#i made a new muse look ma

[honeybeehimbowrites]

open to: female muses (28+) plot: based on the movie life as we know it. our muses have never gotten along, but their best friends are married and have a kid together, so they've made it work. they both get a call late at night telling them their best friends have been in a car crash and have passed away. they meet at the police station, little do they know they're both appointed as guardians to their best friend's kid in case they both die.

oliver felt numb, he had never been good with emotions, but even now he could feel his heart in his throat. it was all so unreal and it was strange driving to the police station, he kept thinking it wasn't real, that he was going to walk in those doors and he was going to talk to someone and they would be confused, because this was all a big misunderstanding, it had to be. as soon as he walked into the police station though, he knew it wasn't. because she was there and he had never seen her this broken before. sure they weren't the best of friends, they despised each other eighty percent of the time and found ways to annoy the other person. but all that didn't matter now. oliver looked at her and walked towards her and he just opened his arms and enveloped her in them. he told himself it was for her, but he needed it too.

[hamilando]

ੈ✩ don’t embarrass an angel (smau) ੈ✩

pairing : charles leclerc x fem reader

summary : a Victoria secret model in love with a formula-1 driver, ofc there will be rumours

tw : little hate, could be a little suggestive as reader is a vs angel !

fc: Taylor Hill *she is so pretty-*

a/n : thank you so much to @xshazxx for suggesting this ! lysm 🫶🏻

·:｡･ﾟﾟ･ ✩ ･ﾟ ･ﾟ·:｡･ﾟﾟ･ ･ﾟ·:｡･ﾟﾟ･ ✩ ･ﾟ ･ﾟ·:｡･ﾟﾟ･･ﾟ·:｡･ﾟﾟ･ ✩ ･ﾟ ･ﾟ·:｡･ﾟﾟ

liked by charlesleclerc, fransisca.ngnomes and 678,456 others

y/nhill the girlies are back for 24! @ victoriasecret

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user1 PREACH THE HOLY PRINCESS 🙌🏻

user2 oh to have a pretty friend group 😞

user3 are we just ignore the cheating rumours ?

user4 and charles in her likes !?

user5 I really don't know who to believe 👀

charlesleclerc ❤️

user6 she didn't even like his comment-

user7 so it's true 💀

fransisca.ngnomes the visuals are serving as usual 🫴🏻

y/nhill all your love bbygurl 🫶🏻

realbarbarapalvin I think I need to marry you

y/nhill we both already are married hun 😞

user8 this girl has the audacity to post naked pictures but not address the rumours 💀

user9 wtf

user10 calm down brother

user11 they really were not made for each other, one is a model and other is a driver 🙌🏻

user12 and the fact both travel a lot

user13 it was never meant to last 🫡

victoriasecret our gorgeous 💌

liked by y/nhill

user14 but lord perceval got perceval jr out of hand

user15 💀

user16 charle's fans are entertainment fr 💪🏻

liked by sabrinacarpenter, carlossainz55, arthurleclerc and 1,233,121 others

y/nhill Heartbreak is one thing , my ego's another, I beg you, don't embarrass me, motherfucker ✨

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user1 holddup, THE LIKES !?

user2 CHARLES BROTHER IS LIKING THIS !?

user3 SO IS CARLOS !?

user4 SO IS THE WHOLE GRID !?

user5 what in the f1 tea did just happen -

arthurleclerc downloaded the song for our next karaoke session 💪🏻

y/nhill best brother right here

user6 the interactions and rumours are killing me 💀

sabrinacarpenter much love and also congratulations ❤️

y/nhill thank you love ❤️

user7 CONGRATULATIONS FOR WHAT !?

user8 her comeback bro-

user9 u sure ?

charlesleclerc my angel

y/nhill who will gladly kill you 🤭

user10 umm 🤔

lilihye akex is telling you to unblock her

y/nhill only if he gives you ring like mine 🤭

lilihye 🤭

liked by charlesleclerc, arthurleclerc, carlossainz55 and 678,839 others

y/nhill Leclerc’s since 24 🫶🏻

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user1 wha-

user2 WHA-

user3 WHAT-

user4 so the rumours were false 🤔

user5 and they are still together 🤔

arthurleclerc MA SOUER

liked by y/nhill

pascaleleclerc lots of love ma fille ❤️

y/nhill mama leclerc ❤️

user6 excuse me, SISTER AND DAUGHTER !?

user7 we skipped a whole season here -

user8 IF THEY ARE ENGAGED -

user9 GUYS HURRY SEE THE F1 NEWS

user10 THEY ARE MARRIED !?

user11 fhffhhffhfh

user12 even the official ferrari posted-

user13 charles proposed after her first show of the year !?

user14 the best denial to cheating rumours 💍

liked by charlesleclerc, y/nhillleclerc, and 2,378,789 others

scuderiaferrari the pictures are blurry because admin was also crying 🫶🏻

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user1 it's time I delete my insta

user2 me too

user3 DADDY MARRIED HER !?

charleslecerc ❤️

liked by scuderiaferrari

y/nhillleclerc ❤️

liked by scuderiaferrari

user4 it's ok admin, we are also crying because of the onion rings 😭

liked by scuderiaferrari

user5 they look so pretty -

landonoriss congratulations!!! 👏🏻

oscarpiastri mum and dad 💪🏻

user6 that's why charles adopted oscar-

lilihye I WAS MAID OF HONOUR

arthurleclerc I WAS THE BEST MAN

carlossainz55 it was fun watching the rumours at their wedding

user7 carlos 💀

maxverstappen1 he got his muse to win now

charesleclerc see you in spain 💪🏻

lewishamilton it was an amazing wedding !!

charlesleclerc you were only invited because of roscoe and the fact I might have to race with you next year 😀

y/nhillleclerc *have

y/nhillleclerc you are always invited, Team Hammer since d1

lewishamilton ❤️

user8 THE USERNAME CHANGE -

user9 let me go and bawl my eyes out

user10 what's the point of being bisexual if both my man and girl are married

user11💀

liked by charlesleclerc, lilihye, realbarbarapalvin and 3,678,362 others

y/nhillleclerc my first and last kiss as your girlfriend ❤️

comments on this post have been restricted

[bluerosefox]

You know what.

ANOTHER DPxDC idea (as if I write prompts for anything else lol ✍(◔◡◔)

And once again, I think I might have a hyperfixation rn, another deaged Dani (Ellie) and Dan (Dante)! and Dad!Danny.

And you know what, lets make it another DannyxConner idea.

Danny is on a field trip with his class (NOT in Gotham though, LOVE Gotham but lets go with a different city) in like Central City or Metropolis (If Metropolis, Danny is SUPER excited to see the space sections they have at the museum they no doubt have, because well SUPERMAN is an alien and based in their city. If in Central City Conner is visiting Bart.)

During the trip he bumps into Conner and the two just hit it off. Conner enjoys listening to Danny rant about space and the stars and finds watching Danny's eyes light up in joy kinda cute. And if he got his new hero name Supernova from listening to Danny's rants about the stars well... no one needs to know how he got it.

Danny likes how chill Conner is and how the guy stood against Dash and the other jocks when Dash decided he wanted to mess with Danny during the trip, a rare thing nowadays but sometimes Dash does try, and how he respects/likes Danny's friends.

He didn't even say anything negative or hurtful when he found out Danny has two kids back home.

In the end the two exchange numbers, flirt hard, and maybe set up a date in the future. And then more dates. Becoming boyfriends. AND meeting the family. Conner is smitten with just out of toddlerhood Ellie and toddler Dante and adores them. And he loves how the Fentons just love him the moment he stepped into their house and was introduced as Danny's boyfriend, he made sure to bring over a pie Ma should him how to make.

Things get a bit complicated when Conner, Supernova, is at a reunion of YJ members and his phone lights up with a text message from Danny.

He's smiling with a goofy/soft look when he opens the text and see's its a picture of Danny holding a pouting toddler Dante and Ellie on his lap smiling with a notable gap in her teeth at the camera. The message he got was 'Ellie wanted you to know she finally lost her first baby tooth. Dan's been grumpier, I think he misses you.'

He is pulled out of his happy thoughts and musings when he hears Bart gasp hard and drop a bowl of snacks onto the floor. Conner turns to from the future Speedster and see's him about to have a panic attack.

Bart, Impulse, is having a freak out after catching a glimpse of the text picture Conner had gotten and being nosy wanted to know what got his friend to smile so smitten. He knew of Conner's current boyfriend and the kids Conner adores but haven't had time to be introduced to them or even see a pic.

He wasn't expecting to see the very MONSTER of his NIGHTMARES that basically destroyed the world in the FUTURE as a toddler pouting at a camera and surrounded by two smiling identical looking people either. People he never saw in the future or with HIM AND-

Oh.... OH!

Was that why he turned evil? Did something happen to his family?

[chukys-mouthguard]

Could you do where the reader is a singer and dating Luke hughes and if you are a taylor swift fan you know how she said karma is the guy on the chiefs instead of on the screen you you do where Lukes family and friends are at the readers concert and karma is a song she wrote and she changes to karma is the guy on the deviles and the whole tent where his family and friends are goes wild and making him blush. If that makes since.

my muse

1.5k words

genre: fluff

featuring: luke hughes x famous singer girlfriend

summary: your world tour makes a stop in New Jersey the same weekend as the hughes bowl, so you seize the opportunity to reveal your relationship with Luke to the world

note: i just made up lyrics versus using an actual artists lyrics, but that is really the only thing i changed regarding this request 🫶🏼🩵 i am not super thrilled with how this turned out, but i still wanted to post this because i thought the request/idea was super cute with luke

You weren’t sure how the universe smiled on you when your schedule magically aligned with the annual Hughes Bowl, but it meant that the Hughes could all attend your show together. And while your relationship with Luke wasn’t yet public, you knew there were some rumors going around that their presence certainly wouldn’t help to silence.

As you got the finishing touches done to your hair and makeup, you headed off to do some pre-show photo ops. Having invited a few local friends backstage, along with Luke and his family.

“Hey guys!”

Greeting the Hughes you hugged both Ellen and Jim before moving to Quinn and Jack. Saving Luke for last as you gave him a kiss before you invited them all to get a photo with you.

“Thank you so much for the tickets, you really didn’t have to do that honey. You know we would’ve gladly bought our seats to support you!”

Ellen wrapped you in another hug, going on to tell you how nervous Luke was to have them all here with him for your show.

“Oh stop, it’s the least I could do for you all. You’ve always been so supportive of me and my career, as well as me and Luke.”

Looking over Ellen’s shoulder you watched Luke and his brothers talking with some of your friends they’d be sharing their suite with for the night.

“Is he really nervous?”

Ellen nodded with a smile, taking your hands as she pulled you to the side to talk.

“He said he’s nervous because you two aren’t officially public, and he knows that all of us being here is probably going to fuel those rumors even more. So he just doesn’t want all of us being here to stir anything up.”

“Oh my gosh, I’m not even worried about that! I want you all here one hundred percent! Maybe I should talk to him? Calm him down a bit?”

With a chuckle you headed over to steal Luke away, taking his hands in yours as you found a seat across the room. A smile on his face as he hadn’t stopped staring at you since you’d walked in the room.

“How are you?”

Luke chuckled at the question, a bit shocked that you were asking him those words.

“Well, you’re the one about to go perform for thousands of people and you’re asking me? I’m pretty good, can’t complain.”

Rolling your eyes you laughed at him, his sarcasm always being something you appreciated no matter the situation.

“Are you nervous of people finding out about us?”

