#i cannot tell you what it feels like to just have this come to me whilst thinking of neither dghda nor the legend of daedalus

[notjustjavierpena]

Happy Birthday, Joel

Series Masterpost | Main Masterpost | Support a disabled creator

A/N: Happy outbreak day— I mean, happy birthday to Joel Miller!

Summary: You have snuck out to have birthday-morning-sex with Joel. 

Pairing: Joel Miller x Reader/You (No y/n)

Tags: +18 smut, they are so in love, birthday sex, morning sex, Daddy kink, dry humping, orgasm denial, cowgirl, dirty talk, blowjob, come swallowing 

Word count: 2.9k

Link to this work on AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/59232835

Happy Birthday, Joel

A window in the bedroom has been cracked. The fresh autumn wind seeps into the room each time it blows over the house, changing the air to something that doesn’t smell like hazy sleep but forces Joel to be awake with you. None of you feel cold though because you are sitting comfortably in Joel’s lap on his wide bed. He has his back against the headboard and a dazed look on his face, bare-chested, beautiful, and propped up against a pillow because you have woken him up like this. 

His calloused hands are on your thighs that are on each side of his body, kneading the flesh gently while murmuring about nothing in the soft pitch that he only has saved for you. He talks quietly and groggily about the weather, the work he has to do on his porch come autumn, but mostly about how good you look on top of him right now, too good to be real, and makes you giggle when he jokes about this being a dream. 

You lean forward to let him feel the softness of the wooly fabric of your oversized sweater brush against his chest, resulting in it slipping off your shoulder. You threw it on just before you tiptoed out of the door, didn’t even bother with pants because you were going straight to the car that no one told you that you could borrow. The sleeves drape past your wrists, tickling his neck and cheek as you touch his jawline. 

“Happy birthday,” you say with an affectionate smile, scratching his scruffy beard with your fingertips. 

“You’re gonna get yourself into trouble, sweetheart,” his voice is laced with sleep, his hands moving slightly on your thighs as if he is deciding how to touch you. You have heat building in your belly, desire making its way through your veins. He chooses to reach up to grip the neck of your sweater, “Sneakin’ over here like this.”

“I’ll be kind enough not to ask how old you are now,” you add to earn a low chuckle, not wanting to entertain the disastrous what-ifs that roam around in his head. Joel yanks at the neck of the sweater, exposing your already bare shoulder even further. He connects his mouth to your impossibly soft skin there, his beard scratching you lightly as he trails his mouth up a path on your shoulder. He kisses every inch he can get to without undressing you fully. 

“Good girl,” he teases back at you, nosing along your neck with his voice vibrating against you, “Don’t needa remind me that I’m old.” 

“You’re not old. You’re perfect,” you cradle his head in your hands, threading your fingers through his salt-and-pepper curls and sighing towards the ceiling. He might think that this - you - is a bad idea but the way his lips feel on your body, the way he puts his whole being into touching you and kissing you like he is starving for you, tells you one thing: Joel Miller cannot stop wanting you. No matter the consequences, no matter the guilt, and no matter how much he tries to convince himself otherwise. 

“Joel,” his name falls from your mouth like a plea, breathless and light as you grip him tightly, “You don’t know what you do to me.” 

“You’re stealin’ my line,” he gives you one last kiss on the column of your neck and smiles up at you. His hands go down your body again, giving you time to suck in a deep breath. However, it’s doomed to not last and your breath hitches in your throat as he slips his palms up under your sweater. His warm fingers skim over the small of your back and up the curve of your spine.

When he lifts your sweater up and off your body, you do not protest even if you are completely bare underneath it. His gaze is on yours with adoration for a moment of not wavering once before he takes the opportunity to look down at your exposed chest. 

Your nipples have hardened at the slight chill, your arms squeezing your breasts together a little with how you still rest your hands on his neck and shoulders.  He places a palm just above your belly button and runs it up your body, skimming it over your breast to make you tremble in his arms. He lets his hand descend again, this time with a knuckle brushing over your nipple. You visibly shiver, chewing on your bottom lip as he worships you silently. 

“Is my doll cold?” He drawls, voice thick like honey, and your thoughts start to blur at the nickname. 

“No, Daddy,” you tell him and it’s the truth; you are burning from the inside out at how much your heartbeat is racing nowhere in your chest, having moved south long ago to soak your panties through to his boxers.

“By the way, you weren’t right,” he brushes your jaw when his free hand reaches for your chin to pull you towards his mouth. His thumb dances over your bottom lip, “I know exactly what I’m doin’ to ya, babygirl.”

You give the finger a gentle kiss, parting your lips to allow him to feel your tongue if he wants but when he doesn’t move, you slip out your tongue just a peek to teasingly lick his thumb as an imitation of how well you suck his cock. He smirks at that, letting his thumb go inside the heat of your mouth. He presses down on your tongue as if to test you, whispering how good you are for him as he does it. 

Underneath you, his cock has gone from half-soft to fully hard in mere seconds, pressing insistently against your core. He might think he is old but this part of him shows no proof of that. You dare move your hips back and forth once, dragging your wet underwear over the length of his erection. 

He groans alongside you but your sound is obscene in comparison, escaping around his digit in your mouth. The friction against your cunt is delicious, so much so that the fabric between your thighs has started to cling to you. 

“Give Daddy some sugar. It’s his birthday,” he commands with his hips bucking up, not being able to help how his body craves you first thing in the morning. His thumb slips from your mouth, dragging a string of spit down your chin in its wake. He curls both hands firmly around your waist again, pulling you flush against him so he can move you deliberately on his dick and watch your tits bounce. 

He guides you slowly over his thick length with ragged breathing, staring at the quick rise and fall of your chest when your clit gets the attention it desperately needs. You grip his shoulders and arch your back at the way pleasure rips through you, and though your cunt might feel empty, you feel everything start to build already just behind your clit. 

“That’s it, look at you, this my birthday present? Jeeesus, you look amazin’, look at those tits,” he praises breathlessly, throbbing against the damp fabric that separates the two of you. He dares grip your hips even harder, his fingers digging into the plump skin of your ass, and pull you down harder on him. 

Your moans grow in volume, your eyes fluttering closed as heat racks up your spine from the small of your back when tension starts to build. It pulls the coil tighter and tighter inside of you and causes you to whimper, the noise making Joel’s cock twitch underneath you. 

“Tell me, baby,” he groans and you dread the command that might come because you can’t think right now. One of his hands slips up your back to make sure you don’t fall off of him. Your clit is pulsing on the edge of release, knowing that it doesn’t need much more before you’ll explode, “Tell me when you’re ‘bout to come, okay?”

You hate him for it but still nod anyway, unable to speak for a moment, your breath only consisting of tiny gasps as you ride the edge of your impending orgasm. Still, with your eyes squeezed shut, you manage to speak just a few, barely incomprehensible words, “I’m gonna— I’m so close, Daddy.”

But before you can finish, before that final moment where your brain shuts off to feel your cunt spasm, Joel has halted your movements by holding your hips still. You whimper, trying to keep going because the pleasure is still there just out of reach, but his grip is unyielding and his disapproving tone is condescending. 

“Stop, not yet. We do it Daddy’s way on his birthday,” he commands and nearly ignores the tears forming at the corners of your eyes, “Not until I’m inside of ya, baby.”

You whine in response, knowing that he is right. It’ll be much better with him buried in your pussy but your mind is so clouded and delirious with the need for release that it is nearly painful how he is holding your orgasm hostage by gripping your hips like he is. 

“Please,” you say with a tear slipping from your eye.

“Don’t cry, baby, I’m goin’ to let go now,” he replies, rubbing soothing circles with his thumbs and leaning up to peck your lips, “But I need ya to be patient. I can’t have my good girl act so bad just for her pussy to feel good.” 

His hands move swiftly to drag his boxers down, settling the waistband just beneath his balls to cut down on the time he’ll be without touching his special girl. The anticipation drives you crazy, a desperate moan leaving you as your hips start to twitch on their own accord. You let out a little moan, brows furrowed as you search for any type of friction. 

“Nooo, just a few more seconds, sweetheart,” he says and drags the word out in the same tone he would use with a puppy causing trouble. He digs his fingers underneath the front of your wet panties to pull them to the side, exposing your swollen pussy to the air in the room. You look down with him, watching how he positions the head of his cock between your folds. 

“Lift yourself up a little— that’s it,” he guides you, shuddering underneath you as you greedily sink down on his length. You should probably have gone slower, a feeble noise escaping your open mouth as you suddenly feel so full of him. There’s a mixture of relief and regret in you as it stings a little to have your soft walls stretched by him, the sensation enough for you to nearly drive you over the edge instantly. 

You exhale shakily, gripping around his cock tightly when you are seated in his lap. Your hands slide up to cup his cheeks, framing his face while you kiss him on the mouth after getting used to him inside of you. There’s only slight movement, a gasp here and there, a twitch of Joel’s cock inside of your wet cunt. 

You move a little to find that your clit brushes against his pelvis, and while capturing his mouth in a searing and desperate first proper kiss of today, you start moving your hips instinctively. Hearing the low, guttural moan that tumbles from Joel’s mouth in response is enough to spur you on. 

You feel his hands move up your back and around your front to cup your breasts, his thumbs brushing over your hardened nipples while you ride him as if your life depended on it. He says your name in a half-chuckle and half-moan, tries urging you to slow down, but you are lost in the way he feels when he fucks you. 

“I love you,” he decides to say instead of something close to a scolding, pulling you out of your trance. You stare down into his eyes that are glazed over with desire, whimpering at the head of his cock brushing that little spot inside of you that has you hurtling towards your orgasm. 

“I love you too, Daddy,” you say softly, blinking down at him. He grabs your arms as they rest on his shoulders, pulling them from their place so he can entwine your fingers on both hands. 

“No-no, no Daddy,” he says with a ragged breath, glancing briefly down at where you are connected and angling his hips to make it easier for you to grind against him. Your moans climb in pitch and he places your hands on his chest, “Just Joel right now. C’mon, lemme hear you say it.”

“I love you, Joel,” you give him a hazy smile and rest your forehead against his.

“Good girl,” he whispers and then grabs your hips again. He starts to move beneath you, slow and steady in contrast to your youthful need of going hard and fast, his hips rolling smoothly and with no urgency. You struggle with it at first but he growls at you, holding you tighter than before and it feels like you might bruise if you disobey him. He guides you, controls you, steering you as you ride his leaking cock while your clit gets just the right amount of pressure. 

“Joel,” you gasp, starting a sentence but barely knowing where to go with it at the feel of him filling you up over and over.

“My perfect girl,” he replies. You make him groan when you drag your fingertips through the hairs on his chest, scratching desperately as the tension between your legs starts building again. 

It’s not long before you are teetering on the edge again, whining so loudly that people might be able to hear you through the window. Joel is right behind you, panting as the muscles of his strong thighs strain to make him pound up into you. 

You hold on for dear life, crying out his name as everything becomes too much, and your orgasm tears through you without mercy. Each ripple of pleasure has you feeling delirious, drunk on the feeling of getting pounded through the intoxicating spasms around his generous size and he fucks you all the way through your aftershocks. But even as it fades, he doesn’t stop moving in his quest for his own release, doesn’t want to stop before he has had his fill. He keeps the pleasure in your body burning as he continues spearing you repeatedly and it becomes hard for you to figure out where your orgasm begins or ends. 

You don’t know when you’ve started giggling in post-orgasmic bliss between feeble whimpers, bouncing in his lap as every nerve in your body is on fire, but you eventually start babbling ridiculously between gasps, “I can’t— Joel, I— Let me suck you off.”

Joel curses at your suggestion, his hips faltering for just a moment before he finds the willpower to stop his thrusts completely, “You’re gonna kill me, baby.”

“I would never,” you say sweetly, making sure that your words drip from your lips like honey. You push down on his chest to slide off of him, a noise leaving you as his cock slips from your dripping, used pussy. You move shakily down between his legs, pulling the covers a little to the side to make room, “Especially not on Daddy’s birthday.”

You can see how close he is by the blush on his chest, how much he is holding back, and you decide not to waste any time. You wrap your hand around the base of his soaked cock and lower your head enough to place a wet kiss on the head, looking up at him through your lashes. 

