#idea of what to do for the dog in the event of an emergency that prevented my landlady from performing the duty

[thesquireinvictus]

My landlady wants me to find a hidey key and go let myself into next-door so I can let their dog out (they're away) but 1) the dog doesn't like me, 2) I've never met the people next-door and they don't know me from Adam, 3) my landlady didn't tell next-door about this or ask their permission to do this, 4) Am I the only person who finds this insane??

[kentosovertime]

(n.) the delusion of things being more beautiful than they really are

toji x afab!reader, fiance!megumi - 2.7k words

A/N: here's a comeback fic for my blog resurrection, had this idea before I stopped writing and FINALLY got to it, enjoy~

CW: explicit content, explicit language, age gap, revenge cheating, manipulation, humiliation, dubcon language, your dad will do, virgin!reader, fingering, unprotected sex, rough sex, breeding, non consensual videotaping at the end, anger issues (rip the reader)

✨Masterlist | Tag List | Ask Box | Open Request Event | AO3 | Ko-Fi✨

“For fucks sake!” You screech, the sound of your rage swallowed by a bus that screams by the side of the road as you slam the hood of your smoking car shut. 

“At least it’s not in flames-” Starts a random passerby walking their dog, but is sent running when you send them a withering glare. After the weekend you’ve had and it’s only Friday night?

You open your phone, your glare turning to the long list of outgoing calls to every hotel within an hour of your apartment, all booked to no vacancy for a local festival. Your landlord really picked the perfect weekend to kick all their tenants out for “emergency” maintenance for an issue that was reported months ago. 

Someone must have threatened to report the living conditions, as his attitude quickly changed when he offered to reimburse the hotel costs if his tenants were forced to stay at one. 

Your gaze softens as you scroll through those calls to where Megumi contacted you, letting you know he had made it to the martial arts competition he was coaching this weekend. His soft spot and skill for taking care of children was what initially drew you to him, but right now you wished more than anything you could press on his name and he could come to your rescue like always. 

Calling a tow truck to bring your car to the mechanics wasn’t necessarily the issue… but being on the streets for the next couple nights was. With your car in this condition, it wasn’t like you could sleep in it, given your inability to find even a shity motel room in the worst part of town. 

You take a moment to mourn the fact that you didn’t move closer to where your family lives before realizing you really only have one option in front of you; Toji. 

The contact information for your boyfriend's father mocks you on the screen, daring you to call him, a perfect stranger, to come and save your ass. The lack of familiarity wasn’t based on a lack of effort on your part, having tried repeatedly to get Megumi to open up about his family. The most that you were able to glean was that his mother had passed away and his father wasn’t often present. 

“Hello?” A gruff voice answers on the first ring. You didn’t even realize you had pressed his number before he was on the line. “Sorry, Mr. Fushiguro? This is Megumi’s fiance…” An awkward, lasting silence stretches out between the two of you before you clear your throat and try again. “I’m very sorry to bother you, but Megumi is out of town and m-my car is billowing smoke a-and all the hotels are booked-” 

Toji smirks as you ramble, rather cutely he may add, grabbing his wallet and keys before he’s even told you yes to both of your requests. He chuckles under his breath as you struggle to not fill the silence, letting your words hang in the air again. 

“I’m on my way,” He hums as he twists the keys in the ignition of his car. “Get your stuff out of the car in case it explodes.” 

He barks out a laugh as he hangs up and hears a distressed noise of dismay leave your throat. You’re so easily worked up, he wonders if this is why Megumi has done everything in his power to prevent the two of you from meeting… a valid concern. Considering how that ex of his used to try to hang off of Toji. He shudders in disgust at the memory of the girl, still in high school and thinking she was worth a second glance. 

Something tells him you’d be a prettier sight. 

⋅•⋅��∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅

This is why Megumi has been telling you no… It takes everything in you to keep your jaw snapped shut as you watch his father prowl up to where you're standing over your suitcase on the sidewalk, nervously glancing at the vehicle he made seem may blow up at any second. 

You approach the car hesitantly when he waves you over, shocked that your legs work from how tightly your wound. He opens up the hood to take a look at what’s causing the smoke while you wait for your tow. 

“Here, sweetheart.” It only takes him a second to point out what's wrong with your engine, gently redirecting your finger when you point to an area in question. “I wouldn’t hold out too much hope that this is worth fixing… you may be looking at a new set of wheels.” 

Anger and frustration well up in you again, even as a flush of heat cascades down your spine at the small touch of his skin on yours. You’re thankful for the distraction the anger provides, given the other option is avoiding looking at how his tight black t-shirt stretches across his torso or drooling like a pitiful little girl. Your fiance is attractive, but there’s still a softness to his face. He lacks the hard planes and sharp angles his father possesses. 

“One thing at a time.” Toji squeezes your shoulder with a smirk, leading closer than he should. How is he supposed to help himself when you seem ready to snap with how tightly you’ve wound yourself? The tension in your back only winds further with how he kneads your skin. “If you need it, I’ll pitch in to help Megumi get you around for a bit.” 

Your mouth opens to stutter out a reply… or maybe a denial for such an open ended offer, but the horn of the tow truck stops you. 

“Let me handle that.” He hums. “I wouldn’t want the tow truck driver to try to take advantage of you.” 

Watching him leave, you pull the phone from your pocket, sending Megumi a quick update about where you’re going before your phone dies. You shove it back into its spot after you’ve powered it off, saving what’s left of the battery for when you’re able to dig out your phone charger. 

⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅

Toji holds the door to his house open for you, bracing his hand on the small of your back as you cross the threshold to a surprisingly tasteful living room. 

“What?” You can hear the smirk in his voice, the shock must be written all over your face. “Expect a futon couch and a mattress on the floor?” 

“M-Maybe..” You rub your neck with a sheepish look, managing a small chuckle as he leads you down the hall to what you assume is the room you’ll be using. “Something about unmarried men and the lack of dining room tables and living out of laundry baskets.” 

The drive over had taken longer than you expected, he lives on the edge of the city, the houses given more space than what you’re used to from your apartment in the city. But it had given you the opportunity to partially acclimate to his overwhelming presence. All you had to do was not look at his face… easy. 

“I did have a wife.” He hums in thought. “The art of furnishing a house isn’t lost on me… Anyway.. This one is you.” He flicks on the light as he enters the spacious room, moving until he gets to another door, turning that light on too, the cocky humor back on his face by the time he turns back to you with a playful glint in his eyes. 

“You have your own bathroom… shower head’s detachable.”  He tacks on, watching you empty your overnight bag, setting your night clothes out before you turn your phone back on and get it attached to a charger.

“That’s not- I wouldn’t-” A shocked squeak flies from your throat as your eyes widen in embarrassment. 

“Your face is…” He howls in laughter. “Absolutely priceless. My room is down the hallway, last door on the right. In case you need me.”

“I-” His tone drips with innuendo, making the blush on your face deepen to a shade of crimson. So much for not thinking about him inappropriately. 

“So innocent, sweetheart. You’d think you’re still a virgin.” You watch in mortification as your future father-in-law leans cockily against the door jam to your bathroom, your mouth opening and closing, urging something to come out, an explanation, a lie, anything. Just something to make him not make fun of you. “Oh my god… you are. Even when you’re engaged to my son?” 

“He…” You wring your hands together, your voice barely above a mumble, looking down at your engagement ring in confusion, as if it could tell you the Toji’s lying to you. “He said he wanted to wait until w-we were married. That he’d wait…” 

He never said that it would be his first time, you realize. As quickly as your embarrassment comes, it's replaced with a low, burning fit of rage that’s ready to lash out. 

“Wait! You thought Megumi was a virgin?” He snickers meanly. “That’s fucking rich, hun. That ship sailed in fucking high school.” 

You listen, shaking with the anger that’s boiling inside of you, as he describes Megumi’s relationship with a girl named Himari, how he walked in on them more than once. 

Your mind starts to spin in circles, fueled by this rage that has nowhere to go. As insufferable as Toji is about this, you find your anger can’t be directed at him. It's Megumi that lied to you for the entire duration of your relationship, not his father. 

As your mind circles, every insecurity that you’ve had about your relationship that you so easily dismissed before bubbles to the surface one by one. He’s always working or volunteering somewhere. The apartment has just become a place that he sometimes sleeps, if he ever makes it home because he travels around so often. He even said he didn’t like his father. Admittedly, you can see how they would clash, but was that it? Or did he just not want you to meet Toji so his cover wouldn’t be blown?

Toji approaches you, leaning into that delicious anger to purr in your ear. “I could show you what you’re missing, sweetheart…” 

Your body doesn’t flinch as your eyes slide to meet his gaze directly for the first time. You nod ever so slightly in consent, your breath uneven from the anticipation that’s built in your core from when you first saw him. 

“I’m going to need a little more than a nod, swe-” It’s the spite that pushes you to kiss him first. Spite that doing this will hurt Megumi has much as he hurt you, and spite that if you have to hear Toji call you sweetheart one more fucking time you’d explode. 

The groan you swallow from Toji as he presses against you wipes any doubt from your mind as you press against his broad chest to push him to the guest bed and crawl up his body to grind yourself into the bulge in his pants, hungrily seeking out his lips again. 

“Eager little virgin, aren’t we?” He growls as he yanks your head back by your hair, baring your neck to him so he can nip at it. The lack of marks there by his son is a further invitation to take you for himself. 

“Ah-! Mr. Fushi-” A whimper escapes your mouth as he carelessly shoves a hand beneath the band of your leggings and panties and you squirm to pull away as his fingers immediately shove past your entrance to scissor you open. 

“Uh uh. That’s enough of that shit.” He bites a harsh mark into the juncture of your neck, grinning when you cry out with a mixture of pain and pleasure, fat tears welling in your eyes and spilling over, your core spasming around his digits he continues to bully into you. “I’m not fucking stopping until your dripping, sweetheart. I’m going to have you crying that its too much and I’m not going to fucking stop. Even if you beg.”

It stings, the foreign feeling inside of you, but that feeling is quickly replaced by a rapidly approaching orgasm. You can take him, you think as you reach down between you to palm him through his sweatpants. You’re ready for anything he could give you. 

Your efforts leave you breathless and end with you managing to work his pant’s down his legs as he rips your leggings from your body along with your panties. 

“Fuck-” He growl as you take ahold of his length and line him up with your entrance as you hover above him. “You better slow down or you’ll hurt yourself.”

“You’re too cocky for your own- oh fuck-” You hiss as you allow the head of his cock to breach your entrance. The sting returns and flares into white hot heat at your core, making you double over into his chest as each inch rips its way into you. Your hips rock needily into him, trying with desperate circles to work yourself open. 

By the third circle of your hips, Toji loses his patience. His hands reach out to grapple your hips, using his momentum to flip the two of you before he thrusts violently into you, fully seating himself before pulling from your heat to slam home again. 

“Broken in now, aren’t you?” He growls, slamming into you a few more times before the sting completely abates, making sure you really feel what he’s taking from you. “Took what you wanted like a greedy fucking whore. Now shut the fuck up and be thankful I’m giving you my cock.” 

He pulls out of you to manhandle you until your chest is laying against the covers, wasting no time before he’s hauling your hips back into where he kneels behind you, entering you roughly again and setting a punishing pace. 

“You take me like a trained bitch.” He pants, grunting as his hips slap against yours, sending the vibrations straight to your clit as you sob into the duvet. “You lying about this being your first time?” 

You don’t answer, your face planted into the covers from the angle he has you bent into. Toji growls in annoyance, gathering your arms behind you to pull you up against his chest before his free hand snakes around your front to deliver a harsh slap to your center, ripping a scream from you.

“Go on slut. Answer, daddy.” He slaps your clit again and you feel yourself gush around his length, pushed to the edge. 

“M’not lying, Mr. Fushigur-” Another slap has you trembling, fresh tears pouring down your cheeks as you build impossibly higher. “D-Daddy- M’not you just f-feel s’good. I’ve b-been wet since you showed up.”

“Greedy little thing’s so ignored by Megumi you have to result to fucking his dad?” He coos down at you condescendingly, degrading you further. His voice takes on a cruel tone as he starts circling your clit. “How are you going to explain to your precious fiance that you’re carrying his brother?” 

“W-What- n-no T-Toji you c- shit!” You cum suddenly around him, the image of you leaking his cum banging around your head until you're clamping so hard around him you’re pulling his orgasm from him. Shivers wrack your body as you feel the ropes of his cum pump into you and leak from where you’re connected.  

The two of you breathe heavily, your panting filling the room as you come down from your highs. In your haze you don’t notice Toji video taping his cock pulling out of your cunt or the cum that gushed out in its wake before playfully slapping your ass and walking into the guest bathroom to get you a towel. 

You slump against the covers, wincing as you reach for your phone when you see the screen go off with worried messages from Megumi about being near his father. Followed by numerous missed calls with the same message, pleading with you not to stay with him. That he’d rush home tonight to help you so you didn’t have to stay there. 

You scowl at the message, sending off something that gets right to the point. 

<Who’s Himari?>

You decline the immediate litany of frantic calls, fully shutting off your phone and shuffling out of bed to join Toji in the bathroom. Maybe the shower could be round two… and if not, you’d happily sneak into the master bedroom to make that a reality.

tag list: @sugarbooger513 @sugarmapoops @roughwithfluff @severelytalentless @yelzoldyck @silversslut @aazaard @dreamyyholland @wobblewobble822 @vantastic210@rafzaha @tirzamisu @chososhoney @littlemochi @bebechinas99 @firdaoz @saoney @meromelo @pelicanpizza @sukunassoulmate @damncakie @katgalle @honeyyjems [[if your blog name is crossed out i couldn't tag you]]

[makeitmingi]

The Cat and Dog Game [Chapter 21]

Genre: Romance, Fluff, Comedy

Pairing: Yunho x Reader (y/n)

Characters: Chef!Reader, RestaurantOwner!Yunho, MaitreD!Hongjoong, Waiter!Yeosang, Waiter!San, Waiter!Mingi, SousChef!Seonghwa, SousChef!Wooyoung, PrepChef!Jongho

Summary: Yunho's dream was to open and run his own restaurant. But he doesn't know anything when it comes to cooking. Until you came along and accepted the job, bringing with you a small crew. How will the black cat tame the energetic golden retriever?

Word count: 3.3K

You groaned, falling back onto the bed... Well, the pile of clothes that were on your bed. You have spent the last 2 hours trying to find an outfit to wear and you were on the verge of giving up. Today, you were going to go out with Yunho. Instead of just dinner, he planned to meet and hang out before going for dinner.

But what do you wear to a date?