He immediately shook his head, giving your hands a reassuring squeeze as he could sense in your voice you were a bit discouraged at the idea of him being scared. But it was the furthest thing from the case. Luke wanted to scream from the rooftops that you were his, he’d always been so proud to have you as his girlfriend. But he knew that your world was so different from his, and the media could be brutal and unruly. So he wasn’t sure what they’d potentially do with the story once it broke.

“I don’t care who knows that you’re my girlfriend, let them all know. I just don’t want you to ever feel like we have to tell people our business, or feel forced to confirm anything. I think it would obviously make things easier. Like being able to come here tonight and support the most talented girl on the planet without being nervous about photos leaking online and rumors spreading.”

He smirked as his lips peppered your neck with kisses. Making sure to avoid your face so as to not mess up your makeup. He’d learned quickly that the makeup artists were not a fan of having to fix smudges from his kisses. His arms snaking around your waist as he pulled you close to him, placing a quick peck on your lips before he rested his chin on your shoulder, whispering into your ear so no one around overheard.

“If you want to tell everyone, then do it. It’s not like they don’t already have an idea right?”

“Tonight?”

Pulling away you rested your hands on his cheeks as you looked at him, slightly shocked at his sudden boldness and want to go public.

“Why not? It would be the perfect time to do it. You’re in Jersey, I’m in the crowd. People are most likely going to figure it out so why not beat them to it?”

You raised an eyebrow at the idea, thinking to yourself how you might be able to work such an announcement into the show without explicitly calling it. Whispering to Luke your idea, you waited for his approval, which he gave in the form of a smile and a kiss.

“It’s going to be great, I love you.”

He wrapped you in one final hug before you had to bid farewell to everyone, the show set to start soon and you needed to go through your vocal warmups.

As you finished off yet another song it was time for the show to slow down, the next few songs being acoustics or ballads as one of the dancers brought you out your guitar.

Slipping it over your shoulder you tried to catch your breath as your heart was still racing from the previous number, the fans all screaming as you waved to a few in the front row.

“How’s everyone doing?”

You smiled as you looked out to scan the crowd, your eyes eventually falling on the sectioned off seating where Luke was sitting with his family and your friends. He gave you a reassuring smile as he knew you were about to sing the song that would contain the announcement you’d be nervous for all night.

“This next song is one off of my latest album. And while I know you all love it exactly how it is, I thought we might change up the words a little bit. It’s a special night here in New Jersey, there’s some special people in attendance. So I hope you don’t mind, but let’s see if anyone can catch it. This song is called, ‘Momma I think I love him’.”

You winked to the crowd before you heard the countdown begin to play in your in-ears. Strumming only the first few chords your fans instantly erupted over the song, all of them singing the words along with you, only making you even more nervous for the lyric change you’d barely had a chance to practice before you’d perform it live.

Looking out to Luke you caught him singing along with you, a smile on his face as he was in awe of you. No matter how many times he’d seen you perform live, he could never get over how talented you were. Loving that he was able to be here to cheer you on, just like you’d done for him so many times before.

Coming up on the ending of the song, you could feel your palms sweating, praying you didn’t drop your guitar pick or goof up the notes. Your heart was practically beating through your chest as you knew that once you sang the different lyrics, there was no turning back, and your relationship with Luke would be confirmed within minutes of the song's final chords.

The crowd watched in anticipation, knowing this was the moment of the lyric change. Their phones all pointed at you, unsure as to what you’d be saying but wanting to be sure to capture it on camera.

“He’s, six foot two with hazel eyes. But I promise you he ain’t like them other guys. He’s a, bit of a rebel. And he, plays for the Devils. Jersey 43, and he’s perfect for me. Oh momma, I think I love him.”

The roar throughout the arena made you blush as you shyly covered your face with the song coming to an end, hearing the screams over the reveal from those close enough to you. The word must have traveled fast as the crowd had begun chanting Luke’s name, your eyes immediately looking at him as you were nervous whether or not you’d done the right thing.

But Luke immediately washed those fears away, holding his hands up to you in a heart as you reciprocated. The camera men at the concert not letting the moment go unnoticed to anyone else as they quickly flashed the image of Luke up on the screen. He’d gotten a bit shy, but waved to the crowd before he forced Jack and Quinn to get on camera with him. The fans screamed louder and louder as each of the Hughes’ boys were shown.

“Well, surprise!”

You playfully spoke as you’d handed your guitar off to one of the stage attendants, fanning your face to try and calm your blush. The fans still obsessing over the news as you walked down the long runway towards the main stage to get ready for your next song.

“Hopefully the rest of the show will be just as exciting as seeing the Hughes’ brothers all in attendance, maybe if we are lucky I can get them to come on stage with me.”

You sarcastically spoke as you looked towards their section, immediately seeing them shaking their heads no as they waved their arms in disagreement. Rolling your eyes you laughed as they fans tried to encourage them.

“Trust me, you do not wanna see them dance. They are much better on skates!”

[leclerc-hs]

me or him? - cl x hs

Pairing: charles leclerc x fem!reader, ex!harry styles x fem!reader Summary: a request from anon, in which your ex (harry styles) shows up to the paddock and brings jealousy to Charles Warnings: some smut, language, bad writing?? Word Count: 1098 Author's Note: You ask and I shall deliver!! Sorry I didn't make Harry as toxic in it, it was hard for me to make him too much of an asshole because he's such a cutie patootie LOL. I really did want to make him more of an asshole. Maybe I'll make another. I hope it's up to your standards for now! I tried my best ❤️ French edits made by @shewantsvengeance!!!

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

YOU COULDN'T HELP but feel like the universe was playing a twisted joke on you. In what world would Harry Styles be attending a Grand Prix, let alone the Monaco Grand Prix, and to make things even more surreal, he’s in the Ferrari garage. Where you presently stood beside Charles.

To the casual observer, it might not have seemed like anything out of the ordinary. Just another celebrity making a visit to the paddock. But there was a significant detail that set this celebrity apart from the rest: he happened to be your ex-boyfriend.

It was a detail of your past you didn’t get to mention. To be fair, you and Charles were still a relatively new couple, and you hadn’t found the right moment to discuss past relationships with one another just yet. 

“You look so beautiful, ma chérie.” My darling. You both were hidden in the corner as he pecked a gentle kiss onto your lips. Your hands slowly wrap around the back of his neck, a knot formed in your stomach. You needed to give him some warning.

“Cha, I need to tell you this fast. My ex-boyfriend is here.” You whispered it so fast and so low you don’t even know if he heard you correctly.

You and Harry hadn’t parted on bad terms; in fact, your breakup had been quite mutual. However, it was also fair to admit that it was messy in terms of ending up in each other’s bed every so often. But that was before. Before Charles.

“Y/N?” A voice interrupts, and you both quickly separate from each other. You felt like a deer in headlights.

“Harry! How are you doing?” You gave Harry a small, polite hug, still avoiding eye contact with Charles. The thought of his reaction made you nervous, and you couldn’t get yourself to meet his gaze. 

Charles had never exhibited a penchant for possessiveness, or at least, you had not perceived him as such. Nevertheless, in this instant, the proximity of your ex-boyfriend, who gazed at you as if you were the sole focus of this entire room, ignited an uncontrollable urge to clench his fists and drag you someplace else. Somewhere far away from here.

“Doing well,” Harry began, his gaze unwavering on your face. “I thought I’d run into you at the annual Christmas soiree,” he mused with a chuckle, following it with, “I’ve missed you.”

You almost choked on your response.

Charles could sense his frustration intensifying at the undivided attention of Harry seemed to be giving you. Although you continued to avert your gaze from Charles, the vice-like grip of his hand on your hip conveyed an unmistakable message of his discontent.

Harry’s gaze traveled, from your face down your body, following the path of Charles’s hand that had claimed its place. A slight frown forming on his lips.

“Harry, meet Charles, my boyfriend.” You said with a soft smile. Harry extended a hand towards Charles, who, though still visibly tense, accepted the handshake.

Silence filled the space between them, unspoken words hanging in the air. You found yourself ensnared amid an unvoiced rivalry. Harry who struggled to divert his attention from your face for more than a fleeting moment. Charles who wanted to stake claim.

Charles felt increasingly invisible as you and Harry further engaged in conversation. He couldn’t even decipher what you were discussing at this point. His focus had shifted entirely to observing the way Harry was looking at you. Like he wanted you. Like he had no shame.

It made Charles livid.

“Ma chérie, we need to go grab my helmet. I left it in my driver’s room.” Charles cut off the conversation by pulling you away. Not even sparing another glance to Harry. 

You didn’t get to see the expression on Charles’ face as he hurriedly led you into his driver’s room. You didn’t even have a chance to take a single step, as the moment the door was shut, you found yourself pushed up against it and your dress was bunched at your waist.

"You're helmet was literally in the garage Cha," you squealed out.

“Are you trying to drive me insane?” His breath was hot against your ear. You felt goosebumps arise almost instantly at the sound of him shoving his race suit down his legs to free himself. 

“Thinks he can have you back.” He scoffed. “Thinks he can stare at what’s mine.”

He spit directly onto his hand, mimicking the gesture of spitting on the sidewalk. An act of frustration. Almost instantly, he brought his fingers between your fold. “Ma chérie, you’re already so wet.” He hissed as he rubbed his cock through your slick folds.

“Always,” you breathed out heavily as he pushed himself all the way in. “Always for you.” 

His hands were fervent, rubbing and pinching all the right areas to send you quickly towards the edge. 

“Yeah?” He emitted a deep, guttural moan, quickening his rhythm as his hand descended to the spot that you yearned for most. You began nodding your head fervently in response.

Yes. Yes, you’re the only one. You’re the only one I ever want.

“You all wet for him? Hm?” He sneered. “Talking to him got you all hot and bothered?” He was playing with fire.

“No, never,” you were shouting. Needing more. More of him. 

“You’re my little slut, ma chérie?” He groaned in your ear. His hips rapidly picking up the pace. You found yourself utterly incapable of forming a coherent response; the strokes of his cock so deep you were in bliss. Instead, all that escaped your lips were unintelligible groans, a testament to the overwhelming sensations coursing through your body. “Look at you, so cock dumb. Can’t even speak properly.”

It didn’t take much time at all. Your intense desire for him, your deep connection, it all culminated in a swift and intense climax. Him, lost in the same ecstasy as he quickly finishes all over your backside. Dragging his heavy cock over your ass to smear his cum into you.

After a few moments of heavy panting and the gradual return of normal breathing, you finally turned to meet Charles’ gaze. His countenance bore a mix of elation and something more complex, not quite sadness, but perhaps a touch of insecurity.

“Cha, you’re the only one I want.” You confirmed the phrase with a firm kiss to his lips. You felt him smile into it. His hands squeezing any area of your body he grabs onto. As if you would wither into thin air if he didn’t. 

“You’re stuck with me, ma chérie.” He pulled away. “I’m never letting you go.”

[buckets-and-trees]

A thot!

Curtis, with his face buried in the crook of your neck, his humid breath panting against your skin as he cums with a groan and frantically pumps you full of his cream.

Okay, bye! 👋🏻😘

I don't thin you intended to poke my muse specifically for our lake Creature Curtis, but I don't think you will complain about it either. 😏Just know that this has been growing in my head for a few weeks now...

Never Going Back Again Characters/Pairings: Bolotnik!Curtis x curvy!Reader Word Count: 3.7k Summary: One night near the lake has changed everything.

