#i don’t know what exactly’s got me so anxious but it’s not making life fun rn

[graham--folger]

.

[imamotherfuckingstar-lord]

imagine logan seeing you again, pt. 2

logan x reader

summary: In his universe, Logan and you were in love. Then you died. Now he's in a different timeline and you are very much alive.

warning: some deadpool x wolverine spoilers. this takes place after the movie. under 1k words.

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3

The street was typically crowded for a Wednesday afternoon, but the hot dog in your hand lathered away all the annoyance from being shoulder checked every so often. The first bite awakened your entire body, and you felt amorous joy. It was a mild weather day and Wade had given you the task of entertaining his new roommate. Logan stood in front of you, seemingly annoyed at the way you were ignoring him and making love to the wiener in your mouth.

“You eat like a pig.”

“Oink…oink…” you murmured, finishing the dog with another anxious bite. He looked disgusted and you amused, as he checked his watch. “Stop acting like you have somewhere to be, you have nothing going on in your life at the moment.”

“Aren’t you a bed of roses.”

Ignoring him, you wiped your hands off and tossed away the napkins. “So, I personally think this is a major waste of time since I gather, you’d rather just hit up a local bar and gorge yourself into oblivion. But I told Laura I’d at least try to get you to do something fun.”

Logan, being the ray of sunshine he was, grunted but then asked how the young girl was doing. “You didn’t have to take her in.”

The two of you starting, well, just walking. There was no real plan for the day, you just picked up Logan from Wade’s apartment and told the Wolverine he was going on a little walk. Like the good little doggy he was – of course, he didn’t appreciate that last bit, but he didn’t object to the idea.

“I honestly don’t mind. It’s nice having a roommate, she’s quiet though. She’s teaching me Spanish, so that’s nice. Are you hungry?”

“You just had a hot dog.”

“It’s called an appetizer, Logan…I know a really good burger place nearby.”

He said nothing and the two of you fell into a silent pace, Logan feeling beside himself. Even a bit ashamed for stealing glances your way. You looked just like her, you – it was confusing and ultimately, he wasn’t sure what to feel. At the party, he thought he felt something and when he saw you afterwards – helping Laura settling into your apartment, it had killed him. Seeing you happy, like you always wanted. In a small apartment, instead of a huge mansion with no privacy. The X-Men were your family but there had been plenty of times when you had confessed to Logan for some peace and quiet. It wasn’t like you wanted to abandon the school, the people you loved – you just wanted a place for Logan and you. As he watched that day, moving things around for Laura, he felt peace. At least, in this universe, you got what you wanted.

“Logan?”

He apologized. “Burger sounds good.”

The man looked conflicted, and you wanted to make a funny comment, observation but something in you decided not to. Instead, you stole little peeks, he wasn’t as old as the Logan from this world, but he had some miles on him. He wasn’t exactly hard to look at either with that whole hard ass guise to him. Wade had highly under played Logan’s attractiveness and what a petty bitch he was. This thought made you chuckle loud enough to gain a look from your companion. He asked what was so funny, you said nothing.

“So, what are your plans now that you’re anchored here?”

“That would be the million-dollar question.”

“I could hook you up with an old team of mine?”

“Absolutely not.”

You began to rattle off different occupations Logan could take up – line cook, bounty hunter, librarian. The latter piqued your interest a little too much with the mere thought of Logan wearing studious glasses and a gray knit sweater making you warm. “I would definitely read more.”

He laughed, maybe even smiled. “Not a fat chance.”

“A girl could try,” you shrugged, nodding ahead. The diner was in view and Logan followed you across the street. He opened the door, and you thanked him, slightly embarrassed that you were feeling some type of way. Horny? Yikes. Maybe. It had been a while and you hardly knew Logan but that might have been the thrill. Feeling silly, you lead the man to a booth in the corner and you settled across from him. The waitress came over and slipped menus to each of you. Logan asked for a coffee while he gazed down at the limited selection of food, and you asked for a Diet Coke. You watched Logan curiously, trying to guess what he’d ordered. He didn��t seem like the type to be experimental with his meals. So, a burger combo would be the best guess and you were completely right. When the waitress came back to take your orders, Logan ordered a burger combo while you asked for a BLT. He thanked the woman and relaxed against the vinyl booth, looking out the window as people walked by.

“Is it different?”

He answered with a quick no, and you apologized for repeatedly asking that. “It’s just crazy to think about other universes, other versions of ourselves out there. Would it be weird to ask if I looked the same?”

Logan stared at you and felt his heart sink. You were beautiful, you were but he could see the differences between the woman he loved and the woman in front of him. Your eyes were filled with energy, hair a lighter tone in color, skin darker – it was like he was seeing an inverted version of the you he knew. Here, in this world, you seemed more carefree, and he was happy about it. Back home, all you ever did was worry. He never really saw you truly happy and he wondered if it was because he had loved you. In this fuck of a place, Logan and you had never interacted. Your paths never crossed and maybe that’s why you were so content. He managed an uncomfortable smile and shrugged. “Pretty much the same.”

Your face fell as the waitress arrived with the drinks. Logan took his and sipped the coffee, hoping you’d move on. It had taken much effort to even look at you now, his heart racing so fast he wanted nothing more to do than leave. Like a coward, run away. It would be so much easier than facing whatever look was in your eyes – what answer did you want? What did you want to hear? Logan felt like somehow you knew the truth and that this was all just a ploy to extract it from him but then you smiled, and a nerve was hit. A good one that had Logan glancing out the window.

“I was hoping I’d have green hair or something,” you laughed lightly. “Oh, well. Green isn’t really my color.  Listen, thanks for being such a good sport in all this. For that, how about I take you out for some beers tomorrow night? Unless you got something going on? Which we both know you don’t.”

No.

If he wanted to be a good person with his second chance he was given, that’s what he should have said. No drinks, no weird lunches, no stolen glances. He should have never agreed to even see you again, if he really wanted to change then he would have said no. In fact, he should slowly ease himself out of this friendship you were trying to establish, because what good could come of it? Everyone he loves always dies, his version of you did. Right in his arms, the last thing you felt was his warm embrace. That thought alone should have sent him packing but your eyes on him – understanding, the way your fingers played with the straw from your drink in anticipation and the friendly smile on your face, it was too much for Logan. How could he resist?

Was this a form of self-torture?

If so, he was in, but he was going to need a buffer.

“A few beers sound great, but only one condition.”

Surprised, you agreed. “Anything.”

Logan sighed. Deeply. “As much as this pains me, you gotta invite numb nuts.”

.............

leave comment for a tag. (I tagged those from the OG post who seemed interested in seeing a second part)

@pushingdaisies1 @johnnysilverhandeeznuts @murderhousemuse

@carolinameinicke @abysswhiskey11 @weallhaveadestiny

@cosmiccandydreamer @airwolf92 @fidgetingbee

@bananarepublic58 @ilove-sexydilfsnmilfs @an-tkc @wotcherboo

@theslvttysimp @cauqhtz @ittoscumdump @sad0ni0n

@lostinspace33 @corpse-ihte71 @somekale08

@britthiddlesbatch @doradora8008 @aheadfullofsteverogers

@erikaafernns @justkennadi @tinalbion @tomukit

[coldfanbou]

It Wasn't Supposed To Be Like This

New week, new fic, and things don't go well. Beware of cucking

Length 3.4K

IU smut

“Jieun, you're so plain. Why don’t you spice up your relationship? Have some fun with your sex life.” Kang Han-na said as she playfully slapped Jieun.

“I’m not plain; we just like keeping things simple. We don’t need very much.”

“Exactly, don’t you want to be wild? My boyfriend and I have been having a lot of fun. We try all kinds of things: rough sex, bondage, cucking. You name it, and we’re going to try it.”

“Cucking? What’s that?”

“Oh? That one caught your eye?” Han-na says with a smirk; she places her hands on the table, placing her head on top of them as she explains. “Cucking is having some guy fuck you while your partner watches, or vice versa. It was so much fun; I had the time of my life. I had two guys fucking me while he just watched and jerked off. You should totally do it.”

Jieun rubs her legs, anxious about being with someone else. “No, I could never do that to him.” 

“You’re missing out, Jieun. You have to live a little. I can always hook you up with the guys I had; they will make you feel like you never have.” Han-na continues speaking to Jieun about the topic until they go their separate ways. During the entire walk home, Jieun’s mind is filled with images as she sees every scene that Han-na described in her head. She grips her bag a little tighter as she walks.

You sit across from Jieun, eating your dinner as you converse. “Are you sure about this?” You ask, a little unsure about her proposition. “I really don’t feel too comfortable about it.” You tell her, fidgeting in your seat.

“It’s okay. We don’t have to if you don’t want to. It’s just something a friend of mine has been into, and she thought it could be good for us, but I understand where you’re coming from.” Jieun gives you a soft smile, trying to reassure you. You’ve been dating for over two years and know each other well enough. She places her hand on yours, “I’m not going to push you to try it. Honestly, the idea makes me nervous, too.” You know both of you want to explore in the bedroom, but it’s mostly with toys. You don’t want to deny yourselves the chance to try new things. 

“I-I’ll have to think about it more. I just want to be the only one with you.”

“I know; I want to be with you too.” Jieun cups your cheek and leans over the table, giving you a sincere kiss before sitting back in her chair. The two of you finish your dinner and head to bed. The two of you lay in bed, Jieun curled into your chest. Her light breathing is barely audible as she clutches your shirt. You wrap your arms around her, holding her against you tightly as you fall asleep.

The following day, Jieun prepares herself, putting on her earrings as she speaks to you. “I’m going out with Han-na, today. I’ll be home by two.” She yells from the bathroom.

“Okay, I’ll see you then.”

Jieun kisses you on the cheek and hugs you before she leaves, heading to a cafe to meet her friend. Spotting Han-na from outside, she hurries and sits with her friend. “Han-na! It’s nice to see you. Have you been waiting for a long time?”

“No, I just got here.” The two chat about their recent schedules and workouts before the topic takes a turn. “So, did your boyfriend like the idea?”

“Not really; you have to understand it would be a big step for us. Besides, it’s not something I really want to try either.”

“Oh, but it’s great. It spices your sex life up. My boyfriend and I have been doing it forever. He loves watching me.” Jieun nods her head, a slight frown on her. “I’m sure he would love it too.” The two continue their conversation, with Han-na convincing Jieun to talk to you again.

Jieun returns home just as she said she would. Hearing the TV on in the living room, she throws herself at you, laying her head on your lap. “What’s going on Jieun?”

“I just want to lay here for a bit,” Jieun says, pouting. 

You poke her cheek, “Don’t frown like that. It’s okay.” You tell her, running your hands through her hair. 

“Hey, I’ve been thinking about last night. I want to do it.” 

Your eyes shoot down to Jieun, “You want to?”

“Yeah, Han-na says that they do it all the time and that they’re all the better for it and stronger for it. I think that it’ll be good for us.” 

You're hesitant, scared even. “Jieun, I’m not sure. Han-na is…well, she’s different.”

Jieun sits up, “Just this once. If you don’t feel good after, then that’s it. We never try it again.” Her voice was forceful, and you saw the determination in her eyes.

“I guess. If you want to do it so bad.”

Jieun wraps her arms around you, holding you tightly. “Thanks, honey. I just want you to remember that I love you and only you.”

You felt a pit in your stomach; you didn’t like the idea one bit, but you wanted Jieun to be happy. 

That night, she came to you wearing just a pair of white panties. She covered her chest as she walked toward you, biting her lip and struggling to maintain eye contact.“I want to thank you for letting us explore a little bit.” Jieun straddles your lap. She helps you get your shirt off and kisses you softly. She places your hands on her waist, and you grip her softly, staring into her loving eyes as she kisses you. Her hands rest on your chest as your bulge grows harder between her legs. Jieun smiles as she feels it. Her hips move back and forth; she rubs your cock against her crotch, letting out soft moans and mewing. The moonlight dances across her delicate skin as she shifts her weight. “I love you,” She moans. “Please, take me,” Jieun says, staring into your eyes. 

You roll her over onto her back and pull off her panties. She is clean-shaven, and a blush forms across her face when you glance at her. You smile at her and toss the panties to the side before crawling over her and kissing her neck. Jieun wraps her arms around your head, gently pulling you in to tell you to keep going. You grab your cock, stroking it slowly before pressing it against her cunt. Jieun shuts her eyes and moans as she feels you push in. Her walls are pushed apart as you move in. You continue to nip at her neck, giving her more pleasure as you bury yourself inside her. You wait a moment, staring at her as her eyes flutter open. She gives you a slight nod, and you begin moving. You tell her how much she means to you as you thrust. Jieun smiles back at you, listening to your words carefully as she locks her legs around your waist. She pulls you into a kiss, her lips forming a smile as they’re pressed against yours. “I love you so much.” She says, her legs tightening around you. Your thrusts continue at a slow pace as you enjoy her body. Jieun’s moans slowly rise as she reaches her climax, and her grip over you tightens.

You press your lips against Jieun’s, marking your love for her as you bury yourself inside her and cum. She’s breathless as she feels your warm cum move inside her; a gentle smile forms as she pulls you into a hug. The two of you remain in your embrace for a few minutes. You slowly pull out and lay beside her until you both drift off to sleep. 

The next morning, you and Jieun discuss the ground rules for what would be allowed. When you feel uncomfortable, you remind yourself that Jieun wants to try new things and that maybe you would enjoy it, too. Han-na gives Jieun the phone numbers of a couple of guys, John and Al, and soon, everything is set. She had made the calls nervously but managed to get them to come over.

When the day arrived, Jieun shyly welcomed them into your home, dressed only in her underwear as she led them back into the bedroom. She laid on the bed, bringing them up to it. They disrobed first, presenting her their cocks. She took one in each hand, stroking them slowly; it was the first time she would be with someone else, let alone two people at once.

You were uncomfortable with the situation from the start. Al and John touched Jieun, their hands wandering her body as you sat there. Jieun was focused on them, her moans moving through the room as they stripped her of her underwear. Once she had bared it all to them, they explored her body. John ran his fingers along her stomach; once he reached her cunt he pushed two fingers inside. Jieun squirmed, her legs trapping his hand in place as her lips formed an O. Al pulled on her nipples roughly, making them stretch before letting go. Jieun smiled. She was enjoying all the attention she was getting from them. He was the first to make a move; Al grabbed his cock and stuffed it into her mouth without a care. 

Jieun’s eyes shot open; she looked at him as her lips stretched around his cock, forming a tight seal. Jieun moaned around it, John’s fingers still moving inside her cunt. “That’s it bitch, lick it like you love it,” Al grunted as he held Jieun’s face and thrust over half his length into her mouth. Jieun’s eyes began to water, and she struggled to take it in.

John had enough watching and pulled his fingers out of Jieun, wiping them off on her stomach before moving her onto all fours. She continued to suck on Al’s cock, her tongue moving up and down his shaft as she felt John press his cock against her cunt. “Oh, you’re going to be a tight one,” he says before ramming his entire length inside Jieun. Her scream is muffled; you notice her gripping the bedsheets tightly. John didn’t wait, thrusting quickly into Jieun’s cunt, slapping her ass. Jieun bounces from one cock to the other; John’s thrusts cause her body to lurch forward into Al’s. You watched as Jieun got into it, her senses leaving her. Jieun’s grip slowly loosens; she places her hands on Al’s thighs as she bobs her head as best she can. Her eyes become half-lidded, and her scream soon turns to moans. “Fuck Jieun, you’re so tight.” John groans as he grips her waist, pulling her back into her thrusts.

Jieun was enjoying herself; that much was clear. As the pleasure came in, her body began to loosen. She reached down, cupping Al’s balls as she bobbed her head. “You’re a dirty bitch.” He commented. She glanced up at him before her eyes returned downward. “I’m going to cum, I want you to drink it all.” Jieun nodded her head. As Al’s cock began to throb, he pushed Jieun’s head to the base. She was choking on his cock as he came, her mouth was filled with his semen, and it spilled out of her, running down her chin. Jieun coughs as he pulls out, but her hand reaches up, stroking his cock. She stares into his eyes as she licks her lips. Her eyes were red, and her face was a mess.  

