#i'm glad I had different fics as answer to each question
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squidpro-quo · 11 months ago
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15, 20, and 28 for that writing ask?
15. What WIP are you taking into next year with you?
In terms of ao3 WIP status, that would have to be A Study in Myriads! I'd wanted to upload all my kaishin fics that I'd amassed over the years on here into a neatly organized collection, I'd even counted all of them so I could have an accurate chapter number to keep track, but alas. One goal for 2024 will be actually migrating all those vignettes to ao3 so I won't lose them all if tumblr burns down.
In terms of real WIPs, I have a gakuryuu body-swap au, a coda fic for that first year of Trigger's formation before the i7 story actually starts, and a Hidden Region gakuryuu au to work on in the future.
20. Which work of yours have you reread the most?
Might be a recency effect but I think it's I want us to change each other's lives! Specifically the second chapter, the Houseki no kuni/Steven Universe/Pacific Rim fusion au. I just rewatched Pacific Rim with my family and I got hit with a need to read. It's such a specific combination of works that I'm not sure anyone else would either want to read it or have all the background knowledge necessary to piece together what I want the imagery to be, so it's also the most self-indulgent piece I've written too. But it does scratch a very specific itch for me, with the different combinations of 3p Trigger in battle and the perfect coincidence in them actually having a song called Diamond Fusion and the uniforms could be like military uniforms and the hangar spaces and everything, I just thought it was such great inspiration.
28. Favorite work you wrote this year?
Oof that's a hard question, I wrote a lot of gakuryuu and I love them in all variations and combinations! But I'll pick Their Own Legacy because I really like the space in canon-compliance that it occupies and it made me realize that Trigger really is the musical group of the series, and what the implications of that are. My one regret is that I wrote it for the i7 bang before BTP came out and I put Tenn as the one composing the music when it turns out Gaku is the one taking on that mantle, so now I feel the need to write a fic with Gaku composing to make up for that mistake.
I really liked these questions, thanks for your great picks!
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heavenlymorals · 5 months ago
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Hi! I really enjoy your posts and I was hoping to see if you can answer this question for me. I want to write an Arthur x reader fic, but I want to try writing a more canon Arthur instead of a fanon Arthur. So if you're able to, what do you think Arthur would be like as husband or partner? Thank you! 🩵🩵
Arthur as a Husband (Arthur x Fem! Reader)
Thank you so much ❤️ I'm glad you like my posts, that makes me happy ❤️❤️
And boy, that's kinda a loaded question considering how vast the Arthur x Reader side of the fandom is, so this might be a bit controversial but here we go:
Also, these are all of my thoughts based on my past posts on Arthur. None of them are actually canon as far as I know nor am I presenting them to be canon. These are all just my thoughts based on what I've noticed in the game.
I genuinely think that Arthur would be a great husband BUT he'd be a great husband in the context of the 1800s.
He would never lay his hands on you. He would never disrespect you. Any man try to do anything to you, Arthur would go ballistic. He'd always defend his wife from disrespect. He would always carry your luggage. He would always be a gentleman and assist you in getting on a horse or a wagon. He'd make sure you're comfortable in any way he can. He would never want you to over exert yourself. He would love you to the point of devotion and given how his devotion works for the gang, it'd be priceless. He'd make sure to treat you to the fullest on every date. He'd want to impress you. He would love you most ardently and most fully. If he had sons, he'd make sure to always set a good example on how men should treat their wives/partners.
Very sweet, I know, but again- this is in the context of the 1800s.
I think Arthur, give his attitudes regarding gender roles, would be suited with a woman who believes in the same thing, which given the time period wasn't rare.
Arthur would protect, provide, and do all the traditional things that men were expected to do and he'd do them well enough to where you would never have to worry about things like money, protection, or him taking care of you and honoring you. He'd love you to devotion.
But where he'd do a man's duty, he'd expect you to do the woman's duty, and just how he'd love you to devotion, he'd expect the same. He would never let you do "men's work" if he can help it, unless y'all are living in a super tough environment where you would need to help him here and there, but he'd still do the vast majority of the hard work, and he'd expect a clean place to live, food, and all that domestic stuff from you. If the both of you are able to connect with that dynamic, than Arthur would honestly be a phenomenal husband. He'd be the model husband in the traditional relationship.
I also think respect would be a big thing too. You'd probably both tease each other and love it, but there has to be respect and understanding otherwise he would go off. Note how quick he was able to go off and raise his voice at Mary when she started disrespecting his life style yet chooses to want to use the skills he attained from that lifestyle to help her with her father. He also does it in public where everyone could hear and he only stops when he sees that it was deeply distressing to Mary after she asks him to be kind to her. I realized pretty quick that Arthur is not as patient or pacified as John when Abigail chews into him.
However, I also think he'd be very understanding and open minded to you if you seriously want to talk to him. Communication would be key between both of you and he'd try to understand your thoughts as best as he can and try to make you happy if he could, but again, he'd also expect the same of you.
It's a two way street in different ways. That's the best way I can put it. He'd love you to devotion, given that both of you are comfortable and happy with that traditional dynamic. Arthur would protect you, provide for you, make sure you are always comfortable and never destitute, and in return, he'd expect you to be there for him.
Hope you enjoyed that ❤️ And again, these are just my thoughts based on what I've noticed in canon. Happy writing! ❤️❤️❤️
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theseeingfawn · 4 months ago
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Hi Everyone, I have been working on a small town Elriel fic for awhile now and finally decided to post. This is my first time writing fan fiction so please be gentle with me.
Summary:
Elain Archeron, beloved sweetheart of the quaint town of Hewn Hills, yearns for a life beyond the constraints and expectations placed upon her by her family and community. Azriel Rosehall, a captivating yet misunderstood outsider, struggles with the prejudices of the town as he endeavors to forge his own destiny. Drawn to each other by an undeniable connection, Elain and Azriel are determined to be together, even if it means bringing trouble to the charming small-town. “Everything that's worth having is some trouble. - L.M. Montgomery
Chapter 1: Matchmaker Mayhem | Read on A03
Elain
It's official, this is the worst date I have ever been on. It doesn't make sense. The man is gorgeous, almost devilishly so. I've heard nothing but praise about his charm and wit. I've even seen it myself when he didn't think I was looking. But, the man is a nervous wreck and awkward . Or is it me? Maybe we are just feeding off each other's horrible vibes creating a vortex of our own personal hell. I had been reluctant when my sister all but demanded I go on a date with her friend Lucien. For the last couple of years, all Feyre could talk about is how great Lucien is and how funny and on and on and on . It was almost nauseating. I felt like Feyre was close to hiring a skywriter to let the world know that I was destined for her best friend. Ever since she married Rhysand she has taken up the mantle of matchmaker. So, to spare myself from further harassment I relented. Sure, I knew Lucien, but we have never had a meaningful conversation. Nothing other than pleasantries. I also work hard to keep him at arm's length, despite how often we are forced to interact. I see I was right to keep my distance. He seems as reluctant to be here as I am. I almost feel sorry for him… almost .
I'm glad I had the foresight to pick Velaris as our meeting spot and not Hewn Hills, the small town in the suburbs, where we live. I adore Hewn Hills but it is full of nosy nellies and busybodies. My baby sister is the biggest busybody of them all. So, when I suggested my favorite upscale restaurant in the heart of the city, Lucien readily agreed. It would seem he isn’t a big fan of all the meddling either. Though, I assume for different reasons. Thankfully, no one we know is here to witness our nightmare of a date. It didn't make sense. Despite knowing Feyre for years, and serving on our town council together, Lucien doesn't seem to know a thing about me. Well, other than surface level stuff. I sighed internally, of course he doesn't know much about me. My sisters do not truly know me. They only see the version of me that they wish to see, not the real me. No one really did .
I sit here staring off into the distance like I'm lost in a vision, imagining the bubbly young waitress will come back to end my misery. Really, how many awkward silences must I suffer through? As if reading my mind, Lucien broke the quiet tension with a question. “So, you like to garden? What vegetables do you grow,” Lucien asked with the enthusiasm of a root canal patient.“I actually don't grow vegetables, just flowers and herbs for my shop. Vegetables are much more difficult to grow than people realize.” He nodded. Please, where is the waitress.Then it occurred to me, I could use the bathroom and get away. Maybe I could slip out the window and run. What would he do? Tell my sister I gave him the slip? I'd pay good money to see that. No one would believe him. Yes, sneaking out is the answer. I feel like I've won the lottery for coming up with this brilliant idea. “Excuse me, I am just going to freshen up,” I say with syrupy sweetness. I hope I look graceful and not like I am barreling toward the back of the restaurant like I am fleeing the scene of a crime, but I doubt it. Once behind the closed door of the single occupant bathroom I take my first deep breath of the evening. I look around but there is no window, just a floor to ceiling mirror. Son of a bitch. I sigh and gaze at my reflection searching for an answer. Maybe it was my appearance that rendered him stupid. I’ve heard all my life that I’m beautiful. Not the polite kind of beautiful that every mother dotes onto their daughters. But, the type of beauty that could be used. Before she died, my mother dressed me up like her own personal Barbie doll. Taking personal credit for my appearance and awkwardly telling anyone who would listen that I got it from my mama. I cringe just thinking about it. Even my father had dragged me along to client dinners to dangle me in front of prospective clients like a juicy carrot. My sister Nesta is always watching my back, weary of everyone's intentions. Feyre, the bane of my existence at the moment, all but pimped me out to the dullest man in Hewn Hills because she thought her friend's happiness was more important than mine. Just a pawn to be used to make her life more exciting.
That's not entirely fair.
I know I’m seen as a goodie goodie, a pushover. Maybe I am, I caved to Feyre's demands after all. My sisters love to remind me how I am too sweet for my own good. A chaste virginal angel that they must protect at all costs. My reflection taunts me. Not a hair out of place, a flawless exterior that was pleasing to the eye. But, what had that gotten me? A failed engagement. A cage of my own making. Putting everyone else first and myself second. I shake away the bitterness, burying it deep down. It could be worse. At least Lucien is polite and respectful. I could do this, I could muster some enthusiasm and carry on with this date. No matter how much I wanted to shrink into myself. He is just a man and once it was over I could tell Feyre I had given it my best effort but we weren't a love match. Though I knew I didn't give Lucien my best, in many ways I blame him for what happened with Graysen. I just wanted tonight to be over with so I could go home and binge watch tv without a bra on.
With a new sense of purpose, I step back into the bustling restaurant and head toward the table. Lucien has his back to me as he chats on the phone, “you don't understand Jurian. She's so… so… meek, boring even. I don’t know why Feyre keeps insisting we’re soul mates. I know, she is beautiful, probably the most beautiful woman I've ever seen but she is dull , a snoozefest. Just call me in five minutes with a fake emergency so I can bow out.” Stunned, I dropped my head in defeat. Well, I couldn't blame him for wanting out of the world's most awkward first date. But, to call me meek and boring is just mean. I fought the urge to cry. No need to spill tears over Lucien Vanserra. Besides, it's not like he is the sly and charming man I've heard everyone drone on about. He is the snoozefest. He has barely said a word to me all evening. He is the headliner of the snoozefestival. How dare he!!!
I slide back into my chair and slap on the biggest fake smile I can muster. “Has our waiter stopped by?” I asked, pretending that I don't want to kick him in the shin. “No, not yet. This place is getting packed. It's hard to even hear what you're saying, we can just listen to the music and Ow!” Lucien hunches over and grabs his leg. “Oh my, I'm so sorry! I went to cross my legs but didn't realize you were so close,” I feigned innocence as I bat my eyes at him. I turn my head from his scowl before I start laughing. My eyes peruse the growing crowd of people streaming through the door and there he is.
His dark hair swept back off of his face, dressed in an immaculate black suit that hugs his sculpted form. I don't let myself admit this often but I have a tiny, itty bitty crush on Rhysand's mysterious brother, Azriel . Even his name is beautiful. I have only interacted with him at family functions but the sight of him alone is enough to make me swoon. He is always busy working some sort of mysterious job. I never get a straight answer on what it is that he does because it is all very hush hush. I caught bits and pieces from eavesdropping on conversations when no one was paying attention to me. They rarely pay attention to me. I know it involves surveillance work and traveling, which only adds to his allure. I like to pretend he is a spy like James Bond or even a kingpin in the mob. A dangerous job for a dangerous man. At least I like to pretend he has a dangerous side, he certainly looks like he does. He has dark features and is always draped in black and cobalt blue clothing. He is stoic with a piercing hazel gaze that could slice right through you. He is hard to read but I feel like his eyes give him away. It's the way the corners wrinkle slightly or glow brighter when he is happy. It's how directly he stares when he is mad and fighting the urge to speak out. Despite his appearance, he is always kind and thoughtful toward me. He holds the door for me or pulls out my chair at the dinner table. One time, after I spent all of Thanksgiving day cooking, he took the serving dish from my hands so I could sit down and enjoy the meal I worked so hard on. He even made everyone wait until I sat to eat. Men are rarely that chivalrous these days. The memory sends my heart racing. Azriel is quiet, but not awkward the way Lucien is currently behaving. He is confident and reserved in a way that adds to his enigmatic persona.
I watch him as he walks through the door and turns to the stunning blonde behind him, Mor. He was on a date with her . I recall the time I overheard Feyre telling Nesta that Azriel was in love with Mor. It made sense I suppose, she is gorgeous and has a way about her that makes it seem like she was lit from within. But a part of me doesn’t believe it. Feyre is often wrong about these kinds of things. Look at me and Lucien, she thinks we are fated. But, this date feels like pulling teeth. “Elain, did you hear me?” I shook myself out of my daze, “I’m sorry, what did you say?” Lucien let out a sigh, “I asked if you like bread,'' Confused, I looked at the basket that was placed in front of me. I want to roll my eyes. Does he not remember that I own a bakery? “Who doesn't like bread, Lucien?” He scoffed, “you would be surprised, there are people out there who can't tolerate it.” I blink once, and then again. “That was a joke,” he states as if he were teaching humor to a martian. “Oh,” is all I can muster as I look at the bread, pleading with it to save me from this man. A dad joke, really?
Suddenly there is a long dark shadow cast over the table. My eyes shoot up to meet hazel ones. “I hope I'm not interrupting,” Azriel says, appearing like an answered prayer. “Azriel! It’s so good to see you,” I beamed, hoping the relief in my tone isn’t as obvious as it seems. The corner of his mouth ticks upward, “it's good to see you too Elain. I hope you have been well.” Gods he is beautiful and tall. Why is he so tall? He smells divine. I wonder if he is just visiting for a few days? Lucien clears his throat. I look at him, realizing I am still on a date. “Azriel, this is Lucien, you know, Feyre's friend.” Azriel slowly turns to Lucien and dips his head in greeting, turning back to me. “I didn't expect to see you out in the city,” he says with a curious look in his eyes. I smile shyly, “I'm… here on a date.” He looks back to Lucien slowly raking his gaze up and down, a hint of displeasure in his assessment. “I see. I'm just grabbing a bite with Mor.” He turns towards his companion who is sitting at a table across the restaurant. “I just wanted to stop by and say hello. I’ve taken a new assignment and will be in this area for the next few months. Hopefully we will see more of each other.” My smile widens, I would certainly love to see more of him. Azriel's lip quirks up ever so slightly on one side. BUZZ. BUZZ. BUZZ.