Content/Warnings: explicit smut - oral (female receiving), vaginal fingering, vaginal intercourse, breeding; breeding kink; Curtis's tail; teratophilia/monster fucking; size kink

Notes: This is a follow up piece to this ask about a lake monster CE character, but you could theoretically read this on its own. This is also another piece in my Countdown to Chris-mas collection.

↠ Main Masterlist | Aspen's Ask Box | Field Guide to the Forest

When you were small, you and your sister had sat up late so many nights curled up in the window seat of the small bedroom you shared, and looked out over the trees out to the shores of the seemingly infinite lake. Sometimes you could see pockets of water glowing out across the wide, blue darkness. Sometimes there were dancing lights along the shore. The lake was integral to your town’s way of life, providing fish, connecting you through trade to other towns and countries, and nourishing the plant life along its edges. 

As a child, those nights in the window had been frequent, both of you enchanted with the water and with the sky of stars and the moonlight. You had never given up the practice entirely, but as you’d both grown, sleeping hours had grown more appreciated. 

But now you sat up again far too late every night looking out over the water. 

Where he came from. 

There were old stories told about creatures in the mountains, in the forest, in the lake, under the bed, in the closet, living in the attic… too many cautionary tales told keep children in line and to grow up wisely. 

But now that you knew there was at least one man from the lake, you wondered how much of at least his folklore was true, and how much more you didn’t yet know. 

And, most importantly, how much would affect you.

Because you had been enormously affected by him already.

Foolishly lured away from the safety of others along the shoreline, snatched by a bolotnik, your virginity not only taken, but your body used, ruined, and exploited for pleasure all night. For by the end of it all, you could not deny you had succumbed to the pleasure he wrought from you, even though he was still terrifying.

And so you watched each night from your window, unsure what to do.

You couldn't shake the memory of his touch, the way he had made you feel things you'd never imagined. Each night as you gazed out at the dark waters, a part of you hoped to see those mesmerizing lights dancing on the surface again.

But weeks passed with no sign of him. You began to wonder if it had all been some fevered dream. Yet your body remembered - the soreness between your legs, the marks on your skin that had slowly faded. And there was something else, a change you couldn't quite place.

Your courses didn't come. Panic rose in your throat when you realized what that likely meant. But there was a chance his seed hadn’t taken. Your bleeding had come late or not come at all before. And it had taken your sister a fair amount of time until she had born her first child while diligently trying with her husband.

Still, you placed a hand on your belly, wondering if there was new life growing inside you. The child of a monster. Your child.

Though it was the water your eyes relentlessly looked to, a flash of movement in the trees drew your gaze. Heart pounding, you peered at the edge of the forest near your family’s home. For a long moment, nothing stirred. Then you saw it - movement among the underbrush.

A shadow detached itself from the trees, moving with an unnatural grace. Your breath caught in your throat as you recognized the hulking form of Curtis. He emerged into a patch of moonlight, his scales glinting, eyes fixed on your window.

Your heart raced. For a moment, you froze, unsure what to do. Part of you wanted to flee, to wake your family and raise the alarm. But another part, a part you were ashamed to acknowledge, felt a thrill of excitement at seeing him again.

Before you could decide, he was striding forward, pausing only for a moment at the edge of your family’s property, those eerie, impossibly bright, blue eyes fixed on your window. Then he continued forward. Even from a distance, you could see the way his muscles rippled as he moved. His tail swished behind him, hypnotic in its motion.

Your breath caught in your throat as the creature approached your home. Every instinct screamed at you to run, to hide, to call for help. But you remained frozen, transfixed by his otherworldly presence.

In mere moments, he had scaled the side of your house with inhuman agility. His clawed hands gripped the windowsill as he peered inside, those piercing blue eyes locking onto yours.

Without him prompting you, you pushed the window open.

A slow, predatory smile spread across his face.

"Did you miss me, little one?" he purred, his voice a low rumble that sent shivers down your spine.

You almost balked at the term because anyone is little compared to him, but you couldn't find your voice to respond even if you'd wanted in that instant. Your body trembled, caught between fear and a shameful excitement.

With fluid grace, he slipped through the window and past you into your room. He towered over you, his massive form larger than you remembered. The cool night air raised goosebumps on your skin, but it was the intensity of his gaze that made you shiver. You could smell the scent of lake water and earth on his skin.

He reached out, his clawed hand gently cupping your cheek. You flinched at first, but then found yourself leaning into his touch. His skin was cool and slightly damp, reminding you of the lake's waters.

"You've been watching for me," he said, his voice a low rumble. It wasn't a question. "I've seen you at your window night after night."

You nodded, unable to deny it. "I... I wasn't sure if you'd come back," you whispered.

His thumb traced your lower lip, sending a shiver through you. "I told you I would return for what's mine," he said.

His nostrils flared as he inhaled deeply, and a knowing smile curved his lips. His gaze dropped to your belly. "And it seems I've left more than just memories with you."

Your hand instinctively went to your stomach. "How can you know?" you asked, your voice barely above a whisper.

His chuckle was low and dark. "I can smell the changes in you, little one. Your scent is sweeter now, ripe with new life."

Your breath caught in your throat. So it was true. The suspicion you'd been harboring was confirmed by this creature who could somehow sense what your own body had only begun to whisper.

His hand drifted down to rest on your belly, his touch surprisingly gentle, brushing over your hand.

“Do you have a name?” you asked tentatively.

He smiled, a mixture of amusement and appreciation in his eyes. "Curtis," he replied. "Though I'm surprised you care to know it."

You swallowed hard, unsure how to respond. Part of you was still terrified, but another part was drawn to him, fascinated by this otherworldly creature who had claimed you so thoroughly.

"Curtis," you repeated softly, tasting the name on your tongue. It seemed too ordinary for such an extraordinary being.

His hand moved from your belly to your waist, pulling up from your seat and drawing you close. "And what shall I call you, my sweet human?"

You hesitated, then whispered your name.

"Beautiful," he murmured, leaning down to nuzzle your neck. His breath was cool against your skin, making you shiver. "It suits you."

You gasped as his lips brushed your throat, your body responding to his touch. Your breath hitched as Curtis's lips trailed along your neck, his sharp teeth grazing your sensitive skin. A whimper escaped you, torn between fear and desire.

"Shh," he soothed, his large hand cradling the back of your head. "We don't want to wake your family, do we?"

The reminder of where you were, of the danger, sent a jolt through you. You tried to pull away, but his grip was firm.

"Curtis," you whispered urgently, "we can't - not here."

He chuckled, the sound rumbling through his chest. "Oh? And where would you suggest, little one? Back to the lakeshore?"

The memory of that night flooded your senses - the cool grass and earth beneath you, the scent of the water, the overwhelming pleasure. You shuddered, heat pooling low in your belly.

He nipped gently at your earlobe.

"I've thought of you every day since our night together," Curtis murmured, his voice low and husky. "The taste of your skin, the sound of your cries... and if I hadn’t found you with child, I was determined to attempt to breed you again, little one."

You trembled in his arms, torn between fear and a growing desire. His massive form dwarfed you, reminding you of his inhuman strength. Your resolve weakened as Curtis's hands roamed your body, igniting sparks of pleasure wherever he touched. You knew you should resist, should cry out for help, but the words died in your throat. Instead, a soft moan escaped your lips as his fingers traced the curve of your breast through your thin nightgown.

"That's it," he purred, encouraged by your response. "Let yourself feel, little one. Your body remembers the pleasure I gave you."

And it did. Your skin tingled with anticipation, your core aching with need. You pressed closer to him, inhaling his scent of lake water and earth. His tail wrapped around your waist, pulling you flush against him.

"Curtis," you breathed, your hands tentatively exploring the planes of his muscled chest. "We shouldn't…"

But even as you protested, your body betrayed you. Your nipples hardened as he insistently brushed his thumbs back and forth over each tender nub.

"Please," you whimpered, though you weren't sure if you were begging him to stop or continue.

Curtis lifted you effortlessly, carrying you to your bed. He laid you down, then stepped back to shuck off his meager clothing - only a white shirt and dark pants. In the dim moonlight filtering through the window, his scales glimmered, casting otherworldly patterns across your skin as he loomed over you.

He settled onto the bed, slowly crawling over you. "Hush now," he murmured, a clawed finger tracing your lips. "I'll make you feel good, just as I did before."

Your nightgown was pushed up, exposing your bare skin to the cool night air. Curtis's hands roamed your body, reacquainting himself with every curve and dip. You bit your lip to stifle a moan as his fingers found your most sensitive areas.

"So responsive," he purred, his tail caressing your inner thigh. "Your body remembers me well."

You arched into his touch, shame and desire warring within you. You trembled, both from fear and anticipation, as the cool night air kissed your exposed skin. Curtis's eyes, gleaming in the darkness, roved hungrily over your bumps and curves.

"Gorgeous," he breathed, leaning down to press his lips to your stomach. "My child grows here."

You gasped as his tongue, longer and more dexterous than any human's, swirled around your navel. His hands gripped your thighs, spreading them wider as he settled between them. You could feel the heat of his breath against sex.

"Curtis," you whispered, your voice trembling. "We can't... my family..."

He looked up at you, his blue eyes glowing in the darkness. "Then you'll have to be very quiet, won't you, little one?"

Before you could protest further, his mouth was on you. His tongue, impossibly long and nimble, delved into your folds. You bit down on your fist to stifle a cry of pleasure. Curtis growled approvingly, the vibrations sending shockwaves through your core.

Your free hand tangled in the sheets. His tail slithered over your wrist, then wrapped around your thigh, holding you open for his ministrations. You writhed beneath him, struggling to stay quiet.

Curtis's tongue worked magic between your thighs, lapping and probing in ways that made your toes curl. You pressed your fist harder against your mouth, desperately trying to muffle your cries of pleasure. His tail tightened around your thigh, keeping you open as you squirmed beneath him.

"That's it," he murmured against your sensitive flesh. "Let go for me, little one."

Your hips bucked involuntarily as he sucked on your most sensitive bud. The pressure built inside you, a tidal wave threatening to crash over you at any moment. Curtis's fingers joined his tongue, stretching and filling you. The dual sensation was overwhelming.

"Curtis," you gasped, your voice barely above a whisper. "I can't... I can’t..."

“But you are,” he growled, the vibrations sending you over the edge. Your back arched off the bed as

Your back arched off the bed as pleasure exploded through you. Curtis's mouth stayed locked on your center, drawing out your climax until you were trembling and gasping for air. Only then did he lift his head, a self-satisfied smirk on his face.

"Stunning," he murmured, crawling up your body. The scales along his torso rubbed against your sensitized skin, sending aftershocks through you. "But we're far from done, little one."

You felt the hard length of him pressing against your thigh, and a mix of fear and anticipation fluttered in your stomach, remembering how painful and then how pleasurable his thick member inside you had been. Curtis nuzzled your neck, inhaling deeply.

"Your scent is intoxicating," he growled. "Especially now, carrying my child."

His hand splayed possessively over your belly. You shivered, torn between the lingering pleasure and the reality of your situation. This creature - this man from the lake - had claimed you in ways you never imagined possible. And now he was here again, in your own bedroom, ready to take every piece of you once more.

Curtis's lips found yours in a searing kiss. His tongue invaded your mouth, tasting of you, of lake water, and something wild. You moaned softly against him, your body responding despite your lingering trepidation.

He pulled back, his blue eyes glowing in the darkness. "Turn over," he commanded softly.

Your heart raced as you obeyed, rolling onto your stomach. Curtis's hands gripped your hips, lifting them. You felt exposed, vulnerable in this position. His tail wrapped around your waist, steadying you.