Both you and Yunho decided that it was best to keep this to yourselves for now, not wanting any unnecessary attention on the two of you. Well, except one person.

"You're supposed to be getting dressed. Not getting comfy on your clothing pile." Jongho clicked his tongue.

"I'm trying!" You whined, kicking your feet like a child.

"Wait, I think I know..." You found a dress. It was a flowy summer dress, white with small blue flowers all over. You went to the bathroom to change.

"What do you think?" You came out, showing Jongho the dress. He sat on the bed, drinking his coffee.

"This is the one." He nodded.

"Think so?" You stared at your reflection, twisting slightly to make the material flow around you. While you don't have a definitive style, you definitely do not usually dress this girly. The only time you do is during events or when you meet your father and stepmother.

"So let me get this straight. I'm the only one that knows about the date between you and Yunho hyung. Not even your other half, Seonghwa hyung, knows?" Jongho asked.

"Yes. Well, I'm not sure if Yunho told Mingi... But essentially, you're the only one that knows on my end." You replied.

"Why?"

"Because the more people know, the more expectations there are. And you know, Hwa is... protective of me. I'm already stressed out enough." You sighed.

"Hey. Don't worry about it, hmm? There's nothing to be stressed about." Jongho rounded the bed, holding your hand.

"It'll be okay." He rubbed the back of your hand with his thumb.

"Thanks, Jong." You smiled appreciatively and went to finish getting ready. You took a shower, styled your hair a little and put on some light make up. However, you did need to watch a few YouTube tutorials on how to do that. You wanted to look natural and not be too over the top.

"Here, I made you an omelette." Jongho said when you emerged from the room. You fixed all your jewellery on, your mother's earrings being your most prized possessions.

"How do you act on a date?" You asked as you took a bite. Jongho blinked before he burst out laughing.

"I have no idea how to answer that sort of question." He snickered before eating his own omelette. You shot him a look for laughing.

"Well, I'm asking you because you go on the most blind dates with people. How do you act then?" You jabbed right back at him, making him roll his eyes.

"Those blind dates are with strangers. You know Yunho hyung. You shouldn't have to act differently." He shrugged.

"Yeah but I know some guys feel friend-zoned if a girl acts too familiar with them." You said.

"I'm sure Yunho hyung just wants you to be you. Be comfortable around him. If any of you act awkwardly, it'll just make the entire thing awkward for the both of you. Just enjoy yourselves and each other's company." Jongho smiled.

"Do you like Yunho hyung? In that way." He added.

"I think I do? Maybe... I don't know, I'm trying to figure that out but it's hard. You know I hate addressing my emotions... It just messes me up." You groaned.

"It's okay to not be sure, (y/n). Going on dates is to find out your feelings for each other, see compatibility too." He said.

"I do really care for him. It's feelings that I've not had before and it's daunting..." You gulped.

"There's no obligation when and to be a couple at the end of it, okay? Be patient with yourself, you don't have to share everything with him right from the start. Take things at your own pace." He advised.

"Alright, I should get ready to go. He's picking me up in 10 minutes." You stood up, running to get your tote.

"I'll clear up here and lock up. Don't worry about it." He waved you off. Grinning, you went over to hug him and give him a peck on the cheek.

"Thanks, Jong. I mean it when I say, you're a lifesaver." You giggled. He hummed and patted your back, wishing you luck before you left the house. As you stood in the lift, there was a slight nervous churn in your stomach. Should you have asked Yunho for a dress code? Were you over or under dressed?

"(y/n)." Yunho was already there, waiting for you. He broke out into a big grin when he saw you, pushing off his car that he was leaning against to greet you.

"Wow, you look amazing." He said.

"Are you saying I don't usually look good?" You raised an eyebrow. His eyes widened, going into a panic.

"N-No! Of course not. What I was trying to say was that you look different but a good different! You are always pretty." He settled with that, his ears burning red.

"I'm just kidding, Yunho. Thank you." You chuckled. He lifted his head, the smile returning to his face. He was glad you weren't awkward or uncomfortable, that you could still tease him like always.

"Here, I got you this." He turned around and took something out of his car to hand to you.

"I know it seems like I always give you flowers but-"

"I love them, Yunho." You smiled, leaning in to look at the beautiful bouquet of baby pink tulips as you cradled it in your arms. For some reason, you knew you would never get tired of the warm feeling you felt when Yunho gave you flowers.

"Shall we?" He opened the door to the passenger side for you. You bowed your head and sat in the car, making sure your dress wasn't caught before he closed the door.

"So where are we going?" You asked. Yunho went quiet, pursing his lips at your question.

"What's wrong?" You tilted your head in confusion.

"I'm sorry, (y/n). I spent the whole night trying to research on where to go on a first date and the answers are all so generic like amusement park, zoo, aquarium, cafe." He apologised.

Hearing Yunho put so much dedication to this date made the churning in your stomach turn to butterflies.

"Well, I haven't been to the aquarium before." You laughed with a small shrug.

"We'll go there!" Yunho declared with a big, excited grin. He appreciated that you didn't make him feel like a fool for not knowing where to go or that he had to Google ideas for a first date. Instead, you helped him pick a place. As long as Yunho could spend time with you, he'll go anywhere.

"Aren't you going to ask me why I haven't been to the aquarium before?" You asked as he drove. Usually, that was the reaction, one of shock and disbelief.

"I'm sure you had your own reasons." He shrugged. Yunho believed that if you had wanted to tell him the reason, you would have.

"Thanks for not prying." You mumbled. This was the first time someone so respectful of your privacy.

Yunho pulled up to the parking lot of COEX aquarium and came out to open the door for you. You wondered if you should leave the bouquet behind in the car or take it with you.

"I'm worried leaving it in the warm car will cause it to wilt." You said honestly.

"Bring it with you then. We can take turns carrying it." Yunho encouraged. He was just glad you treasured the flowers so much.

"Alright." You nodded shyly and started the walk with Yunho out of the carpark to the ticketing booth. The two of you walked side by side, keeping to each other's pace. Yunho secured the tickets and gestured for you to walk through the barrier first.

"So, where to?" Yunho asked as he held up the map for the both of you to see.

"Honestly, Yunho. You can decide. I've never been here before and I trust your taste." You chuckled. Yunho laughed along and tucked the map back into his pocket.

"We'll just follow the path then." He smiled. You nodded and walked with him. Luckily, the aquarium wasn't too crowded.

"Woah." You said in awe at all the big tanks of fish.

For the first time, you were the one in childlike amazement while Yunho looked on at you fondly. He knew he was lucky to be the one to bring you for your first aquarium experience.

"This is cool." You leaned in to one of the smaller tanks to observe all the breeds of fish living together.

"There's more in front." Yunho pointed and you nodded with an excited smile.

Venturing through the aquarium, Yunho never rushed you, letting you take the lead on what you wanted to see. Honestly, Yunho just wanted to keep seeing you smile. Your excitement wasn't annoyingly loud or dynamic, instead you quietly smiled with sparkling eyes as you looked at each exhibit.

"Oh, they let you touch the starfish." You said, reading the sign at the Marine Touch Lab. Although you handle seafood and raw meat, you've never touched a starfish before.

"Do you want to?" Yunho asked. You thought about it before nodding your head slowly. Yunho took your bouquet from you.

"Don't you want to pet it too?" You turned to him.

"Go ahead, I've done it before." He chuckled, encouraging you.

"We should do it together." Suddenly, you took Yunho's freehand, surprising him. Holding his hand in yours, you pet the starfish together. Yunho's eyes focussed on you the entire time.

"The texture is weird..." You mumbled. Yunho chewed on his bottom lip, his ears burning red.

"Mmm, the water is cold." Yunho added randomly, the words not really forming in his head because of how flustered he was. He knew you probably didn't think too much about it like he did, you just wanted to pet the starfish together.

"D-Do you want to pet the other fish?" Yunho asked as the two of you pulled your hands out of the starfish tank. You looked around at the other marine life there.

"Touching those fish would be like handling them before I cook them right?" You stated.

"I don't think you should talk about cooking fish in a place like this..." Yunho burst out laughing, making you laugh as well.

"Oops, I did not notice. But practically speaking, it's the circle of life. I'm sure those carnivorous fish each the other small fish too." You shrugged. Yunh nodded in agreement.

"Let's wash our hands and continue." He said. Like the gentleman he was, he let you use the sink first.

"Ocean kingdom." You read out as you entered.

"People like to sit here and watch the sharks." Yunho informed. You nodded and found an empty spot to sit with him for a while. He removed his jacket, draping it over your legs since you were wearing a dress. Because of how empty it was, it was nice and peaceful. Yunho was still casting secret glances at you.

"You can lean on me... If you'd like." He added that last part hastily, not wanting to make you uncomfortable or creep you out. But even if you did feel that way, you never expressed it.

"It's surprisingly peaceful watching the sharks swim." You said, leaning your head on his shoulder.

"Hmm, they're misunderstood. They aren't the killing machines people make them out to be. Only when bothered or disturbed."

"I agree." He felt you nod in agreement. Yunho relaxed slightly, he liked this moment with you. The awkwardness was finally gone and you could both be comfortable.

"I'm really enjoying myself, Yunho." You said softly.

"I-I'm glad." Yunho replied, resting his head softly against your own as his cheeks heated up.

After sitting for a while more, you moved on to the marine mammal village because there was a little food stall selling snacks for people to buy. While Yunho stood in line, you went to find a seat to sit down. You were texting Seonghwa since he was looking for you.

'You'll be gone the whole day? - Seonghwa'

'Yeah, just getting some air then going for dinner. I think I just need some time to clear my head and I'll be okay. I'll see you tomorrow morning? - (y/n)'

'Alright, sweetheart. I'll come pick you. Stay safe and let me know when you get home, please? - Seonghwa'

'I will. - (y/n)'

Realising Yunho still wasn't here, you looked up to see him wandering around. He held the tray, looking around for you like a lost, confused puppy. It was really so adorable, you want to take a picture.

"Yunho." You stood up slightly, raising your hand.

"Oh!" Yunho perked up, a happy yet relieved smile appearing on his face as he came over to you.

"I contemplated just sitting here, watching you go around looking for me." You chuckled. He pouted at your words, placing the tray down before sitting. You giggled at his reaction, he really reminded you of a golden retriever. You split the drinks, you ordered a sprite so you assumed the coke was his.

"I didn't know which corndog you wanted. There's a potato and a plain one with sugar. Take the one you want and I'll eat the other one. Or we can split it? Half each." Yunho said.

"Let's split it." You smiled, taking a fork and eating some of the fries. Even if you were sharing, Yunho still let you take one first.

"Cheers." Yunho grinned, holding out his corndog. You gently knocked the corndogs together before taking a bite.

"Ooh, it's hot." He huffed, taking a sip of his drink to cool his mouth down. You dipped your corndog in mustard and ketchup. Once you were both halfway done, you swapped.

You didn't mind sharing food with Yunho, you've eaten off the same plate and probably shared drinks while working. It didn't bother you at all.

"You have sauce here." You took a napkin and wiped the corner of his lip for him.

"Thank you." He smiled shyly. Just like before, you and Yunho shared some small conversations, nothing too serious but it was fun and comfortable. When the food was done, you split to wash your hands and use the restrooms before continuing.

"I didn't know they have manatees here. They're so cute." You said with a giggle, standing close to the glass as a manatee swam by. You place a hand on the glass, as if petting them.

"You like manatees?" Yunho asked.

"Well, not my favourite animal but they're just cute big blobs that float around water. What's not to like?" You chuckled.

"True. They're apparently really nice and gentle. Even with humans, they're fearless in interaction. Don't have it in them to be mean to predators." Yunho said.

"Like you?" You mocked.

"I-I can be mean!" Yunho argued. But he would never be mean to you, not intentionally of course. He was still human, he could still get annoyed and angry. He bickers with Mingi and Gunho all the time.

"Sure~" You sang and reached up to pat his head. Almost instinctively now, Yunho leaned down so you could reach him. The two of you walked into the famous underwater tunnel. You stood there, eyes following the big manta rays that swam over your head. Yunho couldn't take his eyes off you.

*click*

Yunho's eyes widened when he realised how loud his phone's camera shutter was. You turned your head, catching him red handed with his phone held up.

"Come." You waved him over, pulling him down slightly so you could stand together, your faces at a more equal height.

"1, 2, 3." Yunho counted down before taking the photo. He stared at it for a few seconds. He liked it.

"Excuse me, could you take a photo for us, please?" Yunho asked one of the staffs passing by. He wanted some of you and him standing together. He handed his phone over to her.

"Alright, look here!" She said. Yunho held his arm out for you to take and you slowly held his arm, posing for the photos.

"You're too tall." You looked up at him as you giggled.

"Maybe you're just too short." He looked back down at you. When the photos were done, you and Yunho bowed gratefully to the lady. Yunho scrolled through the photos. He didn't know the staff caught the moment you and Yunho were looking at each other.

"I like that one..." You said, peering over his shoulder as he scrolled.

"Me too." Yunho smiled.

"Send it to me?" You requested. He nodded and sent all the photos to you. You scrolled through the photos on your own, a soft smile appearing on your face.

"Let's go." Yunho and you continued the rest of the aquarium path. The last attraction on the path was the penguin exhibit.

"That's cute." Yunho pointed to draw your attention to the baby penguin standing on his parent's feet.

"When I used to train at a restaurant in Tasmania in Australia, there was a penguin islet. There were penguins there, living on the beach." You smiled fondly at the memory.

"I didn't know penguins can live in warm weather." Yunho said.

"I guess they're different species of it. The ones in Australia look very different from these ones." You shrugged.

You and Yunho took another photo together in front of the penguin exhibit. Right in front of the exit, there was a gift shop. The two of you browsed together, looking at all the cute souvenirs there. You held a matching penguin keychains. Was it too fast for you to want this with Yunho? This was only a first date.

"Yunho?" You left the keychains, realising that Yunho had momentarily stepped away from your side. You found him just as he was exiting the cashier.

"What did you get?" You asked.

"It's for you." He smiled, holding the bag out. You blinked in surprise and received it. Opening the bag, you picked up the small plush.

"A manatee plush? It's adorable." You laughed, holding the plush to your chest.

"Yunho, you've been paying for everything so far. And I know you're going to insist on paying for dinner later. Please at least let me pay my share of the entrance tickets?" You asked.

"It's alright, (y/n). I just want your first time to the aquarium to be special. As long as you're happy and had a great time, it's all worth it." He smiled.

"I did have a great time. And I'll repay you somehow." You poked his chest.

"You fed me and still continue to feed me. That's more than enough repayment." He laughed. You did really have a great time. Although, you knew a big part of the reason why you had a great time because you spent it with Yunho.

