖎𝖆𝖑

Pairing: Leon Kennedy x Fem!Reader

Tags: SFW, pure fluff, warm Christmas vibes, family photos, Leon being a good dad, raising a child, child's first Christmas, present opening

Summary: You and Leon have a lovely baby girl and she gets to experience her first Christmas. (This takes place in the same universe as my very first Leon Kennedy fic, To Be A Kennedy)

“Smile!” The chipper photographer directs, hoping that the simple word will be enough to get your one year old daughter to look at the camera and look even slightly happy. Her chubby cheeks bunch up even more as her mouth widens in an adorable grin, not at the direction of the well meaning camera man but at the jingling stuffed bunny with bells around its collar being dangled by the flamboyantly dressed elf. Jingle Bell Rock plays softly in the background and snow falls outside, covering the city in a fluffy, white, but frozen blanket. 

Click!

You relax your face and let out the breath you held. One good picture. You just want one good picture of your family. You, Leon, and Annabelle. Your husband nuzzles the crown of your daughter's head affectionately. “You did so good, pumpkin!” he coos, rocking her slightly in his arms. She's such a daddy's girl, always happy to have him holding her. Of course, she loves you, too; hell, you feed her with your body - at least part of the time since she started baby food. But when she's truly distraught, Leon is always able to soothe her. 

And Leon is wrapped so tightly around her tiny, little finger, you're surprised there's any circulation. It's hardest when he's away on a mission, though he does his best to only take ones that are a few days or less. You have pictures and videos of him so Annabelle can look at him whenever she wants. You even took one of his old T-shirts and fashioned it into a shirt for her teddy bear so it smells like him. You spray his cologne on it every time he leaves for an assignment.  

“Would you like to see?” The photographer asks gently, offering you the camera. You glance at the small digital screen, smiling at the sweet picture, Annabelle’s bright smile lighting up the entire image. You pay for a few nice prints to send to friends and family and continue perusing the mall. Annabelle babbles as she takes in the sights, Leon bouncing her occasionally. You both take note of the things that seem to catch her eye; ideas for her Christmas presents. Mostly, she awes at the big ornaments and lights decorating the walls and ceilings. 

Later that night, you and Leon begin setting up the Christmas tree while Annabelle plays with her toys. Eventually she crawls over by the tree and grabs a part of the string of lights, beaming at their bright colors. She makes an adorable babble and puts one of the lights in her mouth. You and Leon chuckle. “Ah, the unique methods of children for discovering the world and its flavors,” Leon comments. He hooks another ornament on the tree. 

“And textures,” you add with a chuckle. You gently pick her up, kissing her cherubic cheeks. She reaches for the glass balls decorating the tree but you quickly shift away, just out of reach. 

“Ah!” Annabelle cries in protest, reaching even further for the tantalizing orb. “Ball!” She adds, chirping one of the few words she knows so far. 

“Sweetie, that's glass. Not safe for you,” you gently explain, knowing she can't fully understand you. She starts to cry, reaching for the shiny, colorful ball so much, she's practically dangling from your arms. You bounce her gently, attempting to soothe her. Walking to her pile of toys, you pick up a baby safe ball for her to play with. She ignores it, continuing to scream and reach for the thing she can’t have. 

Leon walks over, sitting down next to the two of you. Annabelle crawls into his lap, needing her papa to make her feel better. “It's okay, pumpkin. Daddy's gotcha.” He lightly kisses the crown of her head. “You have so many nice toys here to play with!” He wraps his arms delicately around her, offering her the warm snuggles she wants. He gently rocks her and soon her cries begin to wane. “That's my brave girl!” he praises and nuzzles her forehead, eliciting a soft giggle from her. 

The beautiful scene makes you smile lovingly. Watching Leon be there for her, comfort her, and care for her is one of the greatest gifts you could ever receive. Crawling back down, she grabs her baby blanket and crawls under the Christmas tree, laying on her back and looking up at the faux fir. She giggles as she grasps the metal branches, securely in place, and the plastic green needles. Eventually, she grabs her toes and sways back and forth. 

Your heart swells with love and affection as you and Leon stop decorating and simply watch her absorb the world around her. Once her bedtime rolls around, you scoop her into your arms and feed her one last time, rocking gently in the recliner. When her tiny tummy is full and her eyes begin drooping, you simply hold her as she falls asleep. With a delicate kiss to her forehead, you gently lay her in her crib, tucking her blanket next to her. 

The weeks before Christmas fly by as you and Leon try to finish up everything at the D.S.O. and get all of the presents wrapped. On Christmas morning, you bring a sleepy Annabelle out to the living room where lots of shiny presents lay illuminated under the soft, inviting glow of the lit Christmas tree, just waiting for her to tear them open. 

“She's still booting up,” you joke as you and Leon both watch her rub her eyes and try to process the scene before her, expression blank. After a few minutes, she begins to wiggle and squirm in your arms, reaching for the brightly colored wrapping paper. You chuckle and set her down. She begins tugging and chewing on the smaller presents. 

You hand Leon a present to him from you. “Merry Christmas, my love,” you coo with a soft kiss to his lips. 

Leon smiles, happily returning your kiss. “Thank you, sweetheart.” He swiftly unwraps the box and reveals a beautiful, light brown, leather jacket with wool trim. His eyes widen in recognition, its appearance strikingly similar to the jacket he lost in Spain all those years ago. “This is…”

“I found it a few weeks ago while I was out shopping. I thought you deserved another one.” You wink playfully. Annabelle crawls into your lap and continues nibbling on wrapping paper. 

Leon examines every inch of the jacket, in awe. “Thank you, sweetheart. This is incredible. I love it…and I love you.” He kisses you tenderly and hands you a present from him. It's a gorgeous white gold necklace with a pendant in the shape of a key, accented with small diamonds. Your eyes light up at its beauty. “Oh Leon! It’s perfect!”

“It’s the key to my heart,” Leon explains with a cheeky grin and a wink. His cheesy lines always were a favorite of yours. 

You brush the tears away from your eyes. “Corn dog,” you tease and kiss him lovingly. He chuckles. You turn your attention to the happy child in your lap. “Should we help you open your presents, now, sweetie?”

The rest of your morning is spent helping Annabelle open her Christmas presents; clothes, toys, books, and some winter wear. Sharing your first Christmas as a family brings you joy you never thought you’d experience. From the first day you stumbled into Leon’s arms at the office, your life changed irrevocably, an adventure you never knew you needed, never in your wildest dreams expected, but here with Leon and your precious baby girl, nothing could be better. 

[anticapitalistclown]

clown! can I request jake vin and gun coming home to wife and kids, some domestic

yes! <3

Jake, Vin Jin and Gun coming home to wife and kids, scenarios

Jake

Jake entered home, his hands full of bags, today was errands day.

He placed the bags in the kitchen "I'm back ho-" your youngest son rushed out of the bathroom, all naked and covered with soap, his tiny feet leaving a trail of water and soap along the house "-me".

Jake sighted and ran to catch his son, "gotcha" the youngest whined and fought to escape from his father's hold, in the middle of the struggle he heard your angelical voice "baby don't run away!" your worried voice changed once you saw them both "my husband" suddenly Jake couldn't hide his smile, he was so happy to see you "I'm back home" you smiled at him back "welcome back".

Behind you, you heard some footsteps, your oldest also escaped from his bath time, "y/s/n, don't even dare" Jake scolded him and your son firmly returned to the bathroom, you and Jake followed behind him, you sighted, "so lucky my husband's back" you both smiled at each other giving looks as if you just fell in love, your eldest broke the silence "dad just went shopping, not to war" the youngest nodded at him.

Vin Jin

He was so tired, his footsteps heavy, the only thing he could think all day was to come back home to his wife and daughter.

With a tired grunt, he sat on the entrance, taking out his shoes. Then, he heard two footsteps, "dad is back!" your daughter rushed to him and hugged his back, Vin grabbed her and placed on his arms, his lips kissing her face "my baby". Your hands brushed his hair, you sat behind him and hugged him, "welcome back", Vin smiled, he kissed your hands, he got up with your daughter still in his arms, he kissed your lips, "I'm back".

You smiled at him and kissed him again, your daughter then separating you both "come on, baby, he's my husband!" you whined, your daughter glared at you and hugged his father, "and he's my dad" Vin laughed at the response receiving a glare from you "let me enjoy this, in a few years she would grow up and leave" he said dramatically.

Gun

The warmth of home and the smell of food, along with your voice, warmed his body.

He walked in on you and your daughter cooking together, since she is still little you gave her an easy task, praising at every little step she makes "carefully... yes, good job baby!" the way you smiled at each other made him smile too "oh" you spotted him "look, daddy is back!" your daughter rushed to him, her fingers white because of the flour, leaving white marks of her tiny hands on his black suit.

