#he's like 'excuse you i was enjoying my view of the ocean ty'

[mulders-too-large-shirt]

s2 episode 19 thoughts

did you ever want to see mulder and scully die of old age? well, you're in luck! this episode was made for you <3

i'm giggling. who came up with this concept?

when i was reading the plot description, i kept thinking of all those memes a few years back about the beach that makes you old. it was referencing the plot of the m. night shyamalan movie with this very concept, aptly titled "old"... good to know he isn't the first one to come up with such a topic. also we moved on from that meme too fast because it was hilarious.

okay. let's go.

pause. we open on a boat at sea. i haaaate boats. we seriously need to stop getting on boats because it seems that only bad things follow.

some people are leaving this boat. and a guy threatens to stop them. but he doesn't. and they climb into a lifeboat and sail off.

those who sailed off in the sailboat have been found by another boat. they were sailing the seas and playing blackjack. blackjack is great, boats less so. these new guys are tying to rope in those from the lifeboat for help, but they're not being super responsive. this is because they have become very old men.

(i was trying to think about how i would respond to finding a rescue boat full of old men on the open ocean, and i think i would assume it was a cruise wreck. recently read an article about the secret world of cruises. fascinating stuff)

((anyway, when we're looking at these newly old men, you can tell that it is in fact the same young actors under a bunch of makeup, and it's an eerie thing to view. baby old men))

at this point, i asked the question on everyone's mind: are we going to speedrun the whole msr thing by throwing them on this boat? like, skipping to growing old together? it's almost romantic, in a way

anyway, back to the present day. after the newly old men have been rescued. mulder calls scully to a hospital, and thanks her for coming without explanation.

she has freckles and he has to bend down to whisper to her, two things i enjoy greatly.

he wants her to go in and talk to the one survivor of the whole thing, and they wouldn't let him in, so her medical background is a good excuse, and he got her clearance. he tells her to figure out what is going on then come back to his office, and instead of listening to her try and ask questions, he grabs her shoulders and says thank you. and leaves.

she is baffled. for a man like him, a shoulder grab probably explains everything.

(this has prompted contemplation on that man and his relationship to physical touch. i just know he'd cry if given a nice long hug)

so she goes in the room and picks up the chart, and despite the fact that a very old man is sitting on the table there, she sees his chart says he's supposed to be like 25. so she asks why there hasn't been a full investigation and the physician comes in and says "i wasn't aware that my diagnostic decisions required your approval"

OOP. an awkward situation! she must have chased mulder off. and while it may be a bit weird to have another doctor burst into your patient's room, is this not a valid question to ask???

the physician demands scully show her clearance, which she does, and she is told it is invalid, and to get out now before she is removed. which is sus as hell!!!! what are they hiding...

back to mulder's office. she walks in and tosses her coat on his chair. ah, casual intimacy of cohabitation. i love you dearly.

and this man is deeply touchy today... he must have known he was setting her up to get yelled at in the hospital and this is his way of saying sorry. that's my best guess, anyway.

he's got a map pinned on the wall and he's pointing out all the ships that have gone through the area and disappeared, and as i began to make my average declaration- that this was "nerd behavior"- my phone began to predict the text for me. well! it is consistent at least.

"do you know anything about the philadelphia project?" he asks scully. and she explains it to him, but i had to google to see if it was a real thing. and actually, i had heard of it before, because the u.s.s. eldridge makes a very brief cameo in season 1 of loki!! but it seems to be mostly a thing that didn't happen. i'll have to look into at a later date.

mulder proposes that those involved with the teleportation philadelphia project must still be at it, and they are using this area to explore wormholes on earth.

(scully exhales quietly) "wormholes." <- god-tier reaction

he decides to head out to norway and investigate, and she wants to come!! woohoo 8:30 flight to norway!!

they're in the norwegian bar. looking cute. asking for help re:area where boats are going mia. but no one wants to help!

until a very conveniently placed american over hears them! and he has a ship that can take them out there! ahh, storytelling conventions <3

he says he'll take them out there, but he is the only one who will do so, because all the others think that there is an evil god in the sea. and evil god or not, i am not sure i trust this man who offers to give them a ride.

NOOOO poor mulder is getting seasick :( he seems to have lost his quick tongue in the war against the ocean:

"you're lucky you inherited your father's legs", he says to scully. "what," she deadpans, smiling. "his SEA legs", he clarifies, and she laughs while he is in misery.

(and this was sosososo cute <3)

they have been on the boat for 12 hours...... i would have simply perished!!!

they then CRASH into another ship and he is suffering even MORE immensely

so they climb onto this ship they ran into, and it looks old and rusty, like 20 or 30 years hanging out in the ocean rusty, but it was launched in 1991. soooo things are not adding up!!!!

they go in and investigate the giant old ship, and they encounter some bodies that have been, like, crystalized? super old and dead and crystalized. shoutout to the props team for that fr.

and scully looks both terrified and deeply intrigued. the medical curiosity has set in.

NOOOO! someone took their ship that they arrived there on!!! they are stuck on the boat full of very old dead crystal people!

there's a little montage here of scully and mulder trying to fix stuff and it was really really cute. yeah get your tools and go fix something man. get under there. it doesn't work out, but it wasn't for lack of trying.

the american guy who took them out is getting pissed they aren't telling him the Truth so he tries to explain the wormhole theory. and he isn't buying it and getting More pissed. this could have been easily avoided by Not Getting on the Boat.

NOOOO the other crew member that joined them had his skull cracked!!! are there any old people doing some skull smashing on this boat?!?

AUGH the boat is such a perfect setting for horror. the persistent Wetness. the quiet except for light dripping noises. the maze-like construction of the big old ship. confined spaces. it is simply not for meeeeee

oh okay. guy in the freezer sipping jack. he says time got lost. sure. it seems we have found our Skull Smasher.

the american guy whose ship was stolen is getting even MORE pissed and honestly i feel like he has the right to be. his friend is dead his ship is gone he is stranded on a boat of crystalized old people. truly L after L is being delivered. and as he goes to bury his friend at sea, even singing a little song for him, a dude comes and tries to crack HIS skull with a pipe??!? (so maybe old man sipping jack DIDN'T do the killing? i honestly don't remember sorry)

mulder stops pipe man from beating the americn ship captain... wow... so heroic <3 and american guy is like, oh i know this dude... he's a PIRATE WHALER... he sells whales on the BLACK MARKET.... i wish him to suffer immensely. remember when a fungus grew out of people a few episodes ago? yeah he deserves that. get eaten by bugs. you stay away from the whales you sick freak. but he is kinda hot and that is NOT be excusing him i just have eyes and can see. hot pirate whalers still get the cruelest of punishments in my book.

NOOOO the old man sipping jack has died. and is turning into salt. real sodom and gomorrah ass situation.

mulder declares that it is time to get rest, in an environment in which rest is impossible. and honestly, he is brave as hell for persisting and taking the first watch despite having dealt with seasickness, let alone being trapped on a boat full of old salty dead people and having just apprehended a pirate whaler. give him a raise, for he has suffered.

he takes his shift, and goes to wake scully up for the next one. and she mumbles about having just fallen asleep, to which he offers her a few more minutes

AUGHHH my heart. my heart my heart. this man is Suffering but he still offers to stand guard for a few more minutes. so she can sleep. oh i would have married him on the spot i'm sorry.

she insists that she is up and everything is adorable and sweet until.