"Shall we go?" Yunho made the first move first, boldly holding his hand out to you. You stared at his hand for a few seconds before slipping your hand into his.

"Let's go." You smiled.

You were glad he didn't think all this was 'too fast' because you didn't know how you should be acting. This was all new to you.

But if this wasn't too fast for Yunho, then there was nothing for you to be afraid of.

~

Series masterlist

[astroismypassion]

✨PART OF FORTUNE IN SIGNS AND HOUSES SERIES: 6TH HOUSE✨

Credit goes to astrology blog @astroismypassion

ARIES PART OF FORTUNE IN THE 6TH HOUSE

You feel the most abundant when you have Aries and Virgo Sun people in your life. You could make money via fitness training, personal training, firefighting, law enforcement, emergency healthcare services, competitive sports, trading, stockbroking, automotive repair, mechanics, tech startups. You feel abundant when you come up with new, fresh ideas.

TAURUS PART OF FORTUNE IN THE 6TH HOUSE

You feel the most abundant when you have Taurus and Virgo Sun people in your life. You could make money via offering a service connected with pet sitting, tutoring or helping people to organise their kitchen, fridge, storage. You may also clean offices or make work environment more beautiful (for example putting on pictures, cleaning the computer). You feel the most abundant when you are stable on a daily basis and know what to expect from your daily schedule and when your work ethic, work relations are stable and grounded.

GEMINI PART OF FORTUNE IN THE 6TH HOUSE

You feel the most abundant when you have Gemini and Virgo Sun people in your life. You could make money via freelance journalism, you can write for newspapers, magazines, online publications. You can have abundance via starting a podcast or YouTube channel. You may offer translation, interpretation or language teaching services if you are multilingual. You feel abundant when you organise a networking event or a conference even. You could also blog about your profession or teach people about what is it that your job entails.

CANCER PART OF FORTUNE IN THE 6TH HOUSE

You feel the most abundant when you have Cancer and Virgo Sun people in your life. You could make money via blogging about topics related to home, family and well-being. You may start a blog or write for publications that focus on these areas. You would be an excellent planner! Planning and organising family-oriented events, such as weddings, birthday parties or even community gatherings in your local town. You could also offer pet sitting, dog walking or even start a pet grooming service.

LEO PART OF FORTUNE IN THE 6TH HOUSE

You feel the most abundant when you have Leo and Virgo Sun people in your life. You could make money via voice acting or doing voice-over work for commercials, animations or audiobooks. You will find fulfilment, joy, success and wealth in activities that promote mental and physical wellness. You might make organic make up or creams. You feel the most abundant when you incorporate hobbies, interests and passion into your daily life. You could also be a health advocate.

VIRGO PART OF FORTUNE IN THE 6TH HOUSE

You feel the most abundant when you have Virgo Sun people in your life. You could make money via starting your own online store selling products related to your interests connected to books, tech gadgets or dietetics/nutrition. You can set up a shop on Shopify or Etsy. You experience wealth by providing consulting services in your area of expertise. You may be a travel blogger or write travel articles, but more so on a local level, maybe also connected with short-distance travel.

LIBRA PART OF FORTUNE IN THE 6TH HOUSE

You feel the most abundant when you have Libra and Virgo Sun people in your life. You could make money via providing recipes for lunches for working people, like easy DIY ideas. You may also create meal plans for school children. You can create wealth by selling prints, stock photos or offering photography services.

SCORPIO PART OF FORTUNE IN THE 6TH HOUSE

You feel the most abundant when you have Scorpio and Virgo Sun people in your life. You could make money via working in alternative medicine or wellness, becoming a financial advisor or running your own cleaning business or provide services for neighbours or in your local town. You can offer cleaning or yard work services to neighbours or in your local community.

SAGITTARIUS PART OF FORTUNE IN THE 6TH HOUSE

You feel the most abundant when you have Sagittarius and Virgo Sun people in your life. You could make money via working in non-profits, via wellness coaching, physical therapy, working in educational institutions, hospitality industry, tour guiding, working for airlines, travel blogging, working in media, especially related to educational content, travel, running a small business that involves sharing knowledge or providing specialized services.

CAPRICORN PART OF FORTUNE IN THE 6TH HOUSE

You feel the most abundant when you have Capricorn and Virgo Sun people in your life. You could make money via farming, gardening, manual labor and agriculture, management, administration, working with your hands, project management, quality control and research. You definitely need to ask for a promotion.

AQUARIUS PART OF FORTUNE IN THE 6TH HOUSE

You feel the most abundant when you have Aquarius and Virgo Sun people in your life. You could make money via information technology, software development, working with cutting-edge technologies, via astronomy or astrology, via social enterprise, digital marketing, advocacy work, activism and community organizing, via renewable energy, sustainable development or green technologies.

PISCES PART OF FORTUNE IN THE 6TH HOUSE

You feel the most abundant when you have Pisces and Virgo Sun people in your life. You make money via tarot, healing, holistic medicine, work with elderly people or at a hotel. You could find success in making jewellery, specializing in anklets. You feel acquire wealth through counselling, psychotherapy, psychology, nursing, holistic therapies (like reiki or acupuncture), teaching meditation, drama/music therapy or dance/movement therapy, caregiving, hospice work, starting a creative arts studio, a holistic wellness center or socially conscious business.

Credit goes to astrology blog @astroismypassion

[mychlapci]

Today I have also been thinking about!!! K9 Prowl if his caretaker gets sick. Cos I think that's an absolute nightmare for Prowl

If he wakes up one morning and the hab is unusually quiet. A quick scan of the room shows his caretaker has not left- and yet there is no trace of him. Usually his caretaker would hand him his morning ration at this time... He assumes his caretaker is busy.

Maybe he lays down quietly. Waiting. As far as his schedule is concerned, his day does not begin until he has been fueled and instructed to leave his bed.

A few more hours pass. Prowl is hungry, but that's fine. He's used to missing rations when his handlers would previously forget or punish him. But what is not fine is that he hasn't seen or heard his caretaker at all. That's... not right. He looks to the door that leads to his caretakers berthroom. Still shut.

He manages to lay down for another few hours before he finally decides he should not be waiting idly. He's trained to operate by two main guiding principles: listen to his handlers' orders and protect his handlers. He has ruled this situation to be a concern for his caretaker's safety now. Something could have happened to him.

It is simply protocol, he reminds himself, as he approaches the door. He would not let his actions be guided by something as frivolous as Worry. A good dog does not worry or be afraid. But, honestly, the idea of approaching his caretaker's room without permission does scare him.

He steels himself, reminding himself that his directives dictate that he has to make sure his caretaker is safe. He is not breaching any boundaries, as nerve-wracking as it is to do this.

But, still, he prepares to be beaten or thrown out for the intrusion.

Slowly, he opens the door, keeping his helm bowed and doorwings held low in submission, but his sensors are primed to detect any intruders or safety concerns. When he detects nothing, he waits, hoping for some kind of explicit invitation to be allowed in. When he hears nothing again, nothing but his caretaker's softly straining fans, he finally dares to look up.

Optimus lays in his berth. Prowl's sensors inform him that his caretaker is in recharge, despite the hour, but multiple other readings are off. His plating runs hot and his fans run higher accordingly. Slight movements alert him to his caretaker's joints straining, held in tension and twitching every so often.

Prowl feels his spark sink. That doesn't look good.

He quietly moves closer until he is beside the berth, peeking over to get a closer look. Even his caretaker's face plate is scrunched in discomfort.

He. He doesn't know what to do.

Quickly he falls back to his training. If his handler was in danger in any way, his first priority was to protect them. And now there is nothing to protect his caretaker from. The next priority would have been to take his quarry down... which, again, was not relevant. The next directive stated to call for backup- that... that he could do, right...?

He rushes back out of the room. It's not like he doesn't know how a communicator works. He knows how to use one. But that is not what he's trained to do. All K9 units have inbuilt comm units which are configured only to their handlers and specific comm frequencies within the enforcers, which means it's useless to him now.

Prowl whimpers and stares at the communicator in his caretaker's home. In the event of an emergency, his directive to protect his handler would take precedence over regulations regarding equipment. This... this concerned his caretaker's safety, right...?

He hates being so uncertain. He is- WAS- valued for his efficiency. His processor was known for its speed. They only used him because he- because he always knew what to do. And yet, now, he stands in the middle of the room, frozen.

A soft groan of discomfort from the next room finally snaps him out of it. His worry directives finally force the priority trees in his processor to fall into place. He reaches for the communicator and connects himself to the frequency he knows his caretaker uses to contact his peers.

The wait for the other end of the line to connect feels like an eternity. Every passing second drives another stab of fear into his spark. Maybe he was wrong. He misjudged. He would be punished for daring to use his caretaker's equipment, for daring to speak to-

"Optimus! What's up? Aren't you off toda-"

Prowl takes a deep in-vent and swallows. "I apologise for the disruption. This is Prowl. I am calling to make a request for assistance."

"......Prowl??"

Prowl manages to convey his caretaker's condition to the mech on the other side of the line. They will send a medic- a friend- to check on his caretaker.

When he's ready to cut the communication, he hears from the mech, "....good job, by the way, Prowl. Thanks for looking out for the big guy."

Prowl's low and quivering doorwings finally perk up.

Maybe he'll be alright.

aaaaa Prowl is so brave... calling in to ask Optimus’ coworkers for assistance even though he’s so unsure.., I think they when hear that Prowl is calling, the whole rescue is sooo happy to hear from him. Optimus does talk about Prowl having an easier time adjusiting nowadays, but it’s so nice to hear him actually talking.

Prowl waits besides Optimus’ berth while he waits for the medic to arrive, trying to soothe him the same way Optimus would soothe him when he felt bad....

[generational-atrophy]

hello! how would netherlands, luxembourg and russia like to spend their honeymoon with their s/o? or, what would the wedding look like?

hetalia netherlands, luxembourg, and russia wedding / honeymoon headcanons

0.6k words ~ gender neutral headcanons

tw: none!

a/n: guys im trying to get back on schedule :sob: i have asks from almost a year im so sorry

Netherlands

When it comes to Abel, neither his wedding nor honeymoon would be big.

For the wedding, there’s no more than, like, 5 people invited. He would’ve preferred a sudden in-and-out wedding if it weren’t for how public it was, regardless of how un-romantic it is for you.

Instead, you can invite people if you want, and you’ll be having a quick, private ceremony in the woods. Probably only with nothing, except like, 2 chairs for “an emergency” (He won’t elaborate on that.)

He also wouldn’t dress up either way, unless it were vitally important to you. He wants to be as true to who he is when he vows to be with you for as long as you live, and he is not a tuxedo guy.

Weirdly enough, it’s how much he cares about the wedding that makes him so weird about it. It’s very important to him, and that means everything has to be as authentic and intimate as possible. So, that means a weird awkward wedding.

Of course, that’s just if he gets his way. But he’s surprisingly lenient with his S/O with most things (as long as it’s not too expensive.)

For future reference, he is most susceptible to puppy dog eyes and “pretty please.”

As for the honeymoon, there’s no way he’s putting any effort into it. You can plan it, but he’s not paying and he’s not helping you guys get there. His ideal honeymoon is a night in and watching a movie he pirated, but whatever you want is fine too.

What he wants to do though is a lot of cliche boring stuff, like going sightseeing, hiking, and visiting museums. Notice how all of it is free? That’s the main idea here. Although, he does love camping regardless of how cheap it ends up being. Lets him show you how much of a man he is <3

He’s not travelling though. Leaving the country is out of the question. The important part already happened, why are you making such a big deal out of it?!

Luxembourg

The exact opposite. Laurent is renting out a significant chunk of his capital city to throw the biggest, most extravagant, most expensive modern wedding in the world! He may be a busy man, but he’s always willing to put away plenty of time for his beloved.

If you like planning events, you two will work together for many months making sure everything is perfect. But if you don’t, he’ll take it all on himself to ensure everything goes perfectly.

But with that, he’ll become really stressed. He wouldn’t snap at you (because after all, it is all for you,) but he’s no fun when he’s that worked up. It’s better if you help.

Especially since he wants your wedding to have great symbolic meaning. Having it represent the shared vision of your future together is his first- well… second priority.

The honeymoon afterwards would be much the same, although he also wouldn’t want to travel too far. Once the spectacle is over, he just appreciates the excuse to do nothing but spend time with you without any pressure.

Preferably trying a bunch of new food, going shopping, and going to stereotypical couple-y activities, like dance classes.

He may seem upbeat, but Laurent is surprisingly melancholic around the time of your wedding. For as excited as he is (which is very,) he can’t help but feel worried about how much time he’ll have with you.

But it shouldn’t get him down too much. He's still riding the high of seeing you in your wedding attire <3

Russia

Ivan would want a very, very, very traditional Russian wedding if you’d be fine with that. Unlike a lot of other nations, he’s never been married before, so he’s very stressed about getting to do every single thing he never got to before.

You’d swear he abandoned you for months before the wedding as he’s panickedly running around the country trying desperately to throw everything together. Half the ceremonies he wants to do haven’t been done for centuries, and he really doesn’t understand why he can’t have live cannon fire at his wedding!

Maybe just pat him on the head and tell him you’ll love him even if you can’t sacrifice 20 goats during the ceremony.

But once the stress (and awkwardness as all of his former friends are forced to attend,) is over, he’s whisking you away for a months-long vacation. Preferably somewhere bright and warm but really; he doesn’t care where you want to go, anywhere is alright, as long as it’s far away from everything you two have to worry about regularly.

His favourite things to do with you while on vacation are really stereotypical, like going to the beach, going to scenic locations, and falling into every tourist trap.

He tries to be as romantic as possible through all of that, but he can’t help being awkward and giddy after you two are finally married.

[daydreamgoddess14]

The Escape Artist - Chapter 10 - The Finale

Masterlist

CH 1 | CH 2 | CH 3 | CH 4 | CH 5 | CH 6 | CH 7 | CH 8 | CH 9

Tag list: @moonmaiden1996 @theskytraveler @acrackintheteacup @succulentthief

Here she is, the very last chapter 🥲

When I first had the idea for this fic, I knew it had potential to be something really great as long as I had the guts to stick with it. It's my longest fic by a long way - like 20k words longer - and it's also my most comprehensive. I've tried to let everything breathe rather than rushing through it. I've challenged myself in so many ways and I've honestly loved every second of it.

I can't thank you enough for your patience, support, comments, reblogs... all of it. It's been the most rewarding experience to hear from you all and I've made so many new feral pals.

I love you - I really, really do 💜

Now... shall we wrap this shit up?