He picked her up and hugged her, with his free arm he grabbed you for a hug "welcome home daddy" you greeted him, his hold went stronger "I'm back"

[tossdoll]

at the pumpkin patch. it's 'the', because this is where they decided to be part of my life, or well my hair, last year. happy early gotcha day, you two.

[starsfic]

we hear about pigsy's mom alot but what about the rest of his family? pigsy having a fairly big extended family that maybe lived more rurally. despite the distance, they keep in contact through social media and the occasional family gathering. showing support in any way they could. when they found out he adopted an abandoned child they were very supportive offering advice on childcare and a few even sending money to help him support the kid. They welcomed the child as easily, and though he didn't get to see them much Mk did have a good relationship with pigsys family, especially with the other kids. there was one set of relatives, who didn't quite approve but remained quiet since the rest of the family adored MK. that is until said relatives came to visit pigsys shop for the first time in years and saw that MK was still around. "Cus you still have that kid around? come on he's an adult now, any responsibility you have of had is over with just kick him out already" and this was why this cousin and his family weren't welcomed back in all those years. this particular cousin and his wife had a very negative opinion of "adopted kids" regardless of what pigsy and the others felt they saw MK as "a stain mudding the bloodline" or whatever bullshit. pigsy wasn't happy having to listen to the two grip at him about it. but he became really irate when they and their two kids started spreading their hatful viewpoint to mk directly. and on his birthday no less.

Anon: Monkie kid prompt: “Pigsy?”, asked MK “Hm?”, answered Pigsy “How come you never talk about your dad or grandpa?”

AITA for letting family drama ruin my son's birthday?

So, for context, I (44M) and my partner (42M) adopted my son (20sM) when he was about three, soon after my mother passed. I come from a very large family that mainly lives out in the country- I broke tradition by moving to the city, and we mainly keep in contact through email, social media, and calls and the occasional mass family gathering. Additional context, my father took my mother's surname because he was orphaned very young.

My family was delighted when I adopted my son, even though I was in denial about being his dad. There was a massive outpouring of love, advice, and even money since the adoption was a surprise (my son was abandoned and left to wander around). The only issues I had at that point were with my cousin and his wife, who had certain views about adopted children and bloodline purity. They tried to tell me once to just give him up to the foster system, and I told them to shut their mouths. They did because they knew they were outnumbered.

The second issue was when my son came out as FtM trans as a teenager. He didn't know his name when I found him, so I picked my mother's name on the spot. When he came out, he chose a name similar to hers but mainly used a nickname because the name was long. My father and grandfather took issue with this- as far as I knew, they had no issues with trans people until they found out about my son. I think their issues were based on grief, but the stuff they said was nasty and rude, and I cut them off.

Now, this past weekend was my son's birthday and Gotcha Day. My son has been going through a massive health struggle thanks to some massive events that happened one right after the other, leading to an attempt on his life last year. However, he has been getting help thanks to his friends and family, including a recently discovered bio-brother. My son has also gained a partner who decided to propose to him during the celebration (I have thoughts about the partner and how long their relationship has been, but I do know they love each other). Bio Brother owns a few buildings, including a large manor in between my place and my family's, and insisted on throwing a huge party because he loves the shit out of my son.

My cousin and his wife, including their two teenagers, were invited. I hadn't really thought about it since they had behaved ever since I told them to shut up. I assumed they would behave...except they didn't.

At some point during the party, they yanked me and my partner aside to ask why Son was still in our lives. "Cus you still have that kid around? Come on, he's an adult now; any responsibility you have of had is over with. Just kick him out already." was one of the few things said. I was angry, but then I found the teenagers cornering Son, saying the most vile things about him.

This included revealing why I didn't talk to my father or grandfather anymore.

The party was ruined after that.

Everyone has been telling me it wasn't my fault. I had thought that they would behave. I didn't know their teenagers would be so rude and nasty to the birthday boy. My son has been pleading with me not to blame myself, but I can see the shutters going down in his eyes.

Is this my fault?

[that-one-anime-writer]

This is my first work for the G/T Gotcha for Gaza event! I’m so happy to be Participating and I hope the person who requested it likes it! Here is the page if you would still like to donate! @gtgotcha4gaza !!

“I’ve got you.” A G/T M/M Story.

"No way that's how this movie ends! Preston can't you believe this?!" Elias asked his tiny friend, Preston, who was sitting on the nightstand beside his bed. Preston shook his head, to admit, he wasn't really paying that much attention to the movie- since he didn't really understand what was happening in it. But Elias hated it, so he hated it too.

Preston and Elias had been friends for a couple of months now, and both of them usually got along great. Well- when Preston wasn't deathly afraid of Elias that is.

See Preston was a borrower, living in Elias' house for about a year until he got caught by him. He accidentally slipped and fell into one of Elias' bowls and couldn't get himself out. Elias eventually found him, and wanted to make it his duty to become friends with him. But- he found it hard- since Preston wouldn't stop screaming at him.

The day they met, Preston couldn't even look at the larger being, let alone talk to him. He felt enclosed, trapped, controlled, just by being in his presence. But overtime, that got better and better. A couple of months later though, the two have bonded tremendously. Although they still have immense boundaries, Preston is able to look at Elias, say small sentences, and honestly be a friend to him.

Preston wants to do more... be more... but his fear- despite all this time- is still holding him back.

"Ahh what a joke!" Elias said, closing his laptop and trying to erase the memory of the bad movie from his head. "Mmm anyways- it's getting late. I think it's time to hit the hay! What say you my tiny friend?" Elias put his computer over to the side and turned over to Preston, who flinched a little at his movements. Elias hated that Preston was still cautious of him... it made his heart sink every time his little friend was nervous around him.

Elias would give up anything just to hold Preston, to be with him comfortably, to hug and cuddle him. But Elias was slowly accepting that it might never happen- that Preston might be too scared of him no matter what he tries. "Yes. Bed... sounds nice." Preston managed to mumble, darting his eyes away from Elias. Elias gave Preston a warm smile, loving it when he talked to him. Even if it was just a few words.

"Alright well- uh... can I- can I carry you this time? To your hole in the wall?” Elias asked nervously, knowing that the smaller would respond with a no. He had to fry though- even if it meant annoying the smaller- he wanted to be closer to him. No matter what. Preston's breath hitched at the mention of this. It wasn't a shock that Elias was asking, I mean hell he asked him every day- but what was shocking- was the fact that Preston was considering it.

He couldn't believe himself. He started sweating, shaking slightly, and trying to control his breathing. He didn't understand why he was considering letter Elias pick him up- yes he was nice and caring but... he was too big! He could hurt him! But for some reason, part of Preston wanted to ignore the risks. Ignore his fears. Ignore everything just to be held, touched.... Loved.

No. He couldn't. He mustn't. He won't.

Elias could see Preston freaking out- and immediately hated himself for asking so bluntly- already knowing the answer. "Hey man it's ok... forget I asked... you can go back on your own... I won't even follow you." Elias retracted his statement. Slowly shifting his body to back away from the smaller, in a attempt to make him feel less closed in.

Normally- Preston would be running away. He would've grabbed his hook and rope, grappled down, and retired back to his hole in the wall. The hole where he was safe. But not this time. Something inside Preston was preventing his legs from moving. Did he want Elias to hold him? Did he want to... stay with Elias? No. No he couldn't. Right?

"Preston? You okay? You been standing there for a long time and-" Elias started to speak out of caution but then stopped when Preston looked up at him. It was rare for Preston to look Elias in the eye- but he was doing it. Preston could speak though- he couldn't get the thoughts in his head to form into words. He was scared, confused, and everything all in one. He wished he could telepathically communicate with Elias.

But for now- he could only just look at him.

Elias leaned in a little closer, trying to decipher all the emotions on Preston's face. But because he did this, Preston instinctively scooted back out of fear. He also yelped. "Shh- it's okay I'm not going to hurt you... it's okay honey..." Elias spoke in the calmest tone Preston had ever heard. Though fear was still coursing throughout his entire body- he felt some sort of comfort as well...

"What are you thinking about?" Elias pried, trying his best to help with whatever Preston might've needed. He was genuinely confused, but also shocked because this was new behavior for him. Preston looked around room, his eyes and mind searching for something- anything to communicate what he wanted. But he couldn't think of anything.

He had to speak... he had to.

"Stay..." Preston squeaked out, gathering all the might in his body. Elias' eyes grew wide as excitement filled his soul. He couldn't believe that Preston was actually asking to stay! It was like a dream come true for Elias. He had been waiting for this day for a a while- to finally wake up with Preston next to him. Or even... on top of his stomach/chest... If that's what Preston really meant that is. He had to make sure.

"You want to stay... with me? Over night?" Elias asked, tilting his head. Preston nodded his head, immediately wanting to run away after wards. He kept going back and forth in his head with his fearful thoughts and the lovely ones. Elias could barely hold in his happiness when Preston nodded his head- he wanted to scoop Preston up and cuddle him to death. But he couldn't- he was excited but he had to take it slow as to not scare Preston off.

