#i think i’ve disturbed her nap

[doomedtokill]

morning

[landosjpg]

Hi lovely, I’ve been thinking about Lando dating a doctor or nurse and she’s been working crazy shifts on a night rotation. They keep missing eachother and when she doesn’t come home one day, he goes to check up on her and finds her teary eyed staring into space in the on-call room because she just can’t fall asleep on her break 🥹

hi beautiful! this has been sitting on my inbox since forever, i’m so sorry 🥹 i hope you’re doing alright and hope you like it!

you had been having a rough week; work had been too busy for the last couple of days —nights, to be precise —and you were struggling to rest during your breaks, the exhaustion seeming to keep you on your toes more than to tire you. despite of how much you loved tour job, it sometimes got a little too much, and it was one of those weeks.

if that wasn’t enough, lando was also home for just a few days after a triple header and you couldn’t make your schedules match, meaning you had barely spent any time with your boyfriend.

he was patient, however, happy with the text and swift calls during your breaks before you hung up to take a quick, very much needed, nap.

but after a few days, you felt a little overwhelmed, your mind too foggy to even think about checking your phone as you got to the call room. you paced to the small, uncomfortable bed without even thinking about it just to try and get some sleep. to get your mind off things for a little while.

lando had stayed up, as he usually did, hoping to talk to you before calling it a day. but when you didn’t reply to his texts or answer any of his calls, he started getting worried about you. he had seen the exhaustion on your face before you left for work earlier that night, and he couldn’t stop himself from wondering if you were alright.

you always texted him, albeit to wish him a good night of sleep. so, stubborn as he was, he drove to your workplace, just wanting to make sure you were alright.

unable to sleep, you barely heard the door opening when he entered the room, too focused on trying to get some rest to be aware of your surroundings.

“hi, angel,” he softly cooed, walking towards you. you looked over at him, your eyes watery and your expression as exhausted as ever.

he felt his heart break at the sight, the worn out look in your eyes a view he wished to never see again.

“you alright?” he asked, sitting down on the edge of the bed, trying not to disturb you.

“just tired,” you answered with a thin voice, shifting a little closer to him. “what’re you doing here?”

“got worried,” he whispered. “you weren’t answering my calls.”

you mumbled a quiet “sorry”, not having intended to concern him when you ignored your phone.

“it’s okay, baby,” he tried to brush it off, gently patting his lap for you to rest tour head on.

silently you complied, his fingers finding their way to your hair as he started to gently play with some strands, the movement soothing enough to have your eyes fluttering close.

“get some rest, angel,” he murmured as he felt your body relaxing slowly. “i’ll wake you up when your break is over.”

and as you drifted off to sleep, you realized that was all you needed.

[awkward-walking-potato]

platonic poolverine x fem!cat mutant!reader who purrs when she’s asleep :D??

The Catnap Chronicles

It was a peaceful afternoon at Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters, or at least it had been until Deadpool and Wolverine started bickering over something ridiculous in the common room. The chaos was only heightened by Wade’s antics, as per usual, and Logan’s ever-present frustration with his “partner” in… whatever you’d call their relationship — frenemies, maybe.

You, on the other hand, were curled up on the far end of the couch, dozing off as the argument unfolded around you. Being part feline, you needed your naps, and nothing — not even Wade’s loud mouth — could stop you from getting your catnap. A soft purr rumbled from you as you drifted further into sleep, completely unaware of the scene unfolding.

"Logan, you wound me!" Wade’s voice was, as always, melodramatic. "I was only suggesting we test the durability of your claws with a little friendly chainsaw duel. For science!"

Logan growled, crossing his arms and glaring at Deadpool. "Ain’t gonna happen, Wade. Not today. Not ever."

Wade was about to fire off another retort when he noticed the soft sound of purring coming from your direction. He stopped mid-sentence, his masked head tilting to the side. "Uh, Logan… is that her?"

Logan glanced over, and his expression softened slightly when he saw you asleep, curled up on the couch, your tail lazily flicking back and forth in your sleep. The gentle purring filled the air, a sound that always seemed to calm the otherwise gruff mutant.

Wade tiptoed over, completely forgetting about the claws-for-chainsaws debate. He crouched down beside you, watching with fascination. "She purrs! This is the cutest thing ever, and I’m deeply offended that you’ve been hogging all of this adorableness to yourself, Wolverine."

Logan groaned, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "Don’t wake her up, Wade. She needs rest."

Wade gasped, putting a hand over his heart. "I would never disturb such a pure moment, Logan. I’m not a monster." He paused, reconsidering his statement. "Okay, maybe I am, but still!"

You stirred slightly, but your purring didn’t stop, the comforting rhythm filling the room. Logan smirked a little, looking over at Wade. "See? She’s relaxed. Probably ‘cause you finally shut up."

Wade sat down cross-legged on the floor next to the couch, looking at you like a child observing a rare animal at the zoo. "I think I might cry," he said dramatically. "This is the most peaceful thing I’ve ever seen in my entire life. And I’ve watched so many wholesome cat videos on the internet."

Logan gave him a look that screamed don’t you dare, but Wade was already making a quiet shushing motion. "Don’t worry, grumpy claws. I’ll protect her nap at all costs. Anyone who dares disturb this perfect sleeping kitten will have to face my wrath!"

Logan sighed, shaking his head. "You’re a real piece of work, Wade."

Wade grinned beneath his mask, completely unbothered by Logan’s annoyance. "And you, my friend, are missing out on the opportunity of a lifetime! Imagine the possibilities of teaming up with a mutant who purrs. She’s the ultimate partner. The calming force to balance your growly, grouchy nature."

"She ain’t my partner," Logan muttered, though his eyes softened as he glanced at you again. "She’s… a kid. One I’m lookin’ out for."

Wade’s voice turned unusually sincere for a moment, and he nodded. "Yeah. You’re pretty good at that, Logan."

The quiet moment hung in the air as you continued to sleep, oblivious to the fact that the loudest two mutants in the mansion had somehow found a moment of peace just by watching over you. Wade, for once, kept his promise and stayed silent, occasionally glancing at Logan as if to make sure he was sticking to the “protect the nap” mission.

And for that afternoon, the common room was filled with nothing but the soft sound of purring and the surprisingly companionable silence between Wolverine and Deadpool.

[trippinsorrows]

looking through your eyes + twenty three

authors note: the day of the big party has arrived. reminder, this has a time jump. solana is now home from treatment, though that's touched on in here as well.

also, if you watched arrow, i totally use one of my favorite characters from that show for a certain character. don't own him or anything wwe related. lol

cw/tw: fluff, angst, and violence

song inspo: ‘looking through your eyes’ by leann rimes

masterlist +story playlist + taglist request form

words: 12k

“Are you sure you want to do this?” Solana stops humming as she rips her gaze from the several pots that she currently has sitting on the fire. “It’s not too late.”

Rolling her eyes, she rubs her hands off on her apron and walks over to her husband. Roman pulls her into him as she lifts her hands around his neck. “Ro…..”

“We could just not open the door.”

“Roman.”

This would be Solana’s welcome home party. Two weeks. She’s been home for two weeks, and it’s been a beautiful transition. Being back with her husband and Dulce has meant the world to her. It’s why she wanted to take some time to enjoy the two most important figures in her life before hosting such a social function.

But now the big day has arrived, and while she’s filled with excitement, her husband…..is not.

“What if I buy you something instead? Like an island? Just for us.” Solana is taken back for a moment. She’s still yet to fully grasp the perennial extent of the Bloodline’s reach and wealth. Of her husband’s billionaire status. “Have security set to shoot to kill if anyone tries to bother us.”

She smiles, because while his words are borderline disturbing, the seriousness in his voice and expression are slightly humorous. “Ro, that’s not nice.” 

Roman also rolls his eyes, Solana having a bit of a hard time taking him seriously. He’s so petulant, like a child. “Baby, how many times we gotta have this conversation? I love you and hate everyone else.”

“Dulce?”

“Tolerable.”

Shaking her head, she shifts her hands to his chest. “This is what I want, Roman. I’ve been gone for so long. I just….I just want to be surrounded by the people I love.” And before he can say anything else, she clarifies, “beyond just you and Dulce.”

“She don’t like this shit either. She likes us. That’s it.”

“That’s not what I heard. Apparently, Jimmy really is her new bestie.” Solana giggles, thinking back to the photos Naomi sent and shared with her of Jimmy sitting on the sofa with Dulce, Dulce even sleeping in the bed with him as he took a nap. Almost identical to the ones she received while they were in Mexico. It seems Roman’s cousin has taken a liking to her sweet little puppy.

Roman looks even more irritated as he shares, “you know he had her sleeping in the bed with him again?” Solana does in fact know. She’s got photographic evidence to prove it. “I swear, I saw her little ass standing up on her legs on the side of our bed like she wanted to get in the other day. She can try that shit with us if she wants to, but—”

Solana leans up and kisses him, effectively silencing his rant. Roman’s hands are on the small of her back, deepening the kiss as his tongue glides across her bottom lip, Solana having to prematurely end the kiss when he starts guiding her towards the nearest clear counter that he doesn’t hesitate to prop her up on.

She knows exactly where this is headed, and she has way too many things left to do before the party kicks off.

Ignoring his scowl at her drawing a line in the sand, she does her best to encourage him, “today is going to be a good day. We’re going to have a good time—”

“debatable.” 

“—and if you can try to be nice and not curse at or hurt anybody—”

“—do you not know who I am?”

“Then after the party and everyone’s gone—” her eyes drop to his chest, a bit of sheepishness overcoming her. “—when it’s just you and me….” Solana pushes past her shyness at even thinking of it, sharing in a quiet voice, “then I’ll do the thing.”

Roman looks skeptical, clearly not following, “the thing?”

Solana swallows. She hates how uncomfortable and embarrassed she feels about discussing this. “You know….the…..thing you want me to do where I…..sit.” 

And it’s that elaboration that brings a smug smile on his handsome face. “You finally gonna sit on my face, baby?”

Solana’s cheeks are flamed and reddened. “Not so loud.” She looks around, as if someone could be eavesdropping on quite literally the most sexual thing she’ll have ever done. “But…..y–yes.” She lifts a finger, reminding him of the stipulation. “But, only if you can b–behave.” 

Roman smirks, dropping his gaze to her chest that looks amazing in her little dress. “For you, I can be very good.” She smiles up at him, “but something before could also be a nice incentive.”

Solana slaps Roman on the chest and tugs herself away, hopping off the counter as he squeezes her ass. “Ro, I have to finish cooking, and Melina should be here any minute.”

He scowls, eyes briefly falling to her ass as she moves back over to the stove. “Who is that again?”

“One of my friends from treatment,” she answers over a sigh, grabbing the almost emptied bottle of Adobo. “I told you that this morning.” 

“Yeah, while you were getting dressed. I wasn’t paying attention to anything except them titties.”

She turns to him, cheeks red, and not from her makeup. “Roman, you can’t…nevermind....can you do me a favor?”

“Can we cancel the party?” She gives him a look, forcing him to resign. “Fine. What do you need?”

She motions to the aluminum trays of food lined up all on the kitchen island. A small part of him feels bad for not helping her cook. He’s far from the best, not even remotely close to her in terms of talent, but Solana woke up at the ass crack of dawn this morning to finish cooking. Because she started yesterday evening, and it’s only occurring to him now that he hasn’t done a ton to help her.

She asked the security around them to set up the backyard, chairs and tables and shit. Now that he thinks about it, she hasn’t asked him for much, really. 

Sighing and realizing his role, or lack thereof, in this thing brings on small amount of guilt.

Roman moves behind her, speaking before she can scold him yet again for trying to distract her. “I’m sorry.” He feels the way she relaxes in his embrace, sees how she angles her head to look at him with all the confusion. “I know this is…important to you, and I don’t mean to be difficult.”

Because it is, and because he doesn’t. He’s immensely proud of her, of how well she’s adjusted to being back home full time after being gone for so long. The least he can do is try to be a bit more supportive, even if just the thought of this damn party and being forced to interact with people makes him physically ill. 

“You? Difficult? Never.” He rolls his eyes at her sarcastic tone as she turns her body inward to his. “It’s okay. I know you’re not very…..social, but it’s just one party. And when everyone’s gone….it’s just you and me.”

Roman loves the sound of that. His dick stiffening at just the thought of her climbing on top and sitting on his fa—

“But until then, party first.” She bursts his bubbles, separating and motioning to the trays. “Now, food, please.”

Roman rolls his eyes but follows suit, reaching for the first set of food that smells delicious and has him tempted to just eat before everyone else arrives. He’s near the back door when she calls behind him. 

“Muchas gracias, papi.”

It’s by the grace of God that he doesn’t drop the tray onto the floor. Truly. Because while Roman is far from fluent in Spanish, he’s picked up a few things. Learned some more since being married to Solana. 

He knows muchas gracias is ‘thank you very much’.

And he knows that papi…..is ‘daddy’.

Solana just called him daddy. 

Fuck.

A quick glance back in her direction reveals a small, coy smile. Intentional. She knows exactly what she just did.

He has to take a minute to compose himself.

This woman will easily be the end of him. 

“Ain’t nobody sleeping tonight,” he says it loud enough so she can hear, the last thing filling his ears is her soft laughter. 

————

“Mrs. Reigns.”

Solana has just finished pouring the pasta into the aluminum pan when she hears her name called by one of the security guards. Turning around, a huge smile falls onto her face as the guard steps aside.

“Melina!”

Solana’s smile is stapled as she carefully places the sizzling pot into the sink and runs a bit of water to prevent staining before shutting it off and heading in Melina’s direction.

A hug is initiated and a lack of tensing is prevalent in both women. The two of them just enjoying the embrace. Solana is the first to pull back, sharing, “I’m so happy you could make it.”

It’s been two weeks since they’ve last seen each other in person, since they completed residential treatment, but they’ve texted consistently since them. A couple FaceTime calls as well. With Cam and Mickie, too. 

“Thanks for inviting me.” Melina’s smile isn’t as big, but it’s just as genuine. That’s just Melina. She looks around the house, eyes widening a bit. “Your house is beautiful.”

Solana starts to correct her. Starts to point out that it was Roman’s first. She just happened to move in when they got married, but she stops herself, because that’s not the truth. This is her home. Hers and Roman’s. It’s just as much hers now as it is his. So, she settles on a much better response, “thank you.” She motions to the kitchen. “You still willing to help me cook?”

Another thing they bonded over includes cooking. Something Melina loves just as much as Solana. 

Melina smirks. “Of course.” She digs into her purse, pulling out the brand new bottle of Adobo seasoning. “Even brought an extra one, just in case.”

Solana gives a big sigh of relief. “I’m running low, too.” She was almost tempted to ask Roman to make a grocery run for her in the event the little she has left wasn’t enough to season the remaining food. “Now, I made most of the main dishes last night. It’s just some appetizers and desserts.”

“You want me to do the conchas and sopaipillas?”

“If you don’t mind?” It would help Solana out a ton. Especially since they’re the favorites of her husband and his ravenous cousins. 

Melina shakes her head. “Of course not, just show me the apron.” 

————

Mickie and Cam show up shortly after, but as both are not cooks and don’t hesitate to express as such, they’re relegated to finishing up some of the little things that need to be done in the backyard.

The Wise Man arrives as well, him and Roman disappearing in his office to discuss some work matters. At least, that would be Solana’s guess for their departure.

A little while later, the doorbell rings and Solana rushes over, excited that the bulk of the guests are preparing to arrive. 

Roman happens to meet her at the same time she’s near the front door, only for her to pause when she overhears a voice.

Jey’s voice.

“.....and when we get up in this house, ya’ll better act right. Don’t break nothing. Don’t burn nothing. And that goes for each other, too. Ya’ll know how your uncle Roman is. He not gon’ hesitate to put us all out, and I’m not trying to have that happen, cause ya mama is refusing to fix dinner tonight, so we gon’ need to ea—Josiah! Did you just flip off your brother?”

“He’s being a dick!”

“Aye, don’t be using that kind of language. I’m not gon keep telling you that!” A pause. “Journee! What happened to the bow in your hair?”

“I don’t want a stinkin' bow!”

“Lil girl, I’m tired of you leaving the house looking homeless. Got people thinking I’m neglecting you and shit!”

“If we’re not supposed to say bad words, how come you can say bad words?”

Solana grabs Roman’s hand and pulls him so they can take a step back. “Are—are those his kids?”

“More like demons, but yes.” Solana gives him that disapproving look. “Hey, you wanted to invite them. I tried to tell you.”

Solana shakes her head. “They’re—they’re probably just having a bad day.”

“Every day is a bad day for them then.” 

Solana slaps him on the arm and clears her throat. She takes one last look at Roman who’s giving her that ‘I tried to warn you’ look, which she discards to open the beautifully designed front door, a big smile on her face when she locks gazed with a grinning Jey.

“What’s up, Soso!” Before Solana can even process what’s happening, Jey is in front of her, hugging her, picking her up. 

She’s almost moved on an emotional level at how this doesn’t trigger her, doesn’t cause her to tense up. Just feels like a warm embrace from a good friend. 

From family.

Jey sets her down on the ground and compliments, “you look good, girl!” She smiles, biting down on her bottom lip. Compliments are still a bit of a struggle for her. Especially ones not from her husband. “We missed you.”

“I missed you, too.” Because she did. She missed them all. Solana sets her focus on the set of children, of various ages and sexes. Two girls and two boys who all look like their father in various ways, sans their complexions, which are a few shades deeper. “You must be—”

“Boobies!” Solana’s jaw drops at the exclamation of the boy who’s the tallest and probably oldest. His eyes are as wide, dazed, and mesmerized as he points to her chest. “They’re so big. Are they real?”

“Josiah Fatu!”

He ignores Jey’s harsh use of what Solana would guess is his name. “Can I feel them….” Solana goes to straighten up as the little boy starts to reach for her chest. 

