#if people like this enough maybe I’ll add this to my shop

[eepycrafts]

New and improved felt frog pin/brooch with a coin pouch! I added button eyes and gave it a small coin pouch. ✨ ✨

[btsugarush]

GANGSTA | myg - 002

summary: rough sex, blood money, drugs, and gang related activity; four things you never predicted to experience in your simple life. not until you opened your mouth and caught his attention

pairings: gang leader!yoongi x f!reader

warnings: smut, gunplay, drugs, drug addiction, dark!yoongi, drug lord!yoongi, strong language, gang violence, blood and gore, murder, manipulation, possessive/obsessive behavior, abuse, cheating, angst, fluff, dubcon, implied noncon (not from yoongi but within his gang with his knowledge), 18+, minors dni

word count: 3K

author’s note: sorry if you asked to be on the taglist and didn’t make it. i’ve reached over 50 and couldn’t add anymore people. i’ll add more of you in the comments.

“I’m glad you’re okay after all of that,” Jungkook says on the other end of your phone; you had just spilled about the chaotic situation at Makoto as it was still weighing heavily on your mind. You couldn’t shake what Jimin had said about that Yoongi guy killing someone, though it could have just been a rumor. If he had actually taken someone’s life there would be no way they would allow him to walk the streets. He’d be too much of a flight risk.

“You should really be careful in the future. I know you like to stand up for people that can’t stand up for themselves, but Yoongi is bad news. There’s no telling what he would’ve done to you on the wrong day.”

“So you know him too?” You quiz. It seemed as though everyone knew who this guy was besides you. Maybe you don’t get out enough. Or maybe you were just good at staying away from trouble– until this afternoon at least. “I know of him, but not personally. He came to the shop once like five months ago with the same tall guy you were talking about. He told my coworker Si-Woo to step outside, and the next thing you know he's pistol-whipping him nearly to death. Rumor around the shop was that Si-Woo sold drugs for Yoongi, and owed him a lot of money.”

“Really?” Your mouth drops in shock. “What did Si-Woo say about it?”

“He never talked about it, ended up quitting the next day, and told us ‘not to get the police involved because it wouldn’t be of any help and it was all just a misunderstanding’.” He quoted. “Well, three days later Si-Woo’s body was found hacked to pieces and stuffed in a suitcase behind an alley on Gongdan lane.”

You heard about that case on the news some time ago, but had no clue that Jungkook knew the victim on an intimate level. It honestly made you shiver a bit. Imagine being the one to discover the body, and how gruesome the sight must have been. Stuff like that was common in slum areas though. Crime was especially high in Gongdan lane of all places, which is why you made sure to never venture in that area. “You think Yoongi had something to do with his murder?”

Jungkook scoffed. “The guy was viciously pistol-whipping him three days before his body was identified. I know he had something to do with it, but none of us were willing to risk going to the cops, so we just moved on like it didn’t happen.” Jungkook pauses for a moment before he speaks again. “You know… sometimes I think that maybe we could’ve saved his life if we did report the incident. Sometimes I still look at his station and feel like he’s there, tattooing.” He sighs heavily, like it was a great weight lifted from his shoulders to even tell you.

“You did what you felt was necessary. As fucked up as it may seem, you had to think about what was best for you.” You try your best to comfort him as he seemed to hold on to a lot of guilt regarding Si-Woo’s death, and reminiscing didn’t help. To have the man who could have potentially murdered your friend roaming free to terrorize all of Daegu couldn’t be a great feeling. You felt for him.

“I know. It’s just fucked to know he went through such a fucked up death. I don’t even want to imagine how scared he must’ve been,” you could hear clanking on the other end, as though he was biting down on his lip piercing. “I don’t even like the thought of knowing you tangled with them. He seems the type to hold grudges, and I don’t want you to get hurt. I’d lose my shit and go after him myself.”

You smile softly. “And I just know you’d kick his ass, my tough Kookie.” You both laugh at the nickname, which is one of many you had with the word ‘cookie’ in it. You could be so cheesy sometimes, but Jungkook loved everything about it. “You don’t have to worry though, apparently he likes me so maybe I’m in the clear?” You say unsuringly, still not understanding what he meant by it. It was very abrupt and cryptic. “Well whatever he meant, he’s out of luck because you’re spoken for.”

“As if he’d ever had a chance to begin with, I don’t think I’d mesh well with a criminal,” You chuckled. “I’m more into sweet, sensitive guys with tattoos and piercings.”

“Yeah? I think I know someone like that.” You could tell that he’s cheesing on the other end, which made you cheese. Everything always felt so natural with Jungkook. Him being your best friend in high school really played hand in hand with that. He was no different from a lover than he was a best friend. You two were absolutely the same and you loved it.

“You should probably get some sleep now, Angel. You don’t want to go to work exhausted, and I don’t wanna be blamed for you oversleeping again.” You simply roll your eyes in a playful manner, but agree nonetheless. You couldn’t chance being up so late, Mr. Kim was very strict about being on time.

“I guess you’re right,” you pout. “Okay, I’ll talk to you tomorrow when I get off work.”

“Okay, Angel. Goodnight.”

“Goodnight, Kookie cake.” You pull your phone from your ear, ending the call before you get up from your bed to switch off your bedroom lights. You crawl back onto the mattress, pulling your blanket over your body. Picking your phone back up again, you swipe through your apps until you locate the clock app. You set your alarm to wake you up at 12:00 PM on the dot. Just as you were about to place your phone down on your nightstand, something overcame you and you got the urge to search Yoongi’s name on Google.

When you type in his name, you are shocked to see so many results come up effortlessly. Several different mugshots from several different instances, all dating from when he was a teenager to one that seemed recent. You click on the one that looks most recent, letting it redirect you to the Daegu booking website.

Name: Min Yoongi

Age: 30

BOOKING DETAIL

Status: Released

Building: Public Safety Building

Area: Maledorm

Booking number: 575857

Booking date: 3/26/2023 11:56:00 pm

ARRESTS

Arrest number: 680071205

Arrest date: 3/26/2023 10:06:00 pm

Arresting agency: Daegu Police Department

Agency case number: 25-18056

ASSAULT WITH A DEADLY WEAPON

ATTEMPTED FIRST-DEGREE MURDER

POSSESSION WITH INTENT TO SELL

You read over the arrests in shock, completely dumbfounded by how a man of his caliber could be released from jail and not behind bars rotting for the rest of his life. He practically lived in jail anyway, why not just keep him there? You eye his mugshot, his intense stare giving you the chills. You didn’t need to wonder how the officer taking the photo must’ve felt considering you too have felt those daggers looking into the depths of your soul.