"Ok... ok awesome! Do you want me to make you a little bed? Or did you want to make your own or...." Elias trailed off, waiting for more information from Preston. Elias was praying internally that Preston would open up- that he would be comfortable enough to- well, cuddle with him. He'd always wanted to but never could because Preston was always afraid. But he was hoping today would be different.

Preston knew what his heart wanted- he knew how he wanted to answer Elias' question. "Us... closer..." was all Preston managed to speak before beginning to shake and concentrate on his breathing. The world around him started to go blurry as the objects he stood near seemed to get bigger and bigger. He kept wishing he could retract everything and crawl back into safety- but it was too late. And he knew it.

"Wait... Preston do you want me to... hold you?? Maybe against my stomach or chest?" Elias asked, hoping he wasn't jumping to conclusions too quickly. Preston's heart pounded in his chest, the word "yes" lingering on the tip of his tongue. He nodded slowly, his trembling intensifying as he saw the warmth and excitement light up Elias' eyes.

Elias' smile softened, his movements gentle and measured as he reached out a hand. "Okay, just relax. I promise I'll be careful," he whispered, his voice soothing.

Preston took a deep breath, forcing his feet to move closer to Elias' hand. When he was within reach, Elias carefully cupped his tiny friend in his palm. Preston's entire body was tense, but he resisted the urge to bolt. "It's ok, I've got you. I've always got you." Elias spoke in a soothing tone as he curled his fingers as a protection method.

Elias moved slowly, bringing Preston to his stomach and holding him close. His hand covering the smaller, giving a sense a safety and security. The warmth and steady rhythm of Elias' heartbeat and soft gurgling sounds beneath him was surprisingly calming. Preston's fear began to ebb away, replaced by a sense of security. "How's that?" Elias asked softly, looking down at Preston.

Preston managed a small smile, his fear now a distant memory. "Good... it's good... and soft...." he whispered, allowing himself to relax fully against Elias. He couldn't believe what he was doing- but he knew he was safe. He just felt it inside of him.

Elias beamed, his heart swelling with joy. "I'm glad," he said, his voice barely a whisper. "You can stay here as long as you like. I'll keep you safe." Preston nodded, feeling a wave of contentment wash over him. For the first time since they met, he felt truly at ease in Elias' presence. As he closed his eyes, the steady beat of Elias' heart lulling him to sleep, he knew this was where he belonged.

Elias watched as Preston drifted off, his tiny friend finally finding peace. He held him close, vowing to protect and cherish this bond they had created. "I love you, Preston." Elias spoke softly- thinking that Preston was already fast asleep. But Preston slightly moved and smiled softly- "I love you too." He said, before snoring moments later.

[willalove75]

Alcina's New Maid Pt. 26 Lady Dimitrescu x Reader

Summary: he party has officially begun! Filled with laughter, love, fun and a little angst! Also Alexi may or may not have been inspired by David from Schitts Creek

Warnings: 18+ minors DNI.

Tags: Some fluff, a little angst and things start to heat up at the end!

Notes: Part 26! WOAH! TWO CHAPTERS IN ONE DAY?! Hell yeah! I did a poll here since I pretty much wrote these last two chapters together as one and broke them up and the winning vote on the poll was to post them together so here we are! Also I forgot to say in my last chapter - Happy New Year everyone!!

Click here for the rest of the series

Gif source

Alcina leads you into the ballroom and you are taken back by its beauty. This room is normally stunning as it is, but with all of the decorations it’s even moreso. The music rings throughout the room and all of the guests are mingling and dancing. Bela, Cassandra and Daniela are dancing off to the side along with Angie while the rest of the Lords, and Mother Miranda, are all seated at one of the tables. Villagers approach the table and bow, giving thanks to their Holy Mother and showing their respect to the Lords. From what you can see, Miranda seems uninterested in the villagers approaching her as her eyes continue to scan the crowd. A shiver runs down your spine and you turn your attention away from her and follow Alcina further into the room. Servants weave in and out of the crowd with trays of appetizers and more champagne.

One server walks up to you with a tray of some of your favorite appetizers and you happily take a couple, exchanging the food with your now empty champagne glass. Almost immediately another server approaches with more champagne and both you and Alcina take a glass.

“To a marvelous night, and to you, draga mea.” She says.

���And to you for putting together such a beautiful party. Thank you, Alci. Everything is so beautiful.”

“Anything for you, iubirea mea.”

The two of you clink your glasses and take a sip of the champagne. A few girls you knew from school sheepishly approach you and wish you a happy birthday. Alcina proudly rests her hand around your waist as you introduce them and engage in some small talk.

As your conversation winds down, so does the music and you hear Zina’s voice over the intercom.

“Will everyone please take their seats? Your main course is going to be served momentarily.”

Everyone shuffles to their seats and Alcina directs you to a long table parallel to the dancefloor. In the center is a large chair for Alcina and two chairs on either side for you and the girls.

Taking the seat to her right, Cassandra sits next to you and Bela takes the chair to Alcina’s left with Daniela next to her. It was a little surprising to see the girls walk to their seats and not swarm. Now that you think of it, you haven’t seen them swarm at all since the party started. Leaning over to Cassandra, you whisper to her.

“Is there a reason you guys aren’t swarming?”

“Mother doesn’t like us to do that in public, especially during formal events. She says it's ‘unbecoming.’ Plus, I don’t think she wants the whole village to know we can. It’s one of those things that most people can’t confirm or deny, if that makes sense. And it keeps us safer if they don’t know.”

“Oh, gotcha. That makes sense.”

Out of the corner of your eye you see one of the doors open and you see Alexi and the stablehand sneak in. You catch his gaze and raise an eyebrow at him and the stablehand. He shoots you a wink and blows you a kiss and you roll your eyes at him. Alcina grumbles beside you and you look over to see her looking at Alexi too. Giving her a little nudge with your elbow, you give her a knowing look and she playfully rolls her eyes at you before a hush falls over the room. 

Alcina stands from her chair and the girls clink their silverware against their glasses to signal a toast.

“Ladies, gentlemen, and honored guests, we gather together this evening to celebrate a truly special occasion. We gather here tonight to celebrate a remarkable person whose presence has enriched our lives the moment she stepped foot into Castle Dimitrescu.” Alcina turns towards you. “Y/N, your kindness, warmth, and unwavering presence have touched each of us in House Dimitrescu in such profound ways. Tonight, we raise our glasses to you. May this year bring you endless joy, happiness and love. Because of you, this castle feels more like a home than it has in many, many years. I hope this year and every year following you know how truly cherished you are. Te iubesc cu tot ce am și cu tot ce sunt, draga mea. Happy birthday.”

(I love you with everything I have and with everything I am, my darling).

The guests applaud Alcina’s toast as they clink their glasses together and Alcina clinks hers against yours.

“Te iubesc, draga mea.” She whispers before sipping from her drink.

“I love you too, Alci.” You respond before sipping yours.

Alcina reclaims her seat and looks over at Zina, who is waiting for the cue to begin serving dinner, and gives her a nod.

The doors open and dozens of servers come out in near perfect lines and disperse throughout the room. Plates with cloches are placed in front of you and each server goes down the line, perfectly rehearsed, removing the cloches revealing one of the most beautiful meals you’ve ever seen.

Everyone begins to eat and you actually freeze in place when you look around to see Cassandra and Daniela eating like civilized people. At nearly every meal they make a mess, use their hands (or other objects, like daggers) and end up covered in blood and food. Bela is the only one that consistently eats like a “normal” person. But both Cassandra and Daniela are using forks and knives and taking bites from their silverware instead of shoveling the food in their mouths. Of course their steaks are raw and bloody, but the lack of mess is distracting you from your own meal.

Cassandra struggles to cut into a piece and begins to growl in frustration. Alcina hears her and clears her throat, staring at Cassandra out of the corner of her eye. Cassandra looks over at her mother before letting out a huff and relaxing her shoulders. Alcina is poised as always, with perfect posture, she eats her meal as if she’s been trained to do this her entire life. Which honestly, she probably was. Even though it’s been decades since such an event was held, the training that she went through throughout her entire childhood for these formal events will forever be ingrained in her.

The meal was absolutely delicious, which was not a surprise to you given how talented the chefs are, and you were so full that you were worried the seam on your dress might pop.

Light chatter fills the room as the guests finish their meals and the room grows louder when the music picks back up, inviting the guests back to the dancefloor.

“Come on! Let's dance!” Daniela says as she grabs your hand.

“Ugh, Dani, I’m so full!” You whine.

“Less complaining! More dancing!”