Lucien apologizes and grabs his phone, a puzzled look on his face. “Hold on. It's my roommate. It's odd he is calling since he knowsIi'm on a date.” He answers it quickly, while holding up a finger to shush Azriel and me. “Wait, what's wrong? Calm down.” Wow, he is really committing to the bit. “Are you sure? Okay… I am on my way,” he ends the call and looks up. “I'm sorry to have to do this but there's an emergency and I'm going to have to end our date early.” I fight back a chortle. “Oh no! What kind of an emergency, a flat tire or dead grandma?” Azriel coughs and turns away. Lucien looking stunned mutters out, “uhhh a flat tire.” I wave over the waitress who miraculously appears from nowhere, “Can we get our check?” I turn back to Lucien, “Sorry to hear about your roommates flat tire. I hate when that happens.” Before Lucien can reply, the waitress comes back with the bill. It's for two drinks and a bread basket. I start to pull out my wallet when Azriel clears his throat. Lucien looks from me to Azriel. Azriel asks with an unamused expression, “Aren't you going to pay, since it's a date?” My jaw nearly hits the floor. Lucien sputters and fumbles for his wallet. Hastily slinging a twenty dollar bill on the table. “Well it's been… a date. I will catch you around Elain.” Lucien shuffles around the crowd making a hasty exit. I keel over in a fit of quiet laughter the second Lucien bolts for the door. You know the kind of silent laughter where your shoulders shake and you can hardly breathe? That kind. I feel a warm rough hand stroke my upper arm sending a shiver down my spine. “Hey, it's okay, don't be upset,” came the soothing timbre of Azriel's voice. I look up to see his worried expression and start laughing even harder. His hand stills on my arm and grips me lightly. “Why are you laughing?” he asks, bemused by my giggling fit. I wipe away a few wayward tears as I fight back a bout of hiccups. “ it's just… it's just…” I snort. An honest to gods snort so loud that it draws the attention of at least three neighboring tables. Azriel is smiling fully now. A toothy smile that I just know he rarely gives to anyone. It over takes his whole face making him somehow even more handsome. Seeing him this way suddenly calms my laughing fit and I clear my throat. “It's just, we were having the worst date in the history of dates and he was so desperate to get away he made up an excuse to bail. But, I have to say his acting was pretty solid.” Azriel looks at me a little stunned, “you're not upset, not mad?” I smile again, “I can’t blame him, I wanted to escape through the bathroom window but they didn't have one.” His smile lingers as he stares at me. “You making him pay for the bill was just icing on the cake.” Azriel hums before saying, “it was the least I could do.” I stand and grab my small handbag off the table. “Well, Azriel, I’m happy I got the chance to see you. It’s been too long, I'm glad to hear you’ll be sticking around for a while.” He looks down towards his shoes and back up, the faintest blush on his cheeks. “Have a good evening,” I bid him farewell and walk out onto the street.
I stop to take a deep breath, cleansing myself of the bad date energy. It was terrible but at least I went out and could tell Feyre to back off. It had been several years since I had mustered the courage to date. Not since Graysen. I’m about to take a step when I felt a hand grab the back of my elbow. “Wait, I wanted to make sure you were truly okay.” I whirl around to see Azriel staring down at me. My heart flutters once again, the way it always does in his presence. His face was elegant with high cheekbones, a fine nose and a sharp jawline. In the halo of the street lamp he looked like a fallen angel. His scarred hand was still on my arm, a rose tattoo covered the back of it. “That's very thoughtful of you, but truly I’m okay. My pride is a little wounded but I'll get over it.” He studies me for a long moment before he leans in, “You're too nice Elain.” I stiffen but can't exactly argue. “He's a fool you know? Any man would be lucky to date you.” My stomach fills with butterflies. It was my turn to blush under the weight of his sincere gaze. I swallow the lump in my throat. “You should get back to your date, Azriel. I would hate to take up any more of your time.” He looks over his shoulder and back to me, as if confused. Maybe he was remembering where he was and what he was doing. “Are you sure you're okay? Do you need me to take you home? You could join us…” his thumb tenderly rubbing up and down my arm. He was probably just being kind because I'm Feyre's sister. The thought saddens me. “I'm sure Azriel, no need to worry about me. I can take care of myself.” He looks unsure or perhaps he is just reluctant to let me go. His hand is still stroking my arm. “It was lovely to see you, maybe we can catch up another time?” A smile tugs at my lips, “I'd like that.”
Azriel
I can't believe my luck. I get back into the city and happen to bump into the girl I have been obsessing over for months. Truth be told, I have a thing for Elain Archeron. How could I not? She is gorgeous and so incredibly kind. She radiates joy and has a way of making everyone around her feel special. I am normally so good with the opposite sex. Hell I have quite the reputation as a ladies man but something about her leaves me feeling like a lovesick teenager. I wish I had a reason to make her stick around and spend the evening with me but I know I probably shouldn't.
I watch Elain walk away down the crowded street. Utterly lost in the way the wind catches her long golden hair. The way her dress skims over her gentle curves. What I wouldn't do to get the chance to touch her. I exhale slowly, burying my thoughts on her deep down, as I always do. I walk back into the restaurant and sit across from Mor. Once, many years ago I thought I loved Mor. But I mistook her kindness for love. I had never been around a girl my own age until I met her. She is so gregarious and radiates confidence. So when she doted on me, I read the signals all wrong. I built up something that was never really there. It took too long to discover that Mor preferred women. Even after, I held out hope that she would change her mind. Truth be told, it allowed me to keep other women at a distance. If I hid all of my feelings in the safety of Mor's friendship I never had to address my own issues with intimacy. But, I was done hiding behind Mor and living in denial. I started to realize I could never be happy if I didn’t face reality, no matter how scary it was for me to open up to her. It was awkward and she was hesitant to even hear me out. It was worth it though, because now she was my friend and one of my closest confidants.
“So, how was sweet Elain?” she asks. Elain didn't know Mor well, but Mor knew all about Elain. Mor being a family friend of Rhys’ was well informed on the Archeron sisters. “She seems okay, though it looks like she was having a bad date. He actually ditched her.” Mor gapes, “that piece of shit! Who was it?” I sneer, “Lucien Vanserra.” Mor rolls her eyes, “seems as though Feyre finally wore her down.” l hum in agreement. I’ll never understand why Feyre thinks Lucien and Elain would make a good pair. I suspect she wants Lucien to stick around and worries he wouldn’t without some other incentive. Feyre dated Tamlin, Lucien’s former college roommate and friend. After the nasty break up Lucien had taken Feyre’s side. But, he had grown distant and their friendship never fully recovered. So, she clings to the hope that if Elain marries Lucien he will become a permanent fixture in her life. Feyre also loves to meddle in other people's lives. She likes to think she has a gift for connecting people but in reality she is terrible at it. No, truly terrible. Her own love life until Rhys had been a shitshow so it puzzles me why Feyre thought so highly of her skills in the love department. I know Elain is too good for Lucien. I don't hate the man but he doesn’t seem like the type of man she needs. Especially after his pathetic stunt this evening.
I think back to Elain, how utterly beautiful she looked. The way her skin seemed to glow, how her face lit up when she laughed. The utterly intoxicating smell of her jasmine perfume. I hate the thought of her dating Lucian. I hate the way they look together, the way she seems to shrink around him. She is a bright shining light in a world of darkness. She deserves someone who appreciates how special she truly is.
“Hello, Earth to Azriel,” Mor says, snapping her fingers in front of my face. “I'm sorry Mor, what were you saying?” She sighs. “I should have known the second you saw her that I'd lost your focus for the evening.” My eyes snap up, face utterly unreadable. “What's that supposed to mean?” Mor pats my hand and I pull it away. I hate it when people touch my hands . “Don't play dumb with me Azriel. I know you too well.” I narrow my eyes, weighing my next words carefully. “I'm not playing dumb. I'm just concerned after Lucien ditched her.” Mor gives me an unimpressed look. “For what it's worth, I think you should ask her out. You two would make the hottest couple.” She pumps her eyebrows at me suggestively. “I'm not going to ask her out… that's absurd… Why would you even suggest that?” Mor tilts her head back and laughs, “oh you have it bad.” I give her an incredulous look, “I can't date anyone, I travel too much for work, not to mention it could be dangerous. Besides, I'm not interested in falling in love.” She gives me her no nonsense face. I want to protest but there is that old saying about protesting too much and I don't want to egg her on. “Let's just drop it and enjoy our evening,” I say, refusing to take the bait. Mor sighs, “here's the deal Azzy, I will enjoy a lovely meal, which you are paying for, by the way. But, I'm not forgetting you are pining after you know who.”
“Fine,” I bite out.
“Have you decided where you are going to stay?” She asks in a tone that feels suspiciously like prying into more than just my place of residence. I shrug, “My assignment is in Windhaven.” Mor scrunches her nose in distaste. Not that I blame her, Windhaven is a shithole. “I don't have to live there full time, but I do have to stay a few days a week.” She nods, “why not stay in Hewn Hills?” There it is, her not so innocent suggestion. It's like she knows what I have planned. She knows me too well. I eye her suspiciously. “Don't give me that look, Az. Velaris is too far from Windhaven, and Hewn Hills is adorable.” It is a nice town, I wouldn't call it adorable. Though there is something there worth adoring . “They have great hiking trails, the parks are beautiful, and the downtown is just like Stars Hollow.” I sigh, “you don't have to convince me Mor, I've already booked a bed and breakfast.” She squeals, and I feel a headache forming. I rub my temple, “don't get too excited. It's the most logical choice.” She claps excitedly, “oh i just love it there, and now I have another reason to visit. You know I love Rita's and don't get me started on Petals.” I give her a perturbed look and pray to the gods that she doesn't read into anything more than she already has. There is only one reason I’m staying in Hewn Hills, Elain . Seeing her with Lucien tonight only reinforces the notion that I need to be close to her. Is it the smart thing to do? No, but I can’t seem to keep away. I’m just glad Mor’s job will keep her distracted from joining Feyre in competing for the biggest pain in the ass award.
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wolfjackle-creates · 1 year ago
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Bring Me Home Arc 2 Part 20: FINAL
So guess what I realized this morning. Today, November 13, 2023 is the one year anniversary of me posting my first DPxDC fic to tumblr. It was the original fill for this very fic. (Which you can find here.)
So I decided I just had to finish this arc and get it posted. This year has been amazing and so much fun. I've become a much better writer and joined a community that has brought me so much joy. I'm glad to be here and I'm glad so many of you like to read what I'm sharing.
I noticed I got a few new readers over the past week or so, so welcome to all of you! Hope you enjoy this early update!
In personal news, my nephew was born and he's adorable and I'll be meeting him tomorrow! (As soon as I'm done posting this, I'm off to make food for his mom.)
Story Summary: Tim and Danny are both neglected by parents who care more about their work than their families. They deal with this by spending too much time online and find each other playing MMORPGs. They keep up their friendship as Tim becomes Robin and Danny becomes Phantom and don't bother keeping secrets from each other.
Arc 1
Arc 2: Part 1, Previous
Word Count: 1.2k
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In the end, it ended up taking several hours for Danny, Sam, and Tucker to escape their families and converge on the park. In that time, Tim had called Bruce to let him know he’d be back in Gotham by tomorrow and finished most of his homework.
While he worked, Wulf and Bart were having an animated conversation in Esperanto.
Tim was pretty sure Wulf would be bringing Bart to the Ghost Zone for a tour sometime and started making plans to learn Esperanto himself and bribe Bart to get in on them.
Cassie was helping Conner sort through some of the music Sam had given him. Tim was jealous as he solved more banal trig questions. Why did school have to be so boring? He tapped his pencil on the paper in time to the beat of whatever music Conner had playing.
Tucker was the first to arrive. “Danny and Sam not here yet?” he asked as he plopped down next to Bart and Wulf.
“Nope. Haven’t heard from them, either,” said Tim. He opened his phone notifications again just to be sure, but there was nothing new.
Tucker shrugged and pulled out a stick of jerkey to munch on. “Not surprising. The Fentons will be all overprotective after the mayor was kidnapped by a ghost on live TV. And Sam’s parents are just as bad. Only they smother rather than check the weaponry.” He turned to greet Wulf in Esperanto.
An email came through on Tim’s phone and he groaned. “Our evening interview was canceled. No one wants to hear us try to defend Phantom anymore.”
Cassie cursed. “Course not. Bet the paper won’t publish our editorials either.”
Conner looked over, confused. “Won’t they? Clark works for the Daily Planet. They publish stuff like that all the time.”
Tim didn’t look up from his math as he answered, “That’s the difference between a big, Pulitzer winning publication and a small-town op-ed.”
Tucker sighed. “Well maybe someone will remember your interviews from this morning in a positive light.”
Bart rolled his eyes. “Come on, we can’t change it. So let’s move forward. Next step, make friends with more ghosts! Wulf says there’s a bunch of cool people in the Realms.”
“Realms?” asked Tim.
“It’s what he says the Ghost Zone is actually called. The Infinite Realms.”
“Huh. I’ll have to check JL databases, see if they have any information on them.”
Tucker asked something in Esperanto and Bart burst out laughing as Wulf looked on in confusion.
With Bart’s help, though, he rephrased until Wulf was able to reply. And then the three kept to Esperanto. Tim really had to find time to learn it.
Sam was the next to arrive. She grinned and sat down next to Conner. “How you liking the music?”
Conner grinned and showed her the sheets where he ranked the bands so far based on which songs he’d listened to. She then took over the speakers and searched for specific tracks to try and change his mind about some of the bands he liked the least.
Tim let his eyes close as his friends’ voices washed over him.
After some indeterminate time where he dozed between sleeping and awareness, a foot nudged his hip. Tim grumbled out what was supposed to be a, “What?” but was too mumbled to really be understood.
“Come on, Secrets. You can do better than that.”
Tim cracked an eye open to see Danny grinning down at him. He pushed himself up slightly and blinked heavily in the sunlight.
“Finally got away from your parents?” asked Tim.
Danny collapsed on the ground next to him. “Ugh, don’t remind me. They’re freaking out over everything that’s happened the last few days. Jazz and I are basically going to be on lock down until they feel confident the ghosts are gone.”
“Did you have to sneak out to get here?” asked Cassie.
Danny shook his head. “No, I told them I was going to find you guys to make sure you were all safe. You’re welcome to come back to ours tonight, by the way. Mom and Dad basically insisted on it.”
“What do you guys think?” asked Tim. “Spend one more night here at Danny’s and head out in the morning?”
Cassie sighed. “My mom’s already freaking out that I’ve been gone longer than planned. I should get back tonight.”
“I’ll stay,” offered Conner. “I’m your ride home, anyway.”
“Why don’t you come to my place, Conner,” offered Sam. “Your nails need a fresh coat after fighting today. And I need teach you about the different brands of makeup and what to look for in terms of cost, quality, and ethicality. Plus I can get you more music.”
Tim laughed when Conner looked to him. “Go for it. Have fun.”
Conner grinned. “Then yeah, let’s do it!”
Bart shrugged. “Wulf is going to go back to the Realms soon. I’ll head out after. Wally and Linda want me over for a family dinner tonight.”
“Well, looks like that’s it, then,” sighed Danny. “Been fun having other heroes around.”
Tim nudged his shoulder. “Join the Young Justice. You could join us and we'd help out whenever you wanted. Get you around people who actually appreciate what you do for them.”
But Danny was already shaking his head. “I have to stay here. And now Amity trusts heroes even less. I want to improve that, not make it worse.”
“Even if you don’t join,” declared Conner. “You’re not getting rid of us now.”
Bart nodded his agreement. “Yep. We’re gonna be stopping by all the time. You’re in the group chat.”
“Exactly,” agreed Tim. “And we’ll figure out ways to help you. Starting with how to minimize property damage. That seems to be the big thing people focus on. You can make shields, right? How big can you make them and how much power do they take?”
Danny smiled wryly. “Can’t say I’ve really tested it.”
Tim laughed. “Well, I know one thing we’re doing tonight. We’re going to go back to Nasty Burger—” Tim looked around at the whole group “—all of us. Then Cassie and Bart are going to go home. Danny and I, at least, are going to take a nap. Then we’re gonna test the current limits to Danny’s powers.”
Danny bumped their shoulders together. “You know, this is just like gaming with you all those years.”
“Yeah, well, it’s best to be thorough.”
“We’ve measured, like, his top speed and stuff,” said Tucker, pulling out a PDA. “Want to see what we’ve got so far?”
“Absolutely.” Tim took the device and looked through it. “You’ve a decent amount of information here. Maybe instead of taking a nap, I’ll help you organize it and come up with a testing plan.”
Conner flew over to him and pulled the PDA out of his hand. “Not after pulling an all-nighter you won’t. We’re going to get some food, then the two of you are going to sleep for at least four hours.”
“I’ll set Jazz on you, too,” threatened Sam. “Don’t think I won’t.”
Tim pouted as the device was given back to Tucker. And grumbled more when Conner picked him up and threw him over his shoulder.
“Come on, food time.”
“I am going to put kryptonite in your phone,” threatened Tim.
“Bingo!” shouted Cassie.
Danny laughed as he stood. “Does this mean I can join the next round?”
