#i need soldier boy to snuggle with me

[mishapocalyse]

When We Were Young

->Anon asked: Reader was in love with Ben before he became soldier boy like as kids and then grew old watching him become and asshole and then “die” and imagines what their life could have been (would be heartbreaking to read but hey let’s get emotional)

Description: The fond memories of growing up with Benjamin Gilman, the man who eventually became America's Greatest Superhero, become a thing of the past.

Pairings: Soldier Boy x (Eventual Supe) Reader.

Warnings: Soldier Boy is his own warning, language, sexual content.

Note: I twisted the request a bit and made the reader a supe. This is still the most devastating piece I think I have ever written. Please read at your own risk.

To the children you both used to be, growing up on the streets of South Philly. Two peas in a pod; inseparable. Never one without the other.

You were the child of a farmer and a midwife, the two who absolutely adored you, showering your childhood with the love that you deserved.

It was 1934, he was 15 years old, and you were a year younger than him. Benjamin Gilman sat beside you on the front porch swing, barefooted, the warm summer air, scents of the floral attributes that wafted amongst you both. The scenery was just as peaceful as his hand intertwined with yours.

"My old man kicked me out again." Ben hesitated.

You sigh, leaning your head against his shoulder.

"I don't think my daddy would mind if you slept in the barn again. As long as you don't bother ole' Tessa." You chirp, as he looks down at you while you turned your head to glance up at him.

"Yeah. I know. Thank you, Y/N. You're the best." Ben exclaims.

"You say that to me a lot Benny." You joke, nudging him with your shoulder. Ben leaned up from you, letting go of your hand to dig around in his pocket for something.

You raised a brow, to which he noticed.

"Hold on. I got you something." He chortled.

When he pulled out the object you were stunned at first. In his hands he held a locket. The gold piece was gently placed around your neck as he clipped it together for you.

"Ben.."You started.

You could hear your mother calling from the kitchen as she peeked her head out from the kitchen window.

"You kids should come inside! I about have lunch ready. Ben, sweetheart! Could you be a doll and fetch up Y/N's father, that man is going to get a rash if he isn't careful?"

Ben nodded, standing up to straighten his tapered trousers, and pinstriped cotton shirt. Snagging the thin velveteen coat from the swing seat, he gave you a serene smile as he trudged off into the field. In the distance you watched Ben disappear into the rows of corn towards your father who was manning the tractor.

The both of you were young, and you smiled to yourself while your mother called your name once more to come inside and wash up--the locket beautifully adorning your neck as it glimmered.

-----

In 1947, the beautiful green eyed boy, who was no longer the boy, but a man that you had waited for to come home.

Your mother had wanted you to start working with her as an apprentice as to which you had been over the moon to start. So when you had seen Ben sitting on your front porch swing, you practically threw yourself into his arms. The 28 year old Ben, chuckled to himself, as he pulled you up into his arms.

"Hey there sweetheart!" He was polite, as he set you down.

"And good afternoon Mrs. L/N. Please...let me help you with your bags."

Your mother jerked her things away from him.

"That is quite alright Ben. I got these. You and Y/N should catch up. It has been what? Almost three years since you two seen each other?" Your mother added, moving around Ben to go inside of the house.

Ben dragged your back into his chest, picking you up. The patterned dress material spinning with you while he twirled you around, the wood creaking underneath him. You giggled wildly, as he peppered soft kisses to your cheek.

"Oh Ben. I missed you." You cried.

"I missed you too, Y/N. You know I will always come back home to ya'. You know that right?" He asked, his hands on your shoulders.

From the short distance you took him in. His appearance was surely different from when you last saw him three years prior.

He was exceptionally taller. The lankiness of the young man you remembered had filled in the rest of his clothing leaving a firm and toned man standing in front of you. His hair freshly combed, he was wearing an army uniform, a proper man he had become.

"Was it hard being away from home for that long Ben?" You queried, his hands finding yours, tugging you to sit down next to him, like the old days on the porch swing.

"Being away from you, hurt like hell. All I had were them letters you sent me." He stated, his free hand rose to brush a stray lock of hair from your face.

"Now you’re home." You whispered just loud enough for him to hear you.

Ben's expression slowly saddened, as he let go of you. You raised a brow, tilting your head.

"You are staying around, like you promised in our letters? Right Ben?" You continued to question.

----

Over the years it had worsened.

The world was not like it used to be.

Thirty five years had passed since Ben had seen you. He recalled 1947 as his “golden days” where women flocked to him after he was dosed with Comp V and became known as Soldier Boy. However, he also pulled out the long forgotten memories of the young woman he had left behind.

Soldier Boy was seated in his penthouse, wearing nothing but a silk robe, fisting a glass of bourbon while half-hazardously trying to calm his nerves. On the table in front of him laid a bottle of Bennies crushed and ready to have been snorted. Yet, Soldier Boy hesitated. A heaping wave of regret washing over him.

The year Soldier Boy was getting himself riled up for Herogasm in 1982. The iron embroidered clock struck 8:30 in the evening and he knew if he was going to be fashionably late he should leave before 9:30PM. It was hard telling how the others were doing.

He had promised Couze, Crimson Countess-his publicity stunt of a girlfriend that he would meet all of the team there when he himself felt like showing up. Which was going to be now.

Soldier Boy sighed, dragging himself into the bedroom, to head towards the shower.

Once he got into his suit, the helmet slid over his chiseled facial features as he took one last look in the mirror before disappearing out his front door.

—

“Where the fuck have you been? Don’t you think it’s a bit unprofessional to show up to Herogasm four hours late? The fucking thing started at 5.” Countess bitched, while Soldier Boy rolled his eyes, turning his gaze towards the crowd of people mingling, and to others fucking each other senseless in more ways than one.

“To be fairly honest with you Couze. I’d appreciate it if you would shut that cumdumpster of a cockholder you call a mouth.” He hissed, taking a sip of his drink.

“Go fuck yourself.” Crimson spat.

“Already did, whore.” He replied.

----

Soldier Boy had eventually moved away from Countess and the others, ending up on a balcony outside of the main event. It was a bit more enjoyable with the cool night air. He pulled out a pack of smokes and took one into his mouth.

Digging a lighter out of his pocket, a throat cleared.

He tensed while he slowly looked back.

“Had no idea you smoked, Benny.” The glass shattered on the floor as Ben whipped around.

“Y/N?” He shook his head.

“Who else would it be, Benny.” You cooed.

“Looks like you got some work done.” He stated, taking a step forward.

“I gave up on you a long time ago. When you left me on that front porch swing. After my daddy died.” You gritted your teeth in frustration.

“You were dead, I was told you-“ you had to laugh.

“Is that what Vought wanted you to think? No, when they got word you had someone back home-- they wasted no time hauling my ass up to the superhero factory. They pump me full of fucking poison. I waited and waited with a small sliver of hope that you-“ you trembled, the words not wanting to come out.

“Forget it.” You turned from him. “Looks like you took that offer huh? Became a weapon-a toy for Vought American to profit off of.”

You stared back into the party, the patrons visible, sick slapping of flesh and putrid moans escaping the lips of the many who partook in this disgusting festival.

"I wanted something more." Soldier Boy started.

"Here you are then. You have got everything you wanted. The money, the fame...hell you even have someone back home. Keeping your bed warm." You interjected, as you whipped back around your face expressing how utterly livid you were to face the man that had once been your entire world.

"Shut your fucking mouth, Y/N. You got no business talking to me like that. Everything back then was temporary, whatever was between us, the things that happened, were merely one of those things." He hissed, shoving himself away from the railing, his attention on you.

Your lip quivered, you were on the verge of snapping.

"I wanted to show you the life you could have lived if you would have just stayed in Philly. We grew up together, ran the streets, we were two against your father's entire regime. It was just the two of us. I loved you, Benjamin." You couldn't help the couple of tears that rolled and stained your cheeks. You weren't finished, you never were when it came to facing Benjamin Gilman.

"You know, before you just disappeared, back in 49', my mother had asked about you. She wanted to know if you would be coming to celebrate the holidays. I didn't have the heart to tell her that you had--" You quickly swiped the tears from your eyes again.

"Your letters stopped coming. I waited and waited until I couldn't wait for you anymore. And here we are... both of us back together again. It is truly pathetic." you quipped, a small whine escaping from your lips.

"There was no us, Y/N. There never was. When I came home in 47' I was ready to tell you I was heading to New York, that I was leaving you, but I couldn't bring myself to tell you. Because why should I? You were just another girl. There's more of them around me now. I have a lot of them I can choose from." Ben sneered.

"Decided to choose the one that hates you huh? Real classy, Benjamin." You spat.

He stomped towards you, backing your back into the hard brick as it hit the siding. Caging you in with both of his arms, he leaned close to the side of your head, his lips inches away from the tip of your ear.

"You're nothing to me. Fucking nothing. Shoulda' never came here, Y/N. Don't belong with the big leagues. You keep your mouth shut about things you have no idea about" He pushed off of the wall, his back to you again.

"This is what you call the big leagues? More like a bunch of super abled brats, running around with their knickers in a twist. I wanted something amazing for you. I wanted you to have a life. This? This isn't a life. This is a place where you're going to end up dying." Your cheek had burned when he slapped you hard, as you fell onto your ass. You furrowed your brows, silencing yourself, rubbing the side of your face.

"I fucking warned you to shut your fucking mouth. Get out. Start walking. I moved on, Y/N." He gritted his teeth, pushing past you and back to the railing.

"Is this how little you think of me? I don't regret meeting you. You made me happy. Even after everything, even just the interactions between us now, I still love you. I never stopped. I don't think I ever will." You reached out to try and touch Soldier Boy's shoulder. When you placed your palm onto it, he let you. Letting out a sigh, he slightly turned his head to look at you from the corner of his eye.

"I know somewhere deep down in that heinous, arrogant heart of yours, there is a part of you that still cares about me too. I don't hate you, I don't hate the person you used to be--the Benny I adored. I hate the person you have become. Maybe things could have been different in another life." Pulling away from him, you had begun to walk away, until his hand wrapped around your forearm and pulled you back.

He tucked his head into your neck.

"Life was much simpler when you were gone, when I thought you were dead, Y/N."

You loosened his arms, as he let you go. Your hands moved to touch the clasp around your neck, as you unclipped the locket he had given you. You then placed the piece into his palm, closing it.

"Then I guess this is the end to our little fairytale story." You stood on the tips of your toes, planting a light kiss to his cheek, to then make your way back through the crowds of people.

"Wait-don't go! Y/N! Please!" The sound of Soldier Boy's voice had been drowned out by everyone before you could even look back at the man you had grown up with.

Only time would tell when you would see him next.

----

Two more years pass, the wad of pain that erupted from within your chest, brought you to your knees. The news of Soldier Boy, Benjamin "Benny" Gilman, had died to save the lives of the American people.

Not much was said after that, besides the array of memorial celebrations that honored his death, countless events, holidays created that brought inspiration to the new generation of people.

Even when Crimson Countess found out about you, she had somehow ended up at your front door, with a folded up flag. Since he was out of her life, she donated the rest to museums. Countess did not want the man to plague her even after death.

Y/N did warn him that she didn't love him.

----

Present day was much worse than what you had expected. You hadn't aged a bit, it had taken thirty years for you to even age one year. Even then, the memories still haunted you.

Payback had dispersed, becoming run down entertainers to scrounge up whatever money they could to keep their lives luxurious.

None of them had aged well.

You had become numb to the world around you, watching the Seven become popular, rising to the top of the rankings, watched their leader make a fool of himself. It was a position you gave yourself. You didn't have to work, you didn't have to eat much, nor sleep. Practically immortal, actually you could have been immortal. You were starting to believe the latter.

William Butcher and his team had met with you on some occasions after digging into files and finding your name written within. Wanting to know information about Soldier Boy. You had given those fucks the same answer that he was dead. Gave his life, like in the documentaries.

They had buried him in the cemetery, whatever was left of him of course. They had a closed casket funeral, for the sake of those who attended.

Now, you visit his grave, every Tuesday, and you sit with him. Talk about how your life was going. You wished you could have had more time.

---

It had been in the middle of winter, a Tuesday. A coat keeping you warm, while you made a place to sit, continuing the routine. The cemetery was silent, not a noise within earshot. That is until you heard the sound of crunching footfalls within the snow. Chalking it up to other people visiting their loved ones, you quietly returned to your conversation.

Someone cleared their throat.

A man.

"Still pissed at me, Y/N?"

[going-to-ikea-for-the-fries]

It's a Match! || poly!141 x Reader

[Chapter 17] || [Chapter 19]

Pairing: Soap x Reader || 141 x gn!Reader Words: 1.3K~ Summary: While overcoming recent heartbreak, you decide to join Tinder in search of a rebound. Your friends advise to just Swipe Right indiscriminately... What happens when 4 soldiers from the same squad match with you? a/n: Soap is cute.

Chapter 18: Picnic

It’s 11 A.M. on Sunday when you wake up to your phone ringing. Normally you wouldn’t sleep in so late, but it’s a Sunday and you’ve got no plans, so you’re tucked into bed, lightly dozing off and feeling comfortable.

You roll over and hiss at the cold sheets next to you before you grab your phone from the charger and take it to your ear without looking at the Caller ID.

Clearing your throat, you greet a rough: “Hello…?” and rub your eyes. 

“Oh, someone’s sleepy, huh?” Johnny asks from the other end. “Did I wake ye, sweetheart?” He asks you, amused.

“Yeah… What time is it..?” You ask as you roll back to the warm side of your bed.

“11 A.M..” He tells you with a chuckle. “I’m bored and alone… You mind if I come over?” He asks you.

“Sure…” You reply softly. “Just give me like… 20 minutes to get ready…” You tell him,

“About that…” Johnny replies and then you hear your doorbell ringing through your flat. “I’m downstairs.” He chuckles on the other end of the line.

“Johnny!” You groan. “You can’t show up unannounced like this! The flat’s a mess and I’m not dressed! I need to shower ans all…” You trail off.

“It’s not ‘unannounced’, I called you to announce myself!” He replies and, by the tone of his voice, you know he has a smile on his lips. 

“Besides, I don’t mind if you shower… Hell, I’ll join ye.” He says with a mischievous chuckle. “Get you all lathered up in the shower, soapy skin and all, hm?” He continues.

“You know what?” You say as you snuggle into the blankets. “No.” You say directly. “You’re going to stay down there while I get ready.” You tell him.

“Wha-?” He asks in surprise with a gasp. “But… It’s pishin’ out here.” He tells you.

You turn to look out your bedroom window and sigh at the sight of the cloudy grey skies and rain hitting the panes.

“Well, tough luck! I’m not dressed so I’m not letting you in yet.” You reply. “Hope you’ve got an umbrella.”

“I’ve brought food, mo leannan, it’s going to get cold!” He announces.

“Goddamn you.” You grumble as you toss back the blankets and get up, rushing across the flat to buzz him in at the intercom.

“Thanks!” He adds as he hangs up the call. 

-

“You know, most people would say thank you for getting to have warm food picked up by their boyfriend and spend an afternoon being lazy and having a picnic in the living room.” Soap quips and nudges you with his elbow while watching you eat the soft shell taco he bought you.

You’re sitting on the floor across from each other, using the coffee table to hold your meal and drinks. You’ve noticed that you barely use your actual dining table for what it’s designed… Especially since the boys entered your life.

Johnny sits across from you wearing a pair of navy joggers that cling onto his bulky thighs way too much, and a grey Henley shirt that clings to every muscle of his arms and torso and leaves his collarbone exposed, since the buttons aren't done up.

“Excuse me?” You retort. “A) You’re not my boyfriend,” You begin to say as Soap quips “Yet.” halfway through, which causes you to shoot him a look for interrupting you.

“And B) You didn’t give me time to get ready. I need a shower…” You grumble, to which he, also, has a reply ready. “Ye can shower after. We can even have a nice bath together.” You shoot him another dirty look.

He knows that you’ve noticed that he thinks with his lower head more often than not… And the way he’s smiling at you, all impish and mischievous makes you roll your eyes.

“And C) this hardly counts as a picnic!” You finish as you finish your taco and reach to grab a new one from the box.

“I disagree. It’s food you can eat with your hands and you’re sitting on a blanket on the floor.” He replies. “That’s a picnic.”

“Is not, a picnic is meant to be had in nature.” You retort as you take a bite of your new taco.

“Oh? You’d rather be out there in the pouring rain to make your point?” He retorts with a playful smug on his lips as he points out the window.

Rolling your eyes, you shake your head. “No.” 

“Then it’s a picnic.” He retorts. “And my point still stands that you shouldn’t complain so much.” He adds.

“You’re impossible, Johnny.” You tell him.

He smirks at you and continues eating, his blue eyes watching you closely as you eat the meal he’s bought you, a soft smile on your lips despite the fact you’re a bit annoyed at him.

“Ye know…” He says as he reaches for his can of Coke and takes a sip. “Ye make Simon and Kyle really happy.” He tells you.

Your eyebrows rise as you keep chewing your food. “I do?”

“Aye.” He replies as he leans his elbow on his knee to keep looking at you. “Simon doesn’t talk much about it, but I see it in the way he looks at you. The way he touches ye. Never ever seen the L.T. be so gentle with anyone.” He explains.