You pull your sight away from the photo, swiping away the page. You didn’t want to spend any more time on Yoongi. What happened at Makoto is behind you now. You just wanted to forget about the situation, and never run into Yoongi– or Joon for that matter, again. You plug your phone to your charger, sitting the device on your nightstand before you drift off to sleep.

“I was starting to think you weren’t going to show.” Mr. Kim looks surprised as you step into the kitchen, taking an apron from the hook on the wall. “Why wouldn’t I show up?” You quirk a brow, tying the black fabric around your waist. “Because I thought you would’ve been too scared to show your face after going toe to toe with the devil’s minions the other day.”

You click your tongue, your eyes rolling to the back of your head. You couldn’t believe people were still on that. Just as you walked in you overheard a customer whispering ‘she’s still alive?’ to her friend. It’s absurd at this point. “I think everyone is blowing what happened yesterday way out of proportion.” You shake your head, grabbing a notepad and pen from the pencil holder.

“I’d like to say we are, kid, but you got lucky. That Yoongi is no joke to be played with. The guy is a menace. Some people say the only reason he’s not in jail is because he has affiliations within the police unit, and I wouldn’t doubt if it’s true. Our system is corrupt.” The older man sighs. ‘Oh great, here he goes with politics and corruption again…’ you thought. You had better get out on the floor before you’re caught in a whirlwind of it.

You leave him to discuss the topic with himself as you step out onto the floor, and start taking customer orders. “Hey, you’re that crazy girl from yesterday.” A man says as you approach his table. You frown, already knowing what he was referring to, so you avoid it at all cost. “What can I get you?” You redirect the conversation.

“Oh! Uhhh,” he picks up the menu from his table, skimming through it. “I’ll have the Jajangmyeon.” He answers quickly. You scribble down his order. “Anything to drink?” You ask. “Ginseng tea, thank you.” He places the menu back on the table. You nod, taking down his drink. “Okay, I’ll be right back with that tea.” You smile kindly before heading back to the kitchen. You rip the orders from the notepad, clipping them to the ticket holder.

“Hey, kid. We’ve got a delivery order for dumplings.” Mr. Kim informs you as you’re preparing tea for the customer. The older gentleman approaches you, the order already made and secured in a brown bag. You take the bag from him, looking at the order ticket attached to it.

As you read over the address on the ticket, your eyes practically bulge out of your skull. ‘2357 Gongdan Lane’. “Um… Mr. Kim, this location is in the slums of Daegu.” You look at him with concern. “I know.” The man simply nods, taking the tickets you set from the holder. “Yeah, well, I can’t go to Gongdan lane. It’s dangerous, especially for me as a woman.”

“Look kid, I’m sorry. If Jimin was here I’d have him go but he doesn’t work on Saturdays and you’re my only worker.”

“Exactly. I’m the only worker, you need me to be at the shop taking orders.” You knew that wasn’t going to go over as it was a slow day, and there were hardly any customers in the shop to begin with. “I can handle the customers and cook the ramen until you get back.”

You couldn’t believe this. Just as you had prided yourself in never stepping foot in Gongdan, here was this old dirty bastard making you go. On top of that, the restaurant didn’t even own a company car for deliveries so you had to ride a bike. You read over the ticket again, noticing that there wasn’t even a name on the order. “There’s no name on the order, this could be a trick that ends with me getting robbed for free food.”

“All this time wasted on talking about it could be used on getting the delivery done. Stop complaining and do what you’re paid to do. The faster you get it done, the faster you can come back.”

You wanted to stomp your foot like a child and continue to protest, but you couldn’t risk your job by not listening so you did the only sensible thing you could do. Your job. You grab a plastic bag, shoving the brown one inside of it before leaving through the back exit in the kitchen. You spot the red delivery bike lying on the ground, and pick it up, looping the plastic bag around the bike handle.

As you mount the bicycle, you pull out your phone to use your GPS. The ride was about 12 minutes away. If you ride fast you could undoubtedly make it at least an 8 minute ride. You kick back the breaks and set off on your journey. During the ride as you make it into the slum area, you could truly see the separation from Sangsu-dong to Gongdan lane. The sidewalks were cracked and unpaved, the buildings looked more rundown, and homeless people laid out in sleeping bags.

You got an uneasy feeling as you noticed a group of men smoking weed on a corner and intensely watching you go by. You probably stood out like a sore thumb, riding through Daegu’s slummiest on a red bike. You swallowed the lump in your throat, keeping your eyes forward as you paid them no mind. As you continue going, you notice the streets become more isolated. Your GPS directs you to turn, which you follow only to come upon a big warehouse that looked abandoned. ‘You’ve arrived’, your GPS says. You furrow your brows, confusion written over your face.

“Stupid thing must’ve sent me to the wrong location.” You grab the bag of dumplings from the bike handle, circling around the warehouse just in case you were mistaken. You find a door on the other end, cameras surrounding it like it was a government building. You inspect the door, seeing that there was a red button of some sort on it.

You scope the perimeter, making sure no one was trying to sneak attack you. The whole thing seemed completely sketchy. You take a deep breath before pressing down on the button, a loud buzz coming from it. You take a step back, waiting for someone to come open the door. You stood there for about two minutes, not wanting to wait around any longer. You knew this was a scam. You should’ve just gone home and pretended like you delivered the food. It would’ve saved you the trouble. As you turn to walk back to the bike, the door suddenly opens with a loud creaking sound.

You direct your attention back to the door, locking eyes with an individual that you dreaded to ever see again. “Oh my god… i-it’s you…” you stutter in shock, seeing Yoongi stand in the doorway with a smirk plastered on his face. “Wonder Woman, we meet again.”

You’re silent, not really saying a word as you feel too stunned to speak. “You got something for me, sweetheart?” His eyes darted to the bag in your hand. You snap from your fearful trance, remembering why you were there in the first place. “Uh… yeah. Here’s your order.” You stretch out your arm to hand him the bag, not wanting to come any closer. The raven reaches forward, his hand brushing yours as he takes the bag from you. You quickly turn away, rushing back over to your bike.