WHAT!!! they are old!!!!

the image of these two in their Old Person makeup was making me laugh so hard, so i once again asked "who came up with this episode", but here's the tea: the pirate whaler guy isn't getting old!!! and, as scully points out, their hair isn't falling out or turning grey... strange.

she proposes that they are... drifting towards something... electrical... magnets... i'm sorry queen u lost me. too much science jargon. i'm sure it's a good theory i just have no understanding what it is you're saying.

oh. and blood is dripping from the ceiling. while the evil whale killer serves looks in the corner. fuck you, freak.

they go off to investigate the dripping blood (actually rust!) and they leave american ship captain to guard the pirate whaler. and oh man, he is gonna let him go, isn't he...

our agents are climbing into the sewage hold. bad place to me, imo. and ohhhh they think it is related to the water! non-sewage water = makes you old. cutscene to american ship captain, who has shot pirate men, lapping from the toilet like a dog.

mulder and ship captain man are fightinggggg... old man violence

scully demands everyone do a blood test, which had me asking: how did she test their blood on a ship? does she just keep that sort of equipment around? anyway, it shows waaaaay too much salt.

and NOOOO mulder is doing worse than the others because he has been dehydrated from seasickness :(

(again, i made note of the fact that they looked crazy and this was such a ridiculous plot for an episode)

he presents her with his urine for testing. that is true friendship.

the american ship guy says that mulder isn't gonna make it, and they should look out for themselves. okay good try you dumb bitch but they WILL die for each other.

cutscene to mulder lying in his cot, dying of old age. typical king activities. the water isn't working on him for some reason!!!

(who did this old person makeup... the girls are scared)

american ship guy is in the sewage area gulping all the water. "go ahead and shoot me if you think i'll let mulder have another drop" <-okay but she Will kill you. like you get that right.

(he escapes death by locking himself into the container)

this sends scully into a frantic search for any sort of liquid, and she's holding up a snow globe, and i have the realization, oh man, she's gonna drink the snow globe water, and they are gonna have to go to the hospital even more than before

"it's sardine juice, half a dozen lemons, and the water from a snow globe" <- new worst meal just dropped

(get her as a bartender NOW. i want to see what other fucked up concoctions she can create if given the resources)

he says that she should drink it, and tells her to stop being stubborn, she's more likely to live. and he WILL resign himself to death for her. which is A Lot. they are arguing about who gets to drink it and it's really sweet and sad and they look scary.

noOoOOOo there is a big THUNK and the jar falls on the ground and CRACKS. and now water is coming in!!! and the guy that locked himself in the sewage hold is gonna drown!!!

this is not promising for anyone else. at this point i was asking if they were gonna just lay down and die together, and if so, would it involve having a talk about their Feelings before death?

scully promises mulder that she learned there is nothing to fear after death when she began to drift off in her coma. oh my heart. talking about her Worst experience in the entire world so her friend can die in peace. knowing that it will be okay. ohhhh man, i need to unpack this at a later date.

so she closes his eyes and he drifts out of consciousness, and she's writing down detailed notes as she goes, but finally the pen slips from her hand and... they're gone

UNTIL!!! HELP ARRIVES LATER!!! and they bring them into the hospital to desalinate them. and they are able to be saved because scully kept impeccable records the whole time!

OH. and who is tending to them but the physician who kicked scully out of the other guy's room at the beginning of the episode!!!!

so the ship sank. and that was that. the end.

and where does that leave us?

well, honestly, i'm torn. because there were some very sweet moments in this episode- poor seasick mulder, fighting over who gets the potion, him letting her sleep a little longer, her sharing what happens after you die to give him a sense of calm- but it was also taking place while they were in scary old person makeup, so it had its ups and downs.

[arcanawise]

🤨 Sit down across from my muse (Hi wife uwu

@kismetwright || Nonverbal Roleplay Starters || accepting!

    Far from difficult to notice, the CHALLENGE it is to blend with the crowds of this realm; on the precipice of metamorphosis—the very restructuring of civilization—the stars smile down, both from their refuge in the CLEAR skies and those still drifting so AIMLESSLY trying to find their way back. Such wanderers have fallen, shattered, and gathered their pieces beneath a dark cloak still threaded with the HOME calling them back; Aaravos has retained a shadow over his face beneath his large hood, but a tug at his sternum—like burning rope reeling him in—brings him to the denser POPULATION of this peninsula.

    Attika—no, Athens? Rolling murmurs on lips he chooses to watch, signs in a language he’s searched across the CONSTELLATIONS he can still reach to DECIPHER, he’s, in his characteristic quiet, ascertained information only relevant to establish a FOOTHOLD, but even then—curious and cautious eyes do not go UNNOTICED in their pricks across his skin, from all directions. A tall, looming, yet GRACEFUL figure, adorned in robes he seems to have stolen from the night sky herself…

    It is, perhaps, RELIEVING that there are enough thieves and those of a CRIMINAL nature to rob some percentage of the attention away.

    For a SHORT while.

    Certainly the odds would teeter in an unfavorable direction once tested for too long. It is now that this young woman, carrying herself strong, RESOLUTE—if not peculiar in her own rights: he senses something DIFFERENT in a mere glance… some outcast?—steps before him, filling a vision once LOCKED on the mesmerizing push and pull of the seas beyond. Aaravos reels his head back, chin rising to better meet the eyes across him, and all the while sheds sunlight across star-kissed cheeks.

    “Seems I am not alone,” he muses, effortlessly maneuvering a melodic tone into her BUZZING head. “And I mean that in several ways.” He blinks slowly, and a pacifying smile takes form on his lips. “Have you something on your MIND?”

[captainrogers-ass]

Save Me - Chapter 8

Pairing: Steve Rogers x Reader, multiple MCU characters

Word Count: 3825

Summary: Y/N has finally landed her dream job as a lifeguard on Midgard Beach, but how well will she fit in with the team and how will she cope after grabbing the attention of the blue-eyed Captain?

***Masterlist***

A/N: I can’t believe we’re nearly at the end. I reckon I’ll post the last 2 chapters by next week at the latest. I’ve already got a few new fic ideas but for some reason all of them seem to revolve around Y/N and Steve meeting in the workplace. HMU if you want me to write anything, like if you have any cute one shot or series ideas cause I’ve been itching to write something new. Hope you all enjoy the chapter and feedback is always appreciated xxx

You watched on in silence as Wanda and Natasha stormed their way through your home, clearly having no objections when you had told them to make themselves comfortable. Their countless bags were quickly strewn hazardously around your room as they rummaged through each one in their attempts to begin the process of getting ready for the party.

Natasha’s music played loudly in the background as the three of you all stood in the bathroom, each at different stages of getting ready. You had finally managed to tame your hair, the salt water from the ocean causing delicate curls to form as your hair fell. It looked nice, you thought to yourself.

“Oh my god,” Wanda exclaimed, causing you to whip your head up to where she stood by the sink, mascara raised to her eye.

“Is this your makeup?” She continued, turning back to look at you with a shocked expression.

Embarrassment painted your face. You had forgotten to throw the old products out before the two women had arrived.

“It’s like 100 years old,” Natasha added. “I’m pretty sure this brand has been discontinued for several years.”

“You’re not planning on using this for tonight, right?” Wanda questioned as you rushed up to her, gathering the several items to throw them in the bin.

“No, I wasn’t planning on wearing makeup tonight,” you replied nonchalantly, being met with shocked looks from your friends.

“What?” You asked, dropping the last makeup item into the bin. “I don’t really like makeup, plus I have no idea how to apply it correctly.”

You went over to your closet to retrieve your outfit before Natasha jerked you backwards causing a yelp to erupt from your mouth in surprise. She dragged you back into the bathroom before forcing you to sit down on the toilet, instantly turning to rummage through her makeup bag as Wanda did the same.

Realising what was happening you were quick to voice your protests.

“No, guys, really. I don’t want to wear makeup. I think it looks bad on me-”

“It looks bad on you because you’ve never learnt how to properly apply it,” Wanda interjected, jerking your chin upwards so she had a better view of your face.

Your mouth opened once more in defiance before Natasha cut you off.

“We promise we won’t do anything over the top; just a natural look.”

“And if you don’t like it then you can take it off before we leave,” Wanda added not letting you say another word as they began to paint your face.

Several minutes passed as you tried to remain as still as possible in fear of messing up Wanda and Natasha’s hard work, their faces void of emotion as they concentrated intently on your face. The several products that had been applied to your face so far had already started to irritate your skin. You fought off the urge to itch your nose.

You sat patiently on the toilet for quite some time as Natasha and Wanda communicated to each other about what they were doing, rummaging through their makeup bags several times to retrieve different items. Their collections were vastly superior to yours, mostly due to all of their products actually being within the use-by date. You stared in wonder at the different products they were using, finding yourself unfamiliar of the purpose of several of the items.

Natasha and Wanda pulled back from your face, admiring their work before giving each other a nod of approval. They were finally done and dragged you over to the mirror to look at yourself.

