#i watched Inside (2023) last week it was amazing!!!

[ayo-edebiri]

#That's when I knew

[nicoline1998enilocin]

Flufftober Day 7 | Swinging together

Pairing | Husband!Tony Stark x Pregnant!Wife!Female!Reader

Word count | 1.8K

Summary | You have always dreamt of having a porch swing on your porch, and now that you and Tony are moving into your new house, this is the perfect opportunity. He will do everything he can to build it before your baby boy arrives and make your little family complete.

Warning(s) | None.

Prompt(s) | 7. Porch swing | @flufftober 2023

A/n | This one shot is written for day 7 of Flufftober 2023. I will add the missing days as I go with this challenge, but for now I hope you will enjoy this as much as I did when writing it! 🖤

Likes, comments and reblogs will be very much appreciated 🧡

Divider is made by @cafekitsune | GIF credit goes to the owner

Main Masterlist | Tony Stark Masterlist | Flufftober Masterlist

It has been almost a year since you and Tony both retired from being an Avenger, though Tony occasionally goes back to help plan long missions when necessary. It happened more initially, but the day you and Tony found out you were pregnant, he went less and less.

Now you're sitting sideways on the couch on a warm spring day, your feet lying in Tony's lap as he's giving your feet a well-deserved massage, if you say so yourself.

''I think I have an idea what I want to put on the porch of our new house,'' you tell him, and Tony looks at you expectantly while he keeps rubbing your feet.

''And what would that idea be, Gorgeous?'' Tony asks.

''I have always wanted a beautiful porch swing in front of my house to sit and watch life go on in front of us, and when our little boy is here, I would love to sit with him on the swing while I talk about us,'' you say, a dopey grin forming on your face at the thought.

Tony thinks about it for a bit, and after a few minutes, he gives you the biggest smile. ''We can do that for our Munchkin and his amazing Mom, too.''

But before he could get started, the three of you needed to move into the new house first, and all the Avengers had agreed to help the two of you out on moving day a few weeks later.

You can only do a little to help, but they don't mind. Everyone thinks taking care of yourself, and the baby is more important than putting unnecessary strain on either of you.

You've opted to wear a maternity dress that shows off your growing belly since it will be a warm spring day again. Your hair is pulled into a loose ponytail, and you're not wearing make-up, instead opting to accessorize with your glasses.

As soon as the Avengers arrive, they all flock to you, as they don't see you as often now. ''You're glowing!'' ''The baby is growing so fast,'' and ''I can't believe you're this far along already,'' are only a few comments they let loose on you.

''Could you leave my wife alone long enough to get some moving done? I want to be done by the end of the day, not the next week!'' Tony jokes dryly, and they immediately get to work by loading every piece of furniture and all boxes into the trucks they've brought, and before you know it, your entire house is packed into a few trucks.

''Can you come inside with me for just a minute?'' you ask Tony, the others waiting patiently until you're ready. It's already past dinner time, but they'd stay all night if it's what you need.

''O'course,'' he says, and you grab his hand, leading him inside, walking into the house through your front door for one last time.

''I just need a few more minutes with just the three of us together in our old house to say goodbye to all our wonderful memories,'' you say as tears form in the corners of your eyes.

Tony pulls you into a soft hug, careful not to press too hard against your stomach, and you can't help but let the tears flow freely as you think back to all the beautiful memories.

All the anniversaries you've shared, the happy moments, the sad ones, and everything in between, from coming home after an extended mission to coming home after a night of drinking and partying.

This house has seen it all, but now you're leaving it behind to start a life in your new home accommodating your growing family. ''I can't believe we're leaving it all behind,'' you sniffle against Tony's chest, and he's shedding some of his own.

''I love you, Gorgeous.'' ''I love you too, Tony.''

After your tearful goodbyes, you walked out the door before leaving the keys inside, officially never returning to where you called home. Now you're getting ready for the new chapter in your life, in your new house.

The entire group of Avengers enveloped you in a group hug, letting you both know how much they love you.

''Right, time to get moving!'' you say before the group lets go with a lot of laughter.

Before you know it, Tony is behind the wheel of your car (his fancy cars were already at the new house), and you're sleeping in the car's passenger seat.

The other Avengers are paired in equal numbers over the other trucks, so they can switch if needed, but everyone decides to drive in one straight line to the new house. And this entire time, Tony's hand has rarely left your thigh, stroking it gently while your hands are protecting your belly.

The fact that you're moving to an entirely different state doesn't bother anyone, as they're happy to be along for the ride, but at some point, Tony decides to make a stop. Even though you're asleep, he wants to make a restroom stop just for you and others when necessary.

''Gorgeous?'' he nudges you awake gently, and with a snort, you wake up, earning a soft laugh from your husband.

''We're stopping for a toilet break; we're just over halfway there now,'' he says, pointing to a 24-hour diner, all the other Avengers already waiting outside for the two of you.

''Thank you,'' you say, followed by a small yawn as Tony gets up and over to your side of the door, ready to help you get up since that's not as easy as it used to be.

When you're standing, all of you go inside, and you, Nat, and Wanda go to the toilet while the men sit down and order food because they're starving.

The girls were done pretty quickly, but even with a baby pushing on your bladder, it was still a little shy; you don't particularly like using the toilet in places you're not familiar with yet, but after a few minutes, it finally worked.

''Sorry for that, shy bladder,'' you said with a shrug before washing your hands, but they don't mind. When you all return, Bucky stands up so you can slide into the booth next to Tony.

After a small peck on the lips, you sit comfortably, your back resting against the padded leather behind you, your hands on your stomach again, which is where they usually are nowadays.

''I got you some pancakes with extra maple syrup,'' Tony says, and you happily thank him since that's precisely what you've been craving. It's almost as if he's read your mind.

After the food has arrived and it's all gone, everyone continues the journey, but this time, you're taking your place in the backseat of your car, where you can lie down relatively comfortably for the rest of the drive.

Once you're there, Steve and Bucky get the bed out of the trucks and set up in the bedroom, which is done effortlessly between them.

''Gorgeous? Are you ready to get up and sleep in an actual bed? Steve and Bucky put it together for you already, so you can continue sleeping there; you're going to need it,'' Tony asks, and you sleepily nod.

''G'night everyone,'' you say, followed by another yawn and a small wave.

''I kept some of your pajamas, underwear, and clean clothes in a separate bag so we don't have to overhaul everything right now,'' Tony says as he walks you upstairs, the rest of the Avengers loading stuff out of the trucks and putting them in their respective places.

That night, you sleep like a log while everyone works as fast as possible to ensure everything is perfect with the little one on his way, at which they succeeded perfectly.

Over the two and a half months following the move, Tony has been constantly working on a brand new porch swing, and it's finally done. You're watching him as he puts the finishing touches on it.

It's a cooler day today, so you're wearing a comfortable outfit, especially now that the baby can come anytime. And it is almost as if the baby knew the swing would be done because you're actually going into labor later that day.

''T-Tony? We need to go to the hospital,'' you say with a strained voice, and within an instant, he's by your side and ready to go to have your son. The hospital bag is packed and ready to go, so you're out the door quickly.

Once you arrive in the hospital, you're immediately taken to the delivery ward, where you'll spend the next 12 hours in labor; your son decided to take his time to come out. Once he is finally here, you can't help but cry happy tears, mainly because he's a carbon copy of his Dad.

''Shall we call everyone?'' you ask, and you decide to FaceTime Bucky since he usually picks up his phone right away. You're holding your beautiful son in your arms, and Tony sits beside you on the bed.

Your iPad is placed on a table that hovers over your legs. It doesn't take long for him to pick up, and a happy face greets you.

''Hi, doll! How is-'' is all he says before he sees your son, and he can't help but run to the others before saying anything else.

''Guys, guys! Look!'' he says, and one by one, you see everyone passing by and congratulating you on the birth of your beautiful baby boy.

''We're so happy for you; we can't wait to meet the little fella in real life,'' Bucky says as he grabs his phone again, turning it sideways so you can see everyone.

''Can we guys tell you his name? Because we're excited to share it after keeping it a secret for so long,'' you say, and everyone is instantly excited.

''His name,'' Tony starts, ''Is Edward Howard Stark. Named after both Dad and Granddad,'' he says; you can practically see everyone melting when they hear it.

After a few more congratulations and promises to see each other again soon, they hang up, and you're left to bask in the enjoyment that is the little bundle of joy in your arms.

''He's beautiful, just like you,'' you tell Tony, and he captures your lips in a soft, sweet kiss that makes you crave more of the same, just like each of his kisses has done all these years.

The next day, you're all allowed to go home, and the first thing you do when you're back is take your place on the porch swing with Edward and Tony.

''This will be the first of many more times we'll be swinging together, Munchkin,'' you say to Edward, and Tony wholeheartedly agrees. Life was already great, but now it is perfect.

[maybege]

Paz with no. 56 please 😵‍💫🥵 you’re amazing!! Thank you!!

Guess who is back, babes! After starting 2023 off with the trip of my dreams, I am finally back home and so so so excited to post this smut prompt. Thank you so much for sending in a prompt! I know it has been taking me a long time but I am honestly s proud of this one, even if it kind of got out of hand but it was a lot of fun to write and I hope you enjoy reading it. As always, let me know what you thought in a comment or reblog!

Annual Chances

Summary: Paz chooses you at the yearly festivities.

Pairing: Paz Vizsla x fem!Reader

Wordcount: 5.3k | Rating: E (18+ only!)

Warnings: explicit sexual content, consensual aphrodisiac, dom!Paz, sub!Reader, breeding  kink, a whole lot of size kink, verbal degradation, creampie(s), implied cockwarming

Prompts: #56 “I’d like to breed you.”

masterlist | crossposted on AO3

“Get up, sleepyhead, the invitations are in!”

You sat up, startled from your sleep and still half away in your dreams. There, the sun was shining on your bare skin, warming you from the inside out as you watched Paz play with your children, their laughter echoing through your head even as you saw your friend. Even as the reality you wished for dissolved all around you.

“Chants, what the fuck?” you hissed, unhappy to be pulled from your dreams so early and so roughly.

But your friend did not care, he simply skipped through the doorway, settling down at your side as he thrust a piece of paper in your face. By the looks of him, he had probably been awake for hours already, his job in the healing wings demanding a rather flexible sleep and work schedule.

“The invitations are in!” he repeated, a wide smile on his face, “This is your chance to finally snag that warrior of yours.”

You sat up, trying to ignore how your heart sped up from the mere thought of him. “I won’t be snagging anyone,” you corrected groggily, fishing the piece of paper from his hand, “Besides who knows if I have time to attend ...”

“Oh no, we will not have that discussion at all,” Chants protested quickly, throwing himself you’re your mattress and just barely missing your shin, “You were moping for weeks when you missed your chance at last year’s feast and I am frankly too busy having fun to anticipate having to nurse you back to happiness.”

“I wasn’t moping,” you protested with a pout, “I was just … thinking.”

“About how much happier you would be if a certain warrior carried you off into the sunset, I know,” Chants replied easily and you chose not to discuss it anymore. Perhaps he was right … Who were you kidding, of course, he was right.

You had had a crush on Paz Vizsla from afar for a long time. As soon as your clans had joined together and he had arrived with the first warriors, you had had only eyes for him. And how could you not? He was a fine specimen of a man, tall, and broad, with a deep voice that send shivers down your spine and a laugh that made you wish for a future when you could see his face.

But, alas, your shyness and his high status in the covert did not work well together. You hardly got to see him alone, and sometimes, weeks passed when you didn’t cross paths no matter how much you wished for it. And even if you managed to see him, to be in the same room as him, you were too nervous to speak.

More than once, Chants had suggested that you use the annual matchmaking feast to shoot your shot. Every person of age was invited to the party and it was without a doubt the event of the year. After all, Mandalorians valued their foundlings above everything and any excuse to celebrate what was most likely going to be the date of conception for some future ones was welcome. Countless couples had found together at the feasts over the years and the thought that it could be the day when you and Paz joined was … intriguing, to say the least.

Only that you had been too shy to attend for a long time and when you had finally gathered the courage to go to the party last year, Paz Vizsla had not been there. At the time, you were convinced that he had already chosen someone as his mate and, much to Chants’ dismay, had vowed never to attend again.

But it seemed your friend would not take a no for an answer this year.

*

“I hate this,” you muttered under your breath, trying your best to ignore your racing heart. Was it possible to throw up from nervousness? Because you were sure you could feel your stomach doing somersaults in the confines of your body.

“No, you don’t,” Chants replied easily, taking a sip of his sparkling drink, “At least the food is great.”

“I could have great food at home.”

“Yeah but not with a view like that.”

Your eyes followed his and landed on a group of broad-shouldered warriors that talked with each other by the bar. Which was ironic considering they all had their helmets on.

That was why, as soon as you had entered the packed hall with Chants on your heels, you had fled to the buffet table. The chances were considerably low and it allowed you to at least try and calm the fuck down.

In the meantime, Chants was happy because your position by the buffet granted him the perfect view of what the covert had to offer.

You tugged at your dress, feeling constricted in the ridiculous gown your friend had talked you into.

“Don’t do this,” he said.

“Don’t do what?” you asked grumpily,

“Don’t self-sabotage,” he said calmly, “You are so scared of Vizsla rejecting you that you don’t even put yourself out there and –“

Your heart clenched, his pointed words finding their target. He knew you too well, or maybe just well enough because you had to admit he was right.

“And what?” you asked, shoulders slumping as you searched the buffet for something to catch your eyes.

“That’s Paz Vizsla coming our way,” Chants murmured, his elbow digging into your middle, “I think he’s coming to us.”

“Don’t be ridiculous,” you mumbled, fishing another appetizer from the buffet, “Paz Vizsla would never come to us. He’s way too –“

“Way too what?”

You froze, slowly turning around and looking at the warrior before you.

Paz Vizsla was a huge man, imposing and intimidating even when he tried not to be and with a reputation that followed him from the battlefield to every place he went. It was rumoured that he had never lost a fight before and now that you saw him up close, taking in the sheer size of him, you had no trouble believing it.

“Way too, uh, busy?” you grimaced at how weak your voice sounded.

“Of the two of us, I’d say you’re the busy one,” he replied with a tilt of his helmet, “this is the first year you’re attending the festivities.”

“That’s not true,” you frowned, “I attended last year as well.”

The man in front of you hummed, as if in thought, and you took the opportunity to just … look at him.

Your eyes slid over his broad shoulders to his thick arms and large hands and you found yourself wishing to know what it was like to feel them on your body. Or in your body. Preferably both.

“I’m afraid I was not there for long last year. That would explain it,” he finally said, still looking at you. You wondered if he noticed your stares because he straightened up a little, clenching his fists and relaxing them and the veins stood out. Stars, how could one man be so attractive?

“You know what, I think someone’s calling me,” Chants suddenly said and you were embarrassed to find that you had completely forgotten he was right next to you. What kind of crush was this?

“Of course,” Paz said and you both watched your friend leave in silence, immediately swallowed up by groups of people.

The realization that you were both alone now came suddenly and unexpectedly and you felt your heart skip one or two beats. Because what were you supposed to say now? Here was the man you had been pining after for so long, here was your chance to say something, to impress him, to make him fall in love with you.