“Can I have some more?” She asks. Those were the first words out of her mouth since this began, and they hurt you. You may have had a hard-on, but you weren’t enjoying this. You felt dejected and stayed quiet as they continued.

Al smiles and grabs Jieun’s hair, pulling her back onto his cock and letting her tongue go to work. John continued his thrusts, each one with increasing speed. “Shit, I’m going to cum. I’m going to do it inside.” John reaches over, rubbing her clit quickly and shocking Jieun with the sudden mass of pleasure.

“Give it to me, cum inside me,” Jieun said, pulling away from Al just to say that. Your mouth drops that was against the rules you had set up together. John doesn’t hesitate, impaling Jieun on his cock and cumming inside her pussy. Jieun’s body shakes, and she cums on his cock. She revels in the feeling of his warm cum inside her; there’s a look of pure bliss on her face. Her tongue slows to a crawl as it moves over Al’s cock. She was lost in a world of pleasure. You saw the dazed look in her eyes as they pulled out of her and switched places. John didn’t need to say a word; Jieun reached for his cock and wrapped her lips around it, bobbing her head and moaning as she felt Al push his cock into her aching pussy. 

They continued for some time, and Jieun begged for Al to cum in her too. Their cum mixed inside her as she continued her blowjob. John decided to dirty her even more, coating her face in his cum and leaving her a tired mess on the bed as they got dressed and left. 

You’re sitting in the corner of the room, feeling absolutely disheartened that Jieun would break the rules you had in place and never want to do this again. “Jieun…” You say, too depressed to even ask your question.

“Come here, I want more,” Jieun says in a tired voice. You look up to see Jieun spreading her folds, revealing the cum-coated cunt. You didn’t want to see her like this. It was a far departure from the woman you knew. 

When you didn’t come to her, Jieun crawled off the bed, staying on her knees as she approached you. She pulled out your cock and began sucking it. Her tongue lapped at it as if she was a hungry beast. Her hand stroked the base of your cock as she looked up at you. There was cum across her face, running down it as worked your cock. You couldn’t hold back, and came in her mouth, feeding her appetite. Jieun pulled away slowly, moving toward the bed and bending herself over it, shaking her ass for you. “Come on, baby. I want your cock.” 

You watch as cum runs down her leg and look at her ass; it’s bright red from John’s slaps. You stand up slowly and get behind Jieun, thrusting slowly and trying to recapture the feelings from the other night. “Harder, give it to me harder,” Jieun says in a depraved voice. Your heart dropped at that moment; she wasn’t the same person. You continue thrusting at your pace, eventually getting Jieun there. She lays on the bed, sleeping there as you head out for a walk. You try to digest everything you saw, believing she couldn’t change like that. You were just blowing things out of proportion.

When you return home, you find Jieun stepping out of the bathroom. “Honey! There you are.” She says, running over to hug you. “That was great, wasn’t it?” She says with a beaming smile. “I can’t wait to do it again.” You give her a half-hearted smile and sit on the couch in the living room. “What’s wrong? Did something happen?”

You let out all your feelings. “I don’t want to do that again. Jieun, it hurt to see you like that, and you broke one of the rules. We said you weren’t going to let them cum inside. I-I just don’t want to do this again.” You say, tears forming in your eyes. Jieun sits next to you silently, patting your back. “This was a mistake; I want it to be just you and me.” She doesn’t say a word, just wrapping her arms around you and patting your back. You continued to explain your feelings on the subject until you exhausted yourself. 

During the night, Jieun thought to herself about what you said. Her thoughts slowly went back to how John and Al handled her; she reached down, fingering herself as she recalled it all. She couldn’t let it be a one-time thing; the temptation lingered in her. The next morning, you woke up on the couch, not feeling comfortable enough to sleep in your bed with Jieun. You wish her well as you head off to work. Jieun sits at home, talking with Han-na. “So, how was it? Did you both enjoy it?”

“It was great Han-na. John and Al did so many things to me. I felt so dirty.” Jieun says, her fingers moving to her slit as she imagines them taking her again. “They were so rough with me.”

“Yeah, they’re like that. What about your boyfriend? Did he enjoy it?”

Jieun pauses, knowing what the truth is. “Y-yeah, he enjoyed it too.”

“That’s great; most couples try it and figure out they can’t do it. It’s super important to respect each other’s feelings with this sort of thing, you know?” 

Jieun nods her head, “Yeah, very important.” A pang of guilt hits her as their conversation continues, and Jieun details what they did.

As days pass, Jieun increasingly thinks about the experience; the temptation is getting to her. You come home, opening the door, and calling out to Jieun. You don’t hear a response, but you hear something that makes your heart drop. Moans were coming from the bedroom. You approach slowly, hoping your mind is playing tricks on you. The door was open just a crack, but it was enough to send your world spiraling. You felt like throwing up as you saw Jieun being taken by John and Al; they were taking her ass and pussy. “Harder! I want more!” Jieun screamed. Her legs were wrapped around Al’s waist as he and John thrust into her. Jieun’s body was covered in sweat and semen; her hair was plastered to her forehead. “I’m cumming!” She moaned, “Fucking cum in me, give me it all.” She cried out. A moment later, she felt her whole body be filled with their cum; Al’s flooded her womb while John’s filled her guts.

You couldn’t control yourself; you started crying again. “How could you!” You yell from the other side of the door, refusing to look at her any longer.

Y+They ignored you. You could hear their moans continue, Jieun pleading for more. You repeat yourself, kicking the door open in frustration. She was still between their bodies, their cock sliding in and out of her. “I needed them. I want to be with them,” She moans before kissing Al. You can’t take it anymore and leave the house. They continued after you left, not caring one bit. You drown yourself in alcohol, knowing you were right; the woman you knew was gone. Your lovely girlfriend turned into a slut at the first sign of attention. You feel like ending it all. At that moment, you see Han-na walking into the bar. You get up and walk toward her, “It’s all your fault!” You yell at her, throwing the glass in your hand to the wall and breaking it. “Jieun and I were perfectly happy until you started spewing your shit about a wild bedroom. Now she’s out fucking other guys just because it felt good. It’s your damn fault!” You grab Han-na, shaking her violently as you vent your anger. Between it all, you begin to cry. You thought you would be with Jieun forever. That you would marry and have a family, but it all slipped between your fingers because you didn’t say anything.

Han-na recognizes the sadness in your eyes and lets you release your anger before taking you outside to a nearby park, where you spill your guts to her. She looks at you with pity, realizing the lies she was told. She ended her friendship with Jieun that day. You moved out soon after refusing to see Jieun any longer as you tried to rebuild your life. Han-na kept tabs on Jieun, watching as the pure girl you knew became a depraved woman. She had begun going out in skimpy clothing and fucking any man she could pick up. Han-na felt disgusted by herself for leading to this situation, and she tried to help you however she could. You couldn’t recover from the loss, though. It ate at you every day.

[m4rv3l-girl]

Hey! I just had a wisdom tooth removal surgery and it got me thinking, what would a Bucky x Reader be like if she were to have that surgery? I imagine the Reader would be extremely loopy 😅🥲

Have fun with this x

Loopy

Warnings: None, just fluff!

The mission to extract your wisdom teeth wasn’t exactly Hydra-level in terms of danger, but in your world, it might as well have been. Dental anxiety was no joke. Bucky Barnes, your boyfriend and ever-reliable partner in life, had promised to stick by you through it all. His assurances had included phrases like, “I’ll take care of you, Doll,” and, “We’ll get through this together,” whispered with the same conviction he used during tactical planning.

He really had no idea what he was signing up for.

The morning of the surgery, Bucky was already at your side, helping you into a comfy hoodie and making sure your favorite blanket was in the car. You were anxious, bouncing your leg as he drove you to the oral surgeon’s office.

“Doll,” he said softly, reaching over to place his vibranium hand over your jittery one, “it’s just a routine thing. You’ll be in and out before you know it.”

You nodded but muttered, “Easy for you to say. You don’t have someone coming at you with sharp instruments.”

“Sweetheart, I used to be the sharp instrument.”

You glared at him, but the corner of his mouth twitched, and soon you were laughing despite yourself. He parked the car and helped you inside, his presence grounding you as much as it could.

🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷

The surgery itself was a blur. One minute, the nurse was inserting an IV, and the next, you were groggily waking up with cotton stuffed in your mouth and a vague sense of accomplishment, as though you’d just conquered something monumental.

And then the anesthesia hit in full force.

“Bucky,” you slurred, squinting at his face as he crouched down to help you into the car. “Did you know… you’re hot?”

Bucky froze mid-movement, his lips twitching as he tried not to laugh. “Thanks, Doll. Glad you think so.”

“No, no,” you insisted, poking his cheek with a wobbly finger. “Like, really hot. Like… like the sun. You’re like the sun, Buckyyy.”

“Alright, let’s get you in the car before you start writing me poetry,” he said, lifting you easily into the passenger seat. He buckled you in as you pouted at him.

“You’re my sun,” you mumbled dreamily, head lolling back against the seat.

“And you’re my moon,” he replied, brushing a strand of hair from your face.

You gasped suddenly, eyes wide. “Does that make us… a solar eclipse?”

Bucky snorted so loudly he startled himself. “Sure, Doll. We’re a solar eclipse.”

🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷

By the time he got you settled into the car, it was clear the anesthesia had taken full control. Your head lolled against the headrest, and your eyes flitted about as though you were seeing the world for the first time. Every mundane thing became an epic discovery.

“Oh my God, Bucky!” you gasped, pointing out the window with the urgency of someone spotting a UFO. “Look! A dog!”

He smiled. “Yeah, Doll, I see it.”

You turned to him, deadly serious. “Do you think it knows how to drive?”

He blinked, caught between wanting to laugh and wondering if he should be concerned. “I don’t think so, sweetheart.”

“Well, it should. Dogs deserve to drive. They’ve been walking for centuries. It’s not fair.”

“Right, I’ll bring it up at the next town hall meeting,” he deadpanned, eyes flicking back to the road.

“You’d better. I’ll be your campaign manager. ‘Vote for Bucky: The Man Who Fights for Canine Vac-….vehic-ic-ular Rights.’”

A snort escaped him before he could stop it. “Canine vehicular rights, huh?”

You nodded sagely. “That dog was a visionary. It was staring at me like it understood my soul.”

“It was eating grass, Doll.”

“It’s a genius. You just don’t get it.”

He didn’t reply, too busy biting the inside of his cheek to keep from outright laughing, but you weren’t done.

“Wait! Another dog! Hi, doggy!” you shouted, waving energetically at a blur of fur as the car sped past. “Did you see it, Bucky? Did you?”

“Yes, Doll, I saw it.”

“Do you think they’re friends? Like, maybe they meet up on weekends and play poker or something.”

“I’m sure they do, Doll. High-stakes poker games behind the gas station.”

“YES!” you shouted triumphantly, pumping your fist. “I knew it. Dogs are so organized.”

You fell quiet for a moment, which Bucky foolishly thought might mean the conversation was over. But then your head turned toward him, eyes wide with wonder.

“Do you think I could join their poker club?”

“Doll, you don’t know how to play poker.”

You hummed. “Neither do the dogs, James. It’s about the vibes.”

At that point, Bucky had to pull over because he was laughing so hard he could barely keep his hands steady on the wheel. His shoulders shook as he rested his forehead against the steering wheel, while you looked at him in confusion.

“What’s so funny?” you asked innocently, chewing on a piece of gauze. “This is serious business. Dogs are the backbone of society, Bucky. You wouldn’t even have your arm without them.”

His head shot up, tears of laughter streaming down his face. “What does that even mean?”

“You know exactly what it means,” you huffed, crossing your arms and turning to stare out the window, your cheeks puffed with righteous indignation and gauze.

Endlessly entertained, Bucky got the car moving again, but not without a few parting words from you:

“I’m gonna start a revolution,” you declared. “Dogs n’ cars. Dogs n’ hats. Dogs running for Congress. Buckle up. I am changing the world.”

“Whatever you say, Doll,” he murmured, grinning to himself. “Whatever you say.”

🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷

By the time he got you home, you’d become fascinated by his metal arm.

“Bucky, can I touch it?” you asked, staring at it like it was the eighth wonder of the world.

“You touch it all the time, Doll.”

“Yeah, but now I’m different. I’m wiser.”

“That’s not how wisdom teeth work, my love.”

Ignoring him, you grabbed his arm with both hands, marveling at the coolness of the vibranium. “You’re like a Transformer. Can you transform into a car? I bet you can. Why didn’t you tell me?”

“No.”

“A plane?”

“No, Doll.”

“A toaster?”

“Why would I transform into a toaster?”

“For toast, obviously.” You rolled your eyes as though it were the most obvious answer in the world.

Bucky let out a long-suffering sigh, but the twitching corners of his mouth betrayed his amusement.

🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷

The pinnacle of the day’s chaos came when you decided to take inventory of your cheeks in the bathroom mirror.

“They’re so big!” you exclaimed, poking at your swollen face. “I look like a chipmunk. Bucky, do you think Steve would still let me join the Avengers like this?”

Bucky leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed and a smirk on his lips. “Absolutely. You’d be the most adorable Avenger.”

“Adorable?” you repeated, narrowing your eyes at him in offense. “I am feracious.”

“Ferocious? Sure you are, Doll.”

“Wanna see?” You suddenly bared your teeth—or rather, the cotton-filled abyss of your mouth—and growled, which sounded more like a muffled gargle.

Bucky laughed so hard he had to sit on the edge of the bathtub.

🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷

The rest of the day was a blur of Netflix, popsicles, and increasingly ridiculous questions.

“If you could be any animal, what would you be?” you asked at one point, sprawled out on the couch with an ice pack on your face.

“A wolf,” he answered without hesitation. “What about you?”

You thought about it for a long moment before declaring, “A jellyfish.”

Bucky raised an eyebrow. “A jellyfish?”

“Yeah. They’re squishy and floaty. Like me right now.”

He shook his head, chuckling. “You’re something else, Doll.”

You blinked up at him, your expression shifting into one of profound seriousness. “Do you think cats have secret jobs?”

Bucky paused mid-sip of his coffee. “Secret jobs?”

“Yeah,” you whispered conspiratorially, as if the walls might have ears. “Like… maybe they’re spies. Or accountants. Or both.”

“Spies and accountants?” he repeated, raising an eyebrow.

“Think about it, Bucky. Cats are always watching. Sitting in windows, judging everyone, like, ‘Oh, Jerry didn’t pay his taxes again.’ You ever wonder why they knock stuff off tables? They’re sending messages.”

“To who?” he asked, genuinely curious now, because he couldn’t figure out how your brain had arrived at this.

“To their bosses! The ones running the underground cat syndicate!” you exclaimed, throwing your hands in the air like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

Bucky’s lips quirked up in a grin. “And what exactly do these bosses do with the info?”

You leaned closer, your voice dropping to a hushed tone. “They’re buying lasers. And tuna. The expensive kind.”

Bucky burst out laughing, his head tipping back as you nodded solemnly at your own revelation.

“They’re probably watching us right now,” you added, side-eyeing a patch of empty space on the couch. “Act normal, James. Normal.”

🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷

By the time the anesthesia fully wore off and you were back to your usual self, Bucky had compiled an impressive list of your antics to tease you with.

“You told me I was a Transformer,” he reminded you later that evening, a mischievous glint in his eye. “And that I should transform into a toaster.”

Your groan was muffled by the pillow you’d shoved your face into. “Oh my God, stop.”

“Never,” he promised, pulling you into his arms. “You were the cutest little loopy chipmunk I’ve ever seen.”