“And Kyle… He’s usually upbeat and all but he’s more… well… unbothered, ye ken? Doesn’t fuss about things, always relaxed, chill.” He continues. “Haven’t seen him smile as much as he does as when he bounces up from his chair at the end of the day and rushes out to go pick ye up.” He admits.

Your eyes soften a bit and you find your whole face getting hot as you hear him so you shovel the rest of your taco in your mouth so you can’t say something embarrassing.

“And, to be honest, I get it.” He replies. “I see the way ye light up when you see them…” He admits. “Ye’re so bonnie when ye’re smiling… And yer jokes and banter just put a smile on my face too…” He trails off.

Swallowing your food, you take a greedy gulp of your own soda to try and process what you want to say and you just end up blurting out a soft “I’m just me…”

“And ye’re great.” He replies and smiles as he goes back to eating his food, as if he hadn’t just said something so… sweet and deep.

The rest of the meal is spent talking about other things, less important, less deep things. You look at him with interest and intrigue, as if trying to figure him out, as you two talk about inconsequential things and make banter.

He shows you a couple of his art pieces on his phone, causing you to coo at them, especially a page he’s been working on that’s just got little portraits of everyone he works with. Ghost, Gaz, John… But also some other people he introduces to you. An ‘Alejandro’, a ‘Rudy’, a ‘Nik’, an ‘Alex’... And a ‘Farah’ and a ‘Laswell’. 

You come to realize that he’s… interesting, fun, easy to talk to, silly... Despite how stupid and silly and boring his profile on Tinder made him out to be… Soap’s… great.

Once the meal is done, you tidy up the living room a bit. He takes the trash to the bin, while you fix the pillows and blankets and run the roomba over the kitchen and living room… And, once you’re done, you turn to look at him while you both stand by the couch.

Biting your lip, you look up at him. “So… about that bath?” You whisper.

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

taglist (CLOSED! not adding anyone else, sorry!):

@daisychainsinknots , @bunnysdaydreams , @iite-cool , @lahniu , @pagesfalling , @tapioca-milktea1978 , @live-love-be-unique , @thelaisydazy , @littleghosthunter , @bossva , @emotion-no-hot-yes-hotel-trivago , @chamomiletealeaf , @ghosts-hoe , @kariiiel , @ltbarnes , @irregulardongyoung , @spacelia , @hayleybarnesx , @infpt-zylith , @xxshadowbabexx , @frescoisnotinthemilitary , @leeeenistop , @lucienbarkbark

@severenswife , @enarien, @agoodmoviekiss , @l0lziez , @whos-fran , @greatstormcat , @openup-yourmind , @neoarchipelago , @sodavrr , @cutiecusp , @lilliumrorum , @c-nstantine , @kneelforloki , @comeonatmebruh , @codsunshine , @waiting-so-long , @captainquake42 , @gazspookiebear , @mynameismisty , @reap3erslov3 , @reaper-chan666 , @poohkie90 , @kitwithnokat , @stick-the-dumbass , @mothsdrabbles , @justanerd1 , @thesinsoflust , @thriving-n-jiving , @blckbrrybasket

[holylulusworld]

Cabin at the lake (7)

Summary: You have a much-needed vacation. There’s only one problem…

Pairing: Soldier Boy x Assistant!Reader

Warnings: SB being an ass, tension, arguments, vacation hijacking, misogynism, slow burn, cocky SB, boner, language

A/N: Another short drabble with these two.

Cabin at the lake (6)

Cabin at the lake masterlist

“Do you want a smoke too?” Soldier boy dips his head to glance at you sitting in one of the chairs outside your cabin. He offers a joint to you, a smirk on his lips. “It will help you with the pain.”

“Get fucked,” you grumble and snuggle into the blanket you wrapped around your body. Just a little longer and you can go back inside the cabin. At least, you hope so.

Soldier Boy tried to fry some bacon, and now the cabin stinks like you’re living in a smoker. “I was nothing but nice to you, sweetness.” He has the guts to look offended. “The least you could do was be nice to me. How about you sit in my lap?”

“Why are you still here?” You growl. The drugs stopped working, and now you are cranky and angry. “You’re a waste of air and space.”

“Aw, you say such nice things,” he purrs your name and pats his lap. “If you come here and let me rub your shoulders, I promise to leave.”

You quirk a brow, not trusting Soldier Boy. “You promise to leave if I let you massage my shoulders? Where’s the catch?”

“No catch.” He crosses his heart. “Come here and let me take care of you. It’s my fault your hand is broken and that the doctor fucked with your meds.”

“If your hands wander, I’ll break your pretty face!” You warn him before getting up to walk toward the lounger Vought's minions delivered for him this morning. The moment you want to sit on the end of it, Soldier Boy grabs you by your waist to bring you into his lap.

You squeal and try to wiggle out of his iron grip. “Let go of me! That wasn’t the deal.”

“Relax,” he purrs and nuzzles his face in your neck. “I want to help you. I have magic in my hands. If you let me knead the knots out, you’ll feel like you ended up in heaven.”

You snort. “What can go wrong? I’m already in hell with you around.”

Soldier Boy smirks. He has you in his lap. One of his arms wrapped around your waistline to hold you against his chest. “You won’t regret letting me take care of you. Sweetness, you’ll feel so good after I put my hands on you.”

Your round feeling something else than his hands poking your ass. You harrumph and slap his thigh. “A boner wasn’t what you promised to me, asshat. Let go of me.”

“Can you feel what you do to me, sweetness? That’s all for you,” he whispers in your ear while eagerly rubbing his aching cock against your ass.

“You fucking pervert! There I was, believing you could act like a decent guy and help me with my pain! Pain you caused,” you growl, and slap his thigh even harder. “You’re a real pain in the ass.”

“Aw, sweetness,” he groans against you. “If you ever let me fuck you, it won’t be your ass I’ll go for first.”

You sneer and ram your elbow in his stomach. He doesn’t even flinch. Soldier Boy chuckles and simply holds you tighter. “Let me give you that massage now. If my hand slips and ends up in your shorts, it’s an accident.

Tags in reblog.

[arminsumi]

WOOOO I GET TO SPAM YOUR INBOX AGAIN WITH REQUESTS!! (jokes, jokes) BUT!!

armin with a reader who wears a purity ring 👀 can be nsfw, sfw, or a mix of both! all i can think about is him taking it and wearing it on a chain 😩

Pretty wife

Armin ⋅ fem reader

NOTE: i see the vision 😳 i hope u like what i made of ur idea hehehe

🔞 minors don't read or interact / n.sfw / smut / 18+ content

WARNINGS — possessiveness, virginity loss, dirty talk, clothed sex (wedding dress 👀), creampie / unprotected sex, names (princess, baby)

🍒 — J ⋅ reblogs and comments help a lot ! enjoy reading :)

Min was very quick to slip a purity ring on your finger. Once he got you, he got you; a Scorpionic death grip on your mind, body and soul. He was completely spellbound by you when you first met years ago in college, and he's even more so on the day of your wedding.

You can barely free yourself from your fluffy wedding dress before he's eagerly devouring you with hot, mouthy kisses all over your skin. Panting. Feverish. He's been waiting so patiently all these years in anticipation of having you all to himself. The wait almost drove him crazy.

That chain with a ring always dangled in front of your face and caught your eyes each time you and Armin fooled around in the past. Those tame touches and strokes never went too far, because he was disciplined — as expected of a soldier boy. But sometimes it felt like he was gonna snap. The feeling of that chain around his neck helped him refrain from completely giving into lust.

Because even though he wanted to ruin his cute girlfriend's pussy, he thought about how good it would feel to ruin his cute wife's pussy in the future.

So he waited patiently, like a good disciplined man, and then the day of your wedding finally came around and —

" 'waited so long for this moment, princess. " he pants. " o—h my god, ahhhah, fuck, that's so good. "

" 'miiin... " you moan softly, balling up your wedding dress in your fists, the white fabric bunching up.

He loves you. The way you look at him sets him on fire. He's so hard it hurts. The two of you have barely been married for two hours and he's already got his slender waist buried between your thighs. You and him fled the party like two horny teenagers back to your shared apartment.

Min feels dizzy when he swipes his tip between your plush, juicy folds, and nearly loses it when he pushes his sensitive head through your tight ring of muscle for the first time. His breath hitches when he feels the way you squish and squeeze on him.

It's all a bit too much, you feel too good. He has to keep taking it out and composing himself. His lips occupy yours with feverish, wet kisses. There's saliva glistening on his bottom lip, and crescent teeth marks decorate yours — he's always enjoyed biting you.

" 'don't tease... put it in all the way. i need to feel you. " you murmur, clinging to his bicep.

Your words make him whine.

" I don't mean to tease you b—aby — fuck — you just feel too good, i can't handle it. God, 'love it when you look at me like that. Like i'm the only person in the world. I l-love you — I love you. "

The noises falling past his pretty lips are purely erotic when he finally starts smacking his pelvis against your hips. Delicate hands with prominent veins running down it push back your legs so he can get deeper.

Such sweet dirty talk came out of him, of course, because he was a sweet boy from day one. Your love sweetened him even more. He's got such a big heart, and it's all yours now. He stares lustfully at the wedding ring on your finger, and holds that hand. His other presses into the pillow right besides your head, his torso in an arch over you.

" I'm all yours, 'm all yours — my body's yours, my heart's yours. You're mine, yeah? Say it, please, I wanna hear you say it — yesyesyes — f-uck again, say it more. Y-you're mine, mine... this pussy's all mine too, yeah? It's mine? My pussy, just for me? "

He snuggles his flushed face into the crook of your neck, his hips roll against you so erotically that you almost felt sickly dizzy on the pleasure. It's almost comparable to eating too much candy and suffering a blissed out sugar rush, only to keep nibbling more because it tastes so good. The soft squelching noises grew louder and louder 'till that's all either of you could hear above the sounds of your own voices and panting.

You feel him whine your name into your neck, and then his cock pulses like crazy in your squishy walls. He's pumping a creamy load deep inside, overstimulating himself a bit as he keeps rocking into you. There's nothing on his mind right now other than making his pretty wife cum; so he thumbs at your clit.

Cock getting frothed up with your cream, a gooey ring of his cum forming at the base as he plunges in and out at just the right angle to make you see all the stars in the galaxy. You sink your nails into his bicep and he loves the feeling. Lewd popping sounds each time he bottoms out.

" 'm gonna cum again, baby. Cum with me. " he pants, " cum all over me, let it out on me — make a mess on my cock y'know it's all yours now."

You can barely speak, you're just whining like a cat as each thrust makes you jiggle back and forth like you're made of jelly.

He rolls his hips flush against your ass, the plush smack of skin on skin earning a sharp moan from you. Just hearing his cock squelch as he fills you up to the brim is enough to make you tip over the edge yourself. And Armin's just admiring you; that's his pretty little wife.

© arminsumi

Do not plagiarize / repost / translate / copy layouts / etc.

Do not steal what I've worked hard to create.

[captain-mj]

Domestic short hair cat shifter Ghost who people look down on when they find out, but it’s actually really useful for stealth missions and as a fellow cat owner pissed off cats of any size are a massive problem.

Roach and Soap take him seriously from the get go also being small critters that are actually terrifying (look up weasels they’re vicious blighters)

Have a great day

This ran away from me

Shifters, on paper, were banned from the military. In practice, a lot of military men were shifters. While Price would never give away if he himself was a shifter or not, the threat of being stripped of the title of Captain a bit too real for him to admit it, he spoke rather vocally against the rules. 

And the 141 was an open secret taskforce. No one on it was just human.

Soap was a badger personally He wasn’t the biggest of creatures, but he could hold his own. Roach was a weasel, a particularly vicious one at that. 

Ghost was a cat. At first glance, a kitten. There was a theory he was a black footed cat but he looked rather… normal? He looked like a simple Tawny cat. 

Soup had scooped him up and pet him the first time he saw him. So few Shifters were Domestic cats, it didn't cross his mind that it was maybe a soldier. The worst part was Ghost letting Soap snuggle him for a Few minutes, letting Soap set him down and letting him kiss his forehead before shifting back and walk away.

Soap had been mortified and Roach had laughed at him.

His shaking shoulders made him feel better. A little at least. 

When Ghost had simply told some nosy recruits that he was a feeling, everyone assumed a big car. Tiger, Lion or Cougar.

Not… a house cat. 

Soap was unsure who told their current base the truth. But it got under Ghost’s skin in a way nothing else did. 

Roach, always the jealous one, did not take kindly to people acting like they now had some familiarity with Ghost. They'd joke around and ask him questions and just in general be... off. Sometimes they'd do things for him like open doors or offer to take hard missions for him. It was alarming, but most were smart enough to disguise it as other things.

Soap didn't understand the frustration until someone had the gall, the audacity, the fucking nerve, to call Ghost "kitty."

"Kitty, we know kittens are not that great at fighting. It's okay. Why not leave that to the actual predators, yeah?"

Soap had almost thrown himself over the table in a blind rage. He had been foaming at the mouth pissed and Ghost had to pick him up and drag him away. The glare he sent to the other person was enough for them to realize that Ghost wanted to let Soap go. Let him be the menace he wanted to be.

Roach stood nearby, glaring into them. He snarled and snapped at them until Ghost made it clear he wanted him to follow. The three made it to Ghost's room with minimal damage to anything other than Soap's reputation. Watching him get manhandled was not something most people expected.

Ghost shook his head. "Now boys."

Soap interrupted him. "No! They're being disrespectful just because you're a cat shifter."

"Uh huh."

"And they're trying to get your attention and just in general being horrible. He called you kitty. He tried to sideline you."

"And I can handle it."

Roach hit Ghost's shoulder and looked displeased. He almost immediately rubbed against him as an apology. "They need to learn respect."

"Guys, I can handle it. I promise."

Soap shook his head. "You shouldn't have to. That's the whole point. You're perfect for stealth missions. Perfect for getting into places and you've even been picked by high profile targets. It's really helpful."

Ghost shook his head at them and butted heads with Soap. At first, he thought it was aggressive before realizing Ghost was being affectionate. "You two are such losers."

Roach huffed and quickly wiggled himself into Ghost's arms. He wrapped his arms around the both of them.

Ghost allowed himself, making little noises of displeasure, to be shoved back. They hung all over him. "C'mon. guys."

Soap huffed. "Just want to help you out."

"Don't need it."

"You deserve it."

Roach pulled Ghost down and kissed him sweetly. Ghost muttered under his breath but he relaxed. "Still. You're sergeants."

"You're still our boyfriend." Roach reminded him.

[cloudshuffle]

a new dawn. yan!childe

index / prev / next

You rise from a deep, dreamless slumber, tangled up in soft sheets and insistent hands. Ajax’s chest rises and falls gently, ginger lashes shut over his blue eyes, cradling you to him like his most precious treasure.

Asleep, he looks more like a boy in need of affection than a warrior.

The moon is still suspended in the sky, a silver balloon ready to burst. A glance at the clock tells you that you’ve only been asleep for about an hour. Enough time to sneak back into the cabin and pretend you've been there all night.

You begin to negotiate your way carefully out of his hold. With the alcohol no longer sparkling in your veins, you feel nothing but a vague sense of urgency to return to your cabin before anyone else sobers up and notices you’re gone.

It’s a declaration. It was exactly the sort of lovesick, foolish fairytale he’d fall for. And though you’d both enjoyed those once upon a time, one of you had to grow up. Had grown up.

A puff of air ruffles your hair, and you look up to meet his eyes, blinking slowly.

“Going somewhere?” he mutters sleepily, snuggling you closer.

You tense up so he doesn’t get too comfortable. “Yes, actually. I should be getting back before anyone notices I’m gone.”

His gaze roves around the room, as if he didn’t recognise where he was, followed by a lazy yawn. “I can sneak you off the ship. Stay here.”

You push against him and he releases you, more out of surprise than anything else. “Ajax. Be serious.”

“I am.” His puppy-dog eyes follow you as you get out of bed, collecting your discarded clothing and pulling it on. “Please?”

“No,” you reply, more sharply than you’d meant. Adjusting your outfit in the mirror, you just pray that no one can see the creases in the darkness. Or the torn stocking. Behind you, his expression is a little hurt, but it only fills you with a grim satisfaction. Good. Whatever it took to keep him at arm’s length. “Do you have a rag?”

He sighs, climbing out of bed to find one for you. You soak it with water, wiping down the parts he’d left more than just bruises on.

He accosts you on the way to the door, nuzzling a kiss right by your ear. “You’re so eager to get rid of me.” His sleep-warmed skin is littered with scars, you realise, slashes and stabs of all shapes and sizes, some pale with age and others fresher.

A pang of guilt. “Sorry,” you whisper, and then you’re gone.

────────────

Liyue Harbour dawns on the horizon, sprawling and golden in the morning sun. The roofs seem to glow, speaking of riches untold - but only if you knew where to look. Which was why the Tsaritsa was expanding her presence here, entrusting the task to her harbingers and soldiers.

High above, the Floating Palace looms like a sentry, guarding the city from celestial destruction. Your fellow soldiers gather at the side of the ship, watching in awe as Liyue draws closer in all its glory. Even your heart stirs at the sight.

Childe is nowhere to be seen, likely holed up in his cabin, doing last minute paperwork he hadn't had the chance to last night. 

Probably for the better. After… that, now there's a strange, ambiguous feeling in your relationship, one that had been carefully kept nonexistent during your time back in Snezhnaya. 