“Hey, I didn’t get a chance to introduce myself yesterday.” He says, following behind you. “I already know who you are.” You mumble as you mount the red two wheeler. “Really? You didn’t seem to know who I was yesterday. If you did, you wouldn’t have shot your pretty mouth off like that,”

He grabs the handles of your bike, preventing you from leaving. “You look scared. Guess my reputation precedes me.” He says almost too proudly. “Not in a way that a decent human being should want it to, but I guess decency isn’t what you’re aiming for.” you say slickly, which causes the raven to smile. “There goes that smart mouth again,” he ran his tongue over his bottom lip, giving you the same predatory stare from yesterday. “Normally I wouldn’t tolerate anyone getting slick at the mouth with me, but from you it’s kind of a turn on.”

You scowl, ignoring his sexual advance. “Can you let go of my bike? I need to get back to work.”

“How about you let me drive you?” he offers, but you quickly decline. You’d be an idiot to get in the car with a proclaimed murderer. “I’ll take my chances on the bike, thank you.” The raven lets go of the handles, taking a step back to allow you to be on your way. “Be my guest, sweetheart.”

You kick back the break, not wanting to waste any more of your time in Gongdan speaking to this thug. You back away from him, turning the bike to ride down the path you came. “I hope to see you again, Y/N.” He calls out. You come to an abrupt stop, looking back at the raven. How did he know your name? “I don’t remember telling you my name.”

“You didn’t need to. I have my sources and connections, Princess. Whatever I need or want, I get.”

You cringe at the nickname ‘princess’. Jungkook doesn’t even call you that, with all the cheesy nicknames he does use. Him knowing your name suddenly made you question how coincidental this whole encounter was. You were starting to wonder how much about you he knew. As if he read your mind, he starts to read you like an autobiography. “You were born in Busan and raised right here in Daegu, you’re an ex nursing student, an only child, both your parents passed away in a tragic car accident, your best friend is Sang Mina, and your boyfriend is… Jeon Jungkook? Am I right?”

Your heart pounds against your chest as he spoke information that only people close to you would know. You felt sick, creeped out even, but you tried not to display that on your face. “So, I guess you know my work schedule then. You set this little encounter up knowing that I was the only worker today, didn’t you?” the raven simply shrugged like he couldn’t answer whether that was true or not, but you knew that it was. “I don’t know what your deal is, but just stay away from me, okay?”

Yoongi sneered, as he turned on his heels, heading back to the door from once he came. The raven makes sure he gets the last word though.

“I can’t make you any promises, sweetheart. Like I said, whatever I want, I get.”

Taglist

@l0stindigo @minyoongimylove @mamidescarada @slutforleeminho @bubbles2300 @rosquilleta @justletmehavethenamemarsomfg @pineappleburger @secfir @mytokkiboyfriend @zeelalalalala @kenpachisimp @snoozeagustd @borahaerhy @officialholyagua @kooslilhoe @agustdsslutt @wittyreader @moonchild-qaads @littlestarstinyseven @jojowantstocry @whipwhoops @multiasf @mxshikoo @passionandsuga @justdancehoba @kooksbunnnn @primadonnasdream @ashslytheringoddess @yoongislatinagff @itzz-me-duh @roguesthetic @captaincarmel416 @strxwbloody @catchmybreath94 @yunkissis @miamorcitovante @daniarafid @junisage @cynicalbitch666 @junslay @be0mluver @minvu @bibsluvsjk @shycreationdreamland @l2ovesick @ejaeee @jiminssmallpinkyy @bangtan4everr @wobblewobble822

[samandcolbyownme]

Summary: You’re an actress and you get nominated for a big award show so you take Tara and your boyfriend, Zach.

Warnings: SMUT18+, sexual innuendos, strong language, mentions of alcohol, reader drinks, flirting, banter/joking with Zach, Zach being Zach, after party, unprotected sex, quickie, hair pulling, pet names (cute), funny and fluff with a little bit of filth

Reader has a laid back, jokester personality, kinda like Jennifer Lawrence, or even Emma stone maybe?

Word count: 4.6k | not edited

I wasn’t going to add smut into this but then I did, so enjoy!

╔═══━━━─── • ───━━━═══╗

Zach has been your boyfriend for almost a year now. Everyone knows you’re together, hell. It was hard to hide it even the first few months.

You are a huge success is the acting industry, you’ve been in every genre of movie and tv show, and everyone absolutely loved you.

“Tara is running a little late.” Zach yells out, his voice growing closer, “Where-“ he groans, “are you?” The bathroom door pushes open and he tilts his head, “I’m going to need to put a bell on you or something.

You’re nervous. In shock. Absolutely terrified out of your mind - The Oscars was a huge deal for you.

You laugh lightly at his joke as you pick up the brush to brush your hair again, Cindie - you’re makeup artists, loves when you have your hair tangle free for her.

“Whoa, pump the breaks.” He walks in, closing the door behind him. He turns you to face him, fingers gently tilting your head up, “You’re nervous.”

You purse your lips and bite down on the inside of your cheek, as you can feel tears welling.

All you do is nod and that was enough for Zach. He wraps his arms around you, sighing out, “How many time so I gotta tell you, baby. You’re dating Zach justice and we never lose.”

You look up at him, laughing as you shake your head, “I’m so glad I have you.”

And you really were. Zach was your calm in the storm of the bad days with being so popular. All the flying, the not really having time to eat. Hell, you can barely get a minute alone to yourself most days.

Zach understands that, so he tries to give you your space when you’re home, but you never wanted to be alone when he was around.

“I get that a lot, but thank you. It’s an honor to called yours, m’lady.” He pretends to lift an invisible hat toward you and you smirk.

Zach knew just how to make you laugh. He loved hearing your laugh, he also loved to see how bad he could embarrass you. Once you guys got comfortable and cozy around each other - which was super fast.

You and Zach clicked instantly, like, you both knew you and him were endgame.

You both loved to roast each other, that’s mainly how you flirt, but, Zach does have his sweet and sensitive side when it comes to you. He knows when it’s okay to push and when it’s not.

One time when you were out shopping, there were people around and you weren’t really paying attention.

You were more or less focusing on whether or not this top was in your size. You feel a hand on your back and Zach leans in, “I’m going to go look at the shoes.”

You look up at him with a smile, “Okay. I’m almost done over here so I’ll find you.” He nods once, “Gimme a kiss.”

You stand on your tip toes and press your lips to his. In quick second, Zach steps back, his voice loud enough to draw attention of the people close by, “don’t kiss me, you’re my sister.”