Tim scowled. “Traitors, all of you.”
-----
Next
And that's the end of this Arc! Arc 3 will pick up where the original fill did. (Only this time, Tim won't be the only DC character there to help Danny.)
I'd say something like I can't believe it's only been a year, but so much has happened to me in the last twelve months that it feels like a lifetime ago, to be honest. But it's been a good year and I'm glad this community has been part of it.
Please follow the subscription post if you want updates for when I start transferring this arc to AO3 or begin posting Arc 3.
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ceruleansx · 1 year ago
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forever | ethan landry
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↳ ethan landry x reader
↳ warnings : mentions of abusive relathionship, comfort, so much fluff
↳ summary: ethan was the only person you wanted, and he wanted you too. you didn't expect what happened after your study session and movie night with him.
↳ a/n: sorry this is so different from my peeta fics, but one is coming soon! this is also a long story btw
------------------------------------------------------------
ethan landry had the most massive, crazy crush on you. in fact, he was practically in love with you. and the whole group can tell how much of a madman he was for you. but being the shy boy that he is, he never really had the full courage to tell you. he flirted shyly, if that's even possible.
the first time you two met was when you had econ. ethan always caught your attention, yet you never really went up to him. when you two passed by each other, you would politely exchange a soft 'hi'.
the professer assinged a group project, and he was choosing the partners.
ethan literally pinched himself when he heard that he was going to be working with you for a year-long project.
you two met in the cafe when he had an actual conversation with you.
"so h-hey.." ethan stuttered. he's never been so nervous around anyone before.
"hi!" you smiled softly.
you noticed the small tinted blush on his cheeks, which caused butterflies to swarm in your stomach.
"so um- we may not have a lot of time since the cafe in closing." he zipped his backpack.
"but you can come with me to my dorm. my friends and i are gonna watch a horror movie, your my guest." he stared down at you lovingly.
"sure! that sounds like fun." you smiled.
"great o-okay."
he couldn't believe you actually said yes.
"and don't worry, once they leave, we have the whole place to ourselves." he softly said.
even if he didn't mean it, that comment made you blush hard. you started down at your shoes until the comfortable silence broke.
"so i'll see you tommorow?" he asked.
you nodded.
he smiled and started to walk away.
"oh wait!!" you called. he turned, eyebrows furrowed.
"c-can i get your number? just for your dorm number a-and stuff." you stuttered.
why were you so nervous about asking ethan for your number? he was handsome and so sweet, but he was just to precious for you. he deserves someone better.
it was almost like ethan heared your thoughts.
"yeah s-sure." he said quietly and handed you his phone.
after you got each other's numbers, you both said bye and headed different ways. ethan's heart was doing jumps after the interaction you had with him.
and so was yours.
--------------
you knocked on ethan's dorm, praying that it was him answering the door.
sadly, it was his roomate chad. his face turned into confusion.
"hi..?" he questioned.
"oh hi- um i'm studying with ethan after the movie?" you always got so nervous talking to people you barely knew.
if this was true, then why did you not feel so scared talking to ethan? its like ethan comforts you, even though you barely know him.
his face clicks. "ohh your the girl ethan kept talking about!!"
your cheeks tinted a light pink. he talked about you? "yeah, that's me.." you chuckled softly.
he opened the door and let you in. "we haven't started the movie yet, but ethans in his room if you wanna find him." chad smirked.
you nodded and headed to the door that chad pointed out to you. you slowly opened the door, only to find ethan studying at his desk. he had headphones on, and you could hear the music through it.
you slowly walked up to him and tapped on his shoulder. he flinched, but when he saw you, his face immidetely relaxed. he took of his headphones and placed them down.
"i'm so glad you came, it would've been kinda awkward watching the movie without y-you." he stumbled on the last words as he slightly lost balance.
"well, your friends seem cool, but i just know that the perfect ethan landry will make it cooler." you teased.
he blushed and gave his huge signature grin. "stop.." he said shly.
you peered behind him. "got a head start?" you asked as he had the homework on his desk.
he looked guilty for a second. "i know i couldn't resist." he laughed, "but don't worry, i-ill help you."
"deal."
-------------
you, ethan, chad, mindy, tara, and anika were all on the couch watching Stab 2.
tara was cuddled up with chad, and anika and tara were hugging each other from the fright of the jumpscares.
that just left you and ethan. before the movie started, you sat next to HIM. there were plenty of other places to sit, but no. you sat glued together to ethan.
i mean, he wasnt complaining or anything.
you two were so close, he had no were else to put his hand except for your thigh, but he didn't do it. he was scared youll get creeped out, and it will be awkward for the rest of the night.
a suspensful scene came on, and of course, a jumpscare. it was probably the worst jumpscare ever. and with that, you grabbed onto ethan's big arms and covered yourself with them.
"y/n?" he whispered, looking down at you. he was so close to calling you 'baby'.
you just shook your head, still covering your face. the others were to distracted, but the cutie that ethan is, he noticed.
"what's wrong..?" he asked softly.
"i'm just sca-scared." you said between a sniffle. "im sensitive to t-this topic."
he looked back at his friends and the movie, thinking about what to do. he turned back at you and tucked of hair from your face to your ear.
even with you being uncomfortable, that action that he did made your tummy fluster.
"do you want to go to my room? we can do something else to make you happier." he smiled.
you removed your face from his arm and looked at ethan. this is when you two realized how close you were to each other. his lips were basically on yours. you smiled softly, only imagining how it would be like to be his girlfriend.
you nodded, and he nodded back. he grabbed the back of your legs and picked you up bridal style, since your legs were numb from laying down.
"where are you guys going, this is the best part?!?!" mindy yelled.
"were taking our mind of from the creep movie, creep." he joked to mindy. she rolled her eyes and turned back.
he closed the door and turned, only to find you walking over to sit on his bed. you stared down at your feet. "can i lay down? your bed looks so comfy."
he smiled, knowing the fact that you were about to lay down where HE sleeps. he nodded.
"go ahead, ask me if you need anything." he went to his desk, "i'll be here studying."
you nodded, and covered yourself with his blankets. it's silly, but his blankets and pillow smelled just like him. you wanted to stay in his bed forever.
---------
you fell asleep on ethan landry's bed. and eventually, he fell asleep with you.
it was about an hour in before ethan realized that you fell asleep. it was also when he realized that everyone went to the halloween party. it made ethan's heartbeat that you two were alone.
he started to get tired, and he wasn't gonna sleep on the floor, the uncomfy couch, or chads gross bed. so the only thing was his bed. he sighed, and got up and into the bed.
as he was getting in, he looked your beautiful features. how can someone be so pretty? ethan knew that your were gonna be his first and only crush ever. he only wanted to feel your lips for eternity.
he climbed in, and scooted next to you. he had a twin bed, so it was pretty small. you grumbled and scooted over, still not fully awake. ethan just layed there awkwardly.
he turned to you and saw your back facing him. he had nowhere else to put his arms, so he just placed them over your waist, and he brought you closer.
------------
you probably woke up an hour later. until you found ethan cuddled up so closly to you. you were know facing him, with his face nuzzled into your neck. he had his arms tight around your waist, and your legs were interlocked.
you felt that same butterfly feeling, and you just looked at him. you two were very close, which gave you a close up on his pretty face.
how could a nerdy shy boy look so handsome?
you tried to escape by checking the time, but ethan nuzzled you tighter. "i know im pretty." he smirked.
you looked down at him and blushed. you asked innocent. "i have no idea what your talking about." you shrugged.
"sure.." he whispered and moved his head back to look at you.
"sorry, i got tired, and i don't want to sleep in chads bed." he apologized.
"it's okay, it felt nice having someone with me." you smiled softly.
he glanced at your lips, but meeting your eyes after. you stared at his dark brown eyes, following his plump pink lips.
he turned to the bedside table and saw the time. "oh good we have time." he said.
"time for what?"
"well after our study sesh, i was planning on taking you on a walk with you to watch the stars."
you stared at the boy, mezmerized at how another human being can be even more precious than him. "if that's okay with you..?" he asked shyly.
you smiled gracefully. "yes of course ethan, i would love too."
his face relaxed, and his eyes softened at he met your eyes. after deciding what to study first, you sat down on his bed while he sat down in his chair. at that point, you two didn't even study. you just talked about everything, and getting to know each other.
he really brought out the best of you, bringing you so much comfort. no one has ever cared for you like he did after your abusive relationship
you truly loved ethan landry.
------------
he layed a towel on the grassy hill, patting a spot for you to sit next to him. you layed down next to him, hands almost touching.
"the stars are really beautiful tonight." you whispered, even though no one was near.
"they really are.." he softly said.
little did you know that he was looking at you. you only noticed this because you saw the lightpost light up behind him.
you met his eyes, his eyes sparkling from the stars. so were yours, and he admired the sparkle and light in your eyes.
"ethan i-" you stuttered, "i just wanted to say thank you."
he turned his head in confusion. "for what?"
"you really make me happy, i never laughed so hard or being so happy after i-" you stopped.
"y/n?" he whispered.
"after i broke up with my abusive boyfriend." you blurted out.
"oh.." he said. he never felt so bad for anyone. no one that beautiful should deserve such pain.
you two fully faced each other, so close. "y/n, you should've never gone through that."
you shrugged and chuckled softly.
"well it did."
"yeah, it did. but i will make sure that it will never happen to you again with any boyfriend." he assured you.
at that moment, all you wanted was him. "thank you.." you whispered.
"whatever man you need and want, i have to approve first." he smirked.
you laughed softly. now was the moment. the moment to tell him that you only want him your life. forever to eternity.
"ethan i-"
he waited patiently.
"i need you ethan. like-" you paused, "like i REALLY need you. your the only person that i-"
your words were cut off by ethan's lips. his lips fitted perfectly with yours, like you two were made for each other. your hands met his curly hair, tucking it ever so slighlty. he groaned into your mouth at your action, causing him to hold on your waist.
you two were now sitting up, fully entangled into each other. you bit his bottom lip softly, making him whimper once again. god, he was so cute.
after a couple minutes, you two finally pulled away. you were still massaging his scalp as he pressed his foreahead with yours. his thumbs were rubbing your cheeks as he held it.
"you have no idea how long i've wanted to do that s-sweetheart." he stuttered at the last word, but it only made you smile.
"me too pretty boy." you followed the nickname calling.
he smiled and gave you a small peck on your neck. "you lips are the only lips i want to feel for the rest of my life."
you smiled so hard that it was hurting your face. your just held him closer and took a deep breath of relaxtation.
"and i promise that you will never ever experience a relationship like that again." he pulled back to look at you.
"i know.." you whispered. "i know that because i just want to be with you for eternity."
"then for eternity, you will be cared for by me for forever." he said softly, stroking your hair.
"just you and me forever." he whispered.
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totothewolff · 1 year ago
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Season of Love (4/?)
+18 | Toto x reader fem!teamprincipal, romance, comedy, and some good drama.
Summary: One night on a pier in Monaco, while admiring the sea under the night skies, you tell Toto: "I came to the conclusion that love is simply not meant for me." That's the answer to a question you have been asking yourself for the longest time. But what if he proved you wrong? Author's note: This is a multichapter Toto Wolff x team principal reader fic set along a season of F1. It's a very immersive story full of drivers, team dynamics, races, mystery, and smut. You just bought the Williams team, but nobody really knows who you truly are.
< Previous chapter | Masterlist | Next chapter >
Dances with Wolff Arc Chapter 4: No brakes, just love!
Austria
When you arrive at the pitlane in Spielberg, you notice a couple of heads turning towards you on your way to the W garage after your long absence.
Toto's eyes look intensely at you as you cross past the Mercedes' garage. Yes, he looks mad. Oh boy, that's one conversation you want to avoid having so bad.
—Did all go well? —Michael asks you as he greets you with a hug once you get in there; he is standing next to Millie's car, and his wording takes you slightly by surprise; you look at him, somewhat alarmed, as a different idea crosses your mind. —Your business trips, I mean —he clarifies as he notices your confused face.
—Oh, that, yes, the business trips, yeah, all good. Thank you! —you change topics as fast as possible, not wishing to lie to Michael. —Have I missed much?
—Well, it got interesting to say so.
—What?
He turns you around and nods towards a hurt-looking Charles Leclerc supervising his Ferrari car, crunched and pointing something while talking to a mechanic.
Charles has his hands covered in bandages, and his face is all bruised. What on earth! You lock eyes with him, and he looks surprised to see you there, then frowns at you slightly. You point your index finger to the left, and he gets your "See you in that narrow corridor where no one will see us."
—WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU!? —You rush to take a good look at him when he catches your step, honestly concerned.
—That's what I asked myself! By "See you soon," you meant in four weeks! Good thing you didn't say, "See you in a while"!
—I'm sorry.
—Yeah, you better be! I texted you god knows how many times!
—I know, I'm sorry.
—Yeah, I'm really pissed at you, Y/N!
You look down at the floor, fucking sad. Charles notices it.
—But I'm even more glad and grateful to have you back —Charles pulls you into a tight hug, avoiding pressuring his bandaged hands against your body. —You had me worried.
You take a good peek at those.
—Second-degree burns on each. Something wrong went with my car; they are still investigating it. I lost brakes and control of her; thank god there wasn't a concrete wall or metal barrier and fence nearby, just rows of bumpers and forest beyond; a part at the front of the car caught fire due to the extreme friction, and that burned me.
You look at him, very pale, with your eyes widened.
—I know, I get what could have happened, but it didn't —Charles looks away with watery eyes. —So, let's move on. I'm not stopping racing.
You wipe a tear coming down your face.
—Oh no, no, I'm fine. It will take a minute, but I will be ready for the Dutch GP.
—Like a turkey put in an oven.
—I'll be fully cooked by then!
You both laugh; you missed your silly times with Charles so much. You picture him in a puffy turkey costume, struggling to get inside his car, not fitting.
—I'm glad you are alright; well, you know what I mean. I'm sorry I wasn't here for you when you needed it.
—It's okay, you are now.
-
Hi, honey! Yeah, no... Hi! Toto!? No! Once more... Hello Tots! Better! Remember that time when we fucked the shit out of each other, and then I disappeared for weeks? I'm back now! How is it going, my love? Yeah, like any of that is going to work.
You wait for the rest of the Mercedes team to leave their garage to slowly approach him, taking your time with each step, fighting your urge to run away.
—A text would have been nice —He tells you as soon as he feels you near, his eyes reading a graph slide on his iPad. Okay, that's a really icy tone.
—I'm sorry. I...
—Uhmju. So... —he closes the tablet's case, gets on his feet, fully upright, his height towering over you, and leans against the control center table, looking straight at you. —Business trips, huh? —he crosses his muscular arms. —Where have you really been? —Even if you are that nervous, you can't avoid peeking at his attractive flexed biceps.
—In Belgium. I had a personal emergency.
—What happened? —he swifts his tone to slightly concerned.
—I can't tell you.
He frowned at your answer, which was not good enough for him.—I see. It's not like it matters that you vanished for a month without a trace or warning and that didn't answer any of my worried calls or my sleepless late-night texts —Toto says.
—Toto, I-
—It's not like you have to explain a thing to me. It's not like I worried anyway —Toto interrupts you with a lot of sarcasm, moving to place his things inside his briefcase. —Well, I do really have a business trip to go. Excuse me —he passes you by, inches away, dodging your body.
He leaves you standing there, alone in the now empty Mercedes' garage. —I'm happy to see you —you say softly to yourself as you watch him walk further away in the distance, feeling you are about to cry.
How can his voice go from soft and sweet to sexy and guttural to authoritarian and commanding to this condescending and cold one? It needs to be studied.
-
The following day, Toto is nowhere to be seen. Sam notices you glancing around the paddock, looking for him near the Merc area. You don't feel like losing him, and you are there to try again to offer him an apology.
—He is in Germany. He will be here later —she tells you as she reaches you after exiting the Mercedes hospitality. —Hi! We didn't have a chance to talk yesterday; it's been crazy days for this team! How did it go?
—He is so mad at me anyways —you let out very sad. Sam can't avoid feeling sorry for you, which you notice and hate. 
—He has been under much pressure lately; we are still in P3 at Constructors and Drivers, and we got disqualified in Canada to add more to his stress.
—What?!