"So beautiful," he murmured, his hands caressing your back, your sides, your bottom. You shivered at his touch, goosebumps rising on your skin.

You felt the blunt head of his member pressing against your entrance. Despite your earlier climax, you tensed, remembering the initial pain from your first encounter. Curtis sensed your apprehension and leaned over you, his chest pressed to your back.

"Relax, little one," he whispered in your ear. "Your body knows me now. It will welcome me."

Slowly, inexorably, he began to push inside. You bit down on your pillow to muffle your cries as he stretched you, filling you more completely than you thought possible. Your fingers clutched at the sheets, torn between the discomfort of the intrusion and the growing pleasure.

His hand slid between your legs, fingers circling your still-sensitive bud. You gasped, pushing back against him instinctively. Curtis took advantage of your movement, slowly pressing inside you.

The stretch was intense, but not painful as it had been before. Your body, as Curtis had promised, seemed to remember him, accommodating his impressive girth. You bit your lip to stifle a moan as he sank deeper.

"That's it," Curtis growled, his voice thick with pleasure.

Curtis's tail tightened around your waist as he seated himself fully within you. He stilled for a moment, allowing you to adjust to his size, filling you completely. His hands roamed your body, caressing and soothing.

"So tight," he murmured, his breath hot against your ear. "You feel exquisite, little one."

You whimpered softly, overwhelmed by the fullness, the stretch. Curtis began to move, slow, shallow thrusts that made you gasp. His hand slid from your hip to your belly, caressing the slight swell there.

"Mine," he growled possessively. "Both of you."

You whimpered softly as he continued to move in slow, deeper thrusts that sent waves of pleasure through your body. His tail unwound from your waist, the tip sliding between your legs to tease your sensitive bud.

"Curtis," you gasped, struggling to keep your voice down. "It's too much..."

But your body betrayed your words, pushing back to meet his thrusts. Curtis chuckled darkly, nipping at your shoulder.

"Your body knows what it wants, little one," he purred. "It craves me, just as I crave you."

His pace increased gradually, each thrust driving deeper. You buried your face in the pillow, muffling your cries of pleasure. The initial discomfort had faded, replaced by waves of sensation that threatened to overwhelm you.

Curtis's movements grew more insistent, his hips snapping against yours with increasing force. You clutched the sheets, struggling to stay quiet as waves of pleasure washed over you. His tail continued its teasing ministrations between your legs, the dual sensations driving you towards another peak.

"That's it," he growled, his voice rough with desire. "Let go for me again, little one. Show me how much you've missed this."

Your body obeyed, even as your mind reeled at the intensity of it all. The coil of tension in your core wound tighter and tighter until it finally snapped. You bit down hard on the pillow, muffling your cry of ecstasy as your second orgasm crashed over you.

Curtis groaned, his thrusts becoming erratic as your inner walls clenched around him. He buried his face in the crook of your neck, his breath hot and humid against your skin. His hips jerked erratically as he reached his peak. With a low, guttural groan that vibrated through your entire body, he climaxed. You felt his member pulsing inside you as he pumped you full of his seed.

Wave after wave crashed over him as he continued to thrust, each movement sending another surge of his essence deep within you. His tail coiled tightly around your thigh, holding you in place as he claimed you completely.

The warmth of his release spread through you, a stark contrast to his cool skin. You shuddered beneath him, overwhelmed by the intensity of the sensation and the knowledge of what was happening. The room filled with the scent of lake water, earth, and your combined arousal.

Curtis's teeth grazed your shoulder, not quite breaking the skin but leaving marks that would linger for days. His hands gripped your hips tightly as he rode out the last waves of his climax, determined to empty himself inside you. You trembled beneath him, your body still quivering with aftershocks.

Slowly, his grip loosened, and he eased himself out of you. You whimpered at the loss, feeling suddenly empty. Curtis gathered you in his arms, rolling onto his side and pulling you against his chest. His tail wrapped around your waist, holding you close.

"Beautiful," he murmured, nuzzling into your neck, the scratch of his beard making you shiver. "You were perfect, little one."

You lay there, catching your breath, your mind reeling from what had just transpired. You could feel the stickiness of some of your combined spend that had oozed out of your cunt hot between the top of your thighs. Curtis's hand splayed possessively over your belly, reminding you of the life growing within.

"What happens now?" you whispered, fear and uncertainty creeping back into your voice.

Curtis's arms tightened around you. "Now," he murmured, his lips brushing against your ear, "you come with me."

Your heart raced at his words. "What? I can't just leave, Curtis. My family, my life..."

He chuckled softly, the sound rumbling through his chest. "Your life is with me now, little one. You carry my child. You belong to the lake, to me."

You tried to pull away, but his grip was unyielding. "Please," you whispered, tears pricking at your eyes. "I'm not ready. I can't just disappear."

Curtis sighed, his breath cool against your neck. "I understand your hesitation," he said, his voice surprisingly gentle. "But you must understand, little one. Our child cannot be raised in the human world."

You trembled in his arms, torn between fear and a strange sense of longing. "I can't just leave. My family—"

"Will never understand," he finished for you. "They can't accept what you've become, what we've created together."

You closed your eyes, tears slipping down your cheeks. Part of you knew he was right - there was no way to explain your pregnancy, no way to raise a half-human, half-lake creature child in your village. But the thought of leaving everything you'd ever known was terrifying.

"Shh," he murmured. "I know it's frightening. But I will take care of you.”

“I’m not ready,” you cried softly. You weren’t ready to leave, you weren’t ready to carry his child, you weren’t ready for any of this.

Curtis's grip on you loosened slightly, though he didn't let go completely. His hand continued to caress your belly gently.

"I understand your fear," he murmured, his voice softer than you'd ever heard it. "This is all new to you. But you must understand, little one - our child cannot survive in your world. And you... you've been changed by our coupling. The lake calls to you now, doesn't it?"

You shivered, realizing the truth in his words. Ever since that first night, you'd felt drawn to the water in a way you never had before. The sight, the smell, the sound of it called to something deep within you.

"I... I need time," you whispered. "Please, Curtis. I can't just vanish without a trace. My family will worry."

He was quiet for a long moment, his tail tightening slightly around your waist before loosening as well.

“Curtis?” you prompted, worried as his silence drew on.

"Sleep now, little one," he finally murmured, his arms tightening around you once more. "Dawn will come soon enough."

But sleep didn't come easily. You lay there, hyper-aware of Curtis's presence behind you. His cool, slightly damp skin pressed against yours, his tail still wrapped loosely around your waist. The rise and fall of his chest against your back was steady, but you could tell from the tension in his body that he wasn't sleeping either.

The moonlight filtered through the window, casting eerie shadows across the room. Every creak of the house, every rustle of leaves outside, made you tense. You kept expecting someone to burst through the door, to discover you in the arms of this creature. But the night remained quiet, save for the gentle lapping of the lake's waves in the distance.

As the sky began to lighten, your eyelids grew heavy. Despite your racing thoughts, exhaustion finally overcame you.

When you awoke mere hours later, you were alone.

Well... a little surprise monster fucking for your Monday. HOPE THE HOES IN THIS HOUSE ENJOYED IT!

↠ Main Masterlist | Aspen's Ask Box | Field Guide to the Forest

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[vonabel]

sweet music playing in the dark (be still, my foolish heart)

Looking in on your relationship from an outside point of view could be confusing. This looks bad, reads depressing, but it’s everything you both need. Quiet companionship, silent affection, lingering love.

He'll wake you with kisses peppered over your nose, cheeks, across your eyelids. And then, after your eyes blink open, you'll turn to kiss him square on the mouth, tasting like beer and katsudon, and Izuku's mouth will water for it. On lazier nights, like tonight, Izuku won't bother taking you to bed.

Izuku Midoriya/Reader

smut, quirkless Izuku, teacher Izuku, reader is AFAB but has no pronouns, oneshot, post timeskip

1k words | complete

notes: this is my first time writing smut and i didn't like love how it turned out but my good buddy @jisokai read it and said it was good so i'm legally obligated to post it

ao3

♡♡♡

It's nearing one in the morning when Izuku finally fits his key into the lock of your front door. He can hear the drone of the TV through it, can smell the incense you've lit. Something akin to yearning boils in his chest when he shoulders the door open and sees you curled up on the couch.

You look tired, already dressed down in your sleep clothes, and you turn towards him as he shuts the door, leaning over the back cushion and squishing your cheek over folded arms. “Hey. How was your day?”

“Okay,” he exhales, dropping his keys on the little table in the entryway. His shoes come next, arranged nicely beside yours, then his bag and the mountain of ungraded tests he's got balanced in his arms. “My class had joint training with Shouta's. It's always nice to spend a class period with him.”

“Mm,” you hum, “I should go see him soon.”

“He'd like that,”

“Yeah, me too,"

“You're up late,” he muses, after a moment of quiet staring, and presses a kiss to your hair as he passes you to dig through the fridge.

“I got home late,” you reason, “There's a bowl in there for you. Made your favorite.”

He murmurs a thanks and you turn back to the late night news. Kacchan's face flashes over the screen, followed by Shouto's, and Izuku can't help the smile that works its way over his cheeks.

Looking in on your relationship from an outside point of view could be confusing. This looks bad, reads depressing , but it’s everything you both need. Quiet companionship, silent affection, lingering love.

Izuku will reheat his food and sit beside you while he eats. When he inevitably burns his tongue, too eager to wait for it to cool, you'll hide your snort of amusement with a sip of the beer you have open on the coffee table. One of you will put a movie on, both of you will fall asleep halfway through. Izuku will wake up first, when the credits roll, and he'll grin when he feels your drool seeping through his shirt.

He'll wake you with kisses peppered over your nose, cheeks, across your eyelids. And then, after your eyes blink open, you'll turn to kiss him square on the mouth, tasting like beer and katsudon, and Izuku's mouth will water for it. On lazier nights, like tonight, Izuku won't bother taking you to bed.

His fingers slip beneath the waistband of your sleep shorts easily, bullying their way between your thighs, and he sighs, petting and parting the hair there. The way you tremble above him when his fingers find your clit makes his cock drool in his slacks, twitching every time you exhale a sweet sound against his throat.

“Feel good?” he murmurs, lip tugged between his teeth like it’s his own pleasure.

“Yeah,” you sigh, rocking back against him. He hisses when you seat yourself fully in his lap, rutting yourself down against where his fingers press in and curl, where he’s hard in his pants. “Gonna cum. You’re gonna – ah – make me cum.”

“Whatever you need, baby,” he huffs, pulse racing while he watches you lose yourself, “Go ahead. Make a mess.”

And you do. He can feel it in his palm, slipping down his wrist while you grind against him. Your thighs shake where they’re spread to make space for his hips, and he curls his free hand over one to watch the way the fat there spills between his fingers. When the haze in your eyes clears, you meet him halfway for a spit-slicked kiss that’s more teeth and tongue than anything else. Urgency and desperation fuel you, he can tell by the way your own hands scramble to get his belt undone. He helps you push his waistband down just enough for his cock to spring free, fat and thick against the green sprinkle of hair beneath his belly button.

“Come on, Deku,” you tease, grinning when he knocks his head back against the cushion and groans, hips arching toward you, “Fuck me.”

“ Gonna –” he slurs and shudders when you pull your shorts to the side enough to glide over him. Bleary eyes open to watch where you’re connected, the way he disappears between your thighs only to reappear slick and shiny from you, “Fuck – gonna make you feel so good, baby.”