“Hello,” you managed to bring out, hoping that your smile wasn’t as wavering as your courage.

He chuckled, low and rumbly and you swore you felt it in your chest. “Hello, little one,” he greeted you, grabbing a small berry in his large fingers. You watched him bring it up and under his helmet, and your imagination ran wild.

Stars, what might it be like to kiss him?

“I, uh, I thought you found someone last year already,” you continued nervously, fiddling with your hands in front of your middle, “Did – did you find someone?”

He shook his head, “It was more about whom I didn’t find.”

“That sounds like you have someone specific in mind.”

“I do.”

“Really?” you asked, surprised at how close he suddenly was. You imagined being able to hear his real voice behind the helmet, “Wh-Who?”

“There are a lot of flattering things I could say now,” he stated, his voice not wavering for a second, “But to make a long proposal very short: I’d like to breed you.“

You thought you were dreaming. You were convinced you were dreaming.

“Me?”

“Yes,” he stepped closer, his hand reaching yours and you were hyperaware of how gentle his rough fingertips were against your skin, “you.”

“And if you were amenable,” he continued quietly, his fingers brushing over your knuckles, “I’d be also interested in courting you.”

You felt faint.

“Courting … me?”

He stiffened, shifting away from you and you immediately yearned for the return of his touch. “Only with your consent, of course,” he spoke, “Please forgive me, if I spoke out of turn, I thought perhaps – I thought you –“

“No, don’t get me wrong I’m,” you hurried to say, “I’m – this means a lot – but, uh, did you take a look around? There are so many wonderful people that you could be interested in and I am just … me … Why me?”

Your hand landed on his and you both froze, looking at where you were touching him. His skin burned against yours and you could feel his racing pulse underneath your fingertips.

“Because I don’t think of any of them when I make myself come at night,” he revealed with a growl and you swore your pussy pulsed at his words, “and I don’t think of any of them when I think about whom I want to raise my children with. I want you, mesh’la, very much so. Do you want me too?”

You could hardly believe your ears. Somewhere deep inside you, doubt was still hammering at your chest in worry. What if you had somehow misunderstood him? What if he realized what a mistake he made when you thought yourself safe?

But just as the worries seemed to creep up on you yet again, you caught yourself, just in time. You deserved happiness. You deserved love. And you deserved these things with the man who stood in front of you, who had told you how he felt for you. Who wanted you as much as you wanted him.

“Stars yes,” you breathed.

“What’s that?” he asked, his voice deeper than before, “I couldn’t hear you, little one.”

You nodded quickly, “I – I’ve wanted you for so long, Paz, I didn’t – I never, I never thought you’d think the same.”

“Well then,” he said, his helmet so close you could feel the cold of the beskar radiating onto your skin, “What would you say we go and make this semi-official, mesh’la?”

You grinned. This was a dream come true. Who would have thought that of all people Paz Vizsla, the one you had a crush on would return your feelings? His hand wrapped around your, completely enveloping your wrist and fingers as he tugged you through the crowd. You had always admired how people seemed to just make way for him wherever he went with an unconscious admiration and respect that he had earned. Now, following him as they parted for the both of you was thrilling.

The armourer sat at the end of the room, shadowed by her council as they oversaw the festivities.

“You want to leave us already?” she asked, tilting her golden helmet in acknowledgement.

You felt heady, clutching Paz’s hand like a lifeline. It was all so real now.

“I hope you will excuse us,” Paz said, “we found each other and I don’t want to waste any more time.”

“Stars know you wasted enough time pining after her,” Djarin commented from his place on the dais and that caught your attention.

Paz? Pining? After you??

The big man shifted next to you, seeming a little shy and you smiled. This was definitely something you would ask him about.

The armourer inclined her head and, from someplace you did not see, a goblet was brought to you. You knew the look of them well, the drink in it was given to every couple that found each other at the festivities. It was some sort of concoction that was rumoured to be especially potent for … you felt heat rise in your cheeks.

Paz lifted his helmet, just enough to take a sip and it felt forbidden to see the sliver of skin, to see how his hand dwarfed the precious metal. Soon, you would feel those hands on you, soon you could feel his skin against yours.

You were so enraptured by the sight of him, it took you a few moments to realize that he was holding out the goblet to you. “Would you like a drink, my love?” he asked you, his voice low and rumbly.

You nodded wordlessly, taking it from him. It tasted sweeter than you imagined, the liquid like honey on your tongue and causing a comfortable warmth in your belly. Almost immediately, Paz’s hand found yours and he dragged you away.

Everything was a blur. You did not see the people you passed, you did not take in the hallways you walked through. Paz was in a hurry and your laughter turned silent when you felt your need for him burn your veins. Was this the effect of the drink?

The hallways were completely abandoned and as Paz passed through the residential quarters, you found yourself curious about where exactly he was leading you.

You got your answer not a minute later.

“These are my rooms,” he announced as he punched the code into the keypad. The door swished open, revealing quarters that looked much warmer than you had expected. There was a giant bed with lots of blankets and pillows and the floor was covered in soft rugs. You could see his workstation completely overladen with files and plans and smiled when you spotted the invitation to the festivities at the very top of the pile.

Feeling his hands on your hips, you turned around with a smile, letting his hands slowly wander over you. His metal forehand touched yours and you took a deep breath in, relishing in the way your entire body seemed to warm at his touch.

“You have no idea how long I waited for this moment,” he whispered, his fingers slipping under the hem of your dress and slowly lifting it up. The feeling of his rough fingertips on the soft skin of your thighs chased goosebumps all over your body and you could feel a pang in your core.

“I never dared to dream,” he said, “that you could want me the way I want you.”

“I want you, Paz,” you whispered, your hands shaking with anticipation as you tugged on his shoulder pauldrons, “I always wanted you. Ever since I first saw you I knew it … if it would be anyone it would be you.”

“Good. Because for me it has always been you,” he hummed, sounding happier than you had ever heard him. He took a step forward and you gasped when you could feel his entire body press against yours, “Will you let me show you just how much I want you?”

You nodded, unable to find the words between sheer excitement and the needy pulsing between your legs.

In one quick movement, Paz had freed you of your dress and you hurried to step out of your underwear as Paz’s hands worked on the various buckles and clips on his armour. It was a flurry of movements, quickened by your desire for each other and suddenly you were both standing there, completely naked save for Paz’s helmet. But that was not what you were focussing on now.

“You’re – you’re really big,” you mumbled, taking in his girth. Stars you knew he was a big man but how was that supposed to fit inside you?

Paz chuckled, holding out his hand for yours and you followed his movements. You were both quiet as he guided your hand to his hard cock. “Your hand can hardly fit around me,” he marvelled, his breath hitching as his hand closed above yours. He started to move your palm with his and you watched enraptured as a few drops of precome started to bead at the tip.

Your walls fluttered around nothing at the thought of feeling him inside you and you shifted, swallowing nervously. Your chest brushed against his, your nipples hardening and out of reflex more than anything else did you tilt your head up towards him.

“I cannot show my face,” he said, clearly displeased with the rules, “Not now. Not yet.”

“But I’d like to kiss you,” you pouted, as you continued to stroke him, “I’d like to feel you.”

He hummed, taking a reluctant step back and you wanted to follow him before you saw where his hand went. Before you could say anything, the room fell into complete darkness and you stilled, trying to calm your heartbeat so you could hear what he was doing.

The sound of his intake of breath was unmistakable and you heard a thud, metal on wood, when you realized that he had taken off his helmet. You smiled. Of course. If you could not see him, he could take off his helmet and you could kiss him.

In complete and utter darkness, you reached out your hand only to find the warm skin of his chest. You smiled when his hand came up to hold you against him and moments later his entire body pressed against yours again. You could feel his reaction against your belly and his breath on your face and it was a miracle your brain hadn’t short-circuited yet.

Your noses brushed against each other and you smiled just before you could feel his lips against yours. Paz’s lips were dry and a little chapped but you swore you had never felt anything as heavenly. The kiss started out soft and careful as you got used to each other. But having him so close, the effects of the drink making you all dizzy, you couldn’t keep yourself from wanting to explore him.

You sighed against him and Paz used that to move against you, his tongue bushing over your bottom lip as his hand cupped the back of your neck, pulling you closer. He tasted sweet, just like the drink, and when his teeth closed on your bottom lip, you swore you were this close to coming just from having him close.

Lips moving against each other’s, you let him push you towards his bed, the mattress hitting the back of your knees. You squeaked, falling into the softness and scooted back until you could feel the pillows. Paz followed you, his body heat never leaving yours and when you arched your back, your chest accidentally brushing against his stubbled chin, he closed his lips around your nipple.

All breath escaped you as pleasure burnt through your veins. You just wanted him to touch you, to –

“Ready?” Paz asked you, kissing the spot between your tits. His hands slid up to the inside of your thighs and you were sure you had never been as wet as this moment. You nodded before you you remembered he couldn’t see you.

“Yes,” you whispered, hands finding his shoulders and you held onto him, “I’m ready.”

Paz made a noise at the back of his throat and you could feel him shuffling closer, his fingers rubbing over your folds and you gasped when they circled your clit. You were sure the mattress was already drenched with your juices and you inhaled sharply when you felt the head of his cock carefully part your folds.

He pushed inside you slowly and you gasped. “Stars,” you murmured, resisting the initial desire of your body to move away from him as your hands tightened on his shoulders. His head was not even completely inside you and your walls already felt like they were stretching too far. “You’re huge!”

“Not too huge, I hope?” he chuckled, pulling out carefully and leaving you feeling ridiculously empty. You could feel him pulsing against your folds, drops of precome mixing with your wetness.

You shook your head, wrapping your arms around his neck as you tried to find words. “I – Paz, what if you don’t fit?”

“Afraid your pussy is too small for my cock, mesh’la?” he teased you and you felt heat fill your cheeks at his words, the desire thrumming through you again.

At your lack of an answer, you felt him relax, his legs spreading beneath yours as his thumbs brushed over your sides. “Don’t worry,” he murmured, sweetly kissing your cheek, “I will make it fit.”

He pushed your legs up, his hands large on the soft flesh of your thighs as he pressed them to your chest. “Is that comfortable?”

His hips pushed forward a little and his shaft slid over your wetness. Something snapped in you.  “Stars, just fuck me already,” you panted, trying to lift your hips closer to him which resulted in your claves landing on his shoulders for leverage.

He laughed then, a deep belly laugh, that made your cheeks hot and your pussy clench. “Paz ...!”

“I am sorry, sweetheart,” he chuckled, his lips brushing over your calf and you felt him shift between your legs, “I will make amends.”

And amends he made when his shaft parted your walls again, slowly but surely, pushing the breath out of your lungs. You were prepared now, for the inevitable feeling of being split apart and you took a deep breath, your blood singing with relief at having him inside you.

Paz groaned above you, his hips starting to build up a fast rhythm that had your hands bunching the sheets. You had never felt so full.

“Can’t wait to see your tits bounce,” he groaned, “to see your belly all round with my child.”

You moaned at the image, walls clamping around him. Nothing sounded better than having him

“I'm gonna fill you up,” he announced between groans, his bed shaking with how deep and strong his strokes had become, “I’m going to put a baby in you and if it doesn’t take today then it will take tomorrow or the day after or the day after …”

Lying helplessly underneath him, you couldn’t do anything but take it. Take his cock, take his words, take the kisses he gently pressed on your jaw and neck.

 “Stars, you’re tight,” he cursed, leaning forward and pressing your legs further against you. Your muscles protested and you felt the knot in your core tighten.

“’s too much,” you panted, “please – I – I am so close I –“

“Come for me,” he encouraged you, his voice raw in your ear, “Come for me and I will fill you with my come like you deserve.”

You felt hot and cold at the same time and with Paz’s cock hitting a spot inside you that made you see stars, it was the closest you would ever come to an out-of-body experience, you were sure. You cursed under your breath, any thoughts leaving your head when all you felt was incredible.

You felt incredible.

“Good girl,” Paz’s voice got you out of your mindless state and you suddenly became aware that he was still very much moving inside you, shaft rubbing along your clenching walls as he seemed to get quicker and quicker until he buried himself so deeply inside you it almost hurt. The feeling of his come filling you was like an aphrodisiac all on its own.

“Oh fuck,” you murmured, your legs still shaking on his shoulders as he slowly pulled out, “That was –“

“Was?” Paz chuckled darkly as he rolled next to you, “I haven’t even started yet, sweetheart.”

You gaped at him, even if he couldn’t see it, “What?”

“What do you think they give us this drink for?” he asked, clearly amused.

“I – I don’t know,” you stuttered, your heart slowly reaching its normal rhythm again, “Heightened fertility?”

Paz hummed, his warm hand finding yours and squeezing, “That, too. But also for better … endurance.”

“Oh stars,” you groaned, “What have I gotten myself into?”

Both of you laughed at that and the happiness you felt threatened to burst out of your chest. The bed moved with Paz as he sat up, you could feel his arm brush against your shoulder and soon, his hand tugged on yours.

You followed his wordless instructions, trying your best to sit up. But his tugging did not cease until you understood what he meant. You raised your leg, attempting to straddle him and it was his other hand that gently held to your knee, guiding it over his lap.

It was impressive how in the darkness, Paz could still find your lips, pulling you in for a kiss. You could feel his heart beat in his chest and you were sure he could feel yours too. You wiggled your hips, causing him to groan against you. Your hands found the back of his neck, your fingertips playing with the soft hairs at the nape of his neck.

“I could get used to this,” you mused, quickly kissing the corner of his mouth and giggling when his hands cupped your tits, his thumbs swiping over your nipples.

“Me too,” he smiled against you, running the tip of his nose over your jaw. You wiggled again, feeling his cock harden between you and even with the mess of your combined juices spilling down your thighs, you felt ready to go again.

“C’mon, ride my cock,” he instructed, the teasing lilt to his voice betraying the grin that was undoubtedly on his face. You could feel his hands between you as he held his cock in position and you tried your best to raise yourself up high enough to sink down on him. But your body seemed to have different plans and the newly required effort to move reminded you just how much that first orgasm had taken you out.

His come served as lube as you sank down on him, your legs too weak to hold up any pretence of control as his cock speared you again. You whimpered, barely holding yourself up on his shoulders. Paz made a soothing sound, his lips on your temple as you tried to catch your breath.

“Go on,” he whispered, his fingers gently pinching your nipples and you mewled when he pulled on them ever so slightly, the pain giving your pleasure a new edge, “Work your pussy on my cock.”

“I can’t,” you admitted feebly, rocking against him. Your legs were trembling so much still and all you could focus on was how good he felt inside you, how stuffed you were, how deep he was.

“Paz, please –“

He did not do anything at first but you could feel his knees go up behind you and suddenly he was holding you by the hips. “It’s okay,” he soothed you, his fingers brushing over your skin, “I got you.”

Unable to say anything, you just let yourself rest against his chest, putting your head on his shoulder. He smelled of the woods and engine fuel and the pure warmth of him made your chest flutter. He got you.

You whimpered, hiding your face in his neck as he started to thrust up into you, bouncing you on him as if you weighed nothing.