Daniela pulls you away from the table and you pout at Alcina, who just smiles and winks at you, having zero intentions on helping out get out of Daniela’s grasp. Bela, Cassandra, and Angie follow you to the dancefloor and you all dance to the upbeat music. The drinks flow as you dance and the moment your glass is empty, a new, full glass appears in your hand. You’ve lost count of how many drinks you’ve had but from the nice buzz you have going you can tell you’ve had a few. A few friends and acquaintances from the village bounce around the dancefloor and you manage to laugh and dance with most of the people you had on your guest list. At one point the kids find you on the dancefloor and you get to dance with them as well. As soon as you see your uncle staring daggers at you and the kids you send them back off to their parents, doing your best to avoid any more conflicts with your aunt and uncle for the night. Alexi finds you soon after and twirls you around a few times before you have to cling to him to get him to stop before you get too dizzy and fall over.

The music slows and some people leave the dance floor while others pair off into couples. Alexi extends his hand and bows and you laugh while taking his hand, accepting his dance. Bela and Cassandra dance together and Dani dances with Angie.

Alexi leads the dance and the two of you sway to the music. It feels so good to be back with your best friend. Guilt eats at you knowing that you neglected him for the last few months, but the way he smiles down at you eases you.

“So, how was helping the stablehand?” You ask.

A light blush dusts his cheeks and he clears his throat.

“It was, uh, fine. Tons of horses, but nothing we couldn’t handle.”

“Oh, so you’re suddenly a ‘we’?”

“No! That’s not what I - I didn’t mean -” He stutters.

“I’m just joking!” You say with a laugh. “Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone about your new crush.” You tease.

“I do not -”

“Don’t even give me that. The moment you laid eyes on him everyone else around you disappeared. I’m not surprised though, he’s very cute and absolutely your type.”

Alexi rolls his eyes and they land on the stablehand once more. He bites his lip as his eyes roam over him.

“He is really cute, isn’t he?”

“Very.”

The stablehand catches Alexi staring at him and smiles back but Alexi panics and his gaze shoots back to you and you laugh at his flustered state.

“Don’t laugh! Plus, don’t think I forgot that you owe me a ton of answers.” He says as he spins you.

“I haven’t forgotten, don’t worry.” You say as you spin back into his arms.

As your twirl ends the hair draped over your shoulder falls to your back, exposing the scar on your neck to Alexi. His gaze wanders down to it and he stops, his eyes growing wide.

“What the - oh my god what the hell happened?” He asks with concern in his voice.

Alexi goes to brush his fingers over your scar and you quickly cover it up again with your hair.

“It’s nothing.”

“That is not nothing. What the hell happened? Who did that to you?” Looking around the room, you try to come up with an answer but Alexi knows you better. “Oh my god,” he says, dropping his voice. “She did that to you, didn’t she?”

“Alexi, it’s not - it’s not what you think.” You say as you start dancing again to keep from gaining unwanted attention from the guests.

“What did she do to you? Are you actually safe here?”

“It wasn’t her fault, please, I need you to trust me, to believe me. It wasn’t her fault.”

“How? How can it not possibly be her fault if she’s the one who did that to you?”

“I can’t explain it right now, but please, I need you to believe me. I’ll tell you everything I can later, I promise. But I am safe here. I am safe with her.” Your voice drops to a whisper. “I love her.”

“Please tell me this isn’t some Stockholm syndrome shit. Because right now, that's what it looks and sounds like.”

“I know it looks and sounds bad. I get it, I do. But that’s not it. I love her so much. Like real, actual love. Not some ‘she kidnapped me and I’ve fallen in love with my captor’ fairytale shit. I’m safe with her, it’s other people that are the problem.”

“Like who?”

“I can’t tell you right now, I want to but I really, really can’t. I promise when things wind down you and I will find someplace quiet and talk.”

“Are you sure you’re okay here?”

“I am, I promise.”

“Okay. But I still want answers.”

“And you’ll get them, I promise.”

The song comes to an end and a second slow song begins. Alcina walks up behind Alexi and taps him on the shoulder. He turns around and Alcina extends her hand to you.

“May I interrupt and have this dance?”

“Of course.” Alexi says with a nervous bow as he places your hand in hers.

Alcina nods her head at him and Alexi shoots you a concerned look before disappearing into the crowd.

“Is everything alright?” Alcina asks after catching a glimpse of the look he shot you.

“Yeah, it’s fine. He saw my scar and freaked out a little, but I promised I’d talk to him later.”

Alcina’s look softens and her gaze travels down to your neck where your hair covers your scar. You can see the guilt in her eyes and you take her hand, placing a kiss across her gloved knuckles. Her eyes meet yours once more and you give her a reassuring smile. She smiles back at you and tucks a stray hair behind your ear.

“May I have this dance, M’lady?”

“You may, draga mea.”

The height difference between you and Alcina makes dancing incredibly difficult and awkward so Alcina leans down to whisper in your ear.

“May I lift you, draga?”

“You may.”

Wrapping an arm around your waist, Alcina lifts you to her height and you have to fight the instinctive urge to wrap your legs around her. She holds you comfortably against her and takes your other hand in hers as she leads the dance. Even though your legs are dangling in the air, it doesn’t feel nearly as ridiculous as you thought it might and you’re still able to sway your body along with hers.

With her forehead pressed against your temple, Alcina whispers in your ear “you look so beautiful tonight, draga. Every time I look at you I feel the need to pinch myself so I know that you are real and not just a figment of my imagination. I know I have said this thousands of times, but I will continue to say it until my very last breath. I am so blessed to have you in my life. As much as you are mine, I am yours. My heart, my soul, everything I am, belongs to you, my love. I love you endlessly. Tu ești luna mea, stelele mele, întregul meu cer de noapte. Însemni mai mult pentru mine decât lumea. Te iubesc.”

(You are my moon, my stars, my entire night sky. You mean more to me than the world. I love you.).

Your heart flutters in your chest and you press yourself into Alcina more, nuzzling into her neck.

“Thank you for putting together such a beautiful night, Alci. I know I didn’t really want a party, but I’ve had so much fun tonight. Thank you so much for doing all of this. You look so beautiful. When I first did my entrance, the first person I saw was Miranda and I was so scared, but I felt you looking at me and the second my eyes met yours, everything and everyone else disappeared. It was just you, and I felt so happy, so safe knowing you were there waiting for me. You’re my protector, my love, my whole heart. If I’m your moon, stars and night sky then you are my sun, my clouds, my beautiful blue sky. I love you Alcina, with all that I have.”

“My darling girl.” Alcina whispers.

Pulling back, you look into her eyes and see the glassiness in them and you’re sure she sees the glassiness in your eyes too. A smile graces her features and you mirror the action. As you look around you see Alexi dancing with the stablehand. Nodding your head, Alcina looks in the direction and sees the two men. She huffs out a laugh and you look at her giving her a “see? Nothing to worry about” look. In response, she rolls her eyes at you and you both laugh as you nuzzle your noses together. As the music ends Alcina presses a kiss to your knuckles and lowers you to the ground.

Dessert is served shortly after and thankfully, the entire crowd doesn’t sing “Happy Birthday.” You’re pretty sure you would pass out if they all did.

The party starts to wind down a bit, some guests leave soon after dessert, your aunt, uncle, and cousins included. As the crowd thins you take the opportunity to grab a bottle of wine and find Alexi.

You’re able to catch him on his way back from the bathroom and you take him by the hand and lead him out of the ballroom, down one of the halls. Finding an outcove that once held a statue, you and Alexi settle yourselves on the ground facing each other as you pass the wine bottle back and forth.

“Holy shit this is good wine.” Alexi says as he takes a swig from the bottle.

“It is world renowned!” You say with a giggle. “She does run a legitimate business, you know.” You reply, taking the bottle back and drinking from it.

“Part of me is actually surprised by that. I always assumed it was a cover.”

“Cover for what?”

“Oh, come on, you know. You knew the rumors that surrounded this place before you got here.”

“Yeah, you’re right.” You say, taking a sip and passing it back.

“So your uncle really just sold you?”

“Pretty much.” You say as you recall the day you first met Alcina. It’s so crazy to you how terrified you were then and where you are now. It almost feels like you’re recalling a memory from someone else. In a way, you are. So much has changed since that day, you’ve changed so much since that day.

“God, he’s such an asshole.” Alexi says as you finish the story.

“Yeah. And he was just as pleasant today.”

“Seriously?”

“Yeah, he basically called me a whore and said it’s a good thing my parents were dead because being with Alcina would have killed them.” You say, playing with the hem of your dress.

“Are you fucking kidding me? He seriously said that to you?”

“Yup.”

“I could kill that asshole.”

“I think Alcina may be in line before you on that one.” You say with a half-hearted chuckle.

“Speaking of, you owe me a ton of answers.”

“I know I do. What do you want to know?”

“Literally everything?”

“I can’t tell you everything.”

“And why the hell not?”

“Because I can’t, there’s some things that are kept secret because it keeps them safe. And honestly, I don’t even know everything. But I’ll tell you as much as I can.”