Twelve months. For Ella Cole twelve long months had passed since she'd been moved from the Park to Slough House. 

Six months spent living hand to mouth in dirty, dangerous accommodation. 

Six months of realising the life she could have. The life she and Clover should have. 

Always moving one step forward and two steps back. 

She realised she'd never lived alone. Never been solely responsible for herself, or for Clover. 

Eddie had kept her in a gilded cage. Materially wanting for nothing, yet emotionally starved and physically scared. 

Six months ago, she was surviving, going through the motions each day. 

Now, she was thriving. 

She had a job that she loved, friends who cared for her, and a man who was slowly working his way into her heart.

The dogs had been recalled, the house too, but Ella chose to move forward, not back. 

She attended Eddie's funeral, intending to go alone, but JK and River had pulled up outside the bus stop and stood either side of her in the back row of the crematorium. 

She cried. 

A surprise to herself, but not to them. 

As the curtains closed, she mourned fifteen years of her life. She mourned Clover's father. 

She didn't mourn the man himself. 

As she cried, she was cleansed. 

Emerging from her prison not a new woman, but a changed one. 

Stronger, safer, happier. 

She threw herself into creating a stable future for Clover. 

Access to her own healthy bank accounts. 

A small house just for them.

Ella felt no shame in spending the money in hers and Eddie's joint accounts.

Hefty anonymous donations to women's shelters across London. 

The fight over properties, the businesses, the life insurance was still to be had, but the accounts were hers.

River read her mind.

There when she needed him, absent when he sensed she needed to retreat into herself.

Quietly championing her, and Clover, at every turn. 

For the most part, Ella felt peace.

But the dark spectre of Diana Taverner hung over her like a cloud. 

The knowledge that she was only ever one phone call away from prison still held her back. 

It prevented her from reaching out to her family after so long. 

It stopped her from opening herself up to, and fully trusting, River. 

It held her back from openly, vocally and voraciously loving him. 

*

Ella sank into River’s sofa with a happy sigh.

“At this rate, I’ll be co-parenting both kids with Lucy’s parents,” she smiled. “We’re gonna have some shared custody agreement going on.”

“It’s good that she’s got a proper friend.” 

“It is.”

“Did you know Coe has volunteered to help on the school trip to the Houses of Parliament?”

“Probably planning his own Guy Fawkes event.” Ella said with a giggle. “Or that side hustle in school security actually happened.”

River agreed distractedly.

“You ok?” She asked.

"I need to tell you something," he said suddenly. Her face paled, a flicker of worry crossing her face. 

"Alright," she said slowly, bracing herself for what was to come.

She assumed that he wanted to cool off whatever was going on between them. 

“It’s all fun and games til someone nearly gets arrested for murder, eh?” She smiled weakly.

"When you first came to the hospital, and Clo was getting snacks?" Her eyes widened, realising where he was going instead.

"No," she whispered. 

"I wanted to tell you sooner -"

"You were awake?" she guessed, her face flushed with embarrassment 

River grimaced, knowing that the next part would be difficult. 

"Yeah, I was. I woke up just before you...you -" he trailed off, struggling to find the right words.

"Oh my god," she panicked. "I was so stressed and so scared -"

"Did you mean it?" He interrupted.

"Mean what?" she asked, but the fear in her eyes told him she knew exactly what he was referring to.

"Ella," he said, his voice hoarse. "You said... you said you loved me," he implored 

Her cheeks flushed a deep shade of red. 

"I... I -" she stammered, unable to form a coherent response.

The room fell silent, the weight of her confession hanging in the air between them.

"I did say that..." she said hesitantly. "You had just been shot saving my daughter.”

"I remember." He gently reached for her hand, his touch sending a shiver down her spine. "I was just wondering if you really meant it. Or was it just the adrenaline speaking?”

"River, I... did you hear the rest? It’s been so long, why are you only telling me now? Did you hear me say that I’m a total fuck up? That I'm no good for you?" she pleaded.

River loosened his grip on her hand, noticing her visible nerves. 

"I heard everything," he assured her gently. "But I don't believe for a second that you're not good enough for me.”

She looked at her hands and rubbed them distractedly. 

"I've got blood on my hands, River. I'm a murderer. You can't possibly think that this is a good idea?”

His heart ached at the pain in her voice, but he was determined to make her see her worth. 

"It was self-defence, El. He was about to…" he gritted his teeth in anger, "he was about to rape you. I couldn't get to you, I tried -"

"I know you did, I know." She said tearfully. 

"He deserved it. You did what you had to do," he said softly, his voice filled with regret for not being able to prevent what had happened. "It wasn't your fault.”

"So why can't I wash the blood off?" She whispered fearfully. 

River sighed at her question. He gently took her hands in his and rubbed his thumbs soothingly over her knuckles. 

"It's not about washing it off, Ella. You need to forgive yourself," he said tenderly. "You're not a monster.”

"You don't want me," she told him as she tried to remove her hands from his. "No one ever has, not really.”

River's grip on her hands tightened reflexively. "That's not true," he said, his voice firm. "I want you.” He said fiercely, his voice shaking with conviction. "I'm still here, aren't I? I've been here the whole time?”

She looked doubtful. 

“River, I was nearly arrested. For murder.” She shook her head. “I was fucking stupid to think I could escape this shitshow. How did I think killing Eddie would be the end?”

���They’ve released you without charge. You are free.”

Her stomach turned. She knew she couldn’t keep it from him any longer.

“Because of Taverner,” she said, shamefully.

“What do you mean because of Taverner? What did she do?”

“She arranged to have me released without charge. Told them that the Park was taking over the investigation and that I was still her employee.”

“She fucking owes you anyway, using you to get to Eddie -”

“She sees it the other way around. I’m very much indebted to her. She’s going to want something in return, she always does. It’s a never ending cycle of owing someone something. I don’t want you involved in that.” She sighed.

“No, fuck that, we can fix this,” he snapped.

“I don’t think we can. She threatened to hand me over to the police. She wanted me back at the Park but I refused,” Ella put her head in her hands. “I don’t know what to do.”

“Ella, we will fix this. Did you mean what you said?" River's gaze softened as he went back to their original conversation, his voice gentle yet filled with hope.

She sighed, knowing that she was unable to lie to him.

"Yes," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. 

River's heart leapt at her quiet admission, a rush of emotions flooding through him. For a moment, all he could do was stare at her in disbelief. 

"Really?" he asked, his voice hoarse from the surge of joy and relief coursing through him.

Ella nodded, a small smile pulling at the corner of her mouth. 

“But -”

“No, no buts, you’ve said it now,” he smiled.

“River, stop! This isn’t over, Taverner is bound to come knocking again?” The smile faded. 

“So we’ll burn that bridge when we get to it,” he told her firmly. “Besides,” he pulled her rigid body into his lap, “there’s something to be said about falling in love with a woman capable of murder,” he kissed a path up her neck to the spot that made her knees buckle. Her knees sank into the sofa either side of his thighs. 

She looked at him again, her eyes searching his, silently questioning his turn of phrase.

“I'm serious. You should break things off.” Ella told him, shifting back to put some space between them. 

“I should do what?” He asked, incredulously. “Why the fuck would I do that?”

“You should. You have to be the one to do it. End it right now. Please.” 

‘I can't. I won't do that, El. I love you, and I love Clover… And before you argue with me, I know that that comes with responsibilities. Clover is not going to be the thing that scares me off. Nothing is going to change how I feel about both of you.” He paused, making sure his words were sinking in. Making sure Ella was really listening. “Don't be a coward, Ella. If you want this to end, then you can do it. This is something more. Something real, and if you don't want that, that's fine, but don't expect me to break it off for you. We will fix this.”

Ella sat, stunned into silence by River's confession. The sincerity in his voice and the certainty in his statement had caught her off guard. She felt her heart skip a beat, her mind struggling to catch up with the reality of his words.

"You... you love me?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Yeah, Ella, I do. And Clover too, even the bloody dog.”

Ella's eyes widened at his admission. It was almost too much to wrap her head around. She let out a disbelieving laugh, a mixture of emotions coursing through her.

"The dog?" she repeated, her voice tinged with incredulity.

"Maybe the dog goes above Clo -" Ella interrupted him with an ineffectual slap on his arm. "Alright, alright, maybe they're both above you," he continued teasing. 

Ella rolled her eyes playfully at his teasing remark. 

"You're impossible," she said, shaking her head, a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips.

"It has been mentioned before," he acknowledged with a wry smile. "I'm also not going anywhere," he told her, his fingers lacing through her hair and trying to draw her closer.

Ella's breath hitched as River's fingers tangled in her hair, the gentle tug pulling her closer to him. She tried to resist the pull, her mind still wrestling with her fears, but he was making it so difficult to fight against the powerful connection between them.

"You shouldn't be so stubborn," she whispered, her voice tinged with both irritation and affection. “I'm trying to stop you from fucking up your life.”

He shrugged. "That's already my own doing, you really think telling me to bloody break it off is what we both want?" There was a note of frustration in his voice that she'd even ask such a thing of him. 

Ella felt a pang of guilt in her chest.

“Can you blame me for trying to protect you?”

"I don't need protecting, Ella. Least of all from Diana Taverner. You're the one who's been through hell, give yourself a chance.”

Ella's eyes flashed with a mix of stubborn pride and vulnerability at his words. She wanted to argue, to protest at his assertion, but there was a part of her that knew he was right. She had been through so much, and perhaps she was the one who needed the protection more than him.

"Speechless for once?" He teased lightly. Ella's cheeks flushed pink, a mixture of defensiveness and embarrassment. She had been caught off guard by his assertiveness.

"Shut up," she muttered, a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips.

"Open goal there," he whispered, pulling her closer and grazing his lips against hers, "means I get to say ‘make me’," he smirked. 

Ella's heart skipped a beat as he pulled her closer, the whisper of his words and the brush of his lips against hers sending a rush of desire through her. Her eyes narrowed at his challenge, a spark of defiance igniting in her gaze.

"Oh, you want me to make you shut up?" she asked in a low voice, a hint of daring in her tone. "Let me guess," she said, her nose brushing against his, "you were thinking something like this?" Her tongue traced over his lower lip as he pulled her in deeply. “I'm a dangerous woman, don't forget,” she murmured against his lips. 

River's breath hitched, the sensation sent a jolt of electricity through him. He leaned into her, his arms tightening around her in response to her playful challenge.

"Mm," he murmured in response, his voice a mixture of pleasure and amusement, "a dangerous woman? I don't think so. How do you think shutting me up is going?”

"I think you're still talking far too much, actually" she said, her eyes twinkling. 

River chuckled, his fingers traced along her back, pulling her flush against his chest.

"Is that so? I take it this little disagreement about how you’re stuck with me is over?" her lips captured his in a gentle yet passionate kiss, effectively silencing his words for the moment.

Ella trembled against him, the kiss sending heat and longing straight to her core. 

She felt herself melting into his embrace, the heat and desire within her growing with every second they were together. 

She pressed herself closer against him, her hands grasping at the fabric of his shirt, her body responding to his touch.

River deepened the kiss, his hands roaming over her body, possessive yet tender in their touch. 

River's lips trailed down her throat, exploring every inch of her skin. 

When he reached her collarbone, he couldn't resist the desire to graze his teeth against her sensitive flesh, eliciting a hiss of pleasure from her. 

He could feel the way her body responded, the way she slid deeper into his lap. 

"Bed, River, please," she gasped as his hands skimmed over her hips. 

The sound of her pleading sent a thrilling jolt through River. 

He pressed a possessive hand to her hip, his fingers digging into her flesh. 

"Bed," he agreed, his voice hoarse with his own desire. "Now.”

River led her through the flat, the anticipation practically crackling in the air between them. 

His hands tingled with the memory of her body, the way her skin burned beneath his touch. 

He could hardly wait to explore every inch of her once more, to feel the heat between them flaring to life with a simple graze of his fingers across her flesh.

Ella found the bottom edge of his t-shirt, her fingertips running across his stomach. 

She brushed the pad of her thumb lightly over his scar out of habit, and went to pull the t-shirt over his head

River gasped slightly as her fingertips brushed across his stomach, his muscles twitching involuntarily beneath her touch. He lifted his arms to make it easier for her to remove his shirt, the fabric falling away and baring his chest to her.

Her eyes raked over his chest, unable to hide her hunger for him. 

She reached for the button of his jeans but he stopped her. 

"Not yet," he rasped, running a finger down the row of buttons on her shirt.

Ella's hand paused in mid-air as he gently restrained her, his fingers wrapping around her wrist and stilling her movement. 

The raw rasp of his voice as he spoke sent a shiver down her spine.

With a possessive gleam in his eyes, he took her shirt between his fingers, slowly undoing the buttons one by one with a slow, deliberate pace.

Ella stifled a moan as his mouth followed his fingers, leaving hot, wet kisses down her body tracing a path down the skin he’d unveiled. River lifted his head just enough to speak against her skin, his voice a low rumble that sent tingles down her spine. "I want to hear you," he whispered, his lips brushing against her flesh as he teased her. "Let me hear the sounds you make for me.”

He pulled her closer to the bed. Discarding her shirt, he popped the button on her jeans. 

"How come you get to -" her protest died on her tongue as his large hands slid them down her thighs, taking her underwear with them. As the material pooled at her feet, he gazed at her hungrily, his expression full of desire and admiration.

"You were saying?" he teased, his eyes roaming over her body, taking in every inch of her curves.

He urged her onto the bed and stood in front of her. 

"My turn," she looked up at him, her much smaller hand brushing over the front of his jeans.

“I'm starting to think you don't want me to break it off after all."

“You always have to be right don’t you?” She rolled her eyes.

Ella's fingers worked the button on his jeans, slipping them down his thighs. As she did, her hands brush his taut muscles, the feel of his skin and strength under her touch making her cunt ache for him. 

She knew at that moment what she needed more than anything.

River's eyes locked on her as her tongue traced over her lips. He took a step closer, closing the distance between them, his body practically thrumming with need.  

Ella's voice was just as soft as her gaze raked over his body, taking in every inch of him. She couldn't hide the desire in her eyes even if she wanted to.  

"Maybe," River replied, his lips pulling into a smirk as he stalked her up the bed. She moved back up the bed, he followed. "But it’s only because I know you don't really want to end this.”

He was confident enough that she'd only suggested it because she thought it was the right thing to do, not because it was what she wanted. 

River positioned himself over her, his strong frame caging her beneath him. The feel of his weight pressing her into the bed only made her need him more, her body instinctively arching towards him.

"Please," she breathed, "please." His hand dragged over her thigh and around to cup her ass, pressing her core to him.