“Always make me feel good,” you breathe, thighs tensing when his head catches the hood of your clit. He presses his thumb against himself, heaving breaths turn to unabashed moans as he slides home. You hiccup above him when he bottoms out, the lingering orgasm still pulsing through your veins making you tighten around him, suck him in like it where he belongs.

The first bounce you give knocks the breath from his lungs. Teeth grit, he grips you so harshly you're sure to have Izuku shaped bruises decorating your ribs. His legs are loose behind you, twitching every time you drop back down onto him. He takes the pleasure as you give it to him, letting you go at your own pace.

With your head tilted back, you say his name over and over like a prayer – Izuku, Izuku, Izuku.

He sits up to lick and bite at the exposed line of your throat, careful to mark you in places you can cover. Sweet praise is murmured into your skin, spoken into the negative space between you. Again, he slips a hand between you to press a thumb against your clit.

When you cum, you take him with you. He holds you tightly against him, rutting up against you to ride it out. Moans and soft, trembling breaths are shared and swallowed down with open mouthed kisses.

“Love you,” he murmurs into your hair, because he does. He always has, always will. And you say it back quietly, because you do.

Moments later, when he has you perched on the counter in the bathroom, he’ll say it again after he starts the shower, just to watch the way you glow with it, with your still lingering pleasure, with him .

The yearning in his chest has simmered, settling to something soft and fond and in love. And tomorrow, when he wakes up to your sleep-warm face and realizes it's Saturday, and you both have the day off, he'll find his mind to be settled, too.

[clemblog]

Caine’s Lesson - Part 9

•

Pomni was finally setting out on her first adventure with Gummigoo, Max and Chad. It was a big day!!

She sat atop her horse, Jingles with a small belt around her waist to support her pistol which was in its holster. Gummigoo was beside her, fussing over his horse Tang. The pair were waiting for Max and Chad to get their steeds ready. Max’s was named Sour and Chad’s was named Horse. Very fitting.

“Sooo.” Began Pomni, sheepishly. “What exactly are we doing on today’s ride?”

“We’re gonna be scouting for resources and citizens if all goes well Poms.” Hummed Gummigoo, giving Tang some affectionate pats from where he sat in his saddle.

“R-Right, I remember now-“ She nodded with a hum. “That’s why me and you have saddle bags, mhm? And why Max and Chad don’t?”

“You’d be correct, we never know what you’ll find out there in terms of resources. We learned the hard way back along when we found our first bunch of citizens and Chad had to leave his saddlebag at the location. Unfortunately, loosing said bag in the process. Usually it’d be just me with the bags, but now that you’re joining we’ll get twice as many supplies!”

Pomni nodded at this again with a smile.

“Y’know… The more I talk to you guys the less you seem like Bandits-“

“Huh, I guess you’re right there.” Mused Gummigoo. “It’s just what people have always called us.”

“How about, we just refer to our little four as… The Scouting Saviours? Cus you know- We go out for supplies, sometimes we come back with people too- So, The Scouting Saviours!”

“The Scouting Saviours, huh~? I like how you think Pommy! We’ll have to engrave it on our bags or something-“

Pomni snickered at this, rolling her eyes softly.

“I don’t know about that-“

“Nope, it’s happening. You’ll see!”

“Uh huh-“

Max and Chad were soon ready and the four headed out!

Pomni found it refreshing to be up so high and going so fast! Her new body from the circus had her feeling kind of small… In the sense that she was feeling a lot shorter and smaller now- But also in the sense that she felt helpless- But look at her now! She was out on a horse wielding a gun with her three buddies! They were helping people! Going on adventures!

Everything you’d want to see from a digital world! If you asked her-

Eventually Gummigoo, waved her to slow down, the four arriving at what looked to be an old run down orchard. It wasn’t far from the Candy Kingdom, so Pomni had to guess it was where a large portion of the kingdoms food came from.

“Alright lads, Pommy, you know what to do.” Grinned Gummigoo, chucking a saddle bag to Max and Chad. “Fill up on food and anything else that might be useful.”

“You got it boss!”

“Off we go!”

The two scrambled off to fill up on supplies.

“And we’ll cover over here, that alright with you Pommy?” Hummed Gummigoo, gesturing to a green house like building.

“Sounds good to me! Let’s get finding!”

It was a successful trip! Everyone had found a large collection of resources which were easily taken back home to be used by Ma and the Candy Kingdom Survivors. Max had only pierced himself a few times when picking the fruits, which luckily could be fixed with a smear of syrup! Apparently, syrup was the main medicine for the candy based creatures.

On the journey back Gummigoo explained how their skin was made from gelatine and that it only really got torn or pierced in most cases of injury. Which meant in most cases, maple syrup and the odd bandage or two would be used to patch up the injury and hold it together to heal. It was certainly an interesting mechanic! Pomni was curious to if it would work on her. She knew she couldn’t get hurt in the circus, but since she’d been here so long, that may change-

She’d just have to wait and see-

•

Ragatha, Gangle, Kinger and Zooble were interrupted in their little happy get together. By one of Caine’s adventure portals dropping Jax right into the centre of it.

“Ughh.. Something is definitely wrong with Caine.” Grumbled Jax, rolling onto his back.

“JAX!- What happened?” Spoke Kinger, making everyone jump with his initial yell.

“I don’t know- He sent me on a solo adventure- It was [————-] awful. I can’t count on my two hands how many times the adventure restarted because I almost died-“

“That’s no good.” Frowned Zooble.

“Y-You sound exhausted Jax, you should lie down.” Spoke Gangle, shying into Zooble’s side.

“For once ribbons, I agree with you.” Muttered Jax, dragging himself over to a bean bag near the group.

“J-Just shout if you need us!” Hummed Ragatha, anxiety clearly back on her mind. WAS POMNI OKAY???

“Take a deep breath Ragatha, I’m sure Pomni is fine.” Spoke Kinger, in another moment of clarity. He put his hands around her side, pulling her to rest her head on his shoulder. He hoped the gesture would make her sleepy enough to go to sleep. A break from the worry. Another building block between her and falling into insanity. From her and abstraction.

Gangle looked to Zooble with worry, slowly shuffling closer to sit by her and continue with her doodles. The almighty Jax knocked off his feet by one solo adventure courtesy of Caine. A Caine who definitely didn’t seem sound of mind at the slightest. Gangle really hoped Pomni would be okay- Maybe she’d ask Jax what kind of adventure Caine sent him on- And why it was so bad- Hopefully… he wouldn’t be a [——] about her trying to care.. Although… Zooble had been super helpful in talking to her about how to deal with Jax’s general sass and sense of human. Aka being a giant [——-]. So, hopefully it’d be easier to talk to him!

That’s why Gangle liked Zooble so much- She was helpful and fun to talk with!! All in all, she was just the best~

Wait a minute it kinda sounded like she was starting have feelings for-

Oh no-

Part 10

[daddycassie]

Fight or Flight Chapter 6

Pairing: Lucy Gray Baird x Fem! Reader - 1,201 words

Warnings: Implied sexual content, graphic depictions of violence - gun violence, blunt force/beating, implied past assault, blood, generally unhappy feelings, character death

—————————————————

It had been three days now since the “incident” in the middle of the forest with Lucy Gray. The two of you still held hands most of the time, but if you even looked at her, there was a high chance she’d pull away blushing madly. You still recall the sweet words you’d uttered to each other amongst passion. How she felt around your fingers. Was any of that real?

“I love you more.”

“Not possible.”

You squeeze her hand and rug her closer at the memory. Lucy Gray doesn’t resist and leans slightly on your arm. It wasn’t too late, if the sky wasn’t obscured by dark clouds it would likely still be a little light out. The air smelled of rain with the slight humidity that came alongside it.

Lucy Gray hums softly as she observes the sky from your side. “It’s gonna storm soon.” She says. You look at her, causing her to avert her gaze. You sigh before responding, “We really need to find a new shelter. Exposure can kill as easily as a knife.” Lucy Gray pauses. “A knife huh? Who taught you that little phrase?” You shrug. “My ma maybe? I don’t really remember.” 

Lucy Gray nods. “Well, don’t you worry, we’ll be there soon.” She replies, releasing your hand. That was a relief at least, you were getting tired of walking aimlessly day in and day out. You watch as she walks ahead of you. 

You follow her, she was running her hands through her own hair, grooming it. Lucy Gray never did seem quite satisfied with how she looked, that was something you’d noticed just from watching her. Always adjusting her dress, her hair, brushing herself off of coal dust and dirt. Lucy Gray wasn’t made to live in district 12.

It was like having a bright, shiny thing among everything dark and drab. A diamond in the rough, you mused to yourself with a smile. For as lovely as you knew Lucy Gray was, you also recall the horrible things that came with it. Drunk men at the Hob who couldn’t control themselves, sober men in the daylight offering ‘well paying jobs’, a bothersome, ugly, cheating nobody Billy Taupe. Coriolanus to you supposed.

You’d fought them all off with an iron fist. A shove to the drunks, a glare to the sober, a good old bloody nose for Billy Taupe and…

A crash of thunder interrupts your train of thought. It easily startles you both, Lucy Gray whips around to look at you. “Just the thunder.” You sigh. “We’re okay.” Her expression relaxes and she turns back around with a shaky sigh. You walk up behind her, placing a hand on her lower back to guide her along and to provide comfort. 

You both continue walking as the rain begins pouring. Dying of hypothermia crossed your mind, but you tried hard not to think about it. Lightning struck, followed by another crash of thunder. At the very least the flashes provided temporary light, which was helpful with the dark atmosphere. Lucy Gray shudders the rain was cold, you really couldn’t blame her.

When the wind blew you pulled her closer, hoping to warm her a bit. However, wind did not mask the sound of a branch cracking behind you. For a moment you tense, before recalling what happened with the cat. “Not this again…” You grumble, and look at Lucy Gray, who was already looking back at what was behind you two.

Lucy Gray had a wide eyed, fearful stare plastered on her face. “Lucy Gray?” You hear another branch snap. Your face pales, blood running cold. This felt familiar in the worst possible way. Like… a dream. Your vision blurs as you recall the nightmare that had haunted you since the night you arrived together at the cabin by the lake. The night you’d killed Snow. Peacekeepers.

Why would they be out this far? You answered your own question — Snow, he’d gone missing. Maybe they’d found his body, or the gun. Not to mention the evidence of you and Lucy Gray being there, the trap, the campfire, footprints. Maybe they suspected you of Mayfair and Billy Taupe’s murders too. Without warning they open fire. They’re far away, and new recruits too, you can tell by how badly they miss.

You dash forward and grab Lucy Gray’s arm. She runs after as you drag her along into an area of more tightly packed trees. You disappeared from view of the soldiers. “Lucy Gray, how many were there?” She said nothing, likely still in shock. The stress was getting to you so you shook her harshly. “How many?” You hiss, whisper yelling.

“Three.” She breathed out. Lucy Gray’s voice was weak and shaky. You pull her close as the rain pelts down hard on your heads. When the next flash of lightning comes you look around, spotting the group. Three men. You hadn’t planned on ever harming anyone again — let alone becoming a serial killer. Four deaths on your hands.

You grab a jagged rock from the ground and look at Lucy Gray’s face. For her, you were more than ready to kill. You felt her trembling against you, and a mix of anger, guilt and resentment invade your mind. The peacekeepers were reloading, they were vulnerable.