“You take my cock so well,” he praised you, “What a pretty little breeding toy you are for me, sweetheart, how pretty you sound with my cock stuffed in that tight pussy.”

He had you bounce so strongly, the sound of skin slapping against skin couldn’t be overheard, and yet all you could hear was his panting breath in your ear, the quiet groans, the little praises. They made you clench even tighter around him and you tightened your hold on him.

Needing him more and more, you attempted to move your hips against his, trying to get your own rhythm going to get hom to move deeper. Stars, you needed him deeper.

“Oh, you’re much too weak for that, my love,” Paz teased you, his fingers tightened on the soft flesh of your ass before one hand came down in a slap, “Let me fuck you like you need, you can be as cockdumb as you want.”

You smiled, letting him take control again, and kissed the little spot behind his ear. There was a strange sense of happiness you hadn’t anticipated, in knowing that Paz really would take care of you. He would fuck you like you needed, fill you up like you wanted, and you didn’t need to do anything.

You just needed to enjoy it.

“Are you enjoying my cock?” he asked you breathlessly, “Does it feel good to be stuffed like you need?”

“Y-yes,” you brought out, embarrassed by how thin your voice sounded, “F-feels so good, Paz.”

“Tell me you want me to breed you,” he growled, his hips surging up in a particularly hard thrust, “Tell me you want my baby.”

You whimpered, the words stuck in your throat when you felt another wave threatening to send you over the edge. It was all you could do to hold onto him.

“Tell me or I won’t let you come,” he threatened, “Don’t you want to come, sweetheart? Don’t you want to be bred?”

His words made you want to sit up but Paz’s hold was as strong as ever.

“Pl-Please come inside me,” you burst out, not caring how your voice stumbled over itself, your despair to come too big to ignore, “Please, Paz, I want your baby, I – please come inside me.”

“I am going to breed you every single day if that is what it takes,” he growled, “Every free moment I have I am going to spend like this,” his finger rubbed over your clit, making you gasp, “Stuffing that pretty cunt with my come.”

Your gasp got swallowed by his kiss as his fingers worked their magic on your clit. “Come for me again, my love, let me breed you.”

And, as if all it would take were his words, you did. You clenched around him, biting your knuckles to keep quiet as you squeezed your eyes shut and tried to ride the waves of pleasure that washed over you.

“Good girl,” Paz groaned his hips stuttering, “My good fucking girl.”

The praise made you preen. His hands held you down on him and you could feel him filling you again, the sheer amounts of come trickling around where you were joined, squelching sounds mixing with your loud breaths.

“It feels so good,” you breathed once you felt like you could think straight again, “You feel so good.”

Paz hummed, his chest heaving against yours and despite the aftershocks of your second orgasm of the night still feeling prominent, you decided that this was your favourite moment. Here, resting against him, skin to skin, heart to heart, it felt like your world was finally complete.

“I think the drink is wearing off,” you murmured finally, “At least for me.”

“For me too,” Paz confirmed, his large hand settling on your lower back, holding you to him, “Though I am not quite ready to let go.”

“Me neither,” you sighed against him, closing your eyes to listen to his heartbeat.

“Don’t worry, though,” he said, kissing your temple, “We have time.”

[minisugakoobies]

*cackles evilly* Um, I mean- *coughs and smiles*

How about Mr. Bahng with (getting pinned against a wall) and ("God, you’re making me so fucking hard right now.")? Because, you know, you were one of the culprits who sent me down delulu land for him? 😒🧃💕

AJ, my beloved, anything for you! I'm still not sorry about the Chan brainrot 😆 and I can't wait to dig into Spin You soon 💕

Title: Keep It Secret Pairing: Chan x Gender Neutral Reader Rating: M(18+) Genre: Smut, Friends to Lovers Warnings: dirty texts, sneaking around, implied sex

(Apologies for any typos, ya girl is buzzed) The thing about sneaking around behind your friends' backs is - you're supposed to keep it secret.

But as you sit at the restaurant table where your group of friends are toasting to Minho's promotion, you're starting to worry that the others are going to know that you and Chan have been fucking.

Mainly because you can't stop looking at the texts he's been sending all night:

Channie: You look so fucking good tonight

Channie: Did you wear that dress just for me?

You bite your lip, thumbs flying over the screen, hoping the others don't see you. Because if they catch you texting, they'll be all up in your business faster than lightning. Your friends are amazing, but they're also the nosiest fuckers you've ever met.

Which is why you and Chan haven't told them about the hookups. The nights spent in each other's beds. The afternoons on your couches, him as deep inside you as he can possibly get. They'd have too many questions, want to know about labels. Neither of you want to deal with that.

So you try to hide it.

You: Yeah, I did. You like?

Casually, you lean forward, reaching for the bottle of wine Felix graciously bought for the table. But really, you're just letting Chan get an eyeful of your cleavage as he covertly gazes at you from the other side of the table. His blond hair falls gently over his brow as he bows his head over his lap, where his phone must rest.

Channie: Fuck dessert

Channie: Gonna eat you up instead

His last text has you shifting in your seat, rubbing your thighs together, desperate for any sort of friction. Jeongin, sitting next to you, notices.

"You okay there?" he asks, tilting his head with curiosity.

"I'm fine! Just… been a long week. Ready to get out of here and hit the dance floor." That's the plan for the evening - dinner, drinks, and dancing. But you're hoping to find time to fit something else in.

(Or rather, someone.)

The waiter comes around with everyone's desserts. You scoop up a spoonful of Makgeolli ice cream. Everyone's attention is on Minho as he tells a story. Everyone, that is, except Chan, who watches with naked interest as you close your lips around the cold treat, eyes fluttering shut as the sinful sweetness hits your tongue.

The spoon comes out clean, but a drop dribbles down your bottom lip. When you open your eyes, you stare directly at Chan as you lick the errant drop away. Delicious.

Not even a half second later, your phone buzzes in your hand.

Channie: God, you’re making me so fucking hard right now

You can't wait a second longer. Rising, you smooth down your skirt, letting your fingers brush over your thighs, knowing he's looking.

"I'm just going to use the rest room."

It's probably not the smartest idea, with all of your friends here, to do this now. But two minutes later, when there's a knock and another text -

Channie: Let me in, baby

and as soon as you open the door, he pins you to the wall, you realize that even if they figure it out -

It's worth it.

Masterlist 💜 Find me on AO3 💜 

© 2023 by minisugakoobies. Crossposted to AO3. Please do not copy or repost.

[lexosaurus]

The Phantom Martian: Chapter 1

Huzzah! I am here to provide a fic for Invisobang 2023!

This is a crossover between The Martian and Danny Phantom. You do NOT need to have read or watched The Martian to understand this fic (though, I recommend it because it's amazing!)

xxxx

Summary: When Astronaut Mark Watney went to Mars, he knew there was a chance he'd never come home. Now, though, he's determined to last long enough for NASA to save him because this whole dying for science thing is not as fun as it sounds.

Meanwhile, Danny Fenton is just trying to keep his identity a secret amidst a potential crisis with his powers. Seriously, what's up with that weird current under his skin? Why is he having so much trouble controlling it? And why does it feel so familiar...?

In a fit of determination (and possible stupidity), Danny goes to Mars to save Watney, only to add to both their crises when he arrives and can't get home. Will NASA save them? Will Danny have a home to return to if they do?

Chapter WC: 6,186

Fic Tags: Danny Fenton & Mark Watney, Canon Divergence, Ecton AU

Art by @pompomqt (it's so freaking good AHHHH!) Art by @friendzoned61 (screaming sobbing this is amazing)

xxxx

I am going to be updating a chapter each day of this posting week, and then I'll settle into a normal weekly/biweekly posting schedule.

I go into more detailed thank yous on AO3, but quickly I'd like to extend a hugeeeee thank you to @armed-with-knitting-needles, @bibliophilea, @lexiepiper, and @underforeversgrace for aiding in this fic. Between sitting on discord with me for hours doing math, betaing my infamous spelling habits, and in general providing much needed support in the form of memes, graphs, and good humor, these people are all AMAZING and I am forever in all of your debts 🙏

Since I'm not posting the chapters themselves on Tumblr, I put a preview excerpt under the cut! Enjoy!

xxxx

It had been a day since the news about the disastrous Mars mission was released.

NASA's website where satellite images of the Ares 3 camp were published had gotten so much traffic that the server went down for twelve hours.

Everyone wanted to see it. The wind storm. The camp in ruins. 

The aftermath.

Of course, NASA wasn't pointing their satellites at Ares 3 anymore. There was no reason to now that the surviving five crew members were well on their way back to Earth in the Hermes . 

God, what Danny would give to see the inside of that ship. If it was on Earth, the temptation to fly down to Cape Canaveral and invisibly peek inside would have easily won him over. But unfortunately, the Hermes has never been to Earth. It wasn't powered by regular rocket fuel, it was powered by ion engines — whatever that meant. 

All Danny knew was that the Hermes needed to be assembled in space instead of on Earth. It was shipped up chunk by chunk to the International Space Station where it was put together in orbit.

Which was just rude. 

[umlewis]

lewis hamilton, p3, during the post-race press conference [part 1], britain - july 9, 2023 (transcription under the cut)

Interviewer: "Lewis, if we could come to you now, great job by you. Your fourteenth British Grand Prix podium. How much did you enjoy being out there again?" Lewis: "Well, firstly, congrats to Max and especially to Lando, 'cause it was great to see… It was a great battle we had, but it's really amazing to see the McLaren back up in competitive form, you know? I think it's been such a long time. And then, for me, really didn't expect to be on the podium today, but when we go through all the different strategy options this is the one you hope for, which is the safety car, and I basically put on the medium tire in the hopes and planned to just stay out on them until the very end, until the safety car potentially would come, and fortunately it did. So our long run pace is really good, and really grateful for the team for continuing to push. We do have a lot of work to do on our car to put ourselves in proper competitive form, to fight the Red Bulls and now McLarens." Interviewer: "You were eighth at the end of lap one. What were you thinking at that moment?" Lewis: "I can't tell you the actual words I was thinking, but it was one of the worst opening laps that I've had for a while, so I think ultimately just trying to gather my thoughts and calm down and not be erratic. But I had a relatively decent start, and then into turn three just seemed to lock the rears for some reason. I think we had a tailwind into there and, for me, I just kept snapping and went wide, and the same thing happened- [upon Lando walking in late] Welcome!" [room laughs] Lewis: "And then the same into turn six and turn seven, and it was very tricky on the first lap, but then after that, just tried to find my feet. And the Ferraris were pretty quick, so it wasn't easy to catch them and overtake, but put us in a good position. But the most impressive part was at the end, following him. Honestly it was amazing to watch how good his car was in the high speed, and I know that we've got some work to do to catch up." Interviewer: "Tell us more about that battle, 'cause at various points we saw you side-by-side going into Copse." Lewis: "Yeah. I threw it up the inside into turn seven in the hope that I can finally… 'This is the moment I'm gonna make it happen', and pressed the overtake button. [To Lando] Did you press the overtake button? So we're both going down the road with the overtake, but he had less drag-so I guess he said they had the smaller wing- and they just started pulling, so I had to back out. But I was relatively quick in the first half of the lap, and I think if you look at our qualifying laps we were very, very close to Max all the way 'til I think it's turn thirteen, and then that's where they pull all their time, so we've got some work to do to improve our high speed performance." Interviewer: "Lewis, final one from me: Do you think McLaren had a faster car than you this weekend?" Lewis: "Yeah." [room laughs] Lewis: "Yes. A hundred percent, and last week, but this is the first time in a long time and they deserve to have the performance they have, as I said, so we've got to do a better job. They've now done a better job than us, and looking for… What I would say is that this is one of the most exciting times we've seen in the sport, where we're finally starting to see the regs pull people closer. You've seen the other day the Williams was up there with Albon, you've seen the McLarens now, the Astons, so we have a lot of teams getting very, very close. Small gaps within qualifying, which is exactly what we need, so looking forward to seeing the rest of the year evolve." Interviewer: "Alright. Brilliant job by you. Well done."

[icestar-74]

Shizaya Week 2023

Day 8 Free Day Part 7/8

Shizaya: "The last place we have is the yard. Where I play soccer and just have fun. The flea wouldn't want anyone to REALLY know but he loves fall and the leaves. Watching him have fun... I not so secretly love it."

Izaya: "Don't tell people about my love for leaves!"

Izaya: "Nothing is better than my humans but I have to say plants are pretty great. I love to water them. Shizu-chan and I spent a lot of time to plant them all."

Shizuo: "Hey, you remember that time you sprayed me with the hose?"

Izaya: "I refuse to turn around."

Izaya: "You know, I don't think we have ever using this fire pit."

Shizuo: "Naw, looks good though. We spend a lot of time on this yard for looks. I rake, you throw leaves and I rake some more."

Shizuo: "I love coming out here to do some reading."

Izaya: "Are you still reading that childrens book?!"

Shizuo: "You know, as much as the flea annoys me. His knowledge never ceases to amaze."

Izaya: "And that is the little dipper! Hey what are you looking at?"

Shizuo: "Something prettier than the stars."

Izaya: "...."

The grass is made from sticky moss sheets that I stuck to some foam board. The sky and stars are scrapbook paper. The stars are on foam board so I can switch day to night. I don't use night very often though.

One of the leaves in the yard is a real one I found outside. I felt it needed to be here. It's so cute.

Well the inside of the home tour is done. Hopefully you all had a blast! Next I want to show the outside and a few things for extra for part 8

;>

[strangerthingfanfic]

Welcome to my story for the Harringrove Bigbang!!!

This wouldn’t have been possible without my amazing Beta reader @camaro-and-smokes and my artist @demogorgeously

Chapter 1 can be found here at Ao3 or down below

Chapter 1: Truths

Hawkins High School Gym: Friday March 2, 2023

“Stop him Steve!” someone yelled as the brown-haired captain of the Tigers basketball team took on the newest player, the Californian mystery boy, Billy Hargrove.

Steve tried his best to block him from the basket but it was for nothing as the sun-kissed heartthrob made the winning basket.

“Skins win boys. You all did good. The interstate championship is coming up next month, so get your rest and keep practicing. See you next week,” the coach said as he headed for his office.

Steve and Billy had spent the whole year trying to best each other on the courts. They wouldn't say the word friend, but their competitive spirit has made them respect one another.

Steve sat down on the bleachers and put his head in his hands as he tried to figure out why every time his hand brushed against Billy’s sweaty chest, his heart beat faster.

Down the way, Billy was also trying to figure his own feelings out.

Their cool-down didn’t last long as a beautiful girl with brown hair and blue eyes that were red around the edges walked into the gym.

“Steve, your mommy is here,” Tommy Hagan said, making everyone but the two boys on the court laugh.

Steve took a deep breath and followed Nancy out to a quiet space behind the gym while Billy watched, feeling the weirdest sensation - jealousy.

“What do you want, Nancy?” Steve asked in an annoyed tone.