Despite your embarrassment, you couldn’t help but laugh. With Bucky by your side, even the most ridiculous days were unforgettable…

——————————————————————————————————

Hey, hope you enjoyed this, I did certainly have fun writing this! 😂🫶

[crunchesloudly]

⭐️Worth it to be with you⭐️

A Hermit College Social Media au-

Part 4: Ethubs interlude

-

The worms. They got to me. I had to write how the proposal went down or I was gonna lose my mind. So, enjoy this lol.

ao3 link

Part 5

-

Bdubs hung up the phone with a huge grin plastered across his face.

He’d been offered a trial position at the garden center, bringing him one step closer to his dream job!

His immediate thought was to go and tell Etho of his good news but a chime of his phone reminded him that his boyfriend had left to run an errand about an hour ago. The incoming text one informing him he will be home in ten minutes.

Responding quickly Bdubs takes to twitter where he quotes his own tweet informing his chronically online friends about the update in his job status.

Unsurprisingly, his first comment is one from Etho telling him what he had already heard all week, that he would get the job no doubt. He smiled as he responded to his comment before closing his phone and going to relax on the couch.

All of the anxious energy that had been surrounding him the last seven days had left him in an instant upon receiving the good news. He is confident enough in his knowledge and skills to know he will ace this trial. It’s what he spent four years studying and working on, he’s got this!

As he surfs the tv for something to watch the telltale jingle of keys alerts him of his boyfriends return to their apartment. Smiling to himself, he rises from the couch and goes to greet Etho.

The second the door is open Etho is dropping a bag on the counter and scooping Bdubs into a hug, lifting his feet off the ground and spinning them around a few times, he deposits him back on his feet before taking his face in his hands.

“I told you they’d love you! I told you they’d want to have you! I'm so proud of you baby!”

Before Bdubs can respond he is brought into a soft kiss. He kisses back immediately, their lips move in a slow pace for a few seconds before Etho pulls back, hands still firmly on Bdubs cheeks.

“I’m so happy. I can’t believe it!”

They smile at each other before Etho moves his hands, running them down the length of Bdubs arms, ending at his hands which he grasps within his own.

“Why don’t we go out and celebrate? Nothing crazy, just a nice dinner in town?”

He is touched by his boyfriends thoughtfulness, he hasn’t even officially got the job yet he wants to celebrate like he did. Bdubs loves him so much.

“I would like that very much. Where were you thinking exactly?”

Etho, still with his hands clasped within his, brings them over to the couch, they sit down and Bdubs immediately snuggles into his side, Etho brings his arm around Bdubs shoulders, squeezing him just that little bit closer.

“What about that new place down by the pier? I heard good things about it from my coworker.”

Bdubs hums and agrees, Etho grabs his phone from his pocket and checks the restaurant's availability. Luckily, they have room for them at 7pm, leaving them with five hours before they need to be there.

They settle in for a bit, simply relaxing in each other's presence, speaking idly about whatever comes to mind, the low hum of whatever reality show Bdubs landed on earlier in the background.

Eventually, after getting ready and heading out they arrive in time for their reservation.

The meal is wonderful and Bdubs is sure they will be back, as they leave the restaurant Etho suggests they walk down the beach and then the length of the pier. Bdubs of course agrees and they make their way down.

Etho takes a few pictures, mostly of his boyfriend, at the end, Bdubs makes fun of him for being such a sappy romantic and Etho doesn’t deny the taunts.

They decide to walk back and towards the nearby park, one they frequented often during college.

With the stress and hectic workloads of their college years, trips to the park were sacred and theirs to share. They would spend nights lying together under the stars, talking about their future and what life would potentially look like after they graduate.

Now here they are, one year post graduation and still just as in love as they were back then.

Etho leads them towards the place they would always end up, the big oak tree towards the back entrance of the park. It is up a small hill and gives a great view of the park's beautiful flower gardens.

Bdubs can’t wait to start working with plants again.

He hadn’t spent a lot of time, outside of his house plants, in a garden since senior year. Admittedly, finding work within his field isn’t the easiest thing to do, so when the current job vacancy opened up in the garden center Bdubs jumped on the opportunity.

Ever the gentleman, Etho lays his jacket on the ground so they don’t get their pants wet from the grass.

They sit side by side, squished together on the small space of the jacket and look out at the flower beds.

Comfortable silence isn’t rare with them despite what their friends might say, Bdubs can be quiet when he wants to be. With Etho, sometimes actions speak louder than words and that’s exactly what this moment is. Hands clasped together resting on Etho's knee, Bdubs head leaning on his boyfriend's shoulder, everything about this screams “I love you” without either of them saying the words aloud.

After a while, Etho shifts and Bdubs raises his head from its perch. He watches, slightly confused as his boyfriend turns to face him.

Etho speaks before he can ask what’s up.

“Bdubs. I have to tell you something.”

Bdubs is on edge immediately, his mind races briefly but he stops himself from spiraling.

“You can tell me anything. You know that.”

His boyfriend smiles at him before he proceeds.

“While tonight was definitely about celebrating you and your accomplishments, I'll admit I had ulterior motives.”

Bdubs watches as Etho reaches into his pocket and pulls out a box.

A ring box.

He gasps, his hand flying up to his mouth. Tears begin welling in his eyes and as he looks into Ethos, mismatched red and brown, he sees that they too are misty.

Etho continues.

“This box has been burning a hole in my pocket for months. I have been wanting to give this to you for so long baby it’s made me slightly crazy. I confided in Scar of all people, that alone should tell you how much I was losing it.”

Bdubs chuckles at his boyfriend's words.

Etho opens the box and laid carefully inside is a thin silver band, as Bdubs looks closer he sees a small daisy engraving. The flowers Etho got him on their first date.

“I knew from the moment I met you that you were the one for me. That one day, I would get down on one knee and ask you to spend the rest of our lives together. You are everything to me baby. I can’t imagine ever spending a day without you by my side.”

He is fully crying now, tears roll down his face and he frantically wipes them away as he listens to Ethos speech.

Etho shifts once again, changing his position to be kneeling. He holds out the box to Bdubs and asks the fateful question.

“BdoubleO will you do me the honor of marrying me?”

He lets out a sob then, throwing himself at his boyfriend, no, his fiancé. Etho startles a laugh at the sudden attack, quickly wrapping his arms around the babbling man on top of him.

“Yes yes yes yes yes of course I’ll marry you!”

Bdubs brings their lips together in a frenzied kiss. Etho kisses him back with the same ferocity.

Eventually, they pull back and the ring makes it onto Bdubs finger. Etho tells him that he had a matching one for himself back home and Bdubs can’t wait to put it on him.

On the way home, they stop at a small stand selling bouquets. As if it is fate one of the few remaining is entirely made of daisies.

Bouquet in hand they continue their walk back to their apartment.

They spend the rest of the night in each other's arms, trading kisses and whispering words of love and adoration.

The next day comes and as always Etho is up before Bdubs.

Sitting up in bed Etho looks down at where Bdubs is sleeping.

His hand is resting on the mattress, ring on full display, bringing his own adorned hand down, Etho runs his fingers through his fiancés hair, smoothing it back from where it fell over his forehead.

He retreats to the kitchen to make coffee for the two of them.

Once he returns to their bedroom, Bdubs has woken up.

With a barely concealed yawn Bdubs sits up, Etho hands him his mug before sitting next to him.

“Good morning fiance.”

Bdubs grins at the greeting facing Etho before leaning forward to kiss his cheek.

“Morning fiance.”

It’s Etho’s turn to kiss his cheek and they sit together and enjoy their morning coffee.

Bdubs phone pings on the nightstand where he tossed it the night before, he grabs it and checks the notification.

Meanwhile, Etho has turned, placing his mug on his own nightstand, he looks out the window of their cozy apartment.

Unaware of Bdubs having finished his response he hears the sound of a camera's shutter and turns back around to see Bdubs with his phone held up, clearly having taken a picture of him.

He glares at him slightly before making the split second decision to tackle him against the sheets.

“ETHO!”

His fiancé yells in protest but laughter is evident in his voice, Etho smothers his face in quick kisses, reducing Bdubs to a pile of giggling goo underneath him.

“And you called me the sap last night for taking pictures of you. I seem to have found myself betrothed to a hypocrite.”

“Well what can I say, you’re just too beautiful. Someone had to capture it.”

Etho kisses him then. They get lost in each other for the rest of the morning. Rising from bed in the early afternoon, they eat a late breakfast or rather an early lunch.

Eventually, they decide that they should share their happy news with their closest friends. Etho decides the best way to do this is with a vague tweet. A picture of their clasped hands, rings on full display.

Bdubs agrees, finding it rather humorous.

If their phones blow up within seconds well, neither of them care. They will respond later.

Right now, they are young and in love.

And isn’t that just the absolute best thing ever.

-

Hope you enjoyed !!

[sanjisleggy]

no more hiding (smoker x reader)

req: Hi!!! Could you maybe do a Smoker x pirate reader. Like trying to hide the relationship and stuff from the other Marines and her pirate crew. (Whichever crew you want) idk I just want cute pirate x Marine stuff maybe little angsty if you want but need cute things

a/n: omg i’ve been thinking about this request for the past three (3) days and i might have gotten very carried away with the angst at the start, istg i couldn’t help myself ajskdhjakshja i hope the subsequent fluff in the flashbacks and ending was enough to make up for it!! ;;0;; i legit had a lot more angst planned but i cut it out bc the request asked for more fluffy stuff :’D

contents: suggestive themes (nothing explicit though, idk why i wrote Smoker and reader so h0rny for each other but alas it is what is), angst to fluff, mentions of wounds and stitching of said wounds

wc. 2.3k

i.

Smoker can’t help the tinge of bitterness that gathers at the back of his throat, the taste so strong that not even his usual nightly cigars can chase away the smell. it’s a rather rare occurrence, only really happening when he gets anxious and it’s been a long time since anxiety overrode every other emotion in his body in such a way.

though the experience is slightly uncomfortable, he supposes it can’t really be helped since it involves you; his childhood friend (the only one, in fact), his closest companion and the love of his life. 

the Vice Admiral wonders what’s taking you so long. you always show up at his doorstep roughly half an hour after he’s sent out a trail of smoke to go look for you—the signal you’ve used since you were kids. back then it was for innocent hangouts beyond curfew and now it’s for late night meetings that often end with either one of you on top of the other, tangled in his bedsheets.

as much as Smoker would like to think about your latest escapade, his nerves are starting to get the better of him and his mind begins to race. 

ii. 

“you joined Tomohana’s crew?! what’s the matter with you?” his voice cracked slightly near the end of his sentence. you normally would’ve made fun of him for it but the air between him and you was a bit too tense for jokes like that. 

“ i know you know they’re not like normal pirates,” you replied as calmly as you could considering your best friend was yelling at you. “everyone in Loguetown loves him and his crew, they’re always fighting off rowdy pirates to protect the neighbouring islands.”

”that should be the Marines’ job.”

”exactly! but they don’t really do that a lot, do they?” you could tell you’d made a point so good even Smoker couldn’t rebut. “with Vice Admiral Gokiburi around, all they do is make our lives miserable.”

”it won’t be that way for long and you know that.” 

“oh please, you just got promoted a month ago and you’ve been with the Marines for how many years now?” he glared down at you but even his deep scowl wasn’t enough to hide the redness in his cheeks. “we’ll be in our mid-thirties before you take his place.”

”so?” Smoker snapped, fists clenched at his sides as hints of white smoke trailed out of the corners of his mouth. “at least i’ll be makin’ an actual difference! unlike you.” the tone of his voice dropped to an eerily calm albeit deep one. 

“what about me?” you challenged before you could help it. you knew from experience that adding fuel to the fire was not gonna end pretty but in that moment, you needed to know what he meant.

iii. 

why now? why am i remembering this now?

Smoker finds himself outside your door at midnight. the radio silence from you had been too much to bear and he just needs to know if you’re okay; and yet there he stands, fist halfway to making contact with your door when the bitter memory of your most painful fight decides it’s time to claw its way into the forefront of his mind.

after that incident,

after i called you all those awful things

you stopped talking to him for five years.

iv. 

it had been Tomohana of all people who’d told you about Smoker that day. he didn’t provide many details but it was enough for you to show up at his front door after years of no contact. after knocking, you could hear the sound of furniture being toppled over and heavy, unstable footsteps before the door swung open.

Smoker’s eyes widened upon seeing your face and he became so still that one of his cigars slipped out from between his teeth, hitting the ground unceremoniously between your feet and his. without saying a word, he stepped aside to let you in.

amidst the countless empty bottles of varying types of alcohol and a handful of presents you presumed were from his subordinates, the two of you sat in silence. 

“i heard you got promoted,” you said suddenly, after almost ten minutes of nothing. “congrats.” as though surprised at hearing your voice, Smoker cleared his throat before responding.

”thanks.” he paused for a few seconds. “i’m Vice Admiral now.”

”i know.” you offered him a small smile. “you don’t seem very happy about achieving your childhood dream though.”

”i…” he clenched his teeth, his already flushed face turning even redder from something other than alcohol. “i wish i could’ve celebrated with you, is all.” his eyes turned down to stare at his feet. for a man so huge, he looked awfully small. “i miss you. i’m sorry i said those things all those years ago. i didn’t mean any of it.”

hot tears began to stream down your face before you could even fully process what he was saying. 

“why’d it take you so long then?” you replied with a sniffle—the sound seemingly triggering something in the man as his head snapped back up to look at you. “all this time—” you had to pause to take in a deep, shaky breath “—i thought you hated me.”

upon your admission, the one and only Smoker, a Vice Admiral of the mighty Marines, slid off his seat to kneel before you. although he was drunk, at that moment he was the most sober he’d ever been in his life.

”i could never hate you, doll.” he grabbed your hands in an uncharacteristically soft manner before bringing them up to his lips. your heart pounded so violently within the confines of your chest, you wondered if he could hear it. “i’ve loved you ever since we were kids.” 

speechless, all you could really do was stare at him with your mouth parted.

”please let me make it up to you, (Y/N),” Smoker pleaded with a pitiful look in his usually hardened eyes. you briefly wondered what his subordinates would think if they saw him like that, especially the girl with the spectacles who seemed to admire him so much. he looked so little like the aggressive, no-nonsense Marine the locals now knew him as and so much like the Smoker from when you were just children. 

you realised, in that moment, how much you’d missed him, too.

v.

it’s taking all he’s got not to show his anger and fear as the Vice Admiral watches you stitch yourself back together in quite the literal sense. he’s clenching his fists so hard he can feel his nails dig into the meat of his palms, he won’t be surprised if he draws blood.

the white-haired man isn’t quite sure what exactly he’s angry at: you? your crew and Tomohana for letting you go home wounded to patch yourself up? even maybe himself?

before Smoker can make his decision, he’s torn away from his own thoughts by the sound of a pained whine being forced through your gritted teeth. wordlessly, he closes the gap between him and you and kneels by your feet. carefully, he finishes up the final stitches as your hand grips his shoulder tightly to cope with the pain. 

unknowingly, his Devil Fruit power kicks in, causing a whisp of white smoke to curl itself around your face and body. the familiar cooling sensation of his smoke caressing your skin soothes the stinging pain of your open wounds and the aches in your tired joints. 

you already know he’s mad, not just at you for getting hurt once again but at everything else, as well. it’s just the kind of guy Smoker is: always angry or uptight over something. and yet, he ties off the final stitch so carefully and when he’s done, he simply sighs before resting his cheek atop your thigh as he tenderly runs his palm up and down your bare leg, as if trying to remind himself that you’re still there.

from the way he exhales his following breath, you can tell he wants to say something.

vi.

“leave the crew,” he said suddenly, breaking through the comfortable silence that had befallen the two of you after an evening of post-dinner cuddling. his hand reaching up to rub the back of your neck as you rested your head on his bare chest. the night was hot and humid but neither of you cared how sticky your skin felt pressed against his, you’d both grown up in this weather after all. “i make more than enough berry for us to live comfortably.”

”you know that’s not what i’m worried about, love,” you replied with a chuckle as you adjusted your position by Smoker’s side to bury your face into the crook of his neck. the Vice Admiral’s chest rumbled in a way not unlike a cat’s purring as he pulled you closer, pressing his lips to the crown of your head. “the crew helps to protect a lot of the locals from the neighbouring islands and i wanna make sure there’s enough manpower before i consider quitting.” 