You didn’t know what you had been expecting but it certainly wasn’t what met you in the mirror. The makeup was subtle, simply used to enhance your features and brighten your face.

“What do you think?” Wanda asked, looking at you expectingly.

Your smile was all they needed.

***

The walk over to the bar took approximately 15 minutes, slowed down considerably by the tight high-heeled boots that Natasha had forced you into. You had wholly protested, knowing they would make the night only more uncomfortable, saying that you could wear your black converses instead. Instead of retaliating Wanda had instead picked up the shoes you were planning on wearing and ran off to hide them somewhere amongst your home. Not having time to look for them, you begrudgingly slid the shoes on, cursing your feet for being the same size as Nat’s.

You clutched onto the arms of the two women who were flanking either side of you, holding onto them for support as your feet wobbled unsteadily beneath you. The green dress felt comfortable as it hugged your figure, the cropped leather jacket you had also bought making a welcomed addition to the outfit considering the night was growing colder by the minute.

On your right Natasha wore a skin-tight black dress, the thin straps looping around and tying beautifully at the back. Her fiery hair was curled elegantly around her face, matching with the bold red lipstick that adorned her lips.

Wanda, clutching your left arm, was wearing a flowy maroon dress that cinched at her waist, the fabric billowing dramatically behind her as the wind picked up the light material. Her long hair was straightened and fell gracefully down her back, brushed away from her face to reveal the large golden earrings that hung from her ears.

You smiled at either girl beside you as you neared the bar, eager to spend a fun night out with your friends.

The space was completely packed when you arrived, unknown faces filling the large space and trickling out onto the patio. The three of you hung your jackets by the door, the heat coming from the numerous bodies instantly making your internal temperature rise.

Tony was the first face you recognised as he came to greet you by the door, a beautiful red-headed woman on his arm.

“You finally made it!” He called, slightly intoxicated from the drink in his hand.

You all greeted him, kissing his cheek and handing him his gifts. He was eager to introduce the woman beside him, notifying you that she was his wife, Pepper. She greeted you kindly, shaking your hand in hers as she smiled politely.

“It’s so nice to finally meet you,” you addressed the woman. “I swear Tony never shuts up about you in the tower.”

She giggled at your comment looking over at her husband with love in her gaze.

“Why wouldn’t I want to talk about her? Have you seen how amazing she is?!” Pepper tried to get Tony to talk quieter, his voice having risen in volume due to his enthusiasm.

Pepper said her farewells as more guests arrived, dragging her husband with her as they went to greet them.

You, Natasha and Wanda made your way over to the bar, surprised to see that Pietro was rushing around frantically trying to serve as many people as possible. Several guests were placing orders at once causing the bar staff to look quite dishevelled as they tried to keep up with the high demand for alcohol.

The three of you waited patiently as the group of customers slowly disappeared, Pietro finally catching sight of his sister as the crowd dispersed.

“What can I get you three lovely ladies?” He asked, already lining up three glasses on the counter.

“Surprise us,” Natasha responded with a wink.

Pietro quickly went to work constructing three identical cocktails, the ingredients remaining a mystery to you as his hands became a blur, pouring all different kinds of liquids into the glasses. It was sweet and hid the taste of the alcohol well.

The night went by quickly as you were introduced to several people. Thor had introduced you to his brother Loki who had immediately complemented your dress before taking your hand in his and lightly brushing his lips against your knuckles. You had giggled as he had done so, your face instantly turning red. Clint had introduced you to his wife, her skin practically glowing due to her enormous stomach. They were expecting their third child any day now, you soon came to find out. Tony had introduced you to the owner of the bar, T’Challa, and his stunning girlfriend Nakia.

You had talked briefly with Bruce before him and Natasha went off by themselves, followed by Bucky and Sam as they eyed up a group of girls talking in the corner. Steve had remained elusive for the entire night, you only catching his eye once as he chatted with a pretty blonde woman who was practically hanging off his arm.

You had averted your gaze immediately feeling as if you were intruding even if you were standing several feet away. Your heart fell heavily in your chest as you walked away, repressing the feeling as you ignored the blue-eyed stare that followed you.

Later on in the night you found yourself standing in a small group next to Wanda, her attention being caught up with her boyfriend who was standing beside her, the two of them enthralled in their own conversation. This left you to talk with Loki and Erik, T’Challa’s cousin, as the three of you talked about your jobs.

They were nice, you thought as you tried to ignore the pain erupting from your feet, the heels being the culprit of the pain. You wanted nothing more than to find a seat, having been standing for the entire night so far.

“Excuse me gentlemen but would you mind if I steal Y/N away for a second?” A familiar voice asked from behind you.

***

Steve had known it had been a trap when Bucky and Sam had pushed him into striking up a conversation with Sharon who was slightly intoxicated at this point in the night. Before he knew it his two friends had disappeared, leaving him alone with the beautiful woman.

He had seen you come in from his place by the bar, not hearing what Sharon was saying as he took you in. His eyes grew wide as his eyebrows shot upwards, his breath leaving his body as he took in your form. You were absolutely stunning, his heart beating so fast at this point that he thought you’d be able to hear it. He had never seen you outside of your work uniform and was slightly taken aback at just how good you looked. The dress you wore hugged your figure in all the right places as your hair fell to frame your face beautifully. He had wanted to go over to greet you but was conflicted, not wanting to be rude to Sharon. Before he knew it he had lost sight of you as you were swallowed by the crowd.

His eyes found yours a few hours later, Sharon having remained rooted by his side for the whole evening. She was currently touching his bicep as she spoke to him making him slightly uncomfortable. You were standing next to Wanda engulfed in a conversation with Thor’s brother and a man he didn’t know. They were clearly both interested in you as they stood quite close, each one fighting for your attention in the conversation.

Jealousy started to slowly rise within him as he saw you laugh at something Loki had said, grabbing onto his arm as you threw your head back. He ached to be by your side, hearing your laugh and steering you away from the eyes of the other men. Trying hard to contain his emotions he took another sip of his drink, his eyes never leaving your as you conversed with the two men.

His control snapped a few minutes later as he witnessed the unknown man lean down and whisper something in your ear, causing you to blush and giggle at his words. Mumbling a quick apology to Sharon he brushed past her and headed straight for you, his eyes never leaving you.

The two men stood up straighter as they met his gaze, Steve now towering behind your small figure unbeknownst to you.

“Excuse me gentlemen but would you mind if I steal Y/N away for a second?” The words had left his mouth before he even had time to think, your head whipping around to meet his gaze.

As you smiled up at him he swore his heart skipped a beat, taking your arm in his as he led you out to the patio, his skin burning where you touched him. He could feel the evil stares that were being thrown by the two men behind him as he steered you away, a victorious grin spreading across his face as he looked down at you on his arm.

“Do you want to sit down?” He asked with a smile.

“You’re literally my saviour. I don’t know how much longer my feet can take in these heels.”

As if on cue Pietro came out of nowhere with two drinks in his hands, handing them to you before running back off with a wink.

***

Steve looked good tonight, you thought to yourself as you took in his large form before you. He was wearing tailored dress pants that made his ass look incredible and a buttoned down shirt that seemed to be barely holding on to his large form as the buttons strained dangerously down his chest.

You had taken a seat at a table by the corner, positioning your chairs so that the two of you could admire the vast ocean before you, the moon reflecting off of the water and lighting up the night.

The conversation between you and Steve flowed naturally and consistently, the conversation never once stopping as the two of leaned on the table in front of you. Your leg brushed against his under the table causing a blush to creep up from your neck, the faint glow of the lights around you hiding it well. He stumbled over his words slightly as he replied to a question you had asked, quickly taking a sip of his drink to cover his stutter, the air becoming silent as the conversation came to a halt.

“I noticed you didn’t bring a date for tonight.” The words came out of Steve’s mouth before he could stop them, his eyes widening slightly in shock as he realised what he had just said.

“No,” you responded, taking another sip of your drink as you felt the alcohol flowing through you. “There was no one I really wanted to bring.”

Steve remained silent, unsure of what to say.

“What about you? I saw you talking to a pretty blonde girl before.”