“Seriously Harrington, you spend all night blowing up my fucking phone and you act like I'm the one putting you out. I'm sorry your fragile male ego was hurt because I chose to study for a test rather than invite you over to hear about your basketball issues. Well, King Steve, enjoy the single life because we are through,” Nancy said and stormed off, leaving a very stunned Steve behind and his varsity jacket on the ground.

“I've seen breakups in my life, but that one was killer,” Billy quipped, trying to keep a victorious smile from spreading across his face.

Steve turned around, making a show out of leaning down a bit to put his face into Billy’s and said, “What, you following me now, shithead?”

Billy actually looked hurt by the comment, but his phone dinged before he could reply. “Would love to continue this lovely chat, but I’ve got something I need to do,” he said, looking worried and tired all at once.

Steve sighed. Billy kept checking his phone and muttering to himself and his hands were visibly shaking. “Need some help?” Steve asked softly. “You really shouldn’t drive like that”.

Billy scoffed. He didn’t need help, especially from someone like King Steve, but then something inside didn’t want Steve to be away either. Giving into the understanding, Steve was right and he really shouldn’t be driving, reluctantly nodded and dug the keys out of his pocket. He tossed them at Steve and led the way to his blue Camaro.

As Steve got in the driver’s side, he was trying to figure out what could have Billy so tied in knots.

Billy got in and buckled his seat belt. “Let's head to the daycare center next to the small store Joyce works at,” he said, his eyes constantly darting back to the phone that kept dinging.

Steve was confused but didn’t want to push it, so he started up the car. Why was Billy going to a daycare and how did he know Joyce Byers? he wondered to himself.

The trip was quiet except for the sounds of typing and dinging as Billy frantically kept replying to incoming texts.

When they got to the daycare center, Billy hopped out and ran inside without a word.

Not wanting to intrude, Steve kept himself planted in the driver's seat.

As Joyce came out of the daycare, Steve waved at her. She headed over to Steve and asked, “Why are you in the driver's seat”?

Steve smiled and replied, “Billy was shaking so bad I didn't think it was wise for him to drive. He hasn't explained what's going on yet, though.”

“He will when he's calmed down and ready. You're a good guy Steve. Now I better get my ass back to work before I get fired,” Joyce said with a laugh. She was halfway towards the convenience store when she suddenly turned around. “Oh, by the way, could you pick up the boys from school? I know you already dropped them off in the morning, but it would really help all of us parents. Thanks!”

Groaning at the sudden change of plans and not being given an option to decline, Steve grabbed his phone and texted Robin. “Hey Robs, what are you up to?”

“Hey, I'm just doing some homework. I'm surprised you're done with basketball practice. I feel bad for sports people having to stay behind even on short days. Anyway, how are you?” Robin replied.

“Well, Nancy broke up with me and now I'm sitting outside the daycare center and Joyce just asked me to pick up the kids out of the blue. My head's spinning and I’m not sure how it’s staying on to be honest, especially since I’m waiting for Billy Hargrove to do whatever he’s doing at the daycare,” Steve replied, not quite sure if he himself believed the words he just typed.

A couple of confused smileys and then Robin finally replied, “The hot new kid?”

Steve sent a facepalm, which he received a laughing face.

Just as he was starting to text another message, the door to the daycare opened and out came Billy, holding a baby wrapped in a pink and yellow blanket.

Questions swirled in Steve’s head as Billy opened the passenger side door, pulled the seat up, and carefully placed the baby in the baby seat. Placing a kiss on the baby’s forehead, he made sure the baby was secure, returned his seat to its upright position, and sat down.

“Her name is Mary and I need to take her to the doctor. Let’s get you back to your car and then I will pick up Max and head on over to the hospital,” Billy said as his phone chimed again. “Thank god her doctor will see her this afternoon at 3:30.”

Starting the car up, Steve wanted to ask a million questions but kept quiet, not wanting to awaken Billy’s temper.

The quiet but tense car ride didn’t take that long, but to both the men in the vehicle, it felt like a lifetime.

When they got to the school parking lot, Steve pulled into a spot right next to his brand new 2023 BMW X5.

“Who knew you would drive a mom car Harrington,” Billy quipped as he unbuckled his seatbelt and covered Mary with a blanket.

Steve’s face flushed pink. “I take a group of kids to and from school so I got a car that fits us all comfortably,” he said, undoing his own seatbelt.

“Always have to be hero Harrington don’t you” Billy said mockingly.

“And you always have to be a jackass,” Steve said, opening the door and getting out, making a show of dropping the keys in the driver's seat.

He was tired and he still had to pick up five kids. But he also wanted to stay and make sure Billy and Mary got to the doctor safely. Why do I care so much about this hot-headed asshole who's done everything in his power to make my life hell? His temper alone drives me crazy, Steve’s inner voice repeated over and over.

But his outer voice said something different, “We could move the car seat into the SUV and could pick the kids up, drop them off, and still make it to the appointment.”

“Thanks, but no thanks. I can’t take the chance of the others finding out. I will wait here for Max and then head to the hospital. Thanks for the help,” Billy said as he got back into the Camaro, this time in the driver's seat.

“I’ll come to the hospital after dropping the others off,” Steve said and got into the SUV and headed out.

Billy watched the SUV disappear into the distance. Part of him was confused why Steve would come to the hospital while part of him was glad.

When Max got there, they headed to the children’s hospital where Steve was already waiting for them. His SUV was nowhere in sight.

“Where's your mom car?” Billy quipped as he and Max got to Steve.

“I left it at the Byers. Jonathan gave me a ride here, but don't worry, I told him some lame excuse about volunteering,” Steve answered.

While Billy checked in with Mary, Steve found him and Max chairs close to the magazine rack to keep themselves busy.

Once Billy had checked in with Mary, they came back and sat down next to Steve and Max. He tried to keep himself composed while all he wanted to was to cry and tell Steve everything. It scared him. In all this time, he had never felt the need to be honest and open with anyone about what had happened, but around Steve he just wanted to be exactly that.

“Mr. Hargrove, the doctor will see you and Mary now,” the nurse said after a few minutes. Billy got up and was able to muster up enough self-restraint to follow the nurse to the examination room without saying a word to Steve, afraid they would be the wrong ones.

“It’s just a cold,” Billy said happily when he and Mary emerged from the doctor’s office.

After making a follow-up appointment and picking up Mary’s prescription at the hospital pharmacy, they were back in the Camaro, with Max complaining about the tight space, and headed towards Steve’s place.

The pile of questions Steve had kept growing by the minute, but he knew that making Billy angry would only make him clam up more.

The rest of the ride to Steve’s was so quiet that you could hear the wind passing through the cracks of the car's windows.

When they finally pulled into the driveway that led to Steve’s front door, both Max and Billy were amazed at the finery in front of them. “Damn Steve, you could host a block party on your damn driveway,” Billy just had to quip, making Steve roll his eyes.

When they got to the front door, Steve helped by getting Mary out while Billy helped Max. Steve then went, still carrying Mary, and opened the front door, inviting Billy and Max inside.

Once everyone was in, Steve looked down at Mary who was falling asleep in his arms and said, “I’m going to take her up to my old nursery and lay her down.”

Suddenly Billy’s carefree attitude changed, and he suddenly was in front of Steve, removing the baby from his arms. “I'll take her to lie down. Where is the nursery?”

“On the left-hand side as you get upstairs,” Steve said, taken aback.

Once Billy was beyond his view, Steve collapsed on the couch. He didn’t think the day could get any weirder until he looked over at the other sofa and had to do a double take.

Laying in a pile of clothes was a red-headed baby laughing and cooing.

“Billy, can you come down here” Steve called up the stairs as he picked up the now baby Max so she wouldn’t fall off the couch.

As he rounded the corner, Billy's face turned pale and his knees buckled, causing him to fall to the floor as he saw the bundle in Steve's hands.

“I’m so sorry Steve, you weren’t supposed to find out now. I’ve put you in danger,” Billy said, suddenly standing up. “I will get the girls and go. Maybe they won’t find out.”

Steve cradled Max as he went past Billy, headed upstairs, and soon came back down with a baby monitor instead of a baby. He headed to the fridge, grabbed some sparkling water and, sitting on the recliner across from the couch, said, “Time to talk, Hargrove.”

Sitting on the couch, Billy twisted open the lid to his sparkling water and took a long swig. “Hold on to your panties, this is a wild ass ride.” Taking a deep breath, he closed his eyes, knowing the sparkling water in his hand wasn’t enough to tell a story that Steve would not believe and would put him in danger. Opening his eyes, he was met with piercing brown eyes that said “you're not going anywhere until you tell me what the hell is going on”. Taking another swig of his liquid courage, Billy cleared his throat and began at the beginning.

“It all started at the beginning of last year. I was sixteen and wanted my own car. My dad said that I would have to earn the money and keep my grades up and a bunch of other shit I really didn’t listen to, so I was scanning help wanted ads online. One came up that was offering a huge amount of money. All I had to do was be a human guinea pig. I immediately contacted them and on January fourth, after passing all their health checks perfectly, they put me under anaesthesia. A few hours later, I woke up hooked to a bunch of machines with doctors standing in a circle around me. Then I heard the most disturbing thing I had in my sixteen years: ‘the uterus and the embryos have been successfully implanted. In nine months he will have a child‘.”

Hands shaking, he took another swig of water and dared to look over at Steve. His eyes were wide, but the worst was that he had the one look Billy hated most painted on his face. Pity. Not able to bear the look anymore, he closed his eyes and continued describing the journey.

“When I recovered from surgery, they put me in this really nice room and allowed anything I wanted. I wanted to murder the doctors for not telling me what I was in for beforehand. I mean, when they put me under, all they said was I would feel like a new person. I didn’t think they meant I’d be having a fucking baby.”

Again, he had to stop and take a drink. Honestly, he was ready to bolt. Ready to run but his girls were upstairs and who knew what kind of security this place had, so he mustered up what bravery he had and continued on.

“But some nagging feeling told me it was safer just to let things go the way they were. I don’t think it truly became real until the ultrasound later. I mean, I had very little morning sickness, and I didn’t get tired like they warned me about. But that moment, when I saw both my girls for the first time, I was hit with a wave of emotions: fear, love, anger, and more fear. Then I learned I was having twin girls. Then came the lactogenesis.”

“Wait, wait, Billy, slow down. What the hell is lactogenesis?” Steve said, trying to keep up with the story.

“Basically, the start of me producing milk,” Billy said, his face turning a soft pink.

“Oh,” Steve said as he tried to cunningly look at Billy’s chest to see any signs of this.

“Eyes up here, buddy. Now, I’m going to continue if that’s fine with you.” Steve nodded, and Billy took a breath and continued.

“My head went into a tailspin of emotions that I don’t think ever ended. Honestly, the rest of the pregnancy was a blur of having blood drawn, psychological evaluations, physicals, and at some point a basic parenting class. So, fast-forwarding to Sept. 5, 2022, the girls were born via C-section. They both cried quickly, and I got to hold them and feed both of them for the first time. Which, I must say, was the most awkward but confusingly most satisfying thing I had ever done. But then alarms started going off and the head doctor, Doctor Martin Brenner, started yelling to get me and the girls out of the delivery room and to another facility in order to continue testing on the girls. But Doctor Sam Owens, who had been very kind to me, helped me into a wheelchair, gently placing the girls in my arms and wheeled us out a back door, grabbing a case of vials as he left. Owens got the driver's seat of my car that was parked outside up and managed to help me squeeze into the backseat to lie down to minimize the pain I was in. Laying the girls on my chest, he replaced the seat and drove us to a hotel about six hours outside of San Diego. Once inside, Owens told me that one of my daughters, Max, had a genetic defect that would be a devastating blow to humanity if replicated. He told me he had been able to create a medicine that will reverse the effects, but it only lasts twelve hours. I looked at the man like he was crazy. Max looked absolutely normal. Then It happened for the first time. Right at 5pm Max went from being a few hours old to being twelve years old right in front of my eyes. I mean, imagine one minute you're holding your newborn daughter and boom, then she’s fucking twelve, talking, walking and being a fucking pain. The fact she knew how to be a fucking pain pissed me off more. So, now not only did I have two kids but one with this weird power or whatever it was with no one to help me except Owens. And he only did what he did because I promised I would let him keep tabs on the girls. Owens chose Hawkins to continue keeping tabs on Max and her 'ability' because it was off the grid, and the people who worked for Brenner would never look for us there. According to Owens, Brenner wanted to take Max and replicate the anomaly inside her to reverse the aging process. So, the next morning we waited until 5am and loaded a cranky pre-teen and a screaming one day old into the Camaro and headed here.”

Billy swore as he stopped to take a drink and found his sparkling water empty. Steve got up and got a couple more bottles and placed them in front of him. He thanked Steve as he opened another bottle, and after taking a swig, he continued.

“My life has been a fucking groundhog day ever since. For some reason, Max just started calling me her brother, so we went with that. From 5am to 5pm I’m her brother and from 5pm to 5am I’m her fucking mother. Feeding, changing and trying to keep the three of us alive in this dank little room at the rec center that one of Owen's friends let’s me use. I sleep on a mattress and the two girls share a crib. There’s been three saving graces. One, my twins. Two, for compensation for my hardships, Owens transferred the Camaro into my name. I also get a weekly supply drop of diapers and things for older Max and a weekly allowance of $100 to shop for food and clothing. Three, Joyce. When I went to the market on the third day we were here, I left Max to watch Mary for a bit. Next thing I knew, I was having a full-fledged breakdown in one of the aisles when I saw the price for some lunch stuff for Max. I was at my breaking point and then there Joyce was, like an angel. She asked what was wrong, and I just blurted out everything to her. When I was done, I panicked. I thought she would call CPS or the police, thinking I was crazy, but all she did was hold me and tell me she would figure it out with me. The next day she had me meet her after dropping Max off and got me set up with the daycare so I could go to school. Then she had Sheriff Hopper bring over some old infant clothing and blankets. He also had a brand new crib made for twins and he helped me to set it up. They offered to make room at their place and Hopper offered me his cabin, but I didn’t want them involved, so I declined.”

Steve watched as Billy, who had always been sturdy as a rock on and off the court, buried his face into one of the couch pillows and cried. Steve could tell Billy was trying to hide the tears, so he said nothing. The questions in his head could wait for later.

Finally, slowly raising his head and clutching the pillow to his chest, Billy said, “I’m drowning, Steve. My girls deserve more than an old room. They deserve that amazing nursery you have. They deserve a stable home, not an old room with nothing in it. My parents think I’m dead and don't know they’re grandparents, though that might be the only decent thing about all this. My dad is stuck in the freaking 80s when people tried to have the perfect family. He was just a damn kid back then, but fuck that, right? He probably would’ve had a heart attack if I told him I got pregnant–and could again. But I seriously want to know If I was to disappear, would you take them in? Be their parent? That way, they’d have a chance at life and Max could get her cure.”

Billy stopped but didn’t reach for his sparkling water. He started to fidget where he sat. His breathing quickened like he was having a panic attack, but he quickly resumed breathing normally. “Owens told me today he found a cure, but it would cost me 10k. I wanted to punch him but I didn’t want to make a scene, so I gritted my teeth and left,” he said, and as he took a swig of his sparkling water, tears ran along his jawline.

