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throwsomecheeseonit · 7 months ago

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20 years of clean (part 9)

Brandon's Persepctive

I couldn't sleep after our first date. At first, I felt weird leaving her there alone. Like it was foreign for us to not be together in actuality we haven't been together for weeks, years. Finally getting to see her was a fever dream. We spent 4 glorious hours together, talking, eating, laughing, watching a movie. The movie was more of an indulgence for me, she fell asleep 20 minutes into it. She fit perfectly into my chest, like it was made for just her. I've been with women before, a lot of women but nothing compared to Michelle. She was shy yet confident. Funny but also reserved and understated. I could've left after she fell asleep, but I didn't. Staying in that spot on the couch, watching the movie and feeling her in my arms. It took everything for me to get up and leave.

Back at Tommy's, it took me forever to drift off although I played a game that day and made the ride down from Tampa. Before I could comprehend that I was even resting my alarm screeched me into reality again. Now we were back on the road to Tampa and my thoughts were all consumed by Michelle and the anticipation of seeing her tonight at my game. Our last little time together before who knows when. We hadn't really planned on meeting up after this weekend. Besides the melancholy that thought brought there was also another feeling, yearning. All morning I've been half mast, the simplest notion of Michelle and my dick would immediately want to stand at attention. The curve of her ass. The way she smelled. The shy little way she would blush and look up at me thru her long eyelashes. It drove me wild. I kept adjusting in Tommy's passenger seat just to calm down and gain some kind of comfort.

"You alright man. You've been quite and shifty this morning," Tommy asked. "Shifty," raising my eyebrows at him. "Yeah, like you can't sit still. You alright?" These private indecent thoughts were nothing that I wanted to express. "Just mentally preparing for the game," knowing full well that's what I should be doing. Suddenly Tommy's phone rang thru the vehicle's Bluetooth speaker system. "Fuck that's loud," I jumped. "Dude. You have to relax. See what I mean, your fucking shifty today." I'm glad my sexual discomfort gave him a giggle. "Hey babe," Tommy answered Haley's call. "Hey babe. I fucking miss you so much. I can't wait to see you later and suck-," Hales started to blabber. "Babe! Say hi to Brandon," Tommy cut her off before she could finish her racy line of dialogue. "Oh," she sounded like she choked on something she was drinking," Hi Brandon. Sorry. Didn't realize you guys had left already." "We left about an hour ago. Brandon's gonna give me a tour of the field after we check into the hotel. When are you leaving," he asked her. "Probably around 11. Michelle's taking a nap before we go. Don't think she slept much last night. That wouldn't have anything to do with you Brandon would it?" "Nice try Haley. Nothing happened but we were up late watching a movie." "Dude. You haven't even had sex with her yet? You gotta get on top of that." Tommy hit my arm and for a moment I thought about decking him in the jaw. Irritated, Horny, Tired... it was starting to catch up with me. "Tommy, shut up. You're soooo nosey," Haley defended her friend. "You know it babe. Well drive safe. I'll text you our room number." They said their goodbyes while I stared out the window. "You're room number?" Irritation creeping in my tone. "Yeah. Hales and I," Tommy gave me an inquisitive look. "You didn't think I was bunking with you when I got that sweet sexy thang with me. Hell no man. No offense." "This is news to me. Did Haley even tell Michelle?" Tommy shrugged his shoulders. The thought of Michelle in my bed made me shift again. This problem in my pants needed to be taken care of as soon as I got to the hotel man. "I'm sure she told her. Don't get upset. I just assumed." "I'm not mad. I just need to get out of this fucking car," growling at him. "You gotta get laid brother," Tommy quipped and turned up the music. I rolled my eyes and drifted off to sleep.

Cat naps is the I was living these days or at least for these past 2 days. It was okay thought because my girl was coming to watch me play. Speaking of, Michelle never responded to my text with the hotel address. Maybe she was busy. Maybe she was mad for leaving her last night. Maybe she just didn't want to bother me when I was supposed to be focused on my mother fucking game. Why couldn't my head focus on what was supposed to be important? When we got to the hotel there was nothing, I wanted to do more was get away from Tommy, take a hot shower and masturbate. I needed a release so bad. Get rid of this tension and my dirty thoughts. Maybe then I could relax.

The steaming water fell over my naked body. My head drenched from the shower head. One hand propped up against the wall of the shower and the other stroking my cock. Slowly at first then flashes of her would play in my thoughts. The way she bit her lip. Faster. The way she said my name. Harder. The night she walked into the reunion looking voluptuous. Faster. The way she fit into my arms. Harder. Her butt in those yoga pants. Faster. Suddenly and swiftly, the rapture of my orgasm made my knees buckle and my fatigue instantly hit me. That was what I needed, to cum.

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After another quick nap, I got Michelle's gift ready. It was an official MLB Jersey my team and number of course. I couldn't wait to see her wearing it. That smoking hot beauty wearing my jersey, it was what my fantasies were made of and I couldn't wait for her to make it a reality.

Tommy swooped by my room and we headed to the stadium. He never got to experience behind the scenes at a MLB stadium so I showed him around the locker rooms and introduced him to some players. His eyes looked like they were going to bug out of his head the whole time. He appreciated it. After an hour he went to meet the girls for some drinks while I had to go into a pregame meeting.

When that was over, we had about a half an hour for downtime. I tried calling Michelle and I got her voicemail. Still, after my extracurricular shower activities she was the first thing on my mind. The one call was my last chance to talk to her before the game. My time in Florida has been going by so quickly and if work wasn't getting in the way, all this time could be spent with her. What time would I have with after tonight, a little in the morning but what about after that?

She's going to be so surprised about the seats. Tommy, Haley and Michelle would be sitting directly behind our dugout. At least she will be close to me. Not close enough.

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My pregame ritual consisted of listening to loud music. Hip Hop, Rock, Country, it didn't matter. I was an equal opportunity jammer. Before I knew it, game time was upon me and my boys. I'd been playing rather exceptional lately and Tampa, although a good team with some great players were about to get demolished.

We exited the tunnel, and it took my eyes a moment to adjust the lights and sun setting over the horizon. The fans were booing because we were the away team. But in the distance, coming from the direction of our dug out I heard some high-pitched hoots and hollers. Tommy, Haley and Michelle were giving it all they had so much, so they had to be drunk. Only drunk people could be that loud

There she was, in my jersey which never looked better. He hair was up, out of her face and curls tumbled down her back. The curve of her porcelain neck caught my attention. She was wearing a jean skirt that I wanted to slide my hand under and feel around. Her arms were outstretched in the air, eyes closed, screaming when my name was called.

There was a split decision to make, an inner pep talk. Acknowledge her when you go into the dugout but after that you need to focus on your job and what you came here to do. It was decided. I gave her my best smile, nodded my head and lost sight of her under the concrete bunker.

During the game I would catch glimpses of her smiling, laughing, swaying her body to the stadium music. She was mesmerizing and made it hard not to stare but I kept true to my word and only stole glances.

At the top of the 8th I hit a homer right down the middle of the field. It was time for my other surprise, I formed my hands into an M and rounded first base. Hoping that she would understand what I was trying to say. This home run was for you. This day is for you. Do you want to see me again? Kiss me? Let me hold you again? I rounded home and noticed she was sitting down with her hands cradling her head, something was wrong. Up until this point she was the life of the party and now she was hunched over with Hales kneeling down to get to her level and Tommy running off towards concessions. After asking Haley what was wrong, she reassured me Tommy was taking care of it. Pissed, not at him, grateful to him but it should be me there, holding her. Taking care of her.

In the sweet way that she could only do Michelle turned the attention around off of her and congratulated me on my home run. Her face was bright red, and I could tell she didn't feel well. She was brushing everyone off saying she was okay. There was nothing I could do and knowing that Haley and Tommy were watching over her made me feel better. My only option was to go back in the dugout and refocus on the last moments of the game.

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We won and Tommy waited for me to go back to the hotel after the game. I took a shower, and he was waiting for me outside the locker room. "Amazing game man. The home run, chefs kiss and doing it in front of your girl. I couldn't have scripted that better myself. It was like a movie." Tommy patted me on the back. "Thanks man," smiling at him, "is Michelle okay? She looked pretty sick." "She's fine. I think she drank a little too much, and she got overheated. I got her some water which she chugged. Her and Hales made it back to the hotel fine. She's settling in your room waiting for you." The thought of her in my room after a long hard day was just what I needed. "Ok. Great. Thanks for taking care of her." Tommy was a good guy, that's why we'd been friends for so long. Sure, he had his moments, asshole moments, nosey moments but he was good, nonetheless. Anticipation bubbled inside me on the ride to the hotel. My phone had Mutiple text messages from Michelle. She thanked me for the jersey, said it was the best gift she's ever received. She sent me pictures of her acting a fool behind some fans with my name on their jerseys which would definitely become my screen saver. This girl had me head over heels. It was too soon but she did, and I just couldn't stop myself from beginning to fall for her. We hadn't kissed, had sex but I knew that I wanted to continue to give this a try no matter how hard long distance was.

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I took a deep breath and entered the hotel room. Michelle was laying on the bed, her hair damp and wavy. She looked extremely tired but extremely beautiful a sight for sore eyes. I asked her how she was doing, she leaned in closer to me. Asked me about myself, deflecting again, she leaned in even closer so close I could smell her shampoo. In that moment the thoughts of last night and today ran thru my mind. How I was waiting all day for this to be with her, close to her. Her lips looked like they were begging to be kissed. Her eyes gave intensity, like a summer storm rolling in. She looked at me with a passion and I was a goner. Grabbing her face, pushing my tongue in her mouth wanting to drink in every inch of her. Her fever matched mine and she let out a slight moan which made me go wild. My libido, although I thought satiated earlier, was nowhere near quelled. I wanted her, I needed her. Pulling her close, trapping her against my body. Lapping her up for a little longer until my forward-thinking brain made an appearance. This is new, were both tired, she almost passed out today, we need to take her time. Letting go and then pulling her in for one more peck, I could tell she was not expecting me to stop. She didn't want me to stop. By God I didn't want to stop but we have all the time in the world for being physical. I had mere hours left with her, it was good to take it slow. I excused myself to try and calm my boner down and change. Tonight was for being together and being present in the moment.

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hyunsuks-beanie · 3 years ago

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Running Away With You

*Image Credits to rightful owners*

Bang Chan x reader; non idol AU; established relationship; fluff; midly suggestive at places

Word Count: 4.25k

A/N: A huge thank you to @youn9racha, for this super cute request. I am as much a sucker for road trips as I am for Chan, so I really enjoyed writing this!! I hope you like it as much as I did.

"Do you ever just want to pack your bags and run away in the night, without telling anyone?," you ask your boyfriend, Chan, as you both lay in bed one night. "That's an interesting question," he says, playing with your hair, "Though first I'd like to know what made you think of that." "Pfft. It's nothing too complex, Christopher. It's just a random thought that popped into my head," you say, while rolling your eyes at his inquisitive nature.

"Y/N, I know you, and I can sense that you've got something bothering that pretty head of yours, and making you want to run away. So tell me, what is it?," Chan speaks in a soothing tone, making you snuggle into his chest even more, while letting out a sigh. "It's just, work has been so crazy these past few days, and the pressures of the real world are getting to me. You remember when we were back in college? Whenever things got too hard, we used to go on road trips to clear our heads. Even a couple days away from the harsh real life were enough to rejuvenate us. I guess I just miss those times, now that real life responsibilities are wearing us down."

Once you're done with your little rant, Chan pulls your head up a little, making you look at him. He softly says, "Aww baby, I'm so sorry I didn't realize you've been struggling these past few days. I guess I've been too busy with my own work tonoticee. I know we're no longer in college, but I promise to you, that whenever the going gets tough, I'll do everything in my ability to help your through." "I know Channie, I know. I have you, and it's more than enough."

You give in to sleep after a while, and so, you fail to notice that Chan takes a little longer to fall asleep that night. He keeps thinking back on what you said earlier, carrying out an internal debate with himself. "Y/N is right. Work and responsibilities have taken a toll on us, and a road trip may be just what we need. But can we really afford to just 'run away?' There are too many projects, too many commitments. And we owe it to our colleagues to tell them that we will be away for a few days," he thinks to himself, before slowly drifting off to dreamland.

The next morning brings with itself a fresh hustle, but your face doesn't betray any sign of the frustrations you let come to the surface last night. But Chan knows better, and, seeing his reflection while getting ready for work, he realizes that his own expression mirrors yours. A thin veil to hide the fact that it's getting too much. At his office that day, he can't seem to focus on his work, since his mind keeps drifting back to your words. By the time the evening rolls around, he has made up his mind. He's going to run away with you, for a week anyway.

But a road trip needs some planning, and Chan wants this vacation to be the perfect little surprise for you. So, on his way home, he stops by at the convenience store to buy some essentials. Instant noodles, a few bottles of beer, disposable utensils, rental DVDs, he collects quite a few things, being reminded of your college days with each item he adds to his cart. In a moment of impulse, he even purchases a tent fit for two, and once he's done shopping, he hides everything in the boot of his car. You don't need to know of his plan, yet.

The following day, he leaves his office early, calling in a week's leave of absence due to some made-up reason. Instead of going home, he first drops by at your office. Not to meet you, but to get a similar application for leave approved on your behalf.

He finally heads back home to pack and ready a couple of things for your trip. "Y/N wanted to run away in the middle of the night, and that is what we'll do," he smiles to himself. When you come home, he remains tight-lipped about his little surprise for you, even though his excitement is trying to get the best of him.

Once the clock strikes twelve, he brings you out to his car, without telling you the reason. "Just please, come on! Don't you trust me?," he says, pouting. On his way out of the house, he picks up your phone from the couch, along the house keys. You don't notice this, however, as you're busy pestering him with questions. "Chan, why are we going out so late at night? What's going on? Tell me!" "You wanted to run away, right? Well, how about running away...... to the convenience store?," he smiles cheekily, making you giggle. "Gosh you're such a cheesy idiot," you say, getting into the car, still blissfully unaware of his intentions.

"Yeah, but I'm your cheesy idiot," he laughs, pressing his foot on the accelerator.

It doesn't take you long to realize that instead of driving over to the 24/7 close to your house, Chan has pulled onto the highway. You turn to look at him, only to see him smiling brightly, his eyes trained ahead. "Chan, what are you doing?," you ask, though feel like you already know the answer. "Running away with you," he says, taking your hand in his his, and bringing it up to his lips.

"What? But that was just a random rant! And what about work? We can't just disappear like that," you exclaim, to which, he only replies by giving you a knowing look. "Let me guess, you already informed our offices?" "Yes, and no," he quips. When you look at him quizzically, he elaborates, "I submitted applications for leave, making up some random excuse. So we have a whole week to ourselves." "But, what about essentials and supplies? We don't have anything to eat," you try to reason. He counters, "Babe, I've been planning this for two days, and I already stocked up on all our favourite snacks, drinks, and movies. I even got us a tent for days we want to sleep out in the open. I've got it all set, so don't you worry. The only thing I need you to do is to promise me that for the next seven days, you won't check your phone. I've already downloaded tons of songs and created at least 20 different playlists. You won't be getting any work-related messages, since I've taken care of that as well, and for directions, we'll take the traditional way, and ask around."

"Directions? Where exactly are we going anyway?," is your next question. To your surprise, he simply shrugs, before telling you that he doesn't have any specific place in mind. "Let's just wander away, going wherever the road takes us," he says, rather poetically, to which, you can't help but laugh. You then let out a soft sigh, making him look at you. "Sounds like a plan to me. Chan and Y/N, running away together, with no destination in mind," you smile, before reaching over and kissing his cheek.

"Let's play some music, shall we?," you ask, before hitting shuffle on the first playlist that pops up on your phone. You both settle in a comfortable silence, and soon enough, you begin to get drowsy. Chan notices this, and tells you to rest your eyes for a bit. "Promise to wake me up in like, two hours, so that I can take over the wheel," you yawn. "Okay fine bub, now sleep." Chan continues driving, occasionally stealing glances at your sleeping form. "How did I get so lucky?," he wonders, just like he does every day.

Morning finds you to be the one behind the wheel, as Chan naps contently in the passenger seat. The brightness of the sun finally wakes him up, and he realizes that you've left the highway, and are now driving through what appears to be the countryside. "I wonder where we're headed," he says while yawning. "Well, a signboard I saw earlier told me that we are somewhere in Jeonju," you reply. Instead of words, Chan's reply comes as a grumbling from his stomach. "Hungry," you quip, making him nod his head vigorously. You hit the breaks, before preparing some instant ramen for breakfast.