—Tecnicallities and human errors, which had him fuming. Plus, all the drama in his personal life with you missing.
—And the Sussie drama, too, probably.
—Sussie's drama?! —she looks at you perplexed, like a second head had grown from your neck.
—I had dinner at Lewis before Matthew's call. He mentioned at the table that she was staying with him at his place in Monaco; he made it sound like they were still in a relationship but on rocky times.
—Toto is not that type —Sam reassures a slightly insecure-looking you. —I would ask him about it, but he no longer confides in me. By the way, now Toto knows when I lie —that's why Samanta hates letting his walls down; it makes her more vulnerable to others. —You don't know how many times he asked me things; I denied knowing what was going on with you or where you were every time, but not once he believed me. It got worse when he noticed a nervous Niki looking straight at me whenever he came to inquire. So it will be best if you let me out of the loop, but only a bit, eh?
You look stunned at her; wow, Toto did really know Sam; reading her was so difficult. Then you move to answer her previous question, informing her: —The plan is still on track, with no significant alterations. We ran a couple of scenarios with the tactics department, and it all went well; even Pascal joined us to give his input. It felt weird to be back at the manor, like somehow I didn't belong there anymore; I missed my new life and you guys so fucking much!
—Pascal went to the manor?! —Sam's eyebrows go up in the air, stunned.
—No, no, he joined us in a secure call line. You know Matt doesn't allow him there; plus, he is still under house arrest in Hungary.
—Oh yeah, I forgot about that; it's been a while —Sam scratches her head. —Are you nervous?
—Yes.
—I will be there by your side —she squeezes your hand.
—Oh no, I don't want you even near all that.
—And everyone missed you too! The group was worried!
-
It hits you differently now, by how things turned out. 
But you can't avoid thinking that you are in Toto's homeland, which makes your mind wander to the dangerous thoughts you have been avoiding all day. 
All those what-ifs? 
What if you hadn't left? 
What if Toto wasn't mad at you? 
What if he had taken you to a romantic dinner in Vienna? 
What if he had shown you his favorite places from growing up? 
You also can't escape the thought of Toto's family. 
What if they showed up? 
What if you had met them? 
What if you got introduced to them? 
Of course, none of this will happen because you two aren't a thing yet. You killed your chances, and now you two are just friends who slept with each other and desire one another, but just that. 
Oh god, you pray you two aren't really just that. 
You screwed things with Toto so fast, don't you? It happened sooner than you expected to.
-
It's late. Toto arrives at his remote office straight from the jet in the late afternoon and stays working till dark. He has several papers to read and sign and essential things to approve; he needs quietness and no one bothering or interrupting, which is impossible during work hours. He sees you walk past behind the tinted windows of his headquarters. It is unusual for you to be around at these hours.
The lane is empty, and your heels sound louder than they should. All building facades remain lit, and only a couple of rooms inside them have the lights on for those late stayers, making the paddock feel less lonely than it should as you rush to your car on your way out. It was a tough day and an awful one.
Toto grabs his things and tries to reach you; he is angry and stressed, but it is not all your fault. He closes the door loudly, on purpose. You turn around at the sound, jumping a bit. He is about to crack a joke to ease things and come closer waving a peace flag but notices your red eyes from crying. His expression changes to one of honest concern.
—Shit —you let out softly, under your breath. He is the last person you want to meet in this state.
He comes close and stares at you for a good second. You don't say a word, and he tightly wraps you in his arms. He is warm and smells so good. You bury your head in his chest and meld in his embrace. He rests his chin on the top of your head; the height difference makes it comfortable for him.
—Feel like talking about it? —Toto says sweetly.
—No.
—Okay, it's all good. You don't have to. Can I hold you till you feel better?
—Yes, please —you softly sob; you feel like a little girl in his arms. He makes you feel like that all the time. You are only a couple of years younger than him. But he is such a grown-up in your eyes. And you are a fragile, weak thing on the constant verge of breakdown.
You cry in his arms, and he wipes and kisses your tears away. You melt inside. This man is too much.
He carries you in his arms inside the modern Mercedes building to the unlit, empty lobby; you two cuddle on the floor, Toto's back against the hallway wall, on top of the silver arrows logo carpet, and you lay on his chest, your legs crossing his.
Toto apologizes: —I shouldn't have said those things like that, but I was sore.
—I understand where it comes from. It's okay, I get it. I missed you so much —you let Toto know; he leans his forehead on yours, noses touching too.
And you kiss. You feel Toto's warm and soothing lips on yours, and you two start to tenderly and sweetly make out; it's warm, wet, and intimate, and when you are to caress his neck with your hand, almost out of breath but not able to stop, he suddenly breaks it off, taking you by surprise. 
—We should leave; we don't want fines on our way for overstaying. Stay with me tonight.
You nod, agreeing.
-
It's an exquisite bathroom the one in his hotel suite, with white walls decorated with the French boiserie technique and polished marble white floors with ornamental gold flowers hand-painted on the large tiles. Tall windows let the light enter behind the light curtains. A large frame mirror with gold edges sits against the wall and over the floor.
You two share the white bathtub, a 19th-century piece with gold leaf borders; you are happily placed on top of him inside it in the warm water, rubbing the expensive bamboo mesh loofah on his naked chest while he lets you know every detail about his trip to Germany and the crazy weeks he had while placing small kisses on your shoulders, neck, and mouth every once in a while. 
After that relaxing and repairing scented bath, you make it to the bed, and since all your things are in your hotel room, you steal one of his t-shirts as pajamas, both knowing quite well it's too tempting that you sleep butt naked on top his mattress, you both have to wake up early the following morning, and it's been a hectic day. Still, you decide not to wear underwear beneath it.
You make yourself comfortable on his bare firm chest, tracing small circles with your fingers on his pecks; Toto is only wearing tight navy blue and light fabric boxers, which make his bulge look so fine down there; you feel him pat your ass skin softly; and placing his large hand there before falling asleep.
If none of you were this tired and this emotionally drained right now, you would be about to reach an orgasm at this point.
-
You wake up early and share the room-service breakfast you ordered; you give Toto some of your fruit to his mouth, and he shares with you his salmon bagel; emotions always open the appetite before leaving the room with enough time to arrive at the circuit, you need to make a stop at your hotel before heading to the track. 
When the SUV arrives at the drop-off entrance in front of the hotel's baroque facade, Toto pulls you into a kiss in the backseat, leaving you gasping for more before you exit the car.
—We still have free time, so —you whisper against his lips.
He smiles at you. Toto drags you to the elevators faster than an F1 car.
-
You both enter your hotel suite and go straight to the bed, clothes getting out in the way on your path.
He spreads you on your knees, on all fours, on top of the mattress, at the border of the bed, while he fucks you doggy style while on his feet. You bounce against his hard cock, skin slapping, moans coming out from both sides when the tip of his dick hits the spot inside you. Every time, more desperate strokes. He slaps you on the ass. His open palm hits your right ass cheek, leaving a mark. 
Then he grabs you firmly by the hips, adding pressure, and starts to give it to you harder and faster. You can't stop moaning from the pleasure. You are being so loud, but you don't care; you feel done holding back or hiding any emotions that man makes you feel.
What Toto does to you next is unholy. He runs his hands along your arms till he reaches your palms, then wraps them around his own neck to make you support yourself, provoking you to arch your back. His free left hand caresses your chin and neck, then softly chokes you, making you turn your face to look straight at him. 
Holding you in that position, he starts playing with his tongue inside your mouth. He licks your lips and bites them while adding pressure against your hips and buries his right fingernails in your right soft tigh. He is as inside you as he can. He is aching for you more every second. 
He starts rocking himself against you, hitting your pussy and ass faster this time around. He has you moaning incoherently. The rhythm is so good; he fucks you in that position for a while till you start to feel so warm inside with each penetration; he is hard as fuck. And you feel you can't keep it together any longer. The pleasure is unbelievable. And you want to release. You start begging him to stop, well knowing you mean don't you dare! —Baby, I can't! Baby! I can't take it anymore! —You feel a hot sensation running down your legs. —Toto! —you moan as you start squirting all over your thighs and his.
—Fuck! —he growls, almost bestially, against your ear, getting drunk on your sents and fluids.
He shifts his whole body weight against yours, slowly pushing and pinning you down, your tummy against the mattress. Toto extends your arms and intertwines your hands and fingers with his in a sort of arrow position, completely topping you, rocking his hips in circles against your ass; you feel buried under his weight till Toto moans intense cumming noises to your ear, those noises drive you mad. He sounds so hot when he finishes.
—Stay in —you beg him. Oh, how he looks at you, what his eyes express makes your heart melt. You want him to be obsessed with you, to breathe you. It's borderline toxic, but that's how infatuated you are with him. You two remain in that position while kissing the life out of each other. You can feel him swing his hips every once in a while till his erection fades away.
-
Toto is the first one to step out of the shower; you enjoy the view of him butt naked, his wet hair dripping, the drops traveling through his bare chest down his abs and lower body while he strokes his length and legs with the towel, getting dry.
Once you are dry, too, and wrapped in a bathrobe, you start picking your clothes from the entryway floor; you two barely made it to the bed, unable to contain yourselves a second more, before going to the dressing room to select your outfit for today.
Toto is again putting on his Mercedes uniform, now in a bit of a rush. 
You are looking for your thong everywhere on the carpet, not knowing where it flew; you want to avoid the maid the awkward moment; it's the only piece of clothing missing. 
—I'm happy to have you back —he says with his whole heart, looking at you while finishing buttoning up his shirt. 
—I counted the days to be back with you —you say, emotional. Toto comes close, kisses the palm of your hand, and licks your index finger.
—I hope you don't need to leave again soon, but if you do, these stay with me —he is holding your panties hostage in his black jeans left pocket. 
None of you feel like saying goodbye and keep finding excuses in the form of kisses and petting to postpone it. Still, you must be discreet and professional and somehow manage to be together amidst everything in your life. It is a high-risk and conflict-of-interest kind of relationship on all fronts, but it feels worth it to you that you are ready to risk it all for him.
-
Sam, Charles, and you are hanging out in a famous high-end bakery in Vienna. The place is very bright, with high ceilings, white walls with mint accents of color, greenery, and modern gold lamps give the place its character; a massive large white wood display counter bar is full of rows of delicious pieces of bread and desserts, the clear wooden floors, light wood furniture, and small tables make it feel cozy. The place smells so good and feels warm.
Your mood is entirely different now. Sam stares at you while slurping dramatically and loudly the remains of her chocolate frappe through the straw.
—What? —you say while chewing your sacher würfel when you notice her eyes on you.
—They fucked —Charles adds before Sam can open her mouth. You two turn his way. He moves his hand in a kind of I recognize that smile on her while holding his vanilla kipferl.
—Yes —You admit, all blush. —But we discussed things too! —you rush to add.
—You told him where you went and what happened? —Charles asks you.
—You asked him about the Sussie thing? —Sam asks you.
Both at the same time.
—Well, no...
They roll their eyes at you.
Then Sam looks at you like you are crazy. —Then what did you two discuss? WAIT! Did you tell Charles?
—Of course, she told me! We are roomies AND besties!
Then Sam acts all jealous. —Hey! Get your own best friend!
—Charles intercepted me on my way out of the apartment; he only knew I would be out of town for a while —you clarify to Sam quickly before she slips out something important. —By the way, how is "abs" doing? —then you address Charles.
Samanta looked confused; she had never heard that name before. —Who is "abs"?
—Our womanizer neighbor in Monaco.
Still blank.
—The blond dude with long hair in a man-bun that's all ripped and has insane abs? —Charles gives her input.
Sam shakes her head.
—The one who is always shirtless and looks like Thor? He lives in the apartment right across our hallway and door —You add.
—No idea —she says, feeling left out.
—He is nice. Well... Yeah, it is hard to define. Sometimes, he hides from his conquests at our place after having fun, waiting for them to go. But he is hilarious and brings beers on cheat day Thursday —Charles explains.
—You going to love him, trust me, he is a sweet and trustworthy brute —you tell Sam.
-
A Twitter notification sounds on Millie's phone.
"Oh, miss Normani, it's great to have you back! Ferrari's red is a color that suits your skin so well; God bless the QUEEN!🐝🇬🇧" a video is attached along with the Sky Sports tweet. A stunning, athletic young girl walks down the paddock lane wearing impeccable street-style clothing, looking so chic, cameras flashing photos at her; Lewis's clothing game is getting challenged.
—Trouble is on our way —Millie hands her phone to Michael. 
—Oh, yeah, I heard the rumor at the start of the season that she would be taking the reserve driver seat for them, but that it went cold —Michael adds.
—Your sources are shit then —Millie jokes. He softly pushes her out of his way, joking.
—Well, let's give her a fight! —He motivates Millie.
-
—Certainly, I didn't see this one coming our way —Christian lets out after getting the news.
—Sorry, but who is she? —Helmut asks him.
—She's just the biggest name in girls' racing ever, no big deal —he jokes sarcastically. 
—The one that disappeared at the top of her game? I followed the scandal back in the day —Checo admits.
—Well, she is no longer on hiatus, it seems. Good thing is only for a few races! —Christian says while following her with his gaze as she enters the Ferrari headquarters.
-
—Mattia almost shit his pants when she finally answered him back. You are going to adore her. Normani is THE thing! —Charles gossips with Sam and you in the armchairs in the lobby of the Williams headquarters. —She lives in London and knows excellent places to hang out next week. I invited her to join us.
—I love the idea; this group always has room for another girl.
-
Once you are back at the circuit after lunch, you catch Toto sitting alone at a large picnic table under the shadow of a tree in an area further away from the hospitality and garages, working with his phone in hand. That man is all work, when will he relax? You go on your way there to annoy him so much.
—There is an entire long empty bench, and you sit right next —He tells you, in a deep voice but joking, arching his eyebrow, sensing your body against his.
You smile and giggle, getting even closer to him, almost blending with his side.
—God —he lets out exasperated but crosses an arm behind you and places his hand on top of yours, caressing it.
Then you move to get your things out of your large Bottega Venetta tote bag to work by his side; you have emails to answer.
You two get in the zone and focus on your tasks till you notice Toto moving his head to nose in your business.
—What's that mail for? Who are you sending it to? Why are you sending it? Hey, don't look at me like that. You are the one who chose to sit right next. I ask questions all the time; that's my job.
—Okay, but the annoyance part is my job in our relationship —you dare to shoot your shot, to see how he reacts, what he says.
You obtain no comment; he simply replies: —You have a fake job, remember?
Then, you slowly and overdramatically close your small and slim laptop with a single finger.
Toto looks at you with his eyes half closed and chin up.
—My secrets aren't for free, my love —you joke. You regret that wording later.
—Okay —He pays you with a couple of quick kisses; you are in a not very transit area and have enough privacy to do so. —What were you doing in Belgium?
—I meant the Williams-related ones; those are the ones for sale!
—Oh! Those I don't care about; we are about to bite you guys in the ass, anyways! —he says, overconfident, teasing you.
—Toto, dreaming is for free, don't you know?!
-
Toto was right; Lewis and George make a one-two. Normani gets on the podium, too, leaving Millie out. Well, that was quite the introduction for her.
-
Very late at night, you hear knocks on your suite door; you leave your warm and cozy bed to attend it. It's Toto.
As soon as you open the door, you feel a pair of lips on yours.
—I thought I would be sleeping all alone and sad after today's race on this chilly night —you pout, stopping kissing a second.
—Sorry, I went out to celebrate with the boys —Toto is a bit tipsy; he is wearing casual clothing now; layering looks so good on him! He is wearing a black turtle neck long-sleeve shirt under a very expensive cashmere grey, plain, modern blazer paired with black pants, loafer shoes, and an obsidian and silver bracelet; his hair is messy. 
Toto gets sillier and more relaxed when in that state, a thing you love, and also he gets hornier, too, to your pleasure.
The rustic fireplace is on, keeping the spacious room warm. You witness Toto rearrange the area; Toto pushes the coffee table out of the way in the sitting area right in front of the fire and brings pillows from the bed to let them fall on top of the puffy brown rug in there. 
Then he comes for you and takes you there by the hand. You two lay there wrapped in each other arms, making out. Toto's hands are on your ass and hips.
—Cozy and warm enough, baby girl? —he asks against your lips.