Your smile drops and you freeze, quickly coming to terms with what just happened as you look over to a small group of people staring, “Zach!”

You run after him, clinging to his arm as you laugh, “You’re such a fucking asshole.” He laughs, “You love me.”

“I do.”

You hear the front door open and Zach closes his eyes, “Who gave her a key?”

“The Glam Wagon isn’t here yet?” Tara yells as she walks up the steps, “Hello?” There’s a knock on the door, “Y/n?”

“Go away we’re having the thing you do when you know, you take your pants off and smash genitals together.” Zach explain and you laugh, “Oh my g- Tara you can come in.”

The door opens and Zach is standing infront of it so Tara hits him again, “Move you jerk.” She comes in and looks at you, “What’s wrong?”

Zach looks at you and you sigh, “I’m nervous.”

Tara nods, “I would be, too. I mean, I’m nervous just going as your guest.” She lays a hand on her chest then motions to you as she shakes her head, “I honestly cannot imagine what you’re feeling.”

You nod and laugh slightly, “Oh fuck, this is actually happening.” You rest your forehead on Zach’s chest and he pats your back, “What did I tell you?” He pokes you, “Hey.”

You stand up, looking up at him as you monotone-ly repeat his catchphrase back to him while you fight a smirk, “I’m saying Zach justice, and we don’t lose.”

You mainly said it to get Tara’s reaction. She stares at Zach for a few seconds before letting oit a laugh, “no, there’s no way you say that to her.”

“Um, yeah?” Zach scoffs, “Why wouldn’t I tell her that?”

“Glam Wagon is here!” Cindie yells out from downstairs and you look at Tara, “Time to get pretty.”

You all file out of the bathroom and go downstairs, greeting Cindie and her crew, “Hey, Cindie. How are you?”

She smiles and nods, “I’m great, now..” she stops, pursing her lips as her eyes move to Zach, “Zach, sweetie..”

Zach looks up at her, “What’s up, Cin?” She laughs slightly, “Please tell me that you’re not wearing that.”

“Hey.” Zach holds his hand up, “Don’t hate me because you ain’t me, alright.” He tries not to laugh and you bite down on your lip so you don’t laugh, “Um.” You clear your throat, “I have a stylist coming for him, Cindie. Don’t worry.”

She nods and smiles as she looks away, “Alright, what are we doing for you ladies this afternoon.”

.·:*¨ ✘ ¨*:·.

You see Zach’s eyes brighten at the sight of the final look on your face and hair. He swallows and nods, “You.. look like.. I need to.. excuse myself to the bathroom for a quick second.”

You roll your eyes, smiling at his hidden compliment, “Thank you, baby.” He winks at you and you spin over to look at Tara, “That lip color is your shade.”

She looks over at you and raises her brows, “Really?” Her voice goes higher as she bounces her legs on the metal bar of the hair chair, “Eeeee. I’m so excited to see it.”

“It looks incredible.” You turn to Zach, “can you grab that dress bag please?”

He stands up, “This one?” He points and you nod. He grabs it off the rack and goes do lay it over his arm but everyone in the room freaks out in unison, “Don’t lay it on your arm?”

Zach rips it up straight and jumps, “Oh my god that was scary!”

You all laugh and Zach makes sure to dramatically hold the dress out from him as he follows you to your bedroom to change.

“You can hang it up on here and then unzip it.” You point to a hook and start to undress. You didn’t need a bra for this so you slipped off the one you had on.

Zach turns around he’s like a teenager finding out what books are, gawking at them like this is the first time he’s ever seen yours, his eyes flick up to yours and he smirks.

“Don’t look at me like that.” You warn as you walk over to pull your dress out, “We don’t have time for you to look at me like that.” You laugh as you gently lay the dress down and step into it.

You pull the fabric up over your thighs and Zach is just in awe of this whole situation, “I, um. I was just admiring how good you happen to look without clothes on.”

He loved your body in every single way and there was nothing that could change his mind. He was proud to be yours, but he was even prouder that you were his.

“Can you zip me up, please?” You look at him over your shoulder and give him a small smile. He nods, “I can do a lot more than that if you want.”

He chuckles as you roll your eyes laughing, reaching forward and grabbing the small oval shaped zipper.

He places a hand on your hip as he drags it upward. You walk over to the mirror once you have it on and give yourself a look over, “This dress is-“ you scoff, “I’m in love.”

“Whoa, whoa, settle down now, let’s remember who’s actually able to love you in ways that you really like.”

Zach smirks at you and you nod, pointing to him, “You’re right.”

He walks over to you, arms sliding around your waist, “You look beautiful.” His eyes lock on to yours in the mirror, “Everyone loves you. I love you.”

He presses a gentle kiss to your neck, “You’re coming home with an award.” He presses another kiss, “We’re going to celebrate with everybody.” He kisses your neck once more, then looks up at you, “Then I’m going to bring you back here and I’m going to do whatever you want me to do.”

An excited shiver goes down your spine, Zach really can sweep you off of your feet.

Tara pushes the door open, “Zach get out. I need to change.”

Zach laughs slightly, “No, y/n. That’s why I wont lay on the sunroof of your car and allow you to act like a hamster.”

Your eyes go wide and you laugh, snapping your head to Tara. She’s giving you both a funny look, “Excuse the fuck out of me, but what are you trying to fucking do?”

Zach laughs and walks out, closing the door behind him. You sit down on the bed, “He was just fucking with me. Trying to embarrass me.”

Tara laughs as ahe changes into her dress with feathers at the top hem, “I figured. You guys are always roasting each other.”

She turns and backs up so you can zip up her dress, “And I think that’s so funny because, like now.” She turns around to face you and she laughs, “You know things we don’t, and it’s just, so funny.”

You laugh and nod, “Right, before you came in, he was giving me this speech about how he’s proud of me, how he loves me and everyone loves me.” You smile, “He’s such a sweetheart.”

Tara walks over to grab your guys heels, “When Zach told me that you messages him. I’m not gonna lie.” She sits down on the bed next to you and hands you your heels, “I was kind of shocked.”

You laugh and lean down to put your shoes on, “Really?”

She nods, “I mean, it wasn’t until after I seen your movies that I understood why Zach was so crazy about you. You guys literally have that click. And it’s so nice to see someone treat Zach the way he deserves.”

You purse your lips, “Girl, I’m gonna cry. You can’t give me this speech now. I’m already a nervous wreck.”