You eventually continue on your trip, and after a few hours, you find yourself in the midst of traditional Korean buildings, which seem to be from the Joseon dynasty. "Is this perhaps a tourist location?," wonders Chan loudly, making you reply, "Only one way to find out." You both get out of the car and do some asking around. You find out that the place where you houses the residences of the noblemen of old, and has now been converted into a shooting-cum-tourist spot. "Tourists can get traditional hanboks from that store, to complete the experience," an old woman tells you.

You turn to look at Chan, your eyes shining. Twenty minutes later, you exit the store, dresses from head to toe in a light blue hanbok. Chan's eyes nearly pop out when he sees you, and when he tells you the same, you can't help but blush.

You continue to hang around the place little while longer, and have dinner at a small eatery nearby.

"I feel like I'm 20 again. Thank you Channie," you say, holding his hand across the table. "Anything for you love," he winks.

Evening eventually comes around, and you guys hit the road once again. Around dinner time, you notice that you are crossing by a wood and supplies shop, and an idea strikes your mind. "Let's buy some wood and grill our meat!," you say excitedly, making Chan coo at how adorable you are. "Great idea babe. Let me park."

You quickly exit the car and visit the shop to buy some wood, then get started on your mini bonfire. It proves to be more difficult than you had thought, given how inexperienced the both of you are. In the end, you manage to get the fire going enough for the meat to be grilled, and turn around to ask Chan to bring in the eatables, when you see his face. It's completely covered in soot from his failed attempts at lighting the flame, making you double over in laughter. "You look so funny," you say while gasping for air. "Wouldn't be so funny if I got this soot on your face now, will it?," he retorts, coming after you. You try to run, but it's obviously in vain, as Chan grabs hold of you in under a minute. You both laugh harder than you have in months, and when you finally calm down, you give your boyfriend a tight hug. He hugs you back, and whispers, "I love you." "I love you too, Channie," you say, "Now go and get the meat, I'm hungry." "Way to ruin the moment, Y/N," he grumbles as you push him away.

After dinner, you walk up to the shop owner to thank him, and ask his permission to camp nearby. "It rained a few days ago, so the ground is still wet, and will be uncomfortable. But you can rent a room here for the night if you'd like," he offers. "That'll be great sir, thank you for the help." Chan says, coming up behind you. The shop owner gives you the keys to a room, and before leaving, says something that leaves you both red at the ears. "No funny business here, please. I know you both are young, and controlling yourself is hard. But I'd rather you didn't 'play around' unnecessarily on my bed."

You get changed and climb into the bed, snuggling up to each other. "First day down, babe," you smile with your eyes closed. When Chan doesn't reply, you open them, only to find your man staring at you with love in his eyes. "This is pure healing for me, thank you for suggesting this trip, love," he says. You talk about anything and everything for a while, and then suddenly, you feel Chan's soft lips pressing against yours. He gives you a sweet kiss, and pulling away, says, "About what the old man said earlier.....," while smirking. You shove his chest, saying, "We shouldn't," making him pout. "Although, making out doesn't count as 'funny business,' does it?" And that's enough to make him press his lips back to yours, moving so as to hover over you.

You wrap your arms around his back, pulling you closer to him. He licks your lower lip, making you part your lips and allowing his tongue to enter. After a while, you break away, only to grab his T-shirt and take it off his body, before wrapping your hands around his bare back. Needless to say, the two of you didn't get much time to sleep that night.

You get started on your way again the next day, and around mid-day, you see a milestone telling you that you are entering Iksan. The small town seems a lifetime away from your hectic lives in Seoul, and you spend the day going from shop to shop, buying small trinkets and stuff that are reminiscent of the country life. The residents welcome you with open arms, and more than once, you find an old couple telling you how cute you look together.

"He's a keeper, that one. Don't let him go," a lady says to you, pointing at Chan, who can be seen playing with some kids. "I won't," you smile.

That night, you stay over at a family's house, who were nice enough to allow you to sleep on their futon. You have dinner with them, during which the kid's ask Chan, "Are you two married?," making him choke on his food. "I'm sorry for that, they are learning about families and marriage in school these days," says their mother. "It's all right," you smile, "But no, we aren't married." "But do you plan on getting married soon?," the kids persist.

You and Chan look at each other and smile, before saying in unison, "Yes. One day."

The next morning you take the wheel from Chan, and the both of you drive of in silence, as High School Musical plays on your dashboard screen. After a while, you say, "What is it, Channie? You've been staring at me," "It's just that, you seem way too quiet. You've been like that since last night, after dinner," he replies, "What's the matter? Are you okay?" "I'm fine, just been thinking." "About?" "About us," you begin, elaborating when you see him looking at you expectantly. "When those kids asked us if we were married, it got me thinking.....I love being with you, I love waking up next to you. We live together any way, and share all the burdens that come with it too. So I guess...getting married to you wouldn't be so bad after all," you say softly.

"Is this your way of proposing to me?," giggles your boyfriend. "What? No! I mean, I did say it would be nice to get married, but I don't have a ring right now. And I meant it when I said 'one day,' but it's not today," you hurriedly say. Chan bursts out laughing at this, "I know love, I'm not ready yet either. But yes, if I have to get married, I'd rather marry you than anyone else."

Around noon, you decide to set up camp in a forest clearing. It takes you a few hours to get the tent up and ready, as you keep getting delayed because you can't stop fooling around. Amid Chan getting himself wrapped with the tent instead of unwrapping it, and you assembling the rods the wrong way up, you spend some not-so-productive, but enjoyable quality time in each other's presence, something you didn't know you had been craving for.

Evening rolls by, and you have a light dinner with ramen, some roasted chicken, and beer, following which, you lay down on a picnic mat, with your head on Chan's arm. "The stars look so beautiful, don't they Channie?," you softly ask. "Not as beautiful as you," he says cheesily, making you hide your face into his side. "But yeah, you're right. I really wanted to go stargazing with you, but we never got the time," he sighs. "I'm so happy we came on this trip, love." You open your mouth to speak, but just then, you notice a star shooting across the sky. "Channie! Channie get up, it's a shooting star!," you squeal, before closing your eyes and praying. Once you open them, you notice Chan looking at you with a gaze full of love. "Didn't you wish for something?," you ask. "I did," he smiles. "But what about you? What did you wish for?"

"Come closer Mr. Bang, I'm not about to announce my wish to the whole world," you whisper slyly. He leans in closer to you, only to have you say, "You don't tell others what you wished for," before pressing a sweet kiss to his lips. He smiles into the kiss, before breaking away and hugging you tight.

The next day turns out to be the last before you have to turn back homeward, and so, Chan suggests you make the best of it. "From what I know about the country's geography, we should be close to a beach somewhere here," he says, making you look at him with your eyes shining. "Too bad we're not going to get help from the GPS, but I'm really enjoying the phone detox," you smirk. "Who needs GPS when we've got people? Look there, we're gonna enter a city soon, so let's ask our way around," he replies. An hour and a half later, you come across a milestone that tells you the beach is a mile away. Once there, you look for a deserted spread of sand, keen on not getting stuck in an unnecessary crowd. "We face enough of that in the city, I just want to be alone with you," you whisper, taking his hand in his.

When you finally succeed in finding such a place, Chan giggles, "Good thing I packed our swimming gear as well, right?" "You did well sweetie," you say, booping his nose softly. After getting changed, you spend the next few hours playing in the water. Suddenly, Chan pulls you flush into his chest, and whispers in your ear, "You look so hot wearing that, and with water dripping down your body, I'm really finding it hard to stay away." "Then don't," you say, biting your lip. One thing leads to another, and you're thankful for the changing shack nearby.

By the time the sun starts to set, Chan has pulled you out of the water, and is making you dance with him on the sand, after bringing your phones and portable speaker from the car. Waltzing to the music, you shyly say, "I love you Channie," making him blush and reply with an "I love you too, my cute baby."

After dinner you climb atop the roof of your car, talking about your younger days. "You remember when we got into a huge fight once, back in college? And I was about to break up with you, only to have you whisk me away on a road trip, just like you did this time," you say, laying your head on his shoulder. "It did get you to stick around with me though," he replies, laying his chin on your head. "And you remember how we first met? You spilled your latte all over my T-shirt, and then took me to the infirmary to check for any burns," he reminds you, making you throw your head back in laughter. "You kept whining for a year over how you missed out on being the 'campus heartthrob' because of that incident, when in reality, you still were the most popular freshman," you jab a finger at his chest, smiling.

"Okay, I've got a secret. I wasn't actually sad about the campus heartthrob thing, since I already knew everyone was head over heels for me," he grins, making you punch his arm. "Hey! Let me finish first. I knew everyone loved me, but I only had eyes for you. And whining was just a tactic to get you to feel sorry for me and go on a date with me." You fake gasp at this, exclaiming, "Treachery! And here I thought you were genuinely sulky about that. do you have any idea how guilty I felt that whole year?!" When he simply states at you, unamused, you add through a pout, "I'm planning on revoking your cuddle privileges."

All of a sudden, you realize that Chan is moving over to lay on top of you, trapping you between him and the roof. "You know you can't resist me, babe. So don't even try," he says. "You are right about that," you say, pulling him for a kiss.

You both end up remaining awake till dawn the next day, and decide to start on your journey home around mid-way, after having napped inside the car for a few hours. You get started on your way just after noon, with Chan behind the wheel, and you eating (and feeding him) from a packet of gummy bears in the passenger seat. You re-enter the city you had seen earlier the previous day, and decide to spend some time roaming around. It's a fairly big city, but still much quieter and more peaceful than Seoul. You pass on visiting the mall, reasoning that you do so too frequently back home.

Soon enough though, you come across a store that displays a signboard saying, "Free wine tasting session for couples." You both look at each other, and with a smirk, Chan says what is on your mind. "Can't pass up on sophisticated wine for free now, can we?" You giggle and say, "Nope, absolutely not." And so, in you go. The session proves to be equal parts fun and educational. From the Chardonnay to the Pinot Noir, you go through with the tasting of at least 20 different types of wines. While you actually stick to the literal meaning of the word "tasting," drinking no more than a sip per drink, Chan goes all out, and not too long after, he's totally drunk. "Hey there beautiful, mind telling me your name?," he tries to act smooth with you, making you facepalm as you say, "I still get surprised about how low your alcohol tolerance is for your size," you shake your head.

Once you leave the tasting, half dragging, half carrying a wasted Chan who continuously tries to flirt with you, you decide to take the wheel and hit the road to the outskirts of the city, and cover the remainder of the trip once you're fully sober. When you cross over the city's borders and re-enter the road in the wilderness, you hit the brakes. You let Chan sleep, knowing that waking him up will only give him a hangover. Getting out of the car, you get yourself something to eat from the boot, and once you're full, you snuggle up to him, throwing a blanket over the both of you.

You wake up around nine at night, and as you had predicted, you see Chan holding his head in agony. You nurse him for while, before putting him back to sleep, then continue down the road. You keep sneaking glances at his sleeping form, smiling to yourself when you notice how peaceful he seems, something he hasn't looked like in ages. "We really needed this. Thank you for always knowing what I need, and for always taking care of me. I love you," you thank him silently.

When he finally wakes the next morning, he sees you huddled up in the driver's seat, and he can feel his heart swell with love for you. He gets out of the car, then picks you up and softly places you on the backseat so that you can rest well. Looking at your expression, he can easily see how content and truly happy you are. You are his reason to keep going, and if this little getaway idea of his could help you find your reason to keep going (unbeknownst to him, he himself is your reason to endure too), his heart is at ease. Sure, your week off is going to end soon, but he's positive that you will have rejuvenated yourself and would have gathered enough beautiful memories to last you a while.

Sure, going back to Seoul would mean going back to the hustle and bustle of your lives, but hey, he knows that that you by his side, he'd be ready to run away from home again any day, because his home is with you. But even more than that, he knows that with you by his side, life will be just a tad bit easier. Because you will always be there to remind him of who he was back in college. You will keep the young, carefree boy who loved you to bits, alive in him. And he'll do the same for you. And with that thought, he drives off into the distance, back to where you started from, with a smile on his face.

Because at the end of the day, you both have each other, and that's all that matters.

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lemonandhugs · 3 years ago

Text

Stars Align: Chapter 12 (FULL)

It’s a long one!

Enjoy!

With an inquisitive smile, Cait did as he asked and sat on his bed. Sam bit his bottom lip and stroked her cheek softly. Cait briefly let her eyes close at his soothing touch. He then turned around and walked to his dresser. He rubbed the back of his neck and let out a discrete, deep breath. He opened the top drawer of his dresser and dug around. Cait leant to the side, trying to see what he was doing. She had come to realise that Sam rubbing the back of his neck was something he did when he was nervous, so what he was about to do intrigued her that much more. Sam pulled out an object and quickly whipped back around to face her, and just as quickly hid the object behind his back. Sam locked his eyes onto Cait’s and slowly walked back over to her. Cait had a small smile playing about her lips, as she patiently waited. Sam bent down onto his knees before her, letting out another deep breath as he did so, causing a minty breeze over Cait’s face. She reached out and brushed back a stray red curl that dangled against his eyebrow. Sam peeked up to meet her eyes shyly, hands still clutched behind his back.

“Um…Cait…I…I hope this doesn’t go against what we agreed upon before…when this all began…you and me. But…I’m quite scared that it does…and I’m scared that…” Sam stammered, then suddenly took a deep breath in, shook his head then continued, “I just…I really care about you. This isn’t me trying to put pressure on you…I mean on us…what we are.”

Sam nervously pulled the long, thin, blue box from behind his back and placed it in her hands that were rested on her lap. He held on to her knees, staring at the box, then peered up to see her expression.

Cait was also staring down at the box, then she brought it up closer to her face and opened it slowly. She recognised that they were plane tickets, immediately. Her eyes lit up. She scooped them out and placed the box next to her. Inspecting the tickets closer, she saw the word “Paris”. She lowered the tickets, to look at him and breathed in a deep gasp as a smile spread across her face.

“Paris?!” Cait asked excitedly.

“Yes,” Sam nodded and lowered his gaze, “uh…it’s for a 3-day weekend, the day after block one finishes…for…for you and me. But–,” Sam tried to continue.

He was cut off by Cait’s mouth on his, in a kiss that was eager. So eager that he felt like the amount of suction was going to take his lips right off. Right before he felt like his lips were going to stretch too far, she broke the kiss, leant down, and wrapped her arms around his neck, nuzzling her face into his neck, giggling lightly. Sam took a couple of seconds to register her reaction, a reaction he hadn’t even really considered, and reached up to hold her back, a little breathless from the kiss.

Cait let go of him and leant back, an adoring look on her face as she looked deep into his questioning eyes.

“Sam,” she began, smiling down at their plane tickets in her hands, “I would love to go to Paris with you.”

Sam raised his eyebrows and widened his eyes a little more, “really?”

“Yes!” she responded with forceful nodding, “I…I know we said we weren’t going to put pressure on…what we are. I don’t think we have. I think we’ve gone slow and have let things progress naturally. And…that progression has led me to really caring about you too,” she put her hand on his face, stroking his stubble with her thumb.

Sam’s face lit up and his face broke into a big smile, showing his white, shiny teeth. Cait bent down and leant her forehead against his and closed her eyes. Sam put his hands on the sides of her shoulders and moved his face to the side to capture her lips. Their mouths folded together and Cait wrapped her arms around him again, to get him as close as possible, in that position. Sam parted her legs and pulled them to wrap around his waist, then scooped his hands underneath her arse and lifted her up off the bed, as he got to his feet. He bounced her upward to get a better hold on her, and she locked her ankles around his back. After breaking the kiss, she laid her head against his shoulder and he carried her through the dividing door, into her room. He walked over to her bed, turned around and sat down on the end of it, then leant backwards so he was laying down. Cait took the opportunity to cover his neck in kisses and bites, moving down his chest. Just then she stopped and let out a long and loud yawn. She went to continue her line of kisses down his body, but Sam held her arms and inched her back up toward him.

“Sleep,” he said softly, tucking her hair behind her ear.

Cait hesitated for a moment, then nodded. She bent down once more and pecked him on the lips, before climbing off him to get under the blankets. He turned the lights off and crawled into bed next to her. She faced him, lifted her head up so he could thread his arm underneath her neck and slung her leg over his hip. He held her body and pulled her as close to him as he could. With her head in the crook of his shoulder, and his hands on her shoulder and wrapped around her lower back, hugging her to him, sleep was fast approaching.

‘One more week of work, then Paris,’ was Cait’s last thought, and she smiled into Sam’s neck before drifting off to sleep.

The next few days at work felt slower than normal, as Cait was counting down the days until Paris. She kept herself as busy as possible, focusing on lines when she wasn’t tangled in a bundle of Sam in the trailer, or in the makeup chair, or in new costume fittings.