Alexi rolls his eyes as he takes the bottle from you and drinks.

“Fine.”

You could tell he wasn’t super happy with the fact that you weren’t going to tell him everything so you decided to play a game. For every question you would answer, he would drink. For every question you didn’t answer, you drink. The idea of turning it into a game definitely piqued his interest and he happily agreed. He was also hoping that you would end up drinking enough to spill a few juicy secrets.

The game started out innocently enough, Alexi asked you about how you and Alcina got together, what working at the castle was like. He asks you about your first kiss with Alcina and you tell him how she teased you for a few weeks before finally kissing you. The next question he asked was what your first time in bed together was like and a blush dusts your cheeks.

“Well, it was actually the same night as the kiss.” You say, looking away from him.

“Wait.” He says, pausing as he brings the bottle to his lips. “You kissed her for the first time and let her fuck you for the first time in the same night?”

“Yeah. In my defense she was being a huge tease for weeks! She could have kissed me long before that but she’s like that sometimes.”

“Slut.” He gasps before taking a sip and passing it back to you.

“Shut up.”

“You love me.”

“That I do.” You reply with a laugh.

The wine starts to hit Alexi faster since you’re answering more of his questions than he anticipated and he leans forward.

“So, are the rumors true?”

“Which ones?”

“That she hires virgins and then kills them and drinks their blood. Because virgin blood is better - or something like that.”

You think for a second before responding with a half-honest response. “Not true.”

“Okay, and what’s the real answer?”

“Ugh. Fine. It’s not entirely true. Happy?”

“Then what does she do?”

“She told me ‘virgin blood’ isn’t a real thing.”

“But she kills maids and drinks their blood?”

“Um -”

“OH MY GOD.” He shouts.

“Shut up!” You say as you smack his arm.

-

In the ballroom, Alcina is saying goodbye to some of the guests when Karl comes up to her.

“Enjoy the party, Gigantor?”

She rolls her eyes at him and crosses her arms.

“I did enjoy myself this evening. I would ask you the same, but solely based on how much of my alcohol you drank, I very well know the answer.”

Karl laughs and the noise grates on Alcina’s nerves.

“I gotta admit, you do know how to throw one hell of a party, even if the formal shit was stuffy.”

“What do you need, Heisenberg?”

“I wanted to wish the birthday girl a happy birthday before I left but I can’t seem to find her anywhere. I thought maybe you already locked her up in your room for the night. With that gown she’s wearing, I’m surprised the two of you made it this far into the night. Unless you two snuck off earlier and -”

“Enough.” Alcina hisses. “I do not know where she is. But she should be seeing her guests out, so I suppose I should go find her.”

“Not like it’ll take you long. You can sniff her out like a bloodhound.”

“Goodnight, Heisenberg.” She says through her teeth before turning away to look for you.

Alcina exits the ballroom and listens for you. Within a few seconds she’s able to hear your voice and a male’s voice. She follows the sound and silently makes her way through the halls of the castle. When your voice gets closer, she recognizes the other voice as Alexi’s. As she nearly reaches the outcove, Alcina hears Alexi ask you if the rumors are real and she freezes. She hears you say “not true” and lets out a breath of relief. The relief she feels doesn’t last long when she hears Alexi call you out on not being entirely truthful and decides to hide in the shadows nearby to listen to the rest of the conversation.

“This is one of those questions that I don’t know the entire answer to, at least I haven’t witnessed it myself.” You say.

Alcina notices the slight uptick in your heartbeat, which means you’re only telling a half-truth, but she lets you continue and keeps her presence hidden.

“But she does drink blood?”

“Yes.”

“Is she a vampire?”

“No.”

“Then why the fuck does she drink blood?”

“I don’t know if I can answer that.” You say, finally taking a sip from the bottle.

“Okay. Have you seen her kill anyone?”

“Uh-”

“Oh my god, you have. Haven’t you?”

“Once.”

“Y/n! She’s a murderer!”

“It’s not what you think!”

“I think she enjoys killing people because she’s a psychopath.”

Alcina clenches her jaw as her anger rises.

“She’s not! And the only time I saw it was because the girl she killed literally almost killed me.”

“Hold the phone, what the fuck?”

“There was this maid, she had worked here for a few years and was Alcina’s handmaiden but Alcina replaced her with me when I got here. She was pissed, like really, really pissed and tried to hurt me a few times. Alcina punished her, gave her warnings, but she didn’t stop. She hurt me a few times and then the final straw was when she pushed me down the stairs. I got really, really hurt. I broke my arm, cracked my head open, it was bad. Alcina saw me at the bottom of the stairs right after it happened and the girl kicked me in the stomach. The maid went to kick me again and well, Alcina stopped her.”

“By killing her?”

“She wasn’t going to stop attacking me. She made it clear that she wanted me dead.” You say with a pleading in your voice for Alexi to understand the gravity of the situation.

“Why kill her? Why not just fire her?”

“I don’t know, probably because she would be dangerous to Alcina and her daughters if she was fired. She knew too much, she was too much of a liability I guess.”

“How many times did she hurt you before?”

“Twice. The first time she cut me with a knife and the second, she tripped me in the dining hall and I hit my head on one of the benches.” You move your hair away to reveal the barely-noticeable scar the accident left. “And she stood over me with a knife and was definitely going to stab me if Alcina didn’t stop her.”

“Holy shit. She really wanted you dead that bad?”

“Yes. She was an actual psychopath. Alcina isn’t.”

“Okay, you haven’t convinced me that she isn’t a bloodthirsty killer, but I guess I get it.” Alexi says as he drinks from the bottle again. “So why is she so gigantic?”

Alcina clenches her jaw at Alexi’s question but stays hidden.

“That ties into why she drinks blood, actually.”

“Come on, can you give me anything?”

You finish taking a sip and take a moment to think.

“Okay, what I can tell you is that she became a Lord because Mother Miranda used her powers from the Black God and gave her and the other Lords a -” You pause to think of the right way to explain it. “Let's call it a gift.”

“And that gift made her nine feet tall and drink blood?”

“Basically.”

“Why aren’t the other Lords that big? Do they drink blood too?”

“They each got different gifts, more or less. And no, at least I don’t think so. The gift affected each one differently. Alcina drinks blood because before she was given it, she was really sick with some kind of blood disease and the gift combined with that created this need for blood and for some reason made her really tall. Why that happened I have no idea.”

“What happens if she doesn’t drink it?”

“I honestly don’t know.”

“Can she control her bloodlust? Or does she lose control?”

Without realizing it, your fingers go to the scar on your neck.

“She can control it.”

Alcina knows you're lying and she closes her eyes, drawing in a deep breath, she tries to ground herself from the shame bubbling up inside her.

“Holy shit.” Alexi says. “You’re lying. She can’t control herself, can she? Is that what happened? She lost control and did that to you?” He says, gesturing to the scar on your neck. His anger and fear starts to show in his voice and you try to calm him.

“No, that’s not - that’s not what happened. It wasn’t her fault!”

“How can you even say that? She did that to you, didn’t she?”

Staring into your lap, you take a breath before answering.

“Yes. She did.”

Alcina clenches and unclenches her fists at her sides. She can feel her shame bubbling into anger and she tries her best to keep herself grounded.

“Then what? It was an accident? She promised that she’d never do it again? You know what that sounds like, don’t you?”

“I know how it sounds!” You yell, startling Alexi. “I know. This is one of those things where I don’t know if I can tell you the whole story.”

“You better tell me everything you can or I’m dragging you out of this castle.”

Alcina growls low in her throat and is about to make herself known until she hears you begin to speak again.

“It’s hard to explain without putting them in danger. But Alexi, it wasn’t her fault. She didn’t lose control on her own. She was pushed past her breaking point. Never for a moment did she ever want to hurt me.” You say as your eyes begin to fill with tears. “Alcina loves me. I know you have a hard time believing it, but she does. I’ve seen a side of her that I don’t know if she’s ever shown anyone else. Yes, she’s this tall, imposing, intimidating, scary woman to some people. But I don’t see that when I look at her. When I look at her, I see the woman who cradled me every time I was hurt. The flirt who teased me for weeks before taking me to bed. The one who knows me better than I know myself some days. Yes, she’s hurt me. More than just physically. But she’s beaten herself up so many times and has gone above and beyond to make it up to me. When I look at her, I see the woman who lets me see the most vulnerable parts of herself. After I got this scar, she took care of me. She sobbed over me for hours. Alexi, she hated herself for what she did. She still hasn’t forgiven herself.”

“Have you forgiven her?”

“Yes.”

“Why did she get pushed past her breaking point? You make it sound like someone else did it.”

“Because someone else did.”

“Who? Was it the person that’s a problem you wouldn’t tell me about earlier?”

“Yes.”

“You need to tell me who.”