"Please, what?" he murmured, his voice thick with desire. "Tell me what you need.”

She whined, frustrated, her hips moving of their own accord, searching for friction

River watched her, his eyes darkened with desire as he leaned down to whisper in her ear. "You need this? Is this what you're aching for?"

He rocked his hips, his body pressed impossibly close to hers. 

Her lips brushed against his earlobe pleadingly, her voice a desperate, trembling whisper. 

"River," she begged, her body arching against his as much as she could in her current position.

River let out a low moan, the sound somewhere between a sigh and a growl. 

She gasped out her words, "I need more. I need all of you," her voice was desperate and needy, her body restless beneath him. “I don't want this to end. I’m all in if you are.”

River's body tensed at her words, his own need for her burning like a wildfire in his veins. His last bit of control shattered at her words. 

The feel of his body so close to hers made everything inside her clench with need. He could hear her breathing, fast and harsh, her chest rising and falling in time with his.

“Will you trust me?” He asked, his voice raw with need. Ella nodded hesitantly.

He propped himself up on his side, his hand tracing a soft path down her arm. "Turn over," he instructed, his voice gentle yet firm. She wavered, close to protesting, but did as he requested. "On your hands and knees," he instructed, his voice low and rough.

Ella rose onto her knees, the change in position making her feel more exposed. She took a moment to steady herself, bracing her hands on the bed in front of her.

River moved behind her, his hands trailing over her hips, possessive and firm. "That's it, El," he praised, his voice a low rumble. "I’m going to undo every bad memory you have.”

He groaned softly as she arched her back, her body practically begging for his touch. His fingers gripping her flesh as he watched her respond to him.

Ella's voice was pleading, her words a ragged whisper as she begged for him. "River," she sighed, her body trembling with desire.

His own body was taut with need. Hearing her beg for him only fueled the fire that was burning inside him.

He shifted his position slightly, pressing himself against her. "I want you only to remember the good," he murmured, his voice rough.

Ella's voice was a soft, ragged whisper, her breathing coming in ragged gasps. "Only you," she interpreted, her body trembling at the feel of him against her.

River's grip on her hips tightened, his control slipping a little at her words. Her devotion to him, only him, was almost too much to bear after everything she’d been through.

His own voice was rough with desire, his breath coming in shallow pants as he spoke. "I want to make you feel so good," he repeated, his mouth moving over her neck and shoulder, leaving a trail of hot, open-mouthed kisses in its wake.

His hands slid up her sides, trying to map out every inch of her body with his hands.

Ella's skin burned where he touched her, practically craving his touch. She arched her back, pressing herself further into him, needing more of his touch, of his presence.

Her voice was a desperate plea, her words tumbling out in a ragged gasp. "Need you, Riv, need you now, please, please," she begged.

River groaned softly against her skin, his own need for her almost overwhelming. He knew he couldn't hold back much longer, not with her begging and pleading so beautifully.

River's voice was a low, deep growl, his breath hot against her ear. "You've got me, love," he murmured. "I'm here." He held his hard cock in his fist, running the weeping head through her folds.

His other hand gripped her hips a little tighter, pulling her closer to him, his body molding against hers. She could feel the tense, coiled energy in his frame and cried out as he pushed into her. Her body arching against his as the pleasure washed over her, her senses completely overwhelmed by the feel of him inside.

"God, Ella," River groaned, his arms shaking as he held himself above her. 

She sought out his hand, gripping it tightly, her trepidation still clear. 

His other hand moved across her chest, pulling her upright, her back pressing against his chest. She could feel the heat of his body radiating against hers, the hard planes of his muscles against her soft flesh. 

Her knees spread wider and she sank further down onto him, her body quaking. 

“I’ve got you,” he whispered into her ear. 

The grip on his hand loosened and he let go, holding her against his chest with a hand cupping her breast. She gasped at the unexpected depth, at the way he brushed her g-spot with every thrust as he fucked up into her.

“God, River -” her voice broke. 

Ella felt his body wrap around hers, holding her up. 

She felt safe. 

He moved slowly inside her, burying his face in the crook of her neck, his breath hot against her skin. 

Her breath came in snatched gasps as she met his every move, rising and falling on his pulsing cock. 

River picked up the pace, pinching her pebbled nipple between his thumb and forefinger.

A low moan tore from his throat as she reached behind herself to run her fingers through his hair. 

His teeth grazed over her shoulder before biting down softly.

Her head fell back against his shoulder, her body melting into his, completely trusting and submissive. From this angle, he had a perfect view down her body, his eyes roaming over her breasts and the place where their bodies met.

River's breathing became ragged and heavy, the sight of her body against his own almost too much to bear. He pressed his body even closer to hers, the heat between them almost unbearable.

Ella leaned on him, her body moving in a slow, fluid roll of her hips, a silent plea for more. Her hands gripped his arms, using his strength to keep herself upright, her body completely surrendered to him.

River groaned at the feel of her moving against him, his body responding instantly to her touch. He held her tighter, his arms anchoring her to him.

He moved the hand that wasn’t holding her up and brought it around to her clit.

The thrust of her hips faltered and she looked down at his hand before covering it with her own, guiding him to where she really needed him. 

The arm across her breasts held her tighter as her legs began to shake. The first tremors of her climax starting to build as he split her open.

"Jesus, River," she gasped, her body arching.

His response was a low, rough whisper against her neck. "I know," he agreed, his lips and teeth continuing their assault on her sensitive skin. He wanted to mark her, to make sure she would remember this moment, remember him.

Ella felt the pressure low in her belly, the intensity of their connection making her legs tremble and her breath come in ragged gasps.

River could feel the tension in her body, the way she was holding on by a thread. "Let go, baby," he murmured against her neck, his voice rough.

Her cry was lost in her throat, her mouth open but no sound escaping. Waves of pleasure coursed through her body, almost too much to bear.

The rhythmic tempo of her hips stuttered again as her whole body trembled. 

“Let me hear you, El,” he pleaded. 

“River,” she whimpered, “fuck, River -” 

His grip on her hips tightened at her words, his own control hanging by a thread. "You have no idea how good you feel, baby," he growled, his breath hot against her skin.

Her hand found his thigh, her fingers digging into his flesh, a desperate attempt to anchor herself as her body trembled with ecstasy.

She cried out his name, the words a ragged gasp of pleasure and need. "Riverr," she moaned, her voice breaking on a high, keening note.

With her release, River held her tighter, his grip unyielding as he followed right behind her, the walls of her cunt tightening around him as he spilled into her.

He groaned loudly, his body shuddering against hers, his arms holding her tightly, his face buried in the curve of her shoulder.

Ella crumpled against him, her breath coming in ragged gasps, her skin flushed and glowing with sweat. Her hand found its way to his hair, her fingers running through the damp locks, a soothing, affectionate motion.

River held her close, his chest heaving as he tried to regain his breath, his arms wrapped around her like a lifeline.

Her voice was a soft whisper, a touch of amazement in her tone as she spoke. "Oh my god," she repeated quietly, her body still trembling with aftershocks.

River chuckled softly in response, his hold on her tightening just a little. "You all right?" he asked, his voice low and rough.

“Told you to trust me,” he said quietly into her ear. He pulled away from her, he moved slowly, giving her a moment to catch her breath, continuing to tease her with light kisses along her neck and collarbone.

Her voice was soft, filled with wonder, as she mumbled her question. "Where've you been all this time?"

River chuckled softly, his arms tightening around her as he pulled her closer, her back pressing against his chest. "Waiting for you," he teased, his lips brushing against the shell of her ear.

“As if,” she scoffed, rolling her hips against him. “You’re too cute to wait for anyone.”

River groaned softly at the feeling of her wriggling against him, the heat between them reigniting. Her words sent a wave of desire through him.

His voice was a low, possessive growl, his words a challenge and a promise all in one. "Not you, time to show you everything you've missed out on," he said, his hands roaming her body, caressing and claiming.

River nuzzled at the sensitive spot behind her ear, his lips warm against her skin. Ella couldn't prevent the low, guttural sound that escaped her. Her body was not used to being treated this way, being adored and pleasured so completely.

River pressed his lips to her skin, his hands roaming over her curves, taking his time to memorize every inch of her. "You have no idea how good it feels to make you feel good, Ella," he murmured against her neck.

Her need was undeniable, a fierce, aching thing that burned through every inch of her. Despite the tender ache in her thighs and core, she found herself wanting more, needing more.

River's lips continued to roam over her neck, his hands still exploring her body, his touch firm yet gentle. He could feel her need, the way she was arching into him, and it only fueled his own desire.

"You ready for more?" he asked, his voice a low growl against her skin.

Ella’s voice was soft, almost vulnerable, as she spoke. "I didn’t know it could be like this,” she said softly, her body relaxing against him.

River chuckled softly, his lips still against her skin. River could hear her small whine as he moved away, her body missing the contact with him. The thought of her craving his touch set something ablaze inside of him. He pulled her to lay with him but she sat up on his thighs.

“My favourite view,” he told her. Her eagerness, her new found confidence, only fueled his own desire.

His gaze was fixed on her hand as it slowly traced down her body, her movements deliberate and teasing. River's eyes darkened with growing desire as he watched, his body tensing with anticipation. "Show me how to touch you," he asked quietly. Her breath hitched, her body still sensitive from his previous attentions, his cum still coating her thighs.

His eyes roved over her body, watching as she worked her clit with her other hand at her breast, his own need growing at the sight.

River's breathing became ragged as he watched, his hands resting on her thighs, desperate to touch her. "You're so beautiful," he murmured, his voice thick with admiration.

“I thought of you,” she whispered, blushing. The admission sent a bolt of desire through him.

He rose up onto his elbows for a better view, his voice a low, possessive growl, "You think about me when you touch yourself?" he asked, his eyes burning into hers. She nodded

Her back arched as she crept closer to release, the hand at her breast kneading and pinching. Her eyes didn't leave River's, wanting him to see her come undone.

River's eyes darkened further, the possessive edge becoming even more pronounced as he watched her writhing above him. "Don't look away," he instructed. 

She held his gaze as she reached her peak, crying out for him.

She slumped, boneless, and moved to lay next to him. 

River took hold of her wrist, bringing her hand up to his mouth. He wrapped his tongue around her fingers, tasting her.

“Best thing I’ve ever watched,” he told her once he’d released her fingers with a pop. She felt her cheeks heat up, a blush creeping onto her face.

“I can’t believe I did that,” she confessed, still breathless.

He pressed against her, the evidence of his arousal clear, she felt a shiver of desire run down her spine.

“I’m glad you did,” he murmured, “it was beautiful.”

“Don’t be daft,” she said, brushing off the compliment.

He pressed against her again, his body still taut with wanting, “I mean it.” He insisted.

He rolled her onto her back, lining himself up against her core. “I’m not going to let you forget it, El. If it takes a lifetime, I’ll replace every single bad memory with a new one.”

He sank into her, swallowing her moans, helping her forge a new path.

*

Taverner tapped her nails impatiently, unused to being the one summoned. 

“How fortuitous that I'm here.” She declared. 

“Why's that then?” Ella asked from the doorway. 

“Well, seems a good time to request you back at the Park. I have you some grace by letting you stay here a little longer. Time's up now.” Ella hesitated, looking to Lamb and Standish for support.

River sensed Ella's discomfort. 

"What do you want with her?" River demanded, his voice firm but controlled. “Why do you need her at the Park?”

"I want her service, she owes me, Cartwright, and it's time she comes back where I can keep a closer eye on her.”

Taverner's words hung in the air like a dark cloud. River bristled at her words, his jaw clenching with suppressed anger. "She's not your puppet," he said, his voice low and angry. "She doesn't owe you anything.”

"I think you'll find she does," Taverner turned to Ella, "You didn't tell your little friends? The only reason she's not rotting in prison is because I got hold of the investigation. All I need to do is hand her over to the police."

"For what possible reason? You know her ex-husband was a bully, you know he nearly killed her. Just let it go," River said angrily.

Taverner turned her attention to River, a hint of a sneer tugging at the corner of her mouth. "The reason is simple," she said coolly. "She killed him and got away with it."

River's anger was barely contained now. "And you think that gives you the right to use her like a pawn? You're out of your mind, Taverner.”

"I know you love to bend everyone to your will, Diana," Lamb interrupted, "but really? Is this the hill you want to die on? Sending a battered woman down for a murder which was quite obviously self defence? No jury would convict her and you damn well know it.”

Lamb's interruption caused a slight fissure in Taverner's composure. She shot him a venomous glare before turning her attention back to Ella.

"I suppose you think you're above the law, is that it?" Taverner snapped. "Just because you were a victim doesn't give you the right. And Cartwright," she shot a sharp glance at him, "I wouldn't expect you to understand. You've always assumed yourself above your station.”

"Above the law? Diana, pull the other one. I'd run out of fingers and toes counting your indiscretions." Lamb laughed mockingly. 

Despite her attempts to maintain control of the situation, Taverner seemed to realize that she didn't have a strong case against Ella. Her expression was a mix of frustration and anger, but there was no denying that Lamb's words had hit their mark.

"We'll see about that," she snarled, but her voice lacked its usual certainty.

"You have authorised worse and you know it. Give up Di, there are better ways to exert control." Lamb warned.

Taverner's eyes flashed with anger. "Don't tell me how to do my job," she snapped, her voice laced with bitterness.

But despite her harsh words, there was a hint of uncertainty in her gaze. She knew Lamb was right; she had authorised far worse without a second thought.

"Heaven forbid," he raised his hands. "Drop it, Di. Pick a better battle.”

Despite Lamb's mocking tone, his words seemed to penetrate Taverner's defenses. There was a moment of silence as she considered her options. Finally, she let out a frustrated sigh, "Fine. I'll let it go... for now. But don't think you're going to get off scot-free.” She pointed directly at Lamb. 

"Never," he mocked. "Always in your pocket, Diana.”

Lamb's words dripped with sarcasm, the corner of his mouth lifting in a slight smirk. “Always at your beck and call.”

“You’ll continue to use me,” Ella said aloud, recalling her conversation with River.

“Nonsense, this draws a line under the whole thing.” Taverner sighed defeatedly.

“Do I have to go back, then?” Ella looked from Taverner to Lamb. “Do you not want me here?” Ella asked him desperately.

“She can stay. If she wants to. I don’t give a shit either way to be honest, as long as she doesn’t forget the jaffa cakes.” Lamb said to Taverner.

“Jesus christ, Lamb. I’m honestly astounded as to why these idiots choose to stay here over literally any other job in the world.”

“You and me both, Di. Must be my winning charm.”

“Hmm. If you say so,” she looked him up and down disdainfully. She turned back to Ella, “I can hardly complain, can I?”