After a small pause, Steve finally spoke. “This is right up my alley.” Looking at the clock, he grabbed his phone and wallet, Billy’s keys, and headed out the door.

The sound of the Camaro’s V8 revving in the last minutes of daylight sent shivers down Billy’s spine. The sound of gravel flying in under the squealing wheels made the whole thing even more menacing.

Billy chugged the last of his sparkling water, cursing that he couldn’t have anything stronger, and then laid down on the couch. Before he could even close his eyes, he heard crying over the baby monitor. So, he got up, ran up the stairs towards the nursery, pulling his shirt off. He picked up the two screaming babies from their crib and sat in the rocking chair, setting them up for feeding, which always seemed to take forever.

***

The Camaro was the most beautiful piece of engineering Steve had ever driven, and he had driven a lot of cars, including the newest models. Every turn was smooth, the stick shift melded with his hand, and the roar of the engine was music to his ears.

As much as he wanted to disappear into the void, he knew he had to make the dreaded call. “Siri, call mom,” he said. As he listened to each unanswered ring, his anxiety got worse and worse.

“Hello Steve,” came a woman's voice over the speaker.

Ignoring the annoyed tone in his mother’s voice, he said, “Hello mother. I need your help. A friend is being blackmailed and I want to help.”

First, silence. Then, “What does this have to do with me?” she huffed.

He wanted to scream at her, but said, “Dr. Martin Brenner.”

“I will text you when we are set up. What do you need?” she asked, finally interested.

“10k and a safety net from Dr. Sam Owens,” he answered.

“I'll get it done,” she said.

The phone clicked dead, pissing Steve off more.

Reaching over, he flipped on the radio and was surprised at classical music playing. He’d always heard that babies like classical music.

The drive to the clinic wasn’t that long, but it felt like ages. What he was about to do was crazy and could go south quickly.

Hopefully, his mother had come through.

When he arrived at the clinic, there were only a few cars left in the parking lot. He hoped that Owens' car was one of them.

He got out, taking a deep breath. Just as he was stepping inside, his cell phone dinged with a message.

“Everything is set up, just waiting for you to say if it's a go or not. Love, Caroline.”

His mother signed no messages as ‘mother’. It didn't bother him anymore, though. He was just glad she had his back when he really needed her.

As he headed straight back to the room he saw Billy go into, the receptionist said loudly, “Sir, you're not permitted back there without an appointment.” Without even looking at her, he flipped her off and kicked open the door.

“Doctor Sam Owens,” Steve said, making himself comfortable in one of the visitor's chairs. “We need to talk”.

Owens swore loudly as he turned to face the disruption that had just kicked his door open. “Who the fuck are you”? he asked.

“I'm here to pay the 10k for the cure for Max Hargrove. Then, either of two things will happen within 48 hours. Option one: Max will be cured and you will get your 10k. You can pack up your shit and leave Billy and Hawkins alone. Option two: Max doesn't get better, and the FBI takes your ass in, on paper at least, but I'm sure you're more familiar by their other name, the Shadow Group. That’s just a text away. So, let's go, doctor. If you refuse, I can send that text right now, too,” Steve said with a sneer.

Owens sat down in his chair and let out a small laugh. “Kiddo, why should I be afraid of you?” he asked, probably hoping to call the young man’s bluff. The fire that flared in Steve's eyes made Owens flinch, clearly rethinking his own safety. He grabbed a case from a safe under the sink and said, “I've got the cure. I know it will work, but I'm the least of your worries. Brenner won't stop looking for them.”

“We’ll deal with it if and when it happens, but for now, let's go,” Steve said as he let Owens lead the way out.

Steve's hands gripped the wheel tightly as they headed towards his place. Just the thought of the asshole next to him being around Billy and those girls again made him want to throw up.

“You know, kid, I'm not the bad guy here. I did everything I could for your friend and his kids. But I have to make sure my wife and son are safe as well and that money will help secure it,” Owens said, trying to plead his case.

Steve growled and snapped back, “I get it, but holding a child’s livelihood above her parents’ head is just disgusting.”

“That child wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for me,” Owens said, boasting.

“Your true colors finally show. This is about ego, not your family. Let’s hope your cure works, doctor, because if it doesn’t, all you're going to see is a cell and three meals a day,” Steve said. Both of them spent the rest of the trip inside their own heads.

When Steve and Owens got back to Steve’s house, he grabbed Owens by the arm and dragged him inside. When Steve saw the empty living room, his mind went back to Billy's words ‘if I disappeared’ and started panicking.

Continuing to hold Owens by the arm, he dragged Owens up the stairs and to the nursery.

The sight in the room stopped Steve by the door. Billy was asleep in the rocking chair, his shirt off and both of his girls in his arms.

“Do you really want to continue to torture that family?” Steve whispered to Owens.

“Why does a rich kid like you care about a kid with nothing but two kids in tow?” Owens spat.

Steve grabbed Owens' arm again and dragged him into the nursery.

Billy woke up the minute Steve set foot in and threw a blanket over the girls as he held them tightly against his chest. “God! Harrington, you scared me!” he hissed, relaxing until he saw Owens. “What the fuck is he doing here?” he growled.

“He has the cure for Max,” Steve said as he pushed Owens forward. “Give it to her. Then you’ll stay here for two days, making sure nothing goes wrong,” he said, waving his phone in front of Owens. Steve looked over at Billy, who looked back in confusion and fear as he held both his girls against his chest. “Don't worry, he won't do anything stupid,” he said as he reached out his arms for Max.

Billy gently placed her into Steve's arms and held onto Mary.

Steve brought a still sleeping Max to Owens and held her arm out for him to give her the shot.

Taking a deep breath, Owens did as he was told to. It made Max wake up screaming in return, and even though he had seen the whole thing, Billy got up and got right in Owen’s face and said, “If anything is wrong with her, I will kill you.”

Steve quickly returned Max to Billy and gently assured him, “She’s alright. She’s going to be alright.”

“Alright doctor Owens, in two days, if the cure really works, you’ll get your payment and you can get the hell out of their lives,” Steve said, remaining by Billy’s side.

“I’ll pay you back. I promise,” Billy said, trying to keep his emotions in check. .

Steve smiled and said, “We can talk about that later. How about for now we go and have some drinks in the living room and relax?”

Surprisingly, Billy didn't fight and gently put both girls in the crib. Max looked at him with tears still dabbing the side of her tiny eyes.

“I will be just downstairs, my love,” Billy said. At that moment, Mary put her little arm around Max and they began to cuddle. Max seemed to forget about Billy and her shot at once.

Steve smiled at Billy and said, “Twins always have a caretaker, even at 6 months old.” Billy nodded, and they flanked Owens down the stairs ahead of them and pushed him onto one of the couches. Billy sat across from Owens, staring daggers at him while Steve went to the kitchen to get them drinks.

When Steve returned and handed Owen his drink, he spoke. “Better get comfortable and you better hope nothing goes wrong or you will end up meeting my mother and her colleagues within a shadow government you won’t be drinking with.”

“Damn, Harrington, I didn’t know you had this in you,” Billy said as Steve sat next to him. “I'm full of surprises, Hargrove,” Steve replied. It made Billy's lower half respond in kind, it made Steve even more elated himself.

Owens groaned, having to witness the teenage banter in front of him. Billy and Steve just laughed.

They all opened their drinks and quietly eyed each other as they drank.

***

At 4:30am, Billy’s alarm went off blaring Master of Puppets.

Groaning, Billy hit the off button and tried to sit up, but was being held by something around his waist. It was then he remembered they fell asleep on the couch and Steve must’ve put his arm around him. If it wasn’t for needing to get upstairs for Max, he would’ve let the guy sleep. No one had ever done anything to Billy like Steve had done last night. He was still afraid to let himself get close to anyone, but now he was more than willing to try. Gently sliding out from under Steve’s arm, he stood up and was already heading upstairs when he felt a hand grip his wrist.

“I’m coming too,” Steve said, yawning.

Billy couldn’t help but laugh. “Fine, but I’m not carrying you up the stairs.” Somewhere in his mind, he knew he would do that if needed, and it made him feel warm inside. Billy stopped by Owens, who was sleeping on the other couch and pulled his legs off of it.“Time to get up, Doctor Frankenstein, we have to check on my daughter,” Billy sneered.

Owens didn’t dare argue or try to make a corny joke, he just followed.

Both girls started crying when they reached the stairs. Billy knew that meant breakfast time. He strode upstairs, two stairs at a time. When he reached the nursery, he lifted the girls out of the crib and sat on the rocking chair to feed them.

The girls found their favorite spots quickly, making him breathe in from the pain, realizing he had never put his shirt on from the last feeding.

“They are good eaters,” Steve said from the doorway of the nursery.

Billy laughed and agreed. “They are that. I tried doing it one at a time, but it didn’t work. They would eat if both of them weren’t there. When I had to start leaving Mary at daycare, I was so scared she wouldn’t eat from the bottle. Thankfully, she did, but only at daycare. Once Max was her normal self. Mary would only breastfeed next to Max.”

Steve smiled and watched for a few minutes, trying to turn off the feelings of peace and comfort as the house finally felt like a home, but he couldn’t.

Remembering they were on the clock, he pulled Owens into a spare bedroom, and sat him in an old chair as he got out a new blanket to lay Max on.

Steve had never been religious, but at that moment, he silently asked God to spare Billy and Max from any more pain and let the medicine have worked. And it was then, as if God was letting him know all would be alright, as Steve passed the window after sitting Owens down, a warm, bright light came through and engulfed Steve. His worry was gone and shortly thereafter, so was the light.

The look of amazement and confusion crossed Owen’s face as he looked at the window and then to Steve. It was again completely dark outside but yet that light had been there.

At ten to five, Billy came in holding Max. She was happily cooing and kept reaching for Billy's face.

Steve felt knots in his stomach. The look on Billy’s face said everything. If this didn’t work, it would probably be the final straw that would break Billy for good.

Laying Max on the blanket, Billy turned to Steve.

Steve placed a hand on Billy’s cheek and said gently, “It will work. All will be well”

Billy nodded, trying to stay positive.

They all anxiously waited for the chiming of Billy’s phone to tell them it was time.

Ding ding ding.

Poop.

The only thing that happened was Max stayed a baby and pooped her diaper, making both Steve and Billy break into laughter.

Billy picked her up, taking her back to the nursery to change her. Relieved, he left Steve and a very egotistical Owens behind.

“I knew it would work! I am a genius.” Owens shouted.

As if anyone cared.

Steve got right into Owen’s face. “No, shithead, you’re not. You're a lunatic who finds joy in hurting others because it boosts your own damn ego. Just so you know, your friend, Doctor Brenner, was picked up by the Shadow group this morning as he tried to flee the country. Someone had tipped him off that Billy was in France with the twins and working as a tour guide.”

Owens laughed and said, “Brenner isn’t a friend, more like a means to an end. I hope he enjoys federal prison.”

Ignoring Owens, Steve continued. “Now, I am a man of my word. A higher power has assured me that Max will be just fine from here on, so I’m going to let you leave. But you shouldn’t try to fly or do anything under your real name because the Shadow group will be on top of you at once. Brenner ratted you out as an accomplice the minute he was taken into custody. Not a very good friend in my books.”

Steve smiled, noticing Owen’s eyes widen at this news.

“Please kid, I have a family,” Owens pleaded.

Steve laughed and said, “I’m guessing the people you’ve hurt also had one, but don’t worry, they will be fine.”

Owens just sat in silence.

“Thank goodness I have a more reliable mom,” Steve continued. “See, all I had to do was give my mom both your names, and she did the rest. She isn’t here a lot, but she would kill for me. This time, though, she has the Shadow group searching every dark corner of the country for you. So, here are the keys to the old station wagon that they left for you in the driveway and you're to leave Hawkins and never come back. If after some time you seem to keep your word, I will have my mom and her group call off the search. Good luck out there, Doctor Owens.”

Steve watched as Owens grabbed the keys and headed outside. Following Owens to the door, he watched as Owens found the station wagon, got into the driver's seat, and sped off toward the town exit.

Flipping off after the disappearing car, Steve took out his phone and typed a message out to Robin. “Lots to tell you, Rob. Will be busy the rest of the weekend but on Monday for sure. Take care.”

“You better spill it all then on Monday Steve,” Robin wrote back.

“I thought we got to entertain him until tomorrow,” Billy commented as he entered the living room, sadly with his shirt on this time.

“Well, the Shadow group is probably waiting for him outside of town. Sometimes it’s nice having parents with contacts. My mom works within the group, so she was able to make Brenner and now probably Owens, too, disappear - quickly. Now you can focus on important things, like how you're going to help me after school on Monday. The kids are going to be wondering where Max is and I think you should be the one to explain,” Steve said with a grin, putting his phone away.

“Now, I’m going to go make us something to eat since the girls have had theirs,” Steve said and left the room, heading into the kitchen to make breakfast.

Billy didn’t know how to react to that, so he just followed Steve into the kitchen. He would have to explain to the daycare why he now had two six-month-olds instead of just one. And he also would have to call Joyce and let her know what was going on. But that could wait.

Taking the eggs Steve handed him and as soon as the pan was at the right temperature cracked them open perfectly for a sunny side up. “Life should be more interesting now, huh?”

Steve laughed and looked over at Billy. “I can't imagine it won't.” Inside, though, he wondered what secrets Billy might withhold and if maybe they could be more than friends.

Unbeknownst to Steve, Billy was wondering the same thing.

[yekkiz]

it’s that time of year again… 🎄🎅🎉🎊 no. the highlights of your 2023 media consumption of course! just like last year, i want to know your top 5 films, books, tv shows, songs/albums, pop culture moments if that’s your thing, and as a bonus: any favourite personal moment/achievement in the last year? new to you, new in release, either works! can’t wait to see your response and wishing you a happy new year! 😁🩷

HEY!!! I'm adding media I've loved this year wether it was released this year or not if thats ok but most of these did in fact release during 2023

long paragraph..,,

top 5 films

Beau is afraid - absolute favorite 2023 movie, Ari Aster will never fail to get into the depths of my brain in such beautiful and traumatising ways...it was truly a ride - watched it twice in the span of a week because the itch inside couldn't stop itching god it was so good, it felt like a dream and a nightmare and god knows how bad i love things that feel like dreams and nightmares, the mystery of what it means to "dream"

Talk to me - YES!!!! great horror!!!!! BEST montage scene of the year (yes. that scene with Le Monde song) great great great rhythm it felt like 2000s horror. simple main plot doesn't always mean its gonna be predictable or boring, LOVE a good "not so original" idea when its greatly made and this is the perfect example! classic horror is so back

Infinity pool - insane. loved every second of this. original premise, critic message, GREAT cast, sick visuals...Mia Goth the actress that you are

M3GAN - camp! not much else to say really. watched it a couple times during the year it's just become a personal comfort movie i just love that doll shes everything to me

Pearl - yeah I watched this way too late.........for an A24 horror enjoyer.... sorry father for i have sinned. Rewired my brain chemistry, changed my life forever, did irreversible damage on my psyche etc. Beautiful splendind wonderful i CAN'T wait for maxxxine

top ¿? shows

haven't watched many remarkable shows but there we go with my little ranking...