You stood and lunged at the quickest of the three. He cried out, dropping his loaded gun a few feet away. It took three hits to kill him, the third was brutal enough that it caved his face in, dark and red with blood. Your new strength must’ve come from adrenaline. You turn to the next man, he’s smaller than the first, smaller than you in fact. He looks terrified as he fumbles with his gun.

You hit his head right at the temple, the most vulnerable part of the head. Then you hit it again. His it caves, and his eye bulges, partially out of the socket. You grimace in disgust.

You felt deeply disturbed by your own actions and the way the man cries, garbled and inhuman. You hit him again, and then again, and he’s dead on the ground. The slowest with his gun, was now loaded, glaring at you. The only thing that gave away his fear was the fact that his hands shook as he aimed at you. You hear gunshots going off and prepare yourself to be struck.

The final peacekeeper falls, full of a barrage of bullets. Lucy Gray stood from where you’d left her in the bush, holding one of the mens’ guns. She was no marksman but at least ten of the total hundred shots the gun was capable of had landed, and that was enough. You drop the blood splattered rock and at the same time Lucy Gray drops to her knees.

You freeze. “Lucy Gray..?” She falls down into the mud. The familiar scene made you feel sick. Just like your nightmare, Lucy Gray had been shot. In the pouring rain you rushed to her side and held her as she finally let her pain be known, crying and whimpering weakly.

—————————————————

Note: Tooootally wasn’t foreshadowing, totally

🏃‍♀️💨

@nothininteresting @lucygraysslut

[neverlostmycrown]

Evanescence - The Open Door Digital Booklet (2006). Photos by Karl Larsen and Beth Wilson.

(thanks to archive.org for the hq scan)

AMY THANKS: First of all, I'd like to thank Terry. I am so grateful for you. I never thought I would find someone who could finish my musical thoughts like you do. Thank you for your creativity, your patience, and most of all for supporting and encouraging me- as a writer and a friend. Dave Fortman, once again you've made the dream come true. Thank you for believing in me, pushing me to be my best, and cracking me up when I thought my brain might explode. Bro-tools forever. :) Jeremy- thanks for ruling it again! Its always a pleasure hanging out and working with you. A big thanks to the Record Plant- you were all so good to us. Rose, Mike and everyone- I miss you already! Dave Campbell- you are so gifted, and I will always look forward to working with you. You take our music to a whole new level, and it wouldn't be Evanescence without you. Thank you DJ Lethal for giving this record spooky, sexy thump! :) Also thanks again to Susan Youngblood and the Millenium choir for another beautiful job. A very special thank you to Baldwin Pianos for all of your support and for all you've given me. It's been wonderful! Thank you Diana Meltzer (my big little sister!) for your endless support and friendship. Thank you to everyone at Wind-up records for all your hard work, and for all the time and freedom I was given to create this album. Thank you Gary, Patty, and everyone at Haber Corporation. You've changed my life! Andy- you have listened to me, supported me, fought for me, and laughed with me. You're a good friend and a great manager- Thank you goodnight! John, Rocky and Will, you all did such a great job in the studio. Will, I can't imagine playing without you. We've had so much fun together and I'm gonna miss you so much. This sucks! Good luck and much love (special thanks to John, Rocky and Terry for staying in the band). I want to thank my sisters Carrie and Lori for singing background vocals on 'call me when you're sober.' You guys were awesome and it was so cool to have you hang out in the studio with me. I want to thank my girlfriends for always standing by me (and sometimes helping me stand) Beth, Faith and Tiff- I love you! (you too, Kim and Patty!) And Beth- I couldn't do this without you. You keep me sane and somehow make anywhere in the world feel more like home… Even Japan. (See-ma-sen!) Josh, you are my muse. Nothing inspires me the way you do. Thank you for all my missing pieces. Thank you for your strength and love. Thank you for letting me see myself through your eyes, because only then could I know that I am good enough for you. Thank you to all our wonderful fans and friends at the evboard. Thank you God, and last (and anything but least), my family for loving me, supporting me, accepting me, and always being my sanctuary. I love you!

[coffeecat1983]

Mario Bros: Inner Fears (Selectively Mute Mario and Arthur fic)

Others in this series: one, two, and three

Late September, 2008 The breeze carried the sounds of the city as it traveled through the streets and whipped up around a building and into the open windows of the top apartment.    In the living room, cartoons played on the TV as two boys sat on the floor. Luigi half watched the show as he worked on the coloring book he had picked out, crayons and markers scattered all around him. Nearby, his twin fiddled with a toy taxi, a souvenir from their first trip to the Empire State Building. Mario remained absorbed in his musings, not looking up as footsteps shuffled and Arthur entered. Setting his coffee mug on the table, he smiled as he watched his nephews.      "You boys having a good time?" he signed and spoke. Mario only glanced up for a second, allowing Luigi to answer.      "Yes." the younger one signed back. From outside came a sharp blaring horn followed by several sirens as a fire truck and ambulance rushed past. Dropping his toy, Mario curled up with his hands over his ears.      "Too loud!"

   He looked up at a gentle touch on his shoulder. Arthur sat on the floor, arms open wide. Mario dove into his warm hug, hiding his face as the sirens continued.      "Bad." he shuddered. "Sirens are bad." Seeing that his uncle couldn't read Mario's lips or really hear him, Luigi stood, tugging at Arthur's sleeve.      "Sirens mean bad stuff." he explained, "they're scary." A look of understanding and Arthur gently coaxed Mario to sit in his lap, with a motion to Luigi to sit beside them.      "Mario," he tapped his shoulder before signing along with speaking, "remember the cartoon yesterday? They showed what sound looks like. What do you think the siren for a firetruck looks like?"    Sniffling a little, Mario thought it over. "Um, they're long, an' skinny like a noodle." From further away now came the blare of the truck's horn.      Good! Arthur signed. "Luigi, what about the horn?" Luigi tried to remember what the cartoon had said. "It's low, so big? Like the drum!"      "Right!" Arthur confirmed. "I don't like sirens either, but I want you boys to remember something, they mean people want to help."    Mario looked up at him. Good? he signed, fumbling a little.      Right, kid, Arthur signed back. "They help."      Help. Mario tried to sign, then again with Luigi as they watched Arthur repeat the movement.

   A little later, Marianna returned from errands to find the bros giggling over a movie that was on. Leaving them to their fun, Arthur got up and began to help her put away groceries.      "The boys behave?" she asked.      All good, Arthur signed. "Mario got scared, sirens were loud. Got to teach them a new sign."    Marianna kissed his cheek. "You sweetheart," she spoke with a mixture of signing, "you'd make a great dad, you know that?"    Arthur rubbed the back of his neck. "I donno about that, Ma." This made her pause. Arthur never called Marianna by that nickname unless...      "Art, did something happen?" she said, making him face her. She was frightened to see the color drain from his face as he signed.      Marie's pregnant.

END? By "CC"

Others in the series are here:

Dun dun duuuun! Thought I'd jump back to this series real quick.

Do you know what show the boys watched that explained sound? It was Magic School Bus :D

[angelasscribbles]

Victim of Love Chapter 6: Quagmire

Series: Victim of Love

Fandom: The Royal Romance

Pairings: Liam x Riley (for now), Drake x Riley

Word Count: 1,404

Rating: MA

A/N: This is not sweet, canon Liam. Things are complicated. He might be a little selfish in this one.

Warnings for this chapter: None really. A very heated argument lol.

Song Inspiration for series: Victim of Love by The Eagles

I see a broken heart

You got your stories to tell

My other stuff: Master List.

Drake was afraid that lunch with Liam was going to be awkward, all things considered. But it wasn’t. They quickly fell back into the old, familiar patterns of their friendship. The teasing, the bantering, and the habit of telling each other everything.

Well, almost everything.

Drake squirmed uncomfortably when Liam asked about his love life. He decided to evade rather than lie, “Probably less complicated than yours.”

“Probably,” Liam mused as he lifted his water glass to his lips, “I haven’t seen Riley in weeks and last night, she wouldn’t even let me touch her!”

“What?” Drake almost choked on the forkful of potatoes he had just stuck in his mouth. That news made him happier than it should have.

Liam set his glass on the table and pushed it away with a sigh, “She’s angry. I don’t blame her, all things considered, but-“

“What is the story there?” Drake had paused chewing, eyes locked on his best friend as he waited for answers.

“As I told you, the council wouldn’t approve her nor would my father.”

“Because she’s a commoner?” He remembered Liam had told him that much at the wedding.

Liam nodded, “Yes.”

Drake placed his fork on his plate and leaned back in his chair as he regarded his friend solemnly, “And there was nothing you could do? No negotiations? No loopholes? I mean…clearly, she’s a duchess now…”

There were always loopholes.

Liam shrugged, “If Riley hadn’t existed, then my decision would have been easy. You’ve seen my wife. She’s not exactly hard to look at and she was raised for ruling. She handles the role well.”

“So what? You wanted to have your cake and eat it too?” 

“Is that so bad?”

Drake’s mouth fell open, “I mean…it doesn’t seem fair to either woman.”

“I’m surprised at your reaction, it’s nothing you don’t do.”

“What isn’t?”

“Sleeping with multiple partners.”

“That’s true but I’m not in a committed relationship.”

“Are you saying that if you found the right woman, you would give up all the others?”

Emerald eyes swam through his head as he nodded, “I would.”

Liam scoffed, “I’m not sure I believe that but regardless, you know that marrying was never about love and the commitment and duty part is all about Cordonia.”

“So you two have agreed on an open relationship?”  

“Oh, heavens no!” Liam reached for a roll, “Can you imagine the scandal if the queen had an affair?”

Drake’s brows drew together in confusion, “But you’re having an affair!”

“That’s different.”

“How?”

“First of all, because I’m the king. I can do what I want. Second of all, I can’t produce a child with the wrong parentage. She can. Even if I impregnated someone else, the public wouldn’t care. But if the queen had an illegitimate child? No. That can’t happen.”

“But-“

Liam waved his hand dismissively, “I know, I know. It seems unfair, but it’s the way of the world. I don’t make the rules.”

“You’re literally the king, you ass.” Drake shook his head half in amusement and half in disbelief.  

“Even that has it’s limits.”

“So, your wife doesn’t know about Riley?”

“I wouldn’t say that….”

“And Riley is okay with your marriage?”

“I wouldn’t say that either,” Liam sighed, “It’s….complicated.”

The door to the private dining room opened and Drake choked on his food again as Liam sprang to his feet.

Riley went willingly into Liam’s embrace, but her eyes zeroed in on Drake as she returned the hug. Turning her head to the side so Liam’s kiss landed on her cheek, she greeted them both with, “Good morning.”

Liam chuckled, “it’s afternoon, love. This is lunch.”

“For you,” Riley scoffed as she took a seat at the table, “first meal of the day is breakfast no matter what time it’s served.”

“Riley tends to burn the midnight oil,” Liam explained as he retook his seat.

“I’m a raging night owl, he means,” she smiled at Drake and his heart somehow managed to plummet and soar at the same time.

Drake cleared his throat as he reached for his water glass, “I wasn’t aware you’d be joining us.”

“Liam insisted,” she paused as a server placed a dish in front of her then spoke to her plate as she pushed the food around with her fork, “sorry I was late. I was a bit hung over this morning.”

“I want you two to get to know each other!” Liam interjected.

Riley’s eyes lifted from her plate to meet Drakes; her gaze laden with amused irony.

“Ah…I….” Drake had never been struck speechless before, but then he’d never been in such an awkward situation.

He was saved from answering when the door to the dining room opened again. The queen strode into the room, fury etched on every feature of her face, “I knew I’d find you with her!”