Ella stood, her hands balled into fists. River moved directly in front of her, blocking Taverner from her eyeline.

“Let it go, El.” She opened her mouth to argue but relented at the insistence in his eyes. “It’s over now,” he said firmly. 

She didn’t trust herself to speak without directing her anger at Taverner, so she kept quiet. 

No one saw Taverner out.

“Put the kettle on then, if you’re sticking around.” Lamb instructed halfway up the stairs to his office. “And I expect daily jaffa cakes now, since you’re Miss Moneybags.”

“Where'd you think you're going?” Catherine called up to him. “Get your coat, Jackson, we've got to get to the school.”

“Why on earth am I going to a school, Standish?”

Ella reached for her coat, but River got there first and held it open for her. 

“Clo wants you to come and see her gymnastics show, remember?” 

Lamb reappeared, looking annoyed, but carrying his coat regardless. 

“The kid's got a father figure, she don't need another,” he looked over at River. 

“A grandfather wouldn't go amiss though,” Ella told him with a straight face. Behind him, Standish was having less luck, a giggle bubbling behind the hand she'd clamped over her mouth. 

“I can still send you back, Cole,” he muttered, taking the stairs. Halfway down, Louisa, Shirley and Coe were all waiting. “The fuck is this?”

“Family outing. Who kicked out the wicked stepmother?” Shirley asked. 

“Boss man did.” Ella told her with a grin. 

“Will you lot get a move on? We're going to miss her group routine,” Ho shouted up the stairs. 

“Sorry, sorry, we're coming,” Catherine appeased him on the way past, “two cars - Roddy and River, yours?” River held up his keys. 

“Yep, got mine.” he waited while Ella let the others head down the stairs before her. 

“She's going to go mad that we're all turning up,” Ella smiled up at him. 

“She'll love it,” he insisted, pulling her into a deep kiss once Louisa had rounded the landing out of sight. “And I love you, in case I haven't said it enough yet.”

*

FIN

If you think I'm ditching you now this is finished, then think again!

I have a few lovely prompts to get through for River x Sid which I'm so looking forward to, and I've had some glorious Ficmas requests - get in on the action if you haven't already - it's my gift to you! 🎄

And then of course, once the festive season is over.... we get to meet The Thief 👀

[ikeromantic]

Nobunaga heat 😚

Oh Nobunaga! My favorite tyrant of the heart ^_^ Approx. 900 words of our carnelian-eyed menace and heat.

Nobunaga could not sleep. The air in the tenshu was thick and hot and still. The night sky above, clouded and heavy, as if conspiring to keep the darkness as sweltering as the day. He shifted disconsolately on his futon, until he finally gave up on the notion and went to stand on his balcony. 

There wasn’t enough breeze to even stir his hair, but just being out here made him feel a little better. His thoughts spun through the events of the day, the concerns of his growing empire, and finally, with some anticipation, landed on the chatelaine. She’d been avoiding him of late. He knew it. Afraid of what another game of go might cause her to yield. 

He smiled, thinking of her saucy responses to him. When she forgot to be nervous, she was deeply amusing. And more. There was something about his lucky charm that made him feel peaceful. That was what he wanted right now. 

Nobunaga sent a servant scurrying to fetch her. 

She came up the stairs with a reluctant gait. He could almost hear the resistance to his summons in every step. And the first words out of her mouth as she entered his room were defiant. “Do you have any idea what time it is?”

“No. Do you?” He glanced at her over his shoulder. She stood in the dimlit room, as distant as she could get from his balcony perch. 

“Well . . . not exactly, no. But it’s really late. Or early. Anyway, that’s not the point! I was sleeping and you sent someone to wake me up! They had me dress in a hurry and run up here and - and there’s not even an emergency.” She ran her fingers through her hair, suddenly all nerves again, the anger bleeding out of her. 

Nobunaga felt an uncharacteristic guilt over waking her like that. She must have been worried to get such a vague, urgent message. But he shunted that emotion away and gave no sign of it in his expression. “Come here.”

She took a few steps in his direction, then paused. “You aren’t planning to play go, are you? Because I’m way too tired for that.”

“No. No games tonight.” He looked back out over the town, listening to her slow steps. 

The chatelaine stopped at the railing, more than an armslength away. “Well, good.” Then her head snapped up at some sudden thought. “I hope you aren’t under the impression I’m going to warm your bed either. I thought we were clear on that.”

“Warm my bed?” Nobunaga chuckled. “On a night like this, I think it is quite hot enough.” 

“Then . . . what do you want?”

Just you, he thought, his carnelian eyes turning toward her. He took in her lovely profile, the wisps of loose hair that clung to her neck and stuck to her cheek. “Sit.”

Her jaw clenched. “I am not some pet you can order around, mister warlord.”

He grinned. Ah that fire of hers. “Fireball, sit. Please.”

She seemed to debate whether or not the courtesy was enough. Apparently the yes vote won out as she sat down and leaned her back against the railing. “There’s a little bit of a breeze up here at least. I think it’s cooler than my room.”

“Is it?” He turned toward her. She was wearing a hastily tied kimono, thin enough that it was almost opaque had there been any light to shine through it. Her bare legs stuck out the bottom, showing his conquered territory up to her silken thigh. But he didn’t feel lust for her tonight - or not much - just a satisfaction that she was here.

The chatelaine nodded. 

Nobunaga lowered himself to the floor near her.

“Umm. What are you doing?” She eyed him the way she might a strange dog, one that was equally likely to bite as to wag his tail.

He grinned. “Just be still. I am not conquering new territory tonight. And then he laid down, settling his head on those lovely thighs. “You will be my pillow.”

The chatelaine shifted a bit under him, clearly uncomfortable with the idea. “I don’t think I like this. Wouldn’t you rather have a real pillow? I can get one for you.”

“No. Now be quiet.” He shut his eyes and let himself relax into her presence. Her soft skin, the slight sweet floral scent of her perfume, and the sound of her breath and heart beat eased his tension. “Talk to me,” he mumbled.

“What?”

“Tell me about your work. Your day. Anything you like.” He kept his eyes closed, cheek pressed to her leg. It was comfortable there, despite the heat. Perhaps it was just the softness of her. The gentleness that she carried with her everywhere she went.

The chatelaine sighed and after a moment, began to talk. She told him about her day. The work she did, the things she saw, people she met. There was so much joy in it. He fell still, his restlessness retreating. And with his stillness, she too let go of her worry. 

Nobunaga felt himself drifting into an empty, peaceful darkness. A place where his ambitions did not reach. A place where his burdens did not exist. 

As he let himself sink into that space, he felt her cool fingers brush his hair back from his face. “You know, like this you’re much cuter,” the chatelaine said softly. There was warm affection in her voice and in her touch.  His last thought before the darkness took him was of her. How precious she’d become to him. Love, his dream-self whispered, though waking he would have denied it.

[local-flower-girl]

Hey there! Thank you for making an exception for my request, your writing really is amazing and I can't wait to see what you come up with! Also there is no need to apologise, tumblr can be a bit iffy with stuff and you would have had no idea!

My request was for a Rufus x Female!reader in a sort of angst/hurt&comfort scenario - if you're ok with writing that! I had seen a thread about his upbringing and how his father had been... far from great and very neglectful. I'll leave it up for you to direct the events as i always love the stuff you come up with, but anything to do with Rufus finally getting some tlc and comfort? (perhaps for some prompts: a bad dream or at a younger age (19?) he just ran away and turned up on the doorstep? Again, completely up to you what direction you choose to go!)

Thank you again for letting me send my request in, I hope your having a nice day/evening :)💚

In His Father’s Shadow

The soft caress of satin bedsheets hugged warmly at your skin. Shifting your body weight onto your side, your eyes fluttered open. It took you a moment to adjust and rouse yourself from your disturbed slumber. You extended your arm to the opposite side of the bed only to be met with emptiness. A slight warmth lingered upon the disheveled bedsheets; the heavy imprint of a body no longer beside you was all that remained. For the past few nights you had noticed Rufus’ absence. His inability to sleep seemed to be far more complex than just mere insomnia alone, or at least that is what you had noticed. Instinctively you knew… something was bothering him.

You lifted yourself up, perching upon the edge of the mattress. You glanced at the digital clock upon your bedside table. 3:00 am. There was a still, hollowed silence that annexed the room. A plain expanse of darkness that felt unsettlingly subdued. The only source of illumination was the intermittent flurry of car lights sweeping past the window. The bedroom door creaked, capturing your attention, and through the crack a pale light emerged. From the adjoining room you overheard movement and the clatter of glass, followed by a swift sliding of the apartment’s balcony door.

Rising to your feet, you unhooked a robe from your nightstand, shrouding the silky material around your shoulders. The uneven floorboards creaked as you steadily made your way towards the door. As you entered the open plan space of the apartment, Dark Star lay upon his back shifting intermittently within his sleep. Sprawled out across his dog bed, his large paws twitched as a continuation of deep growling snores left his snout. You tiptoed carefully around as not to wake him. Upon the marbled counter of the bar was a discernible half empty decanter of Whiskey, alongside a packet of menthol cigarettes and an engraved lighter. Something felt wrong. Rufus’ infrequent habit of smoking was usually a telltale sign of stress. In truth he despised the smell of smoke, since it reminded him of his father and the stifling reek of cigars.

You peered round the corner of the balcony door and found Rufus leaning upon the brick balustrade. He stood wearing the bare minimum of a thin white shirt and boxers; the loose, transparent fabric of his open shirt swishing gently in the breeze. He appeared oblivious to the cold as he stared out at the cityscape before him, lost in deep thought, and seemingly unaware to your presence. His hand firmly clenched at a squared glass of whiskey, the ice rattling as he raised it towards his lips. Within his opposite hand he held a cigarette. You watched as the continuous vertical streams of grey smoke dissipated into the air.

“Bad dream?” You asked gently, hugging at the frame of the open door.

He anchored his gaze upon the view in front of him, all the while his vacant demeanour remained.

“Nothing I can’t handle.” He replied bluntly; a disgruntled pinch of his features as he raised the cigarette to his lips. His lungs reluctantly opened up, inhaling the toxic vapour. He held his breath briefly before releasing the thick, curdled plumes with a sense of relief.

You approached him, pulling your robe tighter around your waist as the cool outside air prickled at your exposed skin. Noticing your discomfort out of his peripheral vision, Rufus spoke up. “You should go back to bed — wouldn’t want you catching a cold.”

“I could say the same thing to you.” You retorted.

You went back indoors, picking up a blanket from a nearby couch. You carried it outside wrapping it around Rufus’ shoulders. He remained rigid, flicking the ash of his cigarette into the dark abyss below. You stood beside him, looking out into the distance. You gazed out at the dispersion of green smog upon the city skyline; tiny puffs of pollution rising steadily from rooftop chimneys, accumulating into the dense miasma. The glow of a nearby reactor lit up the streets in a green glittered, mako infused haze. Those small traces of visual beauty entangled amongst manmade destruction.

“What’s wrong Rufus?” You paused waiting for an answer. “You know you can talk to me…”

You watched as a shabby looking cat, balanced precariously upon the rusted metal supports of the building’s fire escape. Rufus remained silent, periodically sipping at his Whiskey.

“Is it about your father?” You asked innocently.

With that he turned to look at you, confirming your suspicions. Just a few days earlier Tseng, the leader of the Turks had made an unexpected house-call to the apartment. Whenever a retainer from Shinra would visit, Rufus would hide you away, not wanting you caught up in bureaucratic nonsense. At first you had thought him to be overprotective, coddling you like a child. However, over time you had realised, even witnessed the cold-hearted truth for anyone involved with Shinra. Governmental knowledge was dangerous and knowing too much was a surefire way of getting abducted, or worse, killed. Rufus wanted you to have nothing to do with that part of his life. That being the main reason you were both hiding out in a quaint little apartment nestled in sector eight.

“That does not concern you.” He answered abruptly, turning away.

His stern words pierced you deeply, like a blade to the chest. The deep furrow of his brow and the subtle tremble upon his hands was a clear sign of his inner turmoil. Even for someone as self assured as Rufus, it was only natural for a build up of troubles to coagulate into stress and uncertainty. It saddened you to think that he had been dealing with these problems alone.

“Yes it does!” You cried. “I can see you’re hurting Rufus… please don’t shut me out. I want to help!”

He frowned, placing his glass down upon the balustrade. Using his free hand he slicked back the loose, unruly strands of hair from off his face.

“He’s dead.” He spat, without an ounce of remorse or a slither of emotion. His paled complexion and stone cold glare hollowed his handsome features. “Bastard got what he deserved.”

You were unsure as how to respond in that moment, knowing his rocky past and the type of relationship he had with his father.

“I’m sorry…”

He scoffed, almost laughing to himself. “Don’t be!—” He lifted his drink once more, consuming the entirety of the amber liquid before bitterly slamming the glass back down. “—He was never a father to me… he never saw me as a son, just his coached successor!”

“I’m guessing that’s the reason why Tseng came to see you the other day?”

“He handed me his last will and testament… in the result of his death everything was to be handed down to me —” He stared down at the darkness below the balcony, contemplation weighing heavily upon his face. “— The company, every liability and mistake he ever made.” He shook his head in anger. “Old man must be laughing to himself.”

“You don’t have to deal with this alone. Let me…”

“I don’t want you involved!” He interrupted. “This is my burden to bear.” The red flicker of embers scattered as he stubbed the remains of his cigarette butt upon the brickwork.

You grasped at his hand, gently brushing your thumb over the length of his fingers. “Share that burden with me.”

His features laced with conflict and turmoil, softened ever so slightly as he turned to face you. He grabbed at the edges of the blanket, wrapping his arms around your shoulders, and pulling you into his warm, cloaked embrace. It was rare for Rufus to express warmth and affection, but within that moment he wanted only you to see his vulnerability. You rested your head against the firmness of his chest. The heavy thuds of his heartbeat quickening against your cheek.

“I can’t ask that of you.” His voice was firm yet you detected a slight waver to his composure.

“We both knew this day would come eventually. We couldn’t keep hiding forever… but this is your chance to change the Shinra name. Right all the wrongs and leave some good behind in this rotten world!”

“Redemption.” He murmured, closing his eyes in thought.

His grasp around you tightened for a moment longer before he released you. As you stepped back he placed his hands upon either side of your face. With his nimble fingers he tucked the stray wisps of your hair behind your ear before leaning down to capture your lips. The sweet notes of whiskey infused with bitter menthol lingering upon his breath.

“I’m sorry.” He whispered, gazing back at you.

“Please, you don’t have to apologise. You’ve had a lot to think about.”