Severance - incredible visuals, incredible storyline, amazing concept overall, can't wait for season 2

Better Call Saul - this show is all I breathe and Im genuinely worried that I won't be able to like a show as much as I like bcs - fav show i've ever watched, genuinely

La Mesías - best 2023 spanish show.............i love shows i love media i love art. when i watch things like this i feel so honored i'm able to witness such things for so little payment like. this isnt worth a suscription i feel like i owe more for letting me see such thing. i feel like im a voyeur when i encounter media that's so carefully made, with so much taste and eye for detail...like i shouldn't be allowed to watch through my laptop screen in my bedroom . just wow if you have the chance and find a sub version i can't recommend it enough

that was my top 2023, other shows ive watched...just rewatched the office, currently rewatching breaking bad, I think you should leave...

top 5 albums/songs

Desire, I want to turn into you - Caroline Polachek - so ethereal, so dreamy, feels like a movie and like when you fall in love and start noticing things you usually never paid attention to - the beauty of your hometown, your lover's hands or how their smile folds in certain ways when they see you, even how you perceive yourself differently

fav track - either I believe or butterfly net

Fanfare - Dorian Electra - from one extreme to the other..complete chaos and noise and I'm soooooo seated for it! such a complete album with 0 skips, always gonna love a fame themed record that talks about things that aren't relatable at all and gotta love the pop culture moments aswell, they're always so campy yet manage to be deep at times i love an unserious but self aware king what can i say!

fav track - wanna be a star

American Gurl - Kilo Kish - oh i love love this album i love the sound of it, the videogame vibe...every single song is so addictive I'll be minding my business and a random song from this album will pop into my head

fav track - no apology!

Preacher's Daughter - Ethel Cain - well this was certainly something it literally felt like a horror movie and of course I'm so here for it. terrifying, disgusting, sent shivers down my spine the first time I heard it on full length...and still does when I do. such a great album and def one of the best ones ive ever heard, top 5 for sure

fav track - family tree

Ultraviolence - Lana del Rey - yeah i'm 10 years late and thank god I am bc only god knows the irreversible damage this would have done to teenager me

fav track - florida kilos

2023 personal highlights

started the year doing a really nice trip that somehow helped me clear thoughts about my future

I got accepted into the masters degree I wanted which also gave me the chance to meet so many cool people and make so many good friends <3

I've been able to draw soooooooo much - my arm is doing sooo much better

got a tattoo I really wanted! got that flash design in my mind for a while and it's finally on me

this year was so hard for me and my family and it was such a challenge. I'm so proud we could manage through it all, and hopefully this year is easier on us

thanks so much for the ask Imo! sorry I wrote a lot and half of it it's just nonsense though!! I wish you a happy new year <333

[nataliescatorccio]

Hello, Becca! I hope you're doing well! Bit of a random question perhaps but since you are a woman of great tastes, I am curious: What are your top 10 favorite shows?? Feel free to add what you like most about them! Thanks for indulging me and keep being amazing <3

hello phoe! hope you're well too<3 i'll be honest, whenever i get this kind of question my mind immediately goes blank and i forget any show i've ever watched, so this is by no means a 'definitive list' because there are definitely things i love that just slip my mind, but here are more shows i've really enjoyed this past year:

the witcher: for the women who take shit from no one and kick ass, but also for the found family vibes. the witcher will always have a special place in my heart, the characters are both fantastic on their own and interacting with each other, and this show will always feel like home to me

shadow and bone: just because i've giffed it a lot this week and it brought back all the feelings. comedy mixed with action, it was just an adventure and a joy. shadow and bone brings back the young adult fantasy nostalgia my brain craves, but injects a freshness of sarcastic comedy into it with the addition of the crows (my beloveds)

yellowjackets: rewired my brain chemistry. it was the biggest surprise of a show for me because i actually thought i really would not vibe with it as it's marketed towards horror and i am a scardy cat who does not vibe with anything horror. and yet, from the first episode it completely grabbed me. the wanting to know what happened next of course, but mostly just getting to see the intricate relationships between girls. there is nothing out there quite like yellowjackets, and for that reason it really is a special one

house of the dragon: divorced lesbians let's go! i love a show that's a tragedy. i love a show where i know the ending and it's inescapable. i love watching everything crumble whilst knowing there is no way out, and yet begging at every second for something to somehow change. just fantastic worldbuilding, fantastic characters, and fantastic relationships to watch burn. if you like angst and pain this one's for you!

our flag means death: i don't think anything exists quite like our flag means death. it's a breath of fresh air in the tv world. there's a character for everyone to love, whatever archetype you fall for. and it's guaranteed to be a rollercoaster of emotions: this show has made me laugh and cry but most importantly it never disappoints

the last of us: show of 2023 for me. i knew very little about the last of us game watching this, and for that reason i was hooked the second i started watching because i just had to know what happened. i still have to know what happens, the wait for 2024 may kill me. just a great action-packed show with the most beautiful acting in existence

good omens: good omens was just a little bit of light in my life this year. where a lot of shows in the currently tv world rely on heavy action sequences, or gore, or even sexual content, good omens challenges that perfectly. it's a light-hearted relief, even silly at times (in the best way possible), but also knows how to make you think and make you cry. i just adore how the plot is done, with a 'present day' storyline but also several stories that run in the past to see how the characters got to where they are now, it's a trope that i very much enjoy

bridgerton: i absolutely love a good period drama. i grew up watching many a jane austen adaptation with my mum, and so there is something incredibly comforting to me about adaptations set in this time. bridgerton is just a good vibe, i know it will make me feel warm and fuzzy inside no matter what drama it also serves on the side. plus kate and anthony? rewrote the definition of chemistry

the umbrella academy: honourable mention to my little superhero show of chaos. if you like superhero shows, watch the umbrella academy. if you don't like superhero shows, watch the umbrella academy. it's a chaotic mix of found family and time travel and trying to save the world and that makes it perfection

merlin: shoutout to this classic because i've been rewatching it lately and damn, they just don't make tv like they used to in the mid to late 2000s. at times it's cheesy, at times it makes you want to bawl your eyes out, and you know what? you'll never know which one it's going to be. it's absolutely ridiculous but entirely fun. once you accept that the bad cgi is hilarious you'll be guaranteed a wonderful show, just take your tissues with you for the sudden gut-punches of emotion it provides

[whimsicallyenchantedrose]

Christmas Reruns 2023 Day 9: Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (2/3)

Merry Christmas if you celebrate it and happy holidays if you don’t!  One of the things I love about Christmas is watching reruns of all the old classic Christmas movies–Christmas is a big time for nostalgia.  A few years ago, I decided to incorporate that tradition into my fandom life and post my CS holiday reruns.  So here you go!  Enough holiday (mostly) fluff to get you to New Year’s Day. (With a new story posting on Christmas Day.)

Rating: G

Word Count: 2545

Other chapters: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32

Notes: This story was originally written in 2014.

Walking in a Winter Wonderland

“Looks like your boyfriend learned about Christmas,” David said dryly as he pushed open the sheriff’s station door.           

Emma elbowed her way past her father to have a look and then barked out a laugh.  A veritable forest of mistletoe hung above her desk and chair.  David was right; it couldn’t be the work of anyone but her adorable idiot of a pirate.

“Although if he really wanted to get you to kiss him,” David continued, draping his winter coat over the back of his own chair, “he would have hung it inside one of the jail cells.  We left the station locked when we went on rounds, so I’m pretty sure this qualifies as breaking and entering.”

Emma grinned.  “Cut him some slack, Dad.  There are far, far worse things he could have done, don’t you think?”

“That depends,” David replied with a frown.

“Yeah?  On what?”

“Whether or not he makes use of the mistletoe when I’m around.”

Emma laughed again, still amazed at the happiness that was her life at the moment.  Seriously, who would have thought that Emma Swan, the unloved, unwanted orphan would one day have to deal with an overzealous pirate boyfriend and an overprotective father?

“I’ll make him behave,” Emma promised.  “At least while you’re around.”

David grimaced.  “You had to tack on that last part?”

“Yep,” Emma replied, taking a seat.  “Deal with it Dad; your little girl’s dating a pirate.  Bound to be some…um…misbehavior.  Probably on both our parts.”

David groaned.

Her dad put up a good show, but Emma knew that’s all it was—a show.  The bromance was strong with these two.  Emma didn’t know who was happier that her relationship with Killian was still going strong, her or her dad.

A month had passed since Gold’s sorcerer’s hat stunt, and they were all still reeling from it to various extents.  She’d had nightmares about it every night for a solid two weeks following the incident.  Nightmares where they didn’t make it in time.  Nightmares where she, her mom and Belle arrived at the clock tower a moment after Gold had finished crushing Killian’s heart into a fine powder.  She’d woken up shaking and bathed in sweat. 

If Gold had succeeded…she couldn’t even bring herself to finish the sentence.  The very thought scared her more than anything in her life had ever scared her.

It was in that moment when she was frozen in place, helpless to protect Killian, that she gave up the last bit of pretense.  She loved him; there was no denying it.  Just the sight of him was enough to make the butterflies start tap dancing in her stomach.

“What do you think of my first attempt at decorating for the season?” 

Speak of the devil. 

Killian strode in with the confidence (and looks) of a fashion model.  He leaned down, brushed a kiss against her cheek and then straightened with the grin she’d come to learn meant trouble.

“Not bad,” she said, “but you know people usually just hang one sprig of mistletoe, not a whole garden.”

He tsked, and frowned at her playfully.  “And where would be the fun in that?  I’d prefer to increase my chances of finding myself under it with a fetching lass rather than limit them.”

He pulled her to her feet and wrapped his arms around her.  “Speaking of which, it appears you and I are currently standing beneath a particularly hearty specimen.  Holiday traditions must be observed, darling.  Good form and all.”

She grinned and looped her arms around his neck.  “So what are you waiting for?”

His smile turned distinctly wicked.  “Not a thing in the world, love.”

A wildfire raged between them at the first touch of his lips to hers.  It was always like this between them; like someone had tossed a lit match on a mountain of dry kindling.  Emma tilted her head, instantly deepening the kiss, reveling in the feel of his hand in her hair anchoring her to him, his hook at her back urging her closer.

David cleared his throat.  Loudly.  Whatever adjectives could be used to describe her father, “subtle” was not one of them.  Emma pulled away with an apologetic look at her boyfriend, then turned to face her dad.  Killian reached down and laced his fingers with hers.

“You guys mind?” David asked with a hint of exasperation.  “This is a place of business after all.”

“Funny,” Killian said with a smirk, “you seemed to be singing an entirely different tune that night last week when I walked in to find you and your lovely wife similarly expressing your affection.”

David spluttered.  “That’s…that’s different!”

“Aye?  How so?”

“It’s different because…because…well, because it just is.”

Killian laughed with such good humor that soon even David joined in.  “Look,” her father finally said, “I’m glad you two are happy together, I really am, but could you keep the PDA to a minimum while I’m around?  Please?”

Killian sketched a bow.  “I shall endeavor to control myself, but confronted with your daughter’s ravishing beauty, I am, more often than not, unable to express my admiration any other way.”

Emma laughed and swatted him playfully.  “You are so full of it.”

“Aye,” he returned with a flirtatious wink, “but I noticed you failed to put up a protest at my ‘PDA’ a moment ago.”

“I’ll admit,” she returned, placing her free hand over his heart, a gesture she found herself making more and more frequently since his ordeal with Gold, “kissing you is kind of addicting.  So, what’s up?  We weren’t supposed to meet for lunch for another hour or so.”

“I’ve come to steal you away, love,” He said, giving her hand a squeeze.  “The snow has bathed the woods in a blanket of loveliness, and I wish to share it with my favorite lass.”

“I can’t just go take a stroll in the woods,” Emma said.  “For one thing, it’s cold.  For another, I’ve got work to do.  And did I mention, it’s cold?”

The look on his face was two parts puppy and one part wicked.  “If we don’t go, I’ll be forced to hang around and, no doubt, nauseate your father.  We wouldn’t want that, now would we?  Besides, I’m…more than capable of keeping you warm.”

“Ugh,” David said.  “Emma just go with him.  I’ll cover for you.”

“Well,” Emma said, grabbing her coat and hat, “if you both insist…”

“We do,” David and Killian said in unison.

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Emma had to admit it was beautiful and peaceful out here. And with Killian’s arm draped around her, surprisingly warm as well.  On impulse, she reached up and pecked him on the cheek. 

“And what was that delightful gesture for, Swan?”

She shrugged.  “No reason.  Just…thank you.  You were right.  It’s nice to get away from the craziness of the town for a while.”

He smiled, making the crow’s feet stand at attention at the edges of his eyes.  “Darling, when are you going to finally realize that I’m always right?”

Emma rolled her eyes but couldn’t keep the grin from her face.  “Don’t hold your breath, pirate.”

“Thought as much,” Killian muttered under his breath.

Emma had never been a big fan of winter.  She hated the cold, and the snow drove her crazy—especially now that she was the sheriff and was called to every fender bender and slide-off in the whole damn town.  Killian, however, seemed to have an entirely different opinion on the matter.  His face was lit up with the wonder and awe of a child as he trudged through the ankle-deep snow and watched the flurries continue to drift down.

“You seem to be enjoying this weather,” she observed, reaching up to feather her fingers through his hair and dislodge the stubborn snowflakes that had evidently decided to take up residence there.

“Aye,” he said, looking down at her with a delighted grin.  “Always reminds me of a day I spent with Liam many, many years ago.”

Emma perked up at the mention of Killian’s brother.  “You never talk about him.  I always assumed the memories were too painful for you.”

Killian smiled tenderly.  “Aye, some memories are.  It seems no matter how many centuries go by, the sting of his passing will never truly fade.  I do, however, have many, many pleasant memories of him, and the day we spent in the snow is certainly one of those.”

“Would you tell me about it?”

“Of course,” he complied without hesitation.  “It was one of the last good memories I had of my family.  My mum died the following year, and my father was never the same after her passing.  At any rate, I was but a wee lad at the time, five, maybe six years old.  Liam was a good ten years my senior and I nearly worshiped him.  He’d just informed me that he would be leaving in less than a fortnight upon his first ship; I no longer recall her name.  He was to be a cabin boy and I’ve rarely seen a lad so excited.  I was, of course, devastated that my brother, my hero, would be leaving me in a matter of days.”

“I can only imagine,” Emma soothed.  Killian felt things so deeply; his entire heart and soul were invested when he loved.  Liam’s departure must have hit him hard.

“Aye,” he said with a grimace.  “Anyway, on the day in question, Liam woke me, excited about the newly fallen snow.  We two spent the entire day reveling in it—making snowmen and snow fortifications.  Engaging in a rather ruthless snowball fight.  It was a day I wouldn’t trade for all the rum in the Enchanted Forest.”

“It sounds great.”

“Aye, that it was.”

They lapsed into silence for a time.  Emma rested her head against his shoulder, and she felt him brush a kiss against the crown of her head.

“So how was your breakfast with Henry?” Emma asked.

“Informative,” Killian said, and Emma could hear the smile in his voice.  “The lad is a wealth of information.  He seems quite excited for this Christmas holiday.”