Tara pouts and laughs, “Noooo. Don’t cry.” She moves over to hug you, “I’m sorry, I meant it as a good thing.”

You laugh, “I know, but it doesn’t matter.”

She laughs and stands up, “Come on. We are going to go take a shot or two before we go. I’m sure Zach is already ready, his stylist was here when I came up.”

“Alright.” You take a deep breath, grabbing your bag before you nod, “Let’s go win an award.” You look at Tara and she nods, “That’s the spirit.”

You walk down the steps and you hear a sharp ‘Eeeooww’. You look directly at Zach and he smirks, “Lookin’ good, ladies. Lookin’ good.”

You smirk and look around at the Glam Wagon - you have them that nickname after hiring Cindie. She absolutely loved the nickname, so it stuck.

“Oh. My girls.” Cindie presses her hands together and sighs, “You both look absolutely stunning!” You walk down and you both spin for her, “Y/n. That taupe color looks so good with Zach’s suit.”

You look at Zach who moves to stand next to you, his arm falling around your waist. Tara nods, “You guys look so good. I’m so glad you picked me to third wheel.”

You laugh and shrug, “Couldn’t have picked anyone better.” You hear a beep and you point, “Car is here. Let’s go.”

“Oh wait!” Tara says pulling you into the kitchen. She quickly grabs two shot glasses and puts a shot of tequila in both, “We don’t have time for vodka. Here do you bitch.”

You both laugh as you grab the shot glasses and tap them off the counter before taking them. You both cringe, groaning as you set them down.

In a harsh whisper while pointing to the door, “Let’s go.” You run to the car, giggling as you hold on to Tara’s hand.

“Oh what did you make her do, Tara?” Zach asks as he watches you get in, smiling wide. Tara gets in next to you and you laugh, “We may or may not have-“

“Took a shot of tequila?” Zach cuts you off with a laugh and you nod, “Oh god, is if that bad?”

“I think I did, too by the way the smell violated my sinuses.” Zach laughs and points to your bag, “I put a pack of gum in there for you.”

Tara leans forward and Zach looks at her, “Don’t even.”

Tara sits back, laughing as she takes a piece of gum from you. You hand one of Zach and he takes it, “Why thank you, I’d love a piece.”

“You’re ridiculous.” You laugh as you bite down on the small stick of gum, “But I love you.” You look over at him and he smirks, “I know you do. I love you.”

He pecks your lips and Tara yells, “Selfie!”

.·:*¨ ✘ ¨*:·.

The ride to the venue was full of all of you yapping, talking about your speech, laughter. Your nerves were definitely calmed.

That was until the car stops and you see someone walking towards Tara’s door, “Oh fuck.” Zach squeezes your hand, “You got this baby, Tara and I are right here with you.”

You take a deep breath, “Okay.” Tara opens the door and starts to get out while Zach gets out his did and walks around to meet you. He holds his hand out, allowing you to take it as you get out of the car.

He makes sure you don’t flash anyone with your low hanging neck line and the high splitting v in your dress, “You ready?” He whispers and you look up at him with a smile, “I’m ready.”

You take his hand into yours and you start to walk down the carpet, stopping for pictures of just you, lots with Zach of course, you and Tara, and then finally some got shots with all three of you.

You looked up at Zach, smiling wide as his hand nestled securely on the small of your back.

“Stay right there, y/n.” “Don’t move!” “That’s absolutely perfect, yes!”

You laugh slightly as you hold your stare on Zach, “Kiss me.” You mouth and he licks his lips before he leans in, dipping you down as he closes the space.

Tara is cheering loudly which makes you smile within the kiss and Zach stands you up, “They are eating this up like thanksgiving dinner.” He kisses your head, “What did I tell you?”

You laugh slightly as you walk with him into the venue, “They love me.”

.·:*¨ ✘ ¨*:·.

The next hour went by so slow, but you were still having a good time. Talking to other celebrities, introducing them to Zach and Tara.

You and Zach subtle taking jabs at each other, “I mean, I guess I had nothing to do.” Zach rolls his eyes with a laugh.

“Don’t mind him, he doesn’t have fun in his vocabulary.” You laugh and Emma laughs, “That’s okay. Neither does my husband. It was so good to see you again.” Emma leans in and hugs you, “Good luck tonight.”

“Hey, you too!” You smile and sit back down. Tara wraps her hand around your wrist, “That.. was Emma Stone.”

You nod, “I’m nominated in the same category as her,” you tilt your head, “Along with Jessica Chastain, Sandra Bullock, Shailene Woodley, and Natalie Portman.”

Her eyes widen and the lights go down, “Oh, oh. Here we go.” Your hand slides down find Zach’s. The nerves were setting in again.

He gives your hand a tight squeeze, nodding at you when you look over at him. You smile and lean back into your seat, hand still in his as you listen to the host start the show.

About an hour later - it’s your category.

The crowd applauses as Julia Roberts walks out onto stage. You take your hands from Zach and Tara and brush them over your thighs, trying to keep your heart from racing any faster.

“You’re okay.” Tara says quietly, “We got this, okay.”

You nod and look up, getting ready to smile because you know the cameras will be on you when she says your name.

“Y/n y/l/n for her role in The Strangers: Chapter One.”

You smile waving shyly to the camera and the two other nominees are announced. You return your hands to Zach and Tara’s and you’d think they were just as nervous as you were.

“The Oscar for the Actress In A Leading Role goes to..” the envelope opens, “Y/n Y/l/n.”

Everyone erupts in cheering and clapping. Zach pulls you to your feet and you look at him, “You won, baby. You frickin’ won!”

“Go, go, go!” Tara pushes you forward and you make your way to the stage, still in absolute shock. You get up and hug Julia, “Oh my gosh, hi. Thank you.”

You turn, taking the award from the gentleman on the stage, “Oh my g- thank you.” You walk over do the mic and let out a sigh, “Oh my gosh, wow. Thank you, all so much. Especially to the ones who voted for me, you’re why I do it. I love you so so so much.”

You laugh slightly, “I also wanted to give a quick little shoutout to the dress.” You pause and the audience erupts with yells and clapping, “Shout out Marchesa, and also, shout out to my boyfriend, Zach Justice who’s gonna be taking it off of me later. Thank you.”

You laugh as you wave, leave the stage with Julia. She wraps her arm around you, congratulating you once more before you make your way backstage to where a shit ton of people were waiting, ready to snap as many pictures as they can while you hold your eight and a half pound trophy.