Steve brought his hand up to scratch the back of his head, a habit he had picked up whenever he was nervous.

“Who? Sharon?” He questioned averting his gaze from yours. “No, I just know her from work. She works in the head office with Fury.”

The space between you and Steve had begun to grow awkward at the change in topic, the two of you never having talked about your love lives with each other. Steve had opened his mouth to apologise for his blunt question before Natasha stumbled onto the patio, her gaze travelling around until her eyes locked on you and Steve sitting by the corner.

“There you two are,” she exclaimed, heading over to where you were sitting. “Everyone thought the two of you had left. Most of us are heading home now so we wanted to say bye.”

You glanced at the time on your phone and realised that you and Steve had been talking for a lot longer than you realised. It was just past midnight and the staff were starting to pack up the restaurant, almost all of the guests having already left.

The two of you stood up quickly as you made your way back inside, following after Natasha.

“How are you and Wanda getting home?” You questioned, wanting to make sure your friends got home safe.

“Bruce is dropping me off and Wanda’s staying behind to wait for Pietro.” You nodded at her response before turning back and hugging Tony, wishing him a happy birthday before grabbing your jacket where you had hung it up by the door.

You and the remaining party-goers trickled out the door, saying your final fair wells in the carpark. After waving goodbye to your friends you began your walk back to your home before a voice called out to you.

“Y/N!” It was Steve, running to catch up with you. “Are you walking home?”

You nodded in affirmation as you pulled your jacket closer around you trying to shield yourself from the bitter cold.

“It’s past midnight and it’s freezing, you can’t walk home. Plus you’re in heels,” he exclaimed.

“Well I walked here so I don’t really have any other options. Trust me, I’ll be fine, I only live just past the hill.”

Steve shook his head before meeting your gaze once more, “I’ll drive you home.”

“That’s really not necessary, Steve. It’s like a 10 minute walk, I’ll be fine,” you protested, your breath becoming visible as you spoke.

“It’s either I drive you or I walk you home. You can pick.”

You knew Steve was too stubborn to let this slide, knowing that you’d be here all night if you tried to argue.

With a sigh you relented, “Where did you park?”

A smile erupted on his face at his victory before beginning his walk across the carpark.

“Steve!” You called after him. “You gotta slow down, I can’t walk in heels very well.”

He chuckled as he turned back to you, instinctively holding out his arm for you to grab to steady yourself. You hesitated slightly before looping your arm around his, subconsciously snuggling further into his large frame for warmth.

Steve’s heart fluttered as you walked in silence.

“You brought your bike?” You questioned, looking at the large motorbike in front of you.

“I didn’t know I’d be playing taxi tonight,” he responded defensively causing you to punch his arm playfully.

“I’ve never ridden a motorbike before,” you whispered, slightly scared at the prospect of mounting the two-wheeled vehicle.

“It’s okay, you’ll be fine. I’ll go slow.”

Your nerves were instantly calmed at Steve’s reassuring words, the large man mounting the bike before you followed suit, sitting behind him.

“You’re gonna need to hold onto me,” he stated sheepishly, revelling in your touch as you tentatively placed your hands around his waist.

The bike roared to life under Steve’s touch, your grip around him growing tighter as you began to move. He steered the vehicle almost effortlessly as you whipped past the street lights, the wind being blocked by Steve’s large form. Once more you found yourself snuggling further into his form, causing Steve’s smile to somehow grow even larger as he looked at your smiling face in his side mirror.

Your eyes were alight with wonder as you flew down the road, the wind causing your hair to billow out behind you. A smile spread across your face as you looked up at the man in front of you, your body feeling completely safe next to his large form. Your heart swelled as the bike roared, lurching forward as Steve went faster. You yelped in surprise as you clutched Steve’s frame causing him to let out a hearty laugh at your reaction.

You both wished that you could live in that moment forever.

You must have been giving Steve directions to your house as you drove, pulling up in your driveway sooner than you would have liked. The two of you remained as you were for several seconds after the engine had died, your arms still wrapped tightly around his frame. You reluctantly pulled away, taking the helmet off before dismounting the bike.

Steve followed suit and also dismounted the bike, kicking out the side stand so that the bike wouldn’t fall over.

“I had a really great night,” you said as you looked up into his blue eyes.

Steve smiled kindly at you as he leaned against his bike, his eyes never leaving yours.

“I’m glad to hear it.”

The air grew thick between you as you somehow moved closer to him, his breath intermingling with yours. You did nothing but stare at each other for several minutes, lost in the vast ocean of his eyes.

You wanted nothing more than for Steve to kiss you right then, the knowledge that he was still your Captain stopping you from making the first move.

But Steve couldn’t bring himself to do it. He couldn’t seem to gather the courage needed to close the small gap between you and connect your lips with his. It would be a bad decision, his mind kept telling him. He was your superior officer.

Steve knew he had debated for too long as you began to pull away, disappointment written across your face as you turned back towards your house.

In a state of panic after seeing you lean back his hand instantly shot out, grabbing onto your arm as he pulled you back towards him. You stumbled into him, your hands coming to rest on Steve’s chest to catch yourself. Without thinking he leaned down and grabbed your lips in his.

Something erupted within the both of you as your mouth moved against his, your arms coming up to run your hands through his hair as he rested his grip on your waist, pulling you closer towards him. He deepened the kiss after feeling your lips part in permission, revelling in the soft touch of your lips as your tongues battled for dominance.

The smell of him encompassed you, drowning out all of your other senses until the only thing you could feel was him, gripping you protectively against his broad frame. You had never felt more at home than you did in his embrace.

The two of you remained like that for several minutes, occasionally parting to catch your breath before diving back in. He was insatiable and you couldn’t seem to get enough of him.

Wanting desperately to invite him inside but knowing it was a bad idea you finally pulled away, albeit reluctantly. You knew that you had to talk to Steve about whatever was going on between the two of you before you took the next step, no matter how much your body ached for him.

The alcohol that was still coursing through your body told you that the talk would have to wait for now, leaning in for one last kiss before rushing off inside.

Steve didn’t know how long he sat in your driveway for, unable to move as his mind tried to process what happened. However hard he tried he was unable to wipe the smirk off of his face, a small seed of concern implanting itself into his gut, growing larger with each passing minute.

[fuwafuwamedb]

Maiden Before Aya (Pt. 5) (GilHaku, Ishtar)

Watching her bathe in the morning light was his favorite pastime.

Perched in his usual place, a rock by the shoreline, Gilgamesh took great pleasure in the marvelous view. The beautiful skin that the sun kissed, the long and dark hair that tumbled down her back to tease him and beckon him towards her, and the small smiles she threw his way.

A young man’s heart was a fragile thing, he thought.

He would covet her like the fiercest secret.

The goddess of a woman dared to swim out further into the waters of the river, enjoying the morning light and the adventure of the waters. He could see some of the fishermen turning their boats at the sight of the woman in the water.

They knew she was not for their eyes. She belonged to the king.

“Isn’t it shameful?”

Gilgamesh glanced over to the side, seeing the woman seated with her legs crossed. Her hands were on her hair, tying it up into a ridiculous manner. The woman’s red eyes glanced over at him.

“You think so too, right? Swimming in the midst of the river like that. She must think highly of herself, despite having such an average look.”

“And what of yourself?”

“Me?” She smiled, looking back towards the waters only to smile more. She was prattling on, talking nonsense, but he had to look back out at his future queen consort. Her body was floating above the water, her face set in total repose. He could see the sun cradled between her breasts from this angle, like she had captured Utu’s attention while he rode his barge across the great ocean above.

The incessant chattering as Hakuno dipped back below the waters was getting on his nerves.

“-and I have a great deal more experience than some virgin-“

“You’re annoying.”

“Hmm?”

Gilgamesh looked over at her, giving her a bored look. “I have no interest in someone’s castaway wife when the woman out there in the waters carries the sun and the moon upon her very breasts. You must think highly of yourself, to think that your outward appearance would do anything to make up for the blackened and rotted foundation to which your personality was built upon. A structure cannot stand without foundation and a woman is not worthwhile when her tongue wags like that of a shriveled old maid.”

“EXCUSE ME?!”