And like a wounded fox offered easy prey, you're not sure how he might strike out next.

There's a scramble of activity again as goods are unloaded, sailors prepare for docking, and you're all ushered off the ship like a flock of sheep rather than esteemed Fatui operatives. But finally you're on solid ground again, having arrived safely at the port of Liyue Harbour.

Nadia’s eyes are so wide you think they might roll out from her skull. You wonder what you all look like to the locals - foreign operatives here to butt into their business, dressed in heavy coats absolutely not suitable for the weather, looking around in awe like a group of schoolchildren. No wonder the Northland Bank was running into so many problems here.

Only once you’re sequestered safely within the walls of the Northland Bank do you begin to relax. Despite its golden walls and Liyue-esque decor, you’re relieved to see a Fatui mask at the front desk. She gives you all a tired once-over, then returns to her ledger.

You’ve been assigned to fieldwork - meaning tax collecting, outwardly, but also venturing out past the walls of Liyue Harbour and doing whatever Childe required of you. Knowing the Fatui, there was no such thing as simple tax collecting.

As you linger at the back of the group, following the Fatui senior on a brief tour of the bank, you think of what you’d seen in Childe’s cabin. Papers. Maps. Diagrams. Theories about… dragons in the water and adeptal magic? You couldn’t be very sure about what you’d seen.

You’re dismissed to your little offices to get settled in and start on some paperwork.

You shut the door, exhaling a sigh of relief. It’s a blessing to be alone with nothing but your thoughts. 

You head over to your window first, peering carefully outside. Your view overlooks a regular street, lined with other businesses, their employees stationed outside to entice customers in. You watch as a gentleman, his long brown hair tied back, strides meaningfully past. He glances up.

You duck back, holding your breath until he passes.

Enough excitement for today. You shake yourself and take a seat at your desk, thumbing through the various files and folders for you to handle. Most of them are about clients of the bank you need to keep an eye on, but they’re all normal, low profile civilians. You don’t think you’ll have a problem dealing with them.

At the bottom of the stack, substantially thicker than the rest, a folder waits for you. It’s bound in red string, full to bursting. You untie it gingerly and flip it open.

Papers spill out across your desk. Adepti, rituals, ancient ink on gold paper.

Talismans.

You feel like you’re holding your breath as you sift through the information. It seems as if the Fatui in Liyue had been doing extensive research on talismans infused with adepti magic - Sigils of Permission, more commonly known. Created by Rex Lapis and infused with adeptal power, these sigils were once used by mortals to channel divine power.

On the last page is a breathtaking hydra, rising from the waters of Liyue Harbour - no, created from the waters of Liyue itself, jaws fixed in a ferocious roar.

Oh, Ajax. What are you up to now?

────────────

“What’s that?”

You wiggle aside to make room for Ajax. There’s not much room on the windowsill, but it’s just perfect for two little children about to waste the afternoon away reading fairy tales.

“Mama and Papa got me a book of Liyue legends.”

He hooks an arm through yours so neither of you slide off your seat as you flip through the stories, reading them out loud so he can keep up.

Something thuds against your window, startling both of you from a particularly riveting passage where Rex Lapis, unable to defeat his primal foe, pins Osial to the ocean floor. 

“Ghost!” someone yells from outside. “Dead girl!”

A jarring chorus of laughs as the boys ready another round of snowballs.

“Go away!” Ajax yells back, making a rude gesture, to which he receives one in turn.

“Nikolai!” One of their mothers hurries past, gathering the children up in her skirts. “Come now. It’s time for dinner…”

Her fearful, fleeting glance isn’t lost on you, as have the looks from so many other adults. They say you’d been in the water for so long that even a grown man couldn’t have withstood it. That the cold had infected you, kept you alive to spread its clutches into your village. Some of the elders even make the symbol of warding off evil whenever you come by. 

It doesn’t hurt quite as much as it should have.

— word count: 1368. thank you for reading!

[rampurrsszn]

NSFW

SOAPGAZPRICE

Trans-Masc!Soap.

Cw: mentions of Female Anatomy, consensual voyeurism.

I didn’t do any proof reading and that’ll be very evident I just needed to get horny thoughts out

Price had been in his hot stuffy Office for hours. His men called it the oven, it had no fan, no AC, the lamp he had in there barely provided any meaningful lighting, just an intense amount of heat, it didn’t help he also had a PC in there. So not only was it hot, it was loud as well. He needed a shower, a nice cold one to be exact.

Price often left his office sweating. He hated it, hated feeling sticky, but he was lucky he usually ended his paperwork late into the night when everyone should be sleeping, everyone but Soap and Gaz.

Fraternization isn’t the most uncommon thing in the military, and sure, while they were all in one of the most elite units in the world, in one of the most elite and selective task force in the world, you can’t always ignore biology. And Price is all about breaking rules it’d be hypocritical of him to report it. it’s not his first time catching them In the act. He usually tells them to be quieter or to get dressed, he joined once or twice, but he usually got around to them when they were ending things, so the most he got were lazy blowjobs and him doing all the work, not that he minded, seeing these two energetic fuckers all tuckered out and snuggling was a treat on its own, plus they always said they were more than happy with him just watching.

He could hear noises coming from the showers, they were pretty loud, but then again the showers were isolated, the only people here at these showers were the soldiers on patrol, the janitorial staff and well, him. He always took a shower this late at night, it was his tradition, everyone knew about it. He got closer and closer, hearing the two sergeants whimpering, groaning, moaning their names to each other. He could feel all the blood drain to his cock.. He watched them through the small opening in the doorway.

They weren’t hiding themselves good, in fact it was almost like they *wanted* to get caught. There Soap was, back against the cold wet floor, Gaz’s hands exploring his tummy, moving up the stomach to just under his chest, cupping them and squeezing before trailing back down. Gaz’s cock, throbbing, leaking precum already, was rutting against the slit of Soap’s cunt, soaked in the Scot’s unholy fluids.

Soap was beyond marked up, I mean his legs, his chest, his collarbone, neck, all covered in a mess of reds and purples. The man had his hands raking against Gaz’s back, droplets of blood trickling down as Gaz continued to mark the Scotsman up.

He couldn’t take it anymore. He needed to feel them, needed to feel their skin against his, needed to know what their skin tasted like, where the smooth parts met the rough parts, where each scar, each dip, each and every curve the fine lines and contours of their muscles. He wanted to just touch them, get his calloused hands on them.

They didn’t even realize the man standing so close to them, not until he cleared his throat and was already naked. Both of them looked up, their shocked and fearful expressions quickly turned into this weird cocky and lustful grin. They were expecting him, they were here and not their room for a reason.

“You look so tired, Cap’n. Let me and ‘Tav take care of you.” Gaz cooed. He got off Soap, reaching to pull him up. As soon as the other man was up the two were pushing Price into the shower. He let them do whatever, he’s always wanted to bury himself in both men at one point. Missions can be long and boring, and what was a man supposed to think when two pretty boys were always close to him.

Nights like these became a lot more common. His two sergeants became his dirty little secrets, and he theirs. Of course, it didn’t take long for the lieutenant to join them, but that’s a story for another day

[la-petite-lapin]

Double the Love | Part Ten

Double the Love masterlist

Simon "Ghost" Riley x Johnny "Soap" MacTavish x female civilian!OC Word Count: 3.0k (whew) Series warnings (may change between chapters): 18+ Minors DNI, angst, mentions of death, mentions of violence, swearing, OC has anxiety, suggestive content, allusions to sex, polyamory, M/M/F

Gaz and Price find out

The week passes without incident. If anything, it's perfect.

During the day, I go to work. In the evenings, I come home to the two most perfect men in the world. Dinner is cooked - the table laid and the dishes washed - and I have a night of snuggling with my favourite people to look forward to.

Come the arrival of the weekend, our plans with the taskforce have been adjusted slightly. After a text exchange with Gaz, we've arranged a trip to a nice beer garden near his parents' house instead of them all coming to the apartment. He seemed a little confused at first, but didn't push his questioning any further when I told him that I needed to talk to John about something.

Something that I thought would be better raised on neutral ground.

Every waking hour this past week, I've been agonising over what to say to John - planning a way to tell him about my relationship with the boys. Now that I know it's not just a fling or a bit of fun for them, it's made me re-evaluate things. Above all else, I need him to know.

Johnny is on the cusp of making a full recovery and if - when - him and Simon get pulled back into active duty, I need John to keep them safe for me. I know that he'd lay down his life to protect them already - they're his boys, after all - but I want him to know just how important they are to me. That and, in all the time that I've known him, I've never been able to keep anything hidden from him for long.

The last thing I want is to blurt it out at the worst possible time later on down the line.

Even as we're driving to the beer garden, I'm jittery with nerves, twisting the oversized sleeve of my cardigan around and around over my fist. Every once and a while, Si tears his eyes away from the road ahead to shoot me a worried glance. Johnny's been kind enough to pretend not to notice, chattering away as a form of distraction from his seat in the back, leaning over the centre console to stay included.

Not that he's missing much. I've barely spoken since we woke up this morning.

Both of them know how important this is to me. How important it is that everything goes right. That I tell John first.

Ever since Alex died, John has been there for me. He stepped up like a second father, having a hand in raising me despite the fact that I was already way past my formative years when we met.

Hence my worry.

I'm about to tell the man who I view as a father that I'm sleeping with not one, but two of his best soldiers. People who Gaz - even though he meant well - has told me that he views as a second family. And I can't help but worry that this might all be too much for him. That it might damage my relationship with him in some fundamental, irreparable way, or worse - that it might put a strain on his relationship with the boys.

"Stop fussing about something that hasn't even happened yet, love," Simon says from the driver's seat, voice deep and full of gravel as usual.

It looks like the grace period has ended then.

"How are you not nervous?" I bite back. It's impossible to keep the edge out of my voice, and I immediately regret snapping at him.

Logically, I know that it's not their fault I'm so anxious, but I can't help getting defensive.

There's so much going on - so many small things that are shifting around to accommodate this new, massive change in my life. It's things that I hadn't even thought about before; stupid stuff like trying to plan dates, navigating how to introduce them to people, and doing things as a three that would normally only involve two people. Previously insignificant things that now feel like a field of landmines, formerly a peaceful meadow that I didn't even have to think about. That I took for granted.

"What's got ye so pent up, lassie?" Johnny asks softly. His hand reaches out from the backseat, the warm, familiar weight of it coming to rest on my shoulder.

I lean into his touch, allowing myself to bask in the casual display of affection for a moment before letting out a pitiful huff.

"Everything."

"Explain."

"I... I-" Be honest. "John might hate me after this. He might think that I set out to make this happen; that I'm compromising the integrity of your taskforce by being with you the way I am. By being a distraction. And he might... he might see me differently when he finds out about the three of us being together." I can sense Simon gearing up to protest in my peripheral vision, so I stare straight ahead through the windscreen as I carry on, unwavering. "And then there's the fact that Winnie is going to be home from France soon, and you're going to leave and go back to work. You won't even let me go to the barracks, so when you're between deployments we'll have to live under Winnie's feet - which isn't fair to her or us. And it's going to kill me inside when you go no contact... what if I really need to talk to you and you aren't available? And I won't be able to make it better by talking to John either, because he'll be gone too, or he won't be talking to me..."

My rambling comes to an abrupt halt; palms clammy as I desperately gulp down a breath of fresh air. The car is silent save for the faint hum of the engine. Johnny's fingers lightly squeeze my shoulder, offering some much-needed reassurance. The contact grounds me; centres my thoughts.

"Well," Si began, clearing his throat. I might have been imagining it, but I could've sworn that there was a subtle shake to his voice. A hint of nervousness. "Maybe the three of us could look for a place together? Close enough to the apartment that you can visit Winslow whenever you want."

My heart grew two sizes inside my chest.

The steely, aloof Simon "Ghost" Riley himself was suggesting that we get a place of our own. A home. Something that the two of them never had before now. Before me.

It takes a considerable effort on my part not to tear up, especially as I spot the road marker for the beer garden on the narrow country lane up ahead.

"You would do that for me?" I ask, tone brimming with barely-contained emotion.

Simon nods, indicating right and easing the car into the car park. Once we're parked up, the engine switched off and stationary, he turns to look over his shoulder at Johnny. I watch them; the look that they share loaded with such love and mutual understanding.

It's not like it was before. I don't feel that undercurrent of jealousy that I used to - there's no cold, ugly thing clawing inside my chest. No; I know that I'm included in that affection. I'm not an outsider anymore.

And it makes me feel ashamed.

Ashamed for getting so caught up in how everyone else might perceive this. Ashamed for being self-conscious of something so beautiful and pure and sweet that the three of us share.

"'ah think we should all get on the internet tonight and start lookin'," Johnny adds, running the calloused pad of his thumb along the dip of my collarbone. "Start gettin' some viewings booked in. I don't know how much longer I'm gonna be on injury leave for, lassie, and I'll be happier knowing that we're all set up before Si and I leave."

"I've already marked some places for you two to look at," a gravelly voice with a Manchester accent states.

My head whips around to Simon and the jerk of Johnny's hand on my shoulder tells me that he's done the same. Sure enough, Simon's cheeks and ears are tinged with a fierce blush, hazel eyes refusing to directly meet my gaze.

When he notices our attention, he looks up, scowling at both of us. "What?"

Johnny laughs, only earning him an even sharper glare and a growled oh fuck off.

"There's nothing wrong with it, Si," I say, trying to keep the amusement out of my tone in case he thinks I'm laughing at him. Because that went down so well last time. "It's cute."

Si's expression turns deadpan as he looks at me.

Admittedly, that may have been the wrong thing to say to him - my 6'7, scar-flecked army lieutenant.

Hoping to quell some of that ire, I unbuckle my seatbelt and lean forward in my seat, closing the distance between us in to press a sweet, lingering kiss to his lips. If anything, it only makes him blush harder.

Johnny whines from the back. "Where's mine? 'ah do adorable shit all the time."

Before he can complain any more, I lean back over the centre console and kiss him too. But - ever the crafty one - he snakes a hand around the back of my neck, tangling his fingers into the loose strands of my hair and angling my head as he deepens the kiss.

Ignoring the impatient huff from Si, Johnny presses something - a button hidden along the edge of my chair - and the backrest thuds down, landing on the vacant seat beside him. With strong hands and practiced ease, the Scotsman hauls me from the front passenger side and onto his lap. Calloused hands find purchase on my thighs as I scramble to straddle him.

Every worry melts away as Johnny's warm, rough hands slip under the skirt of my summer dress, blunt nails raking over the skin of my ass and hips, sending a shiver skittering down my spine. I groan, arching into him - savouring the moment.

"Can't you do this later?" Simon grumbles. My head snaps over my shoulder to see him, watching us intently, eyes hazed with that far-away, hungry look that he gets whenever he's turned on.

"Jealous because you can't fit back here too?" I ask teasingly, punctuating it with a drawn-out grind of my hips against the front of Johnny's faded jeans.

Johnny whines and Simon's eyes flare with the challenge.

"Trust me, I can," he managed with gritted teeth. Just as he unclips his seatbelt - expression filled with lustful promise - his phone pings with a message alert. One quick glance has him groaning for an entirely different reason that Johnny. "We'll finish this tonight at home. Gaz said Price is wondering where we are."

I swallow, all of that worry tumbling back in without the promise of Johnny and Simon to distract me.

"Fucksake!" Johnny complains, lifting his hands to drag them down his face. "Yer tellin' me 'm gonna have to look my boss in the eye, telling him 'm fuckin' Tali with a tent in my trousers?"

Simon grins, a wicked, brutal thing. "Yep. And I'm going to be smiling the whole time."

Gaz has good taste.

I thought the beer garden would just be a bog-standard grass-and-some-benches type of thing, but I'm pleasantly surprised by the sight waiting for us when we step out of the open patio doors at the side of the pub. Half of the space is decked, with a railing and steps leading down to a semi-circle of wooden, shed-like structures, housing tables with built-in benches. There are still normal tables, scattered around in the open space with large, white parasols to offer shade from the blaring sun, but I can't see John or Gaz amongst the people there.

"They're in shed number five apparently," Simon supplies, sliding his phone into his back pocket. He points in the direction of a shed off to the side, the wooden siding painted a mockingly cheerful shade of yellow.

I look to him and Johnny in turn before making my best attempt at schooling my features into a smile. The flash of concern in Johnny's eyes is enough to tell me that it looks as pitiful as it feels.

Placing those large hands of his on my shoulders, he smiles down at me. I want to kiss him, but I know that Gaz and John have probably already seen us - watching from the open doorway of the shed. It's a risk I can't afford to take right now.

"Lassie," Johnny says in his most soothing voice, hands running up and down the lengths of my arms before stopping at my wrists, lacing my fingers with his. "You'll be fine. We'll be there the whole time; we won't leave ya alone out there." Then, ducking down until his lips brush against the shell of my ear, he adds, "We'll make it up to ye tonight."

When he pulls away, a smug, cocky half-smile on his face, I'm blushing furiously - cheeks burning with heat.

Si takes one look at me and lets out an exasperated sigh. "Brilliant. Can you two not keep it in your pants for five minutes? Behave, children."

With that, he marches off ahead, leaving us to trail behind at a much more leisurely pace. A few feet away from the doorway to the bright yellow shed, I untangle my fingers from Johnny's, wanting to keep some sense of normalcy for just a little while before I have to break the news.