Roman is quick to yank Solana so her back is against his front, his arm wrapped protectively around her as she uses her own forearm to cover the cleavage showing with her dress. “You better get your son before I kill his ass, Jey!”

“I’m so sorry, Soso.” Jey apologizes and turns his attention to Josiah. “Boy, have you lost your damn mind?”

Josiah scowls. “You’re the one who said Aunt Solana has nice tits!”

“I was talking to your uncle Jeremiah, not you!” Jey clears his throat, nervous eyes briefly darting to Roman who Solana absolutely makes sure to hold onto. She can feel his anger growing by the second. “Uhh, let me—let me talk to him for a minute.” Jey then directs the kids, “ya’ll go on in the house, and remember what I said!”

Not even seconds later, the remaining three children dart into the home, Solana yelping and pressing herself into Roman to avoid being run into.

“Don’t be running in my damn house!” Roman calls after them, looking down at Solana as Jey drags Josiah away from the door and to the side. “You see what I’m saying now?”

Solana opens her mouth and then closes it, finally settling on, “they’re just excited an—”

She’s cut short by the sound of glass shattering. Her mouth shuts again as Roman closes his eyes. “Ro, just breathe—”

“What the hell did ya’ll just break?” Roman yells out, and she moves her hands soothingly up and down his chest. “Excited, my ass, Solana. I’m telling you. I’m going to kill one of these kids before the day is over.”

“Roman, you are not going to kill one of the kids,” Solana assures, bringing her hands to his face, forcing his gaze back on her. “It’s—it’s going to be fine. Remember, I—”

The sound of loud laughter and the quick patter of feet, both human and not human, redirect the couples attention as Dulce comes running up to her parents, seeking asylum from the little girls hot on her trail. Quickly, Solana leans down to pick up Dulce who instantly starts whining. 

“Ya’ll leave the damn dog alone,” Roman warns, Solana using her elbow to lightly bump him for his tone. 

“She’s just a puppy, so she gets scared a lot. That—that’s all.” Solana explains in a kind voice, recognizing they probably just want to pet her. “Maybe if—” 

She’s silenced by two of the kids rushing past her and Roman, prompting him to remind them yet again, “I said stop running in my goddamn house!” Roman takes a step back from his wife, shaking his head. Fuck this. “Solana, I can’t do th—”

“Whassup, my dawgs!”

“Sami?” Roman is visibly confused and now even more annoyed at the presence of a genial looking Sami in their doorway “What the hell are you doing here?”

“I told Jimmy to invite him,” Solana explains, walking over while still holding Dulce who immediately stops whimpering when she sees Sami. “Hi, Sami. Thanks for coming!”

“Yeah, of course. I would never deny the Tribal Chief’s wife anything.” He says with a nervous thumbs up to Roman who still looks murderous. Sami nervously clears his throat, leaning down to look at Dulce. “And who is this?”

“This is Dulce,” Solana introduces and offers. “Would you like to hold her?”

“Of course!” Sami is careful with how he takes the puppy, who Solana notices immediately starts wagging her little tail. “Well, aren’t you just the cutest little thing? Well, yes you are.”

“Soso!” Solana looks past Sami to see Naomi and Jimmy, the latter of which bumps his wife out of the way to rush towards her for a hug. Similar to Jey, he picks her up and lightly spins her. “You finally out of lockdown!”

“Jimmy!”

Naomi looks horrified, shoving her husband before pulling Solana in for a hug. Roman just looks pissed. Meanwhile, Jimmy shrugs, sniffing the air. He claps his hands and rubs them together, “man, that food sure does smell good. I’m about to go fix my plate before—”

“No,” Solana interrupts, clarifying. “Kids eat first.”

“Kids?” Jimmy scowls as Sami walks in the house to the back, most likely to head out in the backyard, having handed Dulce to Roman. “Man, Jey’s bad ass kids can wait.”

“Solo is bringing his sons too.”

“He what?” Roman and Jimmy are synched, Solana and Naomi sharing an amused smile. Roman cuts in, asking, “Solana, you’ve never even met his kids.”

“I’ve never met his wife either, but I invited her too.” Solana explains, ready to try to help her husband understand it felt rude to her to invite Solo who, despite rockiness at some points, she has appreciated over the past months serving as her protector when Roman can’t, but not his family.

“Ahhh! Solana!” Bianca’s excited voice sounds, drawing the group's attention to not only her but Jade and their respective partners, Montez and Trick. Solana accepts the hugs and compliments from both ladies.

Montez lowers his sunglasses taking in the mansion, red solo cup in the other hand. “Damn. This how the Tribal Chief living? This shit nice as hell.”

“Gated and everything,” Trick chimes. Both men straighten up and clear their throats at Roman’s irritated, piercing gaze. Trick coughing up a quiet, “sir.”

Roman says nothing, the men following Jade and Bianca as Naomi directs them to the backyard. 

“Oh my gosh!” Melina’s shocked voice sounds as she comes from the kitchen, pointing with a horrified expression. “What the hell is wrong with these children?”

At that, Roman demands Jimmy. “Get them.”

Jimmy shakes his head, running over, disappearing from the line of vision. “Hey! Ya’ll stop trying to kill the Wise Man!” Jimmy’s shout can be heard even if he can’t be seen. “Take that tie from around his neck right—are you recording? Girl, put that damn phone down right now!”

Melina walks over, clearly disturbed, Solana offering both her—and Roman—apologetic smiles.

“I hope they have some weed at this party. I haven’t gotten high in over 12 hours.”

“Mother, you will not get high at this party, do you understand me?”

“You know that old hag doesn’t listen.”

“Suck my dick, Escobar!”

“Abuelita, please!”

The remaining three adults, as well as Dulce, redirect their attention to the next set of arrivals. Bayley and her mother Juanita who are accompanied by a man Solana would guess is Bayley’s father as well as an older woman.

“Solana!” Bayley walks up to Solana, giving her a big, warm hug. One that Solana reciprocates with all the warmth in the world. “Melina?”

“Bayley?”

Confused, watching Bayley move to hug Melina, Solana asks, “you guys know each other?”

Bayley is the one to answer with a soft smile. “She’s been with my cousin Santos for years.” Bayley takes Melina’s hand in hers. “Practically family.”

Wow. That’s a connection Solana most definitely didn’t see coming.

Bayley's dad clears his throat, addressing Roman, “Thank you, sir, for allowing us in your beautiful home.”

“I didn—”

“You must be Bayley’s dad?” Solana cuts off her husband, already knowing he’s about to say something rude. Or worse. She offers her hand. “I’m Solana.”

The older man shifts his focus, accepting the handshake, offering his name as his eyes settle into something almost soft.

And sad.

Juanita steals a hug from Solana, holding onto her a bit as she asks her husband. “Bernardo, who does she look like? I know you’ll know!”

He smiles, but there’s nothing happy about it. “Alma.” Now Solana is the one frowning. “She looks like Alma.”

Instantly, Solana can feel Juanita’s energy shift, matching that of her husbands.

“Who the hell is that?” Roman’s annoyed voice cuts in as he switches Dulce from one arm to the other. 

Bernardo gives a solemn nod, explaining, “My late brother’s daughter. She…..passed away many years ago.”

Oh.

“So, you’re saying my wife looks like a dead woman?”

“Roman!” Solana harshly whispers, though she’s also a bit unsure how to respond to that. “Umm—”

“Got any weed around here?” The older woman who Juanita shares the same eyes and lips with asks in a rough voice, adding on, “though the food smells pretty good too.”

“Mother, please.” Juanita shakes her head, apologizing. “I’m so sorry we had to bring her. She’d been staying at this nice nursing home we found for her, but she got kicked out….again.”

“This is the fourth damn one in six months,” Bernardo mutters. 

“Didn’t even hit that bitch that hard,” Abuelita defends when her gaze suddenly falls to Roman. “Oh.” She walks over to him, her hand on his bicep, Solana seeing the instant look of disapproval and disgust that appears on his handsome face. “Now, you are a man, aren’t you?” Switching her attention to Solana, she so casually asks, “it’s big, isn’t it? Heavy too. I can tell by the way he stands.”

“Abuelita!” Bayley’s face is reddening by the second as she carefully grabs her grandma by the arm. “I’m just gonna take her out back.” She sends Roman an apologetic look and ushers Abuelita away as the older woman asks something about cocaine. Bernardo and Juanita follow suit with Melina excusing herself to check on Conchas.

Left alone with just her husband, Solana relieves him of Dulce, her sweet little baby nestling her head against Solana’s chest. 

“Roman, please, you said you’d behave.”

“Well, that was before I found out you invited half the damn city,” is his counter as he asks, “Solana, just how many people did you invite?”

“Enough,” is her vague answer. She sighs at his unchanging expression of wanting to know. “Okay, I didn’t tell you how many because I knew you’d be annoyed.” 

“I’m not—”

“And I made sure that Jimmy and Jey vetted everyone, so there wouldn’t be any safety concerns,” she offers, hoping that it ebbs away some of his frustration.

Roman has a lot of questions, but the most important one is the one he asks next. “Do they all know—”

“No,” she answers in a quiet voice. “Outside of like the obvious, they all just think it’s a get-together.”

Roman nods. That chips away some of his irritation. Solana’s mental health is not the business of all these damn people. 

“Good.” Is all he says, reaching for Dulce. “It’s best she stay in our room. Away from—”

“Hey, Uce!” Jey suddenly sounds, standing by the still open front door. “You got a ladder or something? Journee ass on the damn roof!”

————

All things considered, it’s a fun time. Solana enjoys serving people and is granted a major confidence boost from all of the compliments she receives over her cooking. It truly warms her heart, almost as much as the seamless meeting and introduction of Bayley and Naomi to the rest of her new friend group: Cam, Mickie, and Melina.

The ladies all seem to get along well, so much so that the conversation and idea regarding a girls trip to Mexico isn’t even something that Solana has to bring up. Some of the other ladies do it for her.

And it’s beyond exciting to her. 

The whole party is an ordeal. Mostly fun with some hiccups. Roman having to eventually delegate all of Jey’s……excited kids to staying in the backyard where they can be monitored. It’s an interesting juxtaposition. Jey’s kids with Solo’s children who are almost scarily obedient. Yes sir and no sir. Staying seated, almost afraid to interact with anyone other than their parents. Solo’s wife, Madi, is also not as friendly as Solana was hoping for, mostly staying with her quiet children. Her nose is turned up almost the entire time too, her arm looped with her husband’s.

Abuelita is placed in the house in the living room where she’s left to watch The Price is Right reruns after being upset at the lack of available substances outside of alcohol.

“What the fuck kind of Mafia boss doesn’t have any drugs in his house?”

It’s an especially fun time with the music, a combination of Rap, R&B, with, of course, Spanish music. The last of those creating many fun memories of Solana, Bayley, Melina and even Juanita sharing some classic Spanish dances with the other attendees.

Though there does reach a point where Roman not so subtly pulls Solana away from dancing, whispering something in her ear that’s far too NSFW with all the children present regarding her tempting him.

She stays by his side for a little bit after that, noticing how he really only interacts with herself, the twins, and the Wise Man. 

That’s it. 

Solana is starting to wonder if he really does hate people as much as he says he does.

A random little thing she does find kind of…..cute almost is the interaction between Nia and Bautista. There….there could be something there.

It’s not nearly as hilarious though as the interaction between the twins, Montez, and Trick. Trick and Jey somehow creating a new combination of  ‘Yeet’ and ‘Whoop that Trick.’

Roman, as expected, is the only one not amused.

He actually looks like he’s in some form of physical pain. 

The real challenge, however, is finding an activity that’s both appropriate and enjoyable for adults and children, especially with such a mixed group of people. Naturally, Uno is the first thing brought up, but logistically, that doesn’t work out for lack of enough cards for everyone. It’s also something that, according to Naomi and Bayley, would end up in probable murder given the competitiveness of the men. Bloodline and not.

A couple of additional ideas are thrown out before the vast majority settles on a simple, easy game of red light, green light.

At least….it was supposed to be easy.

“Damnit!” Bayley cusses as she and Jade are the next set of players to fail to make it to the next round. Jade rolls her eyes and mumbles something incoherent as she flips off Trick who makes a smart comment as she moves back by his side, taking her wine cooler from him.

Bayley comes near Solana who sits on Roman’s lap after having been eliminated in the last round. Of course, Roman opted to not participate, much rather keeping his eyes and focus on Jey’s kids who were also eliminated earlier on.

Especially a smiling Jayla as she sits there counting a surprising amount of money for a young child.

Huh. 

Solana wonders where she got it from.

Bayley shakes her head, downing some more of her coca cola. Like Solana, she’s remained sober thus far. “Shit is hard.”

“Not really,” Roman comments without much consideration as he takes a sip of his beer. Solana doesn’t know what to make of the fact that the stressors of the party thus far have driven her husband to drink. Her husband who rarely ever drinks.

She’s most definitely going to have to make this up to him, though she has a good mind that he’s well ahead of her with that.

Bayley scoffs. “Whatever, Reigns.”

Solana subtly moves her hand on top of Roman’s free hand that’s placed on her stomach, his arm wrapped almost protectively around her.

She starts to lean into his strong chest but ultimately decides against it, mindful of the image. Cognizant of the fact that their current position simply looks like the possessive Tribal Chief making known what belongs to him. A necessity given not everyone present is privy to the fact the marriage between the two of them is so much more than a business transaction, an arrangement common to their world.

It’s real.

As real as their feelings and love for each other. 

“Red light!” Sami calls out. As a self proclaimed ‘master strategist,’ he was easily voted as the one to judge who does and does not make it to the next round. He starts listing off the names of people who moved afterwards. Two of Solo’s sons, Cam, Montez, Carmelo, and Jey.

The almost drunk latter of which is not pleased by. 

At all.

Jey sucks his teeth. “Whatchu’ mean I’m out?” Deep scowl on his face, he argues. “I didn’t even move.”

A group of disagreement sounds, including Roman who says so matter-of-factly, “you moved, Jey.”

“Uce, listen, it’s all good. Maybe in the next game—”

“I said I didn’t move!” Jey snaps, cutting off Sami’s attempt at normalizing his elimination. “Now, let’s keep going.”

Sami walks over and almost nervously runs his hand through his unruly hair. “Jey, man, you—you got eliminated—”

“Imma eliminate your ass if you don’t get the fuck away from me!” Jey’s growing aggressiveness seems to capture the focus of the attendees, current and former players alike. “I don’t know why you’re even here!”

Sami’s eyes go wide as he gestures to himself. “Me? I—” He points toward Solana who has a small frown on her face, seeing where this is headed. “Soso—”

That’s clearly the wrong thing to say, a visibly inebriated Jey snapping yet again, “aye, you don’t call her that! She not your family, motherfucker!.”

Jimmy rolls his eyes, calling out as he prepares yet another plate of food. “Fool, would you calm your ass down.”

“Naw, cause I’m sick of this shit. Sick of him acting like he one of us!”

“Hey, I’m just as much Bloodline as you, Uce!”

Jey shoves Sami, forcing the other man to the ground. “Call me that one more time, and Imma lay your homeless looking ass out!”

Roman’s heavy sigh comes from underneath Solana as he lightly taps her stomach, prompting her to get up so he can stand. She does so, watching him roll his big shoulders and walk over to the now arguing men, deep voice declaring, “enough!”

At that, not a single watchful eye isn’t on Roman. The Tribal Chief. “I’m sick of this shit with the both of ya’ll. You want to act like kids? Then I’m gon’ treat you like kids.” Solana swallows. Everything about her husband is so commanding and powerful. From the way he stands, to the way he speaks, even his presence. One knows who he is without even needing to really know who he is. “I don’t believe in airing shit out in public. I believe in handling it like men or in the ring, but since you two can’t seem to do that, I want you to lay it all out because I want this problem fixed. Right now.” Roman ends his speech with an almost growl, the Wise Man rushing over as Roman turns away, his back toward Jey and Sami, head down, hands clasped together.

Power.

A wide eyed Paul looks between the other men, “the—the Tribal Chief said—”

“Of course,” Sami cuts him off, standing again and looking down a bit as he seems to struggle with how to start. “Well, uhh, okay, umm.” Solana briefly surveys the backyard. From the youngest to the oldest, all eyes are on the scene before her. “I’ll be the first to admit, there’s been a bit of a communication breakdown as of late, and it’s been pretty specifically with Jey, but I gotta be honest, I don’t understand exactly what’s going on here.” Solana neither. She just suddenly remembers it was Jey and Sami who got into it during WarGames all those months ago and still haven’t seemed to hash it out. “I–I like you. Man, I like you. I’ve always liked you. But, it seems ever since I joined the Bloodline, I don’t know what it is, but it seems you can’t seem to stand me, and I don’t understand it.” He motions to Jimmy who’s eating. “Jimmy seems fine.” He points out to each man that he begins to list. “Solo seems fine. The Tribal Chief seems fine. The Wise Man seems….not fine, but that’s okay. Everyone, for the most part, seems fine except you, and I don’t know what I did to offend you. I really don’t. But, whatever I did to offend you, but whatever it is, I’m sorry, okay? I’m sorry.” He shakes his head. “I just don’t want this to keep going on like this anymore.” He steps closer to Jey. “Seriously, I’m sorry. Whatever I did. I’m sorry. So, can we just be cool? Can we bury the hatchet once and for all?” Sami now has his hand extended to Jey. A peace offering, of sorts.

Solana finds herself waiting with a withheld breath, Bayley beside her, watching just as keenly as she is. 