“It’s predominately the thought of something happening to you…” He admitted wholeheartedly.

“I’ll be fine.” You reassured, stroking your fingers through the short length of his blonde locks.

“I promise to protect you, no matter what the cost!”

That ambitious spark of confidence had returned as a positive glint reflected within his eyes. In the past, his stubbornness and pride would never have allowed him to admit weakness or defeat. Since knowing you he had mellowed considerably. Whereby he was once harsh and driven by ambition, over time you had shown him the error of his ways. Even though you loved him for who he was, he was slowly but surely becoming a better man, no longer living within his father’s hulking shadow.

[moistvonlipwig]

supercorp 1 8 9 16 20

right on 🫡

What is my absolute favorite of their scenes and why do I love it so much?

Oh I don't know...there are many good classic scenes. For the sake of spicing it up I'll talk about a moment that I don't often see people discuss and that is actually from an episode that I otherwise don't really like, namely: the scene in 5x19 where Kara is on the ground with kryptonite coursing through her veins and then Lena's anti-kryptonite device flies in and attaches itself to her suit and before it's even started working, Kara smiles and laughs. Just...the fact that Kara is in (if we are to believe her assessment in S3) incredible pain and that doesn't even matter to her because Lena's on her side again. I think that's a really sweet moment and it captures a lot of what I wish S5 & S6 had been about for them lol.

8. Am I most interested in fics about them that focus on fluff, angst, humor, smut or actual plot?

Angst, humor, & plot are all good with me. Fluff & smut tend to bore me.

9. What is my ideal endgame for them?

Hm, I could envision several good endgames for them (none of which include Lena being a witch or Kara becoming editor-in-chief or revealing herself to the world lol). I think ideally Kara would eventually become known as Superwoman and maybe would become more of an independent freelance journalist, while Lena would run the Lena Luthor Foundation which presumably funds Good Things. Lena would keep kryptonite on hand in a secret vault in case of emergency and Kara would be cool with it, and Lena would also design all kinds of suits & accessories for Kara (sorry Brainy but your Supergirl suit design was not very good). I like the idea of Kara having a longer, more stately cape especially as she grows older and more confident.

I do think they'd both want to get married, probably in a Kryptonian or Kryptonian-inspired ceremony. I think they should get a cat or a dog or both. I like lena-in-a-red-dress's fic where Lena adopts Dex-Starr the Red Lantern cat so let's say their cat is Dex-Starr. And their dog can be Rex from sango-blep's comics. Rex is cute.

I like the idea of them having kids, though I also think they'd be OK without them. If they did have kids I think the kids would be Luthors, not Danverses or Luthor-Danverses. They would also probably be created via birthing matrix or a similar technology invented by Lena because I can't imagine either Kara or Lena wanting to get pregnant lol. I like Leo Alexander as a name for a boy. I'm less sure about names for girls (maybe Sasha? Elizabeth? Linda?) but I don't like Lori, I know that's popular because of an old comic where Lena has a daughter named Lori but I am not a fan.

16. What are three of my fic recs for this ship? And (in the event that I’ve written something for them) one of my fics involving them that I’m most proud of?

Catfishy Business by whythinktoomuch is an iconic and deeply funny fic.

lena dies on a wednesday by karalovesallthegirls is a GREAT time loop fic that ingeniously puts us in the shoes of someone who doesn't know they're in a time loop. I think you've said you've read it? Still, it bears re-reading.

There are so many other great fics I could rec but I'll rec one that is a little bit lesser-known, since I've already named two very well-known fics. Which is and darling (is there a cure for this hunger?) by m_oliverfan, aka There Are Consequences To Sending Nyxly To Eternal Torment Land, Actually.

I've only finished one fic for SC so far which is laid in thine enemy's grave? - in truth, i dig it, which I believe you've also read. ^_^

20. How and when should they have gotten together?

I think in a better S5 where they started talking to each other sooner -- end of 5x13 would've been a good time -- and had some time to work through some stuff, I could see an end-of-S5 confession or kiss working. In terms of the actual show, which was never very good at writing romance, I think a Korrasami-style 'they end up together or are implied to end up together as part of Kara finding herself' would've charmed me.

[breathlesslink]

Chapter 3 — Protection

[chapter warnings: slight harassment, self doubt]

t.o.c ; << | >>

"This is for you."

"Should you really be giving a kid a knife?"

"Hush. It's for her protection. I trust that she'd only use it in emergencies, isn't that right, Kimi?"

"Yes! Only if bad guys come."

Link stood behind you with a look of horror on his face as Kimi held the dagger delicately in her palm, turning it every way to inspect it. You crouched in front of her, only able to take in your little sister's face for the last time in a while.

Every little move had Link jumping, ready to snatch the blade away from Kimi and tend to a wound, but he didn't know one thing.

Kimi had been handling weapons since before she could even walk. You remembered having to pull a scimitar away from her little toddler grasp before she tried to chew on it like a teething toy, the Yiga who was watching her having given it to her to stop her crying.

You had full trust that Kimi, now at 11 years old, was capable of safely handling the dagger you'd gifted her.

"Do you really have to go?"

Kimi's puppy-dog eyes shined with tears as her question brought you from your memories. You bit your lip, your heart aching at the thought of having to leave her with Ameil.

"Yeah, Ki. We've got stuff to do— finding Hiro too!" You forced a smile. "Stay safe for me, I'll be back as soon as I can."

"And you'll bring Hiro with you?"

"And I'll bring Hiro with me. I promise."

You wiped at your eyes, giving Kimi one last hug before she hid the knife in her waistband and turned around, heading home.

Ameil and Laslow didn't know she was with you and Link at the Inn, the events from last night making them ban her from seeing you again. However, Kimi— who's always been the sneaky sibling— slipped through her window early the next morning and made her way to you. Nobody could keep her away from her big sister.

You had told Kimi to keep her back turned when she went home, and you would do the same, to make parting ways easier. It was a shame they had to happen so fast.

You didn't realize you were staring at the now-empty space in front of you until you felt Link's gloved hand on the small of your back. You blinked up at him and forced a watery smile before turning around as well and heading towards the gate where Taz and Epona were waiting.

"It's about a day and a half journey to the Domain. If we get going now, we'll probably be able to stop at Dueling Peaks Stable for the night." Link talked about the plan to try and distract you further.

"Good idea." You mused, "I don't think I'm ready to give up beds yet."

Link laughed. "One of these days you'll have to. But the good thing is that once you get to sleep on a bed after sleeping on the ground for so long, it feels extra relaxing."

"I'm sure!" You started thinking back about Link's past— how he went from the Princess's appointed knight to some clueless, feral homeless man. "I bet you had the nicest bed ever in the castle."

"I don't remember it, but I bet I did too!" He sighed wistfully, but you could see his smile drop ever so slightly. "I wonder what it would have been like if I could have actually protected Hyrule. Like, if I didn't fail."

"It doesn't seem like you failed to me," You shrugged, "Hyrule isn't destroyed yet."

"Because of Zelda. After they put me away, she was the one who confronted Ganon. She's still in the castle, fighting him. She's been holding him off for 100 years, waiting for me." You could tell Link was getting frustrated, so you pulled Taz closer to him. You laid your hand on his, which was gripping Epona's reins tightly. Link immediately began to relax.

"Well, that's what we're doing now. We're helping her, and once all the beasts are free, we fight Ganon!"

"Correction. I fight Ganon. You're not going anywhere near the Divine Beasts or him."

You roll your eyes, "I bet I can do more than you think I can."

"I'm sure, but this is my burden. My old friends already died because of me, I'm not going to let you have the same fate."

"Fuck fate, we make our own destiny."

Link just shook his head, still grinning at you. "I wish it were that easy."

When traveling with Link, the hours seemed to pass like mere seconds. Unlike when you first met him, he became easier and easier to talk to and joke around with.

It was nice to have someone new around.

You wondered if being with only your siblings for so long, and then just the Gerudo women had stunted your social skills, but you supposed not. That, or Link was just as strange as you are. It would make sense, seeing as though he hadn't talked to anyone for 100 years.

However bad your social skills were, they surely were improving as you both talked nonstop. Before you knew it, you had passed the Cliffs of Qince and Ash Swamp once more, heading towards the stable. It wasn't much longer until you'd stop for the night, and you were grateful.

"So," You took a moment, worried that you might breach a touchy topic, but you were curious. "What will happen after you kill Ganon?"

"If I kill Ganon." Link corrected. "And I haven't thought about it, I guess. We'd have to rebuild. Make sure everyone is safe and the country can get back on its feet again. If Impa is right and Zelda is still alive in there, we'll at least have a Queen to guide Hyrule."

You nodded. You were curious about his plans. You knew the plan you were always taught— once Hyrule was wiped out completely, the Yiga hoped Ganon would return Sheikah technology to its rightful owners and give them solace amongst the chaos of the monsters. They would finally get their revenge against the Hylians. After all, the Yiga were only created for those who despised the Hylians for exiling the Sheikah race and shunned those who turned away their technological advances.

But seeing Link's side seemed almost sad to you. The Yiga were so filled with hatred and malice towards Hyrule— to the point that they sided with someone bound to betray them— and yet Link just wanted to help people. He wasn't doing this for himself or for a title, but for the good of everyone.

"When Zelda comes back, will you go back to being her knight?"

The question, and idea itself, left a weird taste in your mouth. You weren't sure you liked the idea of being separated from Link. Even in such a short time, you'd enjoyed your adventures by his side. Maybe you could be a knight, too.

"If she asks, then yes. I'm still the Hylian Champion, so I suppose she'll appoint new champions for the beasts too and we'll prepare in case anything new happens." Link shrugged, tugging on Epona's reigns to veer her to the left. "We'll cross that bridge when we get to it. I still need to do so much more before we get there." He pointed to the stable ahead, "Go check us in, I'm going to the shrine nearby. I ignored it last time I was here."

You nodded and pulled Taz away from Epona. They seemed to get along well, too, neighing and whinnying at each other while you and Link talked amongst yourselves.

You boarded him up and purchased two beds— soft, because Link made you paranoid about not getting another bed for a while— before grabbing some ingredients out of your satchel and throwing them in the pot. A prime meat and rice bowl sounded amazing right now.

You stirred all the ingredients into the pot and let it simmer for a while, sitting on one of the stools to let it cook. Link wasn't back.

Some time passes. You scoop the dinner into two bowls and place one on the stool beside you. You decided to wait a bit longer. Link still hadn't returned.

The sun slowly began to set. Your bowl was still full— your stomach was beginning to cramp from hunger and you had to eat soon. Link's dinner was cold. He was nowhere to be found.

"What's a pretty thing like you doing up so late?"

You opened your eyes, one brow lifted confusedly. You hadn't even noticed they were closed. "Just waiting on my friend. He's late."

"Well, it's very ungentleman-like to leave a lady waiting for so long. Say, I'll keep you company until then. The name's Eziel."

The owner of the voice pulled a stool beside you and you finally got a glimpse of him. He had short, dark hair and beady dark eyes, not super muscular but not super skinny either. Just an average guy, but there was something about him you just disliked.

Not your cup of tea, that's for sure.

"I'm okay, thanks though." Your words were short and pointed, trying to get across that Eziel was unwelcome.

"Ahhhh, c'mon Miss. I'm just trying to get to know you. What's your name?”

At this point, Eziel was nearly facing you entirely and he was leaned towards you, delicately reaching out a hand to try and touch your knee. You were ready to just knock his lights out, but you didn't want to cause issues and lose your beds.

"That is none of your business."

Link's voice appeared behind you and Eziel and you could have cried in relief. Eziel, however, didn't share the same sentiment and glared at Link.

"Says who?"

"Says me."

"And who are you? Her boyfriend?"

Eziel had stood up at this point, strutting over to Link with his chest puffed up in an attempt at intimidation. Link didn't speak, instead choosing to subtly rest his hand on the hilt of his sword. Eziel's eyes followed, and he laughed.

"Pathetic. I've got a sword too. What are you trying to do, battle over her?"

"If it means you'll leave her alone, then yes."

Link's hand was fully on the sword now, ready to pull it out at any moment. You stood up and rolled your eyes, getting annoyed at whatever this little spat was, before shoving Eziel out the way and standing in front of Link.

"Go away." You spoke slowly.

"No."

Right after he spoke, Eziel reached out to grab you. You blocked his arm and threw it to the side, countering with a punch that knocked him to the dirt. Eziel looked up at you with pure anger in his eyes.

"Leave us alone or else I'll do worse." You were tempted to spit on him for good measure, but didn't get the chance. Eziel rolled his eyes and stalked off, both his ego and cheekbone undoubtedly bruised.

You shook your shoulders to loosen up and turned back to Link with a grin on your face. His own face, however, showed the complete opposite.

Your smile fell. "What?"

"You could've gotten hurt."

"Nah," you brushed it off, "He was all talk. I knew I'd be able to take him. Now come on, I'll reheat your dinner-"

A hand grabbed your wrist. "You should've let me handle that. I'm supposed to protect you."

"Link. Did I not tell you when we first partnered up that I could protect myself?"

"You also said you'd stay out of trouble."

"Trouble is my middle name, I'm used to it. That's why I can handle it." You genuinely didn't understand why it was such a big deal, so you shrugged it off again and stoked the fire, putting Link's bowl back on it.

Link stayed quiet for a few minutes as you finished reheating his dinner, only speaking to thank you. You sat on the log beside him, watching the flames of the fire.

"I'm sorry for making it seem like I don't trust you to handle things." Link set the bowl down. "I just don't want anything to happen. I'm getting used to not being lonely anymore, I don't want that to happen again."

"I get it, really. I don't want anything to happen to you either. That's why I jumped in again at the end when that guy was trying to get physical. You've got a big mission to finish, you can't get laid out by some jerk at a stable."

Link laughed. "If you think he could take me out, I'm offended. I can't believe you think so lowly of me."

"I don't! It's a pride thing, too. It was my battle, so I wanted to finish it."

Link nodded in understanding. "Bed time?"

He stood up and held his hand out. You grabbed it and let him pull you up from the log, following Link into the Stable. You put your stuff down and got ready for bed, but couldn't help but glance out of the corner of your eye. Link stood in front of your bed with his back turned to you, arms crossed over the front.

"Is everything alright?" You asked, lowly enough for only him to hear.

"I just don't feel comfortable with both of us being off-guard with this guy still around."

You rolled your eyes, smiling slightly at Link's protectiveness. "It'll be okay, I promise. If it makes you feel any better, we can take turns staying up tonight. Deal?"

Link looked at you for a moment, then sighed. "Deal."