You look down at your lap. This is one of those questions you’re not sure if you’re putting Alexi, yourself, or anyone else in danger by answering truthfully. But you also know that your best friend will never trust you again if you don’t tell him. Taking a deep inhale, you exhale the answer in a quiet breath.

“Mother Miranda.”

Alcina clenches her jaw. She was not happy that you told Alexi that Mother Miranda was the cause of the events that day. It’s her gut-instinct to protect Mother Miranda’s image, to praise her and pledge loyalty to her, always. This gut instinct was something that never quite sat right with Alcina deep down, but until you came along she was able to shove those feelings aside so effortlessly she forgot they once existed. Now, it stares her in the face every day. Even though she’s not able to completely admit it to herself, each interaction with the Holy Mother is worse and worse. For now, she lets your conversation continue as the war inside of her rages on.

The silence that followed was not something you were expecting from Alexi, so you raise your eyes to see him staring at you wide-eyed and in shock.

“Are you serious?”

“Yes.”

“What did she do?”

“I can’t tell you. But please, trust me. Do not underestimate her. She is powerful, insanely powerful and I don’t know if anything could really ever stop her. But Alexi, you can’t tell anyone that she is dangerous. If she finds out that you are going against her she will have you killed or worse. I can’t lose you. So please, just keep doing what you’ve been doing. Go to the weekly mass, say the prayers, don’t make yourself a target, please.”

“I won’t. I promise.” He says as he takes a sip from the bottle and hands it back to you.

“Thank you.”

“So you really love her?”

Alcina’s ears perk up, the internal battle being set aside once again for now.

“Yes. I love her so much.”

“You think you’ll marry her?”

“I honestly don’t know. I have no idea how that would work, or if we would even be able to. But even if we didn’t, I would be happy spending the rest of my life with her in any way I could.”

Laying her hand over her heart, Alcina smiles at your response. She wants nothing more than to spend the rest of your mortal life with you. It fills her with such warmth and happiness knowing that you feel the same way.

“Will you ever get the gift?”

“Oh god no.”

“Why not?”

“Well, Mother Miranda is the one who gives them and first, she doesn’t like me nearly enough for me to become a Lord or something. Secondly, it doesn’t always work.”

“What do you mean?”

“Sometimes people are given the ‘gift’ and bad things happen. They die, or worse.”

“What’s worse?”

“Something worse than death.”

“The only thing that’s worse than death would be becoming a lycan and -” Alexi stops and his jaw drops. “Oh my god. Is that what’s been happening to the villagers that become lycans? She does that to them?”

“I can’t tell you.” You say, but the look you give him lets him know the truth. He goes to speak and you cut him off. “Alexi none of this can ever be repeated. Okay?”

“Alright, I promise, I won’t tell anyone.” He says, taking a sip of the bottle.

At this point, the two of you are just passing the bottle back and forth. The game you started out playing has long been abandoned.

“I can’t believe you really love her.” Alexi says.

“I know, I never expected it, but I do. I really, really do.”

Alexi goes to speak but is interrupted by the bells ringing, signaling the new hour. Alcina takes this as the perfect opportunity to make her presence known. The sound of her heels on the marble floors reaches the two of you and you both freeze. When she stands in front of the alcove, you and Alexi stare up at her like a pair of kids who were caught doing something they shouldn’t. Your cheeks burn with the slight embarrassment of being caught and Alexi looks terrified.

“Well, well. What do we have here?” She asks as she eyes the two of you.

“H-hey.” You say with a sheepish smile. “Nothing, we were just catching up.”

“Mhm. Catching up with a bottle of my wine?” Alcina asks as she grabs the bottle and inspects the label. Noticing it’s one of her better wines, she rolls her eyes and shakes her head at you. “As if Heisenberg hasn’t gone through enough of my good wine and liquor tonight. Where did you even get this from?”

“I’ll tell you but you promise you won’t get mad?”

Rolling her eyes at you, she reluctantly agrees. “Yes, I will not get mad.”

“I took it from a servant who was about to start passing out wine.”

“What a bad girl you are, draga.” Alcina says with a hint of teasing in her tone. Your heartbeat picks up when she calls you ‘bad girl’ and she smirks when she hears it. “Some of your guests are leaving and are requesting your presence.”

“Oh okay.” You say, shooting Alexi an apologetic look.

As you go to stand you stumble. The moment you stand up the wine decides to hit you all at once. Alcina moves to grab you and keep you steady with a firm grasp around your waist. Holding onto her arm for dear life, you can’t help but giggle.

“I think I might be a little too drunk to say goodbye right now.” You say as your giggling fit continues.

“Yes, it does seem that way.” Alcina says with a smile.

Alexi goes to stand and you offer him your hand. He’s a little wobbly when he stands, but still more stable than you are. Alcina gives him a look to leave and once he’s steady on his feet, he clears his throat.

“I should probably head back down to the party.”

“Okay.” You say with a smile.

Alexi gives you a hug before he leaves but Alcina’s hand stays firm at your side.

“So,” You begin to say, turning towards Alcina. “How much of that conversation did you hear?”

“Enough.”

“Are you mad at me?”

“No, draga. I am not.”

“Well that’s go-”

Alcina lifts you in her arms and pins you against the wall. Before you know it, her lips crash into yours and she kisses you fiercely. Your head spins, and not from the wine, and you moan into her mouth.

Once you need to breathe, Alcina pulls away but stays close enough so her nose nuzzles against yours.

“You look so incredibly beautiful tonight, draga. I’ve been waiting to do this since the moment I laid eyes on you.”

Before you can even respond, her lips are on yours again and her tongue is parting your lips, dancing with yours. One of her hands rests on the back of your head and you wrap your arms around her neck.

Her lips leave yours again and Alcina keeps you close.

“I love you so much, iubirea mea. I will never let any harm come to you ever again.” She begins to kiss down your jaw. “I will never let anyone hurt you. No one will ever harm you again.”

“I’m guessing you heard -”

“Yes.” She breaths, her hot breath ghosting across your flush skin. “You are mine.” Alcina’s kisses travel down your neck. “Mine. Mine and no one else’s. No one will ever lay a hand on you again.”

Arching your neck to give her more access, the dizziness from the wine evaporates into love and lust for the woman pressed against you.

“I’m yours, Alcina. Only yours. Forever.”

A growl rips through Alcina’s throat and she holds you tighter, even more possessively. Her purring grows louder and you can tell that your words are stirring up a lot of feelings in both Alcina and her dragon.

“Mine.” She growls.

“Yours.”

Pulling back from your skin, Alcina’s eyes are a bright golden yellow. They capture your attention, unable to look away from the molten gold in her irises. Alcina begins to pull you away from the wall and you notice she takes off in the opposite direction of the ballroom.

“But the guests -”

“To hell with them.” She growls low. “I am taking you to bed. Right this instant before I rip that beautiful dress off of your body in this hallway.” Your cheeks redden more, and not from the alcohol. “Unless you would prefer for me to take you right here.”

“N-no.” You stutter, caught off guard by her statement. “The bedroom sounds lovely.”

Alcina raises an eyebrow at you and smirks. Her golden eyes are swirling with love, lust, and a pure desire, a nearly animalistic need to be close to you in every way possible. The look in her eye stirs up a heat in your belly and you cling to her tighter, eager with anticipation as the two of you reach her chamber doors.

[maddogofshimano]

The Value of Lies: Majima Boss Rush

Mild spoilers for Y0

A new Majima event! They added a few new cards alongside it

I had a moment of “huh, why’s Shimano from 1985 and not 1988? that’s too late for the YK2 flashback--oh NO............ during Majima’s torture in the Hole????” 

anyways, Shimano is not in the event. sorry to the Shimano stans

Summary: 6 months into Majima’s stint as manager of the Grand, he’s still chasing after as much profit as he can and has scouted a new batch of hostesses. One of them seems lackluster, but there’s more to her than meets the eye...

[Half a year after Majima Goro had began working as the manager of the Cabaret Grand.] [The Grand's revenue had been steadily rising, but was still nowhere near the desired amount-- For the sake of further profits, Majima was aggressively scouting other clubs to refine his own business...]

<door opens, Majima walks in> Majima: ...Sawabe. How'd the new girls do today? (tl note: The name is 沢辺 which is pretty much just Sawabe or Sawanabe)

Grand Employee Sawabe: ...They seem to be doing reasonably well, the customers who like inexperienced girls have been asking for them. Majima: I see. Any gals seem like a standout?

Sawabe: I don't know about a standout, all of them have something special... except for one. Majima: ...Except one? What's goin' on with that?

Sawabe: ...There was one who just didn't seem very motivated. Her name is Arisa. Sawabe: But it's my job to make girls like that useful, so I've been trying to provide lessons. Majima: That's true. I appreciate the help. With how the number of customers keep goin' up, I'll take all the help I can get. Majima: Unfortunately I still gotta be out of the club, so you're my only hope for trainin' the girls here. Sawabe: Please leave it to me. Sawabe: I know that people are the same as water, if left alone they'll settle in low places.