Emma sighed.  “Yeah.  Seems like it’s all he can talk about.”

Killian looked over at her.  “From your tone, I take it you don’t share his sentiments?”

“No.”  The word was definitive, emphatic.

“The lad told me as much,” Killian admitted.  “He was concerned that you seem unwilling to participate in this realm’s Christmas traditions.”

Emma grimaced.  “I was hoping it would be enough for him to get all the Christmas crap at Regina’s or my mom and dad’s.”

Killian stopped walking and turned her toward him.  “The lad didn’t come to me because he needs more Christmas; he came to me because he’s worried about you.”

Henry was worried about her?  Because of Christmas?  “He doesn’t need to be.  I’m fine.”

Killian looked at her skeptically.  “Swan, I’ve seen you ‘fine’.  I’ve seen you happy.  I’ve seen you content.  You are feeling none of those emotions.  This ‘Christmas’ is obviously a source of pain for you.  Please, tell me why that is.”

Emma sighed.  There really was no point trying to hide anything from this man.  “It’s just…I don’t know.  Christmas is all about family and happiness and being together and stuff.”

“And these are bad things?”  At some point, Killian brought his good hand up to cup her face, and he was gently caressing her cheek with his thumb. 

“No…”  Emma drew out the syllable.  “Not in general, but for an unwanted little girl in the group homes it was torture.  I mean, everywhere you turned you’d get assaulted with images of happy little families doing happy little family things.  Every time you turned on the TV you’d see commercials and movies and everything else where everyone was perfectly happy and enjoying each other’s company.  The songs talk about it being the happiest time of the year, or about how people love going home for the holidays or the love of family.  You know what it was for me?  It was a slap in the face.  It was yet another reminder that I’d never had that and probably never would.”

The compassion in Killian’s eyes nearly broke her.  He dropped his hand from her face and gathered her into his arms, holding her tight.  She clung to him, drinking in the love he offered her.

“Emma,” he whispered., “there are so many, many people who love you.  So many, many people who would do anything to make you happy.”

The tears rushed to her eyes.  “I know, and it means everything in the world to me.  It’s just—I don’t know.  Childhood memories die hard.  I don’t know if I can even do all the ‘happy family Christmas’ stuff.”

“But you said it yourself, love,” Killian reasoned, stroking her hair.  “Christmas isn’t about perfectly fulfilling the traditions you’re accustomed to.  It’s not about living up to the standards you believe the ‘perfect’ families attained.  It’s not about fulfilling a checklist of Christmas items.  It’s about being with the ones you love; showing them how much you care.”

Killian pulled away.  “Let us love you,” he said simply.  “Let us show you how much you mean to all of us.  Let us build our own traditions, our own memories.  Perhaps they won’t erase the pain of the past, but trust me love, the good memories, the beautiful moments—they shine as brightly as the star Leroy attempted to force me to place on the top of Granny’s tree—if you but let them.  They are like the sun that blots out the light of the stars.  Losing Liam to dreamshade—it was one of the darkest days of my life.  The pain of losing my brother, the man who was captain and brother and hero to me, was such that words cannot describe.  Even so, traumatic as that day was, it cannot hold a candle to the simple joy of that day spent playing in the snow. ”

“I wish I’d met Liam,” Emma said with a wistful smile.

“As do I love,” Killian said.  “He would have liked you—and would have thanked his lucky stars that I’d finally found myself a beautiful blonde savior to point me back to the man I wish to be.”

Emma stroked his face.  “He’d be proud of you, Killian.  You’re a good man; one of the best and most honorable I know.”

Killian turned his head and brushed a kiss against her palm.  “You can have no idea how sweet those words sound coming from your lips.  I have but one bit of advice for you, love: don’t run from the love of family and the joys of Christmas all around you.  Make new memories, good memories.  I can promise you; you won’t regret it.”

Emma reached up and brushed a soft kiss against his lips.  “Maybe you’re right.”

“Again with the skepticism, darling?  Didn’t we just establish I’m always right?”

Emma chuckled.  “Whatever.  I’m hungry.  Are you going to take me to lunch or not?”

Killian sketched a bow.  “My lady’s wish is my command.”

–Up next, Emma and Killian return to her apartment after the town’s Christmas Eve party.

NEXT CHAPTER->

[ratherembarrassing]

2023: this week month

spring has sprung! i'm confusedly walking around my apartment in socks and shorts and a hoodie, there is light in the sky at 6pm, my three plants are thriving (although that has more to do with no longer being in a house where they got exactly zero sunlight, a metaphor i try not to look too closely towards). i'm going to pick this back up as a weekly thing again.

i bought a couch! i no longer feel like i'm living in a weirdly furnished air bnb. i picked the couch after seeing it in the apartment of a youtuber. i love it so much.

thee margot robbie bingewatch of 2023: lord, she is in some movies. but then i went to youtube and it knew what i'd been up to and gave me this, which is without a doubt the greatest thing that has ever happened to me personally. the way her accent disintegrates in the last 15 seconds is amazing.

sportsball part 1: most of the month was, of course, wwc. i remain devastated etc, but in the final weeks my rl friends group accidentally became invested and i have herded them into potential interest in club leagues. i cannot wait for wsl and alw to kick off.

sportsball part 2: this weekend aflw returned. port adelaide promptly lost to the crows, and backup team the bulldogs got demolished. so you know. suffering as usual.

the nephew is super into one piece, and i had promised to watch the anime months ago. so i have started that instead of giving in to tumblr's incessant advertising. it took three episodes, but it's cute as hell and i get why he likes it.

i continue to force an episodes of the bear on myself from time to time. guys, why.

mr hozier's new album is lovely, but i hate the cover art so much.

on friday night i rallied and ate a delightful three course meal inside a video installation dome. always say yes to doing weird things.

who am i really kidding, all i've really done all month is read every barbie/gloria fic on ao3. every few hours i open the tab, hit refresh, and about one in ten times i am rewarded and i clap like a seal.

[stcrsabcve]

(—) ★ spotted!! CATHERINE "ROCKY" KENNEDY on the cover of this week’s most recent tabloid! many say that the 26 year old looks like WALLIS DAY, but i don’t really see it. while  the F1 DRIVER is known for being CONFIDENT my inside sources say that they have a tendency to be A PERFECTIONIST i swear, every time i think of them, i hear the song I’M GOOD (BLUE) BY DAVID GUETTA AND BEBE REXHA {she/they / ciswoman} 

Name: Catherine "Rocky" Kennedy Nicknames: Rocky, Cat (usually reserved for family or close loved ones)Age: 26 Height: 5'8" Gender: ciswoman Marital Status: unmarried Sexuality: Lesbian Mother: Kathy Kennedy Father: Jonathan Kennedy Siblings: Jordana Kennedy (41) Lydia Kennedy (39) Mackenzie Kennedy-Holder (33), Jonathan "Johnny" Kennedy (28) Frankie Kennedy (23-24) Extended family: Micah Kennedy (22, Nephew) Madeline Kennedy (21, Niece)

it was obvious early on that Catherine was going to share more than just her name with her mother. Baby photos of the pair shared all over showing the fact that Katherine Kennedy gave birth to a mini version of herself.

Much to Kathy's dislike their name and looks were where the similarities stopped. From a young age Kathy had tried to get her into modelling, and young Catherine showed no interest. She always showed far more interest in chasing her older siblings around and getting herself into trouble (the family laundry was considerably larger for a long time and it hadn't had anything to do with the youngest Kennedy's birth)

Age 3 Catherine earned her nickname "Rocky." She had been playing nicely with a young boy at an event the family attended. The Kennedy parents paid no attention to it until a loud 'Thwack!' was heard and the boy began crying. No one heard exactly what was said but 3-year-old Catherine insisted that the right hook she delivered to the boy's face was justified. Jonathan had simply scooped her up, placed a gentle kiss to her right hand and said "Well, aren't you my little Rocky" The name has stuck ever since

Quick Fire Facts (Because brain no longer wants to paragraph?)

Discovered her love of racing around age 10 when her father was invited to spend a weekend at a NASCAR race in promotion for Keeping Up With The Kennedys. He let her have the hot lap they offered and that was that. No more ballet or modelling for her, she only wanted to race.

She had a natural talent for racing but having the money and connections from her parents really helped push her career forward.

2020 she was signed as a back-up driver for mercedes f1 team. At the beginning of 2023 she made headlines by breaking her contract to jump ship to ferrari to race as their main driver. Mercedes was convinced she'd stay with them for longer out of loyalty despite Ferrari offering a better deal. Clearly Mercedes forgot what her last name is.

Is the Kennedy gremlin child. Doesn't mind getting her hands dirty, works on her own cars. Loves stirring Johnny up with as many dirty rags as possible

Loves to party. Will take any excuse to go clubbing. Has been caught DUI twice but Kathy has seen to it that TMZ never got their hands on that.

Has an on and off again girlfriend. She's pretty sure she loves her but she can't commit to the same racing suit let alone a relationship

Never really had much of a problem with the cameras from KUWTKs following her around. She never knew any different and it works in her favour. She is more likely to be sponsered and get adversiting deals as she was already famous before racking.

Wanted Connections The besties 0/?:

I imagine this person(s) is very good at matching Rocky's chaotic style energy. Someone she can go to and party with but also someone she can cuddle with on the couch and watch TV with

On and off again girlfriend 0/1:

(—) ★ CATHERINE KENNEDY {wallis day} would like to see their ON AND OFF AGAIN GIRLFRIEND. they should be 24 TO 30 years old and some fc suggestions are SOPHIE SKELTON, JESSICA PARKER KENNEDY, ABIGAIL COWEN, UTP . Their relationship is amazing when it’s going well and a true dumpster fire when it’s not. Rhea travels the world a lot during F1 season and spends a lot of time at the track it’s UTP how this affects their relationship. Rhea has given up counting how many times they’ve split up but continues to come back to her every single time. Everything else is utp and plotting. .

Current and Past Flings 0/?: what it says on the tin really!

MORE TBA

[openly-journaling]

Wrath: Friday January 20th 2023

Was in the middle of working on a mini animation and our last nib broke and we move in a little over a week now provided the weather is good. Kind of late to order more so now we won't be able to draw for two weeks unless we desperately pull out our old tablet and learn to redraw on that thing.

I'm sobbing dying inside because we finally got off block and got our creativity back after nearly an entire year it feels like. Like we really got back into it.

I never really realized how much of a coping mechanism art was until we fell out of after healing from a lot of our trauma and now are dividing back into it since we're we're staying in the town that legitimately gave us all our worst traumas. And then of course the creativity came back.

Does make me wonder if we ever get comfortable enough if we'll ever even somewhat give drawing up. I say somewhat because we do want to try architecture but at the same time I have a feeling there a couple people down south that may very well resurface a lot of trauma for us. Which, while we don't exactly want and definitely try to avoid, it's good for our art.

So maybe our trauma isn't all bad.

But I've also come to this realization that a lot of artists really hate their art and their art style. Which is odd to us because we've been in that same boat but not to such severity. If we make a mistake we hate specifically that mistake but let it be to learn from it in the future. I think the early gentle parenting growing up that our dad gave us before foster care shattered us helped shape our confidence early on. So we don't struggle quite as much. We rarely compare our art to others and when we do it's more of an obsession over their art that we try to even semi copy that art style or implement it into our own.

Perhaps the worst hate we put on our art is when something just isn't working perspective wise or the lineart isn't working. I suppose we have worked to be perfect but perfect to us. Which was almost always good enough.

The way the whole class would stand over our shoulder in amazement and watch us draw gave us a confidence too. It made us feel good and adored. Considering we didn't get a ton of attention growing up.

It became less and less impressive to people as we got older but there are still some people that absolutely go wild for our art. We've finally found a comfortable community that loves it! The furry community has been very kind to our art.

I think our problem for so long was trying to draw furry art in front of people that decided dogs having head hair must mean that's a horse despite the different nose and sharp teeth. That was annoying. Completely different face shapes. We drew animals in front of people that preferred human art.

Which, while we still enjoy doing sometimes, we are still heavily learning and even come to learn more how much happier furry art brings us. So.. we'll stick with what we love most, what we're good at whether people like it or don't. And eventually we'll find our crowd.

I'm just glad we don't have a huge lack of confidence in our skill of art. We can look back at the oldest shit and wonder how people thought that was good. And it makes us realize that we have come a very very long way. We're proud of ourselves. Really.

Next we're going to attempt to work on more perspectives. Like this piece I'm so damn proud of. Our first drawing where we're really trying a different perspective.

No actually, that's the second one. Now that I think of it, this is our first. Unfortunately so many people want to call it inappropriate though and it never hit off. Like I'm sorry that people legit have asses? I'm sorry for drawing it right? She fell that's the whole point of this piece was just to get a literal difference in perspective. It's not like I'm exposing her or giving you a full on ass shot in the face. My god. And that was before a signature change as you can see

Anyway. We've come a very long way since then and I'm just happy with all of it. Satisfied that we can do so well.

I guess I do sometimes wish our art style wasn't so set as it is because there are definitely artists that have art styles we're jealous of. But to be fair, if we all had the same style... I think art would get pretty boring. So.. I'm glad I have a recognized art style of my own.

It does change depending on the headmate but not always. I'm not arguing with that. Hell most of our headmates can't draw at all! I'm glad to be one that can.

[db-gochifan]

Dragon Ball Ships Week 2023 - Day 7: Free Day

Title: The Spy and The Thief Characters: Vegeta, Launch, Bulla Briefs, Bulma Briefs, Yamcha, Son Gohan, Son Goten, Trunks Briefs Pairing: Launch/Vegeta Summary: Bulma has had enough of Yamcha's fan club. Warning: Rated T for language.