Riley’s fork clattered to her plate as an exaggerated sigh escaped her, “Just fucking peachy…”

Liam was on his feet again, “Darling, you’re supposed to be resting-“

“How can I rest when I know she’s here?” the new arrival leaned around Liam’s body to glare at Riley, “It’s bad enough when you disappear for days at a time to Valtoria, or she follows you to Paris but here you are carrying on under my own roof!”

Riley turned in astonishment, “Are you serious right now? After what you did to me?”

“What I did to you? You’re the one fucking my husband even though you know I’m pregnant and shouldn’t be placed under any undo stress! Have you no shame?”

“Me?” Riley pushed away from the table and strode toward the other woman, shoving past Liam as she went, “You’re the one that married the man I loved even though you were supposed to be my best friend!”

“I was your best friend, Riley! But I was sent here for a specific purpose, and I fulfilled that purpose!”

“Oh really, Hana? Don’t pretend that you gave a shit about what your parents wanted…you married him to punish me for not returning your feelings!”

Hana stumbled back like she’d been hit, “That’s an outrageous accusation!”

Riley scoffed, “It’s the truth! Two nights before the coronation you tried to get me to run away with you and when I told you that I was in love with Liam, you-“

“Riley, please,” Liam reached for her arm in an attempt to defuse the situation.

She jerked her arm out of his grasp and spun on him, “Fuck you Liam! You didn’t even try to fight for us and out of everyone you could have chosen, you picked my best fucking friend!”

Hana’s voice shook with outrage, “If you were my friend, Riley, you wouldn’t be sleeping with my husband!”

“If you were my friend, Hana, you wouldn’t have married the man that had already made promises to me! The man that fucked me in the hedge maze five minutes before getting engaged to you!”

Hana’s body jerked back at the revelation and a malicious smile spread across Riley’s face, “Oh, you didn’t know about that, huh?”

Hana’s face darkened even more as her eyes filled with angry tears, “I….you’re lying!”

“Sure I am,” Riley’s composure was back, “Keep telling yourself that because we both know he won’t tell the truth about a goddamn thing!”

Riley turned and headed for the door, “Fuck both of you! You deserve each other!”

Liam started to go after her, “Riley, wait!”

Hana stepped in front of him, “Liam! Are you serious right now? You’re going to chase after your whore? I’m your wife!”

Drake, who had sat watching the whole exchange with wide eyes scrambled to his feet. Clamping a hand on Liam’s shoulder, he told him, “It’s okay, deal with your wife. Stress can’t be good for the baby….I’ll go after Riley.”

“But…you barely know her…”

“You’re right. I just met her. But it doesn’t seem like she’s in the mood to deal with you right now, does it?”

Liam’s shoulders slumped as he blew out a breath of frustration, “You’re right. Thank you, Drake.”

“Sure,” he said as he headed for the door.

Don’t thank me. I don’t deserve it.

He threw a glance over his shoulder as he exited the dining room. Liam had Hana wrapped in his arms.

Drake shook his head as let the door fall shut and took off down the hall after Riley.

[reigningqueenofwords]

Tony's Zombie Phase

Pairing: Steve x Reader, Bucky x daughter!Reader Word count: 1,250

Read on AO3

Part 14 of Looking for the Captain

Hearing a knock on your door, you sat up. “Come in.” You called out, wondering who it was. Seeing Steve step in, you relaxed. “Hey. I guess Tony is mad at me?” 

“I don’t know. He didn’t say anything to me. I went straight to get patched up and then to shower so I could come check on you.” He explained, sitting next to you. “He went to fill in the others.” 

“Bucky is going to be so pissed.” You groaned, flopping back. “I think any tiny bit of progress we ma-”

“What the hell were you thinking?!” Bucky snapped, storming in. “You could have gotten seriously hurt. Or killed!” He yelled. 

Your eyes were wide as you stared at him. “I was trying to help!” You got up, defending yourself. “I figured I’d be safe in one of his suits!” Didn’t that count for anything? “I’ve seen that man take one hell of a beating on the news and he’s clearly fine. A bit weird, but fine.” 

He glared at you. “That doesn’t make it any better.” He was livid. “If anything, you put other people at risk because you’re so damn reckless!” 

“Well, sorry for giving a shit about the people I care about!” Sarcasm dripped from every word. “What the hell is the point of being trained to fight if I can’t help when people come after my family?” 

That didn’t help one ounce. He had his hands on his hips. “You’re being trained to defend yourself. Not to throw yourself at the very people that are after you.” He was frustrated that you weren’t listening. 

“I was defending my home.” You weren’t backing down. 

Bucky wasn’t, either. Steve could tell the two of you would yell at each other all night if you could. “Guys, how about we take a breat-” 

“No!” You both snapped at him, making him hold up his hands. 

Tony had you called down to talk to him after a bit, and hoped that you understood what he was about to talk to you about. You stormed in, making him raise an eyebrow. “Did I interrupt ‘alone’ time with the Captain?” 

“No, I was fighting with Bucky.” You crossed your arms over your chest. “Steve was just kinda…stuck watching.” 

“Ah.” He nodded. “We’d all been hoping he went to the training room.” 

“Nope. Too busy coming to yell at me.” You sighed. “So, what did you need? Are you going to yell at me, too?” 

Tony snorted. “No, you highjacking one of my suits is way more innocent than anything I’ve gotten up to in my years.” He saw you relax. “I’m sending you and Cap on a little vacation.” 

You looked confused. “There are killers after me and you want me to go on vacation with Steve?” That made absolutely no sense to you. “Wouldn’t that be more dangerous?” At least you thought it would be. 

“I have a cabin in upstate New York.” He explained. “Shockingly little tech, means less means of tracking you. And I may have gone through a zombie phase a few years back. Hit one button and no one is getting in that cabin.” He had a proud look on his face. 

“Is there a bunker below that cabin, too? Full of anything someone would need?” You asked teasingly. 

He looked away. “Maybe.” Hearing you chuckle, he smiled. “So, go pack a bag. I’ll talk to Cap and the pair of you will leave right away.” He was glad he thought of this even more now. This way you and Bucky wouldn’t keep fighting.

An hour later, you, Goliath (who was asleep in the backseat) and Steve were driving away from the tower. “Looking forward to the cabin?” You asked, glancing at him. “Relaxing and all that?”

He smiled softly and nodded. “I am. I grabbed my sketchbook and pencils. Thought I could get some sketching in while we’re there.” Sometimes it could be weeks between chances to sketch. “What about you?” 

You thought about it for a moment. “A bit. It will be weird without all the tech, and not seeing everyone every day.” You mused. “But at least at the cabin there will be no chance of Bucky yelling at me again.” That was a huge plus. 

“You do have stubborn personalities.” He chuckled. “It’s no wonder you two butt heads.” He felt it wouldn’t be the last time the pair of you clashed. “God, can you imagine how bad it would have been when you were a teenager?” He playfully shuddered. 

Laughing, you nodded. “I’m not saying I was that much of a rebel as a teen, but I can say he probably would have made me one.” You grinned. 

Steve laughed along with you. “I can picture it. Would you have dated bad boys just to piss Buck off?” He teased. 

“Maybe. It is an amusing thought. And if I dated someone with a motorcycle he wouldn’t have been able to say a damn thing. He has one.” You smirked. 

“He’d still try.” He pointed out. “I’m sure you can tell that by now. I doubt anyone would have been good enough for you.” 

“That is true. I mean, he’s got his panty in a twist because I like you. And you’re like the poster boy of good boys. You’re a human golden retriever.” You poked him. “If he doesn’t like the thought of us , what chance would anyone else have?” There would be no chance. 

Steve blushed lightly at your words. “Just because you see me as the poster boy of the good boys means nothing.” He countered. 

You smirked. “Are you trying to tell me this whole thing is an act? Because I haven’t seen anything to contradict it.” What was he hiding? Or was he teasing you? You were intrigued. 

“Guess you’ll have to just keep wondering.” He shrugged a shoulder, amused. 

“So mean. Now my mind will be making up all sorts of scenarios.” You playfully huffed. And of course many of them were x-rated. Which really reminded you how long it had been since you’d had sex. 

Standing in the doorway to the bedroom, you sighed. “Either Tony forgot to tell us there was only one bedroom, or he did this on purpose.” You muttered. 

Steve was right behind you, a touch to the side, hands on his hips. “I’ll crash on the couch if you’re more comfortable.” He offered, although he really wanted to be able to hold you at night. Memories of the morning he woke up with you came to mind. 

You shook your head. “No, it’s okay.” You assured him, stepping in to drop your bags on the bed. “It’ll be cozy.” You smiled at him. “Unless you’d be more comfortable on the couch.” Would he be? Were you misreading things between the two of you? 

The words were barely out of your mouth before he shook his head, joining you in the room. “Nope. I’d rather be in bed with you.” He blurted out. Noting your blush, he chuckled lightly. “How about we unpack, and then I’ll make us lunch?” He offered. “I’ve tasted your cooking, but I haven’t been able to cook for you.” 

“I’d like that.” You grinned. “But first, there’s something I want to do before I lose my courage.” You breathed. 

“What’s that?” He asked, raising an eyebrow. Steve’s eyes watched you as you got closer, putting your hands on his hips. And then you were kissing him. 

[perpetuallylate1890]

Crisis of the Mind

As Ford slipped into his mindscape, he immediately realized something was wrong. Black tendrils threaded through the holographic screens and floating books. A sickly gray haze had overtaken the usual stars and galaxies. Looking at it for too long made him nauseous. If it weren’t for the pervasive sense of dread, the changes would’ve been fascinating.

Ford licked his dry lips and called out. “Bill, are you there?” No answer, but that wasn’t surprising. His muse was fickle, and often left days or even weeks between each visit. Sometimes, being Bill’s protégé felt like trying to hold water in his cupped hands.

Ford made his way to the front portion of his mindscape, where a chess board rested between two armchairs. Pulsing black growths crawled over the furniture. There was no sign of his triangular muse. Briefly, Ford wondered if Bill was playing a prank on him. If he was, Stanford couldn’t discern the punchline. 

“Bill?” he chanced aloud. Only a ringing silence.Now this was a real enigma. Ford frowned, rubbing his chin. Gravity Falls had its fair share of supernatural oddities, though few of them possessed the ability to alter mindscapes. Ford considered the Dream Hipster, but as this dream was decidedly lacking in subpar puns, he highly doubted the specter’s involvement. This must be something new. 

Ford grasped a nearby journal and tugged it from the vines with a snap. Writing always helped him to gather his thoughts. He jotted down his observations: mysterious tendrils, numbing fog, an inescapable feeling of doom. Though it was just a dream, his pulse quickened and his palms grew clammy. Well, nothing a little investigation couldn’t fix.

Ford mustered his courage and set out into the fog. It swirled around him, dulling his senses. His footsteps had a strange echoing quality. Every sound seemed to reverberate unnaturally. 

Soon, he entered the deeper part of his mindscape. Bookshelves loomed on either side of him, shrouded in mist. Soft voices reached out to him. They sounded familiar, but were indistinguishable from a low hum that rose from the fog. Clutching his journal to his chest, Ford attempted to dismiss the sounds as the product of an overactive mind, though with every step he grew less sure. 

He had entirely ruled out Bill as the culprit: his muse lacked the patience to let a joke run this long. The farther he walked the denser and more tangled the tendrils grew. He stepped over them like venomous serpents.