It came to the Thursday before the Saturday they left for Paris. Cait had gotten back to the trailer first, exhausted, and collapsed on her bed. She wasn’t ready for it, but the nerves hit her hard. Up until that point, she had felt nothing but excitement for Paris, but as it crept closer, the more nervous she became. She knew that in Paris was where her and Sam were going to be completely intimate. They were going to sleep together, in Paris, the most romantic city in the world, and she was nervous. She didn’t expect to feel nervous at all, and it made her really think about what was going to happen.

‘Fuck…I need to get some lingerie! He hasn’t seen me in any lingerie yet, it would be a nice surprise for him. He’s made sure it’s going to be special, and so will I. But when am I going to have the chance to leave without him noticing, and come back without him seeing…?’ Cait thought nervously, staring up at the ceiling and chewing on her lip.

Then her phone vibrated on her bedside table. She pushed herself up, reached over and grabbed it before laying back down. It was a text from Sam.

- Looks like it’s going to be a late one for me, they can’t get the lighting right in this damn night shoot.

- Oh no, how frustrating! How late do you think?

- At least a few more hours, I think…don’t wait up, okay? I know how exhausted you get after work. I’ll pick up something for dinner and I’ll be next to you in bed as quick as I can 😉

- 😊 are you sure?

- Yeah, you sleep.

- Okay, I hope you’re alright. Hurry back 😊

- Will do 😉

Cait smiled to herself, then checked the time. 6:18pm.

‘I guess it’s now or never…’ Cait decided.

She quickly found the number of her driver, called, and asked how far away the nearest town was.

“20 minutes, ma’am,” was Cait’s driver’s response.

Within ten minutes, her driver was outside of her trailer, she hopped in and was on her way to the nearest town, hoping there would be a decent lingerie store.

Upon arrival, Cait’s driver asked, “should I come back, ma’am, or wait for you here?”

“Uh…” Cait paused, looking up and down the long street of stores, “I shouldn’t be too long. Would you be able to wait here?”

“Of course, ma’am,” said her driver.

“Thank you so much,” Cait grinned, then shut the door.

She set off on her quest, power walking down the street, hoping to come across some store that sold women’s underwear. After fifteen minutes of walking, she spotted a lingerie store across the street. With a breath of relief, she ran across the road and into the store. They had many options, but the one that caught her eye and was love at first sight was a wine red, lacy bra and high cut G-string set. It also came with a garter belt and suspenders, in which she was going to pair with black thigh high stockings, and black stilettos. She luckily already had the stilettos. Very happy with her purchases, an excited shiver came over her as she walked out of the store. She couldn’t wait for Sam to see her in it. This helped ease her nerves and brought back the excitement.

She looked at the time, only 7:20pm. Plenty of time to go back to the trailer and start packing her Paris bag, so she could hide her lingerie and heels at the bottom. She would have that done and eat dinner, all well before Sam would get back. Cait got back into the car and let out a satisfied sigh of relief.

By 9:10pm, Cait was showered and tucked cosily in bed, scrolling on her phone. It felt weird going to bed on her own. She suddenly felt very lonely, and looked towards the door, hoping Sam would come through it at any moment. She missed him and was determined to stay awake until he got back. By 9:45pm and still no Sam, a very tired Cait had fallen asleep, phone still in hand.

By 10:15pm, Sam had finally gotten back, quietly coming through the trailer door with a chicken wing in his mouth. He dropped his coat onto the closest dining chair, and his script and key onto the table. After devouring the last of the chicken off the bone, he put it in the bin and licked his lips and fingers. He knew he had to see her before having a shower, so he crept into her room and knelt on the floor beside her. Careful to not get his greasy fingers on her or her bed, he leant in, planning to place a very careful, light kiss on her mouth. The smell of the chicken must have woken her up, as her eyes slowly opened when Sam’s mouth was an inch away. She quickly closed the gap between their mouths and gave him a deep kiss to show him just how much she missed him today. She tasted the chicken on his lips and on his tongue.

“Mm,” she playfully moaned, and sucked his lips into her mouth, enjoying the taste.

He smiled against her mouth, “sorry I woke you,” he breathed into her mouth.

“Don’t be,” she pulled his mouth onto hers again, then sat up all the way.

She broke the kiss and licked her lips, then moved her mouth across his cheek and to his ear.

“Touch me,” she seductively whispered into his ear before nipping at his earlobe and licking down his neck.

Sam’s eyes rolled back, and he could feel his cock twitch and become hard.

“I would love to,” he whispered breathlessly, “but my fingers are greasy.”

She leant back to look at him, “oh?” she questioned.

She reached down and took his left hand and brought it up to her mouth. Starting with his index finger, she enveloped it with her mouth, mimicking the same actions with her tongue that she would on his cock. She did the same with every one of his fingers. By the time she was finished, Sam’s breathing was noticeably heavier. He had that desirous look in his eye, then pounced on top of her. She giggled and untangled her legs from the blanket so she could wrap them around his waist. Their tongues stroked and danced together until they had to come up for air.

“I have to shower,” Sam stated while gasping.

Cait leant in once more with a protesting moan against his lips before she blithely pushed him off with a cheeky smile.

“I won’t be long,” Sam promised, then made a couple of kissing noises before leaving the room.

Saturday morning came. Cait didn’t sleep much, she was full of nerves and excitement. Sam and Cait both strategically mentioned to Ron and their other co-stars where they would be going over the Christmas break, as for it to not be suspicious if they were both seen leaving at the same time. They still had to take separate cars to the airport. Their flight was an early one, so they were, once again, shivering outside their trailer.

Sam heard Cait’s teeth chattering, then pulled her close, held her face and seductively purred, “let me warm those lips up.”

Cait wrapped her arms around his waist and stood up on her tiptoes. They could see every breath they took when they broke each kiss, standing in that frosty morning together.

Their lips became warm just when they heard their cars pulling up. They quickly broke apart from one another, and Sam reached for her hand, placed a sweet kiss on top of her fingers, then took an inconspicuous step away from her.

Sam and Cait both made a point to mention to their drivers where they were heading for their Christmas break; different locations but flight times close to each other. They were doing everything they could think of to not get caught, or cause anyone to be suspicious.

Their flight was at 6:30am, and it was only an hour and a half flight. They had a cabin seat, in first class. It was a much different experience together than it was last time. There were also less people on the plane this time.

They found their cabin and revelled in the fact that they were so secluded and had no annoying armrest between them. As soon as Sam sat down, Cait climbed into his lap. Sam took a quick look to see that there weren’t any flight attendants around, before running his hand from Cait’s knee, all the way up her thigh, stroking a very sensitive area. She had to conceal her squeal and breathed heavily into his ear. Sam kissed the side of her neck then idly played with a strand of her hair. They heard the flight attendant’s food trolley coming up the aisle, so Sam lifted Cait up off his lap and put her down on the seat beside him. She kept her hand on his leg, then cuddled his arm and leant her head against her shoulder. Sam leant his heard against hers.

“Where would you like to go, when we get there?” Sam asked.

There was no answer. Sam took his head off hers, leant forward and saw that she was fast asleep. He smiled, kissed the top of her head, and leant his head back onto hers, also closing his eyes.

Sam and Cait were awoken by the bumpiness of the plane landing. Cait untangled her arms from around Sam’s arm and thrust them in the air, stretched and yawned. Sam arched his back and stretched out his legs. He twisted this way and that, satisfied when he heard a few cracks. Cait observed him and twisted her body from side to side, gaining Sam’s attention.

She was disappointed to not hear any cracking sounds from her back, “okay, I don’t know how you do that, but it looks like it feels really good,” Cait pouted, then smirked.

Sam giggled, held her face and pulled it close to his, placing a soft kiss on her mouth, “did you have a good nap? You must have been tired.”

“Yeah, I didn’t sleep enough last night. Too excited I guess,” Cait grinned, biting her bottom lip.

Sam reciprocated then flicked his eyebrows up seductively.

‘And that excitement will not be for nothing,’ Sam internally roused.

They hopped into their uber, ready for the one hour drive it was going to take to reach Mama Shelter Hotel in Paris’ east. Cait had no idea where they were going, or what hotel, but she was excited. She trusted Sam. It excited both of them to be in a city where no one knew them; they could be as free as they wanted together. That started in that very uber, they weren’t used to being able to be driven together. Cait was sitting directly behind the driver, and Sam was sitting in the middle seat, beside her. Cait’s arms slinked their way around Sam’s neck and pulled him close. She kissed along his strong jawline and gently bit down where his jaw met his neck. This caused him to shift in his seat and exhale a little too heavily against the side of her face. She cheekily smiled and giggled at his reaction. He smirked at her with narrowed eyes, then his hand found her bare waist underneath her top, and lightly travelled up her body and found her right boob. He stroked the top of it, then attempted to hook his fingers underneath her bra to find her nipple. To conceal any sounds she made, he used his other hand to cup the back of her neck and bring her mouth onto his. She shivered and breathed heavily into his mouth, then slid her hand up his thigh and squeezed his crotch through his jeans. He let out a quiet groan into her mouth and bit down on her bottom lip. After an hour, before they got too hot and bothered, they felt the car stop. The hour had only felt like fifteen minutes. They quickly unhanded each other and got out of the car. Sam had to readjust himself before he got out completely, otherwise his stiff cock would be on full display through his jeans. Sam took his and Cait’s bag and handed it to the porters who came out to meet them.

They reached the top floor of the hotel and came to their room. It was very large and light, with big windows. What caught Cait’s eye first, though, was the cartoon masks resting on the pillows of the very large, king size bed.

She let out a breathy laugh as she walked towards the bed and picked both masks up, “what?” she turned around and smiled at Sam.

He walked over to her and took the Scooby Doo mask and put it on, “ruh roh,” he said in his best Scooby Doo voice.

Cait laughed and put on the other mask, which was a man with dark hair.

Sam giggled, “okay, we have to take a photo of this,” he suggested through his mask.

After the photo was taken, Cait slipped her mask off and looked at it.

“Why the masks though?” Cait asked.

“I think the hotel is just known for it, something different, bit quirky,” Sam shrugged.

“Fair enough,” Cait nodded.

She put the mask down on one of the bedside tables and looked around.

“Wow, this is really big. Really nice. Oh, look at the balcony!” Cait’s eyes widened as she rushed over and opened the glass door.

The balcony was also quite spacious, with flowerpots lining the railing, a small round, glass table with two chairs, and a view that went on as far as the eye could see, with an outline of the Eiffel Tower in the distance. Sam followed her out onto the balcony and put his arm around her shoulders. She smiled up at him and then went back to staring at the view.

“Amazing,” she stated, and leant her head into Sam’s neck.

Sam had viewed photos of every single one of the rooms in this suite, so he was familiar with what it entailed, but was enjoying watching Cait’s reactions. He was pleased that she seemed to be impressed by it.

“Should we go and have a look at the rest?” Sam suggested.

Cait nodded, threaded her fingers through Sam’s and walked back inside.

Where they walked in went straight into the large bedroom and balcony. The ensuite bathroom was quite big, with marble benchtops. Out of their bedroom doorway, there was a small hallway, with a large loungeroom and kitchen to the right, and to the left, a main bathroom with a very large spa bath, a large shower with two shower heads, and a ‘his’ and ‘hers’ sink. Their room had a large vase of long-stemmed white roses, specifically requested by Sam.

“Would you like to go to the Eiffel Tower?” Sam asked as they walked out of the main bathroom.

“Yes!” Cait’s eyes widened, as she looked back at him and smiled.

“Okay, it’s not far from here, only a twenty-minute drive. And we could grab breakfast too?” Sam suggested.

“Yeah, that sounds good. I’m just going to the toilet, then we’ll go?” Cait asked as she walked towards the ensuite.

“I’ll wait right here,” he flopped back onto the bed.

‘Comfy, very comfy…good,’ Sam smirked to himself.

Then after a minute, he pounced back up off the bed and pulled one of the roses out of the large vase.

“Ah, fuck!” he exclaimed in a harsh whisper, as he sucked at the blood that oozed out of his thumb from a thorn that spiked him.

He shook his hand when the blood stopped, then sat on the bed patiently, holding the rose.

The ensuite door opened ten seconds later, but Cait did not appear. He leant forward, trying to see her. Then he got up and crept to the ensuite door, holding the rose behind his back. He poked his head in and saw Cait leaning over the sink inspecting an eyelash in the mirror. He walked behind her, and she looked at him in the mirror and smiled shyly.

“Sorry, there’s something in my eye,” Cait explained, then opened her eye wide again and moved her eyelids around, “Ah ha! Got it,” Cait exclaimed, relieved as she carefully scooped an eyelash out from inside her lower eyelid. She blinked a few times, “much better.”

Sam leant his chin on her shoulder, from behind, then brought the rose out from behind him and held it in front of her.

Cait’s face broke with a wide smile at the rose, and then at him in the mirror. She put her hand up to take it.

“Careful, thorns,” Sam warned, “it already got me,” Sam said showing her his cut thumb.

“Aww,” Cait’s eyes became sad with concern. She carefully took the rose from him with one hand, then with her other hand, she brought his thumb to her mouth and placed a couple of soft kisses on it.

Sam smiled crookedly, then placed a kiss on her shoulder. Cait turned around to face him, carefully wrapped her arms around his neck and leant in.

“Thank you,” she whispered an inch away from his mouth.

Sam brought his lips onto hers and responded, “you’re welcome,” moving her lips up and down as he spoke. It made her laugh into his mouth, which made him smile. He loved hearing her laugh, he loved making her laugh. He wrapped his arms around her waist tightly, then leant into the kiss. As he did, he leant forward even more and let his hands travel down her back and settle on her arse in her skinny jeans. She held on to him tighter, as she was bent backwards. With a light squeeze and smack to one of her cheeks, Sam broke the kiss and pulled her back up straight. With one last kiss to the tip of her nose, Sam took her hand and switched off the light. Cait used the empty vase on one of the bedside tables to put her rose in.

Twenty-three minutes later and they had reached the Eiffel Tower. Sam and Cait were standing on a grassy area, looking up at its great height. The sky was clear and bright, a beautiful day. Right across the street was Castel Café, in which they had breakfast. After spending an hour eating, talking, and laughing, they made their way to the top of the Eiffel Tower.

“Are you okay with heights?” Sam asked, as they got higher and higher up.

“Yeah, fine,” Cait replied, fixated on the view, “how about you?”

“Doesn’t bother me. So that’s good, we’re both fine with heights. Is it just spiders, then, that you’re scared of?” Sam asked, interested.

“Umm…yeah that’s pretty much it. Is there anything you’re scared of?” Cait turned to him and smirked.

Sam shrugged, “I don’t really think about it. Nothing stands out, in my mind.”

‘If I could never see you again, that scares me,’ Sam thought, his stomach clenching.

“Big, brave man,” Cait teased him as she slipped her arms around his waist, resting her chin on his chest.

“Hm,” he smiled down at her and wrapped his arms around her shoulders.

They had reached the very top then, and the lift doors opened. They were both hit with an overwhelming force of wind. Sam protectively put his arm around Cait’s shoulders. He then led them around the other side of the tower, where the wind was a lot less intense. Cait sighed in relief, then took in the view. She smiled blissfully and slipped her arm around him, holding his waist. Sam rubbed her shoulder.

“Amazing,” Cait breathed.

“Yeah, you can see so far out. It just keeps going,” Sam observed, contently.

“Hmm,” Cait breathed out happily.

“I’m happy we get to experience this…together,” Sam squeezed her shoulder, briefly, suddenly shy.

Cait smiled up at him, then turned her body towards him. She rested her hands on his chest and stood up on her toes. Sam held the sides of her neck and bent his head to catch her lips. This kiss caused those butterflies to return in the pit of her stomach. The depth of the kiss mixed with the romantic atmosphere, and the new experience together made it that much more special. It made her feelings intensify, and their stay in Paris was only just beginning.

After spending some time at the top of the tower, and even braving the sides with strong winds, they headed back down to explore the streets of Paris. They walked, hand in hand, until they came to Champ de Mars Park. They admired the statues, flowerbeds, and the devastatingly beautiful fountain in the centre of the park. They sat on the fountain’s concrete edge, soaking up some vitamin D, and continued to talk, bond, laugh. Sam’s hand didn’t move from her leg, and Cait’s arm was curled around his, her hand on top of his, stroking his fingers every so often.

“So, uh…what do you say we stay around here until tonight? Instead of heading back east, near the hotel?” Sam nervously suggested.

“Yeah, sure,” Cait nodded, tucking her windblown hair behind her ear.

“Good,” Sam nodded, exhaling in relief, “it’s just that…I have something planned for us…for dinner tonight.”

“Oh?” Cait smiled wide in question, nudging his shoulder with hers.