“can’t believe i’m sayin’ this but i hope a hundred of new recruits show up at that bastard Tomohana’s doorstop first thing tomorrow,” the man beside you sighed, only half-joking, before he rolled his body over yours without warning.

”hey!” you protested, wiggling under his weight. he chuckled as he trapped you beneath him, pressing kisses all over your face.

”tell him to hurry up and gather more crewmates already, doll,” Smoker murmured against your skin, “it’s not like they’re doin’ anything illegal anyway so why the secrecy, hmm? tryin’ to keep my girl away from me?”

”it’s not like that and you know it.” you hugged his head to your chest with both arms, smile growing even wider when you felt his muscles relax from your touch. “besides, they’d have to know about us to begin with.” 

“i’m tired of sneakin’ around,” he mumbled into your chest, muffling his words ever so slightly. “the cadets can get so nosy sometimes, it pisses me off.” Smoker admitted whilst rubbing your sides tenderly. “‘sides, all this hiding makes it feel like you’re some dirty secret.”

vii.

before he can say anything, you speak your mind first.

”i’m done hiding. i quit the crew earlier today.” Smoker’s head snaps up from your lap for his widened eyes to meet yours. staring back down at him with a small smile on your face, you cup his face with your right hand, feeling the stubble on his skin when he nuzzles into your touch. “some cocky new recruit challenged me for my position afterward. he was a pretty good fighter but i beat the shit out of him.”

”that’s my girl.” Smoker says with a chuckle, his hand giving your calf a light squeeze as he stares at you for a good few seconds. “so you’re finally free?” he asks with a glimmer in his eye. 

”you say that as if i was held hostage or something.”

”can’t help it, doll. that’s pretty much what it felt like for the past three years.” he presses yet another kiss to your bare thigh. “so… move in with me?”

”tomorrow,” you reply simply but definitively, much to his pleasure. “but first,” you gesture for him to stand up before holding out your arms in his direction, “carry me to bed.”

Smoker raises an eyebrow at your request though he can’t help the smile on his face. he wonders how ridiculous he must look, like some lovesick fool.

”please?” you pout and within seconds, you’re swept into his arms bridal style. you let out a soft yelp of surprise despite how carefully he’d picked you up. “i’m okay, you didn’t hurt me.” you’re quick to reassure him when a look of worry washed over his face from the sound you just made. you can feel his shoulders relax in response.

“bath first, then bed.” he states simply, already walking towards your bathroom.

”together?” you grin up at him, tracing a finger down his chest. a redness blooms across Smoker’s rugged face as he shoots you a frown that looks more silly than intimidating. he doesn’t even grace you with a verbal answer, deeming it too ridiculous to even acknowledge fully.

of course he’s going to join you. the day he says no to such a request is the day hell freezes over.

viii.

the night air feels more cooling than usual, you realise as you snuggle closer to your beloved, trying to steal as much of his body heat as you possibly can. using his bicep as a pillow with your head nuzzled into the crook of his neck, you hug him like a koala to a tree: your arms around his middle and your legs locked around his right thigh. admittedly it’s not the most comfortable position for Smoker but he’ll die before he complains about it. 

for the first time he’ll be able to sleep the night at your place and wake up by your side under the morning sun. no longer will either of you have to rise before dawn breaks to sneak back home, pretend the other has nothing to do with you until the moon takes the sun’s place and his smoke trail guides you back to him. 

Smoker is careful not to touch your stitches as he turns towards you slightly to pull you closer. he runs his hands over all the bare skin of yours he can reach, leaving goose bumps in his fingers’ wake, his heart fluttering when you giggle and wriggle your body in response.

i can’t wait to come home to you every night and see you every morning.

although it’s been a long day, neither of you get much sleep that night. 

[idontplaytrack]

New beginnings, new life, new love

Janis ‘Imi’ike x fem! reader(+ Cadina)

Warnings: fluff, some coarse language, some descriptions of labour + delivery

Read other parts here! Cady and Regina welcome their baby boy.

“Hey, Reg.” You stepped into the kitchen to see Regina by the stove, making breakfast, “Where’s Cady?”

“Hi, baby.” She smiled slightly, “Cady went to work early. I woke up late, didn’t wanna wake you.” 

“Oh, right. I forgot.” You replied, “You could’ve woke me, I wouldn’t have minded.”

“It’s okay, this is perfectly manageable.” She assured, “I swear.”

“Alright.” You slid down into a chair at the dining table, watching her.

“How’d you sleep?” 

“Uh, okay, I guess.” You bit back a sigh. She turned around and walked over with two plates of french toast and fruit.

“You wanna talk about it?”

“I’m not sure I want to dump more stuff on you that you need to worry about, Reg.”

“No, it’s okay. Talk to me.” Regina insists, handing you a knife and fork.

“Well, awhile ago I had this conversation with Janis where I told her I was anxious about our future— mine and hers. Seeing you and Cady going through with IVF and waiting and waiting to see if it worked, then the symptoms and stuff and — I just kind of got to thinking myself. Thinking if I want to go through that, or if I wanna have kids at all. It’s not that I want a way to conceive that’s a guarantee, but a part of my brain somehow convinced me that I’m gonna end up like Mom. There are so many possibilities that I’m scared, terrified even.”

“I get that.” Those were the first words that came out of her mouth, “I went through that same thought process before we eventually went ahead with IVF. But, I know I’m getting better and better, and I’ll do all I can to break the cycle.” 

“You asked me…last week if I wanted to be there, when it’s time but I don’t think I can do it.”

“I’m not going to make you be there, it’s okay.” Regina told you, “Okay? You’ve helped me more than enough as it is. Don’t stress about it anymore. I’m not mad.” 

You ate a forkful of french toast before saying, “Technically, I’ll be there…just outside.”

“And I appreciate that. Yeah?” 

Giving her a firm nod, Regina then quickly moved to a different topic of conversation. “Do you wanna hear names?” 

“Ooh, you haven’t told anyone else?” You let out a soft gasp.

“Nope. Just Cady.” Regina grins, taking a swig of water. 

“Fun.” You chuckled, looking at her in anticipation.

“We’ve narrowed it down to three.” She began, “Ashby Cole, Wyatt— just Wyatt. Then…Jace Kinsley.”

“Oh, I love Wyatt.” You remarked.

“I thought of that.” Regina laughs, “Ashby and Kinsley were Cady’s idea. But they’re cute, so I don’t mind them.”

Janis returns home first that evening, and you immediately ran into her arms when she walked through the door. “Hi, honey.” She smooches you on the cheek, then a few more times for good measure. You chuckle, “Hi.” Then, you kiss her back. 

“Hi, G.” 

Your sister flashes Janis a small smile before focusing her attention on the TV again. “I bought dinner. Thai food, for you.” She looked over at Regina. “Tacos for you, from El Cielo.” 

“Maybe later.” You sighed. Cady comes home at this moment.

“She has a migraine.” Regina just mentioned it oh-so-casually, you clicked your tongue in annoyance.

“What?” Regina squinted her eyes at you, “You can tell me that but I tell her and it’s suddenly a problem? It’s not like you’re gonna hide it.”

You yank your wrist away from Janis’ grip then left the living room, leaving Janis standing right there. “Geez.” Regina grumbled. Janis didn’t know what to do for a moment. “Shit.”

Regina sighs, “I really need to shut up, don’t I?”

“Regina— no, it’s just— you know what? I’ll be right back.” Janis decided to leave the living area too and went to look for you in the bedroom. Regina was fine, you on the other hand…not exactly.

“Hey, what was that?” She asked you.

“Nothing.” You shrugged, avoiding Janis’ eyes. “Just a headache.”

“I know that, but she’s just worried.”

“She didn’t have to tell you and bother you with it.” You continued staring out the window. “I’ll be fine.”

“I don’t get bothered by that. Never by anything that concerns you and the people I care about.” Janis shrugs, sitting down in the spot next to you. 

“I’m in a bit of a bad mood. My period just started— a whole week early.” You admitted, “I’m sorry. I didn’t have to pull my hand away like that.” 

“I get it. Everything hurts, it’s frustrating.” Janis answered, “You haven’t taken pain meds yet, I’m guessing?”

“Not yet, no. Just had to strip the sheets, wash it and clean the mattress because I somehow managed to stain it.” 

“I’m gonna grab you the Midol. Take it, then take a nap. If you can’t fall asleep, it’s okay. Just lie down and rest for a while.”

You didn’t say anything and just laid down on the freshly changed bed, until she returned with water and the meds. “Thank you.” 

“No problem.” She says, watching you take the pill. You swallowed it with some water then set the water bottle down on your nightstand.

“I’m gonna go take a shower, if you need anything. we’re right outside.” She says before planting a kiss to your forehead.

You nodded silently, pulling the blanket up to your shoulders. You closed your eyes, but were almost certain you wouldn't be able to get much restful sleep. Because ever since Hawai’i, your period symptoms started to include terrible nausea too and sometimes? That comes with throwing up. Though, yes, you were indeed craving for the tacos. 

After drifting in and out of sleep for awhile, the sound of the water in Janis’ shower hitting the floors was somehow making your stomach churn. Before you could even process it, you were running to the bathroom and bursting through the door— luckily, the door wasn’t locked. Well, there goes the pain meds.

“What the fuck—” Janis was shocked. “Are you okay?” 

“No, not really.” You scoffed, annoyed. “I think the migraine did this, or the bloat. Maybe both.” You rinsed out your mouth and just stood there staring in the mirror until Cady’s voice snapped you out of your daze. “y/n, do you want some ginger tea?”

“No, I can’t—” You sigh, “Do we still have those dried plums? Jan, the li hing mui.”

“We do. Dad got more.” Janis answered first. “There’s some in my purse. If not, the pantry.”

“Fuck, I just wanna sleep.” You groaned.

“I’m sorry.” Janis said over the shower curtain. “I’ll be out in a few minutes. Just sit for awhile, yeah?” 

“Fine.” You grumbled, leaving the bathroom with Cady. Regina hands you a container of the dried plums, “Thanks, Reg.” 

“Poor thing.”

You chuckled wryly, “Sure, Reg.” 

“Wow, I’ve met my match, huh.” She joked.

“You are so lucky.” You grumbled, “You don’t get all this during your period.” 

“Well, I believe I’ve definitely paid for it during pregnancy.” Regina shrugged, “Go lie down again.”

You scoff, “No way unless one of you wants to mop the floor if I spew whatever’s left inside my stomach.”

“But you’re sleepy.”

“I know that, Jan.” You look up at her and she grabs your hands. 

“C’mon.” She tugs on your hands, “Let’s go to our room.”

You whined, leaning forward and your head rests just below her chest. Janis rubs your back. “You want me to carry you?” She asks with a laugh. “Yes?” You answered hesitantly.

“I’m serious, you know.” She plants a kiss on the top of your head. “Come on, up we go.” 

“Oh, you are so still the same girl you were.” Regina commented, “Clingy, clingy, clingy.” 

“Okay, okay, okay.” You exhaled harshly, letting Janis carry you off the couch. Cady and Janis tried not to laugh but did anyway. Regina only raised an eyebrow and smirked. “I hope you’ll be able to get some rest, baby.”

“Don’t smirk at me.” You sneered.

Janis cackles, rubbing your back as the both of you retreated to the bedroom. 

“You’re gonna sleep.” Janis says, leading you to sit down on the bed with her.

“No.” 

“I know what to do.” Janis shrugs, “Come on. Lay on me.” 

“Do you really think that would work?”

Janis squints, “Of course.We both know it always makes you sleepy, so…get on.” You obliged, kind of straddling her and having your head on her shoulder— the usual. 

After some time, Janis sets you down in bed and leaves the room. She hangs around the living area with your sister and Cady, having dinner together. “Everything is packed, right?”

“With her? Of course. It’s been ready for at least a month. She’s so scared.” 

“Scared?” The redhead’s eyes go wide. 

————

“Calm down, Cady.” Regina laughs as she got into the front passenger seat, “Well, get in. You’re driving us to the birth centre or am I?” 

Cady cracked a smile as she took a deep breath, “I am. Let’s go.” 

“Let’s fucking go. Let’s do this.” Regina nodded.

“Janis said they’ll meet us there in a couple hours.” Cady says while keeping her focus on the road.

Regina hums, “I know. y/n’s asleep still. Plus, I want them to eat before they rush to the centre. It’s gonna take awhile anyway.”

“Dr. Dunn said we could go in already.” Cady reminded.

“I know, you worrywart.”

“I am not.” Cady gasps playfully. Regina smirks, “I’m fine. The contractions are still a piece of cake right now.”

“Yeah, right now.” Cady turned her head to glance at Regina for a moment. 

“Cady, everything is literally going as planned.” Regina bites back a chuckle, “I’m having a contraction right now and I’m just chilling. That should tell you something.”

“That tells me you should note it down on your phone.” Cady sassed.

“Doing that right now, baby.” Regina used her phone with one hand while the other squeezed Cady’s thigh in reassurance.

“I know, it’s just all new to us and I don’t want to take any chances. I’m sorry, I’ll try not to be in freak-out mode.” Cady took a few deep breaths after speaking, “I’m glad you’re not in too much pain.”

“I get it. Just trying to lighten the mood.” Regina shrugs, “but we got this, yeah? We’ve done all the research and learning we can up until this point.” While Cady and Regina arrived at the centre, you’d just woken up. “Sooo…after breakfast, we’re going to the birth centre. Cady and Regina just got there.”

“Why didn’t you guys wake me?” You huffed.

“Hey, I’m just following your sister’s orders. She didn’t want you just stumbling out of bed. You had a late shift yesterday.” Janis sat down with you, pushing a plate of waffles and sausage in front of you. You mumbled a thank-you and promptly dug in. “They say anything else?”

Janis shook her head, “Nothing other than the fact that Regina’s all settled in. Want something to drink?”

“Sure.” You agreed.

“Tea, two sugars? Or do you want coffee?”

“Tempting, but since we gotta head out, no coffee.”

Janis laughs, “I figured.”

You yawned, then chuckled, “Sorry.”

Janis replied, “You’re good. Sure you wanna go?”

“Yeah, I promised I'd be there at least.” 

She places the mug in front of you, next to your plate, “Here you go.”

“Thanks, Jan.” You nodded, mouth full with half-chewed food.

“No problem, honey.”

After breakfast, Janis drove the both of you to the birth centre where Regina and Cady were at. Knocking on the door, Janis enters first and you were right behind her, holding onto her hand. “Hey, guys.”

“Hey.” Regina smiled back.

“Since you said food and drinks are fine, we picked up a smoothie for you on the way here.” You placed the bag down on the table.

“Aw, thank you.” Regina’s face lit up again.

“There’s some snacks in the bag too.” Janis quipped, “Any progress?”

“Uh, no. Not yet. They said it’ll be pretty slow. And it sure feels like it.” She chuckles humourlessly. 

“You’re close, Regina.” Janis smiled softly, “It’s happening.”

Cady looks at you, a little concerned. “I’m fine.” You told her. She nodded, you sat down on one of the chairs while Janis sat on the side of the bed. 

Regina was so calm and relaxed, you were thoroughly impressed. She looks at you, saying, “I’m okay, everything’s going great. They just checked me before you guys got here.”

“That’s good, Reg.” You smiled in some relief. 

“Thanks for being here.” She reached out for your hand, squeezing it, “I know what we talked about and I really appreciate this.”

“I know how much it means to you. I wanna be here for you— as much as I can.” 

You hung around for a couple hours, then went to your therapy appointment before returning. When you entered the room, Regina stirred in her sleep and woke up. “You came back.” She chuckled.

You nodded, mirroring her smile, “How ya feeling, Reg?”

“Contractions have become more painful and a little closer together but I’m just chilling, baby. Managed to sleep for quite a while.” She was in a good mood. “Janis went to eat, Cady followed. I made them go out because they were so anxious, it’s kinda funny.”