You felt like you were on top of the world, after all. You are one of be youngest actresses to win an Oscar, you’re just good at what you do.

After a while of answering all the questions in the world, you’re ushered to where the crew brought Zach and Tara.

You walk through the door and as soon as Tara locks eyes with you, her mouth drops. You walk over and sit down between them on the couch, looking at them innocently, “What?”

“You did not just say that.” Tara leans in laughing, “y/n.” Zach looks over at you, “Oh, yeah. She did. On worldwide television.”

You lean in towards Zach, “Remember how I told you I was going to get you back for calling me your sister in front of all those people and then twitter blew up about it?”

Zach sighs before letting a laugh slip out, “You really one upped me this time.”

You laugh, “Do you still like me?”

Zach gives you a funny look, “Once my embarrassment subsides, this will be the funniest thing ever.”

“It already is the funniest thing ever. Zach.” Tara laughs, taking the trophy from your hand, “You have definitely met your match with this one.”

You laugh and he leans in to press a kiss to your lips, “I gotta start studying more. I can’t have a girlfriend who’s funnier than me.”

“Zach, this girl just won an Oscar. I don’t think you get to decide who the funnier one is.” Tara leans forward, laughing at Zach and he rolls his eyes, smiling at you, “You did win, and I am so proud of you for that, babe.”

He gives your thigh a squeeze and you were sure if it was the alcohol you drank with Tara, Zach just looking hot as fuck in his designed suit, or the post winning adrenaline - but you did know, you weren’t going to be able to handle not having your hands on him for much longer.

The door opens and a guy with a headset on comes in, “Y/n. If you’d like, since there isn’t a whole lot of time yet for the show, would you want to just head straight over to the Official After Party?”

You look between Zach and Tara, “We will need to stop back at the house so we can change, if that’s okay.”

The guy nods, “That’s more than okay. I’ll send a car for you.”

.·:*¨ ✘ ¨*:·.

Once back the house, you’ve barely made it into the beddoor before Zach has your zipper going down your back.

You let out a laugh, “Can we at least get into the room first?” You hear a huff as you walk in, and Zach pulls you back into him as he kicks the door shut, “I just wanna show my girl how proud I am of her, okay?”

He spins you around, arms on your biceps, “Now, please, get that cockblock of a dress off your body.”

Your eyebrows raise and you nod, slipping the straps from your shoulders letting them fall down your arms, your dress pooling at your feet.

“Now that’s what I’m talking about.” His hands move to your waist as he backs you up to the bed. You move up to lay towards the top, watching him undress.

Zach looks at you and he smirks as he unbuttons his shirt. You bite your lip and nod, “Oh yeah, nice and slow, baby.”

Zach lets out a laugh as he shrugs his shirt off, but he secretly loves when you talk dirty to him.

Your eyes follow his hands, undoing his belt, then his pants. He quickly gets them off and is crawling up the bed towards you.

He plants little kisses along your body as he travels up, making his way to your neck. You tilt your head back, hands running up his bare chest, “Zach, baby please.”

You let out a whimper as he sucks a small mark into your skin, kissing up your neck and down your jaw to your lips.

You slide a hand down to the waistband of his boxers, slipping your fingers in to run them over the head of his leaky cock, “Need you.” You whimper out quietly, “Please.”

Zach sits up on his knees, pushing his boxers down as his eyes trail down your body. He watches you take your panties off, tossing them aside before you spread your legs.

His body moves to hover over yours and you feel the head of his cock pressing against your clit. You whimper, rolling your hips as you slide a hand up his arm.

Zach’s hand slides down to your hip as he pushes to slide in, a gasp leaving his lips as your chest squishes against his as you breathe out a quiet, “Fuuuck.”

Your legs immediately move to wrap tightly around his hips, arms doing the same to his neck as his thrusts grow to a quicker pace.

As much as you wanted to have him do whatever you wanted, there wasn’t much time. So, that’s being saved for a little later.

“Fuck, baby.” Zach groans into your neck, “Feels so good.”

You turn your head, lips meeting his in a sloppy embrace. He brings a hand up to cup your cheek as he pauses his thrusts, “Look at me.”

You look up at him and he rests his forehead against yours, “I am so beyond proud of you.”

You bite down on your lip, “Yeah, telling the world that you were ta-“ Zach cuts you off with a scoff, “Not that, that not.” He laughs slightly, “I’m being serious here, sweetheart.”

You smirk, “sorry.”

He pecks your lips as he starts to slowly thrust into you again, his voice in a low tone, “I’m so proud of you.” He presses a kiss to your forehead, “No one else deserved that award like you do.”

You bite down on your lip, muffling your moans as his words edge you closer.

You didn’t care about the time at this point.

“I love you and I am so proud to call you mine.”

You crash your lips onto hips, squeezing his cock as you whimper out, “M’so close, Zach.” You let out a moan, breathing out, “I love you.”

Your hand moves to his hair, tugging slightly as you arch your back off the bed, “Fuckfuckfuck.” Your nails dig into his skin, moaning louder as you cum around him.

“There ya go.” Zach whispers gently, “Fuck.” He groans into your neck and you feel his thrusts turn rather sloppy, rather quickly.

He pulls out, spilling his cum onto your pelvis with a groan. You cup his cheeks and pulls him into you, kissing him as you swallow his moans with ease.

He leans back, looking down at you with a smirk, “That award winning pussy will do it for me every time.” He winks at you and you feel the heat in your cheeks rising as you let out a laugh, “Get me a towel, please.”

You laugh again as Zach grabs you a towel, “Here ya be. Which dress are you wearing? I’ll get it out.”

You smile at Zach, admiring just how much you loved him, “It is the pink one right there.” You point and he pulled out the dress, holding it up for you to see.

You nod, standing up to go take it from him, “You know we’re leaving early tonight, right?”

Zach nods, watching as you pull the dress up over your ass, “Oh, yeah.” He looks at you when you turn towards him, “Please leave me taking this dress off out of everything, tonight.”

You smirk, walking up to him, “What? You don’t want me to out Zach-“ You raise your brows, “The Zach again?”

He cocks his jaw do the side and sighs, “When you put it that way..” he chuckles as he leans in to kiss you.

Tara bangs on the door while yelling from the other side, “Are you two ready yet? If not wrap it up because we have to go!”