Sam looked down and giggled, “yeah, uh…it’s a sunset dinner cruise, along the River Seine,” he explained, jerking his head in the direction of the river, behind them.

“Oh my god, really? That sounds incredible, Sam. Being on a boat, watching the sun go down, in the City of Lights. What more could I want?” she gave him a very thankful smile, then held his chin and kissed him with all her gratitude.

She broke the kiss off suddenly and looked down at her outfit.

“Oh, wait! I’m not really dressed for a dinner cruise,” she furrowed her brows, pulling at her black blazer and white top, and grimaced at her blue skinny jeans. The fanciest thing she was wearing were her black, strappy wedges.

“I think you look great,” Sam started, dragging his eyes over her body, head to toe, “but if you don’t feel comfortable and would rather change, we can go back to the hotel. Easily done.”

“Mm,” she thought, twisting her mouth side to side, “yeah, I want to look nice for something like that. Really nice. I mean, if you’re going to wine and dine me, I want to be a little fancy,” she wiggled her shoulders.

‘Adorable,’ Sam thought, smiling at her.

She smiled back; it reached her eyes. He often became dazzled by how beautiful she was, but there in the sunlight, he really lost himself in her eyes. The sound of a splash in the fountain behind them brought him out of his hypnotic state, and he blinked a few times.

He looked down at his own outfit of a black jacket, dark grey jeans, brown boots, and a black shirt.

“I should really change too, anyway,” he stretched out his legs.

Cait shrugged and said, matter-of-factly, “you always look hot.”

Sam chuckled shyly, “do I?”

“Yes,” she said softly, leaning in and gently bumping the tip of her nose against his.

“Mm,” his eyebrows flicked up cheekily, “well you’re pretty hot too, Caitriona Balfe,” he cupped the back of her neck with one hand slid his hand up her thigh with the other.

She melted into his soft, but thorough kiss.

They arranged an uber and made their way back to the hotel and had lunch in its own restaurant. They then decided to explore the Louvre for the remainder of their afternoon, before it was time to get ready for their sunset dinner cruise, leaving at 7pm.

Sam was ready, dressed in slim, dark blue chinos, brown boots, and a long-sleeved, grey knitted shirt, with a white collared shirt underneath. His red hair was smooth back slightly. He sat on the bed, waiting in anticipation for what Cait would look like. Ten minutes later, Cait finally emerged. Her hair was straightened, so it came down past her shoulders. She was wearing a tight-fitted, long-sleeved black shirt and a high-waisted black and white skirt, that sat two inches above her knee cap. She was wearing black, open-toed, strappy high heels. Her makeup was simple, natural. She didn’t need it to begin with, but it only accentuated her full lips, blue-grey eyes, and the apples of her cheeks. She was carrying a little black, silky clutch.

Sam’s eyes widened as he trailed them from her face, right down to her shoes, then back up.

He took a breath in, “wow,” he breathed out.

Cait smiled shyly, then looked down, embarrassed.

Sam stood up off the bed, gently took her hand, raised it up in the air and slowly spun her around, to get a look at all of her.

“Cait, you look amazing,” Sam’s eyes were still wide, and he looked her up and down once more.

He had to stop himself from salivating. He brought her hand to his lips and placed a sweet kiss on her fingers. Cait giggled, then peered back up at him.

She looked him up and down, “and you look very handsome,” she breathed out seductively, placing her hands on his waist.

He smiled at her crookedly, then leant in. She could hear him inhale and then hesitate.

“I…I want to kiss you…but I don’t want to mess up anything,” he licked his lips.

“Hmm,” he continued, then angled his head and leant down lower. She tilted her head to give him full access.

He placed his lips on the side of her neck in a long kiss, “mm,” he moaned deeply, “you smell so good,” he breathed on her neck and caressed it with the tip of his nose, before leaning back to look at her.

Her chest was heaving a little, up, and down, and his eyes were full of lust and hunger, as they darted down to her mouth, his thumbs rubbing her hips lightly.

Cait blinked a few times to break the spell, and exhaled slowly, “we should get going,” was her whisper.

‘And he hasn’t even seen me in my lingerie yet,’ Cait thought, smiling privately to herself.

Sam nodded, shutting his eyes briefly. He threaded his fingers through hers and they headed downstairs to await their uber.

An hour later and they were on their sunset cruise. They had their own little table right at the front of the boat, with a great view of everything, as they slowly drifted down the River Seine. Sam deliberately gave Cait the seat that would face the Eiffel Tower as it lit up in twinkling lights. With the boat’s impeccable timing, they had drifted right in front of it right when its lights came on. Sam looked behind him at the tower, then quickly turned back to watch Cait’s reaction. Her eyes widened, and so did her smile. He watched the magic of the lights reflecting off her face and making her eyes look like the brightest blue. The corner of his mouth turned up as he watched her happiness. She made eye contact with him then, and her smile didn’t break.

“So beautiful,” she expressed, then reached over and put her hand on his, “thank you, Sam. This really is amazing.”

His thumb stroked the top of her hand, then with his other hand he lifted his glass of wine. She lifted hers as well.

“To a stunning woman, in a stunning city,” he cheekily smiled, clinking his glass gently on hers.

She smiled brightly, then looked down, before peering back up at him and biting her bottom lip. She took a sip of wine and didn’t let go of his eyes.

Three men in tuxedos stood up then, each with a violin. They began to play slow, soothing, romantic music. Sam looked at them, then looked at Cait. With a small, saucy smile, he got up, stood to the side of Cait and held out his hand. She looked up at him with a slightly bashful expression, then took his hand. He walked backwards a few steps, holding her hands, before holding her waist and pulling her close. She locked her hands around his neck, and they moved side to side, as slow as the music. Sam looked adoringly into her eyes as they moved, and she did the same, a slight smile playing on her lips. He moved forward, then, and rested his forehead on hers, shutting his eyes. She moved her head upwards slightly, causing him to open his eyes back up. He moved his forehead off hers, and she leant in fully and pressed her lips on his. He leant deeper into the kiss eagerly, as he had been wanting to kiss her for the last couple of hours. He let out a quiet, satisfied moan against her mouth, then broke the kiss and licked his lips. She gave him a seductive smile that let him know there would be more where that came from. He pulled her into more of a hug position, as they continued to dance, the sides of their faces leaning against each other.

“I promise I won’t knock you into this river,” Sam whispered in her ear.

Cait broke out into laughter against the side of his neck.

“Doesn’t that feel like such a long time ago?” Cait smiled.

“It does,” Sam replied, softly rubbing her lower back.

An hour later, after their three-course meal was eaten, and more wine was drunk, their sunset cruise had come to an end, and the city was well and truly lit up with thousands of lights. Not even the beauty of the city could distract Cait from her heart that was beating in her ears. She knew they were going back to their hotel room; she knew what was coming next. It was all becoming real, and the nerves rushed back, smacking her belly with nervous knots and butterflies.

The energy between them, in the uber back to their hotel suite, had shifted to a mutual sort of nervous awareness. Both knew what was going to happen, there were no words needed to discuss it. Suddenly every move was made with careful sensitivity. They both didn’t want to make one wrong move, lest it all be ruined. They restlessly anticipated what was coming, yet they were equally terrified. Being in the moment and having it happen, as opposed to planning it are two different things. Sam was feeling the pressure, all he could do was hope that what he had in mind was special enough.

They had reached their hotel suite and walked through the door, switching the lights on. Without wasting a moment, and wanting to catch her off-guard, he grabbed hold of her from behind and bent down to her ear.

“Meet me in the main bathroom in ten minutes,” he whispered, and bent down to kiss her shoulder.

Then he was off out of the room and down the hall to the bathroom. Cait’s eyes widened, and her heart felt like it paused for a moment. Then her butterflies flew harder. She let out the breath she was holding, then a smile crept over her mouth. Her emotions had gone back to nervous excitement, instead of nothing but nervousness. She liked surprises, so not knowing what he had planned only made her ache with desire. Then thinking about how he was going to be surprised with her lingerie made her shiver and her heart started to race. She sat on the bed and took off her heels. She then took her bag to the ensuite, where she was going to prepare once they reached the bedroom.

‘Should I get naked? No…no, he might want to undress me, for us to undress each other. But…what if I walk in and he’s already naked? Well…slightly awkward, but he would still get to undress me, which he seems to enjoy. Should I take my makeup off now? Or will we have a shower afterwards? No, regardless, it most definitely has to come off now. If we get all sweaty, it’ll get shiny and might run…and that’s not attractive at all,’ Cait made up her mind and ran into the ensuite to wash her face.

Once she had finished, with her face all soft and clean, she looked at the time. She had about three minutes to spare. She sat back on the bed trying to both prepare herself and calm herself down. Her heart was beating hard through her chest, and shivers were crawling up and down her spine, causing goosebumps everywhere.

Ten minutes had passed, it was time. She took a deep breath in and let it out slowly, trying not to squeal. She walked out of the bedroom and down the hall towards the bathroom door, wringing her hands. She came before the door, put her hand out and knocked.

“Come in,” was the deep, echoey voice that responded.

Cait slowly opened the door and she instantly saw that the room was lit with candles, lots of them, on every surface possible. Cait looked around the room, amazed. Her smile went from a little smirk to a full-blown grin. Her eyes settled on Sam, still fully dressed, and sitting on the spa bath’s edge, a lopsided smile on his candle-lit face. The bath was filled almost to the top.

Cait was relieved to see that he was also still fully dressed.

“Come here,” he beckoned her, his arm extended out.

She came to him but took her time. She held out her hand and took his, and he pulled her against him. Before she could comment on how romantic all the candles were, Sam’s hand found the back of her neck and pulled her mouth onto his, followed immediately by his tongue seeking hers.

After a couple of minutes, he pulled back, “mm, your face smells good,” he expressed sensuously and continued to kiss the apple of her cheek, down to her chin, across her jaw, and down her neck. She exhaled a quiet moan.

His other hand had found her arse and was squeezing one cheek to bring her pelvis more against his.

His gently bit her collarbone and looked back up into her eyes. He stroked her face sweetly.

“Would you like to have a bath?” he breathed out against her mouth.

She took a step back, pulled her tightly fitted, long-sleeved shirt out from beneath her skirt, and brought it up and over her head, throwing it carelessly on the tiled floor. Sam was greeted with Cait’s boobs in a lacy, black bra. He blinked a few times and licked his lips. Instantly getting up off the bath, he closed the space between them.

“I’ll take that as a ‘yes’,” he wrapped his arms around her bare top half, hands trailing all over, then coming to her boobs, squeezing them through her sexy bra.

Instead of reaching around to remove it, his fingers hooked inside the top of her skirt. He vigorously pulled it down over her arse and down her legs, and she quickly hopped out of it. She was wearing a G-string that matched her black, lacy bra. He took a step back to admire her, and let out an aroused groan, then took her mouth again, hands settling straight onto her arse, rubbing, and squeezing her bare cheeks in a circular motion. She could feel how hard he was, and she bent backwards and allowed an out-of-breath moan to escape her mouth when he released her mouth and ran his tongue up her throat. Chest heaving up and down, she reached for the bottom of his shirt and pulled it off, then almost ripped every single one of the buttons off his collared shirt. She ran her hands up his sculpted torso, knowing she’ll never tire of what she saw in front of her. She quickly undid his belt and ripped it out of the loops on his chinos. She dropped it and went straight for his button and zip, and just as quickly, he stood there in only his underwear. Sam pulled her close again, reached around and fiddled with the clasp on her bra. After a minute he was able to get it undone, then slid his fingertips over her back, towards the sides of her boobs, leading the bra to slip off. Once it fell to the floor, he bent down and pressed his mouth into her boobs, then opened his mouth to envelope her nipples, one at a time. While he was bent down, he traced down her hips and hooked his thumbs into her G-string. He slowly slipped it down further and further, then she wiggled her legs to let it fall the rest of the way down and stepped out of it. He wanted to bend down and run his tongue from her pelvis to her collarbone, but before he could, both of her hands had found his arse, one on each firm cheek. She gently squeezed, pulling his pelvis more into hers, then mimicked his actions by hooking her thumbs into his underwear and pulling them down, up and over his hard cock. They slid down his calves and he stepped out of them and kicked them aside. Her hands, once again, found his now bare arse, sinking her fingertips into it, enjoying the feeling of him tensing with every one of her squeezes. Then he gently held her forearms and took a step back from her. He turned around and carefully walked up the three marble bath steps, stepped down into the bath, turned around and held his hand out for her. Reaching for his hand, she stepped into the bath with him. It was much deeper than it looked. With them standing, the water almost covered all of Cait’s long legs. They both stood facing each other. Sam put his hands on Cait’s waist, and she rested hers against his chest. Sam bent down into the water, and Cait followed. They didn’t take their eyes off each other, breathing deeply. Sam sat on his arse and put his legs out flat and pulled her close. He ran his hands down her arse until her found the back of her thighs. He pulled them apart, so she was sitting on him in a straddled position. She wrapped her legs around his waist and held his muscular shoulders. Her area was flush against his stiff cock that was resting vertically against his lower belly. She cheekily grinded into him, and a brief, low groan crept out from the back of his throat. He hungrily took her mouth, stroking her tongue with his, biting her lips, running his hands up and down her spine, grabbing her arse to push her into him more.

When he noticed her having to come up for air and breaking their kisses more often, he knew it was time to stop. He didn’t want to bring her too close to the edge. They were only just beginning. He moved his mouth briefly across her jawline and kissed, licked, and sucked different areas of her neck. He stopped when he reached her collarbone, then held her waist and inched her back. She unlocked her legs form around his waist and balanced back on her knees. He got to his knees as well and moved to the side of her.

“Can you float?” he whispered as he put one hand in the middle of her back and the other on her arse, gently easing it forwards and upwards.

With total trust and a cheeky smirk, she allowed herself to fall back into his hands, arms out to her sides like a starfish, and her body bobbed on top of the water. Sam hardly had to hold her up. He waited a minute to see if she was going to sink back down. When he was confident that she wasn’t going anywhere, he held her right ankle and lifted her leg up into the air, moved between her legs and put her leg back down. The movement in her leg caused her to sink lower, but he put both underneath her arse and held her up.

“Hold on to the edge,” he said with a low growl.

Doing what he said, she reached up and held onto the bath’s edge. He took one hand off her arse and pushed her legs apart. He put his hand back on her arse and lifted her up so that her mound was out of the water. The cold air on her caused her hips to squirm a little, as she felt more cold air, the more and more he was spreading her legs. He suddenly bent his head down, opened his mouth and took as much of her in that he could. The contrast of his hot mouth on her area that had become cold sent shockwaves of pleasure up her legs and right to the sensitive part of her upper back. Her hips jolted against his mouth, and she let out an aroused gasp. Holding his mouth on her, she felt his tongue start to move as his mouth started a sucking motion. Feeling the sensation not only on her clit but around her opening caused her to let out a loud, breathy moan. Sam smiled into her and continued what he was doing for a couple of minutes more. Then he took his mouth off her, stuck out his tongue and laid it flat on her, stroking up and down. He had pleasured her this way so many times that he knew what sounds she made and the way she moved her pelvis when she was about to come. He didn’t want her too close to that state. After another minute of licking her up and down, he removed his tongue and brought it to her inner thighs instead, hearing her panting and letting out little sounds of protest. He slid his hands up her thighs until they came to her area. His thumb dragged up towards her clit and settled flat on, moving in circular motions. Her hips bucked upwards again, trying to his hand further onto her. He used his other hand to trace his index finger around her opening, threatening to slip into her. She pushed herself down onto his finger in one quick jolt and his it entered her. He pushed it in slowly, gently. He stopped when only a third of his finger was in her, and wiggled it inside of her, tickling her walls. This caused her hips to writhe and her grip on the bath was so tight that she was starting to slip. He stopped what he was doing, reached over, and held her hands and stood up, pulling her up with him. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her against him. He kissed her passionately. A kiss that revealed how he wanted her, how he needed her, badly. He broke the kiss and they panted against each other’s mouth, drinking in each other’s breath. He then kissed down the side of her neck, over her shoulder, over her boob with a quick suck on her nipple, and down the middle of her belly, where he prodded her belly button with the tip of his tongue. He licked and kissed all around her belly, and down her lower abdomen, nipping and biting here and there. He stood back up, turned around and took a big and steady step out of the bath. He reached the bottom of the few steps, threw a spare towel on the floor to stand on, moved to the side of the bath, then reached out for her. She walked towards him, and he scooped his arm under her legs, wrapped his arm around her back and lifted her out in one smooth motion. She gripped his shoulders hard, as it was an unexpected move.

He felt her tense, “I’ve got you,” he reassured her sweetly.