��Well, I’m glad you’re in a good mood, Reg.”

Janis called you while you were watching TV with Regina. So you went to a corner to answer the call. “Hey.”

“Are you back?” 

“Yeah, got back here awhile ago.” 

“Do you want anything? Me and Cady are about to head back there as well.” 

“No, I’m okay. Thanks, though.”

“Alright, honey.”

About ten minutes later, Cady and Janis came back. Janis sat down on an armchair and pulled you into her lap. Cady sat next to the bed to keep Regina company, of course. “How are we doing?” Janis asked, resting her chin on your shoulder.

“Getting a little irritated because the pain’s getting more intense.” Regina admitted flatly, “But that’s expected.” 

Cady asked, “Did you manage to sleep?”

“Yeah, I only just woke up when y/n came back from her therapy session. Fell asleep when you and Janis went to eat.”

The waiting was keeping everyone on the edge of their seat, but with each check, with each hour, Regina got closer to the finish line. You fell asleep yourself, completely not expecting this level of peace and quiet during an admittedly distressing and painful time. Your sister was something else. You nodded off for awhile, and in the meantime, you knew the three of them were chatting. It was going to be a pretty long day…they got here at around 9am and it was currently nearing 7pm. And things have picked up its pace. Regina was starting to feel the burn, and she was barely able to sit still. Her team came into the room and started to set up, and there was a shift in the atmosphere. It started to get a little hectic for your liking. But, you stayed in the room, seated in the armchair while Janis sat next to you on the armrest with an arm around you. 

“One centimetre to go, Regina.” Dr. Dunn declared, “Are we ready?”

Regina gave the doctor a firm nod, “Yep.”

“You’re doing perfect. Deep breaths, listen to your body. We’re ready for you and baby boy, okay?” 

Regina couldn’t respond before another contraction coursed through her body, causing her face to scrunch up briefly. She squeezed Cady’s hand, and the redhead just let her— obviously, while telling her words of assurances to get her through it. Just like she’s been doing for hours and hours. 

“The tub’s ready, so if that’s what you want, you can go in there. It’s completely up to you.” Dr. Dunn added on.

“Okay.” Regina answered quietly, trying to focus on her breathing.

“Water’s warm, so it could help alleviate some of that.” Cady mentions. 

“Can I go in there now?” Regina asked, looking at Dunn. Her brows were furrowed together— it seemed that the pain was finally getting to her.

“Yeah.” Dunn nodded, “Of course. Undress to whatever level you’re comfortable with and go ahead.” Within the next minute, Cady and the doctor helps Regina into the tub. And honestly the sight of her accepting help without a fight freaked you out— and you hated that it did. Why was it scaring you?

Janis definitely picked up on how tense you were, because you felt her rubbing your lower back. Then she was looking at you with worried eyes. You gave her a look in return, to silently tell her you were going to step outside. You left, she told Cady. And Regina obviously heard it, but she knew better than to stop you because it’d already been discussed. Besides, her priority now was to deliver this baby safely. And hopefully quickly because the pain was going to make her cry soon. 

Janis stayed behind for awhile, but Regina told her to go outside and be with you. “She’s fine.”

“So am I. But she’s your partner, I think she needs you more than I do.” Regina replied, resting her chin on folded arms that were on the edge of the tub. She was kneeling, because she could no longer sit comfortably. While Janis was still standing, Cady had already made herself comfortable and sat on the floor. “Do you want me to be in there with you?”

“This is good.” Regina hummed, shutting her eyes. That meant another contraction was making its way through her body. She held on tight to Cady’s hand and breathed through it, this time, a little grunt fell from her lips. “I can feel the head coming down.” She mumbles. 

“I’ll go call the doctor back in.” Janis said, scurrying to exit the suite. And once the doctor had entered the room, Janis sat outside with you. “We can go home, honey. It’s alright.”

“I know. I just want to be here for her, but my brain is still so easily…terrified.”

“Hey, you are. You’re here right now, baby. She knows you are. It’s okay to be scared, I mean, have you seen Cady the last few weeks? Heck, even the last month? Today’s the calmest she’s been in awhile.” She wraps her arms around, “She’s in great hands, and Regina gets it. You guys talked about it, there will be no hard feelings if we stay out here, or just head home. We’ll get to see the baby soon either way.” 

“You’re right. Just had a little moment, that’s all.” You sniffed, leaning your head on her shoulder, “I’m okay. She’s okay, everything is going well.”

Janis pulls you closer and kisses the side of your head, just holding you in silence as you continue to calm down. The brief surge in anxiety faded away, getting replaced by excitement. You couldn’t hear anything that was happening on the other side of that door until piercing cries filled your ears. You and Janis gasped almost in unison, and you sat upright. “Oh, my God.” You mumbled. Several minutes later, Cady emerged from the door and said that you two could go in. So you did, Janis held onto your hand, still. “Holy shit, he’s cute.” Janis gasped, speaking in a whisper. Cady rolled her eyes at the language, Regina just laughs as she lightly bounces the bundled up newborn in her arms. You stepped closer to get a better look, and your heart as good as melted into a puddle. He was so, so tiny and adorable. So damn precious. 

“Red hair?” Janis notices. 

“Damn, I know.” Regina lets out a soft sigh, admiring her sleepy baby boy. “Hopefully he gets my height.” 

Cady sulked jokingly, “Anyway.” She sits down carefully next to Regina on the bed, “We have a name.” Cady and Regina shared a look before your sister nodded, “Jace. Jace Kinsley Heron-George.” 

“That’s a cool name.” You chimed in.

“He’s going to grow up to be the coolest kiddo.” Janis grins, looking at the baby again. “I mean…”

“That, I agree. He has you two as aunts, and Karen and Gretchen. And Damian’s going to be amazing, too.” Regina looked up at you and Janis, teary eyed. “Wow, I’m actually crying. This is crazy.”

Cady cups her face and tilted it towards herself, capturing Regina’s lips into her own, “I love you. And I love Jace, so very much.”

Regina sniffles, “I love you more. Thank you for choosing me, I literally couldn’t be here today without you.” Regina looked at you again, a tear slipping from her eyes, “Or you.” Then Janis, “And you.”

You put an arm around your sister, planting a kiss on her head, “I’m so proud of you.” 

“Thank you, baby.” Regina looked at you with the biggest goddamn smile, and watery eyes. You started tearing up, too. You knew those three words from her meant more than just simple gratitude for what you told her a few seconds ago. So much more. 

The baby was born at around 10:30, and once the adrenaline wore off, you were all just wanting to sleep and get some rest. You and Janis got to hold Jace before leaving though. And seeing Janis holding him? Damn, something changed within you. You wanted that, you wanted to start your own family and you were so sure. You couldn’t wait for it to be yours and Janis’ turn.

“Good night, Reg. We’ll see you soon.” 

“Yeah, you will. Good night, guys.” Regina smiled despite the sleepiness.

That night, it was just you and Janis in the apartment. So it was very quiet, even for this time of the night. And as usual, you don’t exactly do that well with silence. So your mind drifts, except this time it was back to the image of Janis holding Jace in her arms, and seeing that look of pure adoration in her eyes holding someone so tiny and fragile, someone that depended on someone else to live. Seeing her so careful, so happy? You wanted that for her, you wanted that for yourself.

“Baby?” Janis scooted closer to you, a hand on your thigh as her thumb brushed over the skin. 

“Hm?”

“You okay?”

“I am. Just thinking.” You nodded, laying your head on her chest. On reflex, she wraps her arms around you. “Janis, I’m sure I want kids.”

“Okay.” She nodded.

You continued, “I don’t know when, but if the time feels right, we can just go for it. Really. I’ve never been more sure about this.”

“What changed?” She asked, curiously.

“Honestly, everything today changed my perspective. But especially seeing you hold him and admiring him. It was beautiful. It’s like, it’s hard, but it so, so worth it. And that’s what I want, I want something like that. So precious, so beautiful. Life is incredible, and as daunting and stressful things can get, nothing beats the good things. New beginnings, new life, new love.”

“New memories.” Janis chimed in, smiling slightly. You nodded, “Life…life can be pretty exciting, huh?” 

“Absolutely it can.” Janis agrees, “Pretty great too. Some things are so rewarding. Meeting you, getting to go through so much of my life with you, it’s a blessing. My life is so filled with love and laughter and so fucking much of joy ever since. And I cannot wait for more to come.” 

🏷️Tag list:

@ashecampos @auliisflower @cheesysoup-arlo @frogs00 @ludoesartandstuff @pda128

💭A/N:

This chapter seemed like it took me forever to, but well, here it is! <3

[gebediahhhhhhh]

I’ve seen a lot of people analyzing Lydia’s behavior in BJBJ, not only on tumblr. And a lot of posts about Lydia’s anxiety being illogical miss one certain point: anxiety IS illogical. As someone who spent enough time treating my depression and anxiety issues (and also abusing my medicine at some point) I can totally get her behavior. Let me explain.

WARNING: I’m not an expert in anything I’m talking about, this is just for fun and based on my own experience with mental issues. Also I’m very sleepy and English is not my first language.

When people analyze Lydia’s behavior, they usually have 2 points:

1. Lydia is afraid of ghosts in general; she’s getting anxious because she can see dead people.

2. Lydia is afraid of Beetlejuice specifically.

While the first one is more logically understandable, I don’t think it’s the thing. To me it was obvious that she was afraid of BJ and her panic attacks happened only when she saw him. The second one, though, makes less sense considering the events of the second movie, when Lydia summons BJ and she’s just like… annoyed. She looks at him and goes ew. I didn’t see panic. Which could be just her being calm and collected in the face of danger, but I don’t believe Lyds is like that, sorry 😭

So that leaves us with her reactions being kinda… inconsistent. Yeah! So let me introduce you to my hot takes:

- Lydia is mentally unstable and has big anxiety issues which lead her to panic spiraling about certain topics.

- Lydia is NOT afraid of ghosts in general (at least consciously), but seeing them still messes her up.

- Lydia’s only human and her memory of the first movie events is not perfect.

Let’s talk about this.

In the first movie we clearly see Lydia being depressed and suicidal. Here everything’s clear, I think. Depression at a young age can mess your brain big time and I doubt she got it medicated until she was a whole ass adult.

In the same first movie Lydia obviously doesn’t feel distressed around ghosts (except for BJ, because he’s a weirdo). She willingly spends time with Maitlands and dances with football players and in general she’s okay with ghosts.

From the second movie we get that she can see any ghost because of her gift. I can only imagine how many ghosts she’s met during these 36 years. Probably even before her show started, she would always randomly see dead people in all kinds of places. Some guy killed himself in this building 50 years ago? Yep, Lydia can see him haunting the place. This ability surely doesn’t bring comfort to one’s life, especially after you grow out of your teenage years and talking to dead people is no more considered a quirky thing.

Now back to her fear of Beetlejuice. In the first movie, he terrorized the Deetzes, but didn’t do anything harmful to Lydia specifically. The whole wedding thing must’ve been pretty scary though, I don’t think many people acknowledge that. In her place I would absolutely be terrified. But at the end she seems fine and cheerful, which could be a sign that she isn’t traumatized but all this ghostly stuff that much. So what could’ve happened for her to react to BJ like this?

What I’m thinking is, human memory is not perfect. It tends to blur some things, especially uncomfortable ones. And depression is known for causing memory issues as well. I, personally, barely remember my teen years. And I’m definitely younger than Lydia and saw far less shit in my life. So I’m just thinking that, for the past 36 years, her memory of encountering Beetlejuice might’ve gotten more vague and kinda replaced with… Maitlands’ stories about him.

We don’t know when exactly did the Maitlands leave, but I assume Lydia did spend with them enough time. I already saw a very good in-depth post about Lydia’s fear of Beetlejuice being fueled by the Maitlands’ experience of him being a pervy freak and whatnot. Yes, I agree!!! They absolutely did tell Lydia about all their afterlife experiences, including their first time summoning Beetlejuice. So Lydia must’ve known about him being extremely fucking weird.

Now, imagine: you’re a woman with many mental issues. Your job includes regularly seeing dead people who might look really disturbing and behave in a potentially dangerous way. You have many relationships issues as well and now… You start seeing a freaky ghost from your teenage years. What do you remember about him? Oh, not much:

- he hurt your dad and scared your family (which might have been funny when you’re 16, you do start seeing things differently when you grow up).

- he was acting absolutely disgusting towards your friend.

- he tried to marry you.

I don’t blame Lydia for freaking out. And considering she has anxiety, I can totally imagine her brain going different directions with thoughts how Beetlejuice might hurt her specifically. Been there, done that. I believe her seeing him at the studio wasn’t the first time, and her reactions just kept escalating because she kept thinking about him being a supernatural entity who can murder her, rape her, hurt her daughter, hurt her parents, etc.

But then she summons him and he’s… normal. I mean, relatively normal. You know that feeling when you’re afraid to make this really scary phone call, but when you finally do, it turns out to be not that scary? I imagine that what Lydia experienced, just ten times more intense lmao.

[strawberriesinmoominvalley]

WIP wednesday!

@beensinning tagged me to share a bit of the wip i've been working on. now, i'm going to be a pest, as usual, and share a bit of two. the first is a snippet of something i'm doing for osctober day 22 (if i finish in time). under the cut will be a bit from the sequel to love will not break your heart for spoiler-y reasons :)

osctober:

There was blood stuck in the grooves of his sword. Oscar inspected it, picking with a long fingernail, before resheathing it in his belt. He’d get a new one when he got back; the king never let them be without weapons. It was part of the job: he gave you your weapons, you gave him his life. He didn’t particularly understand the anxious way some of the other knights wavered when they were first given their sword. Still now, there were ones that wavered when orders came in. Oscar didn’t talk to them - did they not understand how important their job is? How to save the life of their king was worth more than anything else they could give? It was the first thing they were taught in the few years of school they did. Oscar’s Mum hadn’t particularly been a fan of his goal, but Oscar had looked up to the stars at night and wanted and wanted. It didn’t particularly matter after that.

before the spoilers, i'll tag @cx-boxbox, @zolica-ao3, @lottie1824, @lunahhhhhhhhhh, @481boxboxbaby and anyone else who wants to hop on!

you only have to wait until sunday until this starts coming out! i hope this sustains everyone until then lol. also, i couldn't decide, so have two different bits :D

“Yeah.” Oscar pulled a face. “I just don’t want to know what happens afterwards.” “Nothing’s happened yet,” Lando soothed. “And I won’t let anything happen to you, Osc. You don’t need to worry.” Oscar grinned at him, face lighting up as dawn breaks over the horizon.”I know you won’t, love. You’re much scarier than me.” Lando puffed himself up, before registering the laughing tone the alpha used. He pouted. “You’re making fun of me.” “I would never!” Oscar chuckled as Lando took matters into his own hands, turning the alpha over and straddling him so he was pinned to the bed. “I have never done that in my life.” “You know,” Lando started conversationally, running his fingers up and down Oscar’s ribs, “I know exactly how to get you to surrender.” “What?” Oscar retorted, his breaths coming just quick enough to give him away. “Are you going to tickle me until I surrender?”

Ollie looked up at George with large, scared eyes. “They could attack us at any point and we wouldn’t win, would we?” “No,” George said, words sour in his mouth. “We’d lose.” Mark winced at the admission, his scent bitter in the air. George couldn’t breath, his chest tightening. It wasn’t a lie; there was no way they could win. They had two members out for the count, not to mention the pups. And that was the thing that truly made him sick, really. If they attacked, there was no real way they could keep any of the pups safe. He couldn’t have Bea grow up scared. He couldn’t have Bea die. He couldn’t have Bea be trapped as all his friends had once been trapped.

[joeseventies]

RTC characters as quotes my friends and i have said

Mischa: "Go get your ears hear-ed."

Constance: "Today I got out of my mom's car and I fell and I said 'weeee' before I fell."  

Penny: "And they sit in the windowsill and just stay completely still and they stare."

Ricky: "How giant… is the Uno."

Noel: "Meh." Ocean: "Meh? What does that mean?" Noel: "Its like shrugging, but with my voice."