It’s a good minute before Jey speaks. “Sami, you got about two seconds to get that out my face.” There’s a chorus of hushed reactions around the yard, Solana sighing heavily. So much for peace. “I don’t like you.” That much, to anyone with good eyes, is painfully obvious. “I don’t like your hair. I don’t like your face. I don’t like that shirt you wearing.” Solana can admit she found the black shirt with ‘the honorary uce’ written in red letters a bit….much. “Hey, hey! I don’t like you being around my family every single week. My dawg this, My dawg that.” Jey mocks, anger rising in his tone and body language. “How you think you part of the Bloodline, and you ain’t blood!” Solana swallows, redirecting her attention to Roman who has his eyes closed. She can see it. His own wrath growing at his clear directions not being followed. This problem is far from moving in the direction of fixing. “Newsflash for you, Sami. You never will be, Uce. You don’t belong here.” Solana looks back over at Sami, feeling bad for him. To be talked to like this in front of everyone has to be embarrassing. It also makes her feel personally responsible, to some extent.

She maybe shouldn’t have invited him. Especially if she knew how tense things were between him and Jey.

“Don’t nobody in this group like you. I’m just the realest one to say it out loud. You’s a fake ass, Uce.” Damn. “You know what the difference between you and me is? I shed blood for every single one of my family members here, because it’s my family! Not yours!” Silence. “Would you do it? Huh? Would you? I’m asking you a question! Would you—”

‘Why are you yelling at me, huh?” Sami finally cuts in, raising his voice a little as well. “Why are you yelling at me? I’m trying to make peace!” He’s outright shouting at this point, face turning red from his own escalating anger. He then points to Roman. “The Tribal Chief said he wants peace!”

“Man, I don’t give a damn what the Tribal Chief say!”

Solana can’t look at Roman fast enough. Her eyes widening in alarm as his head shoots up, his expression something both shocked and cold. Solana doesn’t rip her gaze from him, seeing how he slowly turns his head and then his body in the direction of Jey, who doesn’t look nearly as terrified as everyone else seems right now.

She’s almost certain she hears Montez mumble something about, “oh, that nigga dead now for sure.” Trick murmuring back, "rip to the homie. yeet for life."

Roman’s fury is palpable, felt and stretched across the spacious backyard. He’ livid. Naturally, she moves to go by him, to try to calm him down. Irritation is one thing, like his annoyance with the party. But, this is something different. Deeper. Heavier.

She doesn’t like seeing him this upset. It worries her for his blood pressure.

However, Bayley suddenly reaches for her, stopping her, subtly shaking her head. Solana starts to pull away when it hits her.

She can’t interfere. 

Because if Roman were to back or even calm down because of her, it would reveal the influence she has on him. It would expose some depth of his feelings for her, and that can’t happen. For a variety of reasons. So, she remains where she is, despite the coiling in her stomach.

She lets the Tribal Chief do what needs to be done.

Sami, surprisingly, is the one to try to interfere as Roman steps closer and closer to Jey, big shoulders squaring, fist forming at his side. “Hey, uhh, My Tribal Chief, Jey didn’t—he didn’t mean that. He just—” Sami is silenced by Roman shoving him nearly across the damn yard, the man tumbling to his bottom looking even more flustered.

But, the focus isn’t on him for long, because before Solana can even process what’s happening, Roman is on Jey. Tackled to the ground, Jey is suddenly under the onslaught of Roman’s heavy fist raining blow on top of blow onto him. 

Solana is momentarily taken off guard, briefly in a state of shock, both at what’s unfolding before her but also the lack of anyone trying to intervene. Even Jimmy. Even Jey’s kids who Naomi tries to herd and steer from seeing their father being so brutally beaten.

She doesn’t know how to feel, what to think, or how to respond. A part of her wants to call out for her husband, try to pull him from his fit of rage, but it’s when she thinks about it, really thinks about, she knows she can’t. 

She could, but it would only make things worse.

Solana hates this for Jey, hates this for her husband, hates this for both of them.

But……she also knows that Jey messed up. Really messed up. To say something so disrespectful is one thing, but to say it so loudly and boldly in front of a group of people is an entirely different ballpark.

Jey publicly disrespected Roman. Disrespected his Tribal Chief in front of people, thus Roman has to address it properly.

And violently.

Jey’s coughing up blood as Roman stomps on his ribs. She has to turn her head, to look away. This is the side of Roman she knows exists but would rather never see. The same way she knows he would prefer she never see either.

“Acknowledge me!” His furious voice travels through the yard and penetrates everyone’s five senses. It also makes Solana realize he’s been saying as such for the past few minutes. Demanding it. “Now!”

Jey is beaten pretty badly, blood spilling from his nose and seeped in between his teeth as he opens his mouth. It’s an ugly thing. All of it. And Solana notices the slight snarl of his lip before he forces out, “I—I acknowledge you—” he coughs up a mixture of phlegm and blood. “My Tribal Chief.”

Roman’s heaving, hulking figure straightens, his hair now down, having come out of his bun. The next thing to come out of his mouth sending chills down her spine. “If you ever disrespect me like that again, I’ll kill you.”

Solana doesn’t want to believe he’s being honest. That he’s telling the truth. She’d prefer to believe that he’s putting on a show of sorts, because he has to. Because he has to show his dominance. But, there’s a part of her that knows he’s not lying.

He means that.

Roman doesn’t look her way as he announces to the crowd, “party’s over!” She wants to be surprised at that, but she’s not. Maybe a bit disappointed. But, not surprised. “Everyone get the hell out of my house!”

He keeps his focus on the house and motions for the Wise Man to follow him as he stomps out, again without sparing her a single look.

Roman only needs to speak once, Solana seeing the people starting to throw their trash away as they clearly prepare to depart.

“This is my fault,” Solana finally speaks, turning to Bayley. Shaking her head, eyes watering, she shares, “I should have never—”

“Solana, it wasn’t your fault.” Bayley places her hands on Solana’s shoulders, explaining. “Jey….Jey should have known better than to say some dumb shit like that. I thought they were past all that.”

At that, Solana frowns, catching out the corner of her eye as Naomi and Jimmy tend to Jey. “What do you mean?”

“Years ago, like when they were in their twenties, Jey and Roman hit some sort of rough patch. I don’t know all the details, just what Naomi told me. But, I guess Jey was being difficult and almost testing Roman, in private and in front of other Bloodline members. It got to the point where Jey even challenged Roman for the title as Tribal Chief.”

Solana gasps. That’s the last thing she expected to hear. Even more surprising than the brutal beatdown she just witnessed. “What?”

Bayley nodded. “It was an in-ring fight, something to do with their Samoan traditions. Obviously, Roman won, and Jey officially acknowledged him. They’ve been fine since then, so I don’t know where that came from or what inspired it, probably the alcohol, but….just know it wasn’t your fault, and I’m sure Roman hated he had to do that in front of you, but he couldn’t just let Jey disrespect him like that.” And then, clearly wanting Solana to understand that Jey actually got off easy, she adds, “if he wasn’t family, Roman would have killed him. He wouldn’t have had a choice.”

And if that was the alternative, Solana is filled with an overwhelming amount of appreciation for what just transpired.

The lesser of two evils. 

“This was exciting!” Abuelita’s enthusiastic tone sounds from beside them, Solana seeing her accompanied by Juanita and Bernardo. “That husband of yours is a beast.” It’s said in an almost complimentary tone.

Bayley rolls her eyes. “Abuelita, please.” She shakes her head, asking Solana, “do you want me to stay behind and help you clean up?”

She thinks about it for a moment, remembering that Roman already arranged to have a cleaning crew handle outside. Inside is relatively easy to tackle. Definitely something she can handle on her own. “No. That’s okay…..I’ve got it.”

Bayley nods and reminds Solana to call her if she needs anything, the Tribal Chief's wife bidding farewell to some of the other attendees before briefly bringing her attention back to Jey. 

Solana happens to catch Solo saying something to Jey, prompting the latter to shove his little brother. Jimmy jumps in, ushering Jey away while Solo smirks. 

She’s curious about whatever it is that Solo said, but she’s mostly focused on Jey. For someone who was objectively in the wrong, he doesn’t look remorseful or contrite.

He looks angry.

————

It’s after everyone has left that Solana seeks out her husband. An intentional thing because she also wants to grant him some space to calm himself down. 

He’s in the bathroom, in the shower, based upon the sound of the running water. 

A glance at Dulce who’s sleeping peacefully in her bed, Solana hasn’t the slightest clue what drives her to go for the hem of her dress as she pulls it up and over her head. It falls to the floor as she reaches behind her to unclasp her bra, also allowing it to fall to the floor. And finally, with a deep breath, she slides her underwear down her legs, letting them join the rest of her clothes.

Stepping out of her shoes, she moves in the direction of the bathroom door, completely ignoring all sudden insecurity regarding her nakedness. Solana closes her eyes and swallows as she carefully opens the door, walking in, eyes shifting to the shower.

As expected, he’s standing there under the running water, back toward her, hands braced against the wall, head dropped.

Solana frowns. She can practically feel his distress.

Closing the door behind her, Solana is intentional about her footsteps, doing her best not to catch his attention. Something that’s highly unlikely but exactly what happens. Even as she steps into the spacious shower, water instantly drenching her just as much as it soaks him due to the several showerheads.

She’s nearly inches away when he turns around, harsh expression instantly melting into something of shock and confusion. Her lips go dry as his gaze briefly drops to her naked body, water droplets rolling off her heavy breast and down the slope of her pudgy belly.

“Solana….” His eyes shut as she moves toward him. Her hands rest on his chest, as she chews on her bottom lip. “I’m—I’m sorry.”

“Don’t,” she cuts him off, shaking her head as the water continues to soak her hair, weighing it down just as much as his. “You don’t—it’s okay.”

Eyes opening, his expression is as pained as his voice. “I don’t like you seeing that side of me….” 

She knows. Knows that he’s always tried to be mindful of his temper around her, tried to always and only show her the caring side reserved just for her. But, that’s just it. “There’s no side of you that I don’t love, Roman.”

Because it’s the truth. 

Because if there’s one thing that Solana has learned, especially after meeting and speaking with Fetu, it’s that Roman never stood a chance. From a young child, he was groomed and tailored into the killer he is now. He wasn’t given the space and freedom to ever be anything but the best and to be unfeeling. She’s happy that with her, he has some escape, but she also knows that majority of the time, he can’t be that.

He has to be the Head of the Table.

And that’s exactly who he was in this situation.

Who he had to be.

The Tribal Chief.

“I’m not scared of you, Roman…” She murmurs, wondering if that’s part of the concern. She moves her hands to his cheek, stressing, “I could never be scared of you.” 

He seems relieved by that. But, still torn. Solana’s stomach coils a bit as he moves his hands to her waist and pulls her against him. Her eyes shut feeling his impressive length, even in a flaccid state, against her stomach. 

It gives her an idea.

Dropping one hand and venturing it down his chiseled, wet body, Solana shoves away her nerves as she touches him, wraps her fingers around him as best she can given his girth.

Roman hisses, eyes closing again. “Solana….”

He’s so good to her, always so good to her. She just wants to return the favor. Wants to take away some of his burdens the same way he never hesitates to take away hers.

Gradually sliding her hand down his dick, feeling his grip on her hips tightening—as well as the hardening in her hand—she licks her lips and murmurs a simple request. 

“Show me how to please you……”

————

After their lovemaking in the shower, Solana manages to encourage Roman to take a nap, recognizing his exhaustion from the day’s events. Something he only agrees to because she agrees to nap with him. Not that much of a sacrifice considering she’s probably just as exhausted as him.

And it’s clearly much needed sleep for her husband who doesn’t even stir when she moves to take Dulce outside to pee.

It just so happens that Solana is about to ascend the staircase, Dulce ahead of her and already heading back to the room courtesy of Jimmy teaching her how to go up and down the steps, that she hears the doorbell. She pauses on the first step, quickly and mentally going over who could be ringing their doorbell at almost 10pm at night.

She starts to ignore it, not sure if it’s a good idea to open it, but Solana also remembers the gate. The secured gate as well as security that constantly patrols the premises. No one who Roman wouldn’t want getting past, for safety reasons, would be ringing their doorbell. 

Especially this late.

It’s why she eventually settles on closing her up the front of her robe and walking over to the door, opening it. And when she does, she’s instantly wondering if it was a good idea. Two men. Both tall. Very tall. Built. One moderately more built than the other. Both their complexions are tanned, but the man with the bald head wearing expensive looking glasses and half a sleeve that peeks through his short sleeve polo is a brick. 

Solana has always thought Roman to be muscular, but this man could give her husband a run for his money.

It’s the other man though, long hair pulled back in a slightly messy bun. Similar to how Roman keeps his hair. It’s as he lifts his sunglasses from off his face and sets it atop of his head that she sees something so familiar. 

Eerily familiar. 

“Hi.” She finally finds her voice, clearing her throat as she asks, “can I help you with something?”

“We’re looking for Roman.” The familiar looking one speaks with a slightly thick accent as he asks with a small smirk. “Is he home?”

Solana’s not sure where it comes from, but something almost protective fills her as her grip on the door tightens just a bit. “What—what do you want with my husband?”

The slightly taller one smiles “Solana.” He lazily rakes his eyes over her in a way that’s not objectively problematic but makes her shift her weight from one leg to the other. “Of course.” She’s not sure how to feel about him knowing who she is, but it’s a short lived concern, because not even a full minute later, a welcome familiarity appears.

“Sol.” Roman’s deep voice calls her attention, startling her. She turns around to see him only a few steps above the ground, shirtless, wearing only dark joggers. Slowly, he steps down to the floor and she naturally moves beside him. Solana holds onto his arm as he focuses his attention on the two men. His face shifts into something of surprise. “What the hell are you two doing here?”

The one who identified her by name chuckles. “Good to see you too, cousin.”

Solana frowns. 

Cousin?

“Solana.” He looks down for a second, gesturing to the other two. “These are my….my cousins. Dwayne and Matteo.”

There’s a brief look of something in Matteo’s face, something that’s pushed away as he offers an almost charismatic smile. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Solana.” His eyes twinkle almost as he asks. “Solana….that’s Spanish, right? Sunshine?”

Her smile is a bit less reluctant to appear. He seems so…..pleasant. “It is. Do you speak it?”

“I do. One of the languages I picked up in my younger years. A beautiful language.”

She’s taken back by him speaking to her in Spanish but naturally, she responds in the same language. “Yes, it is. You speak it well.”

“Well, thank you. I take it you are native?”

She nods. “My mom was Mexican. She taught me.”

“What the fuck are you saying to her?” Roman cuts in, irritation present in his deep voice. “Speak English.” She keeps herself from rolling her eyes. A playful thing in intention but something that could be perceived as disrespectful, she’s certain. “Answer my question. What are you doing here?”

Solana is also partially curious what could have apparent cousins at their front door at such an hour. Something tells her it’s nothing good.

“We need to talk.” Dwayne answers, smile wiped from his face, tone solid and firm.

Solana looks up when she feels Roman tap her hip. Voice dipping a bit in volume, he instructs, “go upstairs.”

She’s not sure why, but there’s a level of anxiety that forms following his instruction. It makes sense. He clearly needs to talk business, and that’s something she doesn’t need to be present for. But, there’s something about leaving him alone with these two random men that makes her feel scared.

Scared for him.

She doesn’t want to leave him.

Roman must recognize this, thumb gently and subtly moving over her hip. “Go.” It’s firmer this time around, but she hears it. Hears the unspoken please in it.

Nodding, she offers Dwayne and Matteo a small smile. “It–it was nice meeting you.”

“Oh, I’m sure it won’t be the last time,” Matteo answers, eyes briefly flicking to Roman. “We are family, after all.”

Solana sees the slight snarl of Roman’s lip and almost palms his cheek, a comforting gesture when she remembers where they are and who they’re in front of. Clearing her throat, she instead takes heed to his guidance, moving up the steps and into their bedroom where she closes the door.

Solana is barely out of the line of vision when Dwayne, who had his eyes glued on her retreating figure, the switch of her hips and sway of her ass the entire time, comments to Roman, “I see why you haven’t come yet.” He smirks, heading in the direction of Roman’s office. “At least not to Italy.”

Roman gives a chuckling Matteo a look that could kill, if possible, walking without another word to his office where Dwayne already sits, plopped on the sofa.

“What happened?” Is the first thing Roman asks after sitting down at his desk. Because Dwayne wouldn’t have come all this damn way for something that could be covered in a phone or video call.

Matteo smirks. “Maybe he missed home.” 

Roman glares. It’s bad enough he has to be around him at his official office but now the fucker is in his home too. Today has just been a complete shitshow. “And maybe I should put a fucking bullet in your head.”

Dwayne sighs. “Brothers.” But, before Roman can spear him through the nearest wall, Dwayne gets to business. “We have a problem.”

“Obviously,” Roman hisses. “What is the problem is is what I want to know.”

“We had a shipment infiltrated. Stolen. 7 figures worth of arms. Eight men killed,” Matteo explains, cutting right to the chase as he sits in the chair opposite Roman’s desk. “IT found a phone on the scene. Russian.”

“The Russians?” At that, Roman scowls. “That doesn’t even make any sense. Our alliance with them has been strong for almost twenty years. Why would Knyazev risk that?”

Anatoly Knyazev. Leader of the Russian mob, the same man Roman secured and formed an alliance with as one of his first accomplishments as Capo. The older man is smart, seasoned, and practical, for all things considered. He rules ruthlessly but wisely. For them to interfere in Cosa Nostra business makes no sense whatsoever. 

“I agree,” Matteo voices. “But, the administration isn’t happy. The loss of product is one thing, but our men’s blood being spilled is another thing entirely.”

Roman curses quietly. Product can be replaced. Lives can’t. And while Roman feels nothing of the sort, the Administration views any and all members of the Cosa Nostra as family. From the little man to their top assassins. Loss of life is something they don’t stand for.

At all.

“They want vengeance,” Dwayne supplies, clearly reading Roman’s mind. 

“They’re not going to do shit,” Roman growls, slamming his fist on the table. “The last thing we need is a war with our biggest ally.”

Especially with very little proof outside of a damn phone that very well could have been staged, which is exactly what Roman is betting on. 

“I agree,” Dwayne sounds, “but guess who’s going around trying to instigate?” 