“To be continued?” Zach smirks giving your ass a squeeze, and you nod, looking up at with a smirk, “Of course.”

.·:*¨ ✘ ¨*:·.

Sorry it took an extra day or two, but here it is. I feel like it sucks, but let me know what you think. As always, I love yas! Thank you for being here. 🖤

Likes and reblogs are majorly appreciated!

[fluentmoviequoter]

Find Another Moment

Pairing: Jim Street x fem!SWAT!reader

Summary: Through a trip to find his mom, a series of explosions and executions, and an impromptu dinner date, you realize that you need Jim Street by your side all the time. Almost as much as he needs you.

Warnings: spoilers for 2x22 "Kangaroo" and Cinque story line from s2, angst to fluff, Karen Street being a bad mom, lots of comfort and love!

Word Count: 4.2k+ words

A/N: I shocked myself by making a rewrite that isn't chock-full of verbatim lines from the show! I hope you enjoy and please let me know what you think!🤍

Masterlist Directory | Jim Street Masterlist | Request Info\Fandom List

There are very few people you rush to answer the phone for. When Jim Street calls hours after your shift ends, you nearly trip over your feet to get to the phone and talk to him.

“Street, hey,” you greet when the line connects. 

“Hey, sorry for the late call,” he says. “But I, uh, I wanted to ask if maybe you could get another ride to work tomorrow? I know it’s late notice.”

“Sure. Is everything okay?”

Street sighs, and your worry and concern for him grows.

“You can talk to me, Street. You know that. But you don’t have to.”

“No, I want to,” he answers. “It’s my mom. That thing with the credit card information worked out and I got an address. Now that I know where she is, I can do something. I’m going to go check it in the morning before I head to HQ.”

“No problem. Family comes first. If you want me to come along though, just wait in the car, I can. You shouldn’t have to do this at all, but it’s really messed up that you’re having to do it alone, Jim.”

You don’t often call him by his first name, so you hope he doesn’t take it as trying to force your way into his personal life. He gets enough grief from Hondo about his mom, and the last thing you want to do is make him think you want to interfere and give your opinion, too.

“Your decision,” you add. “But I can definitely call in a favor from someone else. And my car should be back from the shop this week, so I’ll finally stop asking you to chauffeur me.”

“I don’t mind. Just… with my mom, I don’t want to make anything awkward between us if she is there.”

“Street, there’s nothing that could happen that would change how I think of you or our relationship,” you assure him. “I understand if you want to go alone, though.”

“I don’t,” Street says softly. “I really don’t.”

“Then pick me up before you go. What harm can some moral support do?”

“Thank you.”

“What friends are for.”

“No, really. I don’t think you realize just how much you’re doing for me. Thank you.”

“Goodnight, Street.”

Street sits back and sighs. You said nothing could change your relationship, but after moments like this, he wants to be the one to change it. Being friends and teammates is great, but you could be more. And, for once in his life, Street wants to do something for himself, to be happy with you without any care for what others think. If his mother doesn't scare you away, by some miracle or chance of fate, Street will tell you that he has feelings for you. Then, you get to take it from there because Street has been manipulated too many times in his life to find comfort in causing others to rush into big decisions. Especially when his heart and happiness are on the line, too.

The following morning, you wait on the curb of your usual parking spot for Street. He seems nervous as he pulls in, and you hope that the moral support you came to provide eases him. You’ve heard the horror stories about his mom but haven’t talked to her extensively like some of your other teammates. If she is here, you’ll give Street room to do his thing and then navigate the rest as he instructs. Street is special to you, and you refuse to lose him by overstepping or pushing his boundaries. He’s your friend, and you stay there because if you lose Street, you lose everything that matters.

“This is it?” you ask.

Street leans over the steering wheel to look at the old, sinking apartment complex. People wander aimlessly around the building, and clothes and furniture hang from windows. A distinct sense of doom and gloom escapes through all the cracks and crevices, showing the building's age and lack of care.

“Come in with me?” Street requests. “Please?”

You nod as you open the door. As you walk toward Street, you have to step over broken beer bottles, cigarette butts, and empty nos canisters. At his side, you smile, trying to remind Street that you’re with him, no matter what.

Inside, you follow Street up a staircase lined with trash. The hallway at the top is dark and dirty, and the cheap laminate floor is peeling from the corners. No one deserves to live like this, you think as you notice someone sitting at the end of the hall, rocking back and forth.

Street slows beside an open door, and you stop as he pushes it open further. Music plays inside, and Street looks over his shoulder at you and nods once.

“Good luck,” you whisper. “I’m right here.”

You watch Street step inside, then turn slightly to see inside the apartment. It’s trashed and nearly unlivable, but Karen Street is sitting on the floor and laughing at an old cartoon. Your eyes move to Street as he tries to get her attention. A sound down the hall draws your attention momentarily, but you turn back quickly when Street asks who someone is.

“Bryce,” the unseen man answers.

“So, you leave the apartment and disappear for weeks without a word and starting using again ‘cause you chose this guy?” Street asks.

“Name ain’t ‘this guy,’ it’s Bryce,” Bryce says. “And you need to go.”

You can see Street, but not Bryce from your position in the hallway. When Street stands quickly, you step inside and watch as he shoves the man against the fridge.

“Okay,” Bryce pants.

“Hey, stop it,” Karen calls as she stands. “Stop it, stop it! Eddie, baby, please.”

While Bryce asks who Eddie is, you debate whether you should walk back into the hallway or try to help Street. When Karen hugs Street while talking to his father, you wait. You step toward him as he shoves his mom back.

“Oh, Jimmy,” Karen says when she realizes it's Street and not her husband. She pulls her robe closed and murmurs, “I’m gonna… straighten things up.”

She moves toward the kitchen, and you follow her, nodding at Street. You gently place your arm before Karen and smile when she turns toward you.

“Hey, Mrs. Street,” you greet softly. “I can straighten up for you, but why don’t we go somewhere else for now?”

“What’s she on?” Jim asks behind you.

“We took a mix,” Bryce answers. “A mix of a lot of things.”

“Maybe we could go get breakfast,” you suggest. “Wouldn’t you like some time with Jim?”

Karen nods and turns toward Street. “I can make waffles,” she offers. “I might have to go to the store though.”

“I don’t want waffles, Ma,” Street answers.

Street grabs a blanket from the table and drapes it over his mom’s shoulders. “I’m taking her home,” he says as he places his hand on her back. “Bryce.”