[all-pacas]

I know that if he hadn't gotten fired chase would've stayed for years, but how long do you think cameron would've stayed had everything else in human error gone the same? She'd definitely stay at the job and not gotten together with chase after right?

HARD TO SAY, very hard to say, tagging @eliotquillon who to me is the Cameron Whisperer but just spitballing here —

Cameron showed as early as S1 that she was willing to leave House if it felt necessary. Like yes, there was her whole crush/I'm quitting if you don't date me arc, but at the end of Heavy she's shown updating her CV, so quitting/being fired must have been on her mind even a little bit before that mess. There's also a whole mini arc in S2 (TB or Not TB and Hunting) that drives home that Cameron isn't particularly happy, that she doesn't really love her work, that she's stagnant. And this is kind of speculation, but it is interesting how quickly (and unnecessarily) she did quit in Human Error. To me that also implies it's been in the back of Cameron's mind for a while.

Cameron and House constantly butt heads over ethics and moral stances, and I do think Cameron enjoys that fight, but it seems to be based in part on the idea that she will win, that House can change or admit she's right. (In this way they're very similar: they both study people, try to understand them, just from very different angles. They both have to be right.) Speculation, but I think one of the reasons Cameron does leave in Human Error is because Chase gets fired. Not because she's making a gesture of support, but because House (in her words) is "kicking the dog." He's trying to make a point by taking it out on someone who doesn't deserve it.

In S1, Cameron has a whole speech about House only does things because they're right, not to help people but because it's the objective right thing. This is not that. Especially from Cameron's perspective, this is just an unfair lashing out that benefits only House. I think she was probably already a bit more disillusioned and felt stuck, and this was just the proof she needed that she wasn't going to get what she wanted from this job: House (seemingly) only cares about himself, and Cameron needs more than that. If not as the one House cares about, than as the person who gets him, who sees who he is. But House doesn't meet her expectations, again, and she goes.

Cameron does really like working for House, don't get me wrong. She struggles pretty hard in S4 with distancing herself from Diagnostics, which she eventually admits to Foreman. But she's also pretty clear that she doesn't really want to go back, that she loves emergency medicine (sort of the polar option of Diagnostics when you think about it). We all know how much Chase's relationship with House changed after he left, but so did hers. She's finally on an equal level with him now that she doesn't work for House; she has a much firmer footing and he doesn't/can't walk over her as much. She's much happier once she's gone, so I think she would have left eventually either way. She really didn't need all that much to push her out the door.

(But, if House didn't fire Chase and they both stayed… yeah, they probably don't date. Or they do, but it's after a Big Event. Cameron absolutely needs a Trigger to force herself to act on any feelings.)

[bciphergrl]

A List Of My Sam and Max AUs

It has been a long time, since I posted anything here. I originally was just gonna make only one AU. But, funny enough, I have way more than that now XD

I've made this list, if you're interested in any of the AUs and/or you have any questions about them. I'm more than happy to answer them.

Itty Bitty: During one of Sam and Max fights against a criminal at the toy factory, Max gets hit by a ray and disappears. It was supposed to teleport him somewhere far away. But nope! Max has been shrunken in size and fell into a toy box that was meant to be delivered to the next city over. Now, it's up to him and his new human friend, Jess, to help him reunite with Sam and get him back to his normal size, while also fighting crime together (and learning about Jess' past) along the way.

Error 305: Sam and Max try to escape their universe as it started to collapsed. But they didn't get out without getting physically and mentally damaged. Max really got the short end of the stick, while Sam is still sort of sane. Now, they live in a white void, while Sam tries to find a way to get both of them back to normal.

Trading Minds: It's basically 'what if Sam and Max switch minds?' The results? Max is a more level headed lagomorph, while Sam is a pretty chaotic dog.

The Monster I've Become: After the Events of the Devil's playhouse, Max somehow survived the explosion and became his normal self. But he doesn't look the same though. He looks partly like an eldritch horror monster and a lagomorph. He kept his identity hidden since then and has made an abandoned subway train station as his new home. Sam sadly has no idea that he's still alive.

The Beast Within The Sea: Sam is the captain of the pirate crew who is after a magical jewel on a mysterious island. He manages to get it successfully and was about to leave the island with it. But then, a huge sea creature emerges from the ocean and attacks the ship. It kills everyone except for Sam. Instead, it keeps him on island and refuses to let him leave. Now, he needs to find a way to escape the place without the beast ever finding out.

The Multiverse Traveling Thief: Nobody has seen face or learned the name of the person who steals the artifacts from different universes and destroys those said universes. He keeps his mask on, while out in public to keep his identity hidden. But this lagomorph is known as "The Multiverse Traveling Thief".

Doodle: Sam and Max are simplified doodles who are alive.

The Circus Of Astral Magic: Deep within the forest, there's a magical circus that lures people there. A small lagomorph finds himself there. He thought it was all fun and games. Until he starts to see the dark truth behind it. This isn't an ordinary circus. This one is ment to keep people there, once they enter it.

Shattered Realities: Darla is a fan of a video game franchise, Sam and Max. She really likes playing it's third and final season to the TellTale's game, Sam and Max: The Devil's Playhouse. However, one night, she deeply wished that she can change Max's fate during his 305, even though it was pointless because he's not real, right? Well, the next morning, she woke up in a bedroom that doesn't belong to her. She quickly scanned the room, which she doesn't recognize at all. She slowly gets out of bed and walks to a nearby phone. However, she froze in her tracks when saw her reflection. Max's reflection to be exact. She has no idea if this is some sort of dream or if it's actually real. But, one things for sure, she needs to change Max's fate before she loses her life in a 305.

Heartstrings: Max is a florist who is so madly in love with his 'soul mate' that he'll do literally anything to make them his. Even if it means to kill as many people as it takes and pull some strings behind the scenes to make that happen.

The Pursuit Of Blissfulness: The world was once full of color, before it faded away from the world. Everyone has long grown used to it being Monochrome since then. Now, a lonely lagomorph tries to figure out the mystery behind it. But will it be worth the price of losing the very person that he believes to hate?

System Override: Sam is a child who got dared by his group of friends to sneaking into an abandoned toy company and bringing back a toy. He was pretty scared. But he managed to find a dusty A.I robot which surprisingly looked like a rabbit. He has no idea how to carry it back home. But yet, it turned on by itself and scanned him for a moment, before happily greeting itself. It really did caught him off guard. It was almost as if it woke up. But that didn't stop him from being amazed by it and taking it out of the building. If he only knew the reason behind the toy company's downfall and the danger behind the robot.

An Elder God In Lagomorph's Clothing: The universe where Junior disguised itself as a Lagomorph named Max on Earth who pretends to be a silly and crazy person who is partners with Sam and they still work together as the freelance police. However, it has a much sinister agenda for the universe.

Human: A universe where Sam and Max are humans. Sam (who goes by Sebastian) works as a detective for the police. Max (who goes by Mathew) makes comics for a comic series 'Sam and Max: Freelance Police'. They're bffs in this universe and hang out together, whenever they're not busy with work.

Driven To Insanity: Sam lives in the world where alot of people were infected by a terrible unknown disease that causes the infected people to suddenly attacked non-infected people. They show signs of discoloration with purple patches on their body and make sounds that sounded like gibberish to any non-infected. Sam is one of many few who aren't sick and has been one his own for a decade now. He ran into Max, who has the disease but he claims to be strangely immune to it. Together, they survive in the zombie-like apocalyptic world.

The Hare And His Lapdog: Sam goes to a seemingly ordinary casino and he has a really good luck streak at poker. This catches the attention and interest of the owner of the building. So, they walk up to him and gives him a deal. If he can beat them at poker, he can walk away with a trillion dollars. However, if he loses, he'll lose all of the winnings and will have to work for them. Sam doesn't see it as much of a challenge and played a game against them. He ends up losing though and had to work for them. However, what he didn't realize that he didn't sign up for the casino. He signed up to work for the Mafia and the owner, who is revealed to be Max, is a the Mafia Boss. Now, Sam is on edge of life or death as he tries to find a way to escape from him.

Tiny Detectives: A universe where a tiny version of Sam and Max somehow ended up in the real world and found their way into my house. Now, I'm taking care of them, while trying to figure out how they ended up here.

I'll most likely update it, if I make more Sam and Max AUs.

[mdzs-owns-my-ass-i-guess]

Event planning

Inspired by me watching too many wedding shows

"I really don't know what to do for my bachelorette party!" Yanli sighed, shutting her laptop a bit too forcefully. "Every idea I've seen is just so... weird!"

"What, not into the strip club thing?" Wei Ying laughed as he emerged with an armful of snacks after rummaging through her pantry. "The peacock would freak out if you did that, it would be so funny! I can already imagine him screaming, crying, throwing up about it!"

Yanli sighed and sent him a stern look. "A-Xian."

"Going to a strip club for a bachelor or bachelorette party is just downright disrespectful in my opinion." Wen Qing chimed in, handing Yanli a glass of champagne. "How can you claim you're excited about getting married if you act like a horn dog around strangers the night before?"

Wei Wuxian helped himself with a glass of his own. "Yeah, true. I don't know how I would've reacted if Lan Zhan wanted that for his bachelor party when we married."

Wen Qing flicked his forehead. "As if Lan Wangji would be in any way interested in anyone that isn't you!"

"I did prank him that I wanted to go to a strip club for my own bachelor's." A suggestive smile. "That went just about as well as you can imagine."

An eye roll. "Yeah, we know, he fucked the idea right out of you."

"As he always does ♡"

"This still doesn't fix my problem, though!" Yanli whined, sinking into the plush sofa of her living room. "It was so easy for A-Xuan, he knew right away he wanted to go to the family chalet with his friends to go hunting and whatnot..."

"Who says we can't do the same? You don't even need guns, have Wen Qing glare at a deer and you'll get stew in no time."

Wen Qing gave him one of her best glares, inadvertedly proving his point. "I will pour this champagne glass on your head, Wei Wuxian, don't test me."

"Shijie will be upset if you do that and we're here to help her, right?"

Wen Qing gulped her entire champagne glass, then her face lit up with an idea. "Why don't we go on a little trip ourselves then?"

Yanli shook her head. "It would be so expensive booking something last minute..."

"You are marrying into so much money, Shijie, the peacock has been basically begging you to spend it. Pick something nice like the Maldives or Bora Bora and let's go!"

"The bachelorette party is for bachelorettes, Wei Wuxian." Wen Qing flicked his forehead again. "You have a husband. And a son. And like 100 rabbits. You are also a man. You don't qualify."

"Maybe so, but shijie loves me so very much, she wouldn't leave me behind, would she?"

Yanli patted his head with sympathy. "As much as I may love you, A-Xian, it is a ladies only event..."

"I can pretend to be a lady! Lan Zhan says I look good in dresses!"

Yanli giggled. "I'm sure you do, A-Xian."

"Can't I just... pilot the plane or something?" A playful nose scrunch. "You won't fly public, right?"

"Look at him, scrunching his face like that!" Wen Qing laughed. "What, you're too rich for Spirit Airlines now?"

"I'm not, Lan Zhan is. I'm just taking after him! Anyway, where are we going, shijie?"

Yanli sighed, fondly. "Let's see what we can find."

[adrianicsea]

mildly off brand post for me but last night i learned that the american red cross offers an online training course on first aid/CPR techniques for cats and dogs for $25 USD. it’s COMPLETELY self contained to an online module, takes 1-2 hours depending on your reading speed, and will give you a two-year pet first aid certification.

it can be really scary when your pets are sick or injured, and for me personally, taking this class made me feel more secure and confident that i’ll know what to do in the event of a pet emergency! it teaches how to easily check your pet’s vital signs, how to administer cpr on cats and all different sizes of dogs, how to perform a canine/feline Heimlich maneuver, and how to administer basic first aid to several different types of injuries.

i’m not sponsored or anything but we all love our pets and i had NO idea this resource existed until last night so i wanted to share!!! 👍🏻

[chronic-invisibility]

rant incoming and also tw for medical emergencies and death so yk

i’m beginning to really hate november 22nd. i used to be moderately excited/neutral bc it’s my half birthday and kids get excited about half birthdays even though they’re essentially meaningless but also very exciting as a kid to say “i’m six and a HALF” or whatever, also it sometimes falls on thanksgiving which, colonialism and all that and celebrating what is arguably one of the shithole-est countries out there rn and also dealing with family (can be fine can be horrible) and also food (nothing like getting out of almost 6 months of ed treatment right before the Food Holiday). but it also happens to be my best friend from high school’s birthday, the friend who was the only person to try to check on me when i was out of school for ages in 9th grade when i tried to kms, the friend who sat alone with me during lunch because i didn’t have other people to sit with even though she did, the friend who spent most of our senior prom hanging out with me instead of her other friends bc i would have been alone otherwise, the friend who listened to me cry over the phone when i was figuring out my gender stuff and deciding to drop out of college, the friend who has now slowly drifted apart and hasn’t replied to my messages in almost 2 years, who hasn’t even opened the happy birthday messages i sent last year and this year. and yeah i know people grow up and drift apart and lives change and all that, but i miss her and i wish we were still part of each others’ lives. and on top of that, this year was 4 years since a friend who shared my birthday (albeit 20 years apart) passed away suddenly, we only knew each other for a short time and i know the sadness i feel about losing her is nothing compared to her family, but we lived together and she was so sweet and she was a safe person during that entire year full of trauma and then i had to move back home with my parents after everything that happened and then she had a cardiac event and just fucking died, she was an otherwise healthy 42 year old out to dinner with some friends and then she was fucking gone. it gives me some comfort to know that by being an organ donor, her last act was saving a bunch of people’s lives, she was so kind and so caring and patient and wonderful and beautiful and she died too soon. but i still miss her, i miss her and i hope her dogs are okay, i know her sister made sure they found a home together because they were so bonded to each other, one of her dogs was named andrew, just like me, which she thought was so funny. i still remember how my stomach dropped when my mom saw on facebook that she’d died, i thought i was going to pass out or throw up or both, i couldn’t believe it. so now the tattoo i got on my 18th birthday is retroactively a memorial tattoo for her, it’s a shooting star and the tail is a rainbow, i got it to remind myself of the idea that our bodies are made of the same things that stars are made of, we’re being kept alive by stardust. i don’t remember anymore who that told me that in 9th grade when i was struggling, but it made such an impact that i got a tattoo to remind myself of it (it’s also covering scars which is another reason i got it) but since i got the tattoo on our birthday, i like to think that liza is up there in the stars somewhere if we do end up anywhere after we die.

so yeah, that’s why i hate november 22nd. and also i’m getting over a cold and i’m out of weed, so that’s not helping