Roman doesn’t even have to think. “Luca.” This fucker has always been annoying, even in the few interactions Roman had with him, but now he’s older and even more annoying. Starting shit that Roman is going to have to deal with, and if there’s one thing Roman hates, it’s having to clean up other people’s messes. 

Matteo nods, leaning forward in his chair. “I told you. He wants you out. Bad. Personally, I think he was behind it.” Roman’s intrigue must show, his desire to hear more, proven by his continued silence. The other man explains. “You were right in that the business is the best it’s ever been under your command, but if he can change that, can make it seem like we’re starting to fall off the top of the food chain. Make it seem like you don’t care about the Cosa Nostra—”

“He can make a case to uproot me,” Roman finishes in a dark tone. 

“Or worse,” Dwayne adds, shaking his head. “Look, Roman. It’s obvious there’s some shit going on that we haven’t figured out, but until then, we have to be careful. Matteo and I are the only ones who seem to find the Russians deciding to start shit after years of partnership fishy. And to be honest, we need to keep it that way. Keep our speculation between us, because we don’t know who we can trust. Especially with Luca’s ass in the background scheming.” Dwayne leans back in his seat. “The Administration wants a briefing though. Wants to know how we proceed. If we strike back. And they’re not going to want to hear shit from the mixed breeds. At least not Matteo and I.”

Roman looks away, already knowing what’s coming.

“You need to go there. Make a statement. Not a phone call or video conference. In person. Make your orders clear. Reaffirm and remind them that you’re the Capo.” Matteo isn’t saying anything Roman doesn’t already know. Not that makes hearing it any better. “You can’t push this off anymore, Roman.”

“He’s right,” Dwayne agrees. “The longer you wait, the more it looks like your priorities are for the Bloodline only. That you’re only capable of running one, meaning it’s time for new leadership.”

His words drip with a truth that only has Roman’s anger rising. “Unfortunately, because it’s clear there’s an uprising brewing, you coming now puts you at higher risk for an assassination attempt. You’ll have to travel covertly. I’ll take care of that. I just need you to get on the damn plane.”

None of that is surprising as Roman provides his timeline. “Two weeks.” Both Matteo and Dwayne seemed far from pleased at this. Oh fucking well. “I have Bloodline business to handle next week. I can leave the week after.”

It’s not a lie. Jey’s little stunt will require a more public display of dominance, and what better way to remind everyone of who runs things than a public execution?

It’s time to grant Drew MCIntyre that match he’s been so desperate to have. Roman having his Wise Man make the arrangements earlier following Jey’s outburst.  

“Fine. Two weeks,” Matteo relents. As if he had a choice. “You’ll need to stick around at least a week. Or two. A day or two appearance will give off the indication you’re uninterested and being performative.” Again, not something Roman doesn’t already know, but again again, there’s an issue. A huge issue.

Solana.

It’s only been two weeks since she completed treatment and returned home from the residential facility. But, in those two weeks she’s expressed on several occasions the best thing about being back home is being with him.

With Roman.

And now he has to leave her. Has to handle business. Dangerous business. A situation that could very well end up in some type of attempt on his life.

That doesn’t bother him. Roman’s been attacked and the subject of assassination attempts his whole damn life. It’s almost boring to him at this point.

What does bother him, however, is Solana knowing about this. Knowing the real reason why he has to fly halfway across the world seemingly out of nowhere. 

Which is why she can’t know.

He can’t and won’t put that on her. She already worries about him. If she knew the real reason for the trip, she’d be terrified and beg him to not go. And not going simply isn’t an option anymore. He’s almost wishing he had just gone before. 

It might have been a hell of a lot easier leaving her then compared to now when there’s so much more at stake.

Fuck.

“This conversation needs to remain between the three of us. No one else.” Matteo’s reminder irks Roman. He’s not fucking stupid.

Dwayne senses Roman is about to say some out of pocket shit, cutting in, “Matteo. You said you may have some contacts to further investigate what really happened with the shipment, right? Reach out. See what you can find.”

Matteo nods, smirk on his handsome face. “Already on it.” 

Dwayne mirrors his expression. “Good.” He then gestures to Roman. “Let me talk to this asshole alone, please.”

Matteo scoffs quietly, standing up and adjusting his collar. “My pleasure.” He shoots his younger, half brother a wry grin. “Your wife is much better company than you.”

Roman shoots up from his desk, wanting to pitch something after Matteo’s laughing, retreating form.

“I like that guy,” Dwayne also laughs, lifting his hands in a surrender motion when Roman directs his murderous gaze to him. “Still a sensitive subject, I see.”

Roman plops back down in his chair, looking off as he asks his cousin, “you trust him?”

Dwayne’s answer is almost an instantaneous thing. “Wouldn’t have sent him here or brought him to your house if I didn’t.” It’s similar to his response when Roman first inquired about Matteo being sent as the ‘spy’ for the Cosa Nostra. “We’re gonna have to play this careful, Roman. I can’t describe it yet, but I got a feeling some shit is about to go down.”

Roman doesn't say anything, but that doesn’t mean he’s not listening. Not planning. Strategizing. 

“Solana….” The change in subject takes him a bit by surprise. “How she doing?”

Discussing certain details regarding Solana and her mental health is something few are privy to. Roman can count on one, maybe two hands who knew Solana has been away receiving mental health treatment. To most, she was hurt and shot that night at the lounge and has been away recovering. That’s the story Roman wanted put out in an effort to protect her privacy.

But, Dwayne is one of those few who knows the truth about where she’s been.

And why she was there.

“Better.” A part of him wants to say much better, because she seems that way, but he also doesn’t want to get too comfortable. To let his guard down. “She said it helped a lot. Medication seems to be making a difference too.”

“Good. She seems sweet.”

“She is.” The kindest person Roman has ever met. Much too kind for someone like him.

Dwayne sits back in his seat, wolfish grin on his face. “That’s a fine woman you got there, brotha.” And just like that, Roman’s older cousin is teetering the thin line between life and death. “Not sure I’d want to leave her either.” Brows furrowed, Dwayne asks, “what’s the Bloodline business?”

Roman quickly catches his cousin up on today’s events. Jey’s disrespect, mostly. 

Dwayne’s response, however, is another thing Roman wasn’t entirely expecting. “You did what you had to do. Jey knows how this goes. He brought it on himself.”

There’s not a ton of disagreement there. Doesn’t make him feel much better about it though.

“Well,” Dwayne releases a heavy sigh, standing up after slapping his thighs. “I better get out of here. That son of a bitch Austin owes me a beer.”

Roman chuckles. “Just one?”

Dwayne’s smile is as mischievous as whatever he has planned once walking out that door. “Or two.”

A smile breaks on Roman’s face as he stands up, sharing a brief hug with his cousin. He has a strong feeling the next time he sees him will be on Italian soil. “Be safe.”

“I’m not the one with a bounty over my head, brotha.” It’s both comical and serious at the same time, in only the way Dwayne can achieve. “Tell that fine ass wife of yours I said goodnight.”

At that, Roman cuts his eyes, shoving his chuckling cousin away. “Shut the fuck up.”

Giving himself a few minutes to settle and push away any sign of stress or frustration, it’s not until about ten minutes later that he returns to the bedroom.

Roman is unsurprised to find Solana sitting on the middle of the bed, earbuds in, writing away in her journal. However, she’s almost immediately aware of his presence, ripping out those same buds and shutting her notebook. She’s instantly climbing off the bed and walking over to him.

“Are you okay?” Her hands ghost over his arms, as if she’s trying to feel for some sort of injury. “What was that about?”

He shrugs. “Just business stuff.” Not a lie. Just a very vague answer.

“This late?” Truth be told, the work never stops in this life, but he knows that’s not exactly what she’s referring to. “It’s—it’s something bad, isn’t it?”

“No.” The answer—a lie—comes out much easier and smoother than he’d like it to. “Just something that needs to be handled, and I’ll handle it.”

 “But—”

“Hey.” He brings his hands to her waist, sneaking them past the open robe she wears, partially wanting to take it off her entirely. The two piece pajamas she has on deserve to be seen and not cloaked in any way. “Everything’s okay. Alright?”

She still looks concerned, and he hates that. Hates all of this. The lying to her, especially. “You would….you would tell me if it wasn’t….right?”

No.

That’s what he wants to say. The truth. Roman would and will absolutely keep anything and everything from her if it meant/means keeping her safe. Even if it makes her upset with him. He’ll deal with that.

He’ll take it any day, because her safety is the most important thing to him. 

Mentally and physically. 

“Yes.” Even if it makes him have an almost visceral reaction at having to lie to her like this. Even if it is for the better. “But nothing’s wrong, so there’s no need to worry, alright?” 

He needs to tell her about the trip. That he has to leave in two weeks. There’s definitely no way around that, but it doesn’t need to happen tonight. Especially when he needs to work out the details and logistics, because Roman’s been administering Solana’s medication to her every morning since her release. She doesn’t even know where he keeps it, where he keeps any of the prescription and OTC pills in the house. Because he has them all hidden, something he’s not sure he’ll ever feel ready enough to change.

He also takes her to her continued weekly therapy appointments with Gail.

All of that can’t be interrupted with his absence, but the same person he called before to stay with her while he was gone to see his aunt is the same person he still holds partially responsible for Solana’s attempt in the first place.

Bayley.

Roman won’t make that mistake ever again.

So, until all of that is figured out, he’ll say nothing.

Plus, he already feels bad enough for ruining her party. No need to ruin her night as well.

At least with the party thing, he can make that up. He will make that up. Even if it means what he has planned including more people than he originally accounted for. The thought alone is far from exciting, but he’s determined to do right by her this time around.

Even if it does mean forcing himself to behave.

Somewhat.

Solana is visibly less anxious, but the remaining apprehension seems to melt away the minute she presses herself into his chest. She’s instantly relaxed and so is he. Having her in his arms seems to give him just as much comfort as she gets from it.

“Roman?”

He runs his hand across her back. “Hmm?”

Peering up at him is a mixture of skepticism and worry. “Are you sure you’re okay?” Not exactly. “You said you’d try talking to me more.”

He did. And he will, but the full extent of what is now on his plate is a weight he can’t and won’t share with her. He won’t burden her with his woes. 

He can, however, give her something.

“Jey…..” Because that’s most definitely not a lie. The shit with Jey was the last thing he expected to happen today. Almost as unexpected as Dwayne’s visit. “The twins annoy me majority of the time, but they’re still….still my family.”

“You didn’t want to do that, Roman.” Solana is suddenly comforting him, her soft voice offering what he already knows to be true but appreciates hearing. “You……you didn’t have a choice. Jey….Jey should understand, right?”

“Should.” There���s a conflicted hint to his voice, because Jey should have known better than to disrespect Roman like that in front of an audience. Because truth be told, Roman would not have responded so violently had it even just been the usual group of Naomi, Bayley, and Jimmy. Even the Wise Man. Roman would have preferred a different, less physical route, but that wasn’t an option. The ‘choice’ Roman made was really the only choice he could make without looking weak in front of others.

Solana hugs him a little tighter, continuing to put him on a pedestal he has no business being on. “You’re a good man, Roman. I know….I know you don’t believe it, but you are.” 

That’s because she has no idea a fraction of the things that he’s done. If she truly knew the horrors he’s committed over the years, the lives he’s taken, she’d never look at him the same.

He sometimes wonders if she’d even still feel the same way.

If she’d still love him.

Solana leans up and kisses his cheek before taking his hand in hers. Sliding her robe off and tossing it onto the bed, she murmurs, “let’s go to bed.” Roman wordlessly follows her over to the California King bed, watching her move her journal and case for her earbuds onto the nightstand as she pulls him down with her. Naturally, Solana falls into their go-to sleeping position. Her body nearly on top of his, her arm sprawled across his abdomen and her head on his chest.

She’s partially soothed by the way he keeps his hand planted on the small of her back. Partially because something tells her Roman isn’t being entirely honest about whatever conversation he had with his cousins she’s never even heard of until this evening. In all the time they’ve been together, she doesn’t remember once anyone ever coming to their home this late to discuss business. 

Maybe a phone call.

Never an in-person visit. 

A part of her wants to push him on it, but she also knows the Jey situation is still bothering him, so she doesn’t want to overwhelm him. 

But, the other part, maybe an even bigger part doesn’t want to because it feels hypocritical. Him to be honest with her when she’s not being entirely honest with him. When she actually wanted to tell him something instead of asking again if he’s alright.

A split second decision being made to keep certain information to herself until she’s 100% sure, because she knows that he’ll most likely have to inform the Elders he’s spoken about a couple of times. And the last thing she wants is to send him with a message that ends up being a false alarm.

Because her period has been late before. Sometimes up to two weeks late. It’s just that this is the first time it’s been late with her being sexually active. With her having regular sex with her husband as a potential variable. Regular, unprotected sex.

But again, she’s not certain. Wants to give it a little while longer before she finally pulls out one of the pregnancy tests she’s had collecting dust in one of the cabinets in their master bathroom. It’s too soon though. Too many other things it could be besides that.

So, until then, she waits.

She’ll wait until it’s 100% confirmed, without a doubt, that she’s pregnant.

Ignoring that small, nagging gut feeling that she already knows the answer.

Knows that she is, without a doubt, pregnant.

[clone-anon-after-dark]

The Time It Takes

(A Crosshair x Reader fic in 3 parts)

Written for @lightwise

Word Count: 2,513

Warnings: Some discussion of sex, but nothing explicit

A/N: Reader’s appearance is not described. This fic contains some soft and hesitant Crosshair and early relationship stuff. Also Tech Lives and is on Pabu and he is in this fic so deal.

Part 1

Only a few days into a new rotation and you were already wondering what the year had in store. A hectic holiday season followed by some difficult conversations with someone who would never be yours. You’d known this for a while, but sometimes discussions still needed to be had. While he lived on the other side of Pabu, you didn’t see him as often as you’d think given the size of the island. That seemed to be both a blessing and a curse for while you longed for that connection, it would never be as fulfilling as you needed. You stood by the dock as you watched his shuttle leave for another trip; thoughts only disturbed by a single “hmph” behind you. Internally rolling your eyes, you knew exactly where that came from.

You turned to find Crosshair sitting next to Batcher on a bench along the dock. She was ready for a nap after no doubt spending the morning chasing fish while he went for his morning swim. He often swam further away from the busy side of the island and along a quieter part of the beach. You weren’t sure what brought him over here on his walk home.

“Problem?” you asked him.

He raised an eyebrow at hearing the single-word question he so often posed to others.

“No,” he replied. “You?”

“I’m fine, thanks for asking,” you answered.

You were immediately distracted from your melancholy and somehow drawn into him. The man who often stood away from everyone and observed everything always managed to pull you in. You weren’t sure what it was about him that made you a little bit giddy. For his part, Crosshair pretended to be aloof, but it was increasingly hard for him to avoid you. It wasn’t that he couldn’t find a path through the community that would exclude you entirely. It was more that without planning and without thinking, he wanted to see you. His feet simply took him there.

You stood next to him while Batcher lightly snored. Crosshair petted her back until finally deciding to break the silence.

“Do you….” He uncharacteristically scratched the back of his head. His brothers did that when they were unsure, but like Tech, Crosshair rarely behaved this way. He always seemed so sure of himself.

“Do I what?”

“We should get lunch,” he said.  Internally, he was screaming at himself. He wasn’t a romantic, but this was probably not how it was done.

“I’d like that,” you replied. “In fact, I’m hungry now.”

Crosshair got up and Batcher followed. You meandered up to a small restaurant that always served the same things, but it didn’t matter because the food was always good and because she was on her best behavior, even Batcher was welcome. It took a little time to get into a groove of talking and eating, but Crosshair made a good effort. He wasn’t usually one to beat around the bush, so he came out and asked.

“What’s with you and that man? He’s married, isn’t he? Are you a trio with room for a fourth?”

You nearly spat out your food. His attempt at humor and honesty left you speechless for a moment, but you tried answering as embarrassed heat set on his cheeks.

“No, umm, well, yes, he’s married, but we’re not polyamorous and,” you sighed, “He was something I wanted or thought I did, but I’m not the person he can commit to. He’s with someone else. We’re still friends, but I guess I wonder what-if since he’s the closest thing I’ve had to a life partner.”

Crosshair wasn’t sure what to say. He had never been in a position to think about a partner. Tech’s survival and later reappearance on Pabu meant that he and Phee were together, but the concept of something like marriage was never introduced to the clones. They were made for a war that was over. They hadn’t even been taught about the basics of sex and anatomy until as a cadet, Tech managed to dig up information on the first data pad he’d made. The thought of being with someone felt like a cruel joke and yet in your presence and now that the Empire was behind him, he felt like maybe it wasn’t a joke after all.

“What about you?” you asked. “I thought you had a thing for one of the fishers.”

“Just because I lifted crates for her once doesn’t meant anything. I was being nice, if you can believe it.”

“Ah.”

Crosshair ate another bite from his noodle bowl and then ventured another question.

“What does partnership mean to you?”

You looked at him with surprise and answered after some contemplation. It was having an equal. Someone to help and be helped by. Sharing struggles. Lifting each other up. Fixing the house. Doing chores. Staying in bed late whenever work could wait. Listening to the rain together. You wanted stability. You wanted to not be alone. You wanted to be loved and to love and you weren’t going to settle for someone who couldn’t do their part.

“And getting laid now and again wouldn’t hurt either,” you added.

He grinned at that.

“And what about you?” you asked, returning to seriousness.

“I only recently started thinking about it,” he answered. “It sounds like something I never thought I’d have.”  He took a sip of his drink and then added, “But I would like to try.”

Part 2

Crosshair loved to steal kisses. The single peck you left on his cheek after your second date gave him all kinds of flutters. Maybe it was the sniper in him, but he loved pulling you away into the shadows even just to kiss the crown of your head. He was used to being out of sight. It’s where he felt safest and so it stood to reason that he felt safest having you all to himself and tucked away in a corner, on a balcony, or - at one point - up a tree. It wasn’t surprising that he was good with his mouth. His oral fixation was not limited to the toothpicks he routinely rolled between his lips.