Sawabe: I'll manage the new girls diligently, and make sure they're trained well. Majima: Please see that you do. Majima: ...And just to be sure, ya ain't gonna fall for some of the girls you're teaching and get handsy, right? Sawabe: ...Absolutely not. I could never allow my family to be on the street because I broke one of the club's rules.

[two weeks later...]

<the door opens, Majima enters> Majima: ...I'm back. How'd thing's go, and how were today's sales... huh? (tl note: TWO WEEKS DUDE???)

Sawabe: Ah, welcome back, manager. (tl note: oh okay Majima didn't walk in on hanky panky. my bad. sorry for doubting you Sawabe) New Girl Arisa: ...Well, I'm going back to the floor. Majima: ...Was that Arisa you were just talking to? Sawabe: Yes sir. She just lost her parents. But she still comes to work and does her training because she didn't want to miss any days... Sawabe: So I hear her out when she has difficult feelings that she can't express to the customers. Majima: .........I see. Sawabe: At first I thought she just wasn't motivated at all... I even scolded her a few times before realizing this was the case--she just couldn't get into the right headspace with all that sadness. Majima: ...And ya believe that? Sawabe: Huh? O-Of course. There was nothing to indicate she was lying. Majima: Gotcha. Majima: Seein' as she's havin' such a hard time, I ought to talk with her. <out on the floor> Majima: ...Arisa-chan. Ya got a minute?

Arisa: Yes? Can I help you with something? Majima: If you're makin' a play at Sawabe, it'd be best if ya stopped. Arisa: Huh? What are you talking about? I'm not making a play... Majima: ...Heh, I'm just sayin'. Majima: If ya have any troubles I'm also someone ya can come talk to. Arisa: Umm... Th-Thank you. If you'll excuse me. <she leaves> Majima: ............

[another 2 weeks later]

Sawabe: I'm sorry, Arisa. We can only meet up after everyone has already left. (tl note: I RETRACT MY PREVIOUS APOLOGY. SAWABE YOUR FAMILY!!!!!!!!)

Arisa: No, don't apologize. I'm the one asking unreasonable things... I know we can't let anyone find out about this. Arisa: Besides, I would be happy being anywhere with you, Sawabe-san. Sawabe: Arisa... Arisa: ...Still... The manager isn't going to be back today, right? Sawabe: Yep, he said he was heading straight home. Arisa: So then... it's really just the two of us. Sawabe: Yeah, just us two. .....But, is it alright if I do a bit of work first? Sawabe: It's the last day of the month, so I need to get our sales money so it can be transferred to the bank tomorrow. (tl note: Sawabe if you flake to go fuck a hostess and Majima gets the shit beaten out of him I'm going to throttle you on his behalf) Arisa: Okay, I can wait 🎵 Sawabe: I'm sorry. I'll get it done quick. <she leaves> Sawabe: Now then just gotta get the money out of the safe... <he opens it> Sawabe: ...Hmm? Oh, Arisa must have needed to use the restroom. Now then... huh!!?? <a bunch of goons rush in> Arisa: Sawabe-san. Thanks so much for opening the safe 🎵  ....Now I'll be taking allll the money in it.

Sawabe: Wh-... What the hell's going on? <a goon punches him> Sawabe: Guh... <he drops> Brawny Thug: That dumbass was a good mark for this... Have a nice nap. Arisa: Soooo cool 🎵 Thug's Pal: Hehe... Now we just stuff all this cash into the bag.

???: ...I went to all the trouble of warning you. Arisa: !? Majima: I already told ya, "If you're makin' a play at Sawabe, it'd be best if ya stopped".

Arisa: Wh-Why's the manager... Majima: I noticed ya gettin' awful cozy with Sawabe a little while ago. Majima: So I started doin' a little diggin' and figured out your plan. Had to be gettin' some thugs to rob the safe with ya--your parents aren't dead, your little brother doesn't exist, all ya've been doin' since ya got here is lying and cheatin' people outta money. Arisa: .......... Majima: And on top of trickin' Sawabe, here ya are tryin' to clean us out, which is a much bigger issue. Thug: Well... Even if all of that is true, how do you expect to get yourself out of this situation now? Thug: I don't see any cops around... Don't tell me you plan on handling this all by yourself? Majima: ...Of course I plan to. Thug: The hell? Are you mocking me! <goons rush in> Thug: That's just fine!! If you can do it, go ahead!!!!

<EVENT HAPPENS>

Brawny Thug: N-... No way...

<he collapses> Arisa: ...! <Majima walks over> Majima: ...We're done here.

<he kneels down> Majima: Hey, can you stand? Sawabe: Ugh... S-Sorry... <they're both back to standing> Majima: Don't worry. I'll let ya off easy this time, since I knew what was happenin'. Think ya'll get tricked again? Sawabe: Th-Thank you so much...! Nothing like this will ever happen again...! Sawabe: But... I really didn't think Arisa would do something like this... Arisa: I'm sorry Sawabe-san, Majima-san... That thug was threatening me... that's why I... Sawabe: Eh...!? Majima: ...Are ya that stupid. Now I know ya ain't the kinda guy for this. On the other hand, you were the one that was trickin' that man, ain't ya? Sawabe: Eh... Wh-What do you mean? Arisa: ...Haa, I messed up. That guy said he was a former pro boxer, but he was way too weak.

Sawabe: A-Arisa... you... Arisa: I guess I can't fool you. Are you going to hand me over to the police? Majima: Heh, that's surprisingly upstandin' of ya. Majima: However, I ain't handin' ya over to the cops. Arisa: ...Huh? Majima: There's no profit to be made in that. Majima: I'd rather have ya work at the Grand again. Arisa: Work at the Grand...? Majima: Exactly. Of course, if ya run off or play hooky then I'll throw ya to the cops without mercy.

Majima: And you'll have to make yourself a diligent hostess and work hard--I'll forget about this whole thing if ya become a girl that earns more than ya were gonna steal from this safe. Arisa: ....... Majima: ...What d'ya say? Arisa: I will... return to working at the Grand. Majima: Heh, that settles it. Arisa: Sawabe-san... I'm sorry for deceiving you. I'll do my best from here on out. Sawabe: H-Hold on a minute, boss! I-Is that really okay? Even after all this... Majima: Mhm. Sawabe: I know I was the one who got scammed, so it might not mean much from me, but still... Arisa-chan has the worst sales out of the whole club.

Sawabe: And then she tried to rob us, so, is it really okay to hire that girl...? Majima: It's true that her sales were bad, but that's cause she was half-assin' it. Majima: You experienced first hand just how good she is at this, didn't you? Sawabe: ........... Majima: To keep up a deception like that, ya need all sorts of skills. Majima: You're much warier than most, but she still got her fingers on your purse strings-- Majima: Seein' that you're a very doubting person, she used a lie about her parents' death to get ya sympathetic-- Majima: Two weeks or so of keepin' up that lie, playin' the part of the girl ya'd want, all with the goal of slowly foolin' ya-- Majima: Even with the risk of "If I lose my job my family will be out on the street" ya still caved. Majima: Gettin' someone ya just met's guard down, gettin' them to open their wallet, lying to find out more about them-- Majima: And of course, keepin' up the lie so the person you're talkin' with doesn't catch on... Majima: To me, those are the ideal skills for a hostess. Majima: If she approached our guests with the same diligence that she went after you, I have no doubt that Arisa would be our number one. Majima: In order to make 100 million yen in sales, even though there's a risk, I'm not going to let a profitable woman like her go. Sawabe: ...You may be right, boss. Majima: Whew... Well, I'll see ya tomorrow, but... try not to get scammed again, okay? Sawabe: ...Y-Yes sir.

[Afterwards, when Arisa resumed working at the Grand, things went exactly as Majima predicted. With her ability to see through her customers and her skillful lies, she had one man after another captivated by her. Seeking to become the Grand's number one hostess, she has risen to the very top.]

<EVENT END>

Bonus stuff:

unrelated to this event they released a White Day Kiryu where he awkwardly gives you a return gift. I’m not even making fun of him that’s literally what the title of his card is

Ichiban got one too where he bashfully gives you a senbei

and then not a White Day card but still a guy giving a gift, we got a new KSR 1995 Nishiki

something I didn’t notice until looking through Nishiki’s cards is that they give a date on Nishiki’s new hairdo

ONE YEAR??? NISHIKI YOU ONLY HELD OUT A YEAR??????? it was Christmas in 1995 too so depending on when in 1996 this is it could be even less time. it does make it a kind of cartoonishly awful year for him to have experienced though, if you condense all of the flashbacks into that span. that’s rough buddy

enjoy him looking so sad and dejected (he failed to beat up Haruka)

[sunnyyflowerrs]

things i’ve written!!

thought i’d add a little guide to stuff i’ve written for all the itafushi enjoyers out here <33 under cut!!