—Eh... —you shrug, joking. He smiles at you, then combs your hair tenderly with his fingers.
—Is there a chance you have a condom? We used the one in my wallet in the morning.
You shake your head; oh, bummer!
—Is it okay if I finish outside?
You feel your body shiver at his words.
—Yes. It's okay.
Clothes start to go out of the way; he gets you naked in no time; you are only wearing a black one-piece, sexy satin lace nightdress. He moves to help you get him undressed. His eyes go all over your body. —I keep fantasizing about what I'm going to do to you.
He takes you by surprise. Your cheeks turn red.
When you are both naked, he pushes you closer by the ass, making you spread your legs to give him room to get in the middle; you are sitting in a lotus position, your legs flexed over his, your thighs touching his thighs, he runs his hand all over your leg down to your ankle, you wrap your hands around his neck while you kiss.
Then, he slowly starts to lay you low on your back, making you lay on the pillows; he helps you make yourself comfortable on them and starts playing with your nipples, licking them with the tip of his tongue and biting them softly while locking eyes with you. He cups your tit and sucks it into his mouth; after a bit, he moves his way down. He starts eating your pussy like he is starving; you feel his wet tongue deep in you. He loves giving small kisses to your clit, provoking you to moan a lot. —I love running my tongue over every inch of you —he lets you know.
—Do you feel like to 69? —you ask him in the middle of a moan.
—Please —his voice is rough.
You sit on top of him, and you feel him burying his face in you, hand squeezing your ass while continuing to taste your pussy; amidst your loud moans, you start stroking his length and go down on his cock; you love his dick inside your mouth. You are giving him head so good that he stops for a minute to breathe heavily and moan.
—Fuck! I want to make it inside you; if you keep going, I'm going to burst inside your mouth.
—I wouldn't mind, but I love having you inside me, too.
You are more than wet and him more than hard when he slowly enters you. You both savor the movement. Then he flexes your left leg up and supports your calf on his shoulder. He starts to thrust you in that position while grabbing your right tit tightly. You feel his dick sliding inside every time faster. You are both panting and gasping.
He then switches positions, taking control this time; he gets your knees together and makes you get your legs up; he holds you in place with a firm grip from his hand on your hamstring muscles in a "hero" sex position, and Toto rocks his hips back and forward with deep strokes, you feel and see how his dick is curving up.
You start to scratch his thigh with your fingernails and slap his ass as the pleasure gets too good. —You fuck me so good, baby —you moan, reaching an orgasm in that position.
After giving yourself time to catch your breath for a second, you see how Toto lays down back against the rug; you immediately move to ride him. You feel him throbbing in pleasure inside and underneath you as you bounce hard up and down his dick; with your tits bouncing, he extends his arms to reach them and pinch your nipples, adding pressure with his fingers; then he starts wincing and biting his own lips; after a while, he rushes to place one of his large hands in your tummy, and you pull his cock out of you to start jerking it. Lots of guttural sounds come out of his mouth till he starts dripping. You feel his warm semen on your hand and abs, and you caress his chest with your free one and bend to kiss him hungrily.
Then he captures that hand and starts licking your index and middle fingers, sucking them inside his mouth and getting them wet enough with his saliva to then start leading your hand down on you, making you finger yourself, his hand on top of yours controlling and directing the movements. It gets to a point when you are so inside yourself and extremely wet that you are mess-moaning his name. Soft "Totos" is all he hears.
—Cum baby, cum for me —you feel your body trembling with his touch and yours. And you release, leaking on the rug beneath you. 
Your bodies are so heated and sweaty near the fireplace; he drops on his back after being angled fingering you, with his cock bent to the left. You place yourself next to him, hands running on his shoulders and toned arms. You kiss in that position for a while before heading towards the bathroom.
-
Before falling asleep, your chauffeur knocks on the door to deliver you a drugstore bag. As you finish drinking your tall glass of water after taking the Plan B pill and place it on the nightstand, Toto tells you he is going to spend time with his family so that he won't be sharing the flight to the UK with you. He will arrive two days later, just in time for the race.
He doesn't invite you to join him.
-
UK
You are all forced to rush to Silverstone from Austria for the anniversary race of the F1, which will take place before the usual activities of the Hungary GP start, leaving no room to rest for anyone. 
It's going to be such a unique and fabulous event, and indeed, the FIA outdid themselves. Still, it's insane for the drivers and teams to rush from one country to another and move all the equipment and people with zero time margin. No one is in their best senses when arriving at the circuit, and everyone looks like it.
Due to the logistics of the massive event, the meeting before free practice is to start at 6.00 a.m. Lando hits his head against the clear glass panel doors, trying to enter the meeting room, half asleep, holding a Red Bull in his shaky hand.
He goes straight to you. You are already sitting in the chair with your name tag. At this point, no one cares about them or respects them. It is more like a classroom now; the group always sits together at the back of the room.
Lando mumbles something that you and Millie believe means good morning, and then he takes a couple of the empty chairs next to you to lay on top of, placing his head on your thighs and using them as a pillow.
Making you laugh. —Okay, yes, go ahead —you joke. Then Lando really falls asleep. —Lando out! —you inform the group.
Lewis is in the same row as you, but at the very end, legs on top of the empty chairs beside him, with his back leaned against a sound asleep Vettel, buried beneath a massive puffer Mercedes' jacket, tilted against the wall in a sitting position. 
The room is almost empty except for you five.
—Angela almost tore down my bedroom door; she knocked so hard to wake me up. I nearly didn't make it, guys; I don't know how I got here —Lewis chats with you with a sleepy voice and swollen eyes.
Christian enters the room. —Is tits freezing today —he greets you. With a couple of "ah" sounds, he drops himself on the chairs in the front row. —I'm so old for this! —you all laugh. —You two look so well put together —He addresses Lewis and you, looking as stylish as ever. —I envy you.
Millie showed up in a set of Kuromi's pajamas, cocooned under Mick's Williams team winter jacket, that looked huge on her.
—Thanks, man —Lewis says.
Charles enters, greeting you with a peace sign gesture, followed by Carlos piggybacking a sleeping Daniel. —I would give you a hand, but... —Charles jokes, showing his bandages.
Normani enters, stealing the entire room's attention, wearing a white Dior long fleece blazer on top of a form-fitted pearl wool dress and a matching long scarf paired with high-knee suede boots in the same color. It's a monochromatic, stunning look with a combination of textures; her long hair is in a sleek ponytail, allowing it to show the beautiful minimal white gold earrings she is wearing, completing the look. 
Millie waves her hand at Normani, and she looks happy to see her in there. After greeting the room, she reaches to sit by her side and catch up. You all look at her in awe. She is so beautiful, like a doll.
—Is that Geroge? —Niki asks, on attendance this time, since Toto is not around yet.
—It's Sebastian —everyone answers in unison. He and Lewis are the first two to arrive, so no one witnessed how Vettel fell asleep mid-conversation in his chair like a grandpa and how Lewis got him warm and covered under his Mercedes puffer, yet no one has a doubt it is him who is hiding underneath there; this surprises Lewis.
—I'm shooting the poor fucker responsible for waking me up this early —Niki shouts, provoking smiles.
At his back, Masi enters the meeting room, looking very worried.
-
London is one of Sam's favorite cities; it has everything she likes. Plus, it's full of very cool girls who make her nervous and all blushy, so she loves to run errands for Niki when in town; she always ends up meeting someone and asking for a date. The best sex she has ever had in her life has been there; her greatest loves have been "chapstick" lesbians from East London.
Sam has spent her entire day on the streets being driven around, completing all the tasks on Niki's long list of things he asked her to do. It's getting dark, and the last item for today is to drop some jewelry at Cartier to get it clean. So the chauffeur takes her to the one in Old Bond Street. Her favorite, Sam, loves it even more when it's Christmas and the stunning decor is on the facade.
The store's doorman rushes to open her car door as the SUV pulls in front of the jewelry main entry. She gracefully gets down and greets him.
—Good evening, mam —he replies, welcoming her inside. Sam had been feeling happy the entire day, but it went away as soon as she entered. In the contiguous stanza, in the highly expensive-looking sitting area, Toto and Sussie are looking together at some exclusive pieces a sales lady is showing them; Sam glimpses the sparkles projected out of those under the lights from far away.
Toto is not supposed to be here, nor are they supposed to be together, she thinks, but disregards the thought; probably he just got free sooner, and they are just hanging out since Sussie lives here most of the time.
Then she goes ahead with her errand; as Sam delivers the pieces to the man behind the counter, she sees Toto getting handed back his credit card; after a bit, a man gives a box to Sussie's hands; they get up at the same and start exiting the room together; holding hands.
Fuck! They are about to see her; there is no way she can duck down and hide behind clear crystal panels.
—Sam! —Sussie greets her, noticing her and happy to see her.
Fuuuuuuck.
Toto turned his head, perplexed; he was checking out the male bracelets on the display wall on their way to the exit. He lets Sussie's hand go, and she comes close to hug Sam.
—Hi! How are you? Good to see you!
—Likewise!
—Shopping spree?
—Oh, no, I'm just running an errand for Niki —she waves her hand, dismissing it. —All ready? —Sam addresses the jewelry cleaner guy.
—In a minute —he offers her a smile.
—Hey, why don't you join us for dinner?! —Sussie offers her.
—I would love to! But I have another task yet; I don't wish to get Niki all grumpy; you know how he is when he gets in a bad mood —Lies. Sussie laughs and nods, agreeing; Toto remains quiet and further away.
—Well, next time, then! When you are in Monaco too, come to our place, yes?
—Yes!
Okay, this is a shitty position to be for Sam; if she doesn't tell you, she is a terrible friend to you. But if she tells you, she is a lousy friend to Toto. LORD HAVE MERCY! She needs to give it a thought before opening her mouth!
-
When Toto decides to show up at the paddock, he goes to look for you. He looks tired and falls asleep next to you on a bench. You cover his face with your Balenciaga bomber jacket, giving him more privacy. You rest your left hand on top of his chest. 
Samanta then arrives.
—Oh, he is here, good.
—Shss, he just fell asleep!
—This reminds me of how babies are so cute when sleeping but a terror when up.
—He is always baby —you say with a silly voice, caressing his chest.
Toto tries to listen to the conversation beneath your jacket with his eyes closed; he is about to fall asleep when he hears Samanta's voice. He needs to talk to her and explain things, but he is so comfortable in your embrace, so that can wait.
—Haven't you seen his photo from when he was a kid? They asked us for the digital version to print and place on the commemorative mural the FIA is making for the anniversary pit walk.
—No, I haven't! Is it better than baby Bottas?
—Oh, you are going to die! I have the original one in my purse here —Sam hands you a glossy, old-looking picture, a bit yellowy.
—Aawwww, he is so cute! —You observe in detail the photo of little Toto, a bit tall for his age, with skinny legs and dark, wild hair up and to the sides, leaned against his go-kart, helmet in hand; his little sister makes a small appearance in the back, picking a pebble or something from the floor wearing a floral pattern jumper. Toto is wearing an electric blue seventies driver's suit. —Hair hasn't changed a bit; that pose is everything! —you instantly get heart eyes. —His nose is so tiny, and he looks adorable. So cute! —you say with a silly voice and stare at the picture more.
—Now give it back! —Sam demands you; she yanks the photo of your grip, struggling until you let it go, then Sam archives it quickly in her purse.
—Now, shush! I'm reading essential documents —you tell her.
—Like your job was for real!
—Excuse you with that again! —Sam smiles at you and quickly disappears, noticing you are about to throw your tumbler at her.
Half an hour later, you feel Toto move on the bench, turning and almost falling to the side. He tries to incorporate and bumps his forehead with the table.
—Ouchie, love! —you let out and start to rub his temple tenderly.
—Ow! That hurt! —Toto lets you pamper him. Then stays stomach on the bench, making tired noises.
—I don't love my job very much right now —He says, and after a couple of minutes, he starts incorporating, no longer being able to avoid it, dragging along your bomber jacket, stuck and caught on behind his neck, with his hair all wild, and an "I just wake up" face.
—I just saw a photo of kid you with that same hairstyle!
He looks at you with one wonky eye, slowly processing the information.
All you can do is smile at him and softly laugh at the sight; you are so in love with him.
—Gotta get going! —he tells you, gets on his feet, places your jacket at your side, and bends his tall, fit body to kiss you on the cheek, rubbing your shoulders with his hands simultaneously before walking away.
I will not be able to resist greet and saying goodbye to him just with kisses on the cheek any longer.
To be continued... < Previous chapter | Masterlist | Next chapter >
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t00thpasteface · 2 months ago
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i very deeply respect your mashposting and even though im not as enthusiastic about hawkahy as you are i think the content you make for them us delightful and some of the best mashposting on this godforsaken website. that being said, i wanted to know ur takes on the hawkeye & trapper dynamic, and the hawkeye & bj dynamic. Not in a shippy way, just in the World of Hawkahy what role do trapper and bj play in their relationships with hawkeye :3 this because i love that one comic u did where hawkeye is spunchbop and bj is Patrick its one of my fave pieces of mash fanart lol
(⁠๑˘❥⁠⁠ ˘๑⁠) first off, THANK YOU!! i'm soooo crazy about hawkahy and i really enjoy contributing to my fellow shippers, but i'm glad my art can also still appeal to people who are less interested the ship itself.
second, VERY fun question!! i wish i had definitive answers for yall, but you know me... i love to go "well idk it could go either way" ^_^;; really, it depends on what kind of tone and theme i'm looking for. i don't really write heavier stuff (because i have so much fun writing funny fic) so that kind of narrows my options, but there's a lot of potential i'd love to explore— or see someone else explore, if they're so inclined!
TRAP:
generally the trapper reading i typically default to is that he and hawkeye have a pretty casual FWB thing going on. trapper considers hawkeye a very close friend and hooks up with him at an intersection of bicuriosity and deep platonic affection, but hawkeye catches baddddd feelings and ends up genuinely heartbroken to find out their thing was lopsided. in this case, hawkahy would happen only after trapper leaves— mulcahy has a tough time trying to get noticed before that point :( but at the same time, i don't think mulcahy would pounce at the first opportunity, because i don't think an immediate rebound would be good for hawkeye nor mulcahy... but it could happen for dramaaaaa...
another version of the hawkeye-trapper rapport that i love playing with in my fics is trapper being generally very supportive but nonetheless slightly grossed out. i think there's a lotttt of comedy potential with hawkeye thinking it's okay to fuck a priest but NOT a married woman, and meanwhile trapper is pro-infidelity but anti-priestfucking (for whatever reason), and they squabble and tease each other about it the whole time.
it's also funny to think about is trapper trying to figure out whether mulcahy now gets the "one of the bros" back-slapping beer-chugging dude treatment, or if instead he's now slotted into the "go easy on 'em trap" category that protects hawkeye's ladyfriends from hearing trapper's bawdiest jokes and comments when hawkeye brings them along as a plus-one to the swamp.
trapper seems like he's pretty likely to sniff out that hawkeye and mulcahy are seeing each other even if they try their damnedest to keep it secret. i like to think hawkeye trusts trapper enough that he would go ahead and divulge it it up front pretty soon after it's official. trapper could probably even pick up hawkeye's crush beforehand... maybe even before hawkeye knows about it!
i don't see trapper as being too jealous of hawkeye spending a lot of time with mulcahy, even if it means hawkeye is now exclusive and not sleeping with trapper anymore. if anything i think he'd be pretty stoked that he's got one less guy to compete with for the nurses' attention. pretty sweet deal as far as he's concerned.
i do think there'd be some tricky navigating between how hawkeye acts with trapper and the STARK difference with how he acts around mulcahy, which you can see clear as day in the s1 finale, where hawkeye gets soooo soft and careful while talking to mulcahy. i don't think either one is disingenuous; i think hawkeye contains multitudes. hawkeye's not the type to fake sincerity. and to that end, i really don't think hawkahy should hinge on hawkeye totally giving up all the cruder parts of his personality (especially since mulcahy is really no saint either), so it could be pretty interesting to see that manifest in whether/how he's still maintaining a close friendship with trapper now that he's been seeing mulcahy regularly and trying to make a good impression.