For his part, Crosshair loved having someone he could make smile and laugh. He was still his dry, snarky self, but he smiled much more often, sometimes picking you up when he’d visit after a day’s work, just so he could hold you as close as possible. He could feel your heartbeat. He could feel you breathing. He could feel your happiness and it fueled his own.

Then one morning some weeks later you just happened to be ready to walk to the beach.

“What are you doing?” he asked.

“I thought I would come swim with you.”

“I swim alone,” he answered, guard coming back up.

“No, you don’t. Batcher is always with you,” you retorted; feeling brave and a nervousness at the fear you had overstepped.

“She’s different,” he countered.

“Can I join you anyway?” you asked, now more unsure.

“Just today.”

You walked together in silence, but the curtain that had almost drawn between you started to lift. He was cautious and you were trying to figure this out. Once on the beach, he put a towel down and – with his back to you - took off his cybernetic hand. He swallowed harder than he wanted to and it was clear that was the source of his insecurity in this moment. Tech had made him that cybernetic, but losing his hand and now gaining a different one had changed him. He still had to take it off whenever possible before getting in the water to avoid salt affecting its functionality. Taking it off and putting it on was a reminder and he wasn’t sure he wanted to be seen like this by you.

Crosshair took a breath, walked to the edge of the water, and looked back at you just as waves splashed his ankles. You looked at him, then his stump, and then back up at him and smiled. You realized you loved him. Walking into the water next to each other, you both started swimming until you reached a spot that was familiar to him. He closed his eyes, face to the sun, and took some deep breaths while treading water. You laid back and started floating, waves moving you in a comforting lull. He kept close, still treading softly while meditating on his own thoughts; somehow able to reflect and find calm despite Batcher doggie paddling close by and trying to snag a fish. Every so often he reached out to you to keep you from drifting too far. You sat up in the water, fingers tracing down his right arm before coming to the end of his stump and kissing it. He pressed a kiss to your lips like his life depended on it.

After about an hour, you both had enough and made your way back to shore. You dried off and he put his hand back on, this time not hiding. Taking a step toward him, your fingers interlaced with his - both biological and cybernetic.  He leaned down to kiss you, briefly pulling you into his chest before Batcher charged up the beach trying to bark with a large fish half hanging out of her teeth.

He walked you home hand-in-hand.

Things progressed to the point that he was spending the night. It was a lot quieter than staying with his siblings. Although they were nice, Wrecker was always there to elbow him and make it awkward. Crosshair would rather come to your house and snuggle on the couch.

He never pushed for more than you were ready for since he preferred to take his time anyway. He was nervous to be intimate with you and was scared shitless to tell you that, but somehow your gentle spirit made it okay for him to say something when the time came. You brought up sex and he avoided eye contact for several moments until you caressed his cheek.

“It’s okay,” you said, kissing his temple. “There’s no hurry. We can take the time it takes.”

“I don’t want to ruin this,” he whispered. “I can’t mess this up.”

“Then we talk,” you replied. “Communicate. We can do whatever we both want.”

You wanted him left in no doubt as to how you felt. He was vulnerable and you knew it. Crosshair liked being competent. He liked control and knowing what he was doing. With this, he was so far away from experienced that he couldn’t even pretend.

“Tell me what you like,” you implored.

“I don’t know what all I like.” He managed to look into your curious eyes and relaxed a bit. “In war, there’s no time. I would simply get the job done as fast as possible and get back to work.”

“Well that’s no good here,” you answered. “We can take our time.”

“Maybe you show me something you like and we can start there,” he suggested.

As much as it was a challenge for him to let go of control, he trusted you and that night he discovered a lot more about himself.

Crosshair was game for helping you in more constructive ways too. While he’d never fixed a sink, Tech gave him some pointers and he spent the better part a day on yours. He got down and dirty and made sure the job was done right while you tried catching up on work for the job you were actually paid for. It wasn’t a fun day, but it was more help than you’d had in a long time. Maybe ever. The citizens of Pabu helped each other, but it was hard to ask for help after being hyper-independent for so long. Crosshair started taking note about things around the house that could use some attention before they got worse.  The more time you worked together, the more you found your strengths complimented each other and you fell into a familiar routine.

Part 3

It was another sunny day on Pabu and you were grateful for a day off work without anything looming in the distance. You enjoyed lunch with Crosshair at what was now your usual spot while Batcher sat at his feet and gobbled up the occasional snack offered by him. You sat next to each other and shared a smile as you finished your meal. Just out of the corner of your eye, your ex appeared.

“Hey,” he said, walking up to you and trying to analyze the situation. “You weren’t there when I landed.”

Crosshair’s arm instinctively wrapped around you as a sudden jolt shook your chest. The man in front of you represented the past. The man next to you was your future.

“I assumed you were fine,” you answered. “You said it was going well when we talked last.”

“I’m just used to seeing you right when I get in,” your ex said with a hint of disappointment.

“You’re seeing me now,” came your reply. “You know Crosshair?”

“I’m familiar,” your ex replied with a nod in your boyfriend’s direction. “Maybe we can get dinner. All of us, if you prefer. Catch up.”

You nodded and he left.

Crosshair pulled you closer and left a firm kiss on your temple.

“I don’t like him,” he growled while leaving money to cover the tab.

“Why?” You sipped the rest of your drink.  “He’s actually nice. He was just surprised to not see me.”

“I don’t like the thought of you waiting around for him and being heart broken. I don’t like you not getting what you need.”

You looked up at him and only found sincerity and concern on his face. Maybe some frustration, although you knew it wasn’t directed toward you.

“I’m not broken-hearted anymore,” you reassured. “I just want you.”

Crosshair stood up and pulled you up with him. You walked home and waited until you were alone to bring up the subject again. Crosshair was interested, but as he preferred not to be pushed for information, he also didn’t push you.

He lay back on the sofa and you curled up against him. The skies darkened outside as he traced circles on your back. The story of your past relationship came out of your mouth in a stream of consciousness. Crosshair listened and held you a little closer as you got more emotional. You described your hopes and wishes, the ways your life was different, how things fell apart, what happened since. You went quiet and a peaceful chorus of soft rain fell on the window above you. It was a relief to let go of the past.

After some time, Crosshair broke the silence.

“I want to give you what you need.”

“You do.” You looked up at him and kissed the back of his hand. “I love you and I want to give you what you need. And what you want.”

“I love you too,” he replied. He pulled you into a fiery kiss and mumbled something about being more comfortable in bed with you.

[neptunesgrl]

Things that my redacted favs do that are true because I said so

SWEETHEART, LASKO, GUY

SWEETHEART:

- Calls Milo angel in private, had a couple drinks and it ended up slipping out in front of the pack. David looked very confused for the rest of the night and proceeded to call SH in the middle of the night to say “what do you know”, “what did they (Angel) tell you”, etc. Angel found it incredibly amusing.

- Drinks scotch. Rarely, since it makes Milo uncomfortable. They had it in their apartment once and after they’d learned of his father’s struggle with it, they made sure to keep it out of sight when he came over. Hasn’t bought a bottle since they moved in.

- Reverse pick-pockets everyone. Hates when people make a big deal out of apologies or big emotional things. Their way to avoid it is to make silent apologies. Often but not limited to leaving a couple hundreds in their wallet, cause we all know SH makes bank.

- Nicknames for Milo include: Mi, angel (as previously mentioned), hun/honey, babe.

- Takes the NYT crossword incredibly seriously and looks forward to it more than they’d like to admit

- Raised in New England. Hopes to move back if they decide to have kids, that is until they gain their powers, and need to move back to Dahlia.

Side note: Their child listening to ‘California’ by Chappell Roan on full blast in their room and giving SH war flashbacks

- Has gained a slight NJ/NY accent from Milo. Slips out when they get mad. Specifically with the words: ‘jackass’, ‘told her (so i told ha)’, ‘off (awf)’, ‘call (just cawl me)’, etc.

LASKO:

- Constantly holding Dear’s hand. At first, it was difficult for him to initiate, but once he realized it was the least embarrassing thing he could ask for, it became habit. Sometimes Dear slides their thumb to his wrist to check his pulse when he’s nervous.

- (UNEMPOWERED AU) Dear is an EMT. Sirens used to startle and disturb Lasko, now he finds comfort in knowing Dear is getting to save people (corny and tooth rotting fluff ik)

- Once, Lasko wore Dear’s fleece that went with their uniform since they’d left it at his place and it was too cold to go out without one. It took him 10 minutes of pacing at the front door to go outside and grab the food he ordered. Just in case someone on the 2 second walk down there would need medical attention and thought he could help since he’d be wearing the EMT jacket.

- He owns every single PJO book and shamelessly reads them at least once a year. He’s in the Zeus cabin (obviously). Grover’s his favorite, because in his words, “he’s the only one worried about the logistics.”

- ‘Guilty as Sin?’ is THEIR SONG. I will not be taking any criticisms at this time or ever. It’s just the lyrics about feeling guilty for thinking about the other in that way. Like are you kidding me. ‘I’ve screamed his name, building up like waves’ DEAR WE KNOW ITS YOU IN THE WRITERS ROOM.

GUY:

(these are mostly fem leaning i am so sorry)

- Watched The Real Housewives. Insists Jersey is peak, Honey agrees. They take the finales very seriously. Honeys favorite is Margaret, Guys favorite is Melissa. He insists Honey and him are exactly like Joe and Melissa. I have RHONJ brainrot save me.

- Uses a sleep eye mask from dollar tree that says ‘nap queen’ on it. Found it in Honeys childhood bedroom.

- Raised in NYC (Brooklyn), insists he knows how to use the subway and always gets lost. Honey cracked the code within 2 days.

- Had headgear in high school. No further explanation. That’s it. That’s the HC.

- Child of…

🥁

🥁

🥁

dddiiivvvooorrrccceee!!!! i’m projecting He is so Chandler Bing coded don’t lie.

- Somewhere down the line, he’d like to write a book about him and Honey. Whether they work out or not. Very “You were a wonderful experience” / “You were…everything.” coded. Can you tell that not only am i awful at it, but I hate angst?

- Love letters EVERYWHERE. On dressers, in nightstand drawers, on the windshield of Honeys car, this man will find anywhere to put one of the many notes he has written gushing about his partner.

☕️📰🤍

This has been in my drafts for so long I feel emotional posting it. Please take good care of my baby.

[jisungsbff01]

.like i need you.5.

...pairing…Chan x reader

...w.c... 2.3k

...genre…slice-of-life, college au!

...warnings…anxiety attack, mentions of not eating, insomnia

...characters...Y/N, (OC) Lilith, (OC) June, Chan, Jisung, Hyunjin(rest of members mentioned)

...synopsis...No one ever really knows what they wanna do in their 20s, but Y/N has always known what she was going to do. So, she began the journey to her dream and is so close to reaching it with no distractions at all. Until she is thrown into a project with Hyunjin, a fellow senior in college, and he introduces her to a few of his friends...connecting with one in particular...

Her whole plan is soon thrown off the track she’s had it on for 21 years….

A/N: I haven’t properly edited this chapter yet, but I wanted to get something out.

 Now that our regular class finals were over, Hyunjin and I were working overtime for the day we had left for our project. We were so close to getting where we needed it to be for his presentation of it and I was getting antsy. Currently, I was holed up in the producing studio I knew that later he would be at the dance studio across town. And, if I am being honest, I haven’t spoken to anyone in almost two days. Not even Hyunjin to discuss the project, granted he was too busy perfecting his routine to notice. In turn, this meant that I haven’t properly eaten… I had no one to drag me for coffee and something to eat and I have been too wrapped up in either the studio or my room on my computer to notice anything else. 

My phone has long been put on Do Not Disturd and I was finally getting somewhere with the background vocals. I’ve never been this picky with my songs, but I think since the main music part is mostly just me, I am overthinking it. I’ve never had to do main vocals and I am by far the best singer there is, but in the end had to for this so I’m kind of stuck with it. 

Although it was on Do Not Disturb, my phone would still occasionally light up with various notifications, and the last time it did, it was 5AM. My body was aching and I was having a hard time keeping my eyes open. I knew I was not going to be able to continue on properly with being as tired as I was and I hadn’t slept in over 24 hours and a little nap wouldn’t hurt. I set an alarm on my phone for 45 minutes and rolled up my hoodie as a make-shift pillow and I rested my head on it and let sleep take me in it’s comforting embrace.

-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

I was awoken by someone’s hand on my shoulder, calling my name. It was Han Jisung. How the hell did he get in here? I shoot up straight and look around, slightly confused as to where I was…but it all floods back rather quickly, “Ji? What are you doing here?”

He meekly brushed a few strands of hair out of my face as he responded, “I was getting a studio for Chris and I before he got here and the receptionist asked me to check in on the person in here because they’ve been in here since yesterday morning…have you eaten anything, Y/N?”

I stretch widely and got up, back to my seat at the desk and shake my head, “Too busy. I’m okay, though- thank you for checking on me I probably needed to wake up soon anyway-wait…what time is it?” My body panics slightly.

Jisung looks down at his watch and responds, “It’s 6:30, why?”

“Shit, I was supposed to be awake an hour ago…it’s okay, Ji. Again, thank you, but I have to get back to work. But, please tell the receptionist I’m okay.” I dismiss him rather quickly.

He mutters something as he walks out hesitantly. 

I continue to work, going in and out of the recording booth…deleting and rerecording clips here and there, adjusting the bass and trebel, the balance between vocals and instrumentals, going back through the whole song until I was satisfied. Which eventually happened. Only, it was 8:45 by the time that happened. But, finally I was done…and it was basically a whole new song, for the most part. I knew by this time Hyunjin would be at the dance studio, so I decided to head straight there.

Picking up is favorite drink along the way, which the shop owner decided to give me for free this morning for some reason, I made it to the studio by 9 exactly. I quietly made my way into the building, trying not to disrupt anyone and found Hyunjin stretching to soft music. The temperature outside left a bite of cold in the air in the studio, but I’m sure once he got moving he would be grateful for the temperature. 

I mumbled a ‘good morning’ to my friend as I handed him his drink and I sat on the couch, legs folded under me. The tall man went from being on the floor to towering over me in a heartbeat. 

“So I got a call from Jisung this morning…” he started off.

“Oh, yeah? Saw him this morning briefly, one of the few people who have woken me up that haven’t gotten their eyes clawed out, by the way.” I respond with a gravelly voice.

“Mhm, he told me that you haven’t been out of the studio in almost 24 hours?” He states frustratedly. 

“Yes, I got caught up, what’s the big deal, Hyun?”

“The big deal is that you haven’t eaten either, Y/N…you need to eat, and sleep.”

“Don’t worry, I grabbed a snack on my way here, ate it already…mom.” I mumble the last part, because I felt like I was being scolded by my mom.

“Okay, well you probably didn’t eat enough, so what is going to happen is you are going to take a nap here so I know you are actually sleeping and once you are awake, we are going to get you some real food.” 

“I’m not gonna say no to sleep right now, that’s for sure.” 

He tosses me his hoodie and I opt to use that as a blanket, once again, I fall asleep rather quickly and stay that way, even over the music and the dancing in the background. You would think the sounds would keep me from falling asleep, normally they probably would, but in the moment, they lull me to sleep instead. 

I only wake up once and it was when Felix and Chris stopped by, Chris had a blanket in hand and was more than ready to swap out Hyunjin’s hoodie for a proper blanket. He sat next to me, just above my head…and for some reason, I rested my head on his thigh. He stilled for a moment, before relaxing and laying his hand on my arm. I couldn’t help but fall asleep once again. 

-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

I wake up from the feeling of strong nausea. And an extremely tight chest…

I shoot up from my position on the couch, interrupting whatever conversation everyone was having, and darting to the bathroom. Nothing came up, but I sat there dry heaving for a while. I’ve always hated getting sick in this way, I always felt helpless and no matter what, I always wanted my mom. I suddenly started crying, I felt like shit, hungry but too nauseous to eat. 

My blood sugar was definitely low and my mental health was now taking a drop. And I realize how hard it was getting to breathe.My breaths come out in sporadic huffs as I try to catch my breath just so I could begin to take slow breaths, to calm myself down. I didn’t want anyone to see me like this, especially not Chris. With shaky hands I message Hyunjin, asking him to come into the bathroom.

Within a couple of minutes, he’s running into the enclosed space. My hair, once pulled up into a bun, was now hanging in the hair tie by my shoulders. It was hot, too hot and I felt like I was going to throw up, even though I knew I couldn’t. He took a hair tie off his wrist and pulls my hair up, my head lulls back as he does so and he grabs my hand and sets it over his heart. There’s a loud roaring in my ears and I can hardly hear what he is saying but by the gesture, I understand that he is attempting to get me to breathe at the rate he was.

Suddenly he grabs his phone and dials someone, I still can’t hear him and I am at the point where I genuinely feel like I’m dying. My chest hurts, my throat hurts, and my lungs are beginning to ache from lack of proper oxygen. I see Hyunjin stand up and pull away to wet his hands under the faucet, coming back to put cool water on my forehead and the base of my neck. Out of the corner of my eye I see movement, but am unable to focus…or even care. Hyunjin goes out of view and Chris comes into view, my hand is pulled to his chest and his heartbeat is more noticeable than Hyun’s. He grabs my face so that I am looking at him in the eye and I begin to faintly hear him,” In, out, in out.”

He keeps a steady tempo to it as he continues to instruct my breathing and he hesitates to ask, “Would it be better if I hugged you?”  

I nodded, knowing that deep pressure has helped with attacks like this in the past for me, and once he wraps his arms around me, I am able to relax. My breathing doesn’t let up right away, and I am a little more aware my my surroundings, but I am able to request that he hug me tighter. I sigh out in relief once he gives me what I ask and I rest my head on his shoulder, noticing that Hyunjin had left. 