“Fuck,” he groans when you take him fully into your mouth afterward, bobbing your head with a hum and hollowing your cheeks. He is a treat, tasting sweet of you and slightly bitter of his own precome, “That’s it, princess, you fuckin’ know how to suck Daddy’s cock.”

You moan around him as a way of confirming the truth of that statement. Then you hear his head bump against the wall, the picture above the bed moving from side to side, and suddenly, hands are in your hair to guide you up and down on his length. Your eyes flutter closed and you try to focus on the taste and feel of him on your tongue. Your hand moves to cup his balls, your mouth stretching around him and moving downward until he hits the back of your mouth. 

“I’m gonna come,” he pants, his lower belly jumping with each ragged breath. You prepare for the moment he lets go, opening your eyes again to look at his stunning face when he gives it to you. His hand tightens in your hair, “You want Daddy’s load, huh? Wanna— oh shit, you wanna swallow it up?”

You hum. With a deep, guttural groan of relief, Joel comes in your mouth and his hips twitch while he does it. He spills on your tongue in thick, hot, and salty ropes of white, throbbing obscenely while you swallow down what doesn’t mix with your spit and spills down your chin. 

You keep him in your mouth until he has stopped shuddering from his orgasm, eventually pulling off of him with a wet pop. You rest your head against his hip, staring up at him lovingly, “Happy birthday, Joel Miller.”

“You little minx,” he chuckles, running a hand over his hair as he tries to catch his breath, “You had that planned from the beginning, didn’t you?”

And maybe you did.

.

.

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[stanpinesdykewife]

ME AGAIN hi hi nothing extravagant as i don’t want to overwhelm you, but i’ve been rereading your works again and i’m just DYING to know your personal headcanons for stan, either sfw, nsfw or both!!! thank you for your work you’re amazing 💗💗💗 - 🎀

THIS I’VE BEEN THINKING ABOUT THIS… thank you so much for this ask what a super fun idea!!!! here goes!!!

under the cut: sfw and nsfw stan headcanons… as your boyfriend!! (i’m blushing) (no gendered pronouns used)

fic rec at the bottom :)

sfw:

big on chivalry! says he was raised “right” and he’s a “gentleman” etc. holds open doors for you and offers his arm instead of holding hands. also really big on flowers or other gifts

pointedly uses the word “date” instead of just inviting you out: “great! it’s a date!” vs “let’s go out tonight” (yes he thinks there’s a difference)

can’t keep his hands off you! always needs to be touching your waist, your back, your wrist, or at least standing close enough to know you’re right next to him

cheesy flirt!! loves the yawn and stretch to put his arm over you. constantly uses his bank of pick-up lines on you: “did it hurt?... when you fell from heaven?” and “you got a map? cuz i just got lost in your eyes!” probably studied a book of them in high school

that being said stan gets so easily flustered it’s hilarious HAHAHA the second you flirt back or even give him a smile and a Look up and down he’s sweating

never admits that he gets flustered because he’s used to the idea of being a Big Macho Man. but he knows you know that he knows how easily you can make him melt

enjoys you playing with his face like feeling up his jaw and cheeks and nose and mouth. it makes him feel pretty!

loves holding you in his lap… will refuse to admit his legs are numb in favor of hugging you around your waist and nuzzling the back of your head

loves loves loves teasing you! like grabbing things out of your hands and holding them high up, grabbing your waist and holding you hostage when you try to stand or leave the room, constantly asking “what’s in it for me?” whenever you ask him to cut it out or do something simple like pass your phone. but stan will never ever say no to a kiss

nsfw:

obvious in all my fics but stan cannot shut up. he loves to talk during sex and loves to make you talk back: begging for him, asking “politely” for him to touch you, telling him how good you feel

MAJOR praise kink. huge. the reason he’s so chatty during sex is to make sure you want the things he wants. he craves the validation that he makes you feel good. LOVES to hear you moan and make noise for him

BIG SERVICE GUY!!! loves going down on you. literally moans into you because he loves the taste and how good it feels for you. probably came in his pants once or twice just from palming himself during it

loves to overstimulate you. always reminds you to literally shove his head away if it’s too much because he gets so lost in how loud you get

he’s kind of gross lol he’ll wipe his sex hands all up on his clothes or sheets and not bother washing his hands unless you tell him to

BIG kisser. lots of tongue. he doesn’t have much experience kissing so he’s really sloppy with it especially during sex when he’s trying to kiss you and fuck you at the same time

tits guy! doesn’t even matter whether you have tits or not. he loves them and loves nipples in his mouth especially when you arch your chest up to him

loves coming inside

he’s so gross! if he doesn’t come in you he’ll come ON you and smear it into your skin. the messier the better

aftercare is so important to him after meeting you… he doesn’t have much experience with it himself but he adores you and can’t help himself from snuggling up even if you’re complaining about how gross the sheets are

inspo from Must See: Mystery Shack by guilty_pleasures_abound but he definitely gets generous after a good fuck. will run out to get you water or snacks or just some wipes to get you cleaned up!!

all done! this was so fun! would love more hc requests whether it be for more stan-centric ones or other characters/scenarios!!

[calirph]

𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐑𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐈𝐍 𝐌𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐄𝐕𝐀𝐋, 𝐑𝐄𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐘 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐅𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐀𝐒𝐘 𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐄𝐒 𝐐𝐔𝐎𝐓𝐄𝐒 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐌𝐏𝐒.

"If I were a lesser man, I would confess my heart to you here, where no eyes can witness our folly."

"You speak of honor, my lord, but your gaze tells a different story."

"Duty binds us to another, but it is my heart that is drawn to you."

"A single dance is all I ask. Let the world say what they will."

"Your marriage contract is written in ink, but our bond was sealed in blood."

"There is no greater treason than what my heart conspires when I see you."

"A crown is a heavy burden, my lady, but it would rest lighter if you were by my side."

"Tell me your heart belongs elsewhere, and I shall never speak of this again."

"It would be a scandal if they knew how often I think of you."

"A marriage of alliances is what they see, but between us, I see more."

"Your touch is forbidden, but I crave it more than all the gold in the kingdom."

"My honor demands I walk away, yet here I remain, waiting for you."

"Shall we speak of politics, or shall we speak of what truly lies between us?"

"Your father’s alliances are well and good, but none can offer what I do—my heart."

"Would you defy your House to be with me? For I would burn the world to claim you."

"Let the court whisper all they wish. My only concern is your heart."

"There are eyes upon us, but do they know how deeply I adore you?"

"Do not speak of duty when your hand fits so perfectly in mine."

"One day, my love, they will write songs of the battles we fought to be together."

"If I must marry her, then know my heart will always belong to you."

"The realm would shatter if they knew the depths of my affection for you."

"A prince may sit upon the throne, but I rule only when you are near."

"You’re promised to another, but every word you speak feels like a vow to me."

"Your kiss would be the end of my honor, yet I cannot resist the temptation."

"I will marry for duty, but I shall love only for you."

"My kingdom is vast, but without you, it is empty."

"If you give me a sign, just one, I will renounce all that ties me to her."

"The stars above witness what I cannot say aloud—I am yours."

"Is it love or a dangerous game we play, my lady?"

"I would bend the knee to no one but you."

"Your name is on the lips of courtiers, but it is my heart that whispers it at night."

"I see the burden of your crown, and I wish only to share it with you."

"I could face a thousand armies, but your smile is what truly unmans me."

"They say the gods have destined our paths, yet my heart rebels for you."

"A kiss from you would ruin me, but what a glorious ruin it would be."

"There is no realm so vast that it could keep me from you."

"One glance, and all thoughts of duty flee. I live only for your love."

"What use is a crown when the heart is so divided?"

"I see the banners of our Houses in battle, yet I dream only of your embrace."

"Speak plainly, my lord. Do you wish for an alliance or something far more dangerous?"

"I will not ask for your heart, but know mine is already yours."

"The court dances around us, but you are the only step I wish to take."

"Your hand is promised to him, yet your heart beats for me. I feel it."

"Our families may be at war, but I long to lay down my sword at your feet."

"One touch from you, and the world could burn. I would care not."

"This is not the place to speak of love, yet I find no other words come to mind."

"Do not ask me to be content with only your friendship when I desire so much more."

"Your marriage may be arranged, but love is something we can still claim for ourselves."

"I have fought wars, but the greatest battle is hiding my affection for you."

"Would you forsake your titles if it meant you could have me?"

"My lady, one kiss, and I would renounce all crowns and titles for you."

"We are betrothed to others, yet my heart chooses you every time."

"I long for a life with you, but I fear the cost would be too great."

"The court will gossip, but they cannot understand what we share."

"One secret look from you, and I will forget all loyalties."

"They see us as pawns, but my feelings for you are real."

"A night with you would be worth all the betrayals of the realm."

"Marry him if you must, but know I will always wait for you."

"Our union would tear the realm apart, yet I cannot let you go."

"The gods have willed our paths to cross, but only we can choose what comes next."

“Our houses are enemies, my lord, yet here you stand, offering your hand.”

“You know well that a marriage between us would seal more than a treaty.”

“I should not want you, but how can I resist when the stars seem to conspire for us?”

“Duty and love seldom walk the same path, but perhaps we can change that.”

“Your gaze lingers longer than is proper, but I cannot say I wish it otherwise.”

“If my heart belonged to my house, I might deny you… but it belongs to you.”

“What can I offer a prince who already possesses a kingdom? Surely not my heart alone.”

“We have danced around this long enough. Say it—do you love me or not?”

“This court is filled with lies and shadows, yet you… you are the one truth I cling to.”

“If we are caught, my lady, it will not just be scandal—it will be war.”

“The crown sits heavy on your brow, but when you smile at me, you wear no weight at all.”

“It is dangerous to love you, but a life without danger is no life at all.”

“We speak in whispers, but my heart shouts for you.”

“You have kingdoms to conquer, and I have a heart to guard—yet both will fall if we stand together.”

“Even if the world burns for our love, I will never regret a moment of it.”

“What would your father think, seeing his son court the daughter of his enemy?”

“I should leave before we are discovered, but you have a way of making me forget caution.”

“Marrying you would be the end of my family, but losing you would be the end of me.”

“Does the crown prince bow to no one? Because I have seen you bend at my feet.”

“If your heart is as cold as the steel you wield, then why do you seek my warmth?”

“They say dragons and wolves cannot share a den, yet here we are.”

“My marriage was arranged, but my love… that is my own choice.”

“You think we could be happy in the shadows? I would bring you into the light.”

“They’ll say you’ve bewitched me, but I know it is I who sought your spell.”

“We cannot be together—too many eyes watch us, too many mouths would speak.”

“I cannot marry you, but I will not marry another.”

“This ring… I stole it from my father’s treasury, but it belongs to you now.”

“Our love is a secret, but it is the most real thing in this cursed court.”

“Every time you walk past me without a word, my heart breaks a little more.”

“Do you think this cloak hides us from the world? No—only our hearts can.”

“The king may order my marriage, but he cannot order my love.”

“I have sworn fealty to the crown, but to you… I give my heart.”

“If this court knew the truth of us, they would tear us apart.”

“You stand too close, my lord. But do not think for a moment that I will step away.”

“Would you still love me if I had no title? If I were no one at all?”

“The political alliance may be settled, but what of the alliance between us?”

“We are but pawns in their game, yet I find I am drawn to you all the same.”

“A kiss in the dark—was it a promise or a farewell?”

“I love you, but I will not be your queen if I cannot be your equal.”

“If your father knew what passed between us, his sword would be the least of our worries.”

“A crown is not what I seek from you; I want only your heart.”

“They think I love you for power, but the truth is far simpler—I love you because you are you.”

“We have danced at a dozen balls, but I crave only the dance we share in secret.”

“Even if the kingdom falls, my love for you will stand eternal.”

“You say I must marry for duty. But I wish to marry for love.”

“Every look from you feels like a stolen kiss in a room full of spies.”

“They would call us traitors for this, but love knows no loyalty to crowns.”

“When you speak of the future, do you see me beside you, or is my place already taken?”

“Let the court gossip, let them plot—I care not. I care only for you.”

“You think I courted you for your title? No, I courted you because you are the only one who truly sees me.”

“This sword may defend my honor, but it is your love that defends my soul.”

“I should not love you, but when have I ever obeyed the rules of court?”

“Your kiss may be forbidden, but I would rather have it than any crown.”

“If this is the last time we meet, let it be with love on our lips, not sorrow.”