Penny: "If I had a nickel for everytime I swallowed a nickel, I'd have exactly one nickel."

Ricky: "Everytime a phone rings, nitrogen gets its wings."

Mischa: "Too fast for the eye movement."

Constance: "I think that's legit the flavor." Ocean: "Flavor? Do you EAT your handsanitizer?" Penny: "I do."

Constance: "Dont threaten me about my socks! You almost gave me a heart attack!"

Ricky: "Careful there J.D." Mischa: "Who's that?" Ricky: "You dont know who J.D. is?" Mischa: "Isn't he from Warrior Cats?"

Noel: "You have the IQ of soft toast."

Penny: "I'm not a criminal, I'm just a drug dealer."

Mischa: "If I'm an idiot, then you're a ghost."

Constance: "You're not stinky."

Noel: "He’s like a very Italian pepperoni pizza. But british."

Ricky: "I'm shoving my gay up my pants."

Mischa: "Everybody gangsta till they tongue starts feeling weird."

Ricky: "Imma great mafia talk. Meow shmeow."

Penny: "3 people voted. God is dead."

Ricky: "Homosexual bad grr"

Noel: "I am not fucking watching Glee."

Ricky: "Remember: When fire strikes… Gay out and slay out!"

Noel: "They're still gnomes, I don't care if they're gay."

Ricky: "Happy Birthday, here's my AIDS."

Constance: "Chocolate MILF? I like women."

Ocean: "What's under my eyes? That's right. Abstinence."

Mischa: "I will only shake my ass for the POPE!!"

Ricky: "Run me over with your car, oh baby."

Ocean: "Give me your paper, you infertile gold digger."

Noel: "You're the one staring at my donut like a pedophile staring at a playground."

Penny: "Its not vandalism if it's fun."

Mischa: "Do you wanna check out my ass? For one second?"

Constance: "Straight people can be kinky too."

Ocean: "I'm literally a lobster. Lobsters don't have airpods."

Ricky: "Another day, another slay."

Mischa: "Don’t pull up on me. I'll pull up on your mouth."

Penny: "I know where your heart is."

Ocean: "You want my life to be miserable because you won't give me a penny?"

Penny: "I can feel every fiber in your body."

Noel: "Do as I say, not as I say."

Penny: "Does your fish want to paint? Woop woop woop."

Ricky: "Do you guys like my ring? Just kidding it's a pink monkey."

Mischa: getting choked "That was good form."

Ocean: "Let me put my hand in your pocket and show you I'm not gay."

Penny: "I always make people look away. Whether it be with my face or my actions."

Constance: "Little donuts on my math paper make me anxious."

Penny: "I've been craving water since 2nd grade."

Ocean: "Turn on your brains. Turn on your ears. Cause it sounds like they're not on."

Penny: "So health or religion?" Ricky: "Communism."

Mischa: "They word in such a way that words should not or should word."

Mischa: “Wait Stuart Little is Shakespeare?”

Noel: "You know how much I'd kill myself??!??!"

Penny: "Yep that's some high quality cocaine."

Noel: "Youre pissing me off." Ocean: "You're pissing me on."

Ocean: "You're gonna end up on an episode of forensic files."

[livsoulsecrets]

1989 (Taylor’s version) songs as BL/GL Characters - Part 2

I know places - Palm and Nueng (Never let me go)

‘Cause they got the cages, they got the boxes and guns

They are the hunters, we are the foxes and we run

Baby, I know places we won't be found and

They'll be chasing their tails trying to track us down

‘Cause I, I know places we can hide

[…] Just grab my hand and don't ever drop it, my love

Clean - Akk (The Eclipse)

Hung my head as I lost the war

And the sky turned black like a perfect storm

Rain came pouring down

When I was drowning, that's when I could finally breathe

And by morning

Gone was any trace of you, I think I am finally clean

[…] The water filled my lungs, I screamed so loud

But no one heard a thing

Wonderland - Top and Mew (Only Friends)

Didn't it all seem new and exciting?

I felt your arms twisting around me

I should've slept with one eye open at night

We found wonderland, you and I got lost in it

And we pretended it could last forever

[…] And life was never worse but never better

[…] So we went on our way, too in love to think straight

All alone, or so it seemed, but there were strangers watching

And whispers turned to talking

And talking turned to screams

[…] Didn't you calm my fears with with a Cheshire cat smile?

[…] It's all fun and games 'til somebody loses their mind

You’re in love - Nomoto and Kasuga (She loves to cook, and she loves to eat)

'Cause you can hear in the silence

You can feel it on the way home

You can see it with the lights out

You are in love, true love

Morning, [her] place

Burnt toast, Sunday

You keep [her] shirt, [she] keeps [her] word

And for once, you let go of your fears and your ghosts

One step, not much, but it said enough

New Romantics - Not Me Gang (Not Me)

We're so young, but we're on the road to ruin

We play dumb but we know exactly what we're doin'

[…] 'Cause baby, I could build a castle out of all the bricks they threw at me

And every day is like a battle, but every night with us is like a dream

[…] Baby, we're the new romantics

Come on, come along with me

Heartbreak is the national anthem, we sing it proudly

[…] The best people in life are free

[…] We need love, but all we want is danger

Slut! - Mhok and Day (Last Twilight)

Got lovestruck, went straight to my head

Got lovesick, all over my bed, love to think you'll never forget

[… ] Adorned with smoke on my clothes, lovelorn and nobody knows, love thorns all over this rose

[…] The sticks and stones they throw froze mid-air

Everyone wants him, that was my crime, the wrong place at the right time

And I break down, then he's pullin' me in

In a world of boys, he's a gentleman

We'll pay the price, I guess

[...] Half asleep, taking your time in the tangerine, neon light, this luxury

You're not saying you're in love with me, but you're going to

Half awake, taking your chance, it's a big mistake

I said it might blow up in your pretty face

I'm not saying do it anyway, but you're going to

Say don’t go - Kim and Chay (Kinnporsche)

Why'd you have to make me want you?

Why'd you have to give me nothin' back?

Why'd you have to make me love you?

I said, "I love you", you say nothin' back

Why'd you have to lead me on?

Why'd you have to twist the knife?

Walk away and leave me bleedin', bleedin'?

Why'd you whisper in the dark just to leave me in the night?

Now your silence has me screamin', screamin'

[…] I would stay forever if you say, "Don't go”

Now that we don’t talk - Todd and Black (Not Me)

Did you get anxious though on the way home?

I guess I'll never, ever know now that we don't talk

You grew your hair long, you got new icons

And from the outside, it looks like you're tryin' lives on

I miss the old ways, you didn't have to change

But I guess I don't have a say

Now that we don't talk

[…] I cannot be your friend, so I pay the price of what I lost and what it cost

[…] Truth is, I can't pretend it's platonic, it's just ended

Suburban Legends - Boston and Nick (Only Friends)

You had people who called you on unmarked numbers in my peripheral vision

I let it slide like a hose on a slippery plastic summer, all was quickly forgiven

You were so magnetic, it was almost obnoxious, flush with the currency of cool

I was always turnin' out my empty pockets

And when it came to you, I didn't come here to make friends

We were born to be suburban legends

When you hold me, it holds me together

And you kiss me in a way that's gonna screw me up forever

Is it over now? - Sand and Ray (Only Friends)

You dream of my mouth before it called you a lying traitor

You search in every maiden's bed for something greater

Baby, was it over when [he] laid down on your couch?

Was it over when he unbuttoned my blouse?

"Come here, " I whispered in your ear in your dream as you passed out, baby

Was it over then? And is it over now?

[befuddled-calico-whump]

Benj is my number one favorite guy, drama kid is best and just imagining him doing backstage shenanies is absolutely wonderful. So I’ve been thinking. I have a few monologues memorized, and just randomly pulling them out and reciting them and watching people be confused is so funny. I feel like Benji would do that to distract people so that other people can sneak in and do their thing.

So.

Imagine this: he’s talking to a security guard while the rest of the crew is sneaking into a building. “How are we today?” he says, leaning up against the fence next to him. “A little quiet? I’m feeling a little… blue myself. A little anxious for no particular reason, a little sad that I should be feeling anxious at this stage of life. You know, a little self conscious anxiety that results in unspecific sadness. A state that I call blue.”

At this point he is standing up and moving around and using his hands and body to accentuate his words and block the rest of the crew from sight.

“Anyway,” he says, “whenever I’m feeling this way— blue— I like to listen to my music. So I was going through my box of records this morning— yes, records— and what should I find but Gable and Stein’s The Drowsy Chaperone!” He makes awkward eye contact with the guard for a few moments. “Remember? Music by Julie Dale, Lyrics by Sydney Stein?”

A few more moments of awkward eye contact, then, “Here, I’ll tell you what it says on the back. It says “music, mayhem, and a gay wedding.” He pauses and then laughs. “Of course, that meant a different thing then then it does now, but then it just meant fun! And that’s exactly what this show is— fun!”

Yet more awkward eye contact while the security guard is trying to figure out how to respond, and Benji sighs long-sufferingly, putting his hand on the guard’s shoulder and waving his hand in the air like he’s showing a headline. “Just visualize. Imagine, if you will: it’s November of 1928 and you’ve just arrived at the doors of the Moscow theater. It’s cold and a heavy sleet is falling from the sky l, but you don’t care, because you’re about to see a Broadway show!”

The security guard nods awkwardly and shrugs Benji’s hand off his shoulder, walking away backward very slowly. “Yeah, I have to go. Sorry.” After a few steps, he starts sprinting.

Benji waits until he’s out of sight, and then runs over to the group, who are hiding behind the wall so they’re not seen. “I got him. We’re good. Let’s go.”

Hunter starts laughing, telling Benji how weird he looked, Joy and Jericho congratulate him, and Kaius makes some comment on how it took him long enough, and then Benji picks the lock and they continue on with their mission.

The rest of the crew: holy shit dude! How'd you come up with that so quick?

Benji, laughing nervously: yep, definitely all me!

[graciegoeskrazy]

love it if we made it

Pairings: Matt Murdock x Queer!Teen!Daughter!reader, Karen Page x Queer!Teen!reader

Warnings/Content: so much fucking angst, queer teen - sexuality is not specified although reader is dating someone who uses she/her pronouns - mentions of coming out, catholicism, being catholic and queer, yelling, cursing, crying, mentions of self harm, protective matt murdock, matt is a shitty dad for a bit, mentions of absent mother, queen karen, LET ME KNOW IF I MISSED ANY PLEASE

A/N: Although it’s shorter than what I was envisioning and definitely not perfect, this might be my favorite thing I've written lately. This thing is ANGSTY AS HELL but i've been told that's my specialty. Little storytime - I went to an all catholic school for 10 years of my life but stopped going to church and stuff soon after I left that school. That was about 4 years ago and I have changed immensely since then. Recently, I’ve been trying to reconnect with my faith and what not but whatever church I go to they can’t seem to grasp that the girl they once knew is bisexual and has different ideas then they do. All I want is to have a better connection with my faith but wherever I go it feels impossible. This idea popped into my head recently with everything that happened and I need more dad mm in my life so - two birds one stone lmao. I don’t mean to push catholicism on anybody or make fun of catholics in any way btw. Trust me the last thing I want is anyone telling anyone that what they believe and are doing is wrong. This is just where I'm coming from and how this fic came to be. Love you all lots, no matter who or what you believe in or who or what you love. Xoxo gossip girl

Matt’s phone rang a 2nd time but he quickly silenced it again. “Do you need to take a call Mr. Murdock? We don’t mind.” A man at the table said, a slight edge in his voice. Before Matt could answer, the phone rang again.

…Y/n…

…Y/n…

…Y/n…

“Uh- I’m so sorry. It’s my daughter. Just give me a minute.” The rest of the men gave unamused looks as he excused himself. (Not that Matt could see it or anything)

“Hello?”

“Dad, It’s me. I need you to come to school.”

“Why? What happened?” Annoyance more than worry showed in his tone, making you cringe even more. You sighed before continuing. “I got into a fight at school.” Your father couldn't believe what he was hearing. “What? Y/n Murdock! What the hell were you thinking?” Although any parent might react that way, you didn't expect that reaction from your father.

“They were making fun of me, dad! They made comments about Jane and I. They just wouldn't shut up about the fact I’m gay, even after I politely told them to stop several times, they wouldn't. She and I had enough. It’s not exactly ideal being one of the only queer kids in an all catholic school.”

“That is absolutely unacceptable behavior, y/n.”

“Say’s the guy who runs around punching people in a devil costume!”

“That is completely different.”

“No it isn’t!” Your voice raised quite a bit, having enough of your fathers words. You tried to take a few breaths to try and calm yourself. “Whatever. Look, I need you to come and pick me up. I’m right outside the principal's office, they want to talk to you.”

He let out a large sigh, making you anxious. “Okay, I'll be there in 15.” He hung up not saying an ‘I love you’, or even a ‘goodbye’. Not that you thought he meant it when he did say it, but still, it meant you were in for trouble.

You sat outside the principal's office by the front desk, legs crossed, toes tapping, slumped in a chair, waiting for your fathers arrival. Your eyes caught sight of the man with red glasses strutting towards the door with a cane in hand. You sat up and opened the door to guide him in. “I’m sorry.” You said. He didn’t reply, only kept walking. You followed behind. “Dad, I said I’m sorry.”

“I know you did, y/n. Stop talking.”

Okay jeez. This was gonna be tough.

…

You sat quiet during the entire meeting. You knew what was coming and thought it wasn't worth putting up a fight. It was no secret that you did something wrong, you were very conscious of that, but come on, you weren't the only one that deserves a punishment. Those catholic bitches would not stop taunting you. It wasn’t only today. The bullying had started years ago with usual pointless remarks to anyone and everyone, but when word spread about your sexuallity, that's when all hell broke loose. All eyes were on you. Teachers, students, and faculty had heard about you being gay. Those who were supportive looked at you with awe and inspiration. Most however, looked at you with disgust, including the girls who got you in the spot you were in today. Most quickly forgot about it and moved on with their lives. Some teachers made a point to bring your father in to suggest ‘help’ for you, but he quickly said he would sue the school and report every individual teacher who made another comment about you to the school board and superintendent. Yeah, he was catholic, but your happiness was (usually) first priority for him. Although, it didn't feel like it today.

The verdict was a week of suspension followed by 3 days of detention. Your dad and yourself made your way out of the building and on the way home. The commute to your apartment was only about a 5 minute walk. You stayed quiet most of the time. Until he spoke up as you entered the building and made your way into your apartment. “You're not gonna give your side of the story.”

“I tried to at school and you told me to shut up.”

“You sure it's not because your side of the story isn't worth it? You sure stayed pretty quiet during that meeting.”

“Because I know you would tell me to stop fighting it anyway. Look I know I was in the wrong, but I wasn't the only one. And talk about me being quiet? You barely said anything to defend me! You just sat there and nodded. And don’t tell me you were speechless or something, you're a lawyer for christ’s sake.”

“Yeah, I was speechless. I didn't expect it. It’s embarrassing, y/n.``

“Of course it’s embarrassing. Everything I do is a disappointment to you.” You said, putting up your shoes and jacket by the front door, quickly trying to head upstairs to your bedroom.

“Hey- I never said that.”

“No, but you think so. Me being queer, me being into arts, me being into all the things you hate. You're the successful, up and coming lawyer who all the ladies thirst over, while I'm just an inconvenience. And don’t say otherwise, I don't have to be able to listen to heartbeats to know when you're lying.”

“Come on, that is far from the truth, y/n. It’s not you, it’s your actions.”

You quickly turned back to face him. “Now that is the most bullshit excuse I've ever heard.”

“Language, young lady!”

“Oh fuck language, and fuck you!”

“Enough! I will not let you disrespect me like that! Whatever you're going through, do not pin it on me.”

“Of course, how could I? Because it’s never your fault, it's always mine. I’m the problem. I’m the fuck up, the stupid mistake you made and have to repent for.”

“Don’t say that, y/n. You know that’s not true.”