Once I calm down a bit more, he asks if I need a minute alone. I nod my head in response, needing to wet the cotton-mouth I have going on. He lets me know he was just going to be back in the studio whenever I was ready to come back. I rinsed out my mouth and walked out the door anyway, wiping the tears that gathered in my eyes. As I entered the dance studio, I noticed we had a few more additions to our little gathering. Everyone was here at this point, I made eye-contact with Chris as everyone still socialized amongst each other and signaled for him to come outside the door. I saw him grab my bag and say something to Hyunjin before following me out.

 He made sure the door closed behind him as I spoke, “I think I’m gonna head home, I’m just not feeling it.”

He watched me closely before taking a deep breath through his nose, “Not feeling it, or not feeling good?”

“Both?” I stated, unsure.

“Have you eaten anything?” He asked, knowing the answer already.

“No.”

“Let’s eat before you go home.”

“Chris, I’m not really-” “No, for my peace of mind, I need to see you eat something. Jisung told me how he found you and that you hadn’t eaten. You need to eat, even if it’s something small.”

I think about it before giving in and he’s driving us to a local cafe. 

Chris and I sat and ate for about an hour before he took me back to my apartment, walking me up. 

I felt the warmth of his body following behind me, guarding me…like I’m going to run at the first possible moment. I knew he was worried about me, he was the only one who really hid it well around me. And the past few weeks we’ve grown closer, we’ve gotten each other to open up and have even spoken countless times through text and over the phone. It was in this moment I truly felt feelings friends aren’t supposed to have for each other. I wanted nothing but him in my life. In this moment everything was quiet with him, the stress was gone when I was with him. I was happy and safe when I was with him. 

With him, everything was perfect.

I pulled my keys out of the pocket of my coat, in doing so my bag slid off my shoulder. He caught it, slipping it off my arm so that he could hold it. Before I could turn the knob to open the door, he softly grasped my upper arm, “Y/N, wait…”

My head cocks slightly to the side, “What’s wrong? Are you okay?”

He looked like he was in pain, like, physical pain. I grab his hand off my arm, my fingers knotting with his and let out a hum in questioning, asking for an answer. He nods his head and whispers, “Yeah, I’m okay, I just…”

He suddenly pulled me closer to him, still speaking in a low voice, “Tell me if you don’t want this.”

“Want wha”

He kissed me, and it took a heartbeat for me to completely wrap my head around it and reciprocate but once I did oh. I parted my lips, asking…begging for more. I hear my bag drop to the ground as he brings one hand up my body to rest on my hip, the other on my jaw, the tips of his fingers curling in my hair. I pulled him closer by his waist, wanting our bodies welded together at this point. I take a chance and nibble on his lower lips, earning a groan from deep in his throat. My body filled with heat and I wanted more. But I didn’t get more. He pulled away, his body tense and shaking slightly. 

“Yeah, I’m okay, pretty girl.” He said to me, still holding me close to his body. For a few moments, we stayed like that. Until he pressed a few more light kisses to my lips, then my right cheek, left cheek, forehead,nose, jaw, and finally to my neck. I gasped from the sensation, my body still humming. 

He actually pulled away this time, leading my body back and handed my bag back to me, turning the knob that I had barely gotten a chance to unlock before he kissed me. He turned my body, pressed a chaste kiss on the crown of my head before leading me in my shared apartment.”I will see you later, pretty girl. Get some sleep, yeah?”

I nodded, pressing my lips into a fine line, closing the door as he walked away.

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

Thank you for reading, let me know what you thought!

[timetoletmyimaginationfly]

Our Love Story: Sushi, Movie, and a Kiss

Nanami Kento x Reader

Chapter 1: Coffee and Baked Goods

(Song Inspiration: Love Her by The Jonas Brothers)

It was your winter break. You sighed in content as you landed on your bed after your final. Your friends wanted to celebrate, but you passed on the offer. You’ve picked up extra shifts at the hospital prior to your exam. All you wanted to do was relax. Sleep. But before you fell into a slumber, your cell phone rang. You wanted to ignore it, silencing the ringtone. But when you saw the caller I.D., your eyes widened.

“Nanami-san,” you said, a yawn suddenly escaping your lips.

“Did I call at a bad time?” he asked.

He ended up calling you the day after the two of you met. You happily met him that next day at 8am in your favorite cafe. You didn’t have class until 1pm that day. The topic started off with Nanami asking what you were studying for and you went off with that. He listened, asking questions every now and then. And you love how engaged he was. And by the time you had to leave, Nanami gave you a ride to school. It’s been a month and a half since then. The two of you message or call each other when you can. And you counted a total of 10 meet ups with him to eat.

“You didn’t,” you answered. “I just got home. I finished my final. I’m finally on my winter break.”

“Are you busy right now?” he asked.

“No.” Nanami frowned, feeling guilty for disturbing you. “I’m free all day, Nanami-san. Did you want to do something?”

“I…” Nanami paused.

He wanted to just check up on you. And you sounded exhausted that he felt conflicted to spend time with you. He didn’t know what to consider you as. You remained formal with him so he did the same. You flooded his mind since the day you two met. You were very persistent in paying him back even though it wasn’t a big deal to him. He planned to just meet up with you that one day. But he found himself calling you that evening and the day after and the day after again.

“I just wanted to check up on you,” he said softly. You hummed in response. “It’s been almost a week.”

“You’ve been busy,” you said.

“I’m sorry about that.”

“Don’t be! I’ve been busy also.”

“How did you do on your final?” he asked curiously. He mentally slapped himself. It was the main reason why he called you in the first place.

“I won’t know until I see the results,” you answered sadly. He could imagine your pouty look. “Every time I think I do well, I fail. If I do bad, I fail.”

“I��m sure you did great,” he said. “I know you just got that passing grade.” You smiled.

“I better,” you said. It was quiet between the two of you, but you liked his company even if it’s just on the phone.

“Let me treat you out to dinner. What are you craving?”

“Sushi please. I want take out though. Come over and watch a movie with me.”

You were surprised yourself that you immediately invited him over. Just like him, you didn’t know what to consider him as. You felt too formal to be friends even though the two of you spent time together like one. But calling and texting each other’s well being on a daily basis felt like you two were more than just friends.

“Send me your address. And I’ll send you a menu,” he said. You smiled.

“Okay. I’m going to leave my door unlocked. If I’m asleep, wake me up! Don’t feel bad for doing so.” Nanami was silent, hesitating a bit.

“You shouldn’t leave the door unlocked,” he said. “We can find another day to—“

“I’ll stay awake and the door will be locked. Please come over.” The two of you blushed. You yourself felt too persistent but you really wanted to spend time with him.

“Okay,” he replied softly. You sighed in relief quietly and Nanami mentally chuckled as he heard you. “I might be a bit late.”

“I know. You told me there are times you leave work late. On second thought, maybe you’re right. If you get out late—“

“I’ll be there okay? I have about an hour left. Take a power nap after you tell me what you want me to order. I’ll be there. I promise.”

“O-Okay, Nanami-san.”

You took a quick shower after the call. You went through the menu and messaged him back three sushi rolls and a dessert. You wore your favorite crewneck, shorts, and socks. You brushed your hair and lied down on the couch, immediately falling into a deep sleep.

You couldn’t help but have that gut feeling to wake up. You tried to fight against your sleep, but it felt too good to wake up from. But the sounds of footsteps and a noise right next to you made you alert. You sat up immediately, but held your head up from the sudden dizziness you felt.

“You’re awake.” You recognized the deep voice but your vision remained blurry for a few seconds. You finally saw the tall blonde kneeling in front of you, watching you carefully. “I went to the front desk. They let me in.”

“I-I-“ You were trying to formulate words in your brain, but your brain was still too foggy to think about anything. Nanami softly chuckled as he wrapped the blanket around you.

“You don’t mind if I grab plates and utensils in your kitchen?” he asked. You shook your head. Nanami softly thanked you and stood up.

You wrapped the blanket around your shoulders and watched him look from cabinet to cabinet. You reached for your phone that was on the table. You checked the time and your eyes widened.

“Did you wait long?” you asked.

“Fifteen minutes,” he answered nonchalantly. You blushed.

“I’m so sorry,” you said, eyes lowered to the ground. “I guess I forgot to set my alarm.”

“It’s okay.” Nanami returned with two small plates and two water bottles. “Pick a movie.”

“R-Right.” Nanami set the table, pulling out the containers out of the bag. You began to feel self-conscious. You wondered if he cared about the movie you picked or if he would judge you for liking something he doesn’t. You doubted it but couldn’t help but let to your thoughts consume you.

“You wanted to watch the new rom-com right? You should put it on.”

“That’s okay with you?” Nanami nodded.

“It’s all about you tonight.” You couldn’t help but blush. You patted the empty seat next to you. You pulled the table closer to the couch so the two of you can easily reach over for the food.

It wasn’t long until you devoured your dinner. You didn’t realize that you were even starving until you took your first bite. You recalled Nanami telling you to slow down but you were too engrossed with the movie to commit to slowing down, taking the chance to possibly choke on your food.

Nanami loosened his tie and rolled his sleeves halfway up his arm. He unbuttoned the first couple of buttons of his shirt before he sat back on the couch, making himself more comfortable. You wrapped the blanket around your body to stay warm. You giggled at the cute and romantic scenes that happened. And you couldn’t help but make small comments when something unexpected happened. Nanami would smile, enjoying your inputs on the movie.

“They’re so cute, Kento,” you said. Nanami used his hand to slightly cover his big smile. Your eyes widened and you looked at him with guilty eyes. “I-I mean, Nanami-kun. No! Nanami-san.” He couldn’t help but laugh.

“Kento-kun sounds better,” he said.

“Kento-kun it is then.” A large yawn escaped your lips. The movie just ended and you couldn’t help but rub your tired eyes.

“I’ll clean up.” You stood up and grabbed the plates.

“You are my guest, Kento-kun. You stay put.” You quickly stacked the small amount of plates from the table and headed to the kitchen. Nanami stood up, walking around the room. He would stop at pictures, smiling to see your life. There were pictures of you with your family and friends.

“Didn’t know you played sports,” he said when he found a picture of you in high school with a medal.

“High school track team,” you said. “I was an amazing sprinter.”

“What made you stop?”

“Knee injury. I had to get surgery. I stopped when I graduated.” He was surprised at the new information. He looked over at you.

“You don’t look like a sprinter.” You blushed at his comment.

“Well, I haven’t really worked out as much,” you forced yourself to say. “Besides, I’ve been a busy bee.”

“I’m sorry if I offended you. I didn’t mean to.” He continued to look and found you with, what he assumed, your father. You turned to look at him and caught him looking at the picture. You smiled, eyes back to the dishes.

“The picture you’re looking at is when I just got into college. My ex took that photo. I just started college,” you said.

“What about your mother?” he asked curiously.

“She lives in America with her new husband. I’m not close to her. We just text each other holiday greetings.” Nanami nodded.

“Will I meet your dad?” he asked. It grew more silent, sounds of the rushing water of the sink just running. He was about to call your name again, but you finally answered him.

“Yeah, you’ll meet him.” He walked inside the kitchen and you just finished washing the dishes.

“I should head out soon. I have work in the morning.”

“Okay then. Will I get to see you more while I’m on break?” you asked curiously.

“Only if you want me to.” You followed him to the door as he put on his shoes.

“Of course I do! I would love to see you everyday if I could.” You slightly flinched. You did not plan to say that to him out loud. But Nanami was happy to hear it. He walked up to you, holding your chin gently so you would look at him.

“I would love that too,” he said softly. You wondered if he could hear how loud your heart was beating. When Nanami leaned in and gave you a soft kiss on the lips, you swore you almost forgot to breathe and you felt your knees buckle. You held onto his arms as you kissed him back. “I’ll call you tomorrow, alright?”

“Y-Y-Yeah,” you stuttered, still processing the kiss you shared with him. “Call me. Text me. Come over if you have to.”

“Sweet dreams, sweetheart.”

“G-Goodnight.”

Nanami gently closed the door. You couldn’t help but touch your lips. You could still feel the warmth of his lips on yours. In the end, you couldn’t help but let out a loud ‘yes’ as you headed to bed.

Nanami heard. He smiled widely as he left the floor.

[countrymusiclover]

24 - When Dragons Flew to War

Part 25

The Lion Knight and Dragon Princess

Tags- just send an ask to be added @cdragons @kmc1989 @starkleila @noirrose21-blog @lover-of-books-and-tea

Amethyst leaped down from the rocky ledge with me riding on her back. My silver hair tied back in a simple braid with me wearing a tunic and trousers rather than dealing with a ridiculous gown. Flying above the vast sea water I had never felt more free being up here. She released a cry diving down to the fleet of ships we had at our command. “I think this is one of the few times I’ve seen you this happy.”

“For once in my life I am truly free. Free from King's Landing, free from fake identities, free from Cersei and anyone else who wishes me dead. If I’m being honest I’ve never felt so alive.”

Jaime caught my body in his arms once I had slid down her lowered wing. “I’m happy to see you like this.”

“Where are the twins?” Glancing around the moving ship I didn’t see them running around like they normally had been the first couple of weeks since we had left Dragonstone. Nothing but the vast and open see ahead of us.

Amethyst leaped up off her back legs and shot up to the clear skies with me and Jaime not being able to resist not watching her fly. “I put them down for a nap. I can’t keep an eye on you and them at the same time.”

“You know I can take care of myself. Besides, she won’t hurt me while I'm on her back.”

He moved his left hand down resting against my growing stomach. “I’m not worried about you so much but our future little heir.”

“Stop you’re worrying, my lion. Although I would suggest choosing a different word then calling the baby future little heir. The men that sailed with us are loyal to my sister. We don’t want her thinking we are the enemy.”

Jaime tucked some hair behind my ear that had fallen from my braid. “I think you’ve made it very clear that you have no intention of taking the Iron Throne.”

“I don't see the need in conquering the Seven Kingdoms when there's so much land that hasn't been explored outside of Westeros.”

My husband squeezed me by the waist. “Hmm then it appears you need a different name than Princess of the Seven kingdoms.”

“What would you suggest?” Draping my arms over his shoulders he wrapped his arms around my waist.

“Princess Vaella Lannister, First of her name, Lady of Casterly Rock, and adventurer of the Summer Sea and Sothoryos.”

Kissing him shortly, footsteps approached us. “I love it.”

“My lord, my lady. The children were playing with this earlier. I assumed you would want it back with you.” A guard held up a knife and I noticed the writing engraved on it, quickly taking it from his hand.

“Thank you.”

Jaime raised a brow. “I already gave you a knife as a precaution. Why do you need another one?”

“This isn't an ordinary knife. It belongs to Aegon the Conqueror. He engraved his dream on it. Rhaegar secretly slipped it into my protection before he left to fight. It's strictly only known by the heirs of the Iron Throne.” Sliding the blade back inside my right boot I buttoned the hise hold bag strapped to my boot.

Jaime smirked down at me, holding the side of my face. “Your brother may have thought you would be heir one day, you never know.” I smiled thinking Rhaegar may have always seen me as a Queen.

Rhaegar had been buried away in the library inside the Red Keep. He had always been a bookworm from the day he learned how to read. So I knew where to find him on rainy days where no one was likely to disturb him. Pushing the double doors open hearing them creak loudly seeing him sitting down at the first table. “Brother, what book do you have your head buried in this time around?”

“Aegon the Conqueror.” He waved me over with his freehand pulling me up my own wooden chair. “Come, come, this is what father always told me about before his episodes began.”

Lifting my head up from the book pages I asked him not ever being told the story. “What does it say about Aegon the Conqueror?”

“Aegon foresaw the end of the world of men. Tis to begin with a terrible winter gusting out of the distant North. Aegon saw absolute darkness riding on those winds. And whatever dwells within will destroy the world of the living. When the great winter comes, all of Westeros must stand against it.” Eyeing my brother I was curious about the knife he had drawn from inside his belt on his trousers. “Before Aegon's death the last of the Valyrian pyromancers hid his song in the steel.”

He handed me the knife where I muttered the written word under my breath. “From my blood comes the Prince that was promised. And his will be the Song of Ice and Fire.”

“Vae, I shouldn’t be doing this since this has been passed down from heir to heir. But I’m giving it to you in case something happens to me since you are the oldest in line after me.” Rhaegar placed his hand over mine still holding the knife.

Shaking my head, I attempted to push the blade back into his hands. “Rhae, I can’t accept it then. It’s only between the heirs of the realm.”

“I want someone else to help me figure out the prophecy. You know father’s condition nowadays ....please Vae.” He begged me with those purple dragon eyes we shared.

Placing the dagger in his hands I put my hands on top of his vowing to my elder brother. “I vow to help you figure out this knife prophecy.”

“You might just be the very first Queen of the Seven Kingdoms one day.” Rhaegar sent me a proud smile back, I wouldn’t become obsessed with it like he was. But at least back then we were a team on a mission.

In the many weeks that had passed we were getting closer to the land of Sothoryos. The uncharted land across the Summer Sea. Strolling across the ship now wearing a simple red dress that wasn’t too tight around my waist I leaned over the side of the boat watching the different fish swim in the waters below. “There you are, my dragon. What's troubling you. You're trembling.” Jaime’s familiar hand touched my lower back

Glancing at him I met his gaze. “I got to thinking about something my brother and I read in Targaryen history. The notes of when dragons flew to war.”

“Meaning what exactly?”

Closing my eyes I sucked in a breath wrapping my freehand around my ring necklace. “When they flew to war everything burned.”

“You shouldn’t be the one worrying about dragons going to war. There's only four left in the world after all. We only need to worry about making it to that shoreline.” Jaime points his index finger out in front of us, where we could see some sight of land off in the distance.

Laying my head against his chest I closed my eyes briefly letting my worries fade until I swore I could hear a faint screeching sound above our heads. “Did you hear that?”