Cross-posted on AO3 and FFN

The lights were all out when Vegeta walked inside his house. It had been another exhausting day and he just wanted to lie down on his bed as soon as possible. He hung his black coat in a pin behind the door and loosened the knot of his black tie. By the time he walked into his daughter’s room to give her a goodnight kiss, his white shirt was fully open. He stared at her for a moment and then bent over to kiss her forehead. His tie was curled up on his hand and fist when he walked into his bedroom. Launch was sitting on their bed reading a book, while waiting for him. “Hi.” “Hi.” Vegeta sat on the bed and untied his shoes, then removing them and placing them in a corner. He took his shirt off and turned it into a ball before throwing it above his shoes. “Tough day?” She closed her book and put it away. Then she approached him and started massaging his shoulders. “Yeah, there’s this woman who’s causing a lot of trouble and we can never seem to catch her.” “That’s awful.” She tried to sound serious, but couldn’t stop a smile from coming to her lips. “So what are you going to do now? Can you get into trouble for not succeeding in catching her?” “No, that’s one of the benefits of working on my own. I can’t get fired or anything.” “That’s good to hear.” She pulled back and watched him stretch his neck. “I’d hate to see you getting into trouble because of her.” The couple started laughing at how ironic the situation was. “I can’t believe they haven’t figured out who you are yet. They’re really a bunch of morons.” “Well, the long blue wig really helps out, so I don’t blame them for not recognizing me.” “How much did we get today?” With a large grin, Launch bent down and reached for a heavy bag next to her side of the bed and placed it between them.“Two hundred thousand zeni.” “Wow, that’s great!” Vegeta cheered. “I think it took us two or three robberies to make this amount of money last month.” “That’s true. Now that we have enough to live by, why don’t we go live somewhere else? This city sucks.” “Come on, it doesn’t suck. It’s amazing.” “Do you really want to risk getting caught?” “I won’t get caught. I’m the head spy, they can’t fire me.” “They can if they find out you’re involved in this. And then we’re screwed.” “Don’t worry, they won’t.” He moved a lock of her long curly hair away. “We’re being very cautious about it. There’s no way it can happen.” “Okay, if you say so.” “Now, why don’t we celebrate our big accomplishment?” “I thought you’d never ask.” She smiled and then pushed him towards the bed. **** “Papa!” Bulla jumped up and down on his bed excitedly very early in the following morning. “Mama asked me to wake you up or you’ll be late for work.” “Alright, sweetheart.” He mumbled and then buried his head on his pillow. “But can you please not jump on the bed?” “Sorry, papa.” She knelt down beside him and cupped his face. “Are you going to make my breakfast?” “Yes, I’ll make it.” Vegeta rolled over and rubbed his eyes before sitting down. Then he stood up and went to his wardrobe to choose a new shirt to wear. He turned around with a dark blue and a pink one. “Which one should papa wear today?” “The pink one!” Bulla sat on the edge of the bed and started swinging her legs happily. “Alright then. Pink it is.” “Good morning.” Vegeta walked into the kitchen with Bulla sitting over his shoulders. “Food smells great.” “They better taste great too.” Launch put a plate full of pancakes over the table. “These ingredients were quite expensive.” “Mama, did you know I chose Papa’s shirt today?” Bulla said as Vegeta put her in a chair. “You did? You already have a good taste.” The blue haired girl giggled and then looked at her father. “Papa, I want five pancakes with chocolate sauce.” “Five? Are you sure you can eat that much?” “Of course!” She showed off her muscles, so he could see how strong she was. “I want to become as strong as you.” “That’s great, sweetheart.” He grabbed her decorated plastic plate and put the five pancakes she wanted. “How do you say?” “Thank you, papa.” She eagerly started eating her breakfast. “What are you going to do today?” The blond man turned to his wife. “Oh, I’m just going to…” Launch immediately stopped talking when Bulla lifted her head and looked at her, not at all hiding how curious she was to hear her mother’s answer. “Go shopping, I guess.” “That’s so cool, mama! Can I go with you?” “I’m afraid not, Bulla. You have to go to school.” “Ah, but I don’t want to. School is boring.” “You need to study. That’s the only way to be successful in your life.” The blonde pair exchanged looks, not believing a word that had just been said. Launch shook her head and laughed, finding it ironic Vegeta would say something like this, from all people. They were most definitely the greatest thieves in West City. “Your father is right.” She said eventually. “You can go really far with a good education. Plus, you get to see your friends and play with them during lunch break.” “This is true. I’ll go to school then.” “That’s the spirit.” **** Vegeta reached for a lighter on the left pocket of his black coat and a pack of cigarettes on the right one. He lit one on while he walked down the street towards his office, after dropping his daughter at school. Like all the other days, his team was already working frantically when he walked in and slowly hung his coat on the coat rack in a corner of the office. “Good morning, Mr. Vegeta.” Son Gohan, one of his most competent employees, greeted him briefly and resumed his task, not having enough time to wait for him to answer. Vegeta thought West City was probably a chaos sooner than they expected that day. “Looks like we’ll have another busy day ahead.” He said with a sigh. “Yeah, the thieves decided to start acting way earlier today. Hopefully we’ll be able to catch many of them by the end of the day.” “Let’s hope so.”

When it was almost noon, Vegeta walked out of his room to have lunch in a restaurant nearby. That was always the excuse he gave, but in fact that was the time Launch robs a bank and he stays hidden, so they can get away with no problems. That was one of the benefits of knowing every inch of West City. Little did he know his luck was about to change soon. A smirk appeared on his lips when the first few police cars passed by him at full speed. He couldn’t help but think the cops were wasting their time, they were going to run away with the money once again. However, something in the corner of his eye got his attention and he looked across the street, but there was no one there. He waited a while and then resumed his way to the bank Launch was robbing, as peacefully and slowly as he could. “Uh, that was close.” “Mrs. Briefs, we almost got caught.” “I know.” Bulma Briefs, another spy from West City, told her partner, Yamcha. “I need to be more careful if I want to take him down.” “May I ask you what he did to you? You seem pretty determined to do that and I was wondering if…” “Let’s just say I have some unresolved business with him.” “Got it. He turned you down and you didn’t take it very well.” “That’s not it, you moron!” She smacked him in the head and he flinched. “I loathe that guy, I couldn’t possibly get involved with him. I’d rather be single than be his girlfriend, even if he was the last man on Earth.” “What about me? Would you go on a date with me?” “I’ll think about it… if we can take him down.” “I’ll do my best. He isn’t getting away with it today.” Yamcha said with determination and then looked at his boss. “May I ask you how long you’ve been observing him?” “You surely ask a lot of questions.” “I’m sorry.” He felt his cheeks burn with embarrassment. “Sometimes they just slip through my mouth before I realize. I didn’t mean to…” “It’s okay.” Bulma assured him. “I’ve been following him for about three months, and I’m surprised he hasn’t noticed that yet. I thought he would be more careful about his surroundings. He let his guard down very easily.” “That seems like it.” “Come on, we can’t lose track of him. Let’s go.” She pulled him by the wrist and they secretly followed Vegeta.

The situation in the bank was chaotic. The blue haired woman had stroke again and was using a human shield to bribe the police officers and security guards to get what she wanted. “Just fucking give me the combination of the safe and no one will get hurt.” “Please don’t hurt me.” “Alright, lady.” One of the employees said. “I’ll take you there and open it for you.” “No!” She shouted and turned around, the gun still pointed at the person’s head. “I want the damn combination!” “Alright, alright.” The man wrote the combination on a paper and handed it to her, shaking. “Please don’t kill me.” “Where’s the damn safe.” “It’s the room in the back of this hall.” He pointed towards a door behind her. “Thanks. I’ll take this one, just in case.” Vegeta was waiting for Launch outside the bank when he had the feeling someone was watching him. He looked all around him, but didn't see anyone. And then, the sound of a familiar voice sent a shiver down his spine. “So there you are.” He turned around and saw a female figure in the shadows. “Bulma.” “So now you got together with a thief? The one you're supposed to arrest? No wonder why no one seemed to get her. You were covering for her the whole time.” “That's not what it looks like.” “Stop fucking lying to me!” She shouted and came out from the shadows, staring intensely into his dark eyes. “Is that the environment our daughter is living in?” “I've been taking good care of her.” “That's not what I asked!” She snapped, her eyes burning with fury. “She is, isn’t she?” “What about you, huh?” Vegeta raised his voice and walked towards her, not intimidated by her at all. “Wasn’t it your idea to include her in this whole mess? You wanted to use her as a bait.” “I have no idea what you’re talking about.” “What?!” Yamcha looked at her in shock. “Don’t play dumb on me, Bulma.” The blonde continued, completely and blatantly ignoring his ex-wife’s partner. “You know exactly what you were doing. You used Bulla as a bait to finally get Launch behind the bars. You even advised her to call Launch ‘mom’. But you weren’t expecting the fact we could fall in love.” “You fell in love with her?” Bulma mocked, laughing hysterically. “You’re so funny, Vegeta! You can never love anyone.” “Alright, I got the money.” Launch walked out as she removed her long blue wig. “We can… what’s going on here?” “That’s the end for you, Launch.” The blue haired woman looked at her. “You’re finally going to be where you deserve.” “You mean in Maldives?” “You f…” She motioned to jump on her throat, but Yamcha held her back. “Mrs. Briefs, you don’t want to end up in jail too, do you?” “You’re right. It’s not worth it.” She took a deep breath. “Mr. Vegeta?” Son Gohan’s voice echoed a few meters behind them and they all looked at him. “What are you doing here?” “You should arrest him.” Bulma said as she walked away with Yamcha. “He’s been helping her with stealing the banks in West City. That’s why no one seemed to catch her. He was covering it.” “You’re lying!” He shouted and tried to get away from a few officers who went to put the cuffs on him. “You can’t prove it.” “Are you serious?” She turned around and started walking backwards. “Did you forget I’m a spy too? I’ve been following since we broke up. I wanted to see how long you would resist until you became a criminal as well. Turns out it was sooner than I expected.” “You’ve been following me?” “Oh honey, you don’t know who you’re dealing with.” She blew him a kiss and then turned her back on him. “Bulma, come back here! I swear to my life I had nothing to do with this. I can’t be way from my daughter.” “So now you don’t have anything to do with this?” Launch kicked him hard on the knees. “Are you fucking kidding me?” “Hey!” One of the police officers took her away. “You brainwashed me to join you in committing crimes.” “Are you out of your freaking mind? I didn’t force you to do anything. If anything, you made me believe we were in this together.” “And you were naive enough to believe it. I’m a spy!” “You bastard!” She nudged one of the officers on the belly and rushed to the blonde, strangling him. “You told me you loved me.” “And you believe that?” He laughed out loud. “That was all acting.” “I will fucking kill you!” Launch snatched an arm one of the police officers was carrying and pointed at him. “No one lies to me and goes unpunished.” “Hey!” A spiky haired officer threw the gun away from her hands with a precise kick, while a lavender haired one immobilized her. “Get in the car!” “Make me.” “Get in the fucking car!” The second officer demanded firmly and pushed her in the trunk of the vehicle. “The deputy will talk to you as soon as we arrived at the station.” “Gohan, you have to help me!” Vegeta begged as he was being taken to another vehicle, to leave. “I didn’t do anything wrong! I’m innocent, I was a victim.” “Then you should have no problem with clearing things up with the deputy. If you’re really innocent, you’ll be released soon.” “I need to see my daughter! You can’t let them do this to me. I’m begging you. She will hate me.” “I’m sorry, Mr. Vegeta. I work for the city above all.” “This is a mistake! I’m not her partner, I wanted to take her down.” “Sir, you better cooperate or things will be worse for you. The deputy just wants to talk to you.” “You can’t arrest me, I work for the police.” He grabbed his badge and his ID card and showed them. “See?” “We’re an honest institution and the corrupt ones inside it should be investigated and punished, if guilty.” “This is not fair, I was only doing my job.” He started knocking on the back window with both hands as the police car drove away.

[alsjeblieft-zeg]

574 of 2023

Where did the majority of your clothes come from?

Bershka and Pull & Bear, I think.

Have you ever attempted to sculpt something from ice?

Nah. I suck at sculpting lol.

What’s so amazing about Shark Week?

I don't even know what it is.

Do you wear sunglasses in the winter? You should.

In don't. I haven't seen snow in ages lol.

Have you ever had to wear an oxygen mask?

Probably when I was in coma or whatever.

Do you have a dreamcatcher?

No, I don't.

Is there someone you ALWAYS bump heads with?

Yeah, my cat Susie. She likes to show affection this way.

What’s your favorite thing you own that YOU made?

Some music pieces, does it count?

Have you ever starved yourself?

More than once. Sometimes even on purpose.

What do you spend all of your money on?

Train tickets.

Do you like Robot Chicken?

Never heard of it.

What movie character would you like to be a part of your family?

No, thanks. I don't watch movies.

What’s the last thing you were an audience of?

What? I don't do such things.

Has anyone ever had to physically restrain you from doing something?

Nope, I don't think so.

Do you raise your voice when you get angry?

Yeah, a lot.

Do you like the pretzel M&Ms?

What, is there such a thing??

Have you ever been accused of thinking you’re too good for something?

I don't think so.

Do your scars tell sad or happy stories?

More sad. Even very sad. Self-harm, brain surgery, various accidents.

Have you ever walked straight into a wall/door?

More than once. My eyesight is terrible.

Have you ever been embarrassed to have a crush on someone?

A lot of times. Maybe even each time.

Is there anything you’re trying to move on from?

My health, and I try to keep on living after my older cat's death.

Have you ever stolen someone’s boyfriend?

Nope, what's the point even.

Are you careful with your words?

Nah, I say what I think. Oops.

Do you have a locket? What’s the picture inside of it?

No, I don't.

Describe the most interesting vehicle you’ve ever seen.

That police car in my city that was all decorated with Christmas lights.

Would you be afraid to take a public bus anywhere?

No, I do it almost every day. I'm only not happy when theey're full of school kids.

Have you ever given anything to someone who is homeless?

Yeah, food.

What are you feeling, right now?

Sleepy.

How do you react when you feel embarrassed about something?

I blush and get nervous or overly talkative and hyperactive.

Have you ever tried to ‘fix’ someone?

No, it's pointless.

What’s in your copy and paste?

This survey.

How many stuffed animals do you own, and what are they?

None. I got the real kitty, you know.

When’s the last time you were carried by someone?

Lol I don't know. Probably as a toddler.

Have you ever accidentally taken a shower with like your underwear left on, or something?

Nope, but I accidentally kept my glasses on and then I was wondering why something was so foggy.

Can you twirl things well?

Probably not.

Do you have bangs?

Lol no.

Have you ever seen someone who wore a real eyepatch?

Probably, I don't remember.

What started the last 'cat-fight’ you were involved in?

I'm not involved in anyone's drama.

Would you agree that it’s extremely disrespectful to 'test’ someone in a relationship?

Yeah, I don't get the point anyway.

Do you go all out on dressing up for pep-rallies and the like?

I don't even know what that is.

What’s in your locker?

Work clothes lol.

Are you in possession of any currency that isn’t used in your country?

Yeah, I got some Polish money. Poland doesn't use euros.

Did anyone witness your last kiss?

Probably my family lol.

Do you remember Hamtaro?

Yeah, I do. Damn I feel old.

What about Peewee Hermin?

I've never heard of it.

Who is the last person you licked?

What? Ew anyone really does that?

Has anyone ever licked your face?

Yeah, my cat Susie. She does it for affection.

Do you have any younger siblings?

Yes, one sister.

Are you cool with them, or do they annoy you to no end?

I love my sister so much. Even though we live our own lives now.

Do you know anyone with a kind of creepy smile?

Yea, probably myself.

Anyone with Bieber Fever?

Lol. Definitely not me.

Have you tried Cupcake Pebbles cereal?

Never heard of it.

What’s your favorite ride at an amusement park?

I don't like any rides. Not that my health allows lol.

Last person you flipped off?

I don't do that.

Have you ever been on TV?

No, thankfully not.

Are you currently distancing yourself from anyone?

Not at the moment.

Trying to get close to anyone?

Kind of, but not like in a crush way or anything. I'm just somehow fascinated.

Anyone who’s way over protective of you?

I can't think of anyone. Maybe my parents in some way.

Do you like dubstep?

No, it's probably the only music genre I truly hate.

Have you ever been to a rave?

Not the real one, no. I've been using glowsticks and UV-reactive body paint and such, though.

Have you any friends that are twins?

No. I know some, but they're not my friends.