“Of course it’s true! Don’t say it’s not. That's why it’s embarrassing for you. Because I ruined your meeting with a bunch of classy, a-list, New York assholes because you had to pick up your daughter who is nothing but an inconvenience for you and a constant reminder of the worst mistake you ever made.”

“Y/n, stop-”

“Stop what? Saying the truth? I bet you wish I wasn’t here sometimes. I bet you wish that car wouldn't have hit her. Then maybe I wouldn't be such an inconvenience to you.”

“Yeah, Maybe.”

Your breath hitched. You always knew the truth. You always knew how you ended up here, but never in a million years did you actually think he would admit it. 15 goddamn years on this earth and never once did you actually think your father would take back a single moment. You didn’t cry or become angry, instead the feeling that rushed over you was some sort of loss. At a loss for words or a loss of movement or the loss of knowing what to do. All you wanted to do was give up, fall limp on the floor and lay there for however long you needed to. Long enough for all of this to wash over. Some would call it giving up. To you, it was the only solution you had left. Too long you’ve spent trying to patch up the holes between you and your dad, all for the sake of this shitty family. You’ve had enough. Enough of the fighting, enough of the lonely nights staying up hoping and praying that your father would come home without a bullet in his head, enough of being tired. Tired. That’s what you were feeling. You had felt it for too long and were sick of it.

Your voice cracked as you continued to speak. “I don’t know what to do, Dad. Those people hate me because I simply exist, and apparently you do too, and I don’t know how to make it better other than changing myself completely or ending my life because apparently you and several others would be just fine if I wasn't here.” A single tear made its way out and down your cheek. Your father stood in front of you like a deer in headlights, he had stayed that way since those last words left his mouth, realizing how bad he had messed up. You didn't know what to say anymore. Hopelessness showed its face once again. You rushed upstairs and into your room, not wanting to stand in front of your father any longer.

…

Later that night, your phone rang. It was Karen calling to do your daily check in on you. You answered.

“Hey sweets! How was school today?” You just groaned in response. Karen’s curiosity grew. “I heard your dad had to leave the meeting early to pick you up, you doin’ alright?”

“Yeah, yeah. I’m okay.”

“You sure. You sound…different.”

You sighed. There was no harm in telling her. Karen was family and whether she liked it or not, she was stuck with you forever. You trusted her with everything. Might as well tell her…

“I got into a fight today?”

“What? Are you okay?”

That was the kind of reaction you expected from your father, more worry than angry. Of course Karen reacted this way. Maybe she was the parental figure you always needed…

“Yeah. I'm fine. It’s just some stupid kids making fun of me and I had enough.”

Karen could tell something else was off. She paused for a second, then continued. “What else?”

“What do you mean?”

“Come on kid, I know when something is bothering you, I’m practically your mother.”

A smile came across your face.

“Ok so, my dad got really upset at me, and I basically told him that he probably regrets having me, and how I know I'm such a disappointment to him, and he agreed and it really blew up.”

“That mother fucker.”

That made you laugh. It was good to know she would be on your side through all this.

“Do you want to come to my house for the night? I’ll pick you up and we can have a girls night and stuff and you can tell me more.”

“No, I'll be fine here. I’d rather just cry in peace in the darkness of my room, to be honest.”

She sighed, “Jeez girl. You better call me if you need a single thing.”

“I will. Don’t worry.”

…

You heard your father come up the stairs and quickly shut off your phone and rolled over on your side facing towards the wall, away from your father.

“I know you're awake, n/n.”

Your eyes shot open. How do I keep forgetting he has super hearing?

“Worth a shot.” You kept your direction towards the wall.

Matt took a beat before starting. “Karen called me. She said if I ever hurt you again she would go daredevil on my ass.” He took a seat next to your bed, not wanting to get too close just yet, but still wanting to let you know he was there. “I’m sorry. Really, really, truly sorry.”

“It’s alright, dad-”

“No. No, it’s not. I messed up…really badly.” He moved some of your hair behind your ear in an attempt to comfort you. “I never meant to hurt you. I never want you to question my love for you ever again. I love you so so so much, baby girl. More than anything or anyone.”

A tear escaped down your right eye. You flipped over and faced him. “I love you. No matter who you are or who or what you love, and I didn't do a good job of showing you that, and I'm sorry.” He sucked in a large breath before he continued. “You are the farthest thing from a mistake. Yes, you were unexpected, but I would never, ever take back a single moment of being your father. You are the only girl I ever needed, and I love you so very much.”

You opened your arms and scooted back to make room for your dad to snuggle next to you on your bed. He brought you close to him, letting you lay your head on his chest. You mumbled “I love you too.” as he brushed through your hair with his fingers, in an attempt at some sort of calming peace offering.

This would be fine. This would be okay. You both would be okay.

[dani-ya-dig]

Okay I’m finally gonna do it.

I’m watching all three of the summit audios and posting just an absolute clusterfuck of my thoughts about it

So thought’s beneath the cut I guess

The Monarchial Summit

No but I’m actually with Milo on this one who the fuck only owns one belt?? I don’t even go to formal things but I still own multiple belts

Also Ash accusing Aggro of stealing his shoes… like the cat of MILO GREER would touch anything Asher would wear anyways. The fucking audacity of that statement.

Makayla existing might be one of the juiciest princes of information my brain soaked up from this anthology. I need to know more about this woman. I don’t even know why

Yeah… welcome to monarchy lovely… it’s great I swear

SAMMMMM!!!

Also like if y’all have idea for things that Sam wore to the summit share them with me bc I genuinely can not imagine anyone being able to get that man into anything more than a black and white tux

Sam and Darling better have got that fucking ice cream, I don’t give two FUCKS who died for them to get it. They deserve it. I love them in case you couldn’t tell. I’m pretty lowkey abt it.

GOD Porter is such a fucking asshole I love him so bad

Also this is probably gonna be something I bring up multiple times throughout this post but I love seeing the dynamic that the Solaire kiddos have going on. Like they interact pretty similarly to me and my siblings (except… you know… way more toxic) and I think it’s a fun dynamic that I genuinely want to see more of. I know the clan probably doesn’t hang out as a unit as often as like the Shaw Pack does but I really wanna see more of them together.

God I know the Shaw Solstice parties must be so fun

Also do you guys actually think anyone is like dancing at the Summit? Because I genuinely can’t imagine it. I would love to imagine vampires waltzing but it feels like it’s more of a socialization stand around and talk to people event… which is far less fun

“It’s a party not a funeral” it is actually so silly that you would say that you old fuck

SHUT THE YOUR UGLY ASS UP CHRISTOPHER!! I KNOW VINCENT IS SLAYING AT THIS FUCKING PARTY

Also what does “there’s mud in your eye” mean? Is that what Christopher says? I’ve never heard that expression in my life.

OHHH ITS ALEXIS!! I HAVE SO MUCH TO SAY ANT THIS PART!!!

Also GOD props to Alexis’s voice actor because every single line was delivered so fucking perfectly that it actually makes me wanna scream. ITS SO GOOD

I know her saying “mates” condescendingly must have already had Darlin wanting to whoop her

SHE SAID THE THING!!! SHE SAID THE THING THAT NO ONE HS BROUGHT UP UNTIL THIS POINT!!!

Seriously I hope that’s a topic we get to touch on more in later audios, is whether Darlin wants to be turned or not, because there is so much potential there and I LIVE FOR IT!!! And then like a Sam comfort audio where Darlin is all anxious that he isn’t gonna like them if they age even if they know that’s not the case in their heart GOD I FLDNSKDNDJDNHDJDHDZHJDHDHD

Sorry I got too excited

UGH OLDER DARLIN!! MWAH MWAH MWAH!

I may consistently talk abt how much I love Sam but Darlin is the character I actually have a crush on guys

Alexis does make a point though. I don’t remember exactly how old she is but I seriously doubt that Darlin would stand a chance against her in a fight based on her age alone.

“Pettiness isn’t childish at all. It’s what we GROWNUPS use to express our distaste when we grow up from our adolescent power fantasies and learn how the real world works” So we are just lying now? Also, okay meemaw sorry didn’t mean to disrespect my elders. Old ass.

The fact that she knew if Sam came over when she was talking to Darlin that it would start a fight

Also this part is something I saw a few Alexis fans complaining about. Saying stuff like “oh so Alexis is just a villain and doesn’t actually get any dimension as character great 🙄” but like??? Are you guys not seeing what I’m seeing about this?? One, Alexis is talking out of her ass, she is saying anything she can to make Darlin angry or feel like shit. That doesn’t mean anything she is saying holds any merit. She could 100% be lying, and there could have been good intentions behind her turning him, even if it was a stupid decision. Like Porter said Alexis is a delightful blend of self assured and insecure. Do you really think if she held regret for what she did she would let other people see that?? Sam actively says that the shit she has gone through has made her hardened but there is still a person underneath all of it.

I’m not even an Alexis fan but it baffles me that you guys don’t still see the possibility for her to have depth, even just within headcanon if it’s never talked about again.

DARLIN TAP ME IN PLS I COULD TAKE HER IN A VERBAL SPAR PLS PLS PLS PLS PLS

Porter to the rescue!

DRAG HER ASS PORTER!! SICK EM!!

Also Porter is strangely kind to Darlin?? Like in this audio sure he says he only helped them so he didn’t have to deal with the aftermath of a fight between them and Alexis, but also in the audio with him and Vincent the first thing he does when he meets them I compliment them. Potential for begrudging besties?? Or Porter trails Darlin around and they can’t shake him no matter how hard they try??

DARLINS FOOTSTEPS AS THEY RUN AFTER SAM <33

“You should >:(“ actually who the fuck do you think you are???

QUINN FORESHADOWING??? PLS PLS PLS??? I genuinely don’t see any reason to have this interaction if it isn’t foreshadowing to something happening with Quinn

“I needn’t mention Porter” PLS WHAT HAS PORTER DONE THAT IS SO AWFUL THAT PPL OUTSIDE OF THE HOUSE KNOW IT???

“Invocation’s from maker to progeny, not the other way around Sam 🙄” SHE IS SO SASSY I CANT! EVERY LINE SHE HAS I SWEAR

“But playing is what I do best <3” STAY AWAY FROM MY MAN HOMEWRECKERRRRRR /ref

SEE GUYS THIS IS WHAT IM TALKING ABT!! IM NOT A FAN OF ALEXIS BY ANY MEANS BUT JUST BECAUSE SHE SAID SHE TURNED SAM FOR SELFISH REASONS DOESNT MEAN YOU CANT STILL VIEW HER AS A MULTI-FACETED CHARACTER

NOT THE NIGHT OLD CUP OF NOODLES

Porter quoting Sam. I love to imagine that this is something that Vampire have to explain often so they just all end up explaining the same way eventually.

“What’s it to you” MILO BEING PROTECTIVE OVER SWEETHEART!! IM FOAMING AT THE MOUTH.

Wait how did Porter know that Sweetheart was investigating Closeknit?? Does that actually matter? Am I thinking too much?

“I don’t expect you to get it” as if every piece of media with a masquerade or large ball type event doesn’t have some kind of murder mystery undertones Porter. This truly shouldn’t have surprised anyone.

Super sleuth sweetheart <33

ASHER YOU DONT NEED TO TURN TO EVERYONE ELSE FOR THE ANSWERS ALL THE TIME!! U R SMART!! YOU CAN MAKE DECISIONS!!

Like even when it wasn’t him saying that he needed to go to David he still turned to Babe as if asking them what to do

Darlin is stronger than I. this shit would have made me cry so hard so fast I would have lost it

I love that even with all of the chaos happening inside Sam and Darlin still just get to have their sweet little moment alone

ANGEL SITTING IN ON THE MEETING WITH DAVID!!!

Food for thought, during the meeting David was holding Angel’s hand under the table and messing with their engagement ring???

“Ash… look at me” WHY SO YOU TWO CAN KISS??? STOP BEING SO IN LOVE WITH YOUR BEST FRIEND DAVID THIS IS SERIOUS BUSINESS

I genuinely thought they were gonna kiss goodbye at the end of that

Closeknit’s mission?? To what?? enable Blake’s obsession with his best friend??? To kidnap people and hold the hostage???

“Ow Porter what the hell! 😢”

“We are all sick of being your babysitter” (babysitter Sam enters stage right ready to drag both of them away by their ears)

THE MUSIC PICKING UP AT THE END IS SO KCNDKSBDJXHDBDBD I LUB IT

Vampire Justice

Alexis’s little “yeeeesss” is so silly of her. Someone has literally been murdered and she is just in a goofster mood

VINCENT’S LITTLE “lex :(“ AND THEN SHE FINALLY STOPS TEASING HIM!!! THEY ARE SIBLINGS UR HONOR!!!

ANGRY PROTECTIVE ASHER!!! GOD I CANT EVEN!!!

Also damn does sass just run in the family Alexis and Porter are so sassy

FAMILY!! HE SAID THE THING!!! THE WORD THAT MAKES ME CRY!!

hehehehe Mr. Shaw

Everyone is all shocked by the fact that they hold their own hearing instead of going to the department as if that’s the craziest thing about their legal system and not the fact that they literally are going to hold a public execution for Quinn

Also Sam seems just as much in the dark on a lot of this as the Shaw Pack does and I think that’s so funny. He has been a vampire for 15 years but just never have enough of a fuck to want to learn about vampiric court.

Monarch Baz really does not give a singular fuck.

“A pile of bones obviously” I could hear the eye roll in her voice

A LONG WALK IN THE SUN HAHAHAHAHAA

I know that he is innocent… but I really don’t like Christopher anyways

“I forgot to turn of the oven four years ago” PORTER!!

Dr. Samuel Collins knowing more about demon blood and its effects on vamps while being clueless about vampiric law

PLS CLOSEKNIT HAD TO MAKE A NOTES APP APOLOGY SAYING THAT THEY DONT KIDNAP DEMONS!! AND THEY WERE LYING TOO!! AND EVERYONE FUCKING KNOWS IT???

BITE HIS ASS MILO!!! SICK EM!!

Again I know he is innocent but Christopher was a little too comfortable saying “my former king” so quickly…

WITHOUT A FUCKING SECOND OF HESITATION JUST DROP DEAD IMMEDIATELY

THE CRUNCH

ICKY

Also I know the entire Shaw Pack jumped back

STONE COLD DAVID LOVE TO SEE IT

Monarch Baz is so unimpressed I love her

The Game

AYEEE RIOT ACT!! HE SAID THE REDACTED AUDIO THING!!

Yeah that was grimy of William. Not that the king and prince of the Bennett house didn’t deserve it mind you. But taking their assets was kind of adding salt to the injury. (I gotta respect it tho! Gotta respect it!)

Also it raises the question does the house of Bennett still exist if both of their leaders are dead? Do they have someone who falls next in the line of succession?

Also I get that Vincent is like going through his world kind of crumbling down a little bit… but also… like I expected he would be a little more angry learning about the hand the house of Bennett had in helping Closeknit and basically sponsoring the Inversion?? Like that’s the event that killed your partner and gave you no choices other than turn them into a vampire forever and strip them of their powers or let them die. I thought we would see a little more relief that they are dead.

Also Vincent being all like “it was different with Adam” IN WHAT WAY BRO??? IN WHAT WAY??? Adam tortured your partner and I must restate the Bennetts pretty much sponsored the death of A THOUSANDS PEOPLE!! ONE OF WHICH WAS YOUR PARTNER!!! ITS THE SAME???

Wait… Porter was turned by a year old vamp? I HAVE EVEN MORE QUESTIONS ABUT WHY HE IS SO POWERFUL WITH MAGIC THEN!! WHAT IS THIS DUDES SECRET??

I hope that after hearing each other’s perspectives that this can bring Porter and Vincent closer together. Or at least make them hate each other less. I’m pretty sure it will, and I’m excited to see it.