She relaxed her hold on him and smiled at him ardently. She leant her forehead against the side of his face as he carried her from the bathroom to the bedroom. He walked to the foot of the bed, put her down, turned her to face him, grabbed her arse then lifted her again. She wrapped her legs and arms around him, took hold her his mouth with hers and didn’t let go. He moaned with pleasure as she stuck her tongue towards the back of his throat. He put his knees up to kneel on the bed, then leant forward so she fell on her back and he on top of her. She wrapped her legs back around him, heart pounding, pulse racing.

‘This is it! It’s about to happen! Oh fuck, I almost forgot!’ Cait suddenly tensed.

She put her hand on his chest before things escalated.

He leant back with a confused expression, “are you alright?”

“Yeah, I uh…I…have a little…surprise,” Cait bit her lip, looking down.

Sam’s eyes widened a little, his eyebrows flicked up and a curious smile came across his face.

“Oh really?” he responded seductively.

“Mhm,” Cait nodded and smirked up at him, “let me go…get it,” she jerked her head towards the ensuite.

He lifted himself off her, “I…also have something,” he bent down to his bag and pulled out a big, black blanket, that had a slightly fluffy side, and a material side. Cait got off the bed, and he spread it out onto it.

Cait looked at it curiously, then bent down and felt it.

“It’s a…waterproof blanket,” he smirked cheekily at her. He wanted to say, “sex blanket”, but worried it would kill the mood.

Cait raised her eyebrows and giggled a little, “you’ve thought of everything,” a sensuous glint sparkled in her eyes.

Sam flicked his eyebrows up and shrugged one shoulder. He then crawled back on the bed, laid on his side and held his head in his hand, “I’ll be waiting,” he said in a sexy whisper.

With a provocative smile, she turned and walked into the ensuite. It took fifteen minutes to get everything on and in position. Attaching the suspenders took the most time and tested her patience. She attempted to dry and fluff out her hair as much as she could. She managed to pull off a messy sort of voluminous look, with her loose curls bouncing back. Slipping her very high stilettos on, she took one last look in the mirror. She was very pleased with how well it fit, and how the wine red looked on her pale skin. She took a breath in and let it out slowly.

“Here we go,” she whispered to herself.

She reached for the door handle, slowly turned it and opened the door. She poked only her head out to see him.

“Okay, ready?” she asked nervously.

“Ooh, yes!” he responded excitedly with a grin. He hit the part of the blanket in front of him a few times.

She leant back into the ensuite, took a step out and slowly revealed herself in her dazzling lingerie set. She stepped all the way out of the ensuite and stood in front of Sam.

Sam’s jaw literally dropped. It got lower and lower, the more and more she revealed of herself as she stepped out of that ensuite. His eyes became wide. He pushed himself up off his side and stared at her, starting from her heels, slowly up until he reached her face. Then went back down again.

“Oh…wow…Cait,” he uttered in a low voice, as his eyes trailed back down.

He licked his lips and swallowed hard. His cock had gone a little flaccid while he was waiting for her, but now it was hard and standing up again. She could actually see it move with each pulse.

He made a “turn” gesture with his finger, and she slowly turned around. When her back was to him, he suddenly said, “stop.”

He felt his mouth fill with saliva as he gazed at her shapely arse in that G-string. His cock was throbbing, his heart was pounding, he could hardly breathe at this point.

He had to touch her. He pounced off the bed and held her from behind, his hands exploring all over the front of her. He breathed heavily onto her shoulder, and she could tell how turned on he was by it. She privately smiled to herself.

“Sexy. So very very sexy, Cait,” he uttered with a shaking breath. He bent down so could run his hands up her legs and feel the bare skin where her thigh-high stocking stopped. He reached further to stroke her inner thighs.

She quickly whipped around, grabbed the back of his neck, and crashed her lips onto his. He pulled her so tight against him, not being able to decide whether he wanted to grab her arse, legs, or bare back. His hands roamed all over those areas.

She kept one hand on the back of his neck but put the other on his waist and stepped sideways, then backwards, leading him to the bed. When she felt the bed on the back of her knees, she fell backwards onto the sex blanket on the bed and pulled him on top of her. She wanted him just as bad. He wrapped one arm around her and pulled her further onto the bed, then she wrapped his legs around him and continued to ravage his mouth with intermittent panting and moaning into his mouth. He peeled himself off her, then stood up off the bed. He took one of her stilettoed feet, slipped the heel off slowly, then did the same with the other. He then kissed up her legs until he reached the top of each stocking. He fiddled with the suspenders until he figured out how they came off, then bit down and peeled both stockings off with his teeth. He licked and kissed back up her legs and her inner thighs. The tip of his nose nudged her area through her G-string. He also dug his teeth into the top of it and slid it down. She lifted her arse up to assist him. He pulled it off her legs, made his way back up her body and came to the garter belt. She arched her back so he could get his hands underneath and undo it. He chucked it over his shoulder, bent down and placed one longing kiss over her clit, then nipped at her hip bones. He placed hot kisses, with a stroking tongue, up her belly and between her ribcage, painfully slow. When he came to her bra, his tongue traced the uncovered area of her boobs and he used one hand to squeeze. He reached underneath her again to unclasp the bra, then he flung it across the room. She was fully naked again before him. He bent over her, looking into her eyes, with a small smile. This one was full of adoration, more than arousal. He bent his head down, licked his lips and kissed her softly, tenderly. Then he leant the rest of his body down, so they were completely skin to skin. The soft kiss continued, until she deepened it with longing, want. He began to grind against her, and she parted her legs, giving him more access. She could feel the tip of him poking her opening, then spread her legs even further and moved her pelvis upwards. She moaned into this mouth, pleading.

He pulled back, breathing heavily, staring into her eyes, “are you–,”

“Yes,” she cut him off, breathily. Yes, she was ready. So ready.

“Protection? I was tested after my last girlfriend, years ago. I’m clean,” Sam confessed.

Cait nodded, “me too, about three years ago. I haven’t been with anyone since. And…I have an IUD, so no need for protection,” Cait smirked and caressed the tip of her nose against his.

He nodded; a sweet smile spreading along his mouth. Without breaking eye contact, he moved his pelvis slightly back, then brought it forward again, finding her entrance and pushing gently, inching his way in, bit by bit. The sheer size of him was overwhelming, and she hadn’t had sex in quite a long time. She slightly grimaced, feeling herself stretching to accommodate him in her.

“Are you okay? Do you need me to stop?” he paused with concern.

“No, no don’t stop,” she shook her head and clenched his shoulder.

She brought her face up to his and her lips met his, she held the sides of his face. Sam brought one of her legs up and held it on his waist, the other hand holding her shoulder. As the passion in their kiss increased, Sam gently thrusted out a little and back in a little, and Cait moved with him. After the initial and slightly uncomfortable stretching feeling had passed, Cait was able to concentrate on how he felt as he filled her, rubbing her walls higher and higher. Cait bit his bottom lip, and with one last thrust in, he was fully in her. It caused her to gasp, as she felt all of him inside her.

“Are you okay?” he panted and placed a peck in between her eyes.

She breathed out, chest heaving, then smiled, “yes,” she reached up for his mouth again and rocked her hips, encouraging him to continue.

It took them a little while to figure out a rhythm, but they eventually learnt how to move together. Every time Sam went all the way in, Cait got a strong sensation that travelled through her pelvis and belly. It was intense, it made her quiver, she clenched her walls around him. He clawed and gripped at her body, throaty moans escaping against her mouth, every time he felt her clench him tightly.

Sam changed up his rhythm periodically. He would go faster at times, and them would slow down and go all the way and all the way back in. The intense feeling was increasing in pleasure. She felt as though she was buzzing. She didn’t realise she was doing it, but she gripped his back so hard that she was actually clawing and scratching him. As she moved with him, Sam noticed she was pushing pelvis harder into his. Then the noises started. He had heard her make many moans, squeals, choked screams, but these noises. They sounded almost as though she was in pain, like she was sobbing. Sam broke their kiss to look at her, making sure she was okay. Her mouth was open, her eyes were closed, and she looked blissfully relaxed. Her mouth flicked up at the sides into a little smile at times. Knowing that what he was doing was working, he experimented with speed and movement. He thrusted in circular motions, both slow and fast, to test her reaction. She was the loudest when he went all the way out and back in, in one quick motion. Sam tried something else, he thrusted all the way in and held himself there. He grinded against her with the head of his cock and felt her tense, and her eyes popped open. She inhaled a gasp and let it out in a moaning whimper. Again, Sam had to check her face. Reassured, he turned his attention to her neck, doing exactly what he knew she liked, licking up each side, kissing up the middle, rubbing his stubbly chin all the way underneath her ear. Her nails dug into his back harder and she was panting very fast. He could tell she was right on the edge, and with her walls clenching hard around him, he wasn’t far off either. He swirled his tongue around the left side of her neck and kept up the speed of his cock, going all the way out and slamming back in. Her loud panting was met with choked squeals that sounded like they were going to erupt into a scream at any minute. He took her mouth again and freely let out a low groan into her mouth. Her noises and the way she felt were bringing him to the point of breaking at any minute. With a quick and sudden movement, Cait wrapped her legs tight around Sam’s waist and let herself completely go as the mind-blowing orgasm washed over and shocked her whole body, causing her to spasm and jolt. She screamed, moaned, squealed, and whimpered altogether. Hearing her fall apart beneath him, it was all he needed to follow close after. With a string of heavy breathing, low grunts and groans in her ear, Sam spilled into her, pulsating with each spurt. Afterwards, he relaxed on top of her body until his breathing became even again.

After ten minutes of catching their breath, Sam pushed himself up to look at Cait.

Her mouth turned up in a satisfied, adoring smile. An adoring smile that he immediately reciprocated. It was the mutual realisation that what had just happened was not only something they had wanted for so long, but something that had created a bond and connection between them so strong, they knew it wasn’t about to be easily broken. For anything, or anyone.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/33179176/chapters/82826098

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grailfinders · 3 years ago

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Fate and Phantasms #187

Today on Fate and Phantasms we’re making Yagyu Tajima-no-Kami Munenori, living proof that you can prevent spoilers by spoiling other things. Anyways, he’s an Inquisitive Rogue to defeat his foes with facts and logic, as well as a Samurai Fighter to defeat his foes with a goddamn sword because he’s in the saber class.

Check out his build breakdown below the cut, or his character sheet over here!

Next up: Domo Arigatou, Kaa-san Roboto

Race and Background

Yagyu beef is still a Human, but he’s a Variant Human for the extra skills. This gives him +1 Wisdom and Dexterity, as well as proficiency with Investigation to put that big brain to work. That’s not enough skills though, so grab the Skill Expert feat for another +1 to Dexterity, as well as proficiency with Animal Handling for your riding skill and doubled proficiency with Perception. I know we didn’t get regular proficiency yet, but it’s happening at level one so it’s fine.

Yagyu might have been as rich as a noble, but that doesn’t mean he was one. We’ve been using Mercenary Veterans for swordsmen for a while now, and I see no reason to stop now. This background gives him proficiency with Athletics and Persuasion.

Ability Scores

First up make your Wisdom as high as possible. Yagyu’s a clever boy, and wisdom-based skills are the more applicable part of that equation for you. Secondly, your Dexterity has to be good- Yagyu is a master swordsman, and he’s not exactly swinging a greatsword around. His Intelligence is also pretty solid, but it’s just lower since it’s not quite as directly helpful for the build. Yagyu’s Constitution isn’t half bad, he’s got to be tough to survive feudal Japan. That means his Charisma is pretty low- he’s scary, but not much else. That means we’re dumping Strength. He’s an old man, and we don’t really need it for the build.

Class Levels

Rogue 1: Starting off as a rogue nets us a couple extra skills, more than we’d get from multiclassing in later. Rogues start off with proficiency in Dexterity and Intelligence saves, as well as four rogue skills, like Deception, Insight, Intimidation, and that Perception we mentioned back in the Skill Expert feat. Told you not to worry about that.

They also get Expertise in two skills for double their proficiency bonus. Double down on Insight for more logic and Intimidation to put that logic to good use scaring the crap out of people. You also get a Sneak Attack once per turn, dealing 1d6 extra damage as long as you are using a finesse or ranged weapon and either A) have an ally next to your target or B) have advantage on that attack. It’s complicated, but we’ll make it real simple soon enough.

Oh yeah, you also get Thieves’ Cant. It’s a language.

Fighter 1: Okay, the underhanded stuff is done for a while. Bouncing over to fighter gives you the Dueling, adding 2 to damage rolls with a one-handed weapon, like a short-sword, which you can now wield since you’re proficient with martial weapons. You also get a Second Wind each short rest that will heal you as a bonus action. Taking a break when you need one is smart. You’re smart, so you take breaks when you need one. That’s the transitive property.

Fighter 2: Second level fighters can use all that break-taking to push themselves once per short rest, making an Action Surge to take two actions in a single turn. Fighting your hardest can also be the smart thing to do sometimes.

Fighter 3: Third level fighters get their martial archetype, and as a Samurai you learn to unleash your Fighting Spirit, spending your bonus action to gain some temporary HP as well as advantage on all your attacks for the turn. You can do this three times per long rest.

You also get History proficiency. It’s almost cheating given that you’re a historical figure, but hey, we had to get another proficiency here.

Fighter 4: Use your first Ability Score Improvement to bump up your Dexterity. Your sword uses dex, your armor uses dex, it’s just a really good ability to improve upon.

Rogue 2: Going back to rogue lets you stuff even more into a single turn thanks to your Cunning Action, letting you dash, disengage, or hide as a bonus action. I’m not saying you’re faster than a monk now, but you could definitely keep up with one for a bit.

Rogue 3: Third level rogues get 2d6 in their sneak attack, and they get their roguish archetype. as an Inquisitive, you gain an Ear for Deceit, so your insight checks to determine lies always get die rolls of at least an 8. You also have an Eye for Detail now, letting you spot hidden creatures with perception or find clues with investigation as a bonus action. You’re really getting a lot out of those things, huh?

Continuing the bonus action train, you can use Insightful Fighting as a bonus action, forcing a contested insight check against a creature’s deception. If you win, you can use sneak attacks against that creature for up to a minute without needing advantage or a nearby ally. Your fighting spirit has limits, but you can use this one as many times as you need- just keep in mind you can only target one creature at a time.

Rogue 4: We’ve got more feats we want, so use this ASI to become a Defensive Duelist. Use your reaction to add your proficiency bonus to your AC for one melee attack, potentially avoiding the attack entirely. You need to be holding a finesse weapon, but somehow I don’t think that’ll be an issue for you.

Fighter 5: Fifth level fighters finally get their Extra Attack, letting you attack twice per action. You can still only use your sneak attack once per turn, but now missing once isn’t the end of the world!

Fighter 6: You get another ASI now, so lets grab Keen Mind to show off how clever you really are. Your Intelligence bumps up by 1, and you’re really good at keeping track of yourself in time and space thanks to knowing which way north is and the number of hours left until sunrise or sunset. Most importantly, you have a photographic memory of the last month.

Fighter 7: Seventh level samurai are Elegant Courtiers, giving you proficiency with Wisdom saves to prevent your emotions from getting the better of you. You can also add your wisdom modifier to persuasion checks now. I’d prefer that to be intimidation, but if you can’t talk your DM into that it’s not the end of the world.

Rogue 5: Fifth level rogues get an Uncanny Dodge, using your reaction to halve damage from one attack. Defensive Duelist would reduce the damage more, but even enemies score natural 20s sometimes. Also, your sneak attack grows to 3d6. It’s been a while, just wanted to make sure you remember that.

Rogue 6: At sixth level you get another round of Expertise; double down on Investigation to be a clever boy and History to prevent your party from repeating it.

Rogue 7: Seventh level rogues can deal more damage with 4d6 sneak attack, and they can avoid consequences of using that damage thanks to Evasion. If you fail a dex save you only take half damage. If you succeed, you take 0.

Rogue 8: Use this ASI to max out your Dexterity, giving you the most accurate and deadly swordplay available to mere mortals. It also makes your AC good as a side effect.

Rogue 9: Ninth level inquisitives gain a Steady Eye, giving you advantage on perception and investigation checks as long as you move at half speed that turn. It’s not quite Reliable Talent, but it’s still pretty useful. This also means your sneak attack grows to its final size, 5d6.

Fighter 8: Use your final ASI to bump up your Wisdom for better Insightful Fighting, Wisdom saves, and perception checks.

Fighter 9: Ninth level fighters are Indomitable, letting you re-roll a failed save once per long rest. Even when you fail a wisdom save you succeed it, that’s how solid your mind is.