BEEJ:
the direction bj goes in depends on whether hawkahy are already an item before he gets there. he does form that almost instantaneous trauma-bond with hawkeye on his first day, but i think if hawkeye admitted "yeah by the way the chaplain is my boyfriend" as soon it seemed safe, bj would be able to take it in stride as another weird little quirk of the mash he has to get used to. he's too hung up on dealing with all the gore to worry about who's banging who.
by contrast, i think he could potentially get pretty upset/jealous if hawkeye and mulcahy paired up a little while later. i can see him feeling really betrayed, like, "what do you normally do when i'm gone?" "wait for you to get back!!"
if bj still doesn't feel like he's really enmeshed himself into the unit— which i think on some level, he never wants to, because he's banking on dropping everything like a hot potato the second he can— then i can totally picture him just feeling completely lost and isolated when hawkeye is suddenly forgoing their boys-nite boozathons in favor of getting some priest pipe. like, at least trapper could always go find his own cuddle buddy to pass the time and had nurses lining up to volunteer; bj has basically nobody and doesn't seem inclined nor equipped to fix that. hawkeye is his liason to the rest of the camp, and bj isn't so great with people without having hawkeye there to help as both teleprompter and safety net.
basically i think bj wants to keep hawkeye within a very specific arm's-length radius— not too close, but not too far either, and hawkeye having so much private time with someone else could really get under his skin.
you could also have bj think the priestfucking is gross/bad on sheer principle like trapper did, even without the jealousy angle, and it'd probably hold a little more water coming from bj than trapper. however, it'd be funny if he's insisting it's definitely not a jealousy thing and he's being fully objective about it, but you can totally tell he's just jealous. x)
i admit i kinda love seeing bj get tormented, because he's got such obvious buttons to press and yet sternly insists that they don't even exist, similar to houlihan and frank. like, you can't just set that up and not expect me to rub my hands together and SLAM those buttons as hard as i can. ergo, bj getting jealous about hawkahy is supremely funny to me. i'm not too proud to admit that!
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inkpotsprite · 22 days ago
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I found your “I’ll Die When I’m Dead” fic and I love it so much 😭
I love Tim’s relationships with everyone they’re so unique and I love how you explore all of them! I especially love his relationship with Young Justice - platonic soulmates where it’s ride or die like that are the BEST. ��
I’m also curious as to where the plot line with Dick will go now that he has finally realized that his love is selfish with the help of Life stepping in. Go Life! 🎉
I was kinda curious if you had a particular endgame in mind? Or endgoal I guess? I know asking for an end chapter count is usually impossible but sometimes authors can give a guesstimate lmao
If not, that’s totally fine! I’m enjoying reading about Tim’s antics with Time and Death (I love Time - I feel like they’re kinda like a feral cat that now likes Tim and now wishes they could have him be their favored too… can someone hold the favor of two almighty entities? 🤔 If so, I feel like Tim would have Time’s favor since he is “adequate” I believe the word was 😂).
Thank you for writing this fun fic! I have it in my marked for later so I can be sure to get updated when a new chapter gets posted. I think the next fix of yours I’ll dive into will probably be the one where Tim gets turned into a toddler. That sounds like pure chaos and I am HERE for it! 😈
I'm so happy you like IDWID!!! 🥰 (it's my favourite one to write) Thank you! I love writing platonic soulmates, or just platonic relationships in general, it feels like there's a lot to explore there in a way people usually only reserve for romance. YJ is so much fun to write because they're kind of crazy and are definitely ride or die for each other 💜
Trust me, Dick still has a journey ahead of him, but it'll be worthwhile. I've got most of his next chapter ready, just a few more edits here and there needs to be done and then we'll see him again soon.
I do have an ending outlined, one I think will make sense for the characters. I've estimated that the work will be wrapped up by chapter 70 and I'm hoping to be done by February at the latest, so wish me luck!
Time does have feral cat energy 😂 most of my characters do, really. I can't answer anything concerning the favoured as it would be giving away elements of the story (sorry!) but you're questions will get answered soon(ish)
Oh, toddler Tim is something 👀 (very different from IDWID Tim) I hope you have fun with it! Thank you for sending this, I'm so glad you're enjoying my work(s) so far 💜
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kandisheek · 4 months ago
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FIC REC WEEK 28 – HISTORICAL FICS
In Amore Veritas by FestiveFerret
Pairing: Steve/Tony Rating: T Words: 3,903 Tags: Truth Serum, Class Difference, Reconnecting
Summary: Prince Tony creeps down to the stables one night to meet with his best friend, Steve, one of the stable boys. It's something they do often, but this time, Tony has something special hidden in the wraps of his cloak.
Reasons why I love it: Oh, you poor, silly boys. I'm so glad they cleared up their misunderstanding in the end, because those two idiots deserve each other. This fic is super sweet and fluffy, and I bet you'll love it just as much as I do!
as you have honored them by Areiton
Pairing: Steve/Tony Rating: M Words: 1,734 Tags: Fantasy AU, Forced Marriage, Protective Steve
Summary: He sits in his chambers, silent as the three serving automans paint his body, gold and crimson. There are the sigils of the Crown that is his birthright, and the ones of Stone’s own kingdom. There are, too, the traditional sigils, of a bride, of the nine gods and the six kingdoms.
Reasons why I love it: Don't mind me, I'm just over here, screaming incoherently into the void. This fic is SO GOOD, oh my god! I love all of the symbolism and the blessings and the ENDING, fuck yes! I really hope you go and read this one if you haven't, because it's phenomenal!
Tribute Given, Treasure Gained by sphagnum
Pairing: Steve/Tony Rating: E Words: 12,051 Tags: A/B/O, Power Imbalance, Tribute Tony
Summary: “Steve,” the Captain said, hand over his chest. Tony licked his lips. Was he supposed to give his name, or remain silent until he was asked a direct question? The Captain--Steve, apparently--already knew his name, he had to, it had been included on the settlement he and Stane had signed. Was this a test? Time was passing and Steve was still waiting with his hand on his chest but Tony had to figure out the right answer fast or when Steve moved he might-- “Tony,” he blurted. “Tony,” Steve repeated. He hadn’t come any closer. He said something short that might have been pleased to meet you or you look good on your knees. Tony had no way of knowing and he wasn’t going to risk echoing it. He kept quiet. See, Howard? I do know how to shut up when my life depends on it.
Reasons why I love it: The language barrier gives this story so much tension and intrigue, it's amazing! I love how gentle Steve is with Tony, mindful of his nerves to the very end, and Tony's musings about whether or not he can trust Steve are perfect. I love this fic so much, and you should definitely read it!
a myth to many by nanasekei
Pairing: Steve/Tony Rating: NR Words: 8,660 Tags: Howard Stark's A+ Parenting, Medieval AU, Angst
Summary: “What I’m about to ask you has no relation to our alliance,” Rogers continues, his voice a lot steadier now. “I come here only in behalf of myself, and what I’m about to ask, I ask as a man, not as a soldier.” Howard feels as if he can see the anticipation growing in the room, almost as a cloud forming over them. The guards don’t bother hiding the shock in their expressions, and even Jarvis can’t fully disguise the curiosity, his eyebrows quirked. Rogers takes one short breath before locking his eyes with Howard’s. His blue gaze is almost peaceful in its resoluteness, as if there’s an element of inevitability in what he’s about to say. “I’m here to ask for your son’s hand.”
Reasons why I love it: Aaaah, the ending is so ominous, I love it! The choice to tell this story from Howard's perspective is brilliant. His inner monologue is fascinating, and it reveals so much about Tony's life as his son. And the last few paragraphs are an absolute gut-punch. I adore this one, and I hope you give it a shot for yourself!
Clan (of the Stranger and the Outcast) by greymantledlady
Pairing: Steve/Tony Rating: M Words: 5,778 Tags: Stone Age AU, Hurt Tony, Protective Steve
Summary: The Stranger holds out his huge hand towards Tony, palm outwards and upwards. Tony watches him warily, baring his teeth a little, not yet a snarl but a warning. But the Stranger simply holds his hand there, waiting, waiting; and his knife is lying on the ground between them, and there is no threat in the lines of his body. Tony lets out a little breath he’s been holding. And he’s trembling, but he slowly reaches his own hand out, tentative and uncertain, and brushes the fingertips against the Stranger’s calloused palm. And the Stranger smiles a little, his eyes soft, and wraps his fingers around Tony’s. (The one where Neanderthal!Steve and Homo Sapiens!Tony imprint on each other like baby ducklings.)
Reasons why I love it: The way they communicate with each other in this one is so precious to me. I love the whole setting and how their culural differences come into play, it's super intriguing. Definitely check this one out, it's wonderful!
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creative-kny-fics · 1 month ago
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Are you taking requests? 
If so could you do lee!tanjiro and ler!giyuu? I don’t have anything particular in mind, just something fluffy and light hearted.
I understand and it’s totally okay if u don’t wanna do this :)
Ur work is amazing and keep it up! <3
Aaaaw thanks! Sorry for the delay, for the moment, I wasn't taking requests, but now I am!
(Note: The fic is set in the future)
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Ler: Giyuu Tomioka
Lee: Tanjiro Kamado
Tanjiro narrates: Finally, a world without demons, a dream longed for from generation to generation, I still don't believe it, we have lived so much, but at the same time, lost so much...
Sometimes I wonder, what would have happened if maybe, and only Perhaps we would have met in another context?
The only thing that kept us in "contact" was the objective of exterminating demons, but after the dissolution of the brotherhood, each one took their own path, for example, Shinazugawa-San left, we don't know where, I usually send him letters but, he doesn't answer them, at least it makes me somewhat happy to know that I am still close to Tomioka-San and Uzui-San and his wives.
'Giyuu-San! Hello! How are you doing?!'
'Huh? Hello Tanjiro! Good morning. I'm fine, I'm still getting used to this, but I'm fine'
'It seems like I came at the wrong time, going somewhere? ?'
'Actually, yes, but you can come with me. I don't think Uzui will mind you accompanying me, after all, he appreciates you, right?'
'I suppose I can accompany him. I trust that Nezuko will be in good hands with Zenitsu and Inosuke. Let's go there!'
Tomioka-San, he looks so different now, I'm glad he smiles more now, his smile is pretty, of course, every smile is beautiful (NOT SHIP)
Giyuu Narrates: Who would have thought, before I used to stay away from my hashira companions, but not anymore.
'Uzui-San! How are you doing?!'
'It's you Kamado! Wow, I think Giyuu brought you with him, I'm glad!'
'Tengen-Sama... Shhh... The baby is asleep... Hello guys, excuse me, but could you please lower your voice...?'
'Oh, sorry, let's go talk somewhere else, shall we?'
'Uzui-San, do you have children?'
Oh, what a shame, I had never told Tanjiro about it, although of course, I found out some time later.
'Hinatsuru-San, you look tired, would you mind if I take care of the baby for you?'
'You're very kind Tomioka-Sama... But, I can handle it...'
'Hinatsuru, love, you haven't slept well these days, I'm sure Giyuu can take care of the baby, after all, she's asleep and she's someone heavy sleeper'
'Well, maybe it's also a good time for Tanjiro to meet Himiko...'
Oh, right, I forgot. Himiko is Suma's daughter, but I don't know what happened, apparently she is still not used to it, that is why Makio and Hinatsuru help her.
'Wo-woah... She... She is just like Miss Suma...'
'Right? Although, it is not yet known, she may end up having Uzui's behavior hahaha.'
'Yeah, I guess...'
'Does the baby weigh you down? If that's the case, I can...'
'No, no, it's okay. It's not the first time I've carried a baby'
'I realize that, the baby seems to feel very comfortable with you'
Tanjiro narrates: It's been a long, long time since I've seen a baby, at least not this close.
I usually saw them but I didn't have time to spend time with them, so when Giyuu-San handed me the baby, I got nervous, it had been a long time since I had held someone so small.
'Looking at her better, she looks a bit like Uzui-San... Is her hair a bit white or is it the reflection of the sun?'
'I don't think so, maybe you're right and the baby has some white locks like Uzui'
'I think so... And... What color are her eyes? Do you have Miss Suma's eyes or Uzui-San's eyes?'
'Someone is very curious hahaha. But, to answer your question, she has a mix of both, they are a shade of red, maybe next time you come, you will find her awake and you will see her eyes'
A shade of red...? I thought... I thought I had already closed that episode in my life... I know I can't relate the slightest thing to my family, but, I can't help it... The last time I saw red eyes in a baby, it was in Rokuta, the youngest of my siblings...
I, I hadn't thought about it... They are no longer here but their memories are clear in my mind...
'Tanjiro, is everything okay? Are you crying'
'Hu-huh? I'm sorry, I guess, I have mixed feelings, I'm fine, I swear.'
Giyuu Narrates: I think something I said has hurt Tanjiro, I don't know exactly what, but for his tone of voice to have changed so drastically, it must be something painful.
'Tanjiro, you don't need to lie. Look, I don't know what happened or what made you sad, but I'm sorry, I didn't mean to.'
'I know, Giyuu-San, I know. They're just my thoughts... Don't worry...'
'Can I try to cheer you up?'
'Huh... I think I know what you mean, sure, I guess, but what about the baby?'
Smart guy, although he had a point, the baby couldn't be left unattended, what a dilemma.
'E-eh...! Gi-Gihiyuhu... The ehehehe bahahaby!'
'Kid, I'm just sliding my fingers up and down your neck, is it that bad?'
'I-I mhmhmhm dohohohon't ahahahaha knohohow...! I'll le-lehehet yuhuhu ti-tickle meeee, buhuhuhut when the ba-baby isn't aslehehehehep!'
'Well, you promised. Honestly, I can't consider this tickling. You know well that I tend to be much worse than this, it's not even a warm-up, you're just too ticklish.'
'Yohohou tohohoho... Aaaah!! Gi-Gihu-Gihiyuhuhu!! Ahahahaha!!! Pleheahasehehe!!'
'Think better about your words when you address me, Kamado Tanjiro.'
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morverenmaybewrites · 9 months ago
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Hi! I'm so glad you're back, new chapter of Pizza girl was amazing as always, for me it's absolutely the best dc fic ever!
I especially love how the relationship between Jason and other characters feels heartbreakingly natural, how it isn't a case of "love magically cured trauma" but rather slowly and messyly opening up, and trying to heal with the help of right people at right time.
And as much as I cannot wait for Jason and pizza girl to have more straight up romantic shenanigans, I love how they started with gaining each other trust and building their friendship, I adore them as domestic buddies.
I have a question, if it isn't some kind of spoiler of course, at this point of the story, does Jason have (or wants to have) a life outside of his Red Hood persona? And I mean it half psychologically half practically (similarly to pizza girl, how does he earn money if being a vigilante isn't a source of income?)
But seriously, I find it heartbreaking that as much as he yearns for home, he still lives in safe houses, and I was so happy when he thought about asking Babs for help in looking for something more permanent for himself. And it fits into his fear of being traced of course, but got me thinking, in a more personal sense, does he have a motivations for living other than trying to make up for his mistakes as Arkham Knight?
Something like: does he realise that there's Red Hood who fights for those who can't do it for themselves, but there's also Jason who likes the smell of new books, has his favorite mug and favorite way of drinking coffee, has his favorite chair at the local library, who maybe has quiet and innocent dream to get a degree or his dream job and be loved and needed by someone?
Does he realise the second one exists and deserves to be cherished by him?
(Sorry if this ask is too much, I just now realised how long it got 😭 I will absolutely understand if you don't have time to answer this)
Anyway thank you for writing this amazing and captivating work, I can't wait for next chapters, whenever they'll be ready❤
In the meantime I hope you get time to rest and have fun! Stay safe!