“You think I belong to the throne? I belong to you.”

“There will be no heirs without love, and there will be no love without you.”

“I do not seek a king—I seek a partner, a love that burns through the ages.”

“In another life, perhaps I could have courted you openly, without fear.”

“We may be enemies, but my heart knows no such war.”

“Even if I lose everything, I will never lose my love for you.”

 Writing Prompts:

A lord risks his reputation to visit a forbidden love in the dead of night, knowing discovery could mean death.

A noblewoman is torn between her duty to marry for alliance and her growing affection for a knight beneath her station.

A marriage is arranged between two rival Houses, but the bride finds herself drawn to the groom’s brother.

At a grand tournament, a knight declares his love for a lady promised to another, causing a scandal in the court.

The heir to the throne must choose between a politically advantageous marriage or the one they truly love.

A lady is forced to wed a cruel lord but begins a secret romance with his trusted guard.

Two childhood friends, both of noble birth, find themselves on opposite sides of a war while trying to conceal their love.

A prince seeks the hand of a foreign princess for a strategic alliance but falls in love with her maid.

A lady-in-waiting falls for the king, knowing their love could threaten the stability of the realm.

After the death of her betrothed, a noblewoman finds herself pursued by his best friend, who has loved her all along.

A princess defies her family’s wishes to pursue a love affair with a rogue mercenary.

During peace negotiations between two warring kingdoms, the heirs from each side fall in love.

A knight tasked with protecting a noblewoman finds himself hopelessly in love with her, despite her betrothal.

At a royal feast, a noblewoman invites scandal by asking a prince from a rival kingdom to dance.

An arranged marriage is doomed from the start as the bride secretly loves the king's sworn enemy.

A foreign diplomat comes to court to negotiate a treaty but becomes entangled in a forbidden romance with the queen.

A betrothed prince and princess find themselves longing for others at court rather than each other.

A forbidden romance blossoms between a high-born lady and her father’s most trusted squire.

A rebellious nobleman attempts to ruin his family's arranged marriage by seducing his betrothed's handmaiden.

After a failed coup, a nobleman is held prisoner in the castle and falls in love with the king's daughter.

A knight wins a princess's favor in a joust but must navigate the court's dangerous politics to remain close to her.

A widow is pressured to remarry for political reasons, but her heart belongs to her late husband's brother.

A young nobleman must choose between family loyalty and his growing affection for an enemy spy.

A queen's closest advisor conceals his love for her as she contemplates a new marriage for the sake of the realm.

In a war-torn kingdom, a prince hides his love for the daughter of the enemy's general.

A commoner saves a noblewoman’s life, leading to a romance that defies all courtly conventions.

A princess defies her father’s wishes by pursuing a love affair with her sworn protector.

A noblewoman enlists the help of a mage to conceal her forbidden relationship with a member of the court.

A foreign prince sent to court to solidify an alliance is drawn to a lady-in-waiting rather than his intended bride.

Two heirs from opposing families must decide if their love is worth the risk of plunging their kingdoms into war.

Write a scene where a noblewoman sends her favorite knight a token of affection before battle, knowing they must keep their love secret.

A princess is courted by a rival prince, but she realizes she’s more drawn to his younger brother, a knight with no claim to the throne.

The marriage between two warring houses is meant to bring peace, but secret lovers on opposing sides must decide whether to betray their families or each other.

Write a scene where two political rivals share a stolen kiss in the middle of a negotiation, unsure if it’s love or manipulation.

A royal wedding is interrupted by a former lover, who makes a shocking declaration that could change the fate of the kingdom.

The court is abuzz with rumors of a hidden romance between a highborn lady and a mysterious foreign diplomat. What happens when their secret is revealed?

Write a forbidden romance between a prince and his most trusted knight, both of whom know their love will never be accepted by the realm.

A noblewoman is betrothed to a powerful lord, but a masked stranger at a masquerade ball captures her heart.

The queen’s handmaid catches the eye of a visiting lord, but the queen herself has plans for him.

A young heir must choose between a politically advantageous marriage and the commoner they’ve secretly been seeing.

Two nobles, one from the north and one from the south, fall in love despite their families being long-standing enemies.

A sorceress and a prince develop feelings for each other, but their magic and duty threaten to tear them apart.

Write a scene where a forbidden couple meets in a hidden grove, discussing whether they can ever truly be together.

A powerful noblewoman is tasked with spying on a visiting prince but ends up falling for him.

The princess falls in love with her sworn protector, knowing the kingdom would never approve of such a match.

A royal engagement is arranged, but during a secret meeting, the betrothed couple discovers they are each in love with other people.

Write a scene where a knight confesses their love to a princess, knowing it could cost them their head.

Two royals from rival kingdoms fall in love through secret letters, but neither knows the other's true identity.

The court whispers of a secret romance between the queen and her advisor—how long can they keep it hidden?

A betrothed noblewoman falls for her intended husband’s brother, creating tension at court.

Two lovers from opposing sides of a civil war meet on the battlefield and must decide between love and loyalty.

A widowed queen is courted by her late husband’s rival, and she must navigate her heart and her duty to the crown.

A lady-in-waiting is drawn to the king’s bastard son, but court politics make their love dangerous.

A knight is sent to escort a noblewoman to her wedding but falls in love with her on the journey.

A commoner saved by a prince in battle is invited to court, where they struggle to keep their feelings hidden.

Two nobles secretly betrothed as children meet for the first time as adults and discover that their feelings for one another are far from what their families hoped.

A prince courts a lady-in-waiting to his betrothed, creating political tensions within the kingdom.

Write a scene where a nobleman uses a dance at a royal ball to secretly profess his love for a woman already promised to another.

The heir to the throne falls in love with the enemy queen, leading to forbidden meetings in the midst of war.

[destinyisastar]

Lost in your Love pt 4

Read Part: 1 2 3

Summary: After the day's events Alastor decides to go visit his beloved friend to see if she has any answers.

Vox x Reader, (Alastor x Reader)

◈◆◈◆◈◆◈◆◈ ◈◆◈◆◈◆◈◆◈

Alastor runs his hands over the panel, fiddling with the switches, his head pulsing. He needs time to think, needs his questions answered. Anyone will do! Of all the thoughts to pass through his mind an idea is finally presented in his head.

Rosie!

Why hadn’t he thought of that before?!

With smile on his face Alastor makes his way to the wonderful cannibal town.

The emporium is full as always, the line is out the door, children sinners press their faces on the windows drooling, the women gossip while eating pinky fingers, men are chatting about nothing too interesting.

There among the crowd of people hovering over her was the delightful Rosie.

Alastor made his presence known by letting out a few static sounds.

Roise perks up her head, “Alastor? Oh, Alastor is that you?! My, my where have you been?!” Rosie stands up from her seat making her way over to him, arms ready to hug him. “Have you been eating?! You’re looking more flimsy than usual dear!” she giggles.

“I’m doing just fine my friend! I’ve just been busy with a new project!”

“Why that’s good to hear! Come sit, sit I’m sure you have much to discuss!” She brings him over to a table.

“I’m afraid I won’t be able to stay to long, I just have some questions, and I was wondering if you may be able to answer them.”

“I’ll doing anything I can my friend!” She sits in her chair, sipping her teacup.

Alastor takes a breath while he sits down, “Have you heard from my wife lately?”

Rosie spits out her tea, she begins to cough rapidly, punching her chest, “I’m sorry, but what do you mean your wife?”

“Yes, my wife, Y/n, have you spoken to her?”

“Wife? Y/n?” Rosie looks confused.

“Rosie, please do not play any games with me, I’ve brought Y/n to your emporium many times, you two always swapped books.”

“I know a Y/n, but that Y/n isn’t your wife, why I believe I would be the first to know if you had a wife!”

“Then who’s the Y/n you know?”

“Vox’s wife of course!”

Everything is still.

Still and silent.

Rosie is still talking, but Alastor hears nothing. His hands begin to claw the table. His eyes begin to turn into dials.

“Alastor?”

Vox.

Y/n.

Y/n is Vox’s wife.

Vox is Y/n’s husband.

“Alastor!!”

Alastor jolts up, “I’m sorry my dear, I’m just a bit surprised, that Y/n is married to vox...” He grits his teeth.

“Of course they’re married! They were married in life, might as well be married in hell! Oh, and they’re so cute together, you can definitely tell that Vox loves her.”

He feels like his teeth are about to break with how much he’s smiling.

Married in life?

Alastor and Y/n WERE married in life. Not Vox and Y/n.

“My dear Rosie, Y/n simply cannot be his wife… you know most of all that she is my wife.”

Rosie tilts her head, “No, she couldn’t be your wife, I would remember an such an important detail! Alastor... did you have a bit of crush on Y/n? Its understandable but you can’t go after a married woman! That wouldn’t be very gentlemanly!”

Alastor runs a hand through his hair, slightly pulling it.

He knew that Vox had feelings for his wife, he just never thought he’d have the guts to take her from him.

But that doesn’t explain why Roise doesn’t remember Y/n being his wife.

“Thank you for answering my questions my dear! Unfortunately, I must be going now!”

“Oh, Alastor I’m sorry if that wasn’t what you wanted to hear! I’m sure you’ll find someone someday!” She yells out to him as Alastor leaves the emporium.

Just what in the hell is going on?

◈◆◈◆◈◆◈◆◈ ◈◆◈◆◈◆◈◆◈

In your bed you lay awake thinking of the day’s events. The Radio Demon held your hand so gently. Why? Why would the demon look at you with such care? He must be scheming. Your eyes grow tired, and you feel yourself being pulled into a dream.

 A sweet tune of jazz is playing as you dance with your husband, your eyes are shut placing your head on his chest. He’s swaying you slowly as the tune comes to an end.

“I love you dearest.”

You raise your head to meet his gaze.

“I love you too Alastor.”

You immediately awaken.  You sit up in your bed, you raise your hand to your face, breathing heavily, feeling sweaty.

Alastor.

Why were you thinking of Alastor so lovingly? He’s not your husband.

You place your hand to the other side of the bed to find Vox still sleeping. You reach your hand closer to his screen, gently caressing his face. This man….is your husband.

Yes… that’s right.

Vox is your husband.

That Radio Demon must have put those ideas into your head. Holding you so lovingly, tenderly. It was just a dream… did you want to have those feelings for him? No, of course not. You loved your husband.

But the dream…. it felt so right.

◈◆◈◆◈◆◈◆◈ ◈◆◈◆◈◆◈◆◈

destinyisastar 2024

Hi everyone!! Uni has been kicking my butt but I'm getting through it, (I just procrastinate a lot, I'm working on it) Also some exciting news Alastor's pilot VA is coming to my local convention, and I might meet him!

Stay tuned for part 5!

wordcount: 855

Taglist: @songbirdpond @diffidentphantom @vxllys @sirens-and-moonflowers @bethanythehazbinfan @martinys-world @quinceylikesanime @sweetsaladpainterranch @killer-nightmare0 @ginny-higgins

[brandwhorestarscream]

Megatronus talking to Megatron fic please?

Hell yeah lets go. Mostly just transcribed from my rambling in discord, but nyeh

Consider: the cogs they've been given influence their host a bit. Like how, donated organs sometimes have "memories" from their old bodies that they had before. Giving the host physical sensations and habits they didn't have before (it's a real thing, look it up)

We know that Liege Maximo wasn't responsible for orchestrating Solus's death in this universe, but it's still very possible he's still got a very dark and twisted streak inside him. What if D-16's sudden, violent resolve to kill Sentinel came from Liege Maximo? He 100000% wants Sentinel dead because he's a traitor and doesn't deserve to live, and his influence still on his cog combined with D-16's righteous anger came together into the drive to rip that mech apart, with his bare hands.

What I'm getting at is, the cogs have "memory" and influence, to a point. Optimus got Prima's cog, so naturally he stepped into a more rigid leadership position that was staunchly against purposefully extinguishing sparks. So, when D-16 takes Megatronus Prime's cog from Sentinel's chest, he gets hit with a blast of Presence from the God of War himself, and already riled up and angry he kinda. Spirals out of control.

The Spirit of War drives him to fight, protect, destroy. Raze that evil mech's influence to the ground so not a single shred of him remains. Unless his presence is completely annihilated, there's a chance it could seep into the cracks and take up root again, and slowly sink it's insidious fingers into their people once more. He cannot allow that!