Fighter 10: Tenth level samurai get a Tireless Spirit, so if you start a fight without any Fighting Spirit, you get one back for free. Also, your fighting spirit gets a bit better, giving you 10 temporary HP when you pop one.

Fighter 11: Your capstone level is simple, but effective. Another Extra Attack lets you attack thrice per turn, up to six times with action surge.

Pros:

With a maxed out attack stat and plenty of attacks per turn, you can dish out pretty consistent damage, especially if you use your fighting spirit to fish for critical hits. 6d6 per turn without spending any resources is nothing to sniff at.

As befitting any rogue, you’re also very skilled out of combat, lending insight and knowledge to the party.

I know I’ve said this before, but it bears repeating- mixing a fighter’s health pool with a rogue’s damage reduction techniques makes for a very solid combo, especially when you throw Defensive Duelist in as well for an even higher AC and Fighting Spirit for extra health to chew through.

Cons:

You have great AC and some extra health in reserve, but that doesn’t change the fact that your HP is rather low for a front-line fighter. Your damage reduction makes up for it, but it’s something it has to make up for, you get me?

You’re too focused on your sword. It makes you really good with your sword, but not very flexible in combat. If you’re playing to character, you’ll have trouble with flying creatures and those that resist or ignore nonmagical attacks. (Assuming your DM doesn’t give you a magic weapon. Hopefully your DM’s nice enough to notice you’d be hosed without one, but for a guide like this it’s best to assume the DM gives you nothing.)

You need your bonus action to activate your fighting spirit, cunning action, eye for detail, and insightful fighting. Similarly, your reaction is split between opportunity attacks (which are super useful for rogues with their sneak attack), uncanny dodges, and defensive duelist uses. Basically, your main action is too simple, but everything else is really complicated for some reason, and you’ll have to sort all these options out for yourself.

Hey, nobody said being smart was easy.

#fgo #Fate Grand Order #D&D 5e #DND #Yagyu Munenori #fighter #rogue

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cozcat · 3 years ago

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opening lines meme

Rules: List the first lines of your last 20 stories. (If you have less than 20, just list them all!) See if there are any patterns. Choose your favourite opening line. Tag some people to play the next round!

Tagged by @lordeasriel, thank you my dear!

The world is already beginning to look less strange [redacted].

It’s a two week voyage to Cittàgazze.

Kirsten’s forgotten her toothbrush.

Kirsten has never seen Amy look so exhausted.

“He’s landed.” Ten minutes late.

The thing is, she never thought about kissing Kirsten, not until that moment.

Amy doesn’t quite realise what it is at first.

It is as the heat of summer begins to fade that Sabran Berethnet steps off a ship at the harbour of Zeedeur, her journey bound for Brygstad.

Mary does not remember her first time in a church – the church she was christened in, baptised in, began to become who she is in.

She wakes long before he does, the golden light of dawn bleeding through the curtains far more than she’d like.

Mary Malone, at twenty-eight, her first time in a country that neither raised her nor educated her.

The scholar would much prefer to be in the north, rather than rubbing shoulders in a London building dedicated to the place, with its ever-burning furnaces the antithesis of a north it exists to exalt.

Asriel loathes these parties - too many people that he doesn’t know and that he doesn’t need to, and too few people for him to make a hasty retreat.

She sends the child away, and is left in silence.

There were stories told of old Masters of Jordan, of men of knowledge and learning, of fame and fortune and infamy, of those whose deeds were praised, and of those whose only saving grace unto their bones was the sanctuary of the walls of Jordan’s crypts.

Lyra is an odd child, Marisa is finding – stubborn and argumentative, but wide-eyed and inquisitive, and far more obedient than she’d have expected a child raised by or near Asriel to be.

The looming threat of the apocalypse had been enough to distract her momentarily, to preoccupy her with impending disaster – the memories only truly come to haunt her in the silence after the gates of Hell have closed, the smoke from the flames within still dissipating into nothing.

It’s only been a few hours, she thinks, maybe a night.

They sit opposite each other at a slightly sticky table in a greasy little café, with cups of tea so strong and sweet that their spoons almost stand upright.

“I’ll drop you off, come back in a week, let you do some of your normal human things, laundry and working and visiting your grandparents, and I’ll be back before you know it.” The Doctor smiles, that beautiful, uninhibited smile, a smile that Yaz would do anything to see.

I think the only pattern here is that I am very fond of short opening lines, and I hate opening with dialogue (but I don’t write much dialogue anyway).

My favourite is probably the sixteenth, because I’m fond of the full first paragraph: Lyra is an odd child, Marisa is finding – stubborn and argumentative, but wide-eyed and inquisitive, and far more obedient than she’d have expected a child raised by or near Asriel to be. That is to say, she follows directions occasionally, and on those occasions, sometimes without complaint.

And my AO3 can be found here because I am nothing if not an aggressive self promoer.

Tagging: @little-tayy, @madamoiselledewinter, @gabolange, @sapphoshands, @birgittesilverbae, @need-not if you so desire!

#i love having to redact because i drop spoilers in line one of a fic lmao #myfic #ask meme #i'm realising how much fic i've written relative to old rates of writing?#this goes back to the start of 2019

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authenticcadence18 · 4 years ago

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Prompt 7 with Phinabella 😋

7. “Person A being lovingly annoying so Person B pays attention to them.”

20 Displays of Affection Prompts

...

“Hey, Phineas!”

Phineas heard the gate creak behind him and couldn’t suppress the small grin that appeared on his face.

“Whatcha doin?”

He resisted the urge to look up from the desk he’d set up under the tree.

(Sure, it was a little chilly out, but he found he worked best outside...and he’d missed working in the backyard during the semester).

“Hey, Isabella!” he called out. “Just some homework.”

“Homework?” Isabella sounded perplexed. “It’s winter break, what kind of homework do you even have?”

Phineas heard her step a bit closer.

“Oh yikes...that looks pretty complicated…”

Phineas grimaced. Complicated was right.

“Hey, are you alright?” Isabella asked gently. “Do you want to talk it out with me? Maybe that would help.”

That offer was tempting...but Phineas didn’t want to drag Isabella into this.

“Hold on just a sec, Isabella. I’m fine.”

It wasn’t as if he WANTED to devote all his attention to the assignment in front of him instead of his girlfriend.

He’d practically had to wrestle with the Pavlovian instinct to whirl around and launch into a full spiel about the intricacies of engineering as soon as Isabella asked about it (...since he’d been doing that for practically his entire life).

But he had to focus. Not get distracted. Because the equations he was pondering would eventually evolve into a project worth 35% of his grade next semester and it had to be PERFECT, and he was finally getting into the groove of focusing.

...ok, perhaps he wasn’t quite “in a groove” just yet. To be honest, he was beginning to get frustrated with it all. The equations weren’t quite adding up, and he’d been sitting here for nearly an hour writing out idea after idea, but nothing felt right…. If Ferb had been home, Phineas would’ve asked him for help, but he wouldn’t be arriving back from England for a few more days.

“Phineas.”

Isabella’s tone was less gentle now, more authoritative.

“I’m sorry, Isabella, I really have to focus on this, just give me a minute. You don’t want to have to hear about it.”

“Hey, Phineas.”

Isabella’s voice got even closer. And then she was standing right behind him and leaning against his chair.

Phineas took a deep breath and squinted at the papers in front of him. He was determined to remain on task...no matter how adorably persistent his girlfriend was.

“Phineas, I need to tell you something.”

Now Isabella was playing with his hair, methodically weaving it into miniature braids and gently curling it around her fingers.

Gooseflesh rose up and down Phineas’s arms.

…at this rate, he’d never be able to remain on task ever again.

“Can it wait?” he managed to ask. “I want to be able to give you my full attention but I REALLY need to focus on this.”

“It’s importaaaant…..” Isabella sang. She leaned forward, draping her arms around his neck (today she had on a sweater...it was soft) and snugly resting her head atop his. “It can’t wait.”

“...are you SURE?”

Isabella hugged him a little tighter.

“VERY sure.”

The certainty in Isabella’s tone and warmth of her arms around him reminded Phineas why he was working on this assignment in the first place. He’d chosen to go to college to attain an engineering degree, sure...but he’d chosen to go to Tri State State to spend time with her.

….perhaps the assignment could wait a bit.

Phineas smiled and turned his head around, finally gaining sight of Isabella.

“Alright, alright. You win!” he chuckled. “What is it, Isabella?”

Isabella gazed down at him for a moment with a gentle smile before kissing his cheek and brightly exclaiming, “I love you!”

Phineas’s heart leapt, a lopsided grin unfurling across his face.

(Though he and Isabella had been dating for practically half a year, he still got butterflies in his stomach every time she professed her love to him.)

Her next words, however, sent him back to reality.

“Alright, I’ll leave you alone now so you can focus!” Isabella patted his shoulder before leaning back and heading away. “You can text me whenever you’d like to hang out.”

Phineas blinked as Isabella walked away.

After all that, she was just going to leave??

“Hey, wait a minute!” Phineas stood and turned around, just before Isabella could open the gate. “You can’t just leave!”

“Huh?” Isabella faced him, head tilted inquisitively. “But...I thought you needed to focus. You don’t actually have to tell me about your assignment, I was just trying to get your attention for a sec because it looked like you needed cheering up, that’s all. We can talk about it later.”

“I’ve focused on my assignment long enough,” Phineas replied with a smile, crossing the yard and coming to a stop at her side. “I’d rather focus on something else now.”

He took her hand in his.

“Oh?” Isabella raised an eyebrow at him and giggled. “And what might that be?”

Phineas leaned a bit closer and gingerly tilted her chin up with his free hand. “You.”

Isabella gasped when Phineas’s lips found hers (which was understandable, considering she’d spent the majority of her life--save for the past handful of months, of course--thinking he might never return her feelings at all). But the shock quickly melted away, as it always did, and gave way to joy, bright and exuberant and free, as she wrapped her arms around his middle and kissed him back.

If only the Isabella who used to enter this backyard everyday with the hopes of gaining an oblivious Phineas’s affections could see them now…

When Phineas pulled away, he smiled at her and whispered, “....thanks for giving me something else to focus on…”

Isabella couldn’t help but sigh dreamily at that. “...anytime, Phineas.”

She glanced over his shoulder and the assignment still sprawled out on his desk. “Do you want to talk through your assignment with me now? I really think that would help you.”

“Are you sure you want to hear about it?” Phineas asked hesitantly. “It’s pretty complicated stuff...sort of dense.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “You shouldn’t have to spend your winter break listening to me ramble about equations.”

“Phineas, I just like spending time with you!” Isabella assured him. “If that means talking about equations, I’m all for it!!!”

She chuckled and squeezed his hand. “And, besides, I’m not exactly a novice at math. Let me help you.”

“Alriiiight.” Phineas drew her close and pressed a kiss to her forehead. “But if you get bored, you have to let me know so I can kiss you again.”

Isabella giggled. “Will do.”

....

Thanks for reading! And thank you sO MUCH FOR THE REQUEST, @simplynewyorkbound, I had SO MUCH FUN WRITING THIS!!!!! They are in love and love supporting each other 🥺🥰

#cadence writes #phineas and ferb #phinabella #phinbella #pnf fic #phineas flynn #isabella garcia shapiro #FLUFF #20 displays of affection prompts #simplynewyorkbound #omg I have an ask!!#i worked on this instead of doing homework...heh.#but it was wORTH IT

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loadet851 · 3 years ago

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Pc Games With Character Creation Offline

Games With Character Customization Pc

Steam Games With Character Creation

One of the things I love most in a RPG (Role-Playing Game) is the possibility of creating my own character with tons of different options and add-ons. I made a research yesterday and found some interesting PC Games I already knew about, adding them to the titles I have or plan to get with the best Character Customization. I’m going to list them here for you guys also attaching a few videos so that you can see directly how they work and what kind of possibilities they offer.

It’s the main reason I enjoy games like Skyrim and Fallout. But there seem to be so few good (single player) games with decent character creation - and not just picking from a few presets. The character creation in Dragon Age: inquisition was amazing (although I struggled to enjoy the game) as well as Saints Row (which I really enjoyed). Addicting Offline Co-op Games For PC You’ll Want To Play. Dennis Patrick / Features / Best Co-op PC Games, Co-op, Cooperative. Sonic the Hedgehog is a staple video game character. Best MMORPG with Character Creation. Final Fantasy 14 has one of the most complex and sophisticated character editors. In this game, you can change the smallest details using different sliders, pick a unique voice, or add unique tattoos, accessories and facial paint. What Are Best RPGs With Character Creation? Role-playing games let us live out some of our greatest fantasies like slaying dragons, saving the world and owning a house. Whether your main character is dead, alive, or somewhere in between, these games will let you adjust your appearance and abilities to however you see fit. I've always loved games that give you the option to create your character before you start in the world. I enjoy the game even more when it has role playing or social aspects added to it, allowing you interact with NPCs, or other players if the game has a multiplayer feature. Just character creation would interest me enough to check any game out.

Follow me under the cut if you’re curious!

I’ve been introduced to this type of creation with a game I still keep in my heart and consider one of the best of all times; The Sims 2. Seriously, I’ve created so many 3D characters that if I could win an award I’d have 200 on my shelf by now.

With that said, here you are my personal list of PC games with their awesome customization in no particular order:

I tried this game myself (the free beta that is) a few times in the past and I swear the CC included in it is currently one of my favorite. Without the complete pack I probably didn’t have a lot of additional options available in terms of clothes, makeup and hair, but what truly mesmerized me at the time was the shaping tool, not yet common in games when they released EVE. You can grab and drag different parts of the head and body, modeling unique characters every time.

2. Black Desert Online

This game has been released recently with two different packages and it seems to be quite a popular MMORPG (Massive(ly) Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game) in Russia and Korea. I’m not surprised considering the quality this game seems to have and its customization is clearly no less. Just like EVE Online, Black Desert offers a good sculpt instrument to shape faces and bodies as much as you like, plus a beautiful variety of colors and combinations.

UPDATE: The game is also available on Steam!

This patch lets you play Legend of Zelda Spirit Tracks with mostly non-touch based controls. The new control bindings are Control Bindings: D-Pad=Run Y+Dpad=Walk B=Wide slash B+Dpad=Long slash Y+B=Spin Attack A=Interact A+Dpad=Roll. Legend of Zelda Spirit Tracks D-Pad Patch This patch implements non-touchscreen controls for essential actions in Legend of Zelda Spirit Tracks. Legend of zelda spirit tracks xenophobia patched rom.

3. Blade&Soul

This is another Asian MMORPG with the classical ‘Anime’ style, you cannot freely reshape the character’s structure, only pick one of the available presets and play around with the sliders to modify the whole body. Andy mckinney molly hatchet. Still, I honestly like the bright colors, the races/classes and the fact that you can actually recreate other existing characters using additional content (just like this guy did with Cloud from Final Fantasy VII).

4. BLESS Online

Yes, another Asian online title. Hey, it’s not my fault if they look so pretty! Bless is quite recent and not yet released in its final stage, but judging by how the CC works you have as much freedom as in EVE or Black Desert and the same unmistakable Fantasy touch.

5. The Sims 4

Didn’t I mention The Sims 2? Well, looks like the latest title in the series has improved quite a lot in this area. The shaping/sculpting method is here as well, considering that we finally have more possibilities I certainly won’t complain!

Note: In this video I can see the woman has a few mods installed. If you decide to get this game (or even the previous chapters) I definitely suggest you to do the same if you don’t like the default character design.

6. Fallout 4

Another recent (and quite famous) game. Apparently you can only work on the face here, but once again we see the sculpt tool in action. Even if the hair options are a bit limited you can still customize your character and create unique features playing around with your cursor.

7. Dragon Age: Inquisition

Who knows me is well aware of the fact that I am completely OBSESSED with this game, thus I couldn’t really leave it out. The hair options are definitely questionable and just like in Fallout 4 you do not have any body morph nor slider to alter, but as you can see from this video example you are still able to personalize your Inquisitor in a good way, also using real people or other characters as reference. To be honest I like some of the default presets too, if you don’t like spending two hours working on a face (I do that all the time, but I am a basket case so please ignore my madness :P), you can pick those and get a good result nonetheless.

And don’t forget about mods! 😉

8. Skyrim (The Elder Scrolls V)

This one has been around for a very long time and it remains probably the top 1 Fantasy game out there. If you’re not into mods at all and want to keep your game vanilla be sure that the overall quality is not as improved as the current generation, you can see that from the low-res hair and general textures. The reason why I’m including this CC in the list anyway is because even if old, Skyrim looks quite good compared to other games where you only get 3/4 slider options.