A quiet, cowardly part of me wants one of the boys to do it for me - even though we all agreed that it was better coming from me.

Sucking in another deep breath, I relax my face and step into the shed behind Johnny. Gaz and John are on one side the table, Simon and Johnny naturally slotting in beside one another on the other. Before I can sit down next to John - the side where there is slightly more space - Johnny grabs onto my hand, guiding me down into the tiny gap between him and the shed wall.

I giggle as he jostles himself, bumping his hip against Si's repeatedly in an attempt to give me some more room, and I look up just in time to catch the tail-end of a glance between John and Gaz. My throat dries out.

"So... how are the ribs healing, Soap?" John asks, dark eyes homing in on the Scotsman.

Johnny squirms in his seat. "Yeah. I guess they're healing just fine, Captain. I've been doing all the exercises physio 've told me to do."

"And he's had this one at his beck and call," Simon adds, nodding his head in my direction. He's wearing a black surgical mask to conceal the lower half of his face, but I can tell by the crinkles at the corners of his eyes that he's smiling. "Perfect little nurse, she is."

I grumble, wanting desperately to hit him. "Ironic, given you're the one with the nurse outfit."

There's a pause as Gaz breaks down, his silent, shaking laughter devolving into a full-blown laughing fit. John tries in vain to hide his mouth behind his hand, but the quivering of his broad shoulders betrays his own amusement.

He looks up, offering me a kind smile. It's so warm that it makes my chest ache. "I'm... I'm not even going to ask," the stoic captain says.

"It's not a nurse outfit," Si protests, deadpan.

I flash him a saccharine sweet - if slightly vicious - smile. "Of course. Whatever you say, Nurse Riley."

He's bright red now. If he were any more embarrassed, he'd be steaming from the ears. "Johnny thought that it would be a funny joke gift for..."

"Don't ye worry, love," Johnny says, joining in on the light-hearted ribbing with zero remorse, "we won't judge ye."

We carry on laughing, joking around with one another. Gaz talks about his family and John tells the boys about something that someone they work with - a woman called Kate - told him the other week. Something about an upcoming mission that they might be assigned.

Before long, Johnny announces to the table that he's thirsty, making me stand up so that he and Si can clamber out of the shed. Despite his protests, they drag Gaz out with them too - insisting that they need a hand carrying the drinks back out. Which is bullshit.

I look up at John. For the first time all day, we're alone.

It's now or never.

"John... there's something that I've been wanting to talk to you about," I start, voice shaking slightly. I can hear my heartbeat thumping in my ears as my fight or flight response kicks in; my skin feeling too tight over my bones.

Immediately, there's a look of concern forms on his face, his brow lowering and making him look every bit his age. "What's wrong? I knew you seemed too quiet - have the boys said something to upset you?"

I shake my head firmly. "No. They haven't done anything. It's- um, it's something that I've done, actually."

Instead of asking any more questions, John just sits back, head resting against the wooden siding as he watches me with those dark, observant eyes. It reminds me of the day we first met - when he came to tell me about Alex; the way that he just sat and watched. The way he listened.

"I'm seeing Johnny."

John's face lights up with a look of complete and utter surprise.

"And Simon."

His jaw slackens. After a moment of stumbling over his words, he says, "Oh... okay."

Now it's my turn to be confused. "Okay?" I repeat slowly, turning the words over in my mouth.

He nods. "Okay."

My eyes narrow. "What does that mean?"

John lets out something between a sigh and an exhale, lifting a hand to rub his temples. A beat of silence passes. Then another. "Tali, I trust your judgement. Have done ever since I got to know you," he says, every word measured and considered, spoken in that low, soft voice of his. "You're a smart woman; you know what you're doing. Acting like you don't... that would be doing you a disservice. And I know the boys. It'd take a very special person to get them to open up, and - if anyone - I think that person would be you."

My chest squeezes.

Acceptance. This is acceptance.

Not hatred, or disgust, or anger.

"I... thank you, John," I say, my voice coming out as barely more than a whisper. Heat pricks at my eyes. "You have no idea how much that means to me."

John's eyes glitter. "You can tell me anything, kid. Nothing you say will ever change anything between us."

When Johnny and Simon return with Gaz and two trays of drinks not even five minutes later, I'm tucked into John's side, his arm wrapped tightly around my shoulders as I sniffle into his t-shirt.

"Everything alright?" Simon asks, eyes locked onto my tear-stained face.

I beam up at him, flashing him the widest, brightest grin I can muster. Feeling lighter than I have for a while now, I say, "Everything's perfect." Turning my attention to Gaz, I add, "Hey, Gaz?"

Slotting himself into the seat beside me, he swipes a pint off of the tray and hums in acknowledgement.

"I'm in a relationship with Johnny. And Simon."

Gaz hums again. "Figures."

Simon leans forward then, eyes practically popping out of his head. "What do you mean figures?"

He snorts out a laugh and, with a playful glimmer in those big dark eyes, he says, "Well, it would take a saint to put up with a grumpy old bastard like you. And Tali's no saint. So I figured she was getting some pretty good dick to-"

"That'll do," Simon barks, putting a swift end to that line of thought.

When the rest of us finally stop laughing, we settle in to enjoy our drinks and soak up an afternoon in the sun.

a/n: hey guys! so this was it: our longest chapter yet :) in the next few days, I'm going to be making some changes to the layout of this account - adding a navigation page in preparation for releasing some other non-Double the Love content etc etc. - see you again very soon, lapetitelapin :)

[skywheeldate]

Analyzing the Skywheel Dates

Unable to wait patiently for the Ultimania releasing next month, I wanted to provide my own analysis of the Skywheel dates between Cloud/Tifa and Cloud/Aerith.

By analyzing Cloud's behavior on these two dates, which are explicitly more romantic than the other four, I aim to understand why the dates played out the way they did and what was going through the character's heads during them.

Tifa Date:

What sticks out in most player's minds during the date is the kiss Cloud gives Tifa while riding the Skywheel, and it's easy to see why! It's the first time Cloud has kissed a woman on screen, after all. But I have seen fans state that this proves Cloud likes Tifa more, and while I hate to get myself involved in any shipping war, I feel there is a more interesting conclusion we can draw based on the timeline of events throughout both remake games.

First, I want to direct you to this caption from the Remake Ultimania:

When Cloud gives Tifa the flower, he wants to "Show off a youthful image of what he himself wants to be like"...

I think this caption is very important to helping us understand why Cloud was able to be so bold as to kiss the girl he was always too shy to befriend as a child. And I think it's linked to his new "ex-soldier persona."

See, the ex-soldier persona Cloud crafted is modeled after a person he admired and wanted to be like: Zack. Although making this new personality for himself was an unhealthy response to his trauma, I think there are good things to it, as well. For one, it allowed him to take action again and thereby begin his first steps towards recovery. In addition, it gives him courage to do things he never could before, such as strutting his stuff on the dance floor:

I don't think it's too far of a stretch to say that this extends to him giving the flower to Tifa.

So this, in my mind, explains how Cloud had the courage to kiss Tifa and why some fans might think it felt a little sudden or out of character--it's because it almost is, in a way. But let me reiterate, I don't think that's a bad thing. I think Zack's influence on Cloud is somewhat natural and, frankly, having the courage to do the things you want and have fun is never a bad thing. I truly believe Cloud is exemplifying being Zack's "living legacy" by becoming more confident and outgoing. It's a good thing!!

And let's not ignore Tifa in this scene. Before the kiss, Tifa brings up that she feels she and Cloud have become closer, but frets that she's rushing to conclusions again. She's giving Cloud a clear opening to prove his feelings for her--and frankly, after all this build up? Giving the flower, all the tiny touches they've shared? Cloud is more than ready to prove it to her, and he does. It's so easy, and he does it the best way he knows how: with a kiss. In that moment, the boy became the man he's always aspired to be.

Aerith Date:

Conversely, the Aerith date isn't quite as simple--at least to me. It's hard to understand what's going on in their heads, and I think they comparatively have more obstacles in the way of their romance.

The biggest obstacle is that Aerith has seen through Cloud's persona, and almost calls him out on it during the date. She tells him she's looking for the real him, and that she wants to meet him someday.

I believe this stops Cloud, subconsciously. While the persona he built around Zack gives him more confidence, it's still a persona. It's not who he really is. By giving into that persona at all, he is not giving Aerith what she wants. Being confident and bold with Tifa was important, because she needed proof he liked her, but here? What's important is being the "real" Cloud, whoever that is. It must have stumped him.

Aerith gives him an easy out though: she asks Cloud to let her snuggle up against him until the ride ends. And that much, at least, Cloud can manage. And he goes even further than that when he interlaces their fingers together. I think this is his way of showing that he'll be there for Aerith--not just till the ride ends, but after. He's showing her that he does, in fact, care about her, and that her selfish request isn't as selfish as she thinks it is.

I also want to bring up the lyrics from No Promises to Keep here since I think they're extremely relevant to the Clerith relationship and the hand-holding symbolism seen throughout the game:

Till the day that we meet again At our place, just let me believe In the chance that you'll come Take my hand and never let me go Take my hand And believe We can be Together evermore

The hand holding symbolizes their shared desire to be "together evermore" and the belief that they will be. The interlocked fingers display a powerful, mutual bond that cannot be so easily severed. I think this imagery is both simple and extremely beautiful.

In summary, although they are not at a point in their relationship where they're ready to kiss yet, I believe this scene is meant to show that there is still possibility for their relationship to grow and get to that point.

.❀。• *₊°。 ❀°。• *₊°。 .❀

Thank you for reading till the end! I hope you enjoyed my thoughts. Feel free to use or reference this post if you found it resonated with your own interpretations of these scenes. And if you have your own interpretations to share, I would love to hear them!

[mishapocalyse]

Soldier boy x reader? 🤭 but angst-y. The plot no clue…. maybe a cheating related one? You know he is a man whore at the least. So yea, cheating, he’s caught, but reader always knew but never addressed it because the ole’ times (lol)

Stairway To Heaven

Description: You always knew that your relationship with Soldier Boy would not last. You always knew he was unfaithful. And that broke your heart. It killed you.

Pairing: Cheating! Soldier Boy x Reader

Warnings: Soldier Boy is his own warning; language; implied smut;cheating; tw suicide, self harm, blood, abuse

Note: Please for the love of all things holy, if you are struggling, there are people who love you/ my DM's are always open and there is always help if you need it. Take care and read this at your own risk. This prompt and fit made me sob.

There's a lady who's sure All that glitters is gold

A candle was lit on your window sill, the flame flickering with the wind that flew in. The air was frigid, sending chills down your back that caused you to tremble.

You were sitting on the floor, your back to the wall. It had been a long night, longer it seemed without him by your side.

Soldier Boy.

Ben.

And she's buying a stairway to heaven

Your mom lived only a couple of hours away—the next couple cities over.  Which was where you had went to. You didn't want to spend the night alone. The apartment that you owned and let Ben live felt too empty after he packed his things and left you high and dry.

The same apartment where he had come home, reeking of cheap perfume and sex. It was not the first time this had happened. A couple times even finding him in your bed with someone else.

It surely wasn't the last time either.

When she gets there she knows

You remembered the childhood home that your mother still resided in even after the divorce.  The first week of summer passed quickly, your mother was beyond happy seeing you again. 

The months that you both spent away from each other were quickly caught up with long conversations the first two days of you arriving there. 

Soon after, everything seemed to be okay.

You didn't even let Ben know where you went. And you knew he would come back to the apartment once he had cooled off.

Like clockwork, he called almost every night the first week you had been there. 

This night was different though. 

If the stores are all closed With a word she can get what she came for

The phone kept ringing and you knew in the back of your mind you should have answered that call. You crept from your bed as she wandered around the house, taking in the overbearing, thick presence of anxiousness that wafted over you.  You held your head in your hands, shuddering.

Tonight was the night. 

Ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh And she's buying a stairway to heaven

The night where everything unraveled at once. 

There was something about the way you looked in the full length mirror that was attached to the wall in the bathroom. 

The way your eyes were empty—void of any expression.  The exhaustion of your nerves,  the heaviness of your body, drooping with every slight movement you had made. 

There's a sign on the wall But she wants to be sure 'Cause you know, sometimes words have two meanings

The argument that the both of you and Soldier Boy had gotten into--you wished you had just left it alone. Like you always had. This was the only time he had come home drunk.

You had heard the door open, you had already been sitting on the couch waiting for him. Soldier Boy smelled absolutely terrible. You greeted him from the living room, offering to help him get cleaned up. 

He brushed you off and sat in the recliner.  Your shoulders slumped as you went to bring him dinner.  Ben didn’t eat that night.  Instead he took to drinking.   You wandered away from him clutching the hem of your shirt.  

It would have been best to leave him alone. 

You tinkered with the magnets on the fridge for the third time today, before you realized someone was standing in the doorway. you faced Soldier Boy--Ben, taking in his demeanor.  

Your eyes widened.

You froze. 

He was drunk.  Visibly angry, when he stepped forward.

Knowing that you did not do anything to anger him at any point—sent cold tingles down your spine. You edged forward, trying your best to calm him down. 

A firm punch to your face sent you falling backwards onto the floor.  Quickly standing back up, winded from Ben hitting you, your cheek already beginning to redden.  

“You lazy bitch.  You’re a fuckin’ waste of time.” He spit, lunging forward to grab your hair, dragging you across the room.  

“Shoulda’ fuckin’ left you.” He shoved you forward, you stopped yourself from falling completely forward.

You refused to say a word, not wanting to worsen the situation. It was no use. No matter if you did anything or not would not save you from him. 

You climbed back onto your feet and shoved him.

"Get out! I never fucking want to see you again." You screeched. He stumbled back himself.

"Fine. You're a horrible fuck anyway. Wish I never fuckin' met you!" He hollered back, spit flying.

In a tree by the brook There's a songbird who sings Sometimes all of our thoughts are misgiven

You sat directly in front of that mirror, wanting to know exactly what the individual staring back at you wanted. 

It was you of course staring back—however, it only reminded you of how indubitably unimportant you were to the rest of the world. 

It kept spinning with or without you. 

The soft whirring of luminescent bulbs lulled you into a trance, a beckoning call ringing in your ears,  the painful chill of realization hit you. 

There's a feeling I get When I look to the west And my spirit is crying for leaving

You were tired. 

Not tired in the sense of needing to rest, more along the lines of —being tired of recklessly moving forward in life, only to receive the harsh reminder that you would always be deemed worthless by your own self-deprecation. 

In my thoughts I have seen Rings of smoke through the trees And the voices of those who stand looking

No matter how hard you fought to be something more than just a girl who used to be. 

You were not a bad person. 

You were only noticing the bad things that happened around you. Your friends loved you, your parents loved you, you had somewhat of a good life and spent every waking moment trying to be the best you could be. 

Still, with every waking moment you spent reliving all of the times you spent living with that man who thought loved you.

He only used you for his own personal gain.

Ben Gilman didn't give a shit about you.

And it's whispered that soon If we all call the tune Then the piper will lead us to reason

Your face darkened, thoughts processing,  a few unnoticed tears running down your cheeks, the uncontrollable urge to cry out for help. 

To cry out to anyone who could possibly be within an earshot of you.  Someone who could run from just around the corner.  

You held your knees, slowly and quietly rocking forwards and backwards.  Bated breath—a heaving heavy sigh, you sat in the deafening silence of your bathroom. 

And a new day will dawn For those who stand long And the forests will echo with laughter

Torn asunder, the scintillating aches, clawing their way out of your heart as it  dimmed—ugly and dark. 

Y/N , daughter to Tim and Amelia. Friends to William Butcher, Frenchie, Hughie Campbell, Annie and MM.

Y/N, the young woman who wanted to graduate finally and move up in the world.

Y/N, the girl who wanted so desperately to be told that she was loved, however always denying herself that same love. 

If there's a bustle in your hedgerow, don't be alarmed now It's just a spring clean for the May Queen Yes, there are two paths you can go by, but in the long run And there's still time to change the road you're on

Y/N, the girl who was now sitting in the hallway bathroom of her mother’s house, on the white tiled floor, hugging her knees.  Her own intrusive thoughts got the better of her, as well as the dismantling demons that made her feel forgotten. 

Your phone had continued to buzz, and you pulled away for only a few moments to see Ben blowing up your phone. Apologizing, saying he won't do it again. That he only wanted you. You had caved and sent him a text that you were at your mother's. The man only had been there a handful of times and knowing he most likely wouldn't show up, did not matter to you.

Again, would it really matter whether or not you were gone? 

You had a nervous tick of scratching the back of your neck a lot to cope with your anxiety and stress  that plagued your mind. 

This had happened for as long as you could remember.  It was truly something else—a different kind of person from what you used to be. 

Your head is humming and it won't go In case you don't know The piper's calling you to join him

You had picked yourself off the floor and  hunched over the sink.  Your breath shook with every inhale. 

It had yet been another night where you had repeated this vicious cycle of being torn from your bed to relive all of the events that came before. 

Dear lady, can you hear the wind blow? And did you know Your stairway lies on the whispering wind?

You relived your worst moments in life growing up trying to keep ahold of yourself for the sake of her sanity.  You reached up to rub the tired expression from your face as you heard your mothers door open, a set of steps coming down the hall.  