“I’m sure not even Ishtar could find you a suitable manner to hide your tongue for suitors. It’s little wonder you are away from the bride market, since you cannot seem to appreciate a morning view that the gods themselves would go to war to glimpse.”

And he had gone to war.

And then brought one final battle to his home: the courting of his woman.

Getting her to stay had been near impossible with his name now recognized for what it was. Hakuno had insisted again and again to not call him husband anymore. She had apologized again and again to him for her behavior, but the didn’t want that. He wanted more of that behavior.

It was what had made these excursions to the waters vital.

He needed to see her stripped of her physical and emotional defenses. He needed her in her element, with the gods alone as their witness for the courting.

She held his hand now.

She had kissed his cheek before bed last night.

Slowly, they were building back up to where they had been before he had been revealed as the king. There were no individuals, god or human, that would get in his way. He would shave the hair and beauty from Ishtar’s body to shame her into leaving them alone.

“Do you know who I am?!” The woman next to him ranted.

“I do not know nor care,” he drawled.

“That woman will die for your impertinence!”

A temple maiden then?

Gilgamesh laughed, shaking his head. “Should you try to spur a god or goddess against my impending union with that woman, I will desecrate the culprit’s temple, slaughter the temple maidens, renounce the gods, and ensure that the gods have no human followers to supply them with the power of prayer that they so desperately need in order to remain powerful.”

“…Y-You can’t do that…”

It would take time, but-

“Leave me before I begin with whatever goddess you hold close to you.”

“Your union will never be blessed!”

“If it is not, it is simply because Ishtar cannot stand a woman to stand determined at my side! Ishtar would no doubt deny me only out of jealousy!”

The woman scampered off a moment before there was splashing.

Gilgamesh turned, watching Hakuno climb out of the waters. He had to grab her robes, hurrying over and drinking in the last of his morning view of her.

The light glinted off the water droplets that littered her skin. Her body welcomed the royal robes a moment before he found her lips pressing against his cheek again.

Once again, Gilgamesh found himself thinking the same thing as before: the goddess of the moon had not created the goddess of love and romance, the woman before him was that goddess.

“Ready to go home?”

Her hands wrapped around his arm.

“As long as you get your work done,” she countered.

He laughed.

She was funny. Work. There was courting to accomplish right now.

[shannonisawitch]

Yacht Club

Mc buys a yacht and takes her future wifey for a cruise 💋

Sonia x MC

Sonia stood at the end of a dock and scoffed at the scrap of paper she held in her hand. The coordinates scribbled on the paper led to a spot off the coast of the Bahamas, a spot in the middle of the fucking ocean. She hadn’t believed it at first, thought that maybe there was a mistake, but the bartender at the tiny bar at the head of the dock had assured her that yes, the coordinates were indeed the middle of the ocean.

“Excuse me, miss?”

Sonia turned to face an older man, a captain’s hat covering his graying hair. “Yes?”

“What coordinates do you have?”

Slightly baffled, Sonia raised an eyebrow. “Why do you ask?”

“I was sent to receive a visitor for my boss, Fiera. A chase is in effect, and the finish line is near.”

Sonia smiled at the code and handed the man the slip of paper. “Mind telling me why these coordinates are going to take us to the middle of the ocean?”

“Afraid I’m on strict orders to tell you nothing and bring you to the coordinates at your earliest convenience.”

“Alright,” Sonia shrugged. “Off we go then, captain.”

“Please, call me Simon. Boat’s this way.”

 ------------

After almost drowning in a small boat several months ago, it was safe to say that Sonia was not currently a big fan of the small motor boat moving farther out to sea. They passed islands and other boats, the sun beginning to sink below the horizon, casting the ocean in a pink sun-kissed haze.

“Not too much longer now,” Simon called from his position at the motor.

The water was calm around them, a crystalline blue, and Sonia took a deep breath. She never thought that she’d find herself in the Bahamas, let alone chasing down a very special someone for what was probably the sixth time. Or was it the seventh? The things she did for this woman. Between her trying to throw every major protection agency off Gwen’s tail and Gwen lying low and seemingly disappearing every couple of weeks, they had to get creative with where and when they got to see one another. Sonia wasn’t complaining, she loved the constant exchange of clues that they’d leave for one another, hinting at locations and encrypted phone numbers so that they could at least speak to one another when a face-to-face meeting was too risky. Safe to say it was the most exciting relationship Sonia had ever been in, but also the most challenging. She’d give almost anything to have Gwen in her life every day, but that was a dream for another time, another day.

A large shape on the horizon drew her attention, and realization finally dawned on her; the coordinates were in the middle of the ocean, yes, but they led directly to a yacht. A very large, very expensive looking yacht.

“Welcome to the Ippolita! Named after the first crown princess of Monaco, you know.” Simon announced, pulling up to the rear of the vessel and tying off the small boat. Sonia smirked at the name of the boat and grabbed her bag, Simon helping her onto the loading dock. “Fiera will most likely be on the second deck, she’s expecting you. Please enjoy your stay.”

Simon gave her a salute as he turned and walked away. Sonia moved to the staircase on her left, marveling at the sheer size of the ship as she ascended to the second deck. Lounge chairs faced out to the ocean, a pair of sliding glass doors behind them, soft music coming from within. Sonia eased the door open, cool air brushing against her face as she walked into the room. A king-sized bed faced the floor to ceiling windows, giving a stunning view of the ocean. Sonia set her bag on the bed and walked down the hall, following the music. She came into a sitting area and there, sitting at a table with blueprints, papers, and devices scattered across it, was Gwen. She chatted animatedly to someone on the phone, shifting through the mess before her.

“Rye, don’t worry, I’ve got it covered.”

Sonia leaned against the door frame, watching the other woman silently. Gold light flooded the room, bathing Gwen in a warm glow, her long hair swept over one shoulder. Sonia was admiring the curve of her neck when Gwen turned around, a smile spreading across her lips at the sight of Sonia.

“Hey Rye, I’m going to have to call you back.” Gwen hung up the phone without waiting for an answer and set it on the table, rising from her chair and crossing the room.

“So, you’re Fiera now, huh?”

“The name kind of found me, and I needed a new cover, so I’m not complaining.”

“Sounds like there’s a story behind that.”

“There is.” Gwen stepped in front of her, letting her arms wrap around Sonia’s waist. “But a story for another time. I’ve missed you.”

“Kiss me like you miss me.”

Gwen laughed against her lips and pulled her to the bedroom.

 ------------

“So… did you steal this yacht too?” They were lying in bed, the ocean calm and dark before them, the windows open to let in the cool sea air.

“Hmm, I can’t remember.”

Sonia rolled her eyes and swatted away Gwen’s wandering hand. “Don’t avoid the question, darling.”

“No, I didn’t steal the yacht, darling.” Gwen chuckled, rolling so she was lying over Sonia, her hair falling around them like a curtain. “I’ve recently come into a lot of money.”

“Lucky you.” Sonia drew lazy circles along Gwen’s back. “Brown hair suits you.”

“Figured I needed to change some things up after my run-in with Ansel’s team in Dubai a few weeks ago. You know, just normal life on the run.”

Sonia leaned up and captured her lips, the kiss slow and lazy. Gwen leaned into her, a heat flushing through her body.

“I could lay here and kiss you all night, but I do have a dinner planned for us on the upper deck,” she whispered against her lips.

The two got dressed and made their way to the upper deck, where a table was waiting under the light of the moon. Candles were lit around the deck, and Sonia smiled as she sat down, a single red rose sitting atop her plate.

“A rose in bloom waits for you in the sea, follow these coordinates and you’ll get to me,” Sage said, reciting the clue and watching Sonia pick up the rose.

“The final clue to finding you. You know how to put up a good chase.” Sonia’s eyes shined with mirth as she looked at Gwen across the table. “It killed me not to see you for a whole seven weeks, you know. But at least the chase kept me sane.”

“Actually, that’s what I want to talk to you about. But first, let’s eat.”

A few crew members walked up the stairs and placed dishes of lobster, shrimp, and caviar on the table, next to baskets of bread and fruit. Champagne was poured into two glasses, and Gwen raised hers in a toast as the crew walked back down the stairs.