9. APB Reloaded

The last game I’d like to mention (and I literally just discovered it) is this not so new title which has a kick-ass Character Creator. Not only it shows some quality graphics there, but the level of customization is unbelievable! You can make hair shorter, beards longer, create beautiful tattoos (and place or rotate them wherever you want!), add patterns to clothes and even get your personal car! 😀

Chose one serial + PILIH Salah satu WORKING 99% per 13 Januari 2013 1330-1971-4830-1762 1330-1912-2628-0850-0232-4869 1330-1148-0472-2735-6555-0617 1330-1544-4195-8131-3034-5634 1330-1886-0283-4688-9152-2034 1330-1118-3174-6558-8260-5378 OR 1330-1971-4830-5668-6067-1762 1330-1912-2628-0850-0 232-4869 1330-1148-0472-2735-6555-0617 1330-1544-4195-8131. The serial number for Adobe is available. This release was created for you, eager to use Adobe Cs6 master collection full and without limitations. Our intentions are not to harm Adobe software company but to give the possibility to those who can not pay for any piece of software out there. Adobe cs6 master collection activation key wondershare.

There are of course many other games with a Character Creator, but they all seem pretty similar or not good enough to be mentioned in my list.

What do you think about these? Let me know with a comment if you like!

Those late-night multiplayer sessions can be really fun sometimes. Surely, everything is better with friends, they say and you’ll agree with that at some point. However, after a long day of work and studying, I like to relax with offline games. Sometimes, it’s satisfying to let yourself indulge in a great single-player story and forget about any problems bothering you. So, if you are like me, then welcome to the club! Below is my list of 20 best offline games for PC and I hope you’ll enjoy them.

1. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

W2k16 pc download. Well, you’ve guessed it! The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt takes first place on the list with its epic setting, characters, gameplay, and those breathtaking visuals! It’s a compelling game that will offer you more than a hundred hours of non-filler gameplay, and there’s always something to explore. The game looks amazing, and the combat system is great. This open-world title is everything you need on your free days! Combine that with the great RPG elements and fun dialogues with NPCs, and you got yourself a pretty good offline game! Go and play it now, it’s a must-play.

2. Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus

Wolfenstein series has been once again revived with Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus. The positive reviews flashed all around the globe, and this game quickly became one of the best shooting games of 2017. B.J Blazkowicz is such a badass protagonist and the characters surrounding the game are interesting. You’ll quickly start to care about each and every one of them, making this game a worthy offline title. Bethesda said that they won’t be focusing on multiplayer, so they can bring an immersive single-player experience. Well, you nailed it, Bethesda; great job!

3. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Bethesda is one of my favorite companies when it comes to gaming, at least they were a few years back. A few years back, this masterpiece called The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim was released and it took the Earth by storm! This offline open-world title offers hundreds of hours of exploration and you’ll probably never get bored of it! The combat system might be dated, but it’s damn fun to play and explore every corner of the game. After six years since its release, I’m still eager to give Skyrim another go. It’s that great!

4. Fallout 4

Games With Character Customization Pc

Fallout 4 is one of those top offline games that you either like or dislike. It’s a great single-player experience, as you explore a huge world of fictional city Commonwealth. I mean, the story here is scattered here and there, and our protagonist is in search of his abducted son. However, the game often steers away from that and let you have some freedom and exploration. It’s a fantastic reboot of the series, and it’s surely the best game in the franchise. If you are up for that Stalker-ish feeling, then give this a try!

5. Hitman (2016)

Hitman isn’t a strictly offline game, but I included it because it has a great single-player campaign. While the previous entry in the series Hitman: Absolution relied more on linear, claustrophobic, and confined experience, Hitman (2016) went in a different direction. Here, you’ll experience a vast, open-world with lots of stuff to do. The levels are not that numerous, but they are as big as hell! You can complete your missions in various ways and earn certain rewards and points for doing so. Hitman is a challenging stealth experience, but once Agent 47crawls under your skin, there’s no going back!

Steam Games With Character Creation

6. Nioh

Nioh is a less-known offline game released this year, and I feel like this game is very underrated. It’s a child of Dark Souls and Bloodborne series, which can tell you much about this game. It has a single, crushing, and unforgiving difficulty that will leave you begging for mercy. It’s hard, and you’ll need some blazing fast reflexes and huge gaming skills to finish it. There are more than twenty bosses in the game, and every single boss will kick your ass! Don’t expect to finish this game in a few days; you’ll need weeks to finish it and it will be painfully slow as the bosses shame you every little time… you helpless gamer!

7. Nier: Automata

Another underrated game – Nier: Automata. How could the gaming community overlook this game? Are you blind, or what? This game offers thirty hours of a pure, refined, and amazing experience! It’s a hack-and-slash title that mergers several genres with it. The open world in this game is huge, and the post-apocalyptic environment looks depressing and feels like a void. Nier also introduces RPG elements so you can now level yourself up, upgrade weapons, buy stuff, etc. On top of that, there are some 2D sections that feel like a great platformer, and that’ very unique! Nier: Automata is better than most AAA titles and costs double the less of that price, which is one more reason to get it.

8. Dark Souls 3

Dark Souls series got a fantastic reboot with Dark Souls 3. Just if it wasn’t enough for the previous games in the series, and now we got this punishing game. What can I say? Prepare to die a LOT in this game, as it’s created to kill you. I’m not joking, the whole game is against you, and you can’t do anything about that except fight like a lunatic. Even when you die, the enemies around you respawn and you must fight again and again, which is really frustrating. However, if you have the balls to play it, and manage to finish it, then you deserve a medal, Sir!

9. Bioshock Infinite

Bioshock Infinite is the newest installment in the Bioshock series. This cheap game can give you a huge value for your buck, especially when the Holidays come. I mean, for just a couple of bucks, you can get a fantastic FPS game, which campaign isn’t short and definitely isn’t boring! Bioshock Infinite continues its tradition with great shooting mechanics, various powerups, and that fast-paced shooting in a beautiful environment of the game. Get ready to cause mayhem!

10. Alien: Isolation

Alien: Isolation is that PC offline game that will haunt your dreams every time you try to sleep. It’s a horror game in which you try to stay in one piece and escape that damn space station called Sevastopol. Sounds similar? Well, that’s because the game is based on Alien (1979) movie, which was a very disturbing experience at the time. It’s an intense game that makes your palms sweat and your heart beating so fast that you’ll think it’s gonna come out of your chest! Try this horror if you dare, and watch yourself getting swallowed by the Alien, in a single bite!

11. Far Cry Primal

Elephants are cool, but mammoths are so badass! In Far Cry Primal, you can hunt mammoths and even ride them when you get to higher levels! How cool are you from zero to riding a mammoth? This beautiful-looking game is set 10,000 years BC and no, you aren’t going to shoot guns, but bash the hell out of your enemies. The arsenal of weapons might not be that huge, but the combat is great and requires more thinking, as the enemies are sometimes overwhelming and can easily kill you. If you have the luck to tame a sabertooth tiger, you may survive in this harsh world!

12. Resident Evil 7: Biohazard

There is something special about that claustrophobic feeling, especially when it comes to horror games that you can play without internet. That sense of dread and despair when you don’t have much space to move is priceless. Don’t think of me as a psycho, but I LOVE the horror genre! RE7: Biohazard is a game that caught my attention as soon as it was released. This bad boy will provide you with a horrific experience that will leave you scared to death! As the game plays from the first-person perspective, it’s much easier to get yourself immersed, but also scared.

13. Outlast 2

Outlast 2 is yet another offline horror experience, where the developers decided to leave your powerless. There aren’t weapons for you to use, and surely no means to defend yourself. So, what are you left with? Well, a camera and a journal should do the trick! The game does a damn fine job of melding the horror and the dread with stealth and great storytelling. In the end, you may feel a little let down by the ending, but I know you’ll enjoy it until the very end.

14. Dead Space 3

Cat et 2015a factory password generator. While the past games in the series focused more on that horror experience, Dead Space 3 is more of an action-horror game. Sure, there are Necromorphs and they are vicious and all, but the action part is more prominent. Needless to say that Dead Space 3 is an amazing game and I’m very sad that Visceral Games is closed by EA in October. This survival horror game is hugely underrated, but it’s awesome and I recommend you to play it. It’s just a couple of bucks for this experience, don’t be a niggard!

15. Portal 2

There’s something awesome when it comes to Source Engine. The games made with this engine looks amazing, yet they run smoothly. How did Valve manage to do that? Well, as I am not a game developer, don’t ask me! But ask me about Portal 2, which is Valve’s magnum opus, and a compelling puzzle game. The whole point of the game is to use a Portal gun in order to create portals and pass through them. However, the game isn’t that simple and requires some brain skill to finish it. Grab your Portal Gun, and let’s go on a venture!

16. Limbo

This 2D game is straight-up terrifying, dark, and misanthropic from the start to finish! In Limbo, you are a little boy that needs to survive this colorless world of the game as he overcomes various obstacles and escape scary monsters. I like the game’s artwork and the atmosphere is simply top-notch here if you like the dark ambient in the games. It’s a must-play for every offline Indie games lover!

17. S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Pripyat

Speaking of the atmosphere, very few great offline games can replicate the atmosphere as it is in S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Pripyat. That post-apocalyptic atmosphere of Pripyat looks great, and the game isn’t colorful, which is the whole point. Everything has that grey-ish tint, as this town suffered greatly when the Nuclear Powerplant in that area exploded. It’s based on a real-life event that occurred around 1989, which gives the game a certain weight and meaning.

18. Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain

With MGSV: The Phantom Pain, Hideo Kojima proved that he still has what it takes to create such immersive PC games without internet. This stealth game is challenging and full of stuff to do, due to its open-world nature. The characters are badass and the game feels somewhat dark, with a very serious tone. Oh, and not to forget that plot twist at the end that’s worth those thirty hours I’ve spent on this game!

19. SOMA

Horror fans will be pleased that I mentioned another horror title here. SOMA is an absolutely spooky and nerve-wracking experience! It creates that atmosphere that’s very unique, and with the story being told in the shape of various documents scattered through the game, it’s even more badass! You are all alone here and you’ll fight for your life, only to find out that you aren’t actually alive! A truly wonderful offline game for Windows.

20. Superhot

Superhot is a cartoonish-looking offline game that revolves around time. To make it simple, the time in the game moves when you move, so if you are standing still, nothing will happen. Vice Versa, if you are moving and shooting, then the enemies will do the same. It’s a lot of fun, but a lot of challenges too. I played it with some of my favorite death metal albums, just to ensure that I’m hardcore enough to beat it!

As we are approaching near the end of our journey through the offline PC games, I’m here to ask you a question. What is your favorite offline game for PC? I tried my best to count some of my favorite offline games, and although I’m maybe going to start a war for not including some of the games, I stand behind my words. Oh, and why don’t you tell me what game did I miss? Do you have any favorites besides these 20 games? Please, let me know, and don’t forget to do some gaming today!

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arkitiore · 4 years ago

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RK1K & number 20 please!

20: Things you said that I wasn’t meant to hear

Thank you for the prompt! I hope you like it! I started out with the intention of writing something really angsty for this but did a 180 pretty quickly and have come to deliver you tropey fluff instead <3

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“I just don’t understand Markus, since when has facing difficult conversations ever been an issue with you?”

Markus runs a hand over his face in annoyance. They had been going in circles now with this conversation for almost half an hour, with him trying to drop the topic at every opportunity that presented itself and with North stubbornly ignoring his attempts.

“It’s more complicated than that and you know it”

North snorts at his response and folds her arms across her chest, making sure it was obvious that she was laughing at him rather than with him.

“Your crush is more complicated than securing the rights and freedom of an entire species?”

”It isn’t just a “crush” North” he retorts.

She raises an eyebrow.

“Then what is it then?”

Markus fails to answer immediately, mouth opening and closing silently for a few moments before deciding to leave it stubbornly shut as his gaze drifts from Norths eyes towards an unfocused spot somewhere to her left.

Her tone takes on a warning edge and she narrows her eyes at her friend.

“Markus?”

It takes another silent moment of opening and closing his mouth for the RK200 to finally respond

”I…I really think I love him. I mean, I love all of you don’t get me wrong but, this feels different than that”

”Hm…” She takes a moment to consider this, pursing her lips ”Sounds like you should just tell him then”

”I can’t”

”Why not?”

Markus flails his arms in a circle before he can stop himself and his voice raises involuntarily.

“Because it’s more complicated than that!”

North lapses into silence. The circular nature of their conversation having once more made it another three hundred and sixty degrees around. She readjusts her tactics before resuming the inquisition.

”Why?”

”I've already told you! I can’t just walk up to him and…”

”no, no that's not what I’m asking” She cuts him off sharply “I’m asking why do you love him?”

Markus blinks at her for a moment, mouth slightly ajar in a wordless stare. It takes him over thirty seconds to come up with a response that he feels could adequately convey why he feels the way he does towards the RK800. When he does, the four words that escape from his lips feel like a cop-out, a placeholder for everything he can't bring himself to say but nonetheless they seem to smoothen the interrogative frown between Norths brows into a soft, almost overwhelmed expression that he doesn’t think he has ever seen on the other androids face before.

This is why he is so surprised when she promptly pivots in her steel-capped boots and exits the office without another word.

At least that roundabout of a conversation had been broken.

Trying to express his feeling to North while also trying to convey the reason he could only express his feeling to North - as opposed to the other relevant party - had left him feeling drained and slightly upset that he couldn’t be as assertive about his feeling towards Connor as she expected him to be, as he was about every other aspect of his life. It took him six and a half minutes and one hundred and fifty milliliters of thirium before his circuits felt steady enough to sit down again at his desk and resume working his way through the frankly massive backlog of tasks on his agenda, and barely six seconds after his ass had hit the chair for North to burst back into the room announced.

This time with Connor in tow.

The RK800 looked about as confused as Markus felt startled by the sudden intrusion, his left wrist held firmly in Norths right hand. Having obviously been all but dragged up to the office by the smaller android.

“Right” She began “Connor sit down”

He complied immediately, perching himself delicately in the chair on the other side of Markus’ desk, knees together and hands resting in his lap as his eyes darted between the other two people in the room.

”Did I do something wrong?” He queried, still dividing his attention between North and Markus.

”No sweetie” North answered while patting the RK800 on the head only slightly patronizingly. “I’m just sick of both of you and need to intervene since no one else is going to”

Markus’ thirium pump began picking up speed as she reached into her pocket and pulled out a miniature wireless speaker.

”I wanted to play you back a little conversation we had” She said sweetly, glancing with a smile from Markus to Connor.

Markus’ thirium pump now felt that it was about to malfunction and possibly catch fire in the middle of his chest, she wouldn’t, he thought, but then again this was North. He was about to interrupt her and possibly snatch the device off of the table and drag her bodily from the room when he was instead beaten to the chase by Connor.

”North…”

He spoke with a quiet, tense edge to his voice but the word was surely intended to be spoken as a warning. His pale hand began reaching out towards the speaker, but North was closer. She snatched it out of his reach, holding it above her head as she mentally “pressed play” on the recording.

”Why do you love him?”

Markus was now absolutely certain that he was going to suffer some sort of serious malfunction. Could an android have a heart attack? a stroke? Was he about to spontaneously develop the ability to form a massively fatal blood clot out of his own thirium just to escape from his office and his obviously sadistic friend who was apparently hell-bent on ruining his life? There was an odd quality to the recording, like a distorted echo, the words coming out not quite in sync with themselves. Had Markus not been in the midst of a complete nervous breakdown he may have taken the time to ponder this.

He may also have taken the time to register the pure horror that had also befallen the expression of the android seated across from him. Connor looked about as ready to hit something/ burst into tears and flee the room as Markus was to welcome his inevitable spontaneous shutdown. However, neither android had time to execute their swift exits from their situation/ earthly life before the recording continued playing. In the same…odd…echoing tone. But this time there were definitely two distinct voices reciting the words.

”How could I not?”

It dawns on both of the androids simultaneously that the odd, echoing quality to the recording did not, in fact, come from any sort of distortion or corruption but was present because they were listening to two separate conversations in which North had asked them the same question…and they had answered the same?

The two RKs finally tore their gazes away from the offending device in Norths hands and towards each other, both now wearing the same, soft, overwhelmed expression that Makus’ had seen painted on North's face barely ten minutes ago.

The WR400 returned the miniature speaker to her inside pocket, smirking slightly as she observed the lovestruck, goldfish-esque expressions that had overtaken her two friends as each tried to figure out what to say next. In truth the speaker had been solely for dramatic effect, she could have easily sent audio files of their respective conversations to the other party or played the recordings directly from her own vocal component, or she could have simply just told them. But that wasn’t how North rolled.

”Well boys, I’m going to leave you to it, I don’t want to be privy to anything that you two get up to in this room after this” She announced without further ado, savoring the brief, mortified expressions on their faces.