Fast forward to that night and newly christened Megatron is still angry, angry, angry… until he falls asleep and his processor can get a much-needed rest and defrag. He dreams about- about Orion, about… the surface, about Sentinel, about everything. He sees Sentinel taking Orion away, sees Orion bloodied and lifeless falling into a pit of despair. He sees himself, out of his body, trying to save him but he can't. He sees his best friend looking at him in sadness and disgust and, finally, feels the sadness and misery he'd been stubbornly choking down suddenly force it's way into his throat.

...Is he awake? Is he asleep? It hits him so intensely he can't tell, and just. Plops down on the ground, arms wrapping around himself and beginning to sob with all the force of his broken spark. It's not fair. Everything… everything has changed, he's lost everything and everyone and- and he's still angry! Why does he feel like this? How does he make it stop? He doesn't want to be angry anymore, he doesn't want… whatever this is that he can feel slowly creeping toward him. This isn't over. Something bad is coming. He doesn't want this, he doesn't want this, he doesn't want this-!

He about jumps out of his plating when someone suddenly touches his helm, and nearly falls over when he looks up and finds a hulking, huge mech had settled down next to him. Thrice his size, at least, and before, that wouldn't have been strange. Expected, even. But now he has his cog, his alt mode, he's much bigger now. Even so, he feels puny in this mech's shadow, but his size alone isn't the surprising part.

Painted purple and black with a face that Megatron knows extremely well. He rubs his optics and shakes his helm, but he's still there. His vocalizer squeaks when he utters the name, "M- Muh-! Megatronus Prime?!"

He's definitely still dreaming. He has to be. But- But everything feels so grounded and lucid and real- but-

Megatronus Prime chuckles softly. "Sorry to frighten you, little one," he lats the ground next to him. "Sit with me?"

"I- um," he blinks. "Y-Yes sir?"

Megatron has no idea what to say. He sits a respectful distance away, hugging his knees and just o.o staring at him shellshocked the whole time. It- It has to be a dream but it feels real. Is… Is Megatronus actually here with him? Surely he can't be, but…

The Prime waves his servo out in front of them, and warm, gently burning orange fire materializes from nowhere. It floats in a ball before them, lighting the dark, shadowy night. Megatron can feel the heat on his cheeks, and the sensation is too real to be anything but.

"You… y-you're really here-!" He gasps and wipes clumsily at his still-wet face. "Oh- Oh my Primes, you're really-" Promptly slaps a servo over his mouth, optics wide. "I- I'm sorry, I didn't mean to swear, I know we shouldn't use the Primes names in vain I just- y-you're here and- and-"

Megatronus laughs and shakes his helm fondly, reaching over to gently pat his helm. "Peace, youngling, peace. I take no offense." Prima, on the other hand… ooh, how he hated hearing their children swear. It amused the god of war, more than anything. He gave the little silver mech a thoughtful once over. "You have my cog." It's not a question.

Megatron flinches and brings both servos to to his chest. "I- I'm sorry!" He means it too, hanging his helm and looking ashamed. "I- I was just- he took it, he killed you and he took and I- I couldn't just let him keep it," it was impulsive, he would admit, swapping it for the cog already in his own chassis. His voice lowers to a shameful whisper. "D'you… w-want it back?" He doesn't want to go back to being cogless, but…

Luckily, Megatronus shakes his helm. "No, no, keep it. I've no use for it anymore. Heh," a humorless sound that could almost pass as a sarcastic laugh. "Though, I should ask. Wouldn't you rather have yours?"

"What do you mean?"

He holds out one huge servo, palm flat, and an image flickers to life, misty and glowing blue similar to the visions Alpha Trion had shown them. It's simple this time, just a standard transformation cog. But… Megatron chokes. "You mean-?! Th-This one is-?"

"Yours," the Prime nods. "We keep track. We've kept track of every cog he stole, and whom it belongs to. If you want yours, I'll grant it to you."

He's stunned silent, mouth hanging open and entranced by the vision. He… he could have it back? He'd come to accept that his cog was gone, that that monster had molested his newborn body and plucked it right from his chassis, that a part of him had been stolen and desecrated before he even opened his optics for the first time. A hurt that could never heal… a wound he'd carry til the day he died.

But now, Megatronus Prime, his greatest hero and idol, is talking to him and offering it back. All he can do is sit there with his jaw slack.

The god of war seems amused, laughing for real this time and reclining back against the solid metal behind him. He reaches out and wraps one arm around the youngling, who squeaks in surprise, and pulls him close against his side. "You don't have to decide now," he promises. "You can keep mine, if you like the way it feels. And if you change your mind someday, that's fine too."

He's not at all expecting the sudden sob that bubbles up from his side, and looks down in surprise. Little namesake suddenly curls against him, shaken by the first positive physical contact he's had in multiple days, beginning to weep with earnest against his hero's side.

"Wh-"

"I'm sorry!" The words burst out of him in a rasping voice heavily laden with sorrow and wet sobs. "I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm so so sorry! I- I didn't mean to, it wasn't supposed to happen like that, I didn't wanna hurt him, I- I didn't mean to I was just so mad-"

This… really isn't Megatronus's forte. He doesn't know what to say, so opts not to say much at all, instead gently draping his arm around the young, miserable bot and just letting him huddle beneath him, weeping brokenly.

"I know, little one… I know. It's alright-"

"It's NOT alright!" He wails. "Nothing is alright! I wanna go home but I don't have a home anymore, and- and Orion hates me and everyone probably hates me and- and I killed my best friend and I took your cog without asking and," he takes a great, heaving, wheezing invent. "And I'm just like Sentinel!"

Megatronus goes from awkward to actively panicking in about 2 seconds. Ok, tears he can deal with. Let them cry it out and release all the stress and they'll be fine afterwards. That's how it goes. But… super deep seated self doubt and worry you've turned into the monster you just defeated? That's- That's really not something he knows how to deal with. Megatronus Prime does not know how to deal with kids.

"...wait, no-" he gives the little one a gentle shake. "No, no, that isn't true-" he continued to wail and cry like the world is ending, like his spark really has shattered into pieces. "You're not- you didn't intend to hurt your friend and wouldn't have if it was up to you, and--forgive me, Mother--Sentinel needed to be dealt with. "You've nothing in common with that mech aside from the cog you both hosted in your chest-"

That just seems to make him cry harder, and Megatronus flounders. What to do, what to do?! Um, uh-

"Oh!" He reaches up with both hands, undoing clasps and deactivating invisible magnets. "Here! Do you want to try on my mask?"

That gets him. Megatron raises his helm suddenly, still hiccupping, tears still streaming down his cheeks. His mouth is still trembling, but he's no longer wailing.

"Wh-" he whimpers softly. "What….?"

Megatronus undoes the last clasp and removes his giant purple mask, lowering it slowly and giving the little silver mech a somewhat sheepish look, red optics peering over the rim. "Do you… want to try it on?"

Megatron blinks twice, then thrice. "That's a mask?"

The god of war nods, lowering it further. He has an unexpectedly pretty, almost delicate face. "My Solus made it for me," he admits, sounding almost shy. "To tell the truth, I… ahem, I get… rather anxious when people see my face. Solus made this for me, quite a long time ago." it's huge when he reaches to offer it to Megatron, nearly the size and width of a small table.

Megatron's hands are still shaking as it's laid across his lap, pinning him to the ground end eliciting an "oof!" of surprise. It's heavy! It weighs more than the miners did when they were cogless! Probably still weighs more than some of them! He runs his hands over the smooth, tempered metal, awed by its quality and sheer size.

"You wear this all the time?" He asks, starstruck.

"Indeed. I never take it off, in fact." this was a special occasion, though.

"I… we thought this was your face," Megatron admits, nearly sheepish. He reaches up to touch his chassis, where the likeness of the god's mask is still etched painfully into the metal there, thanks to Sentinel. He steals a glance up at Megatronus, unable to quite believe what he's seeing. "Everything in the datafiles and history stuff, you're always wearing it. We- We thought you didn't have a mouth!"

Megatronus smiles at him, amused, and for the first time in days Megatron manages to smile, too.

"…can I really, uh…?"

The god of war snaps his fingers and the mask shrinks obediently, til it's just the right size. "Go ahead, youngling."

He exhales nervously and slips it on, fumbling unsurely with the clasps. It smells like sulfur and high quality energon, and something about it makes his whole body prickle.

After he's got it on, he looks up at Megatronus shyly, fidgeting. The world looks different from in here: his peripheral vision is cut off, and everything is framed with the shape of the optical slits. "Well…?" He wrings his servos nervously. "How do I look…?"

"…heh," Megatronus lays one servo on his helm, jostling him gently. "Like a little champion of war." He may be called Megatron now but he's still a child at spark, right now. He's painfully young, and Megatronus Prime is worried for him.

When Megatron wishes he had a mirror so he could see what he looks like with the mask on, and Megatronus is all too glad to grant that wish. It's good to see him less emotionally devastated, but soon after the little silver mechling settles back against his side. "I don't… wanna go to war," he admits forlornly, hugging his knees. "I… I wanna go home. I don't want a war."

"That means you're smart," Megatronus tells him seriously, which earns him a confused look. "I preside over war and reap power from it, but only a fool hopes for war. War incurs heavy loss no matter who you are, and those who actively seek it seek their own destruction in turn. Tis my duty to govern that domain and stand as a guardian over those who must do battle." The Patron Deity of Warriors, Megatron recalls easily. The Guardian Prime of all who take up arms.

If the god of war himself encourages not to seek his domain, it's probably best to listen, no? He sags helplessly against the divine mech's side, feeling helpless.

"You said you want to go home?" Megatronus asks, and Megatron nods wordlessly. "Then… perhaps you should."

"I can't! Orion said- he's a Prime now, and he doesn't want me there, and- and I said I'd never trust another leader again-"

"You trust me, don't you?"

It's plain to see how much the kid idolizes him, and trusts him enough to, at the very least, cry his spark out and air his grievances. That certainly speaks of trust.

"Well- yes but, that's different!" Megatronus Prime isn't just some leader, he's one of the 13! One of the gods! Trusting him is different than trusting some uppity mortal that thinks they're better than everyone else and is willing to suck their lives away for their own benefit! Megatronus Prime isn't like that-

"Do you think your friend Orion is like that?"

"No!" The reflexive leap to defend his friend comes before he can really process it. "No of course not, he's-"

Megatron covers his mouth. Oh. Slag.

"Perhaps," the Prime reaches down and gently removes his mask from Megatron's face, gently lifting his chin with one finger. "A better vow would be to no longer place blind trust in those who lead. Don't deny yourself faith or hope, little one. Both are important in order for you or anyone to have a future."

A future. Right. He sighs, shoulders falling to their lowest point and averting his optics. What future? He's stranded on the treacherous surface with a bunch of bloodthirsty strangers, and if he shows even an ounce of weakness that screechy seeker is going to be jumping for his throat. If not him, then one of the others, surely. He couldn't have any sort of comfortable or trustworthy future with people like that surrounding him. Every friend he's ever had, all of his batchmates, his siblings, his family, they're all back in Iacon. The mecha in the high guard hold no love for him, nor do the ones he's left behind. None of them ever will again. Even Orion, his... his everything, even he surely hates him now.

"Do you truly believe that, little one?"

"Yes! Wouldn't you?! I- I killed him!" Accidentally, and because Orion threw himself in front of his weapon, but still. "Sentinel Prime killed you, don't you hate him?" internally, Dee hates himself for hurting Orion. Surely Orion must hate him as much as he hates him, right?

"Sentinel," Megatronus spits the name in a vengeful rasp. "Murdered me in cold blood, as he did several of my siblings. We're still deciding what to do with him. Orion Pax threw himself in front of your weapon and was caught in the crossfire. You did not seek to murder him, nor did you seek to harm him. Twas an accident, nothing more, and not deserving of hatred. Not the hatred you hold for yourself, nor the hatred you presume he holds for you."

"But..." Megatron shrinks in his shadow, tears beading along the bottom lid of his optics. "But..."

"Hush," the Prime's command is firm but still very gentle. "You want to go home. You don't wish for war. Then I ask you, little one: what must you do to achieve those goals?"