Ongoing:

fire extinguishers work just fine (49k, 19/20 chaps):

this is my current long fic, it’s a firefighter!yuuji and detective!megumi fic where they meet each other by chance and then work on an arson case together. slow burn, fluff, and mystery, gets a little more serious toward the end. (i post updates about this one too and it has some amazing art from my wonderful friends!! x x x NEW!! ) 

Completed:

is it gay if our pinkies are intertwined? (12.4k, 3/3. chaps):

this is just a very unserious, goofy, fluffy fic where megumi and yuuji get hit by a curse where they HAVE to hold hands and be touching each other. it’s sweet and silly, writing it with my love @kentuckyfriedmegumi

with some beautiful art !!

One-shots:

my preferred medium ;)

Fluff:

easy igor, you impetuous young boy (3.8k, G) - fluffy halloween fic where megumi is avoiding yuuji but yuuji can’t figure out why. there is a lot of pining somehow, even though it’s established relationship, and it’s about as tooth rotting as u can get.

copy cat (7.8k, T for kissing) - honestly, this one is just megumi beefing with a cat for like nearly 8k. megumi is jealous of a cat, yuuji is stubborn, they both are idiots and they fall in love. college roomates au

five times the first years thought their sensei had a girlfriend + one time they figured it out (5.2k, G) - this is set in the future where itafushi are teachers at jujutsu high, and the first years think itadori-sensei has a girlfriend named megumi. they are wrong on a lot of things. fluff, humor, and overall shiggles.

fushiguro megumi is not homophobic (1.1k, G) - short and sweet, gojo being chaotic, megumi being lovesick, and yuuji being a little dumb but it’s ok bc they get together.

a mustache and glasses should do it, right? (3.5k) - goofy lil fic where yuuji tries to ask out the cute librarian library worker, and fail successfully. EXTREMELY silly and awkward, cute little pick me up fic <3

Bittersweet:

added this section in bc these aren’t really angst but not fluff either? more serious character studies but they are funny at times

makes the heart grow fonder (3.8k, G) - implied itafushi, but basically adult megumi accidentally time travels to before shibuya and talks to gojo. first ff i ever wrote and definitely one of my favorites!!

think fast (you only get one try) (3.3k, G) - slightly angsty megumi airport fic i wrote after 263 (lowk prophesied some things?!?) about gaining back his will to live. a little outdated since manga readers know what happened, but to this day one of my favorite fics ive written! light angst, character study, and ofc a happy ending. has a little ficlet second part, end credits

Angst:

i hope it’s not for sure, can you open up the door? (2.4k, T) - written for the JJK Gotcha for Gaza event, megumi is traumatized from the final battle and copes badly, but itadori isn’t letting him self destruct anytime soon. happy ending, ofc.

ok, that’s enough of me yapping abt my fics. if you ending up checking them out, i’m always here to yap abt itafushi in the comments or in my ask box!! these two have rotted my brain fully. hope you guys enjoy <3

[densi-mber]

A/N: Merry Christmas! I hope everyone has a fantastic day.

***

Santa Clause is Coming to Town

For the first time in a couple years, Kensi and Deeks were hosting everyone for Christmas again. Nell and Eric had flown in for the month and would be arriving soon, Sam and Callen had found time in their schedules, and even Admiral Kilbride had deigned to accept their invitation. The dining area, living room, and front room were completely filled, broken to little groups either chatting or eating.

Kensi and Deeks made their way around, greeting everyone and making sure there was enough food.

Fatima, Rountree, and Rosa sat on the couch, entertaining Sophia and Caleb. Or maybe it was the other way around, Deeks decided as he watched Fatima flip Caleb and break into laughter at his squeals of delight.

“Hey guys, thanks for coming,” Deeks said, giving them each a hug.

“Thanks for having us.” Fatima reached before her, pulling out a small gift box. “That’s for tomorrow when you don’t feel like cooking.”

“Thank you.” Accepting the gift, Kensi turned to Rountree. “Is Summer ok? I thought you said she was coming.”

“She’s ok,” Rountree assured them. “Not happy, but fine. She’s on call and got asked to sub in for another who’s sick.”

“Yeah, I remember those days,” Deeks said with a grimace. “Well, there’s lots of food in the kitchen, water and pop in the white cooler, and adult beverages in the blue one.” Deeks lowered his voice to a whisper. “There’s also mixed drinks in the top cabinet over the refrigerator, but don’t let Arkady see.”

“Gotcha.”

“Yeah, last year was not good,” Rosa said, shaking her head.

“What happened?” Rountree wondered with a hint of trepidation in his eyes.

“We had to retrieve Arkady from the neighbors after he had a little too much Christmas cheer and decided to regale them with stories of his past.”

“Fortunately it was an older couple who found him very entertaining,” Kensi explained.

“Well, at least he seems occupied for now,” Fatima pointed out, nodding to where Arkady held court with Colonel Hanna and Roberta. Whatever tall tale he was telling had both of them cracking up.

“For now.”

The doorbell rang and Deeks heard Nell’s voice a moment later.

“Eric and Nell are here!” Rosa said excitedly, rushing up to go greet them. Deeks title his head to see the top of a boingy elf hat that could only belong to Nell and Eric’s signature holiday top hat.

“Well, I guess we’ve been replaced as the welcoming committee,” Deeks joked.

“Up.” Caleb started to climb Deeks’ leg, and he picked him up, propping him up on his hip, then Sophia when she immediately reached for him too.

“Are you hungry?” Kensi asked.

“Cookie?” Sophia said hopefully.

“Mm, maybe after some cheese and crackers.”

“Alright, we’re going to get these guys some dinner. Or at the very least, some snacks. You want anything?” Deeks gestured to Fatima and Rountree.

“Eh, I already ate like ten Christmas cookies,” Rountree revealed with a grimace.

“I told you to pace yourself,” Fatima reminded him.

“I know.” He sighed. “But they’re so good.”

“Ok, we’ll back in a little bit,” Deeks said, hefting the twins higher. “Sheesh, you guys are killing my back.”

After Caleb and Sophia ate a well-rounded dinner of cucumbers, crackers, and cookies, they ended up chatting with Anna, Eric, and Nell.

“It’s great being back at work,” Kensi was explaining to Nell and Anna. “But I also really miss these guys.” She nodded to Sophia and Caleb, currently building a tower with Sam.

“That has to be so hard,” Nell said. “I’m so happy for you two though. Well, five.”

“Thanks. Every day is crazy, but it’s an amazing kind of crazy.”

“Ooh, speaking of crazy, remind me to get your gifts before we leave,” Eric said.

“That’s a concerning segue,” Deeks observed, pursing his lips. “Do k wanna know?”

“Probably not,” Eric told him happily.

“I would be very scared,” Anna told Deeks in an undertone. “And what is my husband doing?”

A few feet away, Callen had interrupted the block building by presenting Sam with a large white box.

“Come on, Sam,” he cajoled.

“I’m not putting that on,” Sam insisted, leaning away from Callen as he tried to make him take the box. He picked Caleb up, using him as a sort of human shield.

“There are children present. We need a Santa.” Callen pointed to the twins as evidence, pulling out a white beard and hat.

“Yeah, well it’s not going to be me. I bet it wouldn’t the suit wouldn’t even fit me.”

“It stretches.”

“Grisha Callen, leave him alone,” Anna interceded.

“Ooh, you just got full first-named,” Deeks teased.

“Martin Atticus, tell Sam he needs to participate,” Callen said. “It wouldn’t be Christmas without Santa.”

“Tanta?” Sophia asked, looking around excitedly.

“See?” Callen gestured to her as evidence. “You wouldn’t want to disappoint your little niece.”

“You’re shameless.” Sam said, shaking his head. “Ask Deeks.”

“Sorry, the twins would see through that in a second.”

“Enough with bickering. Good lord, it’s like I’m back in the office,” Kilbride grumbled, getting off of his chair with a grimace. “I’ll do it.”

“You’re going to be Santa?” Deeks repeated, fighting back a grin.

“It wouldn’t be the first time,” Kilbride responded with as much dignity as he could.

“I did not see that coming,” Kensi murmured.

“Ooh, and Eric and I can be elves,” Nell added excitedly. “We brought our costumes just in case.”

“I’ll get them out of the car,” Eric said, hurrying off. Kilbride didn’t look too pleased by this update and grumbled something about needing another drink as he grabbed the box from Callen.

“I’ll be right back,” Kensi told Deeks.

“Where are you going?”

“To get my phone. This moment needs to be recorded for posterity.”

Merry Christmas to us,” he sang, sitting down beside Caleb and Sophia. “Hey, don’t worry if Santa seems a little extra grumpy this year. He’s a big old softy deep down.”