This is a wonderful breakdown of Jason's character! To answer your question, does Jason have a life outside of his Red Hood persona? No. Does he want one? Unconsciously, the answer is yes, but I don't think he can acknowledge it right now. For years following the Joker's torture, he's pretty much been in survival mode, keeping himself alive by being obsessed with a singular goal. First, it was to kill the Joker and Batman, and then when he found out the Joker was dead, it was to kill Batman. Now, it's to seek redemption as the Red Hood. While he may have (somewhat) progressed from his days as the Arkham Knight, he's still clinging to the same unhealthy coping mechanisms. It's a little (or a lot) like depression. He's so focused on getting through today and the next day and the next day that there's little room for anything else. Hobbies and friends and a place to feel at home in sound nice, but they also sound absolutely unattainable. And he's lived with that mindset for so long that he's all but forgotten that there are different ways to live. That's where Jason's head is right now. Maybe one day, he'll progress enough that he'll be able to look around his safehouse, so sparse that it's no different from a prison cell, and he'll think to himself that he wants something more. And it doesn't have to be anything big. Nothing so grand as the Wayne Manor. Just a small place, maybe above a bookstore. Maybe in the beginning, it's not so different from his safehouses. Just a mattress on the floor and a bathroom. But then one day, he'll add something small. Some secondhand book he bought from the store for the change he had in his pocket. It's from an author he's never heard of before. The writing is a little clunky, but it's enough to pass the time while he's waiting for updates on his cases. Maybe he reads it next to his window, by the light of the flickering street lamps, trying not to grimace at the way the hard wood is digging into his back. Maybe one of his siblings or even the reader notices. She takes him to one of her favorite flea markets under the guise of buying a new rug. And he ends up taking back an armchair, so old that the stuffing is coming out in places. But he makes do, the way he always has, he washes away the accumulated dust and dirt, he patches up the holes, and he places it next to his window. Where the street lamp shines just enough light to read by, even if it often flickers. He opens his book, written by an author he's never heard of before. The writing is a little clunky in places. But for now, he thinks, it's enough. (And maybe he'll read until morning. And maybe he'll realize, or maybe not: that the Jason Todd who used to spend hours in the Wayne Manor library, who had a favorite armchair by the fire, is still in there, somewhere. And perhaps, he'll think--or perhaps not--that the Joker hasn't killed everything that he used to be. Perhaps there's still a little bit of Robin left in him.)
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galvanizedfriend · 2 months ago
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hi! so i’ve read pretty much all of your works and loved them so much. your writing is amazing and some of the best fan fiction i’ve read.
the only ones i haven read from you are the wolf series but i keep hearing so many good things about it.
i know it’s a TO rewrite with caroline instead of hayley (and i could look past the baby plot if it means klaroline) but i’ve tried watching the show a few times and hated hayley’s personality and some other nuances to the show and o was wondering if The Wolf is Caroline in place of Hayley but her personality and the way she acts in situations is how Hayley does in the show, or if it’s very much so Caroline if she were put in the position Hayley is in? if that makes sense
First of all, thank you very much, nonnie! ❤️ Glad you enjoy my little fics 🥰 Your question makes perfect sense, yes.
The short answer is: no, Caroline is not just Hayley in a wig 😂 If you're asking me, I'm obviously going to say it's completely different! I'm biased, but I also know how much work I put into it, so I know all the ways TW deviates from the show. I think Caroline is very IC in this, if I may say so myself, so obviously not Hayley, and every time I've gone back to re-read parts of this fic I have had a great time 😂 So personally, I think this is a very entertaining story, but again, it's my story lol Other people might be able to give you less biased opinions.
If you hate hate The Originals, there is still a chance you won't like this anyway, but I do think it's very different, and I have a longer answer if you're interested.
Under the cut because I DON'T KNOW HOW TO SHUT THE FUCK UP!!! Be careful what you guys ask me, you might get a freaking bible as a reply.
I have become deffensive of this fic over the years because I have received some very nasty comments in the past (not saying your question is offensive in any way, nonnie, this is a very valid question!). I can respect people not liking it, I can respect this isn't everybody's cup of tea, and that's totally fine. What I can't stand is when people tell me I haven't done anything to the show, or that Klaus and Caroline are exactly the same as Klaus and Hayley. I did not spend the amount of time I have spent overthinking and overwriting this shit into something that makes much more sense and is way more fleshed out than the show ever was to hear from people that I've done nothing. I can't even list all the ways TW deviates from the show, or Caroline from Hayley, because I'd be here for the rest of the day.
As the person writing the story, I know exactly how much thought I have put into it, how many original scenes and dialogues and shit I write each chapter, and how much of what I've taken from the show I have cracked my brain to twist and change in a way that fits. I have spent more time of my life overthinking the crappy writing on this show in order to add context and find correlations and make connections and rationalize characters' behaviors and add depth to their actions and their thoughts, and let me tell you, nonnie, it was not easy. It's unbelievable how weak the writing for TO is, the actors do a lot of the work all by themselves. My friends who were with me during this time know how fucking annoying I was lol
This was me sending messages to @definedareasofuncertainty in the middle of the night to explain an idea:
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I realize I can't expect readers to feel the same way, everyone is entitled to their opinions and I can only be responsible for what I write, not for how people are going to understand it, but I can't help the way I feel because, to me, it's insane when someone reads this and thinks it's the same. The entire premise of The Wolf is different. It's never about the baby, the baby is almost background noise. The Originals starts and ends around Hope, but The Wolf is not about baby Eve (that's the baby's name), it's about Caroline. Everything is about Caroline, and about Klaus' feelings for her.
A lot of what I think is wrong with TO is that it just doesn't make sense. The things they do, the choices they make, the way they relate to each other just doesn't work, and what I tried to do was rewrite it in a way that it did make sense, not only moving the story forward, but also, and especially, the characters, their motivations and their relationships. I feel like TO was always going to be a better show if they'd focused more on characters than on plot, because that's what I was there for from the start, the family and their bonds, not undercover werewolf packs or baby-stealing aunts. But the writers sacrificed the characters so much for the sake of some arguably very silly plots (don't even get me started here…). While I do keep the plot points, what I tried to do (and hopefully succeeded, at least to a certain degree) was to bring the characters to the front and push the action and enemies and wars and such to the background. So instead of having the characters reacting to the plot, I have the plot serving the characters, if that makes sense. I kept the parts that interested me and that I felt I could use to serve my purposes and threw out everything I could dispense with.
And what I was aiming for first and foremost was to get Caroline the center stage I always felt she deserved, and the love story she could've had with Klaus. So the whole thing is really about that. S1 is the two of them sorting through their differences and understanding their feelings for each other, S2 is the two of them negotiating an actual relationship, S3 is them being married. That's it. I had the best time writing about the two of them through the eyes of the other characters, to have Elijah and Rebekah and Kol and Marcel witnessing and monologuing about Klaroline, all these different points of view on them. And my actual favorite part of the entire story is the part that isn't The Originals at the end of TW2.
So anyway, my point with my TO rewriting was never to fix everything that is wrong with the show. I wasn't writing the version of TO I wish it had been, my ideal spin off. I could've done that, but I didn't, because it's not what the project was ever about when I started. I wanted to keep the show as close to what it is as possible, whilst trying to prove a point (to myself, but also, hopefully, to some other people) that there was a way that this show could've still kept me invested. I'm an easy girl, just give me faves on their journey towards endgame and I'm satisfied, you know.
If you made it to the end of this, congratulations, nonnie 😂 You wanted a yes or no answer and you got a STATEMENT. I'm very sorry for my dumbass response, I've just become *protective* of this fic. If you do read it, I hope you'll find it enjoyable. If not, that's ok too! There are many amazing fics out there for you to be wasting your time on something that won't spark joy for you ❤️ And thanks again for reading my other fics, that's very lovely of you!
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jellalism · 11 months ago
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Zhongli x gn!Reader fic: A thousand more years
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You're visiting Zhongli, your friend and the person you're head over heels for. He's so perfect; could he ever look at you in the same way you look at him?
Word count: 1204 words
Genre: Fluff
Content warnings: None
Notes: Merry Christmas, @bitterrenegade! I'm your Secret Santa, and this is my gift to you: a little bit of mutual pining. I hope you enjoy! Thanks to @2023gisecretsanta for the organization!
Read below or on AO3.
“It is always satisfying to have a cup of tea when it is cold out, do you not think so?” You’re visiting Zhongli at his place, and as usual, he has prepared tea for the both of you. He always picks something appropriate. If you’re stressed, he’ll make some jasmine tea to help you relax. If you’ve just had a meal together, he makes ginger tea to aid digestion. Or, in this case, when the weather is cold, black tea hits the spot. Especially if Zhongli makes it: he’ll pay attention to the right brewing temperature and steeping times. He isn’t one to skimp on details.
You eagerly take a sip. It’s still too hot to drink, so you end up not tasting much. But at least the smell is good. “Mh-mm,” you agree. “Black tea is just right for moments like these. I got so darn cold on my way to your house. I really need something to warm me up.” Like your arms around me — the thought is there, but you could never speak it aloud.
It’s been a few months since you’ve fallen in love with him, but you fear he could never reciprocate. He is way too… perfect, in a sense. His calm and steady demeanor, his countless skills, his impeccable style: in all respects, he is in a league of his own. You’re just glad you can spend time with him as a friend; that is already a great honor. Although that, too, you could never speak aloud. He’d play it down, humbly; as if he isn’t a former Archon; as if he is just a normal human.
Zhongli smiles. “I’m pleased to hear you enjoy it. Have as much as you like. And if I can do anything else for you, let me know. You are my guest, after all.”
A soft laugh escapes you. “Come on, Zhongli. We’ve been friends for quite some time now. No need to be so formal.”
Zhongli chuckles, too. “You are right. Apologies. I’m just most used to this manner of speaking. Although that is, of course, no excuse. Please know that I never mean to be cold towards you; quite the opposite.” He scrapes his throat. “Well then. Friend. How have you been?”
“It’s been alright. I’ve just been going to work as usual. How about you?”
“Likewise. Although I don’t mind it. Contrary to what one might think, living as long as I have does not get boring. It does not rob each moment of its worth. Rather, life has taught me that there is an infinity of different experiences and that each one is worth treasuring. Even moments that seem to be the same, are different in interesting ways.”
You take a moment to find the right words to say — any silences that fall between are not awkward, but peaceful. “That’s quite a profound answer to such a mundane question, Zhongli.” You laugh a little, but it’s not mean-spirited; Zhongli smiles along with you. “I suppose you may be right. I’ll try my best to live a thousand years and maybe I’ll learn to treasure each moment the way you do.”
He laughs again. His laugh sounds deep, much like his voice. It’s carefree and calm, coming from deep inside. Something about it just draws you in and makes you fall in love with him all over. “I do not think it’s necessary to live as long as me, dear. Though I would not mind if you did. I would love to have tea with you for a thousand more years.”
‘Dear’? You blush at his choice of words. And he said he would like to have tea with me for a millennium more?
“Y/n?” Zhongli interrupts your shock. “Did I say something to upset you? You look quite troubled.”
“No, no, it’s not that at all!” You shake your head and wave your hands in a defensive gesture. “I’m just… Never mind,” you trail off. You can’t even look him in the eye.
From the corner of your eye, though, you see him looking at you with a smile. “Alright then.” A short silence falls. Then he sets his cup of tea on the table between you and gets up. You look at him, wondering what he’s up to. He makes his way around the table to you and lowers himself on one knee so that your faces are level. “Did I fluster you with my words?”
You feel yourself becoming even redder. You nod, unable to speak.
“I meant those words. And I apologize if I misread your reaction, but I have the impression that you feel the same way I feel about you. I’ve been yearning for you. So, if you’ll let me…” He trails off, seemingly intentionally. His hand cups your cheek gently. You could pull away if you wanted. His other hand takes your cup from you and places it on the table. His lips draw nearer to yours. And nearer. You close your eyes. His hand slides lower, to the back of your neck, as he presses his lips on yours. His lips are soft; his mouth has the lingering taste of a green tea he must have had before you arrived.
For several long moments, the touch remains. Then, Zhongli pulls back. You open your eyes; you find him looking at you with a kind gaze. “I have wanted to do this for months. Months that felt like centuries.”
“I don’t know what a century feels like, but I imagine it must be like the months I spent yearning for you.”
“I’m sorry I didn’t let you know my feelings sooner. I did not want to be presumptuous. That’s why I used that term of endearment. I wanted to gauge your reaction.”
“That’s so sweet,” you murmur. “But… I almost can’t believe it. You’re so amazing. You’re perfect in every way. I can’t believe you’d fall in love with someone average like me.”
Zhongli’s face betrays pity and love. “Dear, surely you’ve heard that beauty is in the eye of the beholder? To your eyes, I’m perfect — even though I do not see myself the way you do. Likewise, you’re perfect to me, even if you don’t see it yourself.” He smiles at you.
You can’t argue against that. “Zhongli. Kiss me again.” Your voice is soft, unused to the candor.
He indulges you. Again and again. His tongue slips in your mouth. Sometimes you even detect a hunger in the movements of his mouth. A possessive voraciousness in the way he holds your head like he’s never going to let you go. He probably won’t.
Eventually, he lets up. “We shouldn’t let the tea go to waste. It is probably good to drink now.” He returns to his chair and picks up his cup. You take yours, too, and take a sip. Zhongli is right: the tea is at the perfect temperature now. It warms you deep inside. It’s a little bitter, giving it an intensity that fits the weather.
“Zhongli?” you whisper, your breath blowing away the steam rising from the cup.
“Yes?”
“I feel the same. I would like to have tea with you for a thousand more years.”
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overtaken-stream · 1 year ago
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i dont know your rules or if you have a masterlist but out of nowhere I got obsessed with King and i need more fics on him, my favorites are headcanons
so if you could write about him like yandere headcanons where he kidnapped reader who he caught insterest in
or bedroom headcanons like its canon that he is a sadistic pervert but do yo think he would like to be dommed by his s/o
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I don't have any rules and no master list yet! But I'm glad you decided to send this ask! As a fellow King-starved OP fan it can be quite hard to find any content about him, especially as a Yandere, like- why, it works so well with him!! As for bedroom headcanons, I wrote this a while ago. Not exactly a straightforward answer to your question but still, I think you'll get the answer yourself. Also, I managed to fit some backstory about King😅 (most of it is actually his backstory) but I promise it explains his... yandareness... my writing style is different but I hope you'll like it. More ideas about this AU have come to me as I was working on this, so let me know if I should write part 2... Anyway, hope you enjoy this!
Warnings: Spoilers for King's real name, his backstory, kidnapping, closed-off character, murder, arson.
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No matter where Alber goes, there will always be a certain darkness following him, the darkness that began surfacing inside of him ever since he became a research subject at Punk Hazard. The memories of warmth are lost to him, his family members, their faces, their love, traditions- everything from his past turned into shadowy figures that visit him in the dead of night, where he laid bare on his back, defenseless and unable to move an inch.
Alber experiences, no- has experienced those lonesome nights too many times after his escape, with Kaidou at his side, passed out drunk, there was only so much he could do under the night sky, as the sweat rolled down his chin, awake and stricken with fear, haunted by the nightmarish masks and white coats. The extreme heat lingered under his skin, with no scars to show the battles he survived on the Punk, though he could still feel the consequences of others' actions.
Each day his loyalty to Kaidou grows and so does his disdain for the people they have met on their journey. Days and months soon turned into years, years he has spent becoming stronger, years he spent with Kaidou, he has to catch up with him, perhaps matching up to his strength, but that is reaching too far, for Kaidou is strong, stronger then he'll ever be. Each second his world shrinks down to only the hero, who had saved him, his vision is blind to the islands they traveled to and conquered, blind to the beaten-up bodies they defeated. The colors of his environment blur together, lost to the intriguing laugh of his captain. He stares after the huge back, a back which he has to fill with his own will and strength, He is no longer Alber, for the boy was a shadow that no longer belonged to his body, weak, only confident in his endurance, a prey waiting for salvation. The worthless name stood on empty grounds, a new title was given to him.
He tries his best and this time, his best is enough for the man he idolizes (He has to thank his biology). He backs up his captain and engraves his name onto the burnt enemy's back, King. He takes pride in his new title, fit for Joyboy's first-mate.
He is no longer Alber. He is now the predator that the scientists have tried to research and avoid. He puts on a nobles mask, made of the finest leather. He puts on a new identity, on that day, on that land, a monster was born, a monster that happened to burry its emotions into the depths of the ocean.
King smiles.
Even after their crew gets big, annoying comments from Queen are met with aggressive glares, his facial features are hidden behind a dark mask that's acting as an intimidation factor, he holds the crew together purely for Kaidou, there is no respect tugging at his actions, sentiment hasn't had a place in him for some time now. What he first felt when he met Kaidou only brings so much to the table, so little emotion, aside from authority. The dark grows, and even if he is emitting an eternal fire, ebony covers his frames, cooling the heat and leaving him in the chilliness of The Beast's shadow. In utter darkness.