“I’ll be out in just a moment, Mama.  Just washing up is all.” 

Your mother didn’t hear a word.

And as we wind on down the road Our shadows taller than our soul

Her bedroom door shut as you could hear her getting back into her bed for the night. 

You sighed,  your back lightly hitting the wall, as you slid yourself back down to the floor. You could see your reflection in the metal knobs of the drawers next to you.  

There walks a lady we all know Who shines white light and wants to show

Your eyes carried a melancholic way about them that would silence the room. You stayed glued to the floor.  It was just you and your thoughts, again.  Maybe you were hearing things and finally going crazy after all you had been through. 

You shook the thought of it off as you wiped your eyes again. 

Your phone rang again. And you answered it.

"Y/N? You there?" You said nothing and sniffled.

"Sweetheart, I swear I didn't mean to hurt you, please just talk to me--"

"Goodbye, Ben." You said before you hung up.

You picked at the hangnails along your fingers, biting them.  For awhile you stayed silent. Your legs were pulled in towards your chest. Heaving your chest in and out. 

Like before, you were trying desperately trying to bottle your emotions. 

 It was no use fighting it.  

Tears leaked from the edges of your eyes. You let out a soft croak of a sob, tightening the grip you had on your head. 

How everything still turns to gold And if you listen very hard

Everyone treated you the same, always so nice, never once taken advantage of your kindness. However meeting Ben changed everything, After that, you had thought differently, as if something was wrong with you. 

You did not understand how people could love you. You weren't good enough. You never felt good enough.   

Ben had made you feel enough for a short while.

You were unhappy. 

“I only want to be happy.” 

You knew in the end -it would be as if you never existed.

What is better than to simply adhere to the fact you never mattered in this lifetime—for however much longer you had, you would spend it as if you were a reflection looking back at a shadow.  

The echo without an answer.

The footsteps washed away by the shore. 

Always lost.

Always forgotten.

That was what you were to yourself.

An echo of who you were before.

The tune will come to you at last

Your eyes furrowed, holding your breath.  You began to sweat as you reached timidly into the drawer.

There it was, where you had always kept them.  The razors that were always there.

You understood what you were doing, even before you knew what it was. You never once winced when you slid the knife down your arm.  

Oh how big a cut that little thing could make. 

It was a sickening thought that escaped your mind. There was so much blood, you were making a mess and began profusely apologizing to whoever was listening, you were by yourself on this one. 

You didn’t stop, while your own innocence and blood pooled down your arms, you laid your head back against the wall.  

Movies made it seem so easy. 

Dying.

It felt airy, a slight throb at first before you felt the pain escalate, before your nerves completely numbed. 

You felt weary, youbreathed in—but never out.  The only sound was the water dripping, and the slight buzz of the luminescent bulb of the light. 

There was not a doubt in mind that you knew you were dead. 

There was no light at the end of this tunnel. 

Nothing more than just a fragmented memory of who you once were. 

----

"Time of death, 2:45AM." The ER nurse who's uniform was stained red from your blood loss turned to Ben Gilman who's face was expressionless.

Butcher reeled back and as hard as he possibly could, swung a fist to knock Soldier Boy onto his ass. Frenchie and MM with the help of security had to hold William back.

"You did this you slimy fuck! You killed them!" he cried, hollering and spitting profanities. Soldier Boy laid on the cool linoleum, lip quivering slightly, blood drained from his nose.

He dared not to move.

"Oi, I'll fucking kill you--fucking supe. Are you happy you-" Butcher's voice had faded as they dragged him away from the room. Hughie still stood there with an expression Soldier Boy could hardly read.

When all are one and one is all, yeah To be a rock and not to roll

"You're a sick fuck" Hughie swiveled around to walk away, before freezing in place.

"I hope you're happy with yourself. I just lost my best fucking friend." With that Soldier Boy watched Hughie disappear around the corner.

He hung his head, while the nurses bustled around him, cleaning up the mess of blood around him.

The sound of the monitor still flatlining in the background.

A stray tear falling down his cheek, the leather of his leather gauntlet squeaking as he balled his fists.

And she's buying a stairway to heaven

[trashy-tries-writing]

Hii there's absolutely no pressure but I love your writing and thought: what about Ravine working with the 141 on a mission where drugs are related and they need to find them (or something of that sort, I'm no expert in military stuff) and they bring a k-9 with them that is known for being aggressive and attacking if not treated with utmost precision, only for it to warm up to Ravine and snuggle up to him even tho he's the scary and "mean" one?

Pictures: Cooper with Ravine VS Cooper with anyone else

Dear Anon, I love your magnificent brain for coming up with this scenario!!! And thank you so much!🤗 Also no worries I don’t know anything about the military either :’)) I hope I wrote this how you imagined, do let me know 🙌

Warning: Mentions of drugs, PTSD, amputation, transplant- Probably wrong military name usages and stuff. Maybe OOC?💧

Let me know if you want a part 2 of this, where they chase down the drugs with Cooper 😀

Drug mission with an aggressive K-9 who only turns putty for the "mean” Ravine. The boys are conflicted about who to feel jealous of- Cooper or Ravine, both who usually don't let themselves be touched.

Ravine, who just finished his massacre, was sent to 141’s base once their mission to get intel turned into a drug chase. Along with the confiscated information, they found a hidden stash of high class heroin on the boat, therefore they wanted the soldier to join them.

Laswell had tracked the owner later: Caro Edgar, a well known drug lord that has been long enough on the wanted list. Price decided it was time they get the man behind bars- or dead.

Someone from the DATR (Defence Animal Training Regiment) was delivering their best narcotic detection dog to the squad per Price’s request. Some of the boys were ecstatic to have a little furry friend with them…

Until the dog actually came into the base.

The K-9, Cooper was a menace to deal with.

He bared his fangs at the men in front of him once his cage was open. Gaz, who was excited to greet their four-legged friend, took a sudden step and Cooper was already in his face, mouth ajar to bite his head off, if it weren’t for the chain being pulled back by the dog handler.

Soap flinched back from the sudden hostility and that owned him a bunch of barkings while saliva flew from the K-9’s mouth.

Safe to say, both men backed off and used Ghost as a human shield. Said man glared at the canine, his shoulders tensed. Price on the other hand looked at the soldier with a questioned look, who lent them the aggressive canine.

“I apologize but he is the only one qualified with the mission, the others aren’t ready or already on duty.”

 For the past two days, they tried to get along with the aggressive K-9 but it wasn’t getting any better.

If they moved too fast, he barked.

Breathed wrong? He growled.

Too close and shifting wrong? Cooper jumped them if it weren’t for the chain stopping him. They had to fill his bowl and slide it over from a distance due to Ghost almost losing his hand the first time he tried to fill his plate.

Price was 100% certain that Soap was having nightmares of the dog ripping him to shreds while he slept. Gaz refused to come near the devil spawn and walked along the edge while pressing his back to the wall. His eyes never left the four-legged demon when he passed around it.

Ghost? He and Cooper had a glaring contest every single time the dog started barking and growling like a feral animal when they came across each other.

 On the third day, Ravine finally reached the base and the dog hadn't lessened his bullshit which made the Task Force slowly lose it. Cooper made noises throughout the night when he felt like they didn’t suffer enough trying to take care of him.

The dog trainer admitted that she was a little afraid of the Belgian Malinois herself. The previous owner died on the mission so the dog was passed down to her. Cooper was one of the best K-9 they had so they had to keep him even if he was being hostile to the other dogs. They had to separate him into solo training with a group of supervisors to get the K-9 under control.

They were all currently all out in the open, trying to make Cooper listen to their commands. They couldn’t keep waiting due to the risk of Caro Edgar shipping a whole warehouse of drugs underground.

“Steaming bloody Jesus!”

Soap jumps back, close to losing his footing when Cooper jumps up to meet the man face to face.

“This isn’t going anywhere! We need a new dog damn it!”

Price sighs and opens his mouth to agree but notices the collar ripping from the sideline.

“Get away from him, NOW!!”

*Snap*

Cooper wastes no time to attack, Gaz who he seems to be running to, screams in fear and throws his body to the side. Only to reveal Ravine appearing from behind him, the men panic at the soldier staring at the report in his hands.

“RAVINE DUCK!”

Their hearts skip a beat when the dog comes slamming down onto him from above. Papers flew through the air as Ravine couldn’t even finish registering what Ghost was screaming about until a blur of black and brown came into his sight.

They run towards the fallen soldier, expecting blood to pour from his shoulders or any part Cooper decided to bite into.

But Ravine laid on the ground unharmed with a hand holding the front legs and the other grabbing tightly on the dog’s mouth like a muzzle as he proceeded to get the K-9’s face further away from his.

“That was close. You good mate?” Soap warily inches closer but stops when Cooper starts growling again.

“Aye.”

Ravine sits on the dirt for a moment before casting the dog to the side. As if the squad felt the change in their newcomer, they huddled together on the sideline with the dog trainer holding a brand new collar in her hands.

Cooper shakes his fur, his fangs out, ready to pounce at the threat in front of him. Ravine on the other hand stood calmly on his feet, his height casting a shadow on the dog as it came flying towards him.

“Sit.”

The dog flinches at his voice, hesitates for a split second then prepares to pounce, his jaw open-

“Sit.”

What some humans didn’t know was the highly sensitivity of a dog to pheromones. Cooper feels it, the malice from the stranger standing before him seems to grow and expand to an immeasurable size, all pointed at him and him only. Cooper was lost inside, alone, hunted down like a prey. If he didn’t listen now- he knew he was actually going to perish.

So he sat down, lowering as far as his body allowed.

 Gaz glances between Ravine and the dog in worry. “He doesn’t actually think this is going to work, is it?” His hands feel sweaty as he wiped them down on his clothes, his eyes peeking at Ghost and Soap. “He wasn’t here to see how dangerous it is.”

“I don’t think he’s dumb to believe that.” replies L.T. with crossed arms, the thought of shooting the little menace crossing his mind if the mutt decided to take a bite out of him.

“Sit.”

They suddenly find themselves on the ground before they hear Price cackle loudly on the bench. Soap’s legs felt like jelly when Ravine ordered them- the dog with a tone he hadn’t heard him use before.

Ravine stared at the quartet on the ground and Price on the bench, curious what the Captain found so funny at him getting the dog to lay down. He might never know because they avoided looking into his general direction.

Soap laid on his back, his face in his palms, Gaz pushed his hat down to hide his expression and Ghost was lucky to have his mask on as he grabbed his arms while turning away, the dog trainer pushed her head into her knees that were pulled towards her chest.

And lucky Price, who was already sitting, continued to crack up towards the squad with the occasional whines being let out from Cooper in the background.

Ravine thought the Captain told a joke that made the others react so strongly and didn’t bother questioning it, to their relief. When everyone calmed their hearts, they mentally agreed to never talk about this situation ever again but they knew Price would never let them live this down.

 They decided the little demon was Ravine’s responsibility now.

And at first they were glad to not have to risk their limbs anymore.

Cooper listened to every word Ravine spoke and slowly throughout the day, the dog started to waddle around without having to be leashed although he would still snap at the other’s who weren't Ravine.

What started out as an aggressive attack dog, turned in half a day into a puppy longing for affection and attention.

 On the fourth day, 141 was slowly getting fed up.

At one point they were jealous that Ravine gets to be on the menaces' good side. He gets to ruffle the dogs fur, pet it while they get a face full of teeth and saliva. Along with Cooper sitting on his lap, his thighs making it look really cozy to touch, the K-9 performed tricks and wagged his tail like a love-sick puppy yearning for cuddles from the man.

As if the four-legged demon didn’t plan to give Gaz a nose transplant, a hand amputation for Ghost and PTSD for Soap.

Then they couldn’t approach Ravine without Cooper getting in between them.

They weren’t allowed to be near him and had to stay at least a good few feet away. They couldn’t even hand him things over without the damn dog scaring them, so Cooper could bring the stuff to Ravine like some newspaper.

At the meeting to track down Caro Edgar, Cooper decided to interrupt by going in between his legs and standing up to put his front legs on Ravine’s chest. He wouldn’t stop bouncing until his human put an arm around him, his hand laying on top of his head for scratchies.

Price’s content that Ravine was a help to get the dog under control. They couldn’t risk flunking the mission caused by a misbehaving K-9. He lets his eyes linger on the duo, a smile spreading on his lips when the faceless man doesn't repulse from the physical affection.

He wanted to go back to the report but noticed that no one was really paying attention anymore besides Ravine, who was looking at the documents on the desk.

Gaz is tempted to pull at its tail beneath the desk so the K-9 would stop bothering Ravine so much. He snaps his eyes away from it when Cooper looks directly at him. The menace threw his attention back to the man petting him when the smell of fear slowly radiated off of Gaz.

Beside Ravine sat Soap as he wondered if one day the slouching male would give him a hug too. For a while he stared at the demon disappearing and replaced by a puppy in Ravine’s embrace.

Ghost gawks at the mutt in irritation. He fed him and got his limp nearly bitten off and now the same mutt is squeezing his teammate’s chest like some paw toy. He knows that Cooper was given him side eyes and showing his sharp fangs to mock him. Ravine looks down to check on the K-9 and there it goes acting all innocent.

‘Cunt.’

 On the sixth day, the dog trainer already left while the team wanted to get the mission done and over with, so they could immediately return the K-9 back to her.

Soap’s mind wanders around until he thinks aloud, his eyes following the dog wagging his tail at the tall man trying to train in peace. He grimaces at it for stealing his chance to bond with Ravine all to itself.

“Do you think that brat sleeps in the same bed as him?”

“I’m sure it does-” Gaz sips loudly from his bottle, his eyes glaring down at Cooper when the K-9 gets to snuggle closer to his chest before being pushed to the side, “Look at it! The dog gets to hug him before I even get the chance for Ravine to let me touch his shoulder!”

“I don’t even get a high five from him.”

“Me neither.”

Both turn their heads towards Ghost, silently edging him to answer the question. He sighs under his breath. “Negative.”

They all turn back to watching their friend from afar, occasionally cursing the dog under their breaths when they see how physical Cooper was getting with the man who was known to back away from people who wanted to touch him.

Even Ghost wasn’t that stingy.

Hell breaks loose when Cooper starts to put his paws on the man’s ass.

“ThaT’S IT-”

“Wait Soap, don’t dO THAT-!”

“JOHNNY DON’T-”

Terrified screams could be heard through the base along with a string of curses and a dog’s vicious barking. It ended with Ravine ordering Cooper to back off from his friends with a slight edge to his voice which scared the dog into laying on the ground shamefully.

On the other hand Gaz and Soap grin victoriously and pull faces at the dog behind the safety of the soldier’s back. Ghost silently curses the mutt for acting inappropriately while Price is hiding in the back, recording the whole situation to send to some people.

[accihoe]

Under the Bridge

I'm writing in a moment of despair, forgive me.

Pairing: rockstar!Bucky x rockstar!reader

Summary: The rivalry bands drummers don't have such a rivaling relationship.

Warnings: rivalry

A/u: 90s Rockstar

A/n: I had my main character breakdown in the shower to the RHCP 🤭. As per usual, PLEASE DO NOT STEAL MY WORK. God bless! :)

xxx

"We lost the petition to The Avengers (Bucky's band)." Her bassist delivered the blood boiling news to her on Monday.

"He doesn't have much time left, and it's no use visiting him. He has no recollection of anyone or anything." Her mother broke the news to her on a Tuesday evening about a dear family friend.

"You need to pull up your socks if you want to stay in the band, Y/L/N." The band manager threatened her on Wednesday.

Thursday had its own struggles involving the lugs repeatedly coming loose during practice.

And then Friday. Friday went surprisingly well. Everyone was pleased with her drumming during rehearsal. The band's manager even patted her back. She'd also been nominated as the best female drummer of the decade. It was just before the show that the very tense dam walls broke. Y/N's housesitter, Jane, informed her via a call on the landline that her cat Rosemary had run away.

Rosemary was Y/N's backbone. When even her family doubted her success as a female drummer in the music industry, Rosemary was there with her chirpy meows to inspire Y/N. When she got rejected by agencies, Rosemary was quick to curl up on her chest and purr. When she was ill, Rosemary never left her side. Rosemary grounded her amidst all the chaos. Rosemary went with her from sleeping in a run-down apartment to the house of their dreams.

That night, Y/N played her heart out on stage. Her band mates turned to watch her several times during the set. Their manager was beyond pleased with her. The Avengers were beyond displeased with her, said for their drummer, the Winter Soldier. Yet nobody knew about the secret love between the two rivalling drummers.

Nobody got a chance to congratulate Y/N after the show. She disappeared into the night in her dark leather coat, as did James. "Honey, you were amazing tonight!" Bucky whispered, emerging from the parking lot. "Thank you. Let's get away from here, please." Y/N whispered back. They got into the car, and Bucky drove them off. "What inspired ya?" Bucky asked as they drove into the night.

"Rosemary's gone..." Y/N whispered, looking at her leather-clad knees. "What? Darling, how? What happened?" Bucky asked, eyes laced with concern. "I dunno. Jane called. Said Rosemary hit the road." She said. "Mind if I play a song?" She rushed out before Bucky could answer. "Of course not." Bucky said gently.