[mcflymemes]

CASABLANCA (1942) PROMPTS *  assorted dialogue from the film, adjust as necessary

i think this is is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

i wish i didn't love you so much.

here's looking at you, kid.

kiss me. kiss me as if it were the last time.

where were you last night?

that's so long ago. i don't remember.

will i see you tonight?

i never make plans that far ahead.

i wasn't sure you were the same.

how nice, you remembered.

i remember every detail.

you despise me, don't you?

last night, we said a great many things.

you've got to listen to me.

you're saying this only to make me go.

i'm saying it because it's true.

what about us?

we'll always have paris.

i've got a job to do.

where i'm going, you can't follow.

i'm no good at being noble.

someday you'll understand that.

come sit down. have a brandy with us.

don't you sometimes wonder if it's worth all this?

you might as well question why we breathe. if we stop breathing, we'll die. if we stop fighting our enemies, the world will die.

play it once. for old times' sake.

i don't know what you mean.

round up the usual suspects.

i congratulate you.

you know what i want to hear.

i stick my neck out for nobody.

welcome back to the fight.

you better hurry. you'll miss that plane.

who are you really, and what were you before?

what was the meaning of that phone call?

why do you stand here?

i would advise you not to interfere.

put that phone down!

i believe you have a message for him?

you ever going to bed?

i'll make it easier for you.

go ahead and shoot. you'll be doing me a favor.

this is the end of the chase.

is that a serious offer?

i'd like to get it back.

i have to talk to you.

there are other places.

it's funny about your voice, how it hasn't changed.

i can understand how you feel.

i'm going to miss you.

nobody ever loved me that much.

you want my advice?

my watch stopped.

have you lost your mind?

i don't want to shoot you, but i will if you take one more step.

i'm sorry for asking. i forgot we said "no questions."

give me another.

we'll take the car. we'll drive all night.

shut up and go home.

why did you come back?

you can tell me now. i'm reasonably sober.

i appreciate it, but i don't accept it.

i'm sorry, but you are our last hope.

yes, i love her that much.

we are very honored.

are you sure this place is honest?

you are a very cynical person.

i cannot go with you or ever see you again.

just believe that i love you.

i can't fight it anymore.

i ran away from you once. i can't do it again.

i love you so much. and i hate this war so much.

thank you for the coffee.

you have done a beautiful thing.

that was a gross understatement.

did you have a good night's rest?

[sunnynwanda]

Hero groans, peeling their eyes open. The world is upside down and swayng, red lights flashing around them. They try to take a deep breath, but their ribcage hurts like a bitch, ripping a strangled moan from their dry lips. Pain pulses through every little nerve in their body, the damp air making their nostrils flare and toes curl.

Hero grits their teeth, taking several shallow breaths to calm themself and focus. They try to turn around, but the chains around their middle forbid the movement, their back flush against something. Or someone.

Villain.

They finally register that they're chained back to back and hanging upside down. This could only mean one thing - they know. And whoever they are doesn't matter because Hero and Villain are screwed regardless. They got caught, and judging by the fact that Villain is chained up too - this won't end well. Before they can think of any way out, a choked whimper tears from Villain's throat, making Hero's entire body shudder.

"Shh, you're okay," they try to sound as confident as possible even though they cannot see what state Villain is in. Something tells them it's for the better that they can't. "You're okay. I'm here."

"How is that any better?" Villain croaks out, struggling against the restraints. Hero stills, gulping thickly. They need to think of a solution, and they need it now.

"At least you're not alone?" Hero suggests in an attempt to sound lighthearted - all the while searching for ways to get out before Villain starts losing it.

"I'd much rather have you come to save me, not be trapped here with me," Villain comments in a deadpan voice. Hero chuckles, leaning their head back against Villain's shoulder.

"Too bad I cannot breathe without you right by my side then," they smile, keeping their voice soft despite the physically straining position. Their head is threatening to explode, pulse pounding against their temples.

"Not the time, Hero," Villain would glare at them given a chance. Or yell at the gods above and curse fate for creating Hero the way they are and having them fall for the worst option possible. The worst option being Villain.

"It's always the time to be romantic," Hero counters, trying to diffuse the tension. They search for Villain's hand and interlock their fingers, squeezing them for grounding.

"All I see is red lights..." Villain groans, a rumbling sound flooding their hearing. They can feel the vibration in their bones, the power surging in their chest, blocking their throat.

"Vil, close your eyes," Hero says, their demeanour shifting to pure urgency - they need to move fast. "You hear me?"

Villain obliges, closing their eyes to dissociate from the flashing lights, the colour evoking the primal rage within them. They don't want to let it flow, especially not with Hero nearby.

"Who is it?" Hero asks in a doomed attempt at distraction. "Your agency or mine?" They press back, hoping that the full-body contact will tame the beast that is their secret lover. Well, it's not so hidden anymore, it seems.

"Both," they can sense the difference in Villain's voice, their tone having gone from concerned to eerily serene. "I... need you to hold me back," Villain mutters under their breath. "They won't survive me."

"I know, baby," Hero finally manages to free a hand, now working faster, frantic in the face of the impending catastrophe. "Give me a second. I'll get you out..."

"I'm losing..." Villain pleads, their eyes filling with tears until they drip over their cheeks, leaving watery trails behind.

"No, no," Hero protests, lifting themself up to loosen the chains around their ankles. Their body drops to the ground with a loud thud, the fall rattling their broken - and most likely dislocated - ribs. They spring to their feet, glancing around for means to free Villain. "I'm here.. Come on, we gotta get out of here."

Hero gently lowers them to the ground before lifting them to their feet and draping Villain's arm over their shoulders. Just as they are about to escape, the door swings open, allowing a group of both their former teammates to flood the place.

Villain's eyes widen in pure terror - except it's not fear for their life. Oh, no. It's fear of the damage they can inflict. The harm they can do once they...

Too late.

"I've already lost control," Villain mutters, their lips shaking uncontrollably. They try to pull away when Hero's hand wraps around their neck, forcing them to meet their gaze. But this time around, Hero doesn't try to hold them back. They don't try to stop or control the vicious force lurking beneath the surface. Instead, they caress Villain's face in a tender gesture before whispering with a tinge of twisted pleasure. "Wreck them."

Masterlist

A/N: Hi loves!

Today's my birthday so I figured I should do something for my favourite bunch xD Consider this an appreciation story because I am extremely thankful for this community in general and our little bubble that we've established here 🙏

Thank you for spending your time on something that means so much to me. Thank you for the love and support you offer me every day. Simply thank you.

Love you 💛☀️

xo Sunny

Taglist: @marvellousdaisy@alltimelowing@lateuplight@surplus-of-sarcasm@betwist @excusemeasibangmyheadonawall @enemies-to-idiots-to-lovers @miaowmelodie @thatonerandomauthor @hhabaddon @burningoutlikeicarus @daemonvatis @weepingcowboywolfbat @thelazywitchphotographer @kaiwewi @soul-of-a-local-bard @pigeonwhumps @aflyingsheepnamedrose @thatneptune @ohwellthatslifesstuff @worldsfromhoney @thiefofthecrowns @crow-with-a-typewriter @qualityrabbitsoup @stargeode @villain-life @villainsblood @whumpifi @glassthedumbass @silviathebard @misskowe @ayeshaturnedtoashes4444

@m4iloblu3 @silky-worm @doctorsawyer @philosophershroom

[frodo-with-glasses]

More Reading Thoughts: Fog on the Barrow-Downs

At long last, our journey resumes!! And ohoho what a chapter to start off with X-D

Oh my word THIS is where the “far green country under a swift sunrise” line comes from. I might cry.

There’s something about getting ready to leave early in the morning, when the air still smells cool and clear, that’s just nearly magical. I love that Tolkien leaned into that vibe here.

Frodo being distressed that they didn’t say goodbye to “my fair lady Goldberry” is so darling of him X-D

GOLDBERRY SPARKLES WHEN SHE DANCES

Once again, Tolkien’s descriptions of the country they traverse are beautiful at atmospheric.

Oh yes. One singular cold rock, standing upright all by itself, like a finger pointing towards the sky, in an area where you KNOW there are ancient graves nearby. That’s not worrying at all. Let’s just use it as a cooling pad. Great idea.

And now they took a too-long afternoon nap and are surrounded by fog. Great job, guys.

In which Tolkien reminds us that he ABSOLUTELY can write horror…

“‘Where are you?’ he cried out miserably.” Oh poor Frodo 😭

The Wight answering “HERE! I AM WAITING FOR YOU!” is NOPE NOPE NOPE NOPE NOPE

Oh sure just leave it until the end of the paragraph to mention that the hobbits are lying surrounded in treasures with a SWORD ACROSS THEIR NECKS

Bruh reading the Wight’s incantation actually gave me chills oh my word

FRODO HACKED THE HAND OFF THE WIGHT’S ARM LET’S GOOOOO

The fact that Frodo falls on top of Merry specifically is making the Cousin Feels part of my brain go brrr

I cannot WAIT to draw this ahahaha >8-D

SUDDENLY: TOMBADIL

The severed hand is still WRIGGLING EUGH 🤮

Did Tom stomp on the hand like a spider??!? That’s hilarious LOL

THEY’RE ALIVE!!!

Sam being annoyed with the burial clothes is PEAK 🤣

The ponies are okay!!

Tom like “seems I’m gonna have to babysit you boys until you get to the Road so you don’t get freaking lost again” 🤣

Tom choosing a brooch from the treasure pile for Goldberry is adorable actually

THE DAGGERS LET’S GOOOO

One of those is gonna kill a troll, and the other is gonna stab the Witch King in the knee >:-D

A vision of a Man with a star on his forehead?? Aragorn foreshadowing?? 👀

The two stones Frodo rode between earlier have mysteriously disappeared. Thanks I hate it.

Turns out the line of “trees” they saw in the distance was actually a line of bushes that marked off the boundary of an ancient kingdom. But we don’t get to learn anything else about it, except that the memory of it makes Tom sad. Yet another example of Middle Earth being SO FREAKING OLD.

THEY FOUND THE ROAD 🥳

The hobbits like OH RIGHT, CRAP, THE BLACK RIDERS

Bye Tom!

Sam like “welp, I suppose he’s the nicest and weirdest person we’ll come across” 😂

Of course the Brandybucks visit the Prancing Pony every now and then!!

Frodo like “if you tell anyone my name is Baggins then SO HELP ME—”

[morganas-pendragons]

wash away the blood | celebrimbor

gif by beaulesbian

this idea was WAY too good for my little brain to pass up. I'm gonna keep writing these regardless of what happens to him (I have 2 hurt/comfort fics for Celebrimbor in my drafts... let me know what else you want to see!) and this was born from my desire to hug Celebrimbor and never let go.

this still follows the elf reader for my past fic Ease and is a female reader + the prompt is ''river'' and ''blood'' (which I came up with myself LOL)

LIGHT SPOILERS FOR 2x07 READ AT YOUR OWN RISK

His entire being aches down to the very core of his soul. His hands are bloodied, and his cheeks are cut up and bruised, but Celebrimbor cannot help but allow himself this one moment of comfort as Galadriel stands in front of him and cradles his face like he is the most precious thing in this world.

The hearts of his kin were always far bigger than he could comprehend.

"I built this city. My place is here."

Galadriel shook her head. "No," She replied. "Your place is with her, far away from Sauron's influence. I will take The Nine for you. You dare not face him alone."

Like a being straight out of his dreams, Celebrimbor watches you emerge from the darkness of Eregion's ruins with all the desperation of a woman just trying to save the man she loves.

That is the promise you made to him, after all.

It was the one thing he could count on amid the illusion.

"Celebrimbor, my love," You slip your bow over your shoulders and approach him with haste, wrapping an arm around his waist to steady him as he leans his weight into the warmth of your embrace. You have been an embodiment of safety and security since Annatar showed up. You had proven to him that despite his misgivings, his pride, and his arrogance, he was worth more than simply the skills he had to offer Middle Earth. "She's right. We have to go. I distracted Annatar enough that he'd be struggling to look for The Nine for a while. We have time to flee the city if we go now."

"Go to Lindon. You will be safe there," Galadriel assures. "Tell them it was I who sent you. I will buy you time."

You don't tell Celebrimbor that you've regained your memory of the spells you grew up learning or how you successfully kept yourself shielded from Sauron's manipulations. You don't tell him that the staff slung across your back is your own either. He will surely find out that you've regained your magical capabilities soon enough.