“A toast. To evading Ansel, bathing in riches, and most importantly, to us.”

“I’ll drink to that,” Sonia replied, clinking her glass to Gwen’s. “To us.”

“Now, back on topic. As much as I love configuring elaborate chases to get you to find me, I know they can’t go on forever. Seven weeks is much too long without you. You’ve done a phenomenal job keeping them off my trail for the last six months-”

“You’re welcome, by the way.”

“… and while I’ve had a few close calls, I’d say I’m mostly out of hot water. Especially now that my… assets have been divvied up. I have the funds to escape Ansel and watch him combust into flames from afar, metaphorically of course.”

Sonia laughed, plucking a strawberry into her mouth. “And?”

“And I think we should stop running. At least, stop running in opposite directions. Sonia, I love the short time we get to spend together, but I hate when you leave, and I hate having to put distance between ourselves. I know that I can keep Ansel off my tail and keep anyone from suspecting that you were ever involved. You could come with me, and we could go wherever we wanted.”

“Gwen, I can’t just run away with you. What about my job, and my family?”

“Babe, I’ve got enough money that you’ll never have to work a day in your life, but I know you’re passionate about your career, so I’ve found a couple opportunities that might fit your liking.”

Simon walked up the deck at that moment, a pile of folders in his hands. He handed them off to Gwen and refilled their champagne before giving a salute and striding from the deck.

“Thank you, Simon! Now, in this folder you’ll find security details, agency consulting, course teaching, and positions open in law enforcement from pretty much all around the world. You can have your pick, and before you say anything about being handed a job, know that you deserve this, especially after everything Ansel put you through. You’re qualified for every job in this folder.” Gwen handed the folder across the table to Sonia, her expression serious. “I know it’s a lot to think about, so I don’t expect an answer right away. Actually, you don’t owe me an answer, just know that I support you no matter what you do.”

“Gwen, I… I don’t know… what…” Sonia flipped through the folder, her eyes wide. Positions at MI6, the CIA, private security teams. She skimmed through the packets, speechless.

“Hold on, I’m not done yet.” She opened a second folder, flipping through papers and photos. “When we were trapped on that tiny boat and you told me about your sister and how she lost everything, you were so anguished…” Gwen reached across the table and took Sonia’s hand. “I decided right there and then that I never wanted to see you sad again. So, I got to work.”

Sonia took the new folder Gwen handed her, not letting go of her other hand.

“Your sister should be receiving a job offer that she can’t pass up. A great yearly salary, benefits, all that jazz. She’ll also be contacted on Monday with news that a long-lost relative has passed and has left her a small fortune. She and her daughter will live comfortably, and safely, for the rest of their lives.” Sonia was squeezing her hand so hard, she was sure it was going to snap in two. “Oh, and the dickwad that caused all her problems is now sitting cozy in a cell at Trask Island, conveniently linked to the theft of some priceless Monaco jewels…”

Sonia sat speechless, tears in her eyes as she stared across at Gwen. Gwen smirked, trying to gauge her reaction.

“Is this a good reaction, or did I fuck up?”

Sonia jumped from her chair and was in front of Gwen in the blink of an eye, her hands cupping her face. “Gwendolyn Hargraves, you are the greatest person I know. What did I do to deserve you?”

Gwen didn’t get a chance to answer as Sonia sealed their lips together in a searing kiss.

“I have so many questions,” Sonia said breathlessly, breaking the kiss. “But first, why? Why go through all the trouble?”

“Babe.” Gwen pulled Sonia down so she was sitting on her lap, legs dangling off the side of the chair. “I’d honestly do anything for you. This was the least I could do. You’ve already done so much for me.”

Sonia kissed her again, slow and tantalizing, her teeth nipping at Gwen’s lower lip. Gwen squeaked in surprise but kissed her back with such fever and passion that Sonia felt her world spin.

“Our dinner is getting cold,” Gwen mumbled against her lips.

“I’m suddenly not that hungry,” Sonia smirked. “Only want you.”

A shiver ran through Gwen as Sonia’s nimble fingers reached for the hem of her shirt, breaking the kiss to quickly pull it over Gwen’s head and discard it on the floor. Gwen’s skin was hot to her touch, her heart pulsing as she let her hands wander to skim the soft skin of her stomach.

“This chair is getting in my way,” Gwen said against her neck, kissing the olive skin. “Perhaps we can move to the lounge chair.”

Sonia chuckled in her ear, untangling herself and rising from the chair, pulling Gwen so they were flush against one another. Gwen smiled against her lips as she walked backwards towards the lounge chair, keeping her arms tight around Sonia. The back of her calf caught the edge of the chair and she fell back, Sonia following her down with a laugh.

“I’m really glad I went with the plush lounge chairs,” Gwen smirked, pulling Sonia’s shirt over her head. “I’m also really glad you wore your lacey bra.”

Sonia rolled her eyes but laughed again, raking her nails down Gwen’s back as she rolled her hips.

“Fuck, that was hot,” Gwen groaned, leaning back on her elbows to watch Sonia move above her. “But something needs to be done before we go any further or I’m going to go crazy.”

“Pants. Off.”

“My thoughts exactly.”

Sonia stood quickly to pull off her pants while Gwen shimmied out of hers. Sonia was back on top of her in a moment, grinding into her while Gwen let her fingers wander to the clasp of her bra.

“Do you know what Fiera means, my love?” Gwen whispered, kissing the shell of her ear.

“Enlighten me,” Sonia mumbled against her jaw.

“Wild animal.”

“I hope you live up to your name then, Fiera.”

Intense heat ran through Gwen’s body as Sonia started kissing down her chest, her hands lost in Sonia’s hair as she moved lower.

“I thought you weren’t hungry,” Gwen said with a smirk, gasping when Sonia nipped at the inside of her thigh.

“Shut it, Fiera.”

 ------------

Sonia woke the next morning to the soft sound of the yacht moving through the waves, the sheets cool underneath her, the sun warm on her sore limbs as it seeped through the massive windows. She felt completely at ease, and completely sated. Remembering last night, she smiled and opened her eyes, but the bed was empty beside her.

She sat up in the bed and yawned, stretching her arms above her head, looking out at the crystal blue waters moving swiftly past. Gwen stood at the railing, her hair loose around her shoulders, a robe tide loosely around her. Sonia gathered the top sheet off the bed and wrapped it around her, moving out of the cabin to stand on the deck. Gwen turned at the sound of footsteps, a smile gracing her lips.

“Good morning, mi amor.” The term of endearment rolled off her tongue, and Sonia smiled brighter.

“Good morning, lover.” Sonia stepped behind her, wrapping her arms around her waist and resting her chin on Gwen’s shoulder. The yacht was moving swiftly past scattered islands, the sun bright on the horizon. “Where are we off to?”

“It’s a surprise.” Gwen covered Sonia’s hands with her own, leaning into her. “Did you sleep well?”

“Exceptionally. Best sleep I’ve had in months.”

“Good.” Gwen turned her head and gave her a chaste kiss as the boat slowed beneath them. 

“I thought about your offer. It only took me a few moments to decide, but I think I’d like to run away with you, Gwen Hargraves.”

Gwen turned in her arms, looking into her eyes. “Are you sure?”

“I haven’t been more sure of anything else in my life,” Sonia says with a laugh. “It will be a new adventure.”

Gwen kisses her again, emotion heavy on her lips. They stand there for a moment, leaning against one another. 

“Thank goodness, because honestly I was running out of clever clues to leave you.”

Light laughter dances on the breeze as Sonia buries her nose in Gwen’s neck, drinking in the scent of her sunkissed skin. “I decided last night, as soon as you handed me that second folder. I don’t want to live without you.”

“And now you’ll never have to.”

They stand in the sun, basking in the moment of just being together.

“I think we’re just about there, shall we go get dressed?” Gwen asks after several minutes, running her hands up and down Sonia’s arms.

“If we must.”

“Bikinis are mandatory.”

“Did you book an island?” Sonia asked, turning to look over the side of the boat, an island not too far away.

“Babe, I bought an island.” Gwen turned out of Sonia’s arms, sauntering back into the cabin, shooting Sonia a smirk over her shoulder.