King kills, tears the bodies up, and burns them until not even the bones remain. All he does is stare down at the screaming faces, staring them down as they did to Alber. All he sees is the red light coming from the burning village. The smell of rot follows after him as he walks down the streets of an unnamed island.
In a small cottage at the end of the town, he feels a presence hiding from him. Away from the door which he bursts through. He doesn't waste his time as he strides into the person's house, in a place he can see their shaking silhouette. His steps are loud in his tiny bubble, with no fire or scream entering his field of hearing, he doesn't hear the door shut itself, but he can feel the breaths that left the person's nose, and can hear the vibrations caused by their shaky figure across the floor. In the dark of the room, he opens a cabinet to find scared!you.
And his field of vision, which was locked onto Kaidou all this time, shifts. It gets bigger as he stares into your scared eyes, glossed over with tears trickling down your face, your expression is drowned in fear as you look up at him. Unknown to the feelings running through him.
The feelings, the emotions he buried long ago now seemed to resurface, looking at your sweat-covered forehead, his eyes travel over your form, they remain frigid, even as his heart rate speeds up, even as the world around you becomes darker, even as his breathing becomes heavy.
Up until now, only Kaidou existed, for Kaidou. With Kaidou. Now the narrow view of him widens as you, a mare civilian join the everlasting space that exists inside of him. Your eyes so bright, filled with fear attract him. Your face shape, so tender and beautiful. You are the only color that exists in the dark, the only light in the endless tunnel.
The house is dark, but you emit light, you stick out even when he has stopped using Observation Haki. You make him feel warm in a way that he has never experienced before.
His heart is beating faster and faster the longer your eye contact lasts, his wind was knocked out of his lungs by the time he moved.
As he takes you by your arm, you stay quiet in fear of what he could do, quivering as he wraps his fingers fully around your arm. Your legs are frozen, acting like dead meat when he drags you out of the untouched house, they barely move when you realize the situation you got into.
He doesn't answer your questions of what he is doing or where he is taking you, his ears only picked up your voice, so angelic and clear in the sparks of fire that lit your garments, your skin and hair shining in beautiful reds and yellows, though he would enjoy seeing your natural colors. In a setting much cooler, and less tragic than this.
His world warps once again, he doesn't falter when Jack tosses a strange look his way as he gets closer to their ship.
He remains unaffected by your insults and weak attempts to set yourself free from his grasp. His natural strength is much greater than yours will ever be.
He ends up taking you to his room, barely remembering the path he took to get there and the faces he must have come across. He only lets go of you when the door is locked.
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sharedramblings · 2 years ago
Text
Just For You
Summary: Cold weather. Dry lips. Larissa.
Author's note: A silly idea made by my silly little mind. The longer this stays on my drafts, the stronger the urge to just delete it completely.
Additional note: Just want to thank @yourlocaldisneyvillain @sapphicsbeloved @saphire-scribbles for letting me know of your thoughts on the last fic! I was having doubts if I should keep it posted so I'm glad you found it alright. :)
And to answer @digital-demise (who I can't seem to tag) yes, that's the game I had in mind. I agree that it's a classic! I love how it challenges the teamwork and dynamics of the players. I'm glad you recognized it.
—-—-
A shiver runs down your spine again so you momentarily stopped checking the paper you were grading. You looked at the fire on your left, still offering you additional warmth in the rather cold weather. You chanced a glance at Larissa, and you saw her still laser focused on her laptop which brought a smile on your face. You love seeing glimpses of her while she's busy.
But before you can fully stare and take her in, you shook your head out of it, forcing yourself to finish the ungraded papers on your table.
Spending the last few hours of the workday on Larissa's office has been integrated on your day for months now. A spare foldable table is permanently stored in her office, waiting until your classes are finally over. This routine started to remedy the unfortunate matter of rarely seeing each other during the weekdays due to work, and also because you always want to accompany her on the walk through her chambers once she's done with the day's workload. The good night's, the handholding, the little squeezes in between, the light conversation, the shared smiles, and the kisses– well, those were just some perks you always look forward to when you reach your destination. You were absolutely smitten, and you took pride in that fact.
You can see that you only have a few more papers left, and you're annoyed that you have to stop once again. It's still the weather's fault but this time you weren't trembling from the cold, but rather chewing on your bottom lip as you felt how dry it is.
You turn your attention to your bag, searching for the short tube that would aid you in your current problem. You checked your purse, it's not there. You also checked the various pockets, hoping you put it there but it's not in any of it. So you decided to look in the entirety of the bag, hands moving your things on the side yet you still came up empty-handed.
You're confused. Where did you place it? You tried again. Maybe second time's the charm.
No, it apparently isn't.
You sighed before facing Larissa. It's a long shot, but you'd still take it. "Rissa? Have you seen my lip balm?"
She glanced at you, head slightly tilted at the side before she hummed her yes. She stood up and walked towards you, stopping on the side of the table in front of you.
"Open up" Her eyes, which seem fixated on your lips, affirms what she was pertaining to.
You gave her a quizzical look, but you decided to do it after a few seconds. She could have just told you where it was so you could have applied the lip balm on your own, but if she wants to do it, then you'll let her be.
She leans down, the pad of her thumb tracing your lips before proceeding to caress your cheek. You hold your gaze up at her, her undivided attention making your cheeks heat up.
You didn't have the time to question why she's leaning even further when her lips met yours in a kiss, your eyes instinctively closing at the contact. A shiver runs the length of your body, now for a different yet very much welcome reason, as her tongue follows the path that her thumb traced on your lips. You let out a hum, your hand shooting up to stroke the back of her hand that's still holding your face. Her tongue claims your mouth, and you allow her to explore, too drunk on her kiss to think about anything else.
When you felt that she's about to pull away, you went to chase her so as to not end the kiss, but the hand in your cheek prevented you from doing so.
"How's that?"
You slowly blinked multiple times, eyes finding hers. You ran your tongue on your bottom lip, still reeling from the kiss. You just stare at her for a bit, your mind yet to form any coherent thought. The slight raise on her eyebrows was what made you talk, "Is that a new brand of lip balm?"
She nods before muttering the confirmation, playing along with what she started.
"I think it's my favorite" She chuckles at that, a proud smirk adorning her face. Despite the smirk though, you noticed the faint blush in her cheeks. She's just as affected as you are.
"It's exclusively yours, darling"
"I sure hope so. I'll fight anyone who dares try them" Larissa laughs at that. Her eyes shimmering with adoration.
You grabbed her hand, placing a small kiss on the back of it. You felt her squeeze your hand before she goes back to her chair.
"Oh, and before I forget, your lip balm is hidden on the stack of papers"
You crane your neck to look, and there it is. The embarrassment flared up the heat on your cheeks. It slipped your mind that you placed it there.
Larissa could have had easily told you where it was, but then again she seemed to have a plan in mind. One that made the butterflies in your stomach flutter widely.
"Thanks. I don't want it anymore, though. I already have my new favorite" You playfully said as you kept the lip balm safe in your bag.
Her answering smirk made you blush even harder. You knew then that you'll be distracted to finish the rest of the papers in front of you, but you'll still try nonetheless.
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ghostofskywalker · 2 years ago
Text
If You Still Remember
Commander Cody/Plus Size!Reader
Words: 2,045
Summary: Shore leave gets a lot more complicated than you originally expected when the marshal commander of the GAR drunkenly admits his feelings for you in the middle of the night.
Note: this cody fic won the poll i had posted a little bit ago, and i am a woman of my word, so here it is! this has been sitting in my drive since like late december lol, so i'm happy to finally share it :)
Clone Troopers Masterlist
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You were shaken out of a restful sleep by rapid and raucous knocking on your door, and for a moment you wondered whether or not it was worth it to get out of bed and see who was there, or just hope they would go away eventually. But your desire to not have to listen to the knocking anymore won out, and you dragged yourself out from under the covers with a scowl on your face. But when you finally pulled the door open and took a look at who had needed to see you in the middle of the night, you were instantly glad you got up.
Of all the people you thought might be at the door, the Marshal Commander of the GAR was not on that list. “Cody?” you asked tentatively, still trying to get a handle on the situation. “Is everything okay?”
“Do you know the code for my room?” he asked, and you could tell that he was desperately trying to keep his eyes open. “I forg’t it.”
The Republic kept specific bases for when the clones went on leave, areas that could be used for a week and then occupied by a different battalion, which would explain why Cody hadn’t committed his code to memory. The two of you had been assigned neighboring private rooms due to the prestige he held and the fact that you were the only civilian attachment working in the 212th at the moment and there weren’t any other battalions on Coruscant right now (other than the Guard). Come to think of it, you barely remembered the code you had been assigned, so you really didn’t blame him for not remembering in his current state.
You knew that many of the boys had planned to hit 79’s this evening (they had even invited you but you had other plans with some friends), but you never expected Cody to reach this level of inebriation. It was clear that he was drunk, with the way his eyelids drooped slightly and the fact that his expression was not the alert one you were used to seeing him wear each day. To answer his question, you shook your head. “I’m sorry, I don’t know your room’s code.”
“‘S okay,” was his response. “I’ll go see if the boys have ‘n extra bunk in their barracks.”
He turned away from the door, but you called his name before he could get farther than three steps away. “You can stay in my room tonight if you want.”
It must have been some combination of his fatigue and the liquor still in his system that caused him to accept, because you couldn’t think of any other reason he would do so. You knew the commander well due to your work as a civilian attachment, but you wouldn’t really say your friendship was at the point where you would regularly stay in each others’ rooms.
However, it seemed all that was about to change, and he stumbled into your room almost immediately after you offered. The first thing you noticed was that he was wearing nothing but his blacks, and you really hoped that he hadn’t gone out to 79’s with his armor on (because if he lost his plastoid you didn’t know what to do). The second thing you noticed was that he immediately collapsed face first onto the bed.
“Cody?” you asked gently, tapping his shoulder so you didn’t scare him. “Where is your armor?”
“Didn’t have it when I wen’ out,” he slurred, pulling himself into a sitting position and dangling his feet off the edge of the bed. The normally infallible and always focused commander had a dopey smile on his face, and his eyes didn’t look as tired as they usually did. This night was probably good for him, you decided, even if it was a bit strange for you. He deserves to let loose and forget about the war for a little while.
As you moved to walk away from where you were standing next to him, you felt two arms wrap around your waist. “Where are you going?” Cody asked.
He was strong, all the clones were, but you never realized just how strong he was until he had his arms around you and was trying to pull you back towards him, because you stumbled a little and almost fell backwards in his direction. “I’m just going to get you some water,” you said, placing your hands over his and trying to loosen his grip on you. “And a painkiller for when you wake up tomorrow morning.”
“I won’t need that stuff,” he said, still dead set on trying to keep you close to him. “I just want to cuddle with you.”
Well, that was a set of words you never expected to hear from him. “Cody,” you said quietly, trying to let him down easy so that he doesn’t do something he will regret tomorrow morning. “You’re going to want water eventually, and if you really drank as much as I think you did, a painkiller is a good idea.”
The hands on your waist did eventually let go, and the commander’s expression was one you would describe a toddler wearing when he was told that he wasn’t allowed to eat an entire box of cookies. You wondered if the topic of cuddling would be dropped, but you knew that wasn’t the case after you placed a canteen of water and two headache pills on the nightstand next to the bed and Cody looked at you with hopeful eyes.
“You should really go to sleep,” you said.
“Where are you going to sleep?” You glanced over at the couch, and he immediately caught on, protesting that you should be the one to sleep in the bed. He even stood up and walked over to you as he earnestly proclaimed that he’d be fine if he slept on the couch.
“No, you need a better night’s sleep than I do,” you said, reaching down to take his hand and as you did, he stopped and looked into your eyes.
It was like the physical contact had awakened some kind of sleeper agent in him, because he immediately changed the topic of discussion. “Can I kiss you?”
Okay, maybe you would have given in to cuddling, but there was no way you thought he actually wanted to kiss you. “Cody, you’re drunk,” you reminded him. “You should go to sleep now.”
“But I want to kiss you first,” he said matter-of-factly. “This is the only time I’ve ever been able to tell you how I feel, and I don’t want to kark it up.”
“This is just because you’re drunk,” you responded, trying not to let yourself hope that he actually felt this way. Your past romantic experiences had never turned out well, and you didn’t want to let yourself ruin whatever friendship you had with him over something small like this. “Whatever Waxer and Boil gave you at 79’s must have really done a number on you, I don’t think I’ve ever seen you like this before.”
“Why won’t you let me kiss you?”
You took a breath and waited a moment before responding. “I don’t want you to do something you’ll regret tomorrow when you wake up,” you said quietly. “If you still remember this conversation, and you still feel the same way, then we can talk again.”
You almost regretted giving him that option, but it seemed to be the only thing that would get him to go to sleep. The commander’s iron grip on your hand meant that you would be sharing the bed with him rather than your original plan of sleeping on the couch, but you didn’t really mind. In fact, you liked the feeling of having another body in the same bed as you, so you let yourself imagine a reality in which Cody did actually mean the things he said, and that it wasn’t just a product of liquid overindulgence.
And as you fell asleep that night, you tried not to think too hard about the fact that eventually you (and Cody) were going to have to face the consequences of your actions.
***
The barracks that the republic provided were never the height of luxury, and they apparently couldn’t even spring for decently opaque curtains in the officer’s quarters. The light from the city-planet’s morning rush came flooding into the room, and you opened your eyes, having completely forgotten about the events of the previous night. Or, at least you did until you looked over and saw Cody’s hair poking out from under the covers.
You did your best to get out of bed without waking the commander, but it didn’t really work. He sleepily raised his head from the pillow, and the two of you stared at each other for a few moments.
Eventually, it was you who broke the silence. “Welcome back to the land of the living, Commander.”
Cody just nodded, and he definitely looked a little worse for wear. “What happened last night?” he said sleepily, putting his hands over his eyes to try and block out the brightness of the room.
“You got hammered at 79’s,” you said, a small laugh escaping your mouth at his bewildered expression. “And then you forgot the code to your room, so you knocked on my door in the middle of the night.”
“Oh,” he said, nodding. “I’m sorry for all the trouble I’ve caused.”
“Please, Cody, it was no big deal,” you said. “I’m just glad you’re okay, you seemed pretty out of it.”
“And I didn’t say or do anything else last night?” he asked.
You had a choice here: either admit that he’d tried to kiss you, or just lie to his face. Your insecurities ended up winning out, because you didn’t want to make it seem like you were trying to get him to kiss you, or that you were lying about what happened if he truly didn’t remember. “Nope, don’t worry,” you said, forcing a smile onto your face. “You pretty much just passed out as soon as I let you in the door.”
It wasn’t until you had gotten out of bed and turned towards the door that he spoke again. “Why are you lying to me?” His voice sounded quiet and hurt, so you turned around to see him get up and walk over to you. “I may have been drunk last night, but I remember everything I said to you. And I also remember a certain offer you made.”
As you responded, your voice came out just as quiet. “I didn’t want you to think I was trying to pressure you if you regretted what you said to me.”
“I wouldn’t have regretted it last night, and I certainly wouldn’t regret it now,” he said. “I meant what I said, but if you don’t see me in that way I’m not going to force myself on you.”
“No!” you said quickly, and then took a breath before continuing to speak. “I like you a lot, but I’m just not the best at relationships. When you asked me last night if you could kiss me, I really wanted to say yes, but I also couldn’t shake the image of you waking up and feeling horrified by what you had done.”
Cody reached down and took your hand in his. “I would never do such a thing, no matter how much I drank. But I really like you, and I’d really like to kiss you now.”
You didn’t even bother to answer, instead leaning in to press your lips to his. He reciprocated almost immediately, and the feeling of his lips moving against yours made your knees weak for a fleeting moment. You felt his hand pull out of yours and come to rest on your hip, effectively keeping you close to him as he deepened the kiss.
When you finally had to break for air, he didn’t loosen his grip on you. “Now, I’m still tired, can we please go back to bed for a little while? Neither of us have anything to do today.”
And with the look in his eyes, who were you to deny such a tempting request?
- the end -
i no longer have a taglist! if you're interested in being notified when i post, you can follow my library blog @ghostofskywalker-library and turn on notifications!
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