Your face crumples when you feel his hand come to cradle your jaw and find it slick with blood. His thumb is missing. You feel the weight of him sinking into you further and shifting to accommodate as you turn yourself and Celebrimbor toward Galadriel. She has no argument. The Commander of the Northern Armies simply nods her confirmation and disappears into the shadow and flame.

Celebrimbor's quiet, agonized confession echoes soundlessly in your ears as you lead the way toward the Dwarven tunnel.

"All that loss, all that death... And it all remains on my hands."

You don't have anything to say to him. Bracing your hand against his hip, you lead the Smith you love to the horse at the end of the tunnel and help him into the saddle first. He is barely conscious by the time you sit behind him and gently pull his body into your own so he will sit upright.

A quiet sigh breaks past your lips as you press your chin into his shoulder and allow silent tears to fall. Celebrimbor follows suit, swallowing the knot in his throat as tears fall down the blood on his cheeks.

He can only manage a strangled whisper of, "I love you." before your fingers are pressed against his stomach, murmuring in Quenya under your breath as he falls into unconsciousness.

***

The first thing Celebrimbor feels upon waking is warmth. His entire being is warm. The crackle of a fire echoes beside him as he slowly opens his eyes, greeted with a twilight sky and the gentle hum of a voice somewhere above him as fingers card through his hair.

He feigns sleep for another moment to bask in the moment. It is the first true moment of safety he has felt in weeks.

"Good morning, my love." You murmur. Celebrimbor forces his eyes open again to gaze upon your face and softens. You look the picture of beauty, even with your unkempt hair and ash and blood upon your cheeks. "You've been asleep for two days."

Well. That was mostly true. Sauron's influence had not fully lost its grip until you were well out of Eregion's reach, and in that time, he had attempted to attack you twice and had left bruises on you. You chalked it up to exhaustion and delirium. He would not. Celebrimbor would never forgive himself for it.

"I seem to be a mess," He said quietly. You pressed your hands against his shoulders and slowly helped him to sit up. The forest around you was quiet save for the chatter of creatures and bird song. There was no war to be seen for miles. "And here you are, taking care of me yet again."

"I love you. What happened in Eregion and what Sauron did does not change that." You said firmly. Reaching over him, you produce a bag of fruits and nuts you'd obtained earlier that morning while he slept. "I do however want you to try to eat."

He almost immediately complies, were it not for the shock of seeing his hand healed.

Celebrimbor's eyes snap to you in astonishment as he runs his other hand over where his injured thumb is. He remembered being in agonizing pain, remembered the gentle lull of your voice and the warmth of silver light engulfing him.

It was you.

"You..." His voice falters, leaving you an opportunity to interject if you so wish to. You did not dare. His voice had been taken from him for so long that you would never put him in a position where he could not speak his thoughts and feelings again. "It was mangled when we left Eregion. Bloodied. What did you do?"

You tap your circlet and wiggle your fingers. "I told you I have healing magic. It's just one thing I've remembered how to do." You said. "But I cannot heal weariness. That only comes with time."

Your eyes are fixated on his mouth as his tongue slides across one of the berries before disappearing behind his lips.

The air between you is thick with tension, electrified by your growing desire for him. He knows it. So do you, but you do not wish to overstep, especially when he is in this state. That is what prompts Celebrimbor to motion toward the river and then to his robes.

"I believe we are both in need of a cleansing. I am too weak to do it on my own." He states. Realization flickers behind your eyes as he sets the bag of food aside before gesturing for your hand. "Would you guide me to the river, My Lady?"

How are you supposed to say no when he's looking at you like you hung the stars and the moon in the sky, like you are an emissary sent straight from the Valar themselves, ever the image of true beauty?

Despite knowing you love him and he loves you, he still has such capacity to reduce you into a stuttering mess.

You nod wordlessly and stand to your feet. He's still hesitant to be in the open, as is expected, but there is something about your protection in Celebrimbor's most vulnerable moment that puts him at ease as you two trek the distance to the river.

It only occurs to you upon spotting its banks that this is the first time since you will see him fully unclothed. It's not like the massage when you met. It's more intimate. It's vulnerable.

"My love," Celebrimbor's voice breaks through your reverie as you step into the sand. "I believe I may need help removing these old things. I don't know what use they will be anymore. Can you assist me?"

You don't know why you're hesitating. You love him. He's made it clear he loves you too, and no one else in this world has ever made you feel so safe. He'd taken such good care of you when you arrived in Eregion. Alone and destitute, The Lord of the Elven Smiths had brought you under his wing as you sought out refuge from the world around you. From your lack of memories, from your lack of trust.

And then he'd shown you what pure love looked like. You had been his ever since.

"Lift your arms." You murmur low in his ear. Celebrimbor complies, wincing as the fabric grazes a wound on his side before he finds himself free of the confines of his robes. His underclothes do not fare much better. "I'm sorry, Celebrimbor."

"Whatever for? You are not to blame for this."

"I'm sorry that he inflicted such pain upon you. You have a kind and gracious heart that only wished to fulfill a legacy you feel is an expectation of being from the House of Feanör," You state as you slowly lead him into the water just enough to where it dips beneath your waist. You are still dressed in your own clothes. The armor you'd worn during the Siege has long been discarded. "And I'm sorry he used you as a means to his own end."

"I survived." He replies. You lean outward as his good hand catches your face, seeking out the warmth and comfort of a desired touch as his thumb traces your lips. "You were my only truth amid all the deceit."

You allow him to draw you to him as he bends his head to meet your mouth, sighing softly in response as you press your hands to his chest. It is a sweet and short kiss that conveys nothing short of Celebrimbor's gratitude that you have stood by his side throughout it all.

When you are the first to pull away, you bend down to cup your hands and fill them with water. "It'll be easier for me to wash your hair if you are kneeling. Would you?"

"Of course."

The next few minutes pass in silence as you wash the blood from his hair. The water of the river tinges red as you continue, working your fingers through his curls and deep against his scalp to ensure you have removed all of the dirt and grime that has settled there. He tips his head into your hands, at your total mercy, and allows his eyes to flicker across your aspect as you continue.

"Okay," You remark. "That is your hair. The rest-"

"I would very much like it to be your turn, My Love." He interjects. You raise a brow at his forwardness and laugh as his cheeks tinge pink. "If you'll allow it."

You turn your body toward him and lift your hair to allow him access to the fastenings of your clothing. You are just as bloodied as he is, skin smeared with orc and elf blood as you had spent the majority of your time during the Siege at the front when Elrond had shown up.

A shiver runs down your spine as Celebrimbors fingers graze the curve of your back, loosening each fastening before your shirt is loose and heavy with water. You nod your confirmation and watch it fly back in the direction of the shoreline where his robes sit.

You kneel and peer up at him through your hair. You're so glad he's here. You were so sure that Sauron was going to kill him before you could get back to the Tower.

''Hey, hey. What are these tears for?" He asks, urgency and concern lingering in his tone as he kneels to meet you in the water.

"I thought-" You swallow your fear and screw your eyes shut as your forehead seeks his own. Celebrimbor softens. He's always admired your ability to be vulnerable with him. To let him see your heart in a way no one else ever has. "I thought Sauron was going to kill you. Kill you, make me watch-"

He'd thought the same thing.

Celebrimbor runs his fingers over the bruises on your cheeks before shaking his head. "You and Galadriel made me see reason. You got me out. You took care of me and tended to my wounds. No one else would have been able to break through his influence like you did. And now that we are here?" You open your eyes and sigh as water descends through your hair and down your neck. "Let us be cleansed of Him."

So that's exactly what happens. Minutes feel like hours as you keep him afloat atop the water and help him wash his body of the war you have left behind. Even though Celebrimbor struggles, he does the same to you, cradling you with such a tenderness that it makes your heart ache.

When you are both cleansed, you stop him from returning to the shore with a kiss that takes his breath away. He is only just able to return the kiss with equal fervor when he manages to get your feet out from beneath you and topples you into the water.

Laughter echoes in the air as you sink below the water before you pull yourself back up, flabbergasted that he'd pulled such a move.

Then you see why.

Celebrimbor is smiling.

He may not be as whole as he once was, oh no, but he's still the most beautiful person you know. That soul is so gentle despite all he has endured.

Precious.

"You're staring."

You snap to attention at his remark and grin. You can't help it. "I love you." You reply. His response is immediate: That smile you love so much as he slowly chases you through the water with all the strength you both can muster before you both collapse on the boulder where your clothes are drying.

It is there in the light of the sun with you wrapped in his embrace that he finds the courage to ask the question.

Sauron has no influence here. Not anymore.

"Will you marry me?"

[tgmsunmontue]

Season to Taste - 22/? WIP

Explicit Hangster - Celebrity Chef Bradley and Naval Aviator Jake Seresin who have a relationship spanning the globe before they realize how tightly bound they are to one another. Heading into this little world.

PROLOGUE/ONE TWO THREE FOUR FIVE SIX SEVEN EIGHT NINE TEN ELEVEN TWELVE THIRTEEN FORTEEN FIFTEEN SIXTEEN SEVENTEEN EIGHTEEN NINETEEN TWENTY TWENTYONE

CHAPTER TWENTYTWO

                Sleep is a rare and precious commodity, one he cannot allow himself to luxuriate in while he works at finalizing the menu. While he sources vendors and suppliers and picks out flatware and tablecloths and what kind of light fittings will look the best. Leandro and Silvia arrive and take over for a bit and it feels so nice to just feel like he can take a breath. The fact that there is a film crew dogging his every step isn’t helping, but he also knows the publicity and exposure he’ll get will all be worth it.

                Leandro makes him make everything on the menu, then tastes it as he cooks and he refines it further. Listens as Leandro gives him further tips about what can be prepped in advance and what things must be done fresh. He goes through Bradley’s wine selection as well, pares them with different meals and makes Bradley do a blind taste test. He thought he’d learnt enough, but he’s quickly learning he’s got a lifetime of education in front of him.

                He okay with that.

…            …            …

                “Did you know you were Jake’s first kiss?”

                “Yeah, he did tell me that…” Leo says with a soft smile he directs Jake’s way and Jake pulls a face at Nicola, because of course she’d be the one to try and humiliate him the most.

                “Oh. Damn. I was hoping I could embarrass him.”

                “Well, at least you’re honest about your intentions,” Jake mutters.

                “Do you have photos of him as a kid or teenager? That’d work.”

                “No!” Jake yells, but both Nicola and Amanda are already running and his dad is laughing. So much for his dad helping keep his sisters under control. He should have known better. Leo’s arms are around him though, stopping him from going after his sisters, or just to hold him close, it doesn’t matter.

…            …            …

                “Try not to fuck him up okay?”

                “Yeah, no, of course not,” Bradley starts, not really sure if this is a threat or well wishes or what exactly. Then he gets a shoulder pat so hard he won’t be surprised if it bruises and decides it’s likely a bit of both.

…            …            …

                He leaves Leo in bed with a promise to return later and while he doubts it will happen he really hopes to find him still in bed when he gets back from helping his sisters at the farmers market. He gets to the lot where they set up and of course they’re already there, used to doing this without him but he still feels a little bad, quickly following directions and moving things to where they want them, calling out greetings to equally bleary-eyed people, although some are bright and cheerful and even after ten years in the Navy he still hates naturally early morning people a little.

                “Jake. Jake! Come on, where’s your head at?”

                He startles, and Nicola is looking at him with a mix of irritation and concern. He shakes his head and mumbles an apology under his breath.

                “I was going to ask what you were daydreaming about, but I don’t think I want to know…”

                “You don’t think it’s… going too fast?”

                “Oh. You’re head’s not here. And fast? You’ve never let a little speed scare you off before.”

                “I’m not scared,” Jake scoffs. “I agreed to… date him didn’t I?”

                “Yep, and now you’re second guessing your decision. Why?”

                “Just… what if I fuck it up?”

                “Oh. Oh Jake… what if he fucks it up?”

                “He won’t.”

                “Wow. So certain already. Look. I saw the two of you being very… sweet with each other last night. And it’s only been a week, I know that, but he seems to really like you. Like… really like you. Let him like you. Don’t invent problems or issues because you think it should be more difficult.”

                “Yeah.”

                “I know, easier said than done sometimes. But I know you can be a stubborn shit head when you put your mind to it.”