Ironically, as they pulled in under a bridge, Under the Bridge by the Red Hot Chilli Peppers started to play. "Did you plan that?" Bucky chuckled. "Yes." Y/N was quick to admit with a small smile. "I love you, you know that?" Bucky sighed, taking the car keys out of the ignition. "I think I do. But hearing you say it warms my heart. I love you too, drummer boy." Y/N smiled at her lover. The lovers sat on the hood of the car as Under the Bridge blared through the speakers, watching the moon reflect in the water.

"I'm sorry about Rosemary. I really am." He said, taking her hand into his. "It's alright, love." Y/N smiled gently, pressing a kiss to his cheek. "I'll help you look for her." Bucky promised. "Thank you. And once we've found her, the three of us will snuggle up and watch Scooby-Doo together." Y/N leaned her head against his shoulder as she spoke. Bucky laughed heartily and agreed.

"Would you be mad if I wrote a song about you?" Bucky asked, bringing her knuckles up to his lips and kissing them. "No. But only if I'm allowed to write one about you too." Y/N said. "The bands will fire us if they hear we wrote songs about each other. Let alone find out about us." Bucky said half jokingly, and half truthfully sad. "Then we'll start a band together." Y/N said softly, taking his left hand and kissing his knuckles.

xxx

Fin. Hope you liked it.

[the-fallen-stones]

I am bad at hiding. If you are my friend, you might recognize me. For that, I apologize.

You may call me anything you like. I enjoy and encourage nicknames. But if you need a name, Mica works.

If you would like me to write something for you, you can request it, and I will if I can. It may not be immediately. But I will try.

A warning, my descriptions can sometimes be graphic, or a little violent. It is usually metaphorical, though, don't worry.

I like both storm and calm. Chaos and comfort. I enjoy things that invoke thought, or creativity. I love hugs, snuggles, animals (especially dragons and cats), tea, fiction, and poetry.

Please do not bring up politics here. It's not that I don't care. But I've anguished myself enough over them and honestly, I need a break.

Never assume hostility! It was probably an accident. My tone comes across weird sometimes.

Tags:

#storm's eye - things that strike me, and I'd like to come back to.

#mica speaks - anything original, by me.

#mica reblogs - empty reblogs.

#mica elaborates - reblogs that are not empty.

#mica rambles - I have rambled.

#mica rhymes - my poetry.

#mika doodles - my art.

#mika's music - my favorite songs.

#mica recites - my favorite poems or stories.

#mika inquires - I ask questions.

#mika responds - I answer questions.

Credit for the image goes to @poetryforall.

My wonderful mutuals:

@kimu-dem - Keeper of comfort.

@thatrando13 - The wanderer.

@carrotsinnovember - A gentle friend.

@hersurvival - Blanket fort against thunder and snowstorms.

@caustic-splines - Writer of old love letters.

@abiethewizardduck

@randomshowerpoems - The wise wordsmith.

@poemsofanentomologist

@galaxys-universe

@literaryvein - The bright storm outside.

@same-skies

These titles can always change, as I know you better. If you'd like me to use a different one I certainly can.

Some of my favorite songs are;

One Day You Will Fly Too, by Aimee Carty,

Come Along, Does the Swallow Dream of Flying?, Egg and Soldiers, Pelicans We, Half Past Three, Run, and Linger Longer, by Cosmo Sheldrake,

Glow in the Dark by Vian Izak,

Rush of Life, My Neighbor's Car Alarm, Desire, and Rain, by Tony Ann. (Classical.)

Experience, Fly, and Eros, by Ludovico Einaudi. (Classical.)

Ilomilo by Billie Eilish,

Two, Sun, Eight, and Light by Sleeping at Last,

Big Black Car and San Luis by Gregory Alan Isakov,

Passing Through by Kaden MacKay,

The Mountain Song, Be Nobody, and Better is the End, by TopHouse,

Changing Days, Irish Eyes, I Can Never Give my Heart, and Rocket, by Rose Betts,

The Sound of Silence, by Simon and Garfunkel,

Walking in the Air, Time, Orinoco Flow, and Carol of the Bells, by Libera,

And many more.

Some of my favorite poems are;

Tug'o'War of Heartstrings, The Night Sky, Together, With a Window Between, A Heavy Wait/Weight, A Veil Not Yet There, Sharks in a Zoo, A Faustian Deal, Denial, The Voice of a Loved One, Explosions, Tribute to the Ocean, The Vast Expanse of the Ocean, Nurturing, Stalagmites in my Brain, and How Can I Put Those Boxes Away? by The Shower Poet,

Fire and Ice, and Walking by Woods on a Snowy Evening, by Robert Frost,

The Sunshine Kid, Paper People, and 59, by Harry Baker,

The Spider, by Robert P. Tristam Coffin,

Run With You, by Atlas,

A Litany, by Gregory Orr,

Landscape with a Blur of Conquerors, and Details of the Woods, by Richard Silken.

And many more.

Some of my favorite books are;

The Chronicles of Narnia, by C. S. Lewis,

Breadcrumbs, by Anne Ursu,

Ella Minnow Pea, by Mark Dunn,

Holes, Wayside School, Small Steps, and There's a Boy in the Girl's Bathroom, by Lois Sachar.

Hoot, Scat, Flush, and Chomp, by Carl Hiaasen.

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon, Starry River of the Sky, and When the Sea Turned to Silver, by Grace Lin.

And oh, so very many more.

Poems I have written;

Teach Me, Silent Serenade, Space Can Die, Weak Resolve, Boundaries Drawn, The Candle, Vacuum, One Pace, Adventure With Me, Stagnant, Workaholic, Sirens Can Cry, Dreamt of Loss, The Chalkboard, Shush, and many more to come.

Once was a girl, who would talk to herself. Stories, tales, thoughts in passing, of the past, future, of the sky and leaves, wind and breeze, of storm and calm. She longed to speak in a cadence. One to soothe. To heal. Doesn't everyone want that, to heal? To be somebody to someone, to have a voice like an anchor, eyes like a vice, that soften, that go warm like a bird's shelter?

Storm seeks calm. Calm seeks storm. They find a balance. But never, never do they stay still. She couldn't stay still. Her mind was a hurricane. And sometimes a breeze, sometimes a song to put you at ease, and sometimes, tight, coiled like a spring.

The calm wasn't who she was. Nor was she as much of the storm as she thought she was. Dear, she was a fire. She'd dim, and grow brighter. Her voice would get high when excited, she'd smile. Her embers couldn't rest. She'd smoulder. Then big stewing pots would bubble over. She'd speak in paragraphs, eyes like beacons, stumbling over words and not always making sense...

But it was beautiful. She loved, she loved deeply. She wanted to be loved, too. And she was. But when the smoke gets high, water and frost meeting that bright smile all too many times, it blurs out the hands, hearts, the words reaching, seeking...

She was silenced. Of course, the embers still burned. But the very things she stifled were the things she was beloved for. And she couldn't hear them.

But slowly, wet wood dries, my dear. You can't always cry. Time passes by. Wounds heal, scars fade, even when clouds pass over the stars. She was stronger than that.

She learned again to love. And though she had times she couldn't muster the songs, the words, the strength to hold on so tight, she began to heal.

Please, my dear, have patience. She is still healing.

Burnout is a dangerous thing. If you are stuck it never eases, never ceases. And things that brought you peace are no less, then, but grievous. It feels like Sisyphus himself is in charge of pulling you out of that rut. My dear, he can't.

The world moves so fast... I can't help but be dizzy. The facts and the future, like stones, whizzing, past my head, I bustle, I catch them, I'm busy...

The earth turns fast but not as fast as my head. Live, die. Fireflies. On my deathbed. I crave a rest, but I get anger instead. For injustice, for fury, the memories I shed...

Give my hands to the stars, fire for every digit. They fall from the sky when in darkness I fidget. Tear through the clouds, but then cry when I can't fix it. My brain is a void and...

I just.

Can't.

Bridge it.

[holylulusworld]

I know this has been asked before but I swear I can never find the links of the post of you answering other people. But I just need all of your plus size/ chubby reader 😽🫶 . I love your stories so much and I can’t wait for more, I was just curious to all the other ones you have because I’m never able to find any 🤧🤧.

Hi lovely! I try to list all chubby/curvy/plus-sized reader stories here (any fandom):

MARVEL

(including oder CEvans / SebStan characters)

Steve Rogers:

The assistant masterlist (CEvans characters)

Big girls don’t cry masterlist (AU)

A fresh start masterlist

The captain at a sex shop (also short reader)

Weakling (a/b/o)

Ransom Drysdale:

Once (1) & its sequels Twice, Thrice, Four times & Five times (a/b/o)

His maid

Trust fund prick

Lee Bodecker:

Snuggle Time

Red-Handed

Bucky Barnes:

You are beautiful masterlist

Burned Muffins & its sequels Burned Cookies & Burned Pancakes It's more implied in the 1st chapter that she's plus-sized in this one)

Best night of your life & its sequel Best night of your life (2) (AU)

Fratboys forever? masterlist (AU)

Chubby Bee 🐝 (AU)

The mobster’s cook & its sequels The mobster’s girl, The mobster’s wife (AU)

Tony Stark:

Obsession Stark Style

Fake Diamond

Multichars:

The Fitness Pack masterlist  (Steve Rogers; Sam Wilson; Bucky Barnes, Thor Odinson - they all got a separate story - no poly)

Stucky:

Clingy Love (a/b/o)

Chris Evans:

The heat is on masterlist (a/b/o)

___

SPN

Dean Winchester:

The new neighbor (a/b/o)

Broken Word Masterlist (AU)

His meaty mouse masterlist (AU)

911 for love Masterlist (Cop AU)

The Italian touch Masterlist

Foody Queen & its sequel His Foody Queen (AU)

Auction of love (AU/a/b/o)

Granny is the best (AU/a/b/o)

No friend of mine

Low

He’s my man

Ashamed

Sexy Suits

Family bonds

The back-up plan

Sharing Showers

The talk

Breaking your heart was never my intention

The DUFF (AU) it's implied that she's chubby - hence the title duff

Alone, together & its sequel Together, again (AU)

Sam Winchester:

Cocky matchmaker (Sam Winchester)

Soulless Instinct (Soulless!Sam Winchester - a/b/o)

John Winchester:

The Roommate masterlist (AU John Winchester)

Others:

Beautiful Mine (Cain - a/b/o)

Sam/Reader/Dean:

Our Girl Masterlist (AU / poly - no Wincest)

Never be your sexy girl (poly - no Wincest)

Jensen Ackles:

The back-up plan

___

DC

Sex you up (Henry Cavill)

___

THE BOYS

Dumbass stalker masterlist (Soldier Boy)

___

TWD

Negan:

You belong to me

Physical Education (AU)

His favorite (Negan - a/b/o)

[the-bad-batch-baroness]

A Mother's Lullaby

501st & Jedi!Fem!Reader

Summary: After returning home from a long campaign, you and your soldiers find it difficult to fall asleep. Echo has a bad dream which starts a chain reaction of clones entering your room looking for a different place to sleep for the night.

Pairing: 501st & Jedi!Fem!Reader

Characters: Rex, Fives, Echo, Jesse, Hardcase, Tup, Kix, Dogma

Tags & Warnings: platonic clone cuddles, snuggles, and kisses, smidge of angst, comfort, fluff

Word Count: 3k

Author’s Note: I came up with this one from a dream I had. All gestures are 100% platonic. The lullaby the reader sings can be found here. Honestly, these boys need all the cuddles, snuggles, and love they can get. As always, please enjoy! 💚

After being away for several rotations on a long campaign with the 501st, you have finally made it back home to Coruscant. You leave your weary troops in the barracks and head towards your chambers to clean up and get some rest. You enjoy your first warm meal in what feels like forever and hop in the shower to wash the grime off your skin. You let the hot water caress your body as you stand underneath its invigorating spray, never wanting to leave the warmth. 

You finish your shower, slip on your night clothes, and crawl into your bed. You nestle under the covers and take a deep breath, letting the familiar scents of your room fill your senses. There’s nothing quite like sleeping in one’s own bed. At last, you can get some good sleep. Sleep during campaigns is always a hit or miss and never the top priority, but when you’re here, when you’re home, you can sleep comfortably knowing no one is trying to end your life or the life of your men. 

However, tonight you endlessly toss and turn in your bed. You're exhausted, you know it, you can feel it. You want to sleep desperately, but something is keeping you awake. You continue to toss and turn, but slumber seems to escape you. You sigh and stare up at the ceiling in defeat. So much for a good night's rest. After all those long nights on the hard ground with blaster and cannon fire, you wish for nothing more than to sleep.

Unexpectedly, you’re pulled out of your thoughts by a presence entering your room. It’s too dark to see anything, but through the force, you can see exactly who it is. “Echo?” you ask while sitting up against your pillow.

“Ah, sorry to wake you general,” Echo answers while putting an awkward hand on his neck. 

“I wasn’t asleep,” you admit with a sigh as you rub your forehead. “Are you having trouble sleeping too?”

“I…” Echo begins to answer, but hesitates, unsure of how to say what he wants to say. “I had a bad dream.”

You cock your head to the side and give him a sympathetic smile. “Dreams are only dreams, Echo. They can’t hurt you.”

“Yeah,” Echo agrees half-heartedly. “I know.”

You sense he has something else to say, but he is too nervous to ask you. “Is there something else you want, Echo?” you ask to try and get him to tell you. “You know you can talk to me about anything.”

Echo opens his mouth to speak, but then closes it. He doesn’t want to step out of bounds with you as his general, but he also doesn’t want to go back to the barracks. Finally, he musters the courage and asks. “Can I sleep here tonight?”

You’re initially taken aback by the request, but your heart softens towards the tired clone. The nightmares that plague him must be horrific if he wants to sleep with his general. You think about it for a moment, but decide that it won’t hurt to let him stay the night with you. You pat the empty portion of the bed to the right of you to show him your approval. “Come here.” 

Still a little wary of the idea, Echo meanders his way over to the bed and crawls from the base up to where you are. You stretch out your arm and invite him to rest his head on your chest. He obliges with a little hesitancy and you gently drape your arm over his side and back. You can feel every ounce of tension in his body escape at your touch. He breathes deeply and lets out a relaxed sigh, knowing nothing can hurt him now.

You smile at the clone clinging to you and run your fingers through his hair. As a Jedi, you’re not allowed to have attachments, but there’s nothing in the code that says you can’t show compassion. These clones. They’re children, stuck in adult bodies, fighting a war that they never asked for. They never asked to be created. They never asked to be expendable. They never asked to be slaughtered. The least you can do is to offer them some sort of comfort. 

As you settle in with Echo and to try to get some rest, you sense another presence come into your room. Perhaps you should keep your room locked from now on. As the figure enters your dark room, you can see through the force that its Fives. “Looking for Echo?” you ask knowingly.

“Uh, yeah,” Fives answers with a jolt of surprise. “How’d you know?”

“The domino twins will always be inseparable,” you chuckle softly. “Where one goes, the other usually follows.”

“I didn’t think we were that predictable,” Fives rolls his eyes.

“Let’s just say that it doesn’t take a force wielder to know your thoughts,” you explain with a smile. “Would you like to join your brother?”

“I can’t sleep well without him nearby,” Fives admits as he crawls over the base of the bed and scooches next to Echo.

“Better?” you ask while looking over at him.

“Much better,” Fives answers as he nuzzles into the blankets.

You look down at both the clones now sleeping in your bed and you smile. You never thought something like this would occur, but here you are. It’s not that you don’t want them here, but you do feel a weird sense of maternal instinct as they lay there in your presence. Clearly they feel safe with you, but you’re not sure why. Other than being their General, leading them into battle, force healing their wounds, and giving them pep-talks, you’re not sure why they are attached to you.

Your thoughts are once again interrupted by a figure entering your room. You let out a slightly exasperated sigh when you realize it is yet another clone tip-toeing his way into your bedroom. “Looking for something, Jesse?” you ask the sneaking clone.

Caught by surprise, Jesse stumbles back into the wall. “Uh, well, you see,” he begins to explain in earnest. “Echo and Fives aren’t in their bunks, and they’re usually up to no good when they’re together, so I went looking for them.”

“Well, you found them,” you point out in a hushed tone. “They’re right here, sleeping with me.” 

Jesse pauses as he thinks about the situation before him. “Can…” he begins to ask. “Can I sleep here too?” 

“I don’t see why not,” you answer. Your bed is definitely big enough, but you’re still not sure why all these clones want to sleep in your room. They have the barracks and bunks of their own, and they sleep with all their brothers. It is odd to you, but nevertheless, you let him climb into bed with you, Echo, and Fives. He crawls over the end of the bed and situates himself on the left side of the bed, across from the others. Close, but not close enough to touch you. You smile at his reservation. 

As you begin to nod off, you’re pulled awake by yet another disturbance in your room. You wonder if you’re ever going to get any sleep at this rate. You look up at the figure standing across from the bed and with a sigh you ask them what they want. “What do you need Hardcase?”

“Oh, you knew it was me, huh?” Hardcase asks with a little embarrassment.

“You have a very distinct pattern in the force,” you answer with a small yawn.

“Really?” he questions with great interest. “I do?”

“Technically, you all do,” you explain further. “So, what can I do for you?”

“Jesse, Echo, and Fives aren’t in their bunks,” Hardcase begins to explain. “I thought they went to the refresher, but when they didn’t come back, I got worried.”