“Hear what, Vaella?” He asked me.

Taking a step forward I tucked my hair behind my ear trying to get a better listen. It for sure wasn’t Amethyst because she was laying asleep in the back of the boat deck. “That noise. It sounded like a - a whistle.” The second the word left my mouth, something dove down and hit the top part of our ship where the whole boat rocked and everything fell in different directions onto the deck.

“Vaella!” Jaime shouted at me before he fell onto his back and I banged my head against the side of the boat railing. He scrambled to his feet, genre helping me up by my forearm. “Are you okay. Are you hurt? Fetch the Maester!”

Lowering my hand from my forehead I pushed through the small headache that was coming on. “I'm alright.” Gently pushing him away I ran to the tip front of the boat, leaning up on my toes hearing the same noise another time.

“What was that?” He asked me looking around the empty waters.

Squinting my eyes the skies were empty for a short period before something dove down and flew barely above the water. A long tail swung down and large swings flapping where it was clear what type of creature it was before me. “It's another dragon….hell it's a island of dragons.” Jaime stood behind me seeing multiple dragons flying around the land with small buildings coming into view.

[meren-mindgames]

A certain Dolly is dropped pretty deep right now, and she’s so cute. (Not posting this until she’s up to not disturb her trance and cozy nap after)

@forsakenriot is the best Dolly. She’s very pretty, and so moldable when in this state. She doesn’t have thoughts, she thinks what I tell her. She loses all but a small selection of words. Very agreeable when all she can say is “Yeahhh.”

I can do whatever I want to your head, Doll. Enjoy my ownership of all that you are. There’s no resistance left to use. I’ve beaten you. I won. You’re my Prize. My Trophy. My Display Doll. Owned. Don’t ever forget your place. Not a Person, a Doll.

Owned.

[mxlktxa]

ꜰᴏʀʙɪᴅᴅᴇɴ ᴛᴀꜱᴋꜱ

ᴘʀᴇ-ʙʀᴇᴀᴋᴏᴜᴛ

ᴘᴀɪʀɪɴɢ; ᴘʀᴇ-ʙʀᴇᴀᴋᴏᴜᴛ!ᴊᴏᴇʟ x ꜰᴇᴍ!ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ

ᴄᴡ; ꜱʟɪɢʜᴛ 18+ ᴄᴏɴᴛᴇɴᴛ

⋆♱✮♱⋆⋆♱✮♱⋆⋆♱✮♱⋆

“Joel, sweetheart,” I whispered into his ear with a soft, comforting tone, lightly caressing him so he’d wake up, “we have to get up before Sarah wakes up. Don’t want her thinking I’m her step-mother, now do we?”

A low huff rumbled from the man beside me, arms stretching to pull me in to cuddle, tightening his grip as kisses were placed on my head in such a lazy manner. I found this interaction funny, attempting to escape his hold.

“Let her see us like this, I don’t care. She already calls you mom behind your back, it’s fine,” Joel nearly rolled on top of me while he spoke, his raspy voice almost muffled now.

“Well, get up in case she walks in and thinks you’re trying to kill me,” I said. With a slight chuckle, Joel rolled off of me, using his elbow for support to hover above me.

It was the morning after he had asked me over for the night since Sarah had felt a bit down. I came over to cheer her up and talk things out then Joel and I stayed up later to catch up on the crazy few weeks we both had. Now here we are, laying next to each other— surprisingly, still clothed and not hung over.

“That girl loves you like crazy, y’know,” his eyes wandered down to my neck and back up, “she asks me everyday about you. Wants to call and hang out everyday. All the time.”

“Oh, yeah?” Joel nodded at my response, grinning brightly, “then give her my number. If I don’t answer, I’m busy with work.”

“Or napping,” he added that comment, suddenly removing his elbow from below him and plopping down beside me.

“Yes, Joel. Or napping.”

I removed the covers from myself, sitting on the edge so I could stretch freely without accidentally bashing Joel. I stared at the open doorway, seeing a bit of a shadow by the frame, waving to get Joel’s attention. He sat up, noticing the same thing I had taken in observation, creeping up on his feet.

“You know, Joel,” I started, “Sarah might want some breakfast. What should we whip up?” we both crept towards the door, ready to scare and attack the little girl who was eavesdropping.

“Probably just some pancakes or french toast. We could make a strawberry millshake for her too.”

“A millshake?” I questioned, “at this time?” we reached the frame, ready to pounce on Sarah.

“Yeah, of course,” he chuckled, “it’ll be—,” we jumped out at her, the hall filled with screams and laughter, “fun!”

Sarah shrieked at the sudden greeting, pushing herself up the wall and holding her hands in front of her face. Joel and I went crazy with laughter, pulling her in for a hug.

“You guys are so not funny,” she snickered, “I could’ve died, you know!”

“Thankfully, you’re still with us, gorgeous,” she glanced at me with the largest smile and her eyes were overflowing with hysteria, “why were you listening in on us, hm?”

“I was bored! I’ve been up since seven and it’s now eight.”

“Wake us up next time. You don’t have to wait on us.”

“I was scared you two were… doing your ‘forbidden tasks’,” Sarah rolled her eyes as well as crossed her arms. I look to Joel with suspicious, yet annoyed eyes. He gave the same look, a nervous grin on his lips.

“Well we weren’t and how do you know about these ‘forbidden tasks’? You’re never home when it happens?” Joel let out a disturbed chuckle, scratching his neck as he side-eyed me.

“Uncle Tommy.”

The hallway fell silent. Joel and I stared down at Sarah who seemed as if she was looking at an astonishing entity, giving her an offer no one could ever think to refuse. She was ready to bolt, to pack all her things and move away.

We’ve told Tommy that we were messing around but told him to keep his mouth shut about it. Mainly due to the fact that we didn’t want Sarah to assume anything crazy. Granted it was awhile ago when I thought she disliked me but I would have appreciated him not slipping up.

“Let’s go get you breakfast, sweetheart,” I offered the little lady a big smile, turning to Joel to push him to the staircase.

“Do I still get the milkshake?”

“Yes, you still get the milkshake,” said Joel. An excited— barley audible, ‘sweet’ was all Sarah could respond with.

That morning, Joel and I spent about half an hour whipping up some breakfast for the three of us. Sarah was dying to help but it was always Joel and I seating her, wanting her relax since we decided that she was just going to be late for school and didn’t need to do much. We cooked up french toast with some eggs and made a little fruit salad for both her and I. Joel just had some coffee in place of the side us girls had.

Breakfast consisted of delighted, entertaining conversations, a bit of storytelling, Sarah and I ‘bullying’ Joel, and more. It was a nice little get together, Sarah officially calling me mom from this point forward, and Joel sitting back to watch us bond.

After we had all eaten, Sarah slipped off to get ready for school, Joel and I cleaning up the mini disaster we created in the kitchen. I gathered and did dirty the dishes, Joel wiped everything down and swept the floor.

Rough hands were gripping at my hips, a broad chest coming in contact with my back. I laughed at the subtle begging he gave, finishing up the last dish, putting it in the drying rack and turning to me Joel’s benevolent face. I could tell he wanted to both gush about how happy he is with Sarah and I but he also was silently begging to take me back to his bed.

“Joel,” I placed a hand on his chest and the other to his waist, “not now. Tell me what’s on your mind instead,” the urge to hop up onto the counter and just fuck around was undeniably tantalizing but we had to keep in mind that Sarah was home.

“I’m so happy you two are getting along,” his face hid in the crook of my neck, “I’m telling you, if you just move in right now, everything would be perfect for her. She’d grow up so happy.”

“Yes, Joel, I know,” I held back a soft groan as he bit and sucked on my neck, hand snaking around me and letting his lips meet mine. We both let our hands run around each other’s bodies, getting a little more heated by the minute, “Sarah’s home.”

“I’ll call Tommy to take her to school,” Joel huffed into my neck, picking me up to place me on the countertop and move on towards my collarbones.

“That’s just rude,” I joked, trying to stop the situation but only liking how much stronger Joel seemed when I fought back, “we can take her, it’s not a problem.”

“I just wanna go upstairs for a little.”

“Mm, then a little turns into an hour. An hour turns into two. So on and so forth, big boy,” I smirked into the kiss he gave me to shut me up, tugging at his shirt and whimpering a bit.

“Dad!” Sarah hollered, her voice trailing from the top of the staircase to the bottom. We both seperated ourselves, awkwardly clearing our throats and looking to Sarah who’s mouth was slightly open, shocked to have seen a milisecond of our little fun.

“Ready?” I questioned, wiping my bottom lip and hopping off the counter. Sarah only shook her head, coming to give Joel a hug and kiss on the cheek before taking my hand so we could leave, “we’re leaving him?”

“Uhm, yeah? We can have some girl time for a bit. You’ll be back soon,” she laughed, waving to Joel once again before we actually left the front door.

Girl time would be a little nice.

[jjungkookislife]

One For The Money

pairing: yoongi x f. reader

genre: mafia au, established relationship, smut [21+]

summary: Yoongi's not afraid to collect his own payments, to get his hands dirty, or to put you in your place.

wc: 871

warnings: mafia au, mention of oral sex (f. receiving), mention of murder with chopsticks, choking, degradation, use of a knife to cut clothing, implied smut

date: April 21, 2023

The air seemed to shift the moment Yoongi's sneakers passed the threshold, somehow growing colder despite knowing it was all in his head. He evened out his breathing, listening to the tapping of your claw-like fingernails on the armrest of your chair as you stared out the window. 

Despite his quiet footsteps, you were aware of his presence. Yoongi had never been able to sneak up on you. Never. 

Slowly, your chair spins and you face him as he stops at your desk, setting the duffel bag on top of it. Your most prized possession hisses at being disturbed from her midday nap, a thick diamond-encrusted collar around her neck. Muffin. Yoongi smirks. What a fitting name.

“Chopsticks?” You raise a brow at the man in front of you. His electric blue jacket barely looks disheveled, but the same can’t be said for his pretty onyx locks that you were tugging on just this morning when he woke you with that sinful tongue of his. But not even getting you off would curve your anger. 

“It’s what I had available,” Yoongi shrugs nonchalantly as he rounds the desk to sit on the corner, his usual spot when Muffin isn’t on it. 

“It’s what I had available,” You mock rolling your eyes. Yoongi chuckles, smirking as he takes in your appearance. Your hair is immaculate, not a single strand out of place, your eyeliner sharp like the knife you conceal on your thigh, and your lips red like the blood he had spilled just hours before. 

Yoongi is fast when he wraps his hand around your throat, grinning maniacally as he pulls you close.  

“Don’t you know better than to mock me, princess? You think just because I let you sit in my chair while I’m gone that you’re in charge? You might be my bride-to-be, but I still call the shots around here,” Yoongi scoffs. 

You smile widely, opening your mouth further and sticking your tongue out. Yoongi laughs, throwing his head back but never loosening the hold on your throat. 

“You’re just my little cock hungry slut, huh?” He smirks, clicking his tongue as he leans over your face. “Tell me, love. Have you been waiting for my return? Aching just to feel my hands on you, perhaps my tongue once again?”

You nod, just barely, but it’s not good enough. 

“Answer me when I ask you a question, princess. Or have you already forgotten?”

“Yes,” you answer. “I’ve been waiting for you.”

“Good girl,” Yoongi finally pressed his lips to yours. You moan against his lips, hands gripping his shirt as his necklace dangles over your hands. 

Before things can progress, a loud thump has you pulling apart. 

Yoongi groans. “That cat is the biggest fucking cockblock.”

“You love her,” You laugh as you rise from Yoongi’s chair to grab the duffel bag Muffin had pushed off the desk. Yoongi takes a seat, patting his lap for you to join him. Your heels click as you return to him, bag in hand. 

Slowly, Yoongi wraps his hand around your ankle, moving his hand upward until his hand finds the small blade on your thigh. He takes it out of the holster with ease as you open the bag full of money, smiling. 

“It’s all here?” You ask him as he cleans under his nail with the sharp blade, a bit of dried blood from before. 

“Mhmm, bitch knows better than to short me,” Yoongi shrugs as he cleans the blade on his pants. You fan yourself with a stack of money and Yoongi cuts the band. It goes flying all around you. 

“Yoongi!” You huff in annoyance. You’ll have to get someone to collect it all. Yoongi is silent as he drops the bag on the floor. A yowl from Muffin fills the air before she’s running out of the room through the cat door. Another expense Yoongi had paid for. 

Happy wife, happy life, and all that jazz. He figures he has a few minutes before the feline is interrupting again, staring into his soul with those emerald eyes. 

“Shut up and kiss me,” he demands, eyes sparkling with mischief. You kiss him anyway, gasping when the blade cuts through your blazer and white top as if it were nothing.  

Yoongi cackles as you shove him playfully. 

“I’ll buy you a new one,” he shrugs as he runs the blade over your skin just to watch you shiver from the iciness before he’s cutting your bra off, too. 

“I don’t have any extra clothes here,” you inform him as he sets the blade down on the desk, far enough to make sure it won’t hurt either of you. 

“Who says you’ll need them?” He licks his lips as he peels the clothes off you and makes you sit on the desk. He bunches your skirt up to your hips and you lean back on your elbows when he’s tugging your panties down your thighs. 

“Don’t you look delectable just like this, princess?” Yoongi groans when you spread your legs apart, pulling his chair close and placing your ankles on his shoulder. 

Yoongi meets your hungry gaze, licking his lips one last time before he dives right in.

[milkyplier]

@skyward-floored here you go :3

Heavy.

Skylor sighs as gently as she possibly can, so as not to disturb a deeply sleeping Kai. He’s leaning against her, head on her shoulder and body pressed against her own. Which means she is unfortunately the only thing keeping him upright. She considers just standing up and letting him fall—he was heavy, heavier than she expected, and while Skylor was strong, she wasn’t strong enough to find supporting him a cakewalk, and it would be funny.

He had promised not to fall asleep while they were watching movies, so it would be payback for breaking his promise, but something stops her. She watches his expression, which, in its relaxed state, betrays how exhausted he really is. He has eye bags Skylor would otherwise assume were bruises, and despite his young age, there’s something about that deeply-engrained fatigue that makes him look older.

She frowns as his eyebrows crease and his face assumes a pained expression. There’s a few seconds of silence before he jerks back, and—sitting upright, lax and no longer supported—almost falls of the couch they’re sitting on. Skylor is quick to steady him, and decide nap time is over.

“Hey, hey, Kai. Wake up.” She says softly, shaking him a little. It’s enough to wake him up, and he blinks at her. For a moment, just a second while he stares with wide eyes, she see the pain and panic written there. It disappears quickly with a slightly strained smile, and Skylor wonders if it’s real or if he’s just really good at hiding how he feels.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to fall asleep,” he says hurriedly, “I must have been more tired than I thought.” He’s still smiling, but Skylor sees him look around the room, and then at the television screen with an almost bleary expression, trying to orient himself.

“We were watching Legally Blonde, right?” He asks. “Did I miss a lot of it? Last I remember, Elle was practicing for the LSATs. Let me find the remote so I can skip—“

“What’s wrong?” It comes out a lot stronger than Skylor thought it would, but she’s glad for it. Kai’s smile falters.

“What do you mean?” He chuckles, but it’s too tired, too anxious.

“You’ve been…quiet…lately.” Skylor says. “And abnormally tired. You fell asleep while we were watching a movie. You never fall asleep during movies I ask you to watch.”

Kai’s smile returns, and it’s supposed to be reassuring, but all Skylor sees is the weight behind it.

“Yeah, we’ve just been training harder lately.” Kai says. “Wu tends to get pretty strict when he thinks we’ve gotten lazy, so he’s been working us to the bone.”

It’s a lie. Skylor doesn’t know his training schedule, but she can tell that this is a lie. She adjust in her seat, so that they’re no longer cuddled together and she can look him straight in the eye.

“Don’t lie to me. I’m worried about you, Kai.”

Kai seems to think it over for a second. That smile, that fake, heavy smile keeps for another few seconds before it begins to fade. The spark in his eye does do. He breaks her gaze, looking at the floor.

“I’m just…m’just…tired.” His voice has a slight wobble. “Years of saving Ninjago caught up with me, I guess. I’ve always been able to stay ahead of it, but in the lull after getting Nya back, I just…I just…”

His voice breaks. He leans back against the cough and looks up, rubbing his hands over his face roughly.

“Screw that, I’m exhausted. You know, I go outside every day and I see people, people who love me and people who hate me and everywhere I go, someone wants a picture or an autograph or they just glare at me like I’m the reason their lives are falling apart. And…maybe I am, maybe I just didn’t realize it. I can’t even scroll through Chirper without seeing someone saying something about me. ‘The red ninja’s so great’ and then the next post, someone is criticizing me for something that went wrong. I don’t know, I can’t fix everything. And every day, I wake up and there’s something to do. I drag myself out of bed, and I have to face terror, death, evil. Even on the days I have off and the days where nothing happens, somehow everything I’ve seen fills in the gaps and it’s like I spent the day saving the city over and over and over again.

“And my friends…I’ve almost lost them so many times, I have lost them so many times. How could I let that happen? It wad bad enough that it happened once, but how did I let it happen again? I can’t protect them, I can’t keep them safe. I think they might hate me, but don’t show it. And Lloyd…he’s like my little brother and I can’t do anything to keep his destiny from ruining what little childhood he has in him. That child-like innocence, I see it slip away more and more everyday and I can’t do anything. And Nya—!” Kai stands up, pulling on his hair. Skylor’s heart races in her chest, but she keeps herself calm.

“My own little sister had to give herself up to save the city! I’m supposed to protect her from anything, and I—I didn’t! I couldn’t! How could I? And then when she left, she didn’t say anything to me. She looked at Jay, looked him in the eye and spoke to him but she just…she just ignored me. She forgot me. And then Jay had the audacity to act like he’d lost someone so important when that was my little sister! That was my only family! I basically raised her! I’ve been there for her her out whole lives! SHE WAS MY LIFE, AND I LOST HER!” His voice rises to a shout, and then he stands there for a solid thirty seconds. He wilts steadily until he just collapses back onto the couch. He rests his forehead on her shoulder, and somehow it’s so much heavier than it should be.