                “Thanks Nicky…”

                “Also he’s hot and really into you…”

                “Yeah well, that helps too,” Jake says with a smirk and Nicola rolls her eyes and slaps his arm to get him moving again.

…            …            …

                He spies him walking toward them, trays of coffee balanced in each hand and Jake lets his eye travel up Leo’s body, the long legs covered in light denim that Jake’s had wrapped around his hips. White tank making his skin look even more golden and warm in the increasing heat of the Texan summer morning. Then a muted Hawaiian shirt flapping as he strides toward them and yeah, it’s only been a few hours but he’s starting to feel like he’s getting a taste of what coming back from being deployed is going to be like.

                “Hey. Wasn’t expecting you. What are you doing here?”

                “To help. I got you guys all coffee from the coffee cart. I might not want to get up before five to help, but being here for the rush from eight is much more respectable time. Maria and Olivia said I’d be the most use then.”

                “Yeah. He can carry people’s things to their cars.”

                “Oh yeah, the church ladies like to see flexing muscles,” Jake says with a grin, and Leo’s answering smile is wide.

                “Ugh. Stop looking at each other like that. You’ll make the fudge jealous.”

                Jake blinks. Frowns.

                “What?”

                “Tooth rotting fluff,” she says, gesturing between them and he shrugs, because he’s not going to disagree.

…            …            …

                “Come back to my place.”

                “Your place?”

                “Yeah, my apartment I share with Nicola. It’s close.”

                “Close huh?”

                “Yeah. We can have a shower. Wash our clothes.”

                “And what will we do while our clothes get clean hmm?”

                “I’ve got a few ideas.”

                “I bet you do. Lead the way.”

…            …            …

                The rest of the weekend feels relaxed. He does end up making brunch for Maria, Olivia and Nicola on Sunday, much to Jake’s pretend annoyance. At least he thinks it’s pretend, and it might just be the fact that he left Jake alone in bed at his apartment and went back to his rental so he could cook. He finds having Jake in his working space, the kitchen, easy, despite the fact he usually hates having people hovering. If they’re in the kitchen they should be working, and he’s used to them working and moving around him. Jake doesn’t move; every time Bradley bumps or brushes against him he gets a kiss or hug for his efforts so he starts doing it on purpose. That, combined with the fact that Jake doesn’t seem at all interested in the food, isn’t going to critique his knife skills, and simply seems to want to be in the same space he’s in makes him want him there in return.

                Now, it’s Sunday afternoon and Jake has gone to spend some time with his nieces and nephew at Bradley’s encouragement; already feeling bad at monopolizing so much of Jake’s time the last week. He looks at the pounds of tomatoes in front of him and rubs his hands before rolling up his sleeves. He has an idea, and it might be a complete bust, but he can’t not try. He’d sort of alluded to on Friday night, when Olivia had talked about Jake’s mild obsession with ketchup. Or mayonnaise, depending. Sometimes Jake will mix the two, but there is always ketchup and he wonders what it is exactly about it that Jake likes so much. He’s determined to find out. Then he’s going to make a version so good Jake won’t ever want store bought again. He’d noticed all their eyes on him while Jake had been putting the sauce on his plate and he’d just been amused. He is not a snob when it comes to food, but he might be something of a perfectionist.

                He roasts the tomatoes first, enough to split the skin and give them a little blistering and char because he wants that depth of flavor. Then he has to peel them, and they’re fucking hot but he works with a paring knife and one glove, working quickly. He’s also roasted some garlic bulbs whole, squeezes them out as he sautés some onion in butter. All the texture will be lost of course, he knows he’s going to have to strain it through the finest mesh he can get his hands on, and most of his personal cooking equipment went back with the crew, except for his knives. That’s fine, he’s learnt to improvise.

                He separates the sauce into four smaller pots, leaves one untouched and then ponders what he can do to each one to hopefully make them taste different enough that Jake will be able to tell and not just nod and smile and say they all taste great. Of course, he doesn’t have any liquid smoke on hand, but he definitely wants to try making one more smoky and tangy, like a barbecue sauce while still being close to ketchup for Jake’s liking. He adds more sugar to one, although he’s already wondering if he could use stewed apple for the sweetness instead. To another he adds some of the salsa verde and hums appreciatively when he tastes it, because that adds a kick and the flavors have had time to intensify in the best way possible. Okay. Plain, spicy, sweet and hopefully smoky. That covers enough bases for now and gives him a decent starting point. He’ll see if he can source some liquid smoke tomorrow when the shops are open.

…            …            …

                “I’m going to go for a run. All this food has been great but I can’t slack off otherwise I won’t pass the pre-flight checks…”

                “Can’t you go later?” Bradley grumbles.

                “Leo, babe, it’s summer in Texas. I don’t have a death wish. It’s now or never baby…”

                “Ugh. Wait for me. I’ll come with you. I’ve been slacking off.”

                “You mean you don’t come by this naturally?” Jake asks playfully, reaching over and giving his ass a slap.

                “Got to work to look this good.”

                “Mmm. Well, your body is a temple and I’m but a humble worshipper…”

                He can go for a run later.

…            …            …

                “Blind taste test…”

                “You’re blind folding me? Kinky.”

                “I want you to try something… several somethings actually.”

                Jake groans.

                “No, no… it’s just fries in sauce okay? Homemade ketchup. I want you to tell me which is your favorite out of these four.”

                “It really bugs you that I add sauce to everything I eat huh?”

                “No. Well. Yeah, maybe a little. But… I just want you eating my sauce.”

                Jake smirks and Bradley flushes as he realizes the double entendre that could be inferred.

                “Just try the fucking sauce you pervert.”

                “Oh, I’m sure I could be a lot more perverted…”

                “I’m sure you could too, it’s not a very high bar. Come on…”

…            …            …

                “I’m really sorry to do this, but can you look into Houston and Austin and San Antonio?”

                “Wow…”

                “Shut up.”

                “Oh no. I am just going to sit here and tell you I told you so. Bask in being right, because you know I am…”

                “Can you do some site visits?”

                “Not in the next couple of weeks, I’ll have to do some considerable research considering these are three entirely new locations we haven’t done any market research for.”

                “Yeah, I know… just. Tell me if it’s a really fucking bad move okay? From a business point of view that is.”

                “Oh, you know I won’t hold back. I take it from this request that things are going well?”

                “Yeah, yeah, mucca curiosa… how much detail do you want huh?”

                “None. You sound happy. Relaxed. It’s good. Keep it up. Or not.”

                “You’re so gross.”

                “Your mind went there too!”

…            …            …

                Jake likes all the different sauces. He truly does, and he can tell the difference fuck you very much Maria. They’re different enough that he wouldn’t mind having a bottle of each, because the smoky one goes really well with burgers and hotdogs, but the spicy one is best with the Mexican food for some reason, then the sweet one is his favorite to have with fries. But the original is best for putting on eggs at breakfast and god, he really needs to go for a run.

[notmorbid]

woman, eating.

dialogue prompts from woman, eating: a literary vampire novel by claire kohda.

people have appalling night vision.

i've marked crosses where you need to sign.

where did you say you live? anywhere near ____?

you hate me, don't you?

you won't make it without me.

it's hard to know what's real with you.

i did everything for you. everything was for you.

i don't like eating alone.

god wouldn't want to help a demon survive, and that's what we are.

this place is beyond new beginnings.

what do you see yourself as?

demon is a subjective term.

i'm not very good at goodbyes. or any form of greeting, actually.

how are you? i miss you. i want to hear about your life.

everything in everyone's life is temporary.

just imagine i'm dead.

people are like flowers: seasonal, wilting, and finite.

am i the only other person who can see you?

it sounded like you were dragging a body across the floor.

we cannot have any more catastrophe.

don't talk back to me.

my body isn't mine. it isn't a good fit for me.

you were very human. that was what i liked about you.

you never told me how ___ died.

i have to do everything for you, don't i?

give it time. you just haven't found yourself yet.

i don't really get contemporary art.

i'm trying to figure out what i want to do with my life.

how come you stopped ____?

what does the winner get?

it's kind of like being a kid again.

i don't want to be walking too late.

just be careful.

watch out for ___.

we're the same.

sorry if i said anything bad or embarrassing.

everything looks different, but it's hard to pinpoint how.

i like your look.

will you swap with me? can i be you for a bit?

i guess i feel small. undervalued.

it's hard to see what's beautiful anymore.

taking is not good for the soul.

what are you doing? lost?

did i make you feel bad?

i feel like i've been standing completely still.

i'm not sure what i feel when i look at you.

sorry. i'm not good at talking about it.

what are you going to do?

i'm really sorry about the ____.

when you left, you took something of me with you.

i'm sorry. i don't know what's wrong with me.

life is a line, not a circle.

i think i like you.

i don't want to feel at home in the dark.

take me with you. please.

i can't take you with me.

memories make life.

move away. i'm dangerous.

i don't know who i am anymore.

are you high or something?

i don't think i ever hated you.

can i do anything to help?

i wish i could be honest.

i don't want to bring you down with me.

i can't tell what it is i want.

the other night was a mistake.

you don't like me?

i am completely alone.

will you let me in?

i think i've known for a while.

you can't just listen to one side and block out the other.

neither side of me can be separated from the other.

i don't have sides at all. i am two things that have become one thing.

are you okay? do you need help getting home?

i'm not sure what i am anymore.

for the first time, i feel like i'm exactly where i'm meant to be.

this feels like the first time i've really seen you.

[cuecrynsleep]

Reconnecting the Past

Amangela | Reunion AU!

Chapter 16: Skipped a Beat

Amanda, Angela, and Arasha call, and Tommy makes an assumption.

Disclaimer: This is not meant to be a representation of those in Smosh, rather a fan made perspective on the characters they portray online. Remain respectful.

← Ch. 15 | Masterlist

────────────────────

Arasha tapped the steering wheel of her car, waiting for the light to turn green. Her eyes glanced at the digital clock, doing some mental math on Angela’s apartment to the filming location. As the light turned green she drove straight ahead, turning into the parking lot of the familiar apartment complex. She parked at the nearest open available spot for guests, taking her phone out of the cup holder. Her fingers tapping on Angela’s contact, before the ringing sound filled the car. The sound was cut short before it beeped just before the call ended. She frowned at her phone, rolling her eyes, until a text came in shortly after.

‘Angela: Be out in a second’

Arasha replied to the text, scrolling through her instagram notifications afterwards. The sound of a door alerting her eyes forward. Angela walked towards her car, a phone to her ear as she continued talking to whoever was on the other side of the phone.

“I have to go,” Angela said, as she opened the car door. The phone briefly squeezed against her ear and shoulder as she put on her seat belt. “Bye. I’ll talk to you soon.”

“You don’t have to hang up,” Arasha immediately spoke. “I don’t mind.”

Angela paused. “Are you sure?” She asked, the phone pulled away from her ear as if the caller wasn’t a part of the conversation.

“Yeah, I’m sure,” she said. Arasha put her car back into drive, carefully maneuvering out of the parking lot. “It’s just a phone call.”

As Angela moved her phone closer to her, Arasha could make out the voice much more clearer.

“Wait, is that Arasha?”

She glanced at Angela from the corner of her eye. “You’re talking to Amanda?”

“Oh my god. Hi Arasha!”

“Hey Amanda, it’s been a while,” Arasha smiled. Her smile not once feigned as Angela groaned.

“I should’ve just hung up,” Angela murmured.

“Oh come on. Why?”

“I feel like one of you is going to embarrass me,” Angela said, her eyes trained on Arasha as she spoke.

“Who do you take me for? You should just put me on speaker.”

“I agree, put Amanda on speaker,” Arasha interrupted. “I need to focus on the road.”

“More of a reason for me to hang up then,” Angela huffed. A few seconds passed, Amanda’s words being drowned out by the light traffic, before Angela put her on speaker.

“-call was cut short yesterday. I don’t want to stop talking-“

“You’re on speaker,” Angela interrupted. A light smile was on her face, her eyes obviously avoiding Arasha’s ever-so curious ones that’d glance at her.

There was a brief crackle and muffling of background noise. “Finally, I’m on speaker. Can’t believe she tried to stop us from talking to each other, Arasha.”

“I know right,” Arasha said. She bit her lip, stopping herself from making a joke about Angela wanting Amanda all to herself. She didn’t exactly know what she can and cannot joke about. “Angela hasn’t even told me that you guys have been calling.”