You smile at him and his concern for his brothers. “Don’t worry,” you soothe. “They’re right here with me.”

“What?” he questions with reproach. “They get to sleep with you? No fair!”

“Would you like to sleep here too?” you propose, thinking one more clone wouldn’t hurt. 

“Really?” he asks with excitement. “Can I?” 

“Only if you keep your voice down,” you hush as you feel Echo stir under your arm.

“Oh,” he quickly whispers. “Right. Gotcha. I’ll be quiet.”

Hardcase crawls into bed next to Jesse and Jesse wraps an arm around his brother to make sure he feels included. You look around at the group of clones covering your bed and let out a small chuckle. You’re not sure how one turned into four, but there’s no going back now. You can only hope that no more wayward clones will show up in your bedroom looking for a different place to sleep or their missing brothers.

However, your thoughts betray you as you sense Kix’s force presence entering your room. Should have seen that one coming. “If you’re looking for Echo, Fives, Jesse, or Hardcase, they’re here with me,” you announce, deciding to jump to the chase. 

“You sound exhausted,” Kix jests as he folds his arms. “I can make them leave, you know.”

“It’s fine,” you answer while running your fingers through Echo’s hair. You remind yourself why you began this little clone sleepover in the first place and smile softly. “Sometimes, we just need each other.”

“Amen to that,” Kix agrees. “You got room for one more?”

“Of course,” you smile at the medic. “Grab a spot wherever you can find one.”

Kix crawls over Jesse and Hardcase, kicking them playfully in the process, and flops himself across from you near the edge of the bed. He grabs a fistful of covers and nuzzles them softly. You smile wide at his childish movements. They really are just children. Children who had their childhoods stolen from them. You can’t quite reach Kix, but if you could, you would rub his back to lull him to sleep. Maker knows medics need their sleep.

No sooner does Kix settle in, do you feel another force presence enter the room. This one is a little more cautious, as if he’s contemplating that he doesn’t belong. You feel his hesitation and call out to him. “Dogma. You can come in.”

“General,” he acknowledges as he steps closer. “I don’t mean to intrude.”

“You’re not intruding, Dogma,” you reassure the hesitant clone.

“Can…” Dogma begins, still feeling like he’s not allowed to ask for this. “Can I sleep here too?”

Your heart softens at his innocent and heartfelt plea, and you smile at him. “Yes, Dogma. You’re welcome here too.”

He smiles back and crawls across the edge of the bed and nestles neatly just below Echo and Fives. You wonder about Dogma sometimes, because he keeps to himself a lot and has trouble opening up to others. You feel great reservation from him, even on the battlefield. But you’ve heard from the others that his previous general was abusive and uncaring. It breaks your heart that anyone could be so malicious towards such beautiful souls. They didn’t deserve that.

Suddenly, you feel an intense presence of sadness and fear enter your room. Your heart begins to race as the force scrunches around you. You want to jolt up out of bed, but you don’t want to disturb your sleeping clones. As the force becomes less distorted, you can finally see who it is. “Tup?” you ask with concern. “Are you okay? You scared me.”

“They left me alone,” Tup says through a shaky breath while clenching his fists. “I don’t want to be alone.”

The pain in his voice breaks your heart. Every ounce of maternal instinct in you tells you to get up and hug this sad clone until all his pain is gone, but you can’t get up at the moment, not with all these sleeping clones surrounding your every side. Instead you invite him to come join you by patting the open real estate next to your left side. “Come here, Tup.” 

He rushes over to the bedside and crawls over Kix to get to your side. You open your free arm and let him rest his head on your chest. You can feel a little shake in his body so you rub his back and place your head atop his. “Shhh. It’s alright,” you soothe. “I’ve got you. Your brothers are right here with you.” You feel the force settle around him and his breathing becomes soft.

“I wish I had a mother,” Tup admits into your chest.

You're surprised by the statement, but it’s not a completely unfounded thought. The clones are test-tube babies. Copies from an original source, with no mothers to speak of. Perhaps that is why they feel safe with you. Perhaps, because you are a woman, they feel a certain level of maternal attachment to you. That’s why they feel safe. That’s why they want to sleep here with you. That’s why they relax in your presence and melt under your touch. They just want a mother.

“What’s it like having a mother?” Tup asks out of curiosity.

“I don’t really remember mine to be honest,” you answer. “I was taken from her at a young age to be trained as a Jedi.”

“Oh,” Tup answers sadly.

“But,” you continue. “I do remember that she was warm and kind. She had a good heart and would sing me lullabies to go to sleep.”

“Lullabies?” Tup wonders at the strange word.

“Yes,” you explain in a hushed tone. “Mothers sing them to their children to help them go to sleep.”

“Would you sing us a lullaby?” Tup asks as he nuzzles further into you. 

You’re shocked at the question. No one has ever asked you to sing, let alone sing a lullaby. “Well, I don’t know...” you hesitate.

You feel Echo tug gently at your hem and whispers. “Please?” 

There were several more ‘pleases’ and ‘mhms’ coming from the lumps on your bed. You look around at the seven sleepy clones and wonder how you got yourself into this predicament. But, their innocence captures your heart and you feel a tender fondness for their simple request. How hard could it be to sing them a lullaby? You close your eyes and think back to when you were still with your mother and try to remember the words and the tune she sang to you.

Lay down your head and I'll sing you a lullaby

Back to the years of loo-li lai-lay

And I'll sing you to sleep and I'll sing you tomorrow

Bless you with love for the road that you go

May you sail far to the far fields of fortune

With diamonds and pearls at your head and your feet

And may you need never to banish misfortune

May you find kindness in all that you meet

May there always be angels to watch over you

To guide you each step of the way

To guard you and keep you safe from all harm

Loo-li, loo-li, lai-lay

May you bring love and may you bring happiness

Be loved in return to the end of your days

Now fall off to sleep, I'm not meaning to keep you

I'll just sit for a while and sing loo-li, lai-lay

May there always be angels to watch over you

To guide you each step of the way

To guard you and keep you safe from all harm

Loo-li, loo-li, lai-lay

Loo-li, loo-li, lai-lay

Loo-li, loo-li, lai-lay

Loo-li, loo-li, lai-lay

Loo-li, loo-li, lai-lay

Loo-li, loo-li, lai-lay

You finish the lullaby as tears form in the corner of your eyes. The words of the song unlocked the sweet memories of your mother from so long ago. She was a strong and loving woman, and even though you don’t remember her face, you could feel her embrace you through the force as the lyrics of her soothing lullaby escaped your lips. Such a soft and simple song, but so full of love, care, and comfort.

You look around lovingly at the clones sleeping softly in your bed and smile. Your heart is full. They’re all sleeping peacefully, probably for the first time in a long while. But your happy thoughts are pierced with poison as you remember why they exist. The bloody war. The war that no one asked for. The war they lay their lives down for. Not all of them may come back, but for now, yes, for now they are safe here with you. 

You look up as you sense the final presence you knew would show up eventually. “Captain,” you whisper, trying not to wake the clones. Rex came into the bedroom while you were singing the lullaby and leaned against the wall while he waited for you to finish. 

“I was wondering where my men went,” Rex chuckles while looking at his sleeping soldiers spread out across your bed.

“They needed a little mothering tonight,” you say as you leave a gentle kiss on Echo’s head. 

Rex smiles. “I can see that.”

“Will you join them?” you ask. “There’s room for one more.”

Without much convincing, Rex pushes himself off the wall and crawls onto the foot of the bed. He lays sideways at the edge, positioning himself to guard over his men. Rex is a great leader and a great Captain. He cares deeply for each of his men and puts their safety above his own. It’s just like him to take the most vulnerable and uncomfortable position so his men can relax and feel covered under his dutiful watch. You smile fondly at their brotherly bond. 

You let out a small sigh and lean over to the left to leave a small kiss on Tup’s head. You would kiss them all goodnight, but the rest are too far out of your reach. “Codladh sámh, my little ones,” You whisper while leaning your head back against the pillow to finally let yourself fall asleep. “Dream of a life far away from this one.”

Masterlist

A03

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[theealluringstoryteller]

Agaisnt The World Around Us

Chapter 5: The wedding

Clara snuggled her son relishing in the warmth his body gave as she read the words off the pages of the book she found in their small library in the village. Despite him being 13 she appreciated him still wanting to read to him and cuddle him when he wanted to spend time with her or in need of comfort. Castin silently followed along with his eyes, one almost swollen shut due to the fight he got into with boys much older than him. Clara hated how her sweet boy was treated among people in their village and she tried her best to make up for it by doing everything she could at home. “And then ‘swoosh’ Perseus swooped down on his flying horse towards Andromeda determined to save the chained princess from the sea monster ‘Cetus’ ”

She continued on with the story warmly smiling as Castin cuddled a bit more closer to her, drowned in the story escaping the day that he had.

“After the mighty Demi God slayed the horrid beast he took Princess Andromeda back to her father King Cepheus and asked for her hand in marriage-" “Ughhh!” Castin groaned loudly turning his head up the shift in the story. “Awe come on Cassie! All heroes deserve love-” “But he’s in his prime! He’s gonna throw it all away for some…chick!” Castin huffs crossing his arms over his chest suddenly uninterested in the tale. The young Castin grumbled to himself about how weak Perseus was. “What man would rather settle down instead of living a life full of honor!” Frowning Clara closed the book unhappy with her son’s thought process. “Who said it wasn’t honorable to be in love?” She questioned wanting to get down to the source of his disdain! “Only girls fall in love! It’s stupid and silly!” Castin went on. “It’s not manly at all!”

Appalled Clara scoffed “who told you all of this…horse shit?” She demanded snatching his chin and turning his face towards her. His eyes now softening he shrugs his shoulders feeling bad about getting his mother upset. “They say so! It’s not the Intacian way!”

Clara sighed mentally cursing those who put such an idea into her son’s head. “Cassie,honey, don’t believe to their bullshit! They are nothing but a bunch of miserable pathetic old men who are unhappy with their lives because they couldn’t manage to get a woman even of low standards to fall in love with their miserable asses!” Clara begins motioning Castin into her arms. Scooting back into his mother’s embrace Castin remained silent knowing that now it wasn’t the best time to cut in with his warped opinions. “Let me tell you my little love, you’re going to find a woman when you grow into a man and you’re gonna be so in love with her and her you because you deserve that! You’re by far better than those low life roaches who told you that it wasn’t manly to be in love-your father loved me very much!” She tells him hugging him closely. “And this woman you’re gonna find-she’s gonna be everything you’ve ever dreamed of-”

“Maaa! I don’t dream of girls!” Castin whined at the thought. “Oh please don’t lie to your mother! I wash your clothes!”

“Ma!” Castin groaned again, his cheeks flushing in embarrassment.

“Oh hush!” Clara chuckled softly pinching Castin’s side.

“My boy! You’re home!” Clara cheered rushing up to her son who now towered over her. A bright smile on his face he embraced her closing his eyes in relief now that he’s home and away from the camp that had too many funky bodies and none of his mother’s delicious cooking.

“I missed ya too, ma!”

“You better! The amount of time I stay up thinking and worrying about you!” She exclaimed letting go so she could do a look over of her son.

She tsked at his lanky figure “Are they not feeding you? What you have to be an official soldier to get a decent meal plan?!” Clara continued to fuss causing Castin to smile and laugh to himself at his mother’s behavior.

“Gisela! Isn’t that the boy you’re brother-”

“Shush!”

Castin developing keen ear picked up not to far from his home. His eyes catching sight of two girls around his age walking by huddled together as they peered over at him while whispering horribly.

“He’s cute! Maybe you should ask him out?”

“What?! What if he says no?”

Smirking Castin lifted a hand “Sup Ladies!” He greeted jerking his chin up in a nod. The two girls gasped then awkwardly laughed stopping their stroll now that there was an air of opportunity.

Frowning Clara glanced between the girls and her son. She studied the two before her eyes went from slits to calm within seconds.

“I’m sorry girls but my son here desperately needs a bath! Camp has lice!” Clara huffs looking at Castin’s hair full of disgust. “Yeah! Unfortunately that’s what happens with some soldiers in training!” She tells them shrugging her shoulders, ignoring the look her son was shooting her way. The woman shooed away the girls who held a displeased look on their faces.

“Maaa!” Castin cried dramatically raising his arms asking ‘why?’

“Trust me Cassie I’ve seen those girls buzzing like a hover fly in other warriors in training faces and I’ll be damned if you came home with something far worse than lice.”

Ushering her son into their house Clara began what Castin would refer to as rambling “I did you a favor! You need a girl who doesn’t get so excited over male attention! Someone who shares something you also love-like reading! Oh and she has to be sweet! You need a nice girl! To keep that heart of yours safe and full of love.”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah Ma!” Castin rolls his eyes happy to be home. “I’ll be sure to marry her when I find her”

Castin stood tall at the alter his Commander suit felt like bricks anchoring him in place as his eyes were glued to the approaching figure in all white. He couldn’t believe how beautiful she looked making her way towards him, towards their future together, a one sided love. Ethereal is what came to mind as he saved this memory in his mind. Many years ago his mother told him and now it’s happening! He was in love! Goddess how he loved her. It plagued him! Turned every other woman into faceless humanoid creatures who could no longer sway him with their attention and empty affection.

His eyes only saw her, he only wanted her. Somehow she casted a spell and poof! He was her’s and she had no clue. That was the bittersweet part of this wedding. He was marrying the woman he loved while she was marrying the man she loathed.

Omorose barely spared him a glance as she stood emotionless at the alter beside him. Rhett shook his head throwing Castin a short look of disappointment at failing to win over the Baroness, before be started the ceremony.

“Today is one that will be marked in our new found history. Where two enemy nations set their hatred, division and differences aside to unite and become stronger together as one through the union of Intacian warrior commander Castin Hammer and Imperial Baroness of the coastal Empire Omorose Fentress. Bear witness as they commit themselves to each other and as their commitment serves as a bond between the Coastal empire and Intacia!”

A mixture of low groans and whispers creeped up once King Rhett finished the opening speech of the wedding ceremony.

In the coastal empire Weddings were a show. The richer you were, the higher or title the more elaborate your wedding is expected to be. Ballads were song, Dances were performed and the tales of both families histories were told high lighting where the union was a grand one. It was quite the cultura shock when Rhett went straight into asking

“Baroness, before the Goddess and everyone here do you take Castin to be your husband? Do you accept him as your partner and your equal for the rest of your life?”

“I do.” Her voice voided and empty as she sealed her fate, intertwining her life seconds before he did the same.

“And Castin, before the goddess and everyone here do you take the Baroness to be your wife? Do you accept her as your partner and your equal for the rest of your life?”

“Yeah…I do.” He said softly stealing a glance at her from the corner of his eyes. The empty look in her pretty honey eyes pained him to see. A consequence for him being a total ass.

“Then I king Rhett of Intacia and of the Coastal Empire bind you two together forever. Castin you may kiss your wife.” Rhett announced motioning him to step forward.

“Gladly!” Castin smirked.

Omorose mentally frowned as she was pulled into the kiss. She didn’t bother putting much effort into its Castin lead it.

While it brought Castin butterflies it brought Omorose nothing but disgust especially when he moaned into the kiss. And the sound of cheering and clapping only made her sour more.

Pushing him away she noticed the look of disappointment on her now Husband’s face.

“Hey you know you didn’t have to push me away like that towards the end.”

“You were getting carried away for something that doesn’t mean anything on a personal level.” She snipped maneuvering her dress around prepared to get far away from him as possible.

“Yeah you’re right…my bad. Kinda got carried away there.” Castin admits hoping she would be a little more kinder to him like she was with her close friends and Nina.

Rolling her eyes Omorose searched through the crowd for a familiar face she could socialize with instead of the husband she wanted to avoid.

Moving closer he asked “Look…could we at least dance?”

Throwing him a look Omorose scoffed her heeled feet carrying her and her long gown away as a frustrated Castin followed.

“Hey! Come on…look you’ve been doing this for months. I am your husband! Okay? You just can’t keep avoiding me.” He pleads wishing to reason with her.

Not bothering to entertain the thought Omorose kept walking.

Castin signed in frustration watching her go “Are you serious?!”

With her head held high Omorose was completely unaware of the power she held over Castin who suddenly felt like the rejected boy of his village once again. The feeling causing him to crave alcohol to wash away the ill feeling.

He might as well make the most of his wedding night! Nothing else was going to come if it but partying and drinking himself stupid.

As a heavy weight he took the nearest bottle offered to him and chugged as much as possible desperate for rejected feeling to disappear. Perhaps if he got drunk enough one of the Bar maids would start mirroring Omorose’s looks and his feelings for her even if he no longer thirsted for meaningless conquests.

At the kings table Omorose listened to Rhett go on about giving the scoundrel friend of his another chance. She didn’t see how it would matter now that she tied herself to the hound.

“Dun da da dun da da!” A drunk voice sung loudly as a guitar’s strings were abusely played.

“Of course.” She hissed seeing Castin standing on a

Table top dancing with one of the barmaids that were on the clock. He looked absolutely stupid in her eyes. An embarrassment.

Rhett cursed excusing himself to retrieve his friend before he made a bigger fool of himself.

“No!” Omorose told herself standing from her seat and swiftly leaving the party to her room. She couldn’t allow herself to stay and be humiliated by a man who seemed to lack any control or self respect.