She swung the office door open before either had a chance to formulate a comeback, hesitating just long enough once past the threshold to see the gentle smile creeping up the corners of Markus’ lips as his focus returned to Connor before the sight was secreted away behind the closed door.

She loved her two idiots.

#rk1k #prompt #unlisshed #all ive contributed to this fandom so far is hopeless fluff but tomorrow i am delivering a big ol pile of angst #promise #dbh #RK1K #oc

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villainanders · 3 years ago

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ok so i started playing dragon age for the first time and i started with da2 (which i adore?? so much...) and then went on to play inquisition and... i really like the story and wanna know where it goes but i detest all these bazillion sidequests one has to do to gain power? i literally stopped after 20 hours because i was getting frustrated and now i'm playing origins and in love and idk i felt the need to share because your playthrough inspired me to pick those games up!! (i also agree that dai companions don't hit quite the same way but i am in love with all my advisors)

Omg I feel you on the sidequest thing sm tho weirdly in a different directio. I have no problem hitting the power level bc I'm such a completionist I always want to do all the sidequests before I move on to the main part on the plot but there's so much content in DAI that would be insane to do.. which is why ive logged like. an insane number of hours into the game already and am still jsut barely chugging along at a snail's pace haha. so it's very stressful for my insane little brain lmao I'm not sure which sidequests to focus on before actually doing like, plot stuff! i think maybe the key is to do the main quest for each region you scout and then the companion quests (tho some of those are really just like, boring fetch quests) and that probably gives you enough power to move along?

#ty for sharing im glad i inspired you to play the games!! lmk what you think of origins as you play it!

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phantom-of-notre-dame · 4 years ago

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Chapters: 1/5 Fandom: The Grinning Man - Philips & Teitler/Grose & Morris & Philips & Teitler/Grose, The Man Who Laughs (1928) Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Characters: Grinpayne/Gwynplaine, Ursus (TGM), Osric (TGM) Summary: A mlm retelling of The Grinning Man Words: 2822

Here is chapter one of my first Grinning Man fic. I am very nervous about this, but I’m gonna take the leap. I’ll also post it under the cut. Enjoy!

“Father, tell me more about the capital.”

“What more is there to tell you, boy? It smells of piss and everyone there would beat you within an inch of your life and charge you for the pleasure.”

“I’m sorry, but it just seems so exciting. We’ve been doing the show for ages, and the Stokes-Croft Faire is the biggest fair in the land! We should have done this ages ago.”

“We won’t be staying long. Three or four days, really.”

“What? Father, but – why?”

“We’re so close to the new world, Grinpayne. Surely you’re anxious to get there.”

“Yes… yes, of course. But – don’t you think we could find answers here? About…” Nimble fingers lightly pressed the bandages on his cheek. Damn, I’ll have to change them soon.

“Let’s not worry about that, boy. We’ve made a fine life for ourselves. We must bury our pain.”

Grinpayne didn’t respond. Ursus had been saying the same thing for 20 years. He couldn’t remember the face of the man who cut him. It had been so close to him, but when the scene replayed in his nightmares, the face was blank, blanketed in shadow. Yet, Grinpayne could feel that the answers were close. Or maybe it’s just wishful thinking.

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“So, you’re the famous Grinning Man. Expected you to be… taller.” The Freak-Wrangler, who had introduced himself as Osric, briefly looked Grinpayne up and down. It wasn’t the first time the Grinning Man had gotten a comment like that. In an attempt to not focus on his carved face, they made some comment about his height. He was either too tall or not tall enough. He personally thought he was this side of too tall. Were he… normal, this would be his main insecurity. Huh, if only…

“This has been a fun chat, but are we clear to set up?” Despite spending his entire career in fairs and festivals, Ursus had very little tolerance for shenanigans.

“Alright, alright. You’re over in Lot 5. ‘Ere’s a map.” Osric thrust some papers in their general direction, already focused on something else. Grinpayne took them before they could fall in the mud.

Once the men had inspected the lot, they began setting up their cart. The Stokes-Croft Faire was not open to the public this early in the day, but there were still people bustling about, freaks of all sorts. Stokes-Croft truly had a wondrous collection. Unlike most of the fairs Grinpayne had performed at, everything and everyone seemed real. He couldn’t quite tell when he had developed an eye for it, but it was a game he liked to play.

The only attraction that interested him was the one across from his own. The Blind Seer. This one was new. He had seen many seers, and many tricks with the blind, of course. But never a combination of the two. He might go over and say hello.

Grinpayne’s face began to burn. It wasn’t bad enough to require Crimson Lethe, not yet. The concoction his father makes him doesn’t taste as bad as it used to. Or maybe it just takes 20 years to get to used to.

“Why don’t you look around, Grinpayne? We have a few hours to spare.” Ursus looked… distracted. He knew his father hated the capital, but how far did that hatred go? Grinpayne wasn’t going to argue, so he made his way to the seer’s stand. Who knows, maybe this blind seer was the real deal.

The tent was dark, the smells of incense strong. Not much in the way of originality.

“Hello?” Grinpayne called out.

“We’re closed.” A deep voice responded. The voice’s owner came into Grinpayne’s view. If he thought he was tall, this man was a giant. The glare presented to him proved that his man wasn’t a blind seer.

“Oh. No, forgive me, I just wanted… to say hello –”

“Augustine? Don’t be rude. Who’s there?” The second voice belonged to a second man, not nearly as gruff as the first.

“I’m Grinpayne. I’m set up just across the path… The Grinning Man?”

“Ah, yes. Osric said you’d be arriving today.” The seer finally appeared. The first thing Grinpayne noticed was the man’s white hair. It suits him.

“You’ll have to forgive Augustine. We’re still working on being kind to strangers. It’s nice to meet you. I’m Dominic.” He held out his hand a little too far Grinpayne’s left, but he accepted the handshake. It was difficult to tell in the dim lighting of the tent, but the younger man’s skin was as white as his hair. It still suited him.

“I’ve never come across a blind seer before. If you don’t mind my asking, how does your act work?”

“It’s… difficult to explain. I can hear thoughts. They float around people’s heads.”

“So, you can tell what I’m thinking right now?”

“Not exactly. It’s the deeper thoughts and feelings, the things people tend to hide.” Oh, this was a bad idea.

“It must seem like a bunch of nonsense, I know.” Dominic continued.

“No, it doesn’t. I’ve seen a lot of bizarre and outright ridiculous roadside attractions, but yours – makes sense. It’s not flashy.”

“You’ve seen so many?”

“I’ve been traveling for 20 years. I’ve seen enough to last a hundred lifetimes.”

“Hmm. I should like to travel. I’ve lived here my whole life. How come you’ve never come to Stokes-Croft before?”

“My father, Ursus, doesn’t like the capital..” Grinpayne had never met anyone as inquisitive as Dominic before. Everything in him was screaming to leave, to stop answering all these

questions, but he found himself wanting to stay. There was something about Dominic that intrigued him, left him with a sinking-rock feeling in his stomach. But the feeling wasn’t entirely unpleasant. What the hell is happening to me?

“I… I should go,” Grinpayne muttered. He could also feel the nerves in his face begin to burn more.

“Of course,” Dominic replied, making his way to the table that sat at the back of the tent. “You should come by after the fair closes. Maybe I’ll read your palm.”

Grinpayne chuckled. “Su… Sure, yeah. Um, it was nice to meet you, both of you.” He spared a quick glance at Augustine, whose glare had remained just as sharp.

“Goodbye for now,” Dominic called with a smile as Grinpayne quickly exited the tent.

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“You’re back so quickly. What happened?” Ursus was busy mixing concoctions. On a good day, he could sell eight bottles.

“I, I need Crimson Lethe.” Grinpayne didn’t like drinking the medicine in public. It had led to too many questions before.

“Here.” Ursus dug the bottle out of his coat pocket and handed it to Grinpayne. “Take a little more than normal. I think we could do a couple of extra shows tonight.” Grinpayne nodded and swallowed capful after capful after capful until his face felt numb. With a relieved sigh, he put the bottle in his own pocket. Mojo slept in a corner.

“D’ya get a good look at the competition? Normally, I’m not worried, but this is the capital. We need to really stand out.”

“Not really. I think it helps that I’m a new attraction.”

“Then it’s a good thing we’re leaving before the novelty wears off.” Grinpayne was too numb to argue, but he still wanted to stay. He knew in his core that so much could be found here. There was something so familiar about the capital. He couldn’t believe he hadn’t been here before. Surely, he had… he…

“Grinpayne, helped me unload the boxes. We have to make sure the marionette strings aren’t too tangled.” He would never admit it to Ursus, but he hated the puppet of him as a child. The eyes were too lifeless, too mocking. But the show must go on. Life must go on.

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The midnight bell signaled the close of the fair. Drunken stragglers, led by Osric, stumbled towards their homes. Or possibly another tavern, who really cares? Grinpayne was taking Mojo for a walk. The wolf had performed well, but he was smarter than most beasts. How else would the beast have led him to safety all those years ago?

Dominic’s tent came into view. Grinpayne knew he shouldn’t, but Dominic had invited him.

“What do you say, Mojo? Shall we say hello? Come on, you’ll like him.” With a click of Grinpayne’s tongue. The wolf followed the Grinning Man into the Blind Seer’s tent.

“Hello? Dominic? It’s Grinpayne.” There was some scuffling before Dominic’s shape came into view.

“Hello.” Grinpayne could just make out the shorter man’s bright hair, but he wasn’t going to complain.

“Is there someone else with you?” Dominic continued. “It almost sounds – like a dog.” Like others of his kind, Mojo was a heavy breather.

“Oh, it’s just my pet… wolf. His name is Mojo.” Who has a pet wolf? He must think I’m mad.

“That’s a nice name. Mojo… Oh God, you can’t see anything can you? Here, let me light a lamp.”

“Oh, really you don’t need to –” As Dominic placed a lamp on the table, he dug matches out of his pocket.

“Let me help.” Grinpayne knew Dominic wasn’t a child, but he didn’t want anyone getting hurt. The younger man’s hands were soft and surprisingly warm… and mesmerizing,

Grinpayne lit the lamp and was finally able to see Dominic clearly for the first time. His eyes were the lightest blue, and his cheekbones were sharp. If Grinpayne were the superstitious type, he’d wager that Dominic was some kind of fae. It would explain the … attraction Grinpayne felt, why he was drawn to this man. It couldn’t be anything else. Could it?

“So how did your show do? The first day is always the trickiest.”

“More people kept showing up as the night went on. I even think a prince, or a lord, or something came. And their reaction was… different than it usually is.”

“A good different, I hope.”

“I… I’m not sure yet. And you? Your night was successful?”

“Pretty average. About 100 people.”

“100 is average? You should tell me your secret.”

“Maybe. Or maybe not.”

Grinpayne chuckled dryly as he looked around the tent. Something was missing… Where…?

“Where’s your – friend?” Grinpayne’s words were beginning to slur.

“Oh, Augustine? He was just visiting when you came by this afternoon. Osric is always sending someone to check on me. He’s a little overprotective.”

“Is he your brother, or…?”

“Practically. He saved me, when I was a baby. Have you eaten? I have some bread and cheese.” Who is this person? Grinpayne watched Dominic navigate the tent. The way his hands danced across the tabletops reminded Grinpayne of flowing water. A single pinprick of pain in the taller man’s cheek pulled him out of his head.

Dominic returned to where he had previously been sitting with a purple kerchief. When he untied it, the most delicious smells filled the air. Had Dominic offered food to be polite, it could he really sense how hungry Grinpayne had been?

“I just realized I never asked what your act is.”

“Oh, uh, my father and I… we do puppet shows. And he makes these, uh, potions. Cures for – everything. Colds, warts, once he made a potion to cure ingrown toenails.” Dominic’s laugh was so… him, clear and confident. Grinpayne nervously gnawed on the piece of bread he had been given.

“Puppets, huh? Tell me, what stories do you do?”

“None you would know. My father makes them all up.”

“What about The Grinning Man? That’s the name of your act, right?”

Grinpayne couldn’t be angry with him. He knew it would have come up eventually. He had been flirting with danger, and here they were. He wanted to run, but didn’t want to move.

“Um, it’s me. I’m the… Grinning Man.”

“Oh. I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have pried.”

“No, no it’s fine. I… I have a smile cut in my face.” Stop! What are you doing? Get out of here!

“I imagine it hurts terribly.” More pinpricks of pain.

“I’ve learned to manage it.” Dominic smiled in response.

“Is Mojo hungry? I think I could find him a piece of sausage.” The wolf had practically been asleep, but perked up at the mention of his name and the prospect of food. Dominic’s hands once again danced and Grinpayne was once again intrigued. Does he know how handsome he is? Surely someone’s told him.

“Tell me, in your travels, have… have you ever been to the coast?” The smaller man seemed almost embarrassed to be asking.

“Yes. Many times.”

“What’s it like? The ocean? Osric says it’s practically like the river, but that doesn’t seem right.”

“The ocean is… big. It can seem calm one moment and violent the next. And endless. Just ocean as far as the eye can see.” You idiot he can’t see! Dominic seemed to ignore the comment.

“You don’t like it?” Grinpayne wasn’t entirely sure if it was a question or a statement. But it further proved that Dominic’s gift was real.

“I’m… a little scared of it, to be honest.”

“That seems reasonable. Something so vast…”

Grinpayne had been so enraptured with Dominic and their conversation that he had forgotten that the pain returned until it was too much to ignore. He tried to stifle a cry of pain, but Dominic still heard him.

“Are you all right?”

“Y-yes, it’s just a twinge. I n– I need some of my medicine.”

Grinpayne fumbled with his pockets searching for the little bottle, the one Ursus had made him take, but his hands couldn’t navigate the layers. Mojo, sensing his companion’s pain, sprung to attention. The wolf had been trained to retrieve the bottle whenever Grinpayne’s motor skills faltered. He gently grabbed the Crimson Lethe from where it lay in his master’s pocket and brought his jaw towards Grinpayne’s hands until the man was able to get his fingers around the glass. With shaking fingers, Grinpayne opened the bottle and downed half of it in a single gulp. The familiar wave of numbness spread, and the taller man breathed a sigh of relief.

Grinpayne was suddenly overcome with embarrassment and shame. Even though Dominic couldn’t see him, surely he could feel how vulnerable he had just been. The last thing Grinpayne wanted from Dominic was pity.

I’m… I’m sorry for that. I’m – usually more careful with taking my medicine.”

“I’m sorry, too,” Dominic replied. “I shouldn’t have been keeping you so long.”

“No!” Grinpayne cried. “You did nothing wrong. I like talking to you.”

“You’re good company to have, Grinpayne.” Dominic suddenly paused. His hands flexed repeatedly, his features focused.

“Is something the matter?” Grinpayne asked.

“Your thoughts were so loud before. And then they became so still… I’ve never heard thoughts quite like yours before. They scorch the air around you.”

“Is – that a good thing, or…?”

“It’s not good or bad. It’s just different, unique.” Dominic looked fascinated. Grinpayne turned his apparently scorching thoughts to the man across from him and how perplexed by him he found himself.

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The two men spent the rest of the night talking. Grinpayne decided to tell the story of the bride who ate so much salt on her wedding day that when she ended up crying tears of joy, her tears were so salty that they burned whatever surface they landed on. And the story of the girl with hands so soft and white like doves. They laughed at each other’s jokes. And Dominic told more about how Osric saved him from the snow and ice. Grinpayne felt at peace for the first time in a long time.

When Grinpayne and Mojo finally returned to their cart, the sun’s first rays were showing. Dominic had sent the pair off with more food and a dazzling smile. Grinpayne wouldn’t admit it, but he was a little starstruck. This man had brought out unfamiliar feelings, so unfamiliar that Grinpayne couldn’t put a name to them. The only feelings he could recognize were the pinpricks of pain returning.

“Where the hell were you, boy? I was worried sick!” Ursus grabbed his son’s collar, pulling him close in a fatherly embrace.

“I – I’m sorry. I was just across the path. The Blind Seer, remember?”

“Hmm. You were out all night with a blind man?”

“Yes,” Grinpayne replied incredulously. Did Ursus really not believe him?

“I’m sorry, my boy. I shouldn’t have lost my temper. It’s just… easy to get lost in the capital. I don’t want you in any harm, is all.” Grinpayne noticed how odd his father was acting. What is he hiding? Would Dominic be able to figure it out?

“Take your medicine and get some sleep. We have a full day of performances ahead.” Grinpayne drank the remainder of the bottle in his pocket and fell asleep almost instantly.

The “Grinning Man” dreamt of stormy oceans, the man with the hidden face, and of Dominic.

#the grinning man #the grinning man musical #i guess i'm a writer #oh lord help me #also sorry the formatting sucks

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