Okay I genuinely don’t have too much to say about this video but one thing I will say is that it hits very close to home, in a very odd way. I could just be projecting and taking this the wrong way. However, I was the youngest child in my family, and I was too young to understand some of the stuff that happened around me or people tried to shelter me from it. Then when I was outright told the truth it kind of broke the way I viewed my life and the people in it, in a way that can’t really be fixed. So I feel that a lot through Vincent’s situation. Obviously not the same thing because my family isn’t centuries old vampires who have killed before and will kill again lmao. But that feeling of not knowing what to trust anymore, or what was real or what you just made up to make things fit the narrative that you were told. It hits pretty fucking deep.

(Am I over sharing on the internet? Possibly. But also it’s my blog so I can do whatever I want!)

Overall my thoughts areeee… While the summit wasn’t what I was expecting it was going to be I enjoyed it! It was refreshing to get some… possible moves on other storylines, some foreshadowing for ones that are going, and new information on characters!

[hyenahunt]

Saga: Rivals - 6

Writer: Akira

Season: Winter

Characters: Jun, Hiyori

Proofreading: moricchiichan (JP) & hyenahunt (ENG)

Translation: kotofucius

Hiyori: Jun-kun... Can I give you a hug?

Jun: ... well, I do get what you’re saying. Nothing's gonna change if I just keep moping around.

Hiyori: Yes, yes. So wipe that gloomy look away — let’s move onto more enjoyable topics!

Have a look over here, Jun-kun! I dropped by the agency on my way home, you see —

And they gave me aaall these fan letters!

Regardless of where the winds of history will blow, or whatever tall tales of us are spoken, there are so many people who still love us!

If we were to ever let these people feel that cheering us on was a waste of time... why, that would be the end of us. So you see, we must continue to hold our heads high and lavish our brilliant love on them, all the while with radiant smiles on our faces ♪

Jun: Ooh... You brought heaps of 'em home again, huh~ And to think you won’t even carry shopping bags on your own, usually.

Hiyori: Well, I didn’t have anyone to carry them for me this time.

In the morning, I brought Hidaka-sensei to Yumenosaki Academy, and briefly dropped in to say hello to Eichi-kun and the others. Afterwards, I just had fun wandering about town.

Hehe, we’ve almost always been around each other since Eve's formation, so being all alone for once was in fact rather refreshing.

Jun: But aren'tcha the the type that gets lonely on your own? You could’ve called me up, y'know.

Hiyori: Oh no, you second years still have your normal class times, don't you? So I was just being considerate~ It was lonely, of course, but I endured it!

Jun: Well, yeah, but the higher-ups are all still busy ‘cause of SS, so even in class we just mostly did some self-studying.

Speaking of which, we got out of SS unharmed ‘cause we sided with Trickstar — in fact, the public now has an even better opinion of us thanks to that —

Hiyori: Yes. And now Ibara is taking full advantage of it to play his game of politics as he climbs the corporate ladder with incredible momentum.

With the rate he’s going at, he may already come to stand at the very top of CosPro by next term.

Jun: Hmph. Not that I get what's so great about ruling over this tattered wreck of an agency, but...

Well, I guess there’s some kinda worth in everything? Actually, we’re talking about Ibara here — he's gonna find some use for it, one way or the other.

But yeah, anyway, despite being part of CosPro we’re still profiting from the situation .

And all those other guys probably hate us for that, yeah? Dealing with their pointed glares and shittalking gossip is 'bout as pleasant as stepping on Legos, I swear.

Jun: Well, by now I'm pretty much immune to that kinda stuff. But in the end, I just can’t help feeling guilty about it... or like, I can’t help but wonder: why me?

I don’t wanna keep asking the same thing over and over, but I can’t just shake it off or figure it out... I mean, is it really okay for me and only me to be this happy?

Ever since I was a snot-nosed brat, I've grown up stuck between my shitty old man who's trapped in the past, and my mom who did nothing but cry...

So to me, the life I have right now is like something right outta a dream. And that's exactly why it scares me.

After all, there are people in this world out there living in the absolute dumps... I mean, I was one of 'em.

So y'see, I get what you mean and all, that if I’ve got more happiness than I know what to do with, I should share it with those who aren't as lucky.

But no matter what, I just can't stop dwelling on it. Why me? There wasn't any real reason for it, y'know? It was just a stroke of dumb luck... all thanks to you finding me.

I basically earned it by chance, without a lick of effort on my part — and that's exactly why it feels like I could lose it just as easily...

And it makes me so anxious. I want something to convince me that I’m someone who actually deserves the happiness that I have, just as I am.

But there's nothing I can do right now except train up my strength. I know, I know, all it'll actually do is add to my muscle...

But still, I need to grow stronger, even if just by a bit. I need to become a true idol I can be proud of.

Or else, Ohii-san... I just can't ever forgive myself for being happy.

Hiyori: Jun-kun... Can I give you a hug?

Jun: 'Scuse me? I'll pass, that's gross. Your replies just... never make any sense, do they?

Hiyori: Whenever you feel anxious, there's nothing like letting someone hold you tight while you listen to the sound of their heartbeat. See? Mary felt so safe and secure in my arms that she's fast asleep now ♪

Jun: Haha. You'd never have guessed she used to yelp all night in fear when we first brought her home.

Hiyori: Yes, the thought of the dorm head catching on and coming to tell us off certainly kept us on edge.

Hiyori: The poor girl was born frail... Perhaps that was the reason her owner so heartlessly abandoned her.

She could have died out there in the harsh outdoors, so perhaps she was truly blessed to have stayed alive.

She was scavenging a garbage dump that day, with a desperation to stay alive and her fur stained with blood.

Perhaps I ought to have left her alone. Touching her would stain my own clothes; and I had no reason to think she would have a better life under my care...

But before I knew it, she was already bundled in my arms, my cheek pressed to her fur.

I felt the warmth of her body, and the beat of her heart. And now that I'd found her, there was no way I could leave her alone.

She could stain my clothes for all I care...

If she had died only after there wasn't anything more I could've done to save her, I could still live the rest of my life with that feeling of helplessness and regret.

But if I were to simply abandon this precious life to die, then I could never love myself again. And if I were ever unable to love even myself, why, I wouldn’t be able to live on for even a second longer.

So you see, it was for myself that I picked her up and cared for her, cherished her, and fed her.

I may not be able to save every helpless life in existence, but I wish to protect at least those that are around me.

Then, those who I protected and raised may in turn grow up to be tall and strong and splendid... Perhaps they may even come to provide me with solace and happiness.

And so long as that cycle of love persists, I'll be able to believe that the world isn't all that bad.

Jun: ... and what're you tryna say with all that?

Hiyori: What I'm saying is that you don’t need to be anxious or afraid either, Jun-kun.

You may have asked “Why me?”... but does there truly need to be a reason? Why not just go with the thought that it was the wonderful destiny God always had in store for you, and leave it at that?

More importantly — we'll be getting busy soon enough, so you should go take a bath, change into your pajamas, and get enough sleep for tomorrow.

Jun: ... gotcha. We're gonna barge right into Yumenosaki tomorrow under the pretense of meeting up with Hidaka-sensei, right?

Hiyori: Yes. We'll say our hellos, first of all. Then, just like the typical rivals of a shounen manga, we'll defeat that group they call Ba-barrier.

"Ba-barrier defeated when even Project-Saga's fan-favourite Rain-bows struggled against them — just who are these victors!?"

... So shall be our headline as they welcome our debut with dramatic fanfare! ♪

Jun: Haha. With a dramatic entrance like that, wouldn’t it be embarrassing if we just ended up losing against those Ba-barrier guys?

Hiyori: Our possibility of losing is zero. Well, Ba-barrier does have Madara-kun, so they may not quite go down without a fight...

But no man or devil stands the slightest chance of victory against us... Not when we have the divine perfection of our ruthless angel of victory on our side.

✦✦✦✦✦

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[fckinwild-kiwi]

Dec. 10th: Happy Little Family

Day 10: Unexpected Gifts/Kids

Day TEN (10!!!) of @comp-lady’s Domestic December writing challenge!

Warnings: Swearing (This is an 18+ blog, minors dni)   Word Counts: 1.5k+ Words Pairings: Steve Harrington x Reader

“I have a crazy idea,” Steve blurted out as we were walking around the Christmas tree farm.

“And what does this crazy idea entail, Stevie?”

“Well, you know my parents are out of town again, right?”

“Sure,” I urged. His parents had left two days after our dinner at the country club. Mr. Harrington needed to be in Chicago for another weeklong conference and Mrs. Harrington needed to chaperone. Steve tried to hide his feelings about this with indifference but I could tell he was hurt. To ease his, clearly, anxious mind, I joked, “Are you trying to get me back to your place alone, Harrington?”

“That was not my crazy idea,” Steve said, coming to a stop. “But I can be persuaded.”

“You dirty boy,” I giggled, pushing his shoulder. “What were you thinking then, baby?”

“I want to host a Friend’s Christmas with everyone,” Steve said, turning to face you. “Potluck style because if we don’t specify those gremlins will think we are making everything. And we can all draw secret Santa names tonight when we are all at Eddie’s trailer for movie night. We can all meet next week with food, games, and gifts.”

“Aw,” I sighed. “A fun little family get together!”

“Exactly!” Steve said. 

“I love it, and I think everyone else will too,” I said, before pressing my lips against his. Steve’s hands coming up to grip my waist as he pressed his body against mine. Reluctantly pulling myself away from Steve, I whispered, “If we don’t pick a tree soon, I think they’re going to think something happened to us.”

“I hate it when you’re right,” Steve groaned. “Let’s pick out a tree.”

After picking out a tree, Steve and I went back to house to put it up and begin decorating. It felt like looking into the future and seeing our life play out in front of me. It was refreshing and reassuring to feel the love and see exactly how it is shaping our future. If I could have told myself that this would be my Christmas season this year, I would have laughed. Funny how things work out. 

Two weeks later, Steve was frantically running around the house, making sure the decorations were put in “the most perfect location”, his words. To prepare for the day, I prepped a tiramisu the day before so it was setting in the fridge. Today, Steve had tasked me with cooking the turkey and wrapping the presents. In our drawing, Steve had picked El and I had chosen Dustin.

Before long, people started arriving. As visiting Steve’s house had become such a constant activity between the party, we had all just stopped ringing the doorbell, coming in as we please.

“What’s up, I’m here!” Dustin yelled, walking in with Eddie, Lucas, and Max.

“So are we, loser,” Max retorted, pushing Dustin out of the way and making her way to me. “Hey, Y/n!”

“Hey sweet girl,” I responded. “Everyone put your gifts under the tree and bring the food into the kitchen. I will get it situated there!”

Within the next half hour, everyone else had shown up and Steve was finally sitting down, allowing himself to calm down. “Baby,” I called in to the living room, causing Steve to jump up and make his way into the kitchen. “Grab the plates and have everyone help you set the table. I could use two people to help me bring the food in.”

Giving me a quick nod, Steve rushed out of the room, Max and Robin taking his place to help me bring the food in. “Guys, give Steve a break tonight, I’m not sure why but he’s insanely stressed today. I think he just wants this to be perfect.”

Robin, laughing gave you a thumbs up as Max rolled her eyes. “He’s so dramatic,” She said, walking into the dining room.

“She’s got a point,” Robin agreed, bumping my hip with hers as she followed Max.”

“As if I don’t know that,” I whispered out, grabbing what was left and following them. As I got to the dining room, everything was set up to start digging in. 

“Before we start,” Steve began. “I wanted to tell you guys how thankful and proud I am to call you guys my family. We’ve been through the most challenging times but we always find a way to be there for each other and I couldn’t love a group of people more. And everyone needs to thank Y/n for what she did to set this up tonight.”

“What? Steve,” I said, involuntarily giggling. “No way, you put this all together. I love you guys too but Stevie was the mastermind behind this.”

“Oh my god,” Mike groaned. “Everyone loves everyone, can eat now, Dad? Mom?”

“Did he just call us-“

“We’ve been calling you Mom and Dad now for like a year,” Dustin interrupted before grabbing some turkey. “You guys act like a married couple and you take care of us like we’re yours. It’s a thing.”

“Did you hear that, honey?” Steve asked, mockingly. “It’s a thing.”

“Well in that case, eat your vegetables or you’re grounded,” I joked out, everyone laughing except for El who grabbed more green beans. 

After dinner, we all decided to pass on the dessert for the moment. The idea of presents looming in the back of everyone’s mind was causing everyone to get antsy. Once the kids helped load the dishwasher and Robin, Nancy, and I loaded up to-go containers for everyone to take tonight, we all settled in the living room. 

“Oldest gets to start,” Eddie said, causing everyone to groan and roll their eyes. “Hey, I don’t make the rules.”

“Okay, Eds, you’re first,” I said laughing. “Who had Eddie?”

Mike stood up, grabbing the gift he brought and handed it to Eddie. With a childlike reaction, Eddie shredded the paper and destroyed the box to find a Monster Dungeon Master kit that had  a new booklet of monsters, monster tokens, and a new dungeon master screen. “Thanks, man! I’m going to use this to crush you guys when school starts again!”

“Jesus Christ, Mike,” Dustin groaned. “We will never have a chance.”

“That’s the point, Henderson,” Eddie said, slapping Dustin on the back. He grabbed his present before handing it to Steve, “I had ole Stevie.”

Steve, grabbed the gift, his face lighting up with excitement. Quickly pulling the paper out of the bag, Steve was met with a can of Farah Fawcett spray and a new Queen cassette. “Thanks man, I know the hairspray is a joke but the jokes on you because I needed a new can.”

“I know, I checked,” Eddie said as he barked out a laugh. 

“Shut up,” Steve mumbled, his cheeks turning red. Steve leaned over, grabbing a small wrapped package and handed it to El. With slow hands, El began peeling the paper back.

“Makeup!” She said excitedly. “Mike, I can put this on you too!”

“No makeup for me, El,” Mike said, shaking his head. 

“I don’t know, man,” Steve said, shooting Mike a smile. “I think she’d make you look beautiful.”

“You’d be so beautiful,” El confirmed before grabbing the gift she brought and handing it to Jonathan. El had gifted him with new film. Before long, Robin was handing me the last gift that was under the tree. As I opened it, I was speechless. 

“Robs,” I muttered, grabbing the photo album. 

“It’s a scrapbook, I’ve been saving things that we have done as a group and that you’ve mentioned doing with Steve. Once you guys finally got together, I thought it was the best time to gift it to you. Figured it might be meaningful one day. I was playing the long game.”

“This is the most thoughtful gift anyone has ever given me,” I choked out, wrapping my arms around her. Every memory and moment that we could document in ticket stubs, photos, receipts, and notes were in the album with the last bit of the book open for future events. 

“There’s more,” She said sheepishly as we pulled away from each other.

I quickly reached in to the bag, pulling out a sweater. “Oh my god,” I squealed before looking at Steve. “Baby, now we can match!”

“I know how much you love his yellow sweater,” Robin said, laughing. “Can you guys go to J.C. Penny’s and take Christmas Card photos wearing them?”

“I’d love absolutely nothing more,” I gasped, leaning across the circle to grab Steve. “Babe, do you want to?”

“Of course I do,” Steve responded quietly as to not cause a scene with the party. 

“Can we come too?” Dustin asked. “It can be a whole family affair.”

“Mom and Dad need some time away from the kids sometimes,” Steve groaned.

“We have to take them, Stevie, we can’t leave the kids out.”

“You’re the best parents ever,” Robin screamed, causing everyone to laugh and echo the sentiment.  

“We have the best kids ever, don’t we,” I giggled, leaning in to Steve. 

“Yeah, yeah,” He agreed, pressing a quick kiss to my forehead. 

“Can we get some dessert now?” Argyle asked. “I’m starving.” Everyone else, agreeing with Argyle, got up and started heading to the kitchen.

“Let’s go, handsome,” I whispered, turning to look at the boy beside me. 

“Give me a second, it’s our first minute alone since our children got here,” Steve sighed. “Let’s enjoy it.”

“Okay,” I sighed back, relaxing into Steve’s side as I looked into the kitchen, watching everyone talk and serve themselves dessert. This family was perfect, flaws and all.