“Son of a bitch. I could get used to having a sugar momma.”

Gwen’s laughter filled the cabin.

 ------------

The beach was pristine, the white sand near blinding in the afternoon sun. A breeze ruffled Sonia’s hair as she flipped through one of the job packets, the folder on her lap and a highlighter in hand, Gwen’s head cradled on her thighs as they lounged in the sand under the shade of an umbrella.

“You’re such a nerd with your highlighter.”

“I want to go through and check every specification. I don’t want to deal with another Ansel.”

“Don’t worry, I only picked jobs that would put you under excellent management. The CIA liaison is probably my favorite, besides the last option, of course.”

Sonia flipped through the folder, pulling out the last packet, a smile tugging at her lips. “Really? Security detail for your heist team?”

“We could use your expertise. And I hear the leader is fantastic.”

Sonia swatted Gwen with the folder and they both laughed.

“Ok. I’ll keep it in mind with my top contenders.” Sonia said it in all seriousness.

Gwen sat up, regarding her. “Really?”

“Why not? It’s still for the greater good, is it not?”

“It most definitely is.”

Sonia spun around at the voice, Gwen grinning cheekily as she stood.

“Glad you could finally make it, Rye.”

Rye wrapped her in a hug. “I missed you. And, well, hanging out on your private island was an invitation I couldn’t pass up.”

Gwen laughed, sitting down next to Sonia. “Sonia, allow me to formerly introduce you to Ryland York. Strategist, smooth talker, and my very best pal.”

“Pleasure to officially meet you, you know, without trying to arrest you and all that.”

Rye chuckled, reaching down to shake Sonia’s hand. “The pleasure is all mine. I’m just glad Gwen found someone that will put up with her head strong attitude and her horrible jokes.”

Gwen nudged him playfully. “Did Eris come to?”

“Yeah, she’s still asleep on the yacht. Graves and Jones are with us too. Samira will talk via video chat, Fabian said he’d meet us here, and Sibil said something about a cruise ship?”

“Wow, I buy a yacht and suddenly everyone follows suit.”

“Guess we’re officially a yacht club.”

“Good thing we have this island to hold our… yacht club meetings.”

“Should I be present during these ‘yacht club’ meetings?” Sonia asked, raising a perfect eyebrow.

“Of course. You’re a member by association now.” Gwen kissed her shoulder, leaning against her.

Rye smiled at the two of them, leaning back into the sand. “Welcome to the yacht club, Sonia.”

[mayhemories]

Braids & War Paint (Part 13)

Notes On:

Part 1: / Part 2: / Part 3: / Part 4: / Part 5: / Part 6: / Part 7: / Part 8: / Part 9:/ Part 10: / Part 11: / Part 12: / Part 12.5 (smush, not smut, not fluff but smush) 

The darkness of the night suited Lorcan, he enjoyed laying and listening, even though Lorcan wasn’t full Fae his hearing was ever so slightly different to that of a human. He could hear the owls cooing, the untamed waves casting themselves upon the stone cliffs. The smell of salt, sulphur and the tang of so many bodies and blood. In the distance Lorcan could just grasp the twang of the Bane and their fires, crackling and causing gaudy songs of white stags and victory to shrill out into the night.  

Their vigour was something Lorcan could barley comprehend, they had ridden for a day or two, then gone into battle and then built an encampment the same size as Maeve’s own in record time. All this work, and yet they still won’t shut up.

A shudder ripped through Lorcan’s body like a rabid animal. His godly advisor, Hellas, had Lorcan on high alert. His left hand slithered under his pillow drawing the sharp blade out from underneath it, blade in hand, Lorcan quickly got to his feet.  

Lorcan was in the middle of tying his boots up when he felt it. Gods above, he felt it before he heard it.  

It was a tremor or a crack. He couldn’t quite put a name to the feeling, an earthquake wrapped in magic and evil. It threw Lorcan onto his back, as he lay there groaning as the sound followed it. Like thunder after the lightning, it roared like a tortured beast, clawing its way into Lorcan’s mind. Lorcan winced at the intenseness of the roaring surge of evil.  

As it clashed into the night Lorcan struggled back to his feet, knife in hand, he ran out of his tent.  

Soldiers, page boys, cooks and healers ran frantically. Lorcan had one location in mind. The Cliffside.  

“Lorcan! Where are you going?” Fenrys grabbed Lorcan’s arm as he tried to push past the commotion.  

“Cliffside, better view.” Lorcan gruffly spat as he wrung his muscle-corded arm from Fenrys’ grip and continued his trek to the edge of their encampment.  

As Lorcan neared the tree line a small silhouette caught his eye.  

Small in stature, female, defiantly not from Doranelle. Lorcan sniffed the air, trying to grasp anything of her scent, manoeuvring his blade as he did so.  

She smelt of cunning and intelligence, human and yet not at the same time. Lorcan felt his eyes narrow as he realised, she is defiantly not Valg.  

She watched out at sea, obscuring any view of the Valg ships from Lorcan.  

“At ease, I belong to Her Majesty’s court.” The woman said, still not turning to face him. Lorcan balked at her tone before he swiftly emerged from the shrubbery and stood alongside her. The accent gave her away, she was of Aelin the Fire-Breathing-Bitch-Queen’s court. Of course she was.  

Lorcan could not see much out at sea, save for a large pale light on one of the Valg ships. It was enough to ensure Lorcan’s suspicions were right- The Valg have already used their countermove against them. They have played their move, whatever it was, it would be catastrophic for Wendlyn as well as Aelin’s people.  

“You heard it too?” The woman asked, finally she turned and looked up at Lorcan. She was very… pretty. It wasn’t that Lorcan hadn’t had experience with women, gods forbid he’s had his fair share, he just didn’t care too much for harlots or nobles.  

“It was like nothing I have ever heard before, I came to the-“ Lorcan was cut off by the pretty woman of the Terrasen court.  

“High ground to get a look,” She smirked at him, crossing her arms across her chest and quirking an eyebrow. Gods, were all women in that court so… entitled? “Lady Elide Lochan of Perranth, Her Majesty’s tactician.”  

Lorcan glanced down, one of her legs from the knee down was made of metal clogs and bronze bits and pieces. Elide Lochan, the half-human blushed at his inquisitive glare.  

Lorcan flared his nostrils a little as he met her eyes again.

“Lorcan Salvaterre, Commander of Queen Maeve’s blood-bound.”  

“Lorcan,” Galan came storming through the bushes before halting at the sight of his cousin’s tactician. “Lady Elide, excuse me for the interruption but Queen Maeve has requested your presence, Lorcan.” Galan said, standing awkwardly.  

“We shall continue this conversation later-“ Lorcan had nearly finished his sentence before Elide cut him off yet again.  

“If your queen is calling on you then my queen will most certainly expect my attendance.” Elide said as she walked away, Galan and Lorcan trailing in her wake.  

She was quite like thunder, herself.  

Lysandra quickly removed her hand out of Aedion’s as they approached Maeve’s war tent, luckily the General and herself hadn’t removed their battle leathers.  

The shapeshifter had been asleep when the roar from the earth sounded. She hoped wherever Aelin was Rowan was with her too. Aelin had always been a risk taker, had always been incredibly smart and most of the time her plans went perfectly, since the King and the Crown Prince and Crown Princess all passed into the next world Aelin had become wilder than ever before, more willing to risk, more willing to gamble her life. Lysandra had no idea how Rowan did it, but he settles Aelin. She gains all hundred percent of her rationale back when she is with him. Lysandra hadn’t seen Aelin this… happy since Sam, even then, Sam never caused Aelin to want to turn every ocean’s tide, Sam never made Aelin want to turn back the hand of every clock, sharpen every arrow, polish every boot, tame every stallion, count every grain of sand or wish on every star.  

Aelin had found her soul bound and Lysandra couldn’t be happier for her queen, for her flame-cloaked empress. Her friend.  

Aedion and Lysandra opened the heavy linen flaps to the war tent. Maeve was red in the face bent over maps and Aelin was grinding her teeth.  

Lysandra opened her mouth to ask about the situation, however, Elide caught her eyes and the look on her face said it all.  

They were done for.  