Once in her room she kicked off her heels and made her way to her vanity. Staring at her reflection ‘Stupid! Stupid! stupid girl with a sympathizing heart for her country’s enemy! Look where that weak caring heart got you. Pathetic!’ She thought.

‘Married to a man who is known to fuck anything as long as it has a warm hole! A damn dog! Now you have to lay it a flea covered bed because you want to fix your family’s mistakes like the fool they tried beating out of you!’ Her mind continued to berate her. Her nails sunk into the flesh of her palms as she willed the horrid thoughts away. Tears gathering in her eyes as negative feels swept over her.

“You always knew you were damned to a loveless Marriage don’t act surprised now. It was practically a birthright. But you’re not going to allow that or him to define the woman you are. You’re stronger than that!” She tells herself sinking her nails further into her palms to stop herself from shedding a tear.

A shaky breath forced its way passed her lips as the feeling finally left her. Forcefully she smiled at herself in the mirror before pulling out her journal and pen.

Passing the time writing in it waiting for the party to end up staying dress in case Aurelia or Nina came looking for her.

Nina sighed from afar watching the whole interaction go down. In the pit of her stomach she felt a sense of regret for not pushing hard enough to get Omorose not to go through with the marriage. To her it was clear it was going to end in shambles quickly.

“Let me go see about that child of mine.” She says to a random intacian man that brought her over a drink.

“Yeah! Tell her I said ‘good luck’ cause it is needed.” He laughed taking the cup she handed back

She couldn’t get through the threshold of the banquet hall before she was stopped by the King.

“Nina wait! Let Castin go to her! He needs to.”

“You don’t think he burned that bridge and pissed on its ashes enough!” She questioned raising a brow.

Defeated Rhett knew she was right and couldn’t argue. Bowing his head tiredly he said “Let him try one more time. Maybe now that she’s his wife he would finally pull his head out of his ass.”

“Goddess willing…”

To entranced in her thoughts the sound of her bedroom door opening without her permission startled her. Within seconds her dagger she stashed on the underside of her vanity was in her hands ready for use.

Castin looked at the weapon then at her scoffing a little amused.

“Come on babe really a knife? If you were going to kill me you should’ve done it before our wedding! It’s a little too late now.”

Sneering at the man Omorose sat the weapon on the vanity and picked up her pen.

“Stop with that.”

“What? You’re my wife I can’t call you sweetheart?” He asked. His buzzed mind enjoying the attention.

“It was arranged! It’s nothing on a personal level so there’s no need for pet names.” She spat pressing her pen harder into the paper.

“Who care if it was arranged? You and I walked down the aisle that makes you my…” he trailed seeing her get upset. “Come on say it with me now” he laughs hoping to get more of a reaction out of her.

“We are one flesh serving one Queen sweetheart, get use to it.”

Closing her eyes Omorose lifted her fingers to her temples and proceeded to give herself a message.

“So are you planning on coming back down? I mean come on leaving your own wedding reception kinda early is tacky don’t you think?”

“Tacky?!” She couldn’t help but scoffed. “Yet you were embarrassing me!”

Taken back Castin screwed up his face “what?! How was I embarrassing you?”

“You’re excessive drinking.”

“Ugh it’s a wedding babygirl. People drink. It’s not that weird.”

“Encouraging drunk people to drink!”

“Ok sure people got a little drunk but once again it’s a wedding. When else,”

“And you’re rhythmless ‘dancing’ with the rhythmless Barmaids?”

“Hmm? What about the barmaids?” He asked not sure if he heard her right. She turned giving him the ‘you heard me’ look.

“Uh come on? No! No! You know that’s not what that was.”

“A tasteless rhythmless eyesore everyone was forced to watch! Not even a single drop in that bottle could spare you a half an ounce of grace for such a badly preformed sensual dance.” Omorose went on grimacing at the thought. “Or for the poor girl who tried so hard to catch the beat but couldn’t! Disgraceful!”

‘If you’re going to disrespect me and this marriage so soon you could’ve at least looked decent while doing so.’ She thought.

“Okay! So I’m social! Not everyone is as introverted as you.”

“So go be social!” She waved towards the door.

“Nah I’m staying here with you.”

“Besides the Queen bounced after you left and that was the only thing keeping the party going soo… I think we’re done.” He says loosening his collar.

“The Queen asked about you. Ya know.” He went on helping himself to a bottle of wine gifted to her by an imperial nobleman wishing her luck and voicing his disdain for not being the Groom.

“She did?” Omorose inquired curious as to why.

“Of course! You’re the Bride and you just dipped out of nowhere.”

“So did you tell her why I left?”

“Well I told her you and I decided to call it a night early because you were so eager to have your husband on your wedding night.”

The color in Omorose’s face drained at his words and audacity. Picking up her cup of old wine she chucked it at him with so much hate behind it.

“How dare you!” She hissed.

“Oh I’m sorry? Was that not what you wanted me to tell her?” He asked raving in her anger. It was the first time she spent more than a second on him he was lapping it up.

“Oh dag my bad. I mean if you would’ve just stayed you could’ve told her yourself.”

“Asshole.” Omorose grumbled her eyes like daggers as she glared his way.

She returned to her journal her handwriting turning sloppy as she jotted down what was needed to be recorded in it.

The squeaks of the facet and water running nearly made her blood boil.

“What are you doing?” She demanded not in the mood to continue with his fuckery.

“What does it look like I’m doing? I’m drawing a bath.” Castin stated obviously now growing tired of his wife’s attitude.

“Why?” She bluntly pressed him.

“Because I’m covered in sweat and wine and general party juices.”

“Not here.” She states wanting him out of her space

“Uh what makes you think I can’t?”

“Because I said so.”

“So you have a messed up attitude…that means I can’t be clean.”

“I don’t give a damn what you do as long as it’s not in my room?” Omorose replied

“Correction this is our room.” He corrected picking up a bottle of Omorose’s expensive oil infused bubble bath “and if I want to take a bath in our room I can do that.”

“Our room?” She asked in disgust. The night just kept getting worse.

“I mean you’re welcome to watch.” He smirks.

“I’d rather choke on the food I didn’t get to eat tonight.”

Annoyed at the whole ordeal Omorose thought of a way to piss him off like he pissed her off even if it was childish.

Shifting her dressed she sat herself more comfortably in her vanity chair picking up the book she was reading the night prior subconsciously scheming.

‘The window’ her subconscious pointed out. Curious if it would work she looked over to not only see through window but Castin.

Despite her feelings towards him she can admit that he was physically flawless when it came to his built and the scars marking up his body only added to his appeal.

Castin felt a boost of confidence seeing her look this way. He teased earning an eye roll. Turning back into her book Omorose pushed down the slightly embarrassment that crept over her.

Relaxed in the water Castin informed his wife of the Queen wanting them to ‘promenade through the garden’ so people could see them in the next upcoming weeks. Boldly he tried to suggest spending time outside of that request but was shot down with a dry “No”

“It doesn’t matter what you were going to say. The answer would’ve still been, no.”

Curious and a little bitter Castin grilled her on why.

“I have far better plans with far better company, that won’t cause me an exhausting headache.”

“Okaaay. The personal attack was kind of unnecessary. Who do you have plans with?”

“Lord Reyes.”

“Lord Reyes? Really? The dude from the Library?” Castin huffs remembering walking in on the two smiling and giggling to each other closely over something he couldn’t understand.

In sudden jealously Castin demanded “W-what do you have to do with him?”

Tiredly Omorose mouth turned smart “And you need to know because?”

“Seriously?” He gave her a pointed look. Shaking his head at her answer he decided to ask another question “oh so what is this Lord Reyes like?”

“What do you mean?” She countered dumbly.

“‘ What do you mean’ what do I mean? What do you think of him? Do you think he’s handsome?”

“As a matter of fact I do! Not that it matters since this is a fake marriage!”

Pissed off by her last sentence Castin corrects her in a low tone “This is not a fake marriage. It’s an arranged marriage.”

Seeing the displeased look and hearing him let out a breath, Omorose believed that their conversation session for the night ended.

Standing she looked over at him with her arms crossed over her chest.

“What?” He asked dejectedly.

“Can you hurry up.” She demands wanting to wash this lack luster day off.

“Relax there’s plenty of hot water. I’ll be out soon. You’ll get your turn.”

“Well make it real soon.”

“How about this the more you tell me to hurry up the longer I stay in here.”

Not happy with that she looked back at the window and made her way over to it. “What are you doing?”

Unlatching the widow she slid it open inviting the cold night air to creep in like fog.

“Are you serious?!” He raised his voice not believing she could be so childish.

“It’s freezing! Can you close that please?”

“No I’m getting a sudden flash of heat! Must be the dress…”

“So petty.” He grumbles “Fine!” Castin stood up from the water without warning.

With a cringe Omorose adverted her eyes hearing the water splash and puddle on the floor.

Sensing she still wasn’t happy Castin once again asked “what? You got what you wanted. I’m out! It’s all yours.” He motioned to the tub.

“Good now leave!”

“No I’m not leaving.” He retorts drying himself off

“You didn’t leave me I got in!” He pointed out.

“It’s different!”

“How’s it different?”

Rolling her eyes annoyed at that fact she couldn’t think of a solid answer.

“Go ahead do your thing.”

“Not around you!”

“Don’t worry sweetheart. I’m going to bed I’m not looking at you.”

Omorose stayed glued to her spot watching as he got into her bed much to her disliking. His face turned away from her and stayed that way. Taking in a gulp of air she unzipped the seamless zipper and allowed her gown to pool around her revealing the white lacey thong she wore underneath.

Worried he would turn to sneak a peak she quickly got in the tub thankful that it was a heated and filtrated model but the cold air still bit at her. Splashing at the water she wordlessly got Castin’s attention who was tired of her and her shit.

“What! What do you want now? What do you want me to bring you?”

Pointing over to her vanity Castin glanced over to see her book lying opened on the page she left off.

“Your book? Naw you shouldn’t have left it there.”

“Why not?” She pouted sinking into the water.

“Because I’m already comfortable. Besides! Didn’t you say you didn’t want me to see you?”

Grimacing at him quoting her she lets out an irritated groan.

“Just bring me the book please?”

Puffing out air Castin got up from bed “Fine. If you say so.” He shrugs crossing the room to get to her vanity. He picks up the book telling himself to not be disrespectful enough to sneak a peak.

“Can you close the window?” She requested since he was up now.

Agreeing since he too was cold Castin made the extra journey to close the window before he noticed that the fire was low in the fireplace.

“Hey that fire is getting kinda low don’t you think?” He pondered out loud. “Where do you keep the wood?”

Raising her arm she pointed towards the corner closest to the fireplace her eyes not leaving her book once it was handed to her.

Castin hurriedly tended to the fire wanting to get back to bed since his alcoholic buzz left his system completely now. He turns but the way that the moon light casted itself over his wife caught his attention and he couldn’t but to see her in all of her glory.

“My Goddess…” he gawked his mind already capturing and saving the image to his memory like a camera. “Now that’s a view worth getting outta bed for.”

Out of anger and loss of dignity Omorose kicked her leg up at a certain angle getting water all over Castin landing her into a predicament that from sour to sweet.

For the past few months, she's been working so hard to keep the wall she built up between her and Castin.

A wall she knowingly built brick by brick after each distasteful encounter she had with the army commander to protect her, her feelings, and her time. A wall that was crumbling slightly as she watched him, her newly married husband, and his hard exterior fall in front of her as he asked her

"Please just tell me why do you hate me?"

Her heart softened just a bit at his cracked exterior but she hid it behind her voice as she spoke "So the embarrassing me with the lingerie gift you gave me the time you ever met me slips your mind-"

Castin opened his mouth to speak but the fierce glare made the words he wanted to say faltered into sounds "I- sorry no! Go on." He apologized

"I've tried to get to know you Castin but each attempt showed me what type of man you are. A dipso, egotistical rake who hangs around degenerates who think and acts the same way! The way you automatically viewed me as an object you could have the pleasure of fucking! Why wouldn't I hate you?" Omorose wailed tearing her watery eyes away from Castin's crestfallen face.

The young wife hid her face back in her book shakily admitting

"Too many people-Men and women view me the same way...it's degrading to know that instead of acknowledging everything I've done, all that I have accomplished they-" Omorose bit her lip, pushing back the sob that almost slipped.

"I'm very well aware of the fact that people want me in their beds. It's hard not to notice Castin! I promised myself at the age of 15 that I would wait and fall in love with someone who wanted me entirely and not just for my body but I failed! I failed myself when I agreed to marry you for the sake of the new kingdom. And now I'm stuck being the trophy wife to a man that saw me as a glorified sex doll the first time he ever saw me! That's why I hate you."

Her words and the sound of her voice cracking broke Castin's heart. The last thing he wanted was to hurt the woman he was in love with and moving forward he would be damned if he knowingly did so.

Castin took a deep breath. Every word his wife whimpered out processing in his mind. "I-I'm really sorry." He apologized the words he wanted to say, the things he wanted to confessed jumbled in him.

"Can I just um... can I ju-just think for a second? Thanks." He asked catching a glimpse of Omorose's pretty honey-colored eyes gloss over with vulnerable tears that gathered at her water line.

He finally got his answer and it left him speechless, seeing her push back her tears over it left him aching.

He was among a group of people that Omorose loathed but had to silently deal with instead of the people she felt at peace with and that tore him apart inside.

"Look. That's not me! Okay. Ev-everything you said…that isn't me." He started

Omorose scoffed pulling her knees closer to her chest "That is not you? The man you've been since I met you isn't you?!" She rolled her eyes causing a single stream to fall down her face.

"No, no I-I know I-I know I have a reputation! Okay?

Th-th-the brawling, the drinking, and just…generally being a rake but, that's not me! Okay?" He stressed hoping she was listening to him and was actually taking his honest confession to heart. "That's not the man I want to be" he paused searching for a reaction but received none. "Look I-I know I may not be explaining this well but," Castin's trailed off staring at the book cover held in Omorose's delicate hands. The ring on her finger shone under the dimmed light, the same one he placed there only a few hours ago catching his eye.

'Rhett is right.seems like he's always right. Castin thought, thinking back to the advice Rhett gave him before ordering him up to his new room in the palace.

"Drop the manly Intacian act. Be yourself Castin!

That is exactly what won me the Queen's heart, and it can be the same for you."

Taking another deep breath Castin prepared to drop the one thing he felt protected behind, the wall that shielded him these past years, all in hopes that Omorose his wife saw him in a different light.

"You know I really did read that book. When I was a kid...I wasn't just-trying to have something to say…okay? I-I really like that stuff." He awkwardly stated.

Omorose peaked over her book after listening to Castin struggle with his words and it made his heart skip a beat.

"Look I don't know how to explain it alright. I just feel like there's me everyone else sees and then there's the me that's really.me and the me that everyone else sees I hate it okay? I'm not that guy!" He admits feeling a wave of mixed emotions wash over him.

"Then why do you act like that? Why pretend to be someone you hate?" Omorose questions putting the book down entirely. Wanting to understand why someone would torture themselves like that.

"Because I-... I-I don't know. I was different when I was I-I was like you and then being a warrior in Intacia i-it's it's just different. You have to be strong and respected. You have to fit in." He explained feeling slightly smaller under her stare.

"Look! It's all really confusing to me... but every time I look at you it's clear. The man that I want to be is the exact type of man you would fall in love with. You remind me of everything I really care about of-of who I was back then- n-no no of the man I know I still am.

I-I just need your help."

Omorose felt her eyes soften at the stuttered admission, the honesty in his voice and the look in his eyes shined a new light over him. She cast her gaze to the ceiling contemplating whether she could forgive him and let go of her grudge she had against or not.

"I-Look, I know I screwed up. I'm used to charming people to get my way and I tried to do it with you with all the gestures and all the flirting and I'm sorry.

That's not who I want to be anymore." Castin said following her gaze

"Hey look at me. I want to change." He says looking into her eyes once she looked back at him.

"For you. I just need you to show me how. Just please give me a chance." Castin begged, moving closer to Omorose who's heart speed up as her husband leaned in to kiss her.

The Baroness has never been in such an intimate moment before, she guarded herself well before getting married and now without any experience or idea of what to do in that moment besides kissing him, she felt even more vulnerable. And when he whispered that he wanted more against her plump lips she felt a flutter in her tummy. A mixture of excitement and anxiety as her smothered voice asked "sex" between kisses.

"No! No! I don't mean like that. I mean-" he broke into a light-felt chuckle " No I do want you like that. I really do but, I-I don't just want to you physically okay? I-I love you an-and before we do anything I need to know that you're really into trying to make Because if you're not and this is just some heat of the moment thing for you then I-I can't cause it's not just that for me and I don't think it ever will be... so please don't go through with this and then hurt my feelings later."

Omorose could feel it in her heart that she forgave him right then and there in his vulnerable state, asking her not to hurt his feelings and string him along. Something she would ask something she would say.

"Are you for real about this? Am I your husband or just some warrior the Queen forced you to marry-"

Omorose stepped out of her character, reaching up to grab Castin's face to kiss him. It surprised him for a second, feeling her soft lips on his. Though a bold action he could still tell that it was a shy gesture.

"You and me," Castin said pulling away and placing a kiss on Omorose's forehead. "Let's just start over?"

He smiled softly going in for a kiss

"Okay." Omorose softly agreed.