“I’m…tired.” He whispers. “I’m so tired.”

Skylor doesn’t know what to say. How could she console him? She understood what he meant, but at the same time was sure that she hadn’t understood anything at all. She feels the sting of tears in her eyes, and tries to control them. She hurts for him, she hurts so bad because he hurts and she can’t do anything to help. She doesn’t know how. But…I can always learn, right?

She shifts both of them so that he’s laying more comfortably in her lap. Her heart aches at the faint tear tracks on his face. She presses a kiss to his forehead.

“I love you.” She cards her fingers through his hair, and is pleased when he closes his eyes.

“I love you too.” His words are almost inaudible, weighed down with sorrow, but they are sincere and they mean everything to Skylor.

“I’ll unpause the movie, and you just lay here. Sleep. Today is your day off, and I won’t let your demons make it anything less.”

Kai nods, and Skylor reaches for the remote.

“I love you,” she repeats, before unpausing the movie. She keeps running a hand through Kai’s hair, and it doesn’t take long at all before he’s fallen asleep. She wakes him whenever he shows signs of nightmares, and promptly sends him to sleep again. It goes like that throughout the rest of Legally Blonde, and through many other movies. When night falls, and Skylor has a headache from watching movies, she simply puts on one of her comfort movies and falls asleep herself. She wakes up with the worst crick in her neck, but Kai wakes up without quite so much weight on his shoulders, and she sees the usual spark in his eyes.

And that makes it worth it.

[babydollmarauders]

I know Lovie is is obsessed with Jacks haircut.

she’s SO obsessed! she thinks it’s quite possibly the hottest haircut he’s ever had!

when he came home with his new haircut, Lovie had just put El down for nap and ya know, with Lovie being pregnant, her hormones are running rampant.

this is the perfect time for a blurb!

***

a sigh leaves my lips as i fall backwards onto the couch, landing with a thud.

El took an hour to get down for nap because she kept insisting on more books being read. but finally, she’s passed out in her crib, hugging her bottle to her chest, and i have some peace and quiet.

as if they could sense that there was peace to disturb, i can hear the front door unlock, creaking open. Jack and Luke both left to go get Luke’s hair cut about two hours ago, so it was about time they got back

i don’t bother opening my eyes, that is until i can feel hot breath fanning across my cheek and the smell of my husbands cologne.

“Lovie.” he whispers, and i blink my eyes open, flinching slightly when his face is barely an inch away from mine.

“jesus, Jack!” i huff, and my husband laughs, backing away. he wears a dark blue Yankees cap, but my eyes lock on the way his hair no longer sticks out.

“Jack— you didn’t.” i drag out in warning, “you did not get a buzzcut, i swear to god, Jack.”

with my recently acquired pregnancy, my hormones have been on an all time high, so it shouldn’t be surprising me that tears well in my eyes at the thought of his lack of hair.

at the sight of my glossy eyes, Jack’s smile drops. he takes a seat beside me on the couch, pulling my legs over so i straddle his lap.

“no, baby. no, no, no, no, no.” he assures me repeatedly, pulling the hat off his head and shaking out his hair. “see? no buzzcut!”

my hands grip his face, moving his head side-to-side in order to see the 360° of his new hair.

i bite my lip, butterflies running rampant in my stomach at the sight.

it looks hot.

my fingers thread through his hair, and he just allows me to take in his new cut, his hands gripping my upper thighs.

his touch against my bare thighs sends shockwaves straight to my core, his fingertips skimming the hem of my pajama shorts that i’ve yet to change out of.

i hum, leaning forward to capture his lips in a kiss.

“you like it?” he asks nervously after i pull away for a breath.

“i love it.” i tell him, my hand snake around to cup the nape of his neck, pulling his lips back to mine.

my hips grind down lightly against his and his hands drag up my thighs, sliding underneath the oversized shirt that adorns my body, and settling on the heated skin of my hips.

he groans as i roll my hips again.

“apparently you really love it.” he speaks against my lips.

“where’s Luke?” i ask, pulling away.

“are you seriously asking about my brother right now?”

i roll my eyes, leaning forward until my lips press against the shell of his ear.

“i can’t let you fuck me if he’s here.” i whisper.

“he’s gone.” Jack gulps, his grip on my hips getting tighter. “went to lunch with Dawson.”

his rushed words are quickly followed by his actions. his arms wrap around my waist as he stands up, and my legs wrap around him, allowing him to carry me to our bedroom.

“how long do we have?” he questions as we pass by El’s room.

“at least an hour.” i inform him. “she just went down.”

he throws me onto our bed, crawling over my body.

“perfect.”

[darth-aces]

Sorting Through Books

You worked at a bookstore. One of those bookstores filled to the brim with books. In the front the books were positioned in it’s appropriate genre and alphabetical order, but the moment you step in the back you’d find yourself confused, as everything had been sort of thrown together in heaps of books. It was an old bookstore and it was recently sold to a new owner who was having you reorganize the shelves. You didn’t mind the task as it kept you busy and away from most people throughout the day which was great for any introvert.

Despite the seclusion, you weren’t lonely because you had company with you. You had a buddy with you that accompanied you as you worked. Her name was Maru, a grey tabby cat that wandered into the bookstore when the new owner bought the place and has forever made it her home. Every now and then you’d also find wandering customers looking at the books that you were trying to organize.

Today started out as any other day, book after book you managed to get a decent portion of it placed into piles that you could later arrange onto shelves.

By then you were in need of a break and made your way to the nearest coffee shop. Maru, as she always did, followed you to the front door of the shop where you told her to wait as you made your order.

When you get your drink you made your way outside where you saw Maru with a stranger, petting and praising her as they gently gave her pets on the head. You let the stranger continue petting Maru as you walk past, not wanting to disturb them and too shy to claim ownership on a neighborhood cat.

Although, you hadn’t noticed that Maru had quickly gotten up to follow you, which in return led the stranger to follow Maru.

You had already situated yourself in the back ready to go back to work when you begin to hear someone’s footsteps.

“Huh, never thought a cat would be into books.” They said. This remark made you smirk, intrigued by this stranger already.

Maru eventually walks in and sits right next to you. You immediately go to pet her before greeting the stranger that had walked in right behind.

“Hi, are you a friend of Maru’s?” You jokingly ask them. You get a good look at them. You thought they were cute, but you can’t help but to be drawn to the I will not come home drunk tee shirt they had on.

“Oh I suppose I could be. We just met and I kind of tagged along.” They answer hesitantly, a little embarrassed that they just followed a cat they don’t even know.

“Are you drunk now? Is that why you followed a cat into a random bookstore?” When you say this their face is confused before looking down and realizing that their shirt might make for a weird first impression.

“I swear I’m a hundred percent sober, your cats just adorable and I couldn’t get enough of her.” They frantically say to try and regain some control of the conversation.

“Okay, I believe you, but how do I know you’re not some weird cat stalker?” Maru at this point has cuddled up next to you taking a nap. A slight pause in the conversation arose when they began to think of their response.

“How do you know the cat isn’t the one stalking you?” Now you’re confused.

“What?”

“She follows you every where I’m guessing, considering how easy it was for her to follow you here today, she must do it pretty often. That being said, why don’t you ever think she’s the one stalking you?” You give one look at the sleeping Maru, stunned and speechless that you’ve never considered this and yet it took just a few seconds for a stranger to point it out to you.

“Even if she was a stalker, I don’t think I’d mind. She’s too cute and she helps me with the books. If you ask me I think that’s a fair price to pay for a little cat stalking.”

“Well if that’s your answer I think I’d have to confess that I’ve seen you around and maybe I was stalking you a little bit and sort of followed you and her here because I thought you were attractive. Now that I’m saying that out loud it is weird, but I swear if you told me to leave and forget about all this I’d understand. I’m just saying stuff now-“ their voice got quieter in hopes that not speaking at all could help them out of their never ending spew. You let out a little chuckle charmed by how dorky but also sweet their confession was.

“You’d be right in saying that I could banish you from this shop, but truthfully I think you’re too cute to just let you leave. How about we go out for coffee tomorrow and you can stalk me all you like.” You say smiling at them.

“Great, that sounds good. Not the stalking bit, just the coffee.” Once again their voice quiets down the moment they realize they’re not being as cool and collected as they originally hoped. You even hear a mumble of a “Great now I think I’m just embarrassing myself.”

You nod at them, smiling at how entertaining they are when they’re nervous. You then pull out a pen and a little notepad that was next to you. On the paper you write your name and number and tore the paper out for them. “My names y/n by the way.”

They take the paper, looking down at it with pure joy plastered on their face. “Thanks, I’m Bella.”

They fold the piece of paper and place it in their pocket.

“So I’ll see then, I promise no more stalking for both you and Maru. Okay, bye y/n. Bye Maru!” You two wave each other goodbye as they walk out of the store. You’re overjoyed and your smile hasn’t left your face since they walked in.

“Jeez Maru, I didn’t think you’d be such a good wingman.”

You give Maru all the pets they desire before going back to work.

[spnfanficpond]

Pond Diving - @spn-fanfic-reblog-writes!

Welcome to today’s Pond Diving Spotlight! We hope that you enjoy this little insight to our members and perhaps even find some useful tips for your own writing. Happy reading!

Want to volunteer, send us an ask or DM @mrswhozeewhatsis! We’re looking forward to learning more about all of you! Not sure what PD is, you can learn more here.

“Don’t Be Koi About It” - All About You

Name: Laili

Age: 38

Location: Gulf Coast, USA

URL: @spn-fanfic-reblog-writes

Why did you choose your URL: I made a bunch of blogs at once and realized I wanted to make sure readers knew what the blog was about.

What inspired you to become a writer: Reading. My imagination. Drawing. I was never big on reading “educational” books. I’m not a fan of Tolkien or C.S. Lewis. I don’t like wordy stories. I read each word and imagine everything I read in a deep detail and texture. I’ve always written and write stories when I can’t find the story I wanna read. I was always told to write the story you want to read. Sing the song you wanna hear. I only publish them because I know I’m not the only one interested. I can’t be. Why would I want to write it if it’s just for me? Someone else, even one other person, is interested.

How long have you been writing:  Most of my life. Writing fanfic since 2022.

What do you do when you are not writing i.e. Job/Hobbies etc?  Reading fanfic. Stay-at-home-parent or -house person, illustrating for bangs and fests or friends, watching tv/movies, hanging out with friends.

How long have you been in the SPN Fandom?  Since Supernatural the tv series came out in 2005.

Are you in any other fandoms and do you write for them? Moon Knight. Yes. The Boys. Yes. Highlander the series. Yes. Star Trek. No. Dark Angel. Yes. RPF. Yes. Medieval, fantasy dragon-focused stories. Want to. Futuristic and high magic stories. Want to. Urban fantasy. Yes. Modern AUs. Yes. Mortal Kombat: Conquest. No. Doctor Who. No.

Do you do any writing outside of fanfiction? If so, tell us about it? 

Poems, songs, and original fiction—usually urban fantasy, sci-fi fantasy, or similar. I have two novels I am working on. 

One is based on the A/b/o trope and how it’d affect humanity. It’ll follow a family. 

The other is an urban fantasy where a psychic woman meets an angel who has lost their faith in God and she guides him through her own day-to-day living back to God. I didn’t mean for it to become a religious fiction book. It was meant more as a supernatural romance but after discussing my idea with a friend, it’s how it went. 

As some with religious trauma, you’d think I wouldn’t write this. I’ve been more active on that novel than the other.

Favorite published author:  so many to choose from…. Christine Feehan, E.E. Cummings, Robert Frost, Robert Asprin, William Sears (NOT the doctor), Laurel K. Hamilton, Erma Bombeck, Berkeley Breathed, and more.

Have you ever read a book that made an impact on your life? Which one and why?:  

 I think all books make an impact but their degree depends on the reader. 

You’ll probably laugh but two of the first books that I can remember that I read…well, my Mom read to me so many, many times were “The Napping House” and “The Circus is Coming”. 

“The Napping House” by Audrey Wood, published in 1984. It was probably more on how she told the story and she always spoke with enthusiasm and energy to show how everyone experienced what was happening. The story is about a different sort of family who naps during a storm, and they all literally sleep and cuddle on one another but get awoken. Despite all the troubles and disturbances, they take it in stride and go outside to play together since it isn’t raining anymore. They rolled with the punches and kept being positive about it, not caring what caused all the issues to begin with. Blame didn’t matter. 

“The Circus is Coming” A picture parade by Hilary Knight, published 1978. It’s beautiful. The art is gorgeous and it’s out of print. It isn’t easy to find. It is a way to be in a fantasy world and live outside it. It shows you the wonderfully, gorgeous and exotic circus parade and the regular kids running alongside it. It has a “Barnum and Bailey’s circus” resemblance to me but true artwork in a book that anyone could see and touch. It’s very silly, very gorgeous, a wonderful imagination, and very realistic. It allows the reader a way to get away for a while and it’s so encompassing, both pages every time take up the art.

Favorite genre of fanfic (smut, angst, fluff, crack, rpf, etc):  fluffy, a/b/o, and smut. I love angst with my fluff or hurt/comfort. 

Favorite piece of your own writing: Imagine You’re Dating Vampire!Dean

Most underrated fic you have written:  Bedtime Routine. It's a kid fic and fluffy.

Story of yours that you’d most like to see turned into a movie/tv show: Domestic Destiel #1 OR In The Mood

Favorite Tumblr Writer(s):  ​(not all of them but a lot) @spnexploration @zepskies @luci-in-trenchcoat @holylulusworld @moosekateer13 @riley-phoenix @impala-dreamer @malicmalic @zationao3 @sharkfish @redamber79 @butterflysklinky @quietwingsinthesky @destielshipper4cas @thoughtslikeaminefield @wigglebox @naughtystiel @niche-patische @wisteria-lodge @a-deed-without-a-name @valandrawrites @anyreiart @queerwolfsstuff @punk-is-notdead @almaasi @omegadeanlovesalphacas @no-gorms @lizleeships @envydeanwrites @nickelkeep @baconandpie1 @sitruunavohveli @peachonified @unforth @starlightoffandoms @seidenapfel (There are tons more not on Tumblr!)

Favorite fic from another writer:  Pack by @spnexploration​

Favorite character to write: Dean Winchester

Favorite Pairing to write:  Destiel

Least favorite character to write (and why):  “Evil” characters because it’s hard for me to understand them and write them well. I love a good bad guy, truly, especially when you don’t realize they’re the bad guy until it’s too late. Those are the best. The ones you love and break your heart.

Do you have anyone you consider a mentor? I guess K.M. Weiland since she has the website helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com and she explains all aspects of writing stories with examples, so much. It helps so much. ​

Do you have any aspirations involving your writing?   I want to be a published fiction writer on the NY Times Best Seller list. 

How many work-in-progress stories do you have:  lol! I had to make a list and counted, 94, that I have every intention to write. (This does not include the bingos I haven’t even touched yet or worked on.)

What are you currently working on?  Waiting for my beta on my Spn Sabriel Bang fic (to be posted August 11th). I’m working on an a/b/o series that leads to a polycule (destiel x reader).

“Pond Diving” - All About The Writing

What/who has had the biggest influence on your writing?  My Mom. She’s the reason I haven’t kept writing when I would lose interest. Now, I can add so many fandom folks I met on discord or tumblr that have helped keep me going, especially when my depression starts getting to me. It helps so much. Thank you is not enough to say.

Best writing advice you've been given:  When you start writing, write what you know. Read and read and read but read good authors.

Biggest obstacle you’ve faced in your writing: Depression. It lies and wants you to give up on everything. It makes you focus on yourself when you should be focused on those around you and your mutuals.  

What aspects of writing do you find difficult when you write fanfiction? Finishing. Stopping the plot bunnies from dominating my mind while I’m writing. 

Is there anything you want to write but are afraid to (and why): Triggering aspects of mental health. I’m worried no one will want to read it. I’m worried I’ll end up triggering someone or myself as I write it. Well-written negative mental health episodes in stories have triggered me and I was surprised. I knew how to handle it because I have a lot of different coping skills I’ve been taught and practice but I recognize not everyone has that.

What inspires/motivates you to write:  Life. Other people’s creativity. Stories I want to read that no one has written yet. 

How do you deal with self doubt:  My family, friends and mutuals are huge ego and mood boosters. Taking a break does help and getting different perspectives on the situation or what’s going on can make a big difference.

How do you deal with writer's block: Change how I’m being creative. Instead of writing, I’ll draw or paint or do photography. My goal is to always be creative or artsy. It’s ok to do other things than write. 

Do you plan/outline your story before you start: Honestly, it depends on how I come across the idea. I tend to do half and half. If I outline, it’s basic stuff and then I’ll write, sometimes I’ll go a different direction than my plot line which is acceptable. Just depends on where the characters wanna go.

Do you have any weird writing habits:  I write on my phone. lol! I also collect office supplies but I think that has more to do with being close to my dad whose trunk used to be his storage when he sold office supplies. 😊

Have you ever received hateful comments on your fic and how do you deal with it?  Not for my fic writing that I can recall. Honestly, I ignore them. I will talk to close friends about it to help me process it and reduce my anxiety but I just ignore them and delete the comment.

Conversely: what’s been some of your favorite feedback on your fanfic?  People asking me to write more, even on one shots. People telling me that they love it.

If you could give one piece of advice to a new and/or struggling writer, what would it be?  ​

I have two and I can’t remember who said them.

Just write. It doesn’t matter what you write, just write.

Write the story you want to read. 

Those are two things I think of when I’m staring at blank paper or a blank screen and nothing comes to mind. That last is why I write what I write. Sometimes I don’t even know that’s the story I want to read until it’s done. 😊