“Yes I have,” Angela defended. “I mentioned it.”

“Well, yeah, but I didn't know it was like a thing," Arasha said.

"It's not daily but we've been calling often," Amanda answered. "How have you been, Arasha?"

"I'm good. I got a callback for an audition yesterday." Arasha paused, glancing at Angela who was silently listening to the two converse, with a light smile on her face. "How about you?"

"Oh my god congratulations on that callback," Amanda cheered. "I'm doing great. I have an idea of when I'm going back to Cali, so I'm happy about that."

"What?" Angela immediately said. "Wait, you didn't tell me this. When?"

"I didn't?" Amanda asked, surprised. "I swear I told you yesterday. I wanted to make sure to tell you."

"It's fine," Angela shrugged. "You can tell me now."

"I don't know the exact date, but it'll be around the last week of July."

"Still a few weeks then.”

"Yeah," Amanda paused, a few seconds passing before she spoke. "I can't wait to see you." Her voice was airy yet so undeniably emotional. Arasha's eyes widened at the switch up, she glanced at Angela who's smile widened at the words. She couldn't even tell if she was third wheeling at this point. Even if she knew that was the farthest thing from both of their intentions.

"We'll have to schedule a meet up at some point then," Angela said.

"For sure," she agreed. "You're one of the highlights of my time here, so yeah, definitely." The compliment was said casually, yet borderline cheesy considering Angela isn't even in Canada with Amanda. An achievement on Angela's part maybe.

If Arasha could describe Amanda in one word based on this interaction alone it'd be soft. Almost as if anything Angela did would make Amanda crumble. That alone was enough to get enough Arasha's mind wandering.

"This is highschool all over again," Arasha jokes, a beat later. "I'm just witnessing two people make plans I'm not a part of."

"Wait!" Amanda said, just as Angela scrambled over an apology.

"We can all hang out, Arasha!" Amanda said. "I definitely do need to catch up with you sometime. I really want to do that."

"The more the merrier," Angela followed up. "Besides I talk to Amanda enough as is."

"Hey!"

"Sorry," Angela apologized, her face broken out in a wide grin.

"I'm thinking dinner some time. It'll be on me," Amanda said.

"I'm so happy my plan worked," Arasha chuckled, despite clearly not having that intention at all. "All I'm hearing is free dinner."

Amanda sighed. "Well not anymore after that."

"Damn, guess I'm not getting free dinner either," Angela shrugged.

"That part was only extended to Arasha anyway," Amanda teased.

"That's so unfair!"

"Look," Arasha interrupted, having a feeling that playful bickering would go on for longer. "You two need to hang out properly. You're the ones reconnecting. The last thing I want to do is get in the middle of that.”

A second later, Arasha cleared her throat. "But I also do want to catch up with you sometime Amanda."

'I'm looking forward to it."

"Awww," Angela cooed. "I'm so glad I didn't hang up after all. I'm happy you two are talking."

"We never had a reason not to Ange," Arasha said. "I didn't have some reservations with her like you did." She said, glancing at Angela with a teasing smirk, before going back to facing the road.

"I knew you were going to embarrass me!" Angela practically yelled. "I fucking knew it!"

Amanda's laughter filled the air as she took in Angela's reaction. "God, I wish I was in the car."

It wasn’t long for the conversation to change topics, the three going from discussing traveling to shopping. As the destination neared Angela ended up rambling about her improv group, Arasha too focused on driving to give full responses aside from the occasional hum.

“Oh come on,” Angela said. "Are you even listening to me Amanda? I feel like I'm talking to an empty crowd.”

“Sorry, sorry,” Amanda chuckled. “I'll talk more. I just liked listening to you ramble.” She said softly in a raw voice that it completely caught Arasha off guard. She couldn’t help but do a look over Angela, gauging her reaction. There was the usual smile on her lips but she didn’t look surprised nor caught off guard. If anything, it was just a part of their new normal.

“Well, at least you're listening,” Angela said, pausing before she continued on. “And I don’t exactly want to count on Arasha fully listening when she’s driving.”

"I am listening," Arasha said. "We usually talk anyway when I'm driving so it's not exactly out of the ordinary.”

As Amanda and Angela lightly bicker back and forth, Arasha leaned back. She let her mind wander further, taking the train of thought she had before and delving into it. Yet, at the same time, she wasn’t exactly one to assume. Especially, when she didn’t exactly know Amanda, at least currently, that well. Angela acted how she normally would, as if she was finding herself as she talked to Amanda. There was only an occasional pause and shift of awkwardness and hesitance, though it was probably par for the course.

Meanwhile for Amanda, the part that more so brought her attention, was the differences. There was just something about the way she acted. The way she talked to Angela, and how her voice sounded with every word she spoke.

It was reminiscent of a lovesick Angela back in University. As soon as the thought hit her, she shook it away and pushed it aside. It was none of her business. The two are currently happy as they are. That’s all that matters.

[you-shiny-thing]

I was thinking about what Pokémon would suit which frame, and I mean,

Yareli and Primarina + Mantine

Primarina's design is perfect for Yareli, they're both water-themed magical girls, and with Mantine joining in as a known fan of surfing, which is as close as it gets to k-driving in the Pokémon world.

Jade and Mega Gardevoir

They look like siblings separated into different universes: they have the same colours, the same silhouette... I want them to meet,, maybe put together a coordinator contest or a duet.

Volt and Zeraora

They're both high speed electric fellas, I can see them doing parkour together with Volt boosting them and Zeraora's lightning sparking all around them. And besides, considering Zeraora collects electricity, I imagine it could charge up from Volt's electricity and use that to zap whoever comes in their way.

Garuda and Weavile

Vicious and clawed, they're both ready for a good mauling any time. You cannot tell me a Pokémon version of Garuda would not learn every and all moves that imply usage of claws.

Oberon and Sawsbuck

Hoof buddies! They both have a serene feel to me, but then again, deer are known for being silly and getting spooked easily, so I just want to imagine these two traveling in the woods and jumping at shadows, giving people of Cetus the silliest trail cam footage.

[theocddiaries]

Bruce: Looks like things are going well with you and your dad. Jason: Yes. Better than I ever thought. Bruce: But… Jason [sighs]: There it is. Sticking your "but" into my great mood again. I swear, it's like a fucking illness with you. Bruce: Jason, don't get me wrong. I'm glad he finally hugged you. Jason: All right, all right, not so loud. Bruce: I feel like there's a lot more you two need to talk about. Really clear the air. Jason: Listen, we don't have to waste four hours talking about shit. We just drunk some booze, broke a crib, had a quick hug, and it's over. Bruce: Hm… Jason, one hug cannot erase 20 years of hard feelings. I think you've still got a lot of anger to work out. Jason: Bruce, let it go. I'm all better. As much as I hate to say it, I think Dick is on to something. Dick: I'm right here, idiot. Jason: Shut up, I'm growing and glowing. As I was saying, when I find myself getting angry, I just breathe. Hey, maybe you should do that too, Bruce. Damian [From the other room]: Oh, my God! Oh, my God! Jason [snaps]: Jesus fucking Christ! Your big bro's coming, little spawn! [Runs out of the room]. Bruce [sighs] [IN THE DISTANCE] Jason: What did the Replacement do to you now? I will beat you to death, you little bastard! Tim: I didn't do shit to him! Jason: I'll do shit to you! And watch your mouth! Bruce: Yes, he's totally better. Dick: I don't know what to tell you, B. Back in the day, he'd have punch and ask later. Bruce: You're not helping, Dick.

[iniziare]

ignoring aventurine's blatant gay coding is really something

Other things have had me a little salty this morning, so in case that influences my perception of how you intended this, my sincere apologies. Either way, forgive me for being serious for a moment, but I want to use this as a PSA to make a point going forward on this blog.

I have nothing against opposing views, and I have nothing against people disagreeing with me, but what I have something against on principle, are potentially snarky messages like this one that seem to have only one aim, which is to try and taint my character by making insinuations that are wholly unfounded (that you think me to be anti-LGBT?) and based on something that you genuinely cannot draw any such thing from. Now whether Aventurine is 'gay-coded' as you so put it, or a bisexual man (on which note: it's real saddening to see that in 2024, in-house fighting against bisexuality's mere existence still reigns supreme, good job, you're really making admirable strides) doesn't matter for what I'm going to touch on. Although out of respect for the character himself and the person who wrote him, I can't move on without noting that you may want to reread some character stories, some dialogues (particularly things said by the Harmony to him, for instance), to see whether that seals your faith in your claim, or diminishes it. Either way, I want to remind you: being bisexual doesn't reduce the significance of being drawn to the same sex.

Alright, continuing what I was saying: messages like these don't accomplish anything, outside of making you feel like you're on a pedestal; is it cold up there? I don't envy you. In all seriousness however, in all my years on any of my blogs, I have always aimed to be canon-strict with my portrayals, with which I set myself up for something that I deem imperative for myself in RP: to be criticized by the masses. I have always tried to engage with my follower base, I have always encouraged them to come to me if I'm wrong on something, I value people trying to poke holes in my logic. And if you succeed in proving that I overlooked something, I will happily admit it, and stand corrected. In that, I aim to say that I thoroughly enjoy debate and discussion (based in rationale, and not feelings), which I think are fundamental to our society even outside of Tumblr. If someone disagrees with me, my notes are open, if you want to question something that I think or have posted, my askbox (as you've learned and have made use of) is open. But all I ask is that you open a line of healthy debate with me, and not send something that is entirely baseless if you don't even substantiate your claim in your same message. But also, what I don't understand is that my post doesn't even directly diminish the popular Aventurine/Ratio ship in the fandom, it instead simply expresses frustration that not more people see the depth of the Aventurine/Topaz dynamic, and recognize it as a good ship as well, because there is a lot within the game that aims at a definite potential there. Granted, yes, that comes with having to acknowledge that Aventurine may just be a bisexual man who is also into women, but if that's something that doesn't sit quite right with you, then maybe the issue that you're pointing at me, should be returned to you, the one who initially pointed the accusatory finger here.

Again, if you want to have a conversation about this and tell me why you think that I'm wrong by substantiating your own claim, you're very welcome to, and I'd be happy to engage with you. But until then, this is all that I have for you. And before I might get a 'why do I need to substantiate my thing, Sae', it's nothing against you personally, and instead it's the simple 101 of debate. You disagree with a point that I make? Then it is up to you to tell me why you disagree, so that I can give you a fruitful counter that you can then do something with.

Regardless of the intention of your message, anon, I wish you a good day, and I hope that it's raining less over there, wherever you may be, than it is over here. I'm not motivated to go get my groceries!

[sopuu]

I know usually you get questions about your art, but what about your writing?

I'm trying to write my own story kind of, but I don't know if I'm getting my writing across in the way I want it to, so how do you do it?

Also I love champion au auguuhiuuahhhauuug uhahhhh

hooo boy well first i'm so glad you like my writing!! i still feel relatively new to it so it’s incredibly motivating to hear its coming across well 🥹 ...and by extension i mayyy not be the best person to ask for advice lmao but uhh lets see

usually when there's a certain mood i want to convey, i reread fics or rewatch parts of a show i like that also has that same tone and pay extra attention to the dialogue, the pacing etc. that way i have a good frame of reference of how to get the words and the emotion i want (bc yknow. i'm feeling it when gathering references), and then i'll write and rewrite my way to that emotion. kinda like working backwards ig because knowing what tone you want vs feeling it yourself are different things and two ends of the process

oh that reminds me of this tip! it lives in my head rent-free and it talks about writing around pain specifically but i think it applies to anything in writing. is the character happy? sad? confused? then try writing how they're like that without using that word at all- in their actions, behaviour, using the environment…it's always show don't tell babyy (especially important in writing for a comic that for workload's sake cannot be too long, every single word/action has to count towards something)

also, whenever i'm rereading what i've written i try to pretend i know absolutely nothing or come back to it after a long break, and if the next line of dialogue is too predictable then it gets revised. same with presenting an obstacle in the narrative, i have to feel the stakes myself like i'm one of the characters instead of being an omnipresent force watching the story unfold in front of me if that makes sense. imo if the author isn't immersed themselves then neither would the audience be.

and just trust yourself! have fun! if you find yourself overthinking then it’s probably time for a break! there’s plenty of time to get it right :)