Stopping, he attempted to trace a growth back to its source. It wound through the bookstacks before disappearing off into the mist. How peculiar. Ford adjusted his glasses and continued on. Now, the sounds began to increase in volume. He distinctly heard his ma and pa engaged in a verbal clash, followed by the nasal drawl of Cathy Crenshaw. Six-fingered freak! Grimacing, he attempted to move past the unpleasant memory, but was stilled when he heard the familiar crunch of a toffee peanut bag. His heart plummeted. 

That sound was a symbol of failure, of sabotage, of dreams grinding to a halt. Ford couldn’t stop the bitterness from welling up. A decade later, and he felt the betrayal like it had happened yesterday.

Stanford gripped the journal with white knuckles, clenching his teeth, and soldiered on. No use dwelling on the past. He had a muse who believed in him, who truly saw what he had to offer. Bill looked past his surface-level deficiencies and saw his potential for greatness. Stanford Pines, the man who changed the world. Bill had said it himself, and when had he ever been wrong? 

Still, the doubt was eating him alive. What if he wasn’t enough? What if, in the end, he failed?

Suddenly, the voices doubled in strength. Ford stumbled under the onslaught of doubt. You were always just a freak! sneered the voices of his former bullies. I’m not impressed, commented his father. And worst of all, his own defeated voice, saying, I knew Bill was too good to be true.

Ford dropped the journal, flooded by a surge of inadequacy. His bullies were right, his father was right. How could someone like him deserve someone like Bill? Only a moment of doubt, and already he was losing resolve. Utterly shameful.

A chasm opened at his feet, its edges writhing with noxious tendrils. The voices reached a fever pitch until he couldn’t remember a time without them. Ford sank to his knees. He was outcast, unremarkable save for the extra fingers that marked him as other. Once Bill saw that, he’d abandon Ford and move onto someone more special, more deserving. 

His gaze fell on the yawning abyss. Its call was a gravity he couldn’t escape. Ford climbed to his feet and stared down the gaping maw. It’d be simpler to give in. He swayed on his feet, dizzy, before something shiny caught his eye. The journal he’d dropped, once dull and unassuming, now bore a golden six-fingered hand. 

He stooped to pick it up, matching his hand to the one on the cover. The journals, the portal were his life’s work. How could he ever think to throw them away? He dusted off the cover and stared at his reflection in the gold. Blue eyes, uncertain and afraid, peered back at him. He schooled his features into a semblance of heroism. 

It didn’t matter if he was misfit or alien. He’d seize his destiny by the horns and prove he was worthy. With a shouting cry he clutched the journal tight and leapt into the hole, to follow the tendrils to their source and obliterate them. 

Stanford Pines did not shy away from greatness.

_________________________________________

“So then you leapt into the giant hole?” Bill Cipher, reclined on a plush armchair, stirred sugar into his teacup. When he looked up, his slitted eye gleamed with approval. “Attaboy, Fordsy! I like your style!”

Ford flushed under the praise. He rubbed his neck self-consciously. “Well, it seemed like the right thing to do. I certainly feel better.” He frowned. “Although I never did figure out what caused it.”

Thoughtful, Bill sipped at his tea. “I have an idea,” he said finally.

“What is it?” asked Ford. “A spirit? An ancient curse? Some kind of emotion-sucking vampire?”

“Woah-hoh, hold your horses,” Bill said. “Nothing that exciting. What you experienced was just a stress dream.”

“Oh.” 

Bill laughed at Ford’s disappointed expression. “What, you don’t appreciate the inner workings of your own mind? Geez, IQ, and here I thought you were smart.” He laughed again as Ford opened his mouth to defend his intelligence. “Kidding, I’m kidding!”

Mollified, Ford took a moment to process. “So all that was just… me?”

“Yup.” Bill reached out to ruffle the scientist’s hair. “When you’ve got a mind as brilliant as yours, it doesn’t take much to set it off. One tiny doubt spirals into another, and before you know it, boom!” He waved his hands in the air. “Identity crisis.”

“Identity crisis,” repeated Ford.

“It’s the little things that get you.” Bill poured Stanford a cup of tea and handed it over. “So, what kinds of things were ya stressing about?”

“Some unpleasant memories,” Ford said dismissively. “Family squabbles and the like.”

“Oh, is that all?”

Of course, Bill had seen right through him. Unable to meet his muse’s searching eye, Ford stared into his teacup. “The voices mentioned you,” he admitted.

“And?”

Ford swirled his tea. “I suppose I was worried I’m not… good enough for you. That there’s someone out there more deserving of your guidance.” There, he’d said it. He squeezed his eyes shut, fully expecting Bill to laugh it off. Instead, he felt a tiny hand under his chin.

“Hey, Fordsy, look at me.”

He did so. Bill was hovering directly in front of his nose, his slit pupil burning into Ford’s. Stanford froze, transfixed.

“Listen up,” Bill said, and squished Ford’s face in his hands. “I need to drill this through your thick skull. You are worthy. You’re one of the greatest minds in existence. Just stick with me, and you’ll change the world.” He paused. “No, scratch that. You’ll change the multiverse.”

His muse’s words were a balm to Stanford’s anxieties. He felt the tension leave his body, the tendrils releasing their hold. Confronting his doubts had helped, but having Bill’s full attention, receiving his validation, was something else entirely. Ford released a breath he hadn’t known he was holding. 

Bill gave him a little shake. “Better?” he asked.

“Better,” Ford replied, and meant it. 

“Good.” Bill released him and floated over to his armchair. “Now, how ‘bout a game of chess?” 

With a click of his fingers, he summoned the pieces and made the first move. Ford leaned forward, settling into the rhythm of the game. Everything would be alright. He just knew it.

(Spoiler: it wasn't)

[anotherferalrat]

Late Night Musings Pt.1

Indulge me for a moment.

As a preface, I would like to remind chat I am still very early in the story so no spoilers pls, I literally just made it to Inazuma and I've done like no character story quests

So I could be entirely wrong; I know Kaeya-Diluc-Crepus lore seems to be fairly up in the air. But the way I understand the timeline is Crepus dies during the day -> ragbros fight that night -> sometime before the morning, Diluc leaves to do hot girl shit (revenge)

In light of that...

Do you think Kaeya had to handle the funeral arrangements by himself :)

Of course Adelinde and the staff help where they can but as the only person of the household people can find, a lot falls to him.

That's actually how he finds out Diluc left. Adelinde comes to him in town as he's living in the barracks to invite him to the winery to talk plans. Having been yelled at not even hours ago to never set foot there again, he's like what if we do it here in the city instead and after a sec follows it up with why me, i thought Diluc would be in charge as the true heir.

Hesitantly, she shows him the letter the young mas- the new master of the house left, only saying he was looking for answers and couldn't return until he found them and that he's sorry. Nowhere did Diluc mention him but he knows he's part of the reason.

The two work out a meeting place, somewhere that's halfway for both of them but *not* the winery.

Anyways point is, how do you think he felt writing the eulogy, several bottles deep, thinking he shouldn't- doesn't deserve to be the main speaker? That he's once again alone in this world, partially from his own doing? That he was too slow to save the man who cared for him and "drove away" his sworn brother?

Just. Fun thoughts :))

[avaantares]

Guardian Bonus Bingo: Swelter

Sliding in under the wire for @guardianbingo prompt "swelter" (posted late because I was out of the country and my return flight got canceled, so I got home a day later than planned).

This is a scene for the ever-growing monolith Picture Imperfect, my Alternate First Meeting YOHE fic which has now snowballed to well into six figures 😅 because I absolutely can't keep a plot simple to save my word count. Although the story premise itself was inspired by a 2023 Guardian Bingo prompt, I've added more than 30 chapters and 100K words since writing the initial treatment, so I think it's fair to work new prompts into various additional chapters where appropriate. (I'm just trying to get a few more things cleaned up before I start posting regularly so I don't have to take long breaks between updates. It's really coming, I promise!)

In this story, ZYL falls into the past at a slightly different point, and though Fu You and Ma Gui trust him, Hei Pao Shi is convinced that "Kunlun" is an enemy spy (among other things). Despite his suspicions, the two are ordered to work together on a mission behind enemy lines. They are en route when this scene occurs.

--------------------------------------

Their journey continued uninterrupted—and largely unbroken by speech, though Zhao Yunlan made an effort every so often—until they came within view of a rutted wagon track the following afternoon. Hei Pao Shi glanced up and down the road, scanning for travelers, and seemed about to continue on their way when Zhao Yunlan called, “Hold up a minute.”

Hei Pao Shi glanced back to where he’d stopped, but said nothing.

Zhao Yunlan planted his hands on his hips and stretched his back, which ached as though an elephant had been sitting on it. “Look, I’m as athletic as the next guy, but we’ve been marching since daybreak, and I’m not used to going this many kilo—er, li on an empty stomach. Why don’t we stop for a minute and have something to eat and drink?” He pointed to a few stunted trees growing a short distance away. “There’s a little shade here, and from the look of the landscape up ahead, it’s going to be the last break from the sun we have for a while.”

Hei Pao Shi hesitated, but Zhao Yunlan knew he wouldn’t need to press hard to get his way. Hei Pao Shi had thrown his hood off long before the sun had reached its zenith, and Zhao Yunlan had glimpsed the sheen of sweat on the lower half of his face whenever they had been walking abreast. Although he had never broken pace, the layers of black leather and fabric had to be suffocating under the sun’s steady rays. Even Zhao Yunlan, who had so little body fat that he routinely layered long sleeves with vests or jackets to insulate himself from summer air conditioning, had shoved the fur collar into the top of his pack hours before and tugged the front of his robes open halfway to his navel. It might be slightly indecent for the times, but it wasn’t like there were any young ladies around to be scandalized. Just Shen Wei—and considering how often he’d helped Zhao Yunlan bathe and dress during his time of blindness, he hardly counted anymore.

Not that this Shen Wei had ever seen Zhao Yunlan without a shirt, but still. Communal bathing existed in this era, didn’t it? Though he doubted there were many public bathhouses operating in a society that had nearly been destroyed by a catastrophic meteor impact…

While Zhao Yunlan mused about standards of propriety, Hei Pao Shi evidently came to a decision and marched off toward the cluster of trees. Zhao Yunlan hurried after, only to find that the shelter offered by the spindly grove was hardly worthy to be called shade. Sun dappled the hard-baked earth between the trees, whose leaves were too ragged and sparse to block it out.

“Well, I guess it’s still better than out there,” Zhao Yunlan sighed, swinging his pack to the ground. His clothes where the pack had rested were sticky with perspiration, and he divested himself of his belt and shoulder holster so he could peel the layers of fabric off his skin and let them dry a little.

Across the patch of shade, Hei Pao Shi had his head tilted back to drink from his waterskin. His exposed neck was flushed and damp, and sweat glued strands of hair to his skin. “Xiao Hei, you’re going to sweat all that water out before we even make it back to the road,” Zhao Yunlan observed. “Why don’t you take some of that off?”

Hei Pao Shi glanced over, still drinking, and nearly choked when he saw Zhao Yunlan stripped to the waist. He coughed for a good ten seconds before he managed to sputter, “Take what off?”

Zhao Yunlan blinked at him in unconcealed surprise. He hadn’t banked on the sight of his body horrifying Shen Wei—he’d set that aside for his ego to unpack later—but for the first time, Hei Pao Shi had spoken to him without open disdain, apparently shocked into forgetting how much he hated “Kunlun.” He hadn’t even noticed the Xiao Hei, and Zhao Yunlan had expected some kickback on that one.

It was progress, of a sort.