“And what do you suggest, Aedion?” Galan asked chewing his lip in anticipation, struggle was written all over the young prince’s face.  

“I suggest whatever my queen believes is the best cause of action.” Aedion answered curtly, placing a gloved hand on his sword’s pommel. Aelin’s haunting Ashryver eyes flashed towards them.  

Maeve looked just about ready to snap.  

“It is not enough, come sunrise we all perish.” Maeve stated, running a milky hand over maps and papers.  

“No.” Was Aelin said. She stood straight, jaw locked. That’s when Lysandra knew. Aelin had her hair braided, a leather band wrapped around her forehead. Her fighting leathers still strapped and all her weapons were strapped to her body. She had a plan all along. Aelin had anticipated this, whatever this was Aelin had counted on it happening.  

“Aelin-“ Rowan said touching Aelin’s shoulder in a questioning manner. Aelin looked Maeve in the eyes, a young queen and a queen of myth, face to face.  

“Come sunrise I call on those who are willing to lay down their lives to end this before it truely begins, come sunrise those who have offered me their swords will come and will perish, come sunrise we shall devour those who stand in our path.” Aelin reached under her fighting leathers and pulled the Amulet of Orynth.  

Maeve’s eyes widened at the sight of it.  

“You have one.” Maeve stated, Aelin nodded. The Wyrdstones.  

“You also have one, do you not?” Aelin asked, looking pointedly at the bronze ring that sat on Maeve’s right hand.  

Maeve stiffened, yet looked back down at her papers.

“Yes, I don’t know where the last one is.” Maeve stated. Lysandra expected annoyance and agony from the thought of starting a fight they could not win.  

But Aelin just started laughing. It was low and rough and it unnerved Lysandra.  

“You might not, but I certainly do.” Aelin said, her grin almost canine as she relished in out smarting the immortal queen.  

“Our queen doesn’t appreciate your games, Aelin Galathynius.” Said the tall, dark and handsome commander of Maeve’s sniffer dogs, Lorcan Salvaterre.  

“If I was playing a game you’d know it, Salvaterre.” Aelin said, quirking an eyebrow before laying a nail on the bay on Maeve’s map.  

“Sunrise. Here. Tomorrow. Terrasen plays no games, we paint the brushstrokes of war.” Aelin stated. It was the kind one, Gavriel, who spoke up next:

“You believe that Terrasen will be able to defeat the Valg?” Gavriel questioned, his bright hair fell out of his bun and into his eyes.  

“No, but anyone who dons a braid, anyone who fights with war paint. They will be blessed and they will fight well.” Aelin answered, Lysandra knew that passage all too well, Brannon’s Promise To Elena. A famous poem within the realms of Terrasen and Adarlan alike. Lysandra knew what that passage meant, for all of them.  

Lysandra slowly placed her hand into Aedion’s again, she sent a prayer to every god and goddess, she sent a wish to anyone or anything that would listen that the reward would be worth the carnage.  

That passage held a promise Lysandra cringed to think about.  

As soon as Elide was alone in her tent she checked them. She quickly pulled the latch open on her trunk and unwrapped them from their cloth coverings.

The witch mirrors that Manon had given her at the ball, all were intact, not a single chip or a crack in their frames.

If Aelin heeded her counsel, then the mirrors would be ready. Elide was afraid, so terribly afraid that she wouldn’t be strong enough. Even though there was blue somewhere in her blood, she bleed red. Gods, Elide prayed to the Three-Faced Goddess and to Anielle and she prayed for Manon and the thirteen, she prayed for Aelin, Rowan, Aedion, Lysandra, Nox, The Adarlan allies, Nehemia and those Aelin had became friends with in the desert, she prayed for those of the wastes. Elide prayed her plan went well.

Elide knew that too much blood on her conscious would tip her off the moral scales.

Gods, if she could be granted one wish, is that their plan would work. That Elide wouldn’t have to carry the imagery of innocent blood.

Elide climbed into her cot, and excepted the fact she wouldn’t be sleeping.

I’m sorry this probably isn’t as good as you guys would’ve expected. And there’s shite editing because I re-wrote half of this chapter at 2:00am. So please don’t hate me.

As always this part was written for: @bbyshadowbat @aelin-and-feyre @rowanismybae @sparkleywonderful @cassiancalore  @igniscorde7112  @illyrian-high-lord  @daughterxofxnight @bigsis227 @crazybookladythings @gcarroll @sugarcoated44 @wolffrising @notjustanyoldfangirl @bluephoenix222 @readinglikewildfire @fck-tamlin @and-re123

THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH FOR 700 FOLLOWERS, I’LL TRY TO BE BETTER AT UPLOADING, Y’ALL MEAN SO MUCH TO ME.  THIS IS NEARLY 2000 WORDS I HOPE IT WAS ENJOYABLE TO AN EXTENT :) THIS FANFIC IS WINDING UP, WHICH IS SAD BUT THAT MEANS NEW FANFICS CAN COME OUT SO IF THERE IS ANYTHING YOU WANT TO SEE, WISH TO SEE PLEASE HIT UP MY ASK BOX WITH A REQUEST :)

[denkineptune]

hi, welcome!! 💕 I’d like to ask for an obey me match up (if you’re not doing them please ignore this)!! my name is gennie, she/her, and I’m an infp! Some fears- squirrels (long story), deep ocean, jump scares. Hobbies - video games, baking, running, writing/reading. Likes - sweet things, horror movies (even tho I jump lol), art, pop music. dislikes - bugs, ignorance/hatred, and I’m a bit germaphobic. Love language - gifts, and I’m fine w an undateable! Ty! 💞

I match you with...

this guy has so many interesting things about him, every day you’ll find out something new! he’s kinda secretive, so spending time with him is probably the best way to get to know him. as he’s always doing things for diavolo, baking is a great way excuse to be near barbatos.

he’s a master baker and after two or three baking sessions with him, so are you. you’re the person we all cheer at when watching baking competitions on TV. whether you like baking cakes, cookies, bread, or anything of the like, barbatos knows how to create it, and has perfected it.  during his down time, which he actually has more of than you’d think, he enjoys light exercise and passive activities. he really just wants to relax, and he has fun relaxing with you.

running is another shared hobby- whether you take a jog outside or run on a treadmill, he enjoys being able to space out and only focus on his breathing and form. 

BARBATOS IS A GAMING LEGENDDD and he’s so casual about it?? like how??? in the human realm he could easily compete in a gaming competition and probably win. he’s best at pvps or fps but he’s really just good at using the controller and thinking of tactics. maybe he’s good with his hands because of all the chores and such that he does, but whatever it is, it’s mesmerizing to see. he’s like the flash.

this guy is so fun to watch horror movies with. since you’re not a fan of jump scares, though you love scary films, he’ll find more psychological thrillers to view. instead of jump scares, you’ll get intense scenes with quiet music, slowly building up to what you think will frighten you, but it’s more of a looming feeling. is it worse? probably. is it still entertaining? hell yeah.

barbatos is a tease. of course, he won’t be too mean, but if he has the chance to poke fun at you... he’s going to take it. if he knows you’re taking a certain route to school, he’ll “accidentally bump into you”, which is just an excuse for scaring the shit out of you for a second. “oh i’m sorry, gennie, i didn’t realize you were there.” bullllllshit. he respects your fears and boundaries, however much he’ll tease. he won’t pressure you into doing something you don’t want to, and barbatos will go out of his way to make sure that your environments are as comfortable as possible. he knows you’re kind of a germaphobe and cleaning is like second nature to him, so your room is always clean aaaa he’s kind of a neat freak. i mean, spending forever

he’ll get you small gifts every so often, just to remind you that through the day, he’s thinking about you :)) usually it isn’t something too expensive, maybe just your favorite snack or an album you’d been eyeing for a while. 

please,,, give him cheek kisses,,,, he’ll melt.,,, like if he’s sitting and reading on a chair, come up behind him a give him a small peck. he’ll blush a bit and grin, and all of a sudden become very soft. like if you show him a small bit of affection, barbatos is going to show you how much you mean to him. hugs and cuddling are his favorite- he’s big spoon. he loves to make you feel safe, and having you in his arms is his preferred way of expressing this.