You follow Jim and Karen for a few steps, then stop. “Bryce,” you call. “If I find out that the mix of a lot of things was your creation, I’ll be back.”

“It wasn’t!” he yells after you.

You wave your hand over your shoulder as you exit, leaving the door open behind you. When you catch up with Street, he’s almost back to his car.

“You take her home, I can call someone,” you offer.

“I’ll drop you off. Tell Hondo I’ll be late?” he replies.

“Sure.” Street closes the car door, and you catch his wrist as you ask, “Are you okay?”

He shrugs, and you nod in understanding. You squeeze his hand gently, then release him to get in the car. Street means more to you than he’ll ever know, and you’ll do everything you can, even covering for him to Hondo, to be here for him.

“Street, it’s me,” you say to the voicemail. “Hondo knows you’re running late, but I didn’t tell him anything specific. I’m going to the courthouse with Cortez. Um… if you need anything, let me know.”

After you hang up, you exit the car and meet Jessica on the sidewalk. She knows who you called, you’re sure of it, but you’re hoping that she won’t try to meddle or give you advice. The walk into the courthouse is a comfortable silence, which you’re grateful for. As you sit, Jessica speaks to the reporter on her other side, but you keep your eyes on the defendants before you. When they stand suddenly and begin chanting, you roll your eyes. They’ve been saying the same thing since they were arrested.

“The time to be good to each other has passed,” they add. “The system will be burned to ashes, starting with this courthouse.”

You look at Jessica as you lean forward.

“That’s new,” she says.

Outside the courthouse, people begin yelling, and you don’t hesitate to stand and walk toward the door. Jessica follows behind you, and when you enter the hallway to see Cinque on the screen, you stop in your tracks.

“Cinque,” Jessica says. “He must have hacked the feed.”

She raises her phone to film the live video, but you listen to Cinque rather than focus on who is with him or where he is. Hondo and the rest of your team will be watching back at HQ, but if you can help, you want to be prepared.

“So,” Cinque continues, “this time we don’t want money and we don’t want to bargain. We’re going to burn the system down and rebuild on its ashes.”

Cinque raises a phone and presses the screen. Several cars outside the courthouse explode, and you duck down as the people around you scream. Jessica pulls her gun and instructs people to move farther into the courthouse. You stay beside her and fight every instinct to run out and help the people closest to the explosion.

“Cortez, this isn’t over,” you say over the chaos behind you.

Jessica holsters her gun and pulls her phone out of her pocket. “He’s going to sentence a politician on live television every hour,” she tells you. “He’s just getting started.”

“That was the 4th Street bridge, but he’ll move. You need my team.”

Your phone rings before Jessica can respond. Street’s name on the screen is the best thing you’ve seen all day, you think as you answer the call.

“Street,” you greet when the call connects.

“Are you okay?” he asks.

“I’m fine. Cortez is good, too. No casualties here. How are things there?”

“Hectic. When are you coming back?”

“When am I coming back?” you repeat, looking at Jessica. She shrugs, it’s your decision. “I’m not. I’m going to stay with Cortez and keep an eye on everything here.”

“Be careful,” Street implores. “Keep me updated.”

“You, too.”

“Councilman Strub’s body, hanging from the 4th Street bridge, it seems familiar.”

“Figure it out, Street, we both know you can.”

“I have to tell Hondo all is good there.”

“I’ll see you later, Street. I promise.”

“I’ll hold you to that.”

Less than an hour later, you’re still at the courthouse when Cinque executes another politician. You don’t watch this time, but you text Street to be careful immediately after the broadcast ends.

Back at HQ, Hicks tells Street, “Get the rest of your team and go grab Cinque!��

“The rest of my team isn’t here,” Street mumbles as he and Deacon exit the situation room.

“I know you’re worried about her,” Deacon says, “but she’s okay. If we want to get her back here safely, we have to stay focused, Street.”

Deacon joins Luca as Street calls for Chris and Tan to visit the location of Cinque’s last IP address. As he works, Street realizes that Deacon is right and wrong at the same time. He doesn’t just want you back to be part of the team, Jim Street wants you by his side all the time. Having you at his side, as a teammate, when things are bad, is great, but that’s not all he wants. He needs more.

 After successfully saving Councilman Washington, 20 Squad is surprised to see Jessica back at HQ. Street, however, only looks for you.

“She’s still at the courthouse, waiting for things to settle there,” she tells Street. “Deputies didn’t mind the help.”

Street nods and watches Jessica walk to her office with Hondo. He’s glad you’re okay and safe, but he’d prefer to see you in person. You stepped up this morning to help him with his mom, and now, Street isn’t sure when he’ll see you again.

“We need to find Cinque,” he tells Luca.

“For personal reasons or the public’s safety?” Luca asks knowingly.

“Why not both?”

Your phone rings during a conversation with a bailiff. Jessica’s name on the caller ID makes you answer it before you even excuse yourself.

“Cortez, hey,” you greet. “Everything okay?”

“It will be. Cinque is in custody, and Deacon and Hondo are reviewing all the intel we have to find the last Emancipator. I need you to join me at City Hall, if everything is under control at the courthouse?”

“As under control as it can be. They’re understandably freaked about the explosions and the live broadcasts, but they can spare me. I’ll be there in twenty.  Do you think we’ll actually find anything or have to wait for another lead?” you ask as you exit the courthouse.

“I wish I had an answer for you.”

Before you leave for City Hall, you text Street to let him know where you’re going. You hesitate over the ‘Send’ button, then add, I’ll see you soon. It’s a promise.

“Find anything?” Street asks as he enters the situation room.

“There’s a live press conference at City Hall, we think it’s the next Emancipator target,” Hondo answers. “Cinque’s been planning all of this for a while. Was there anything going on at City Hall in the last year?”

“Let me see,” Deacon murmurs. After a quick search, he pulls up a record and photos. “They installed new security cameras four months ago, and the installation crew had to scan IDs to gain access to the building. And that work crew sure looks like our Emancipators on trial.”

“They used the installation job to plant explosives inside City Hall,” Hondo realizes.

Street’s phone buzzes, and he continues listening to Hondo as he reads your message and rereads it.

“Cinque likes an audience. Now he’s got one on live TV,” Hondo adds.

“Tell Cortez,” Deacon urges.

“She’s not the only one there,” Street says, looking up from his phone. “They’re both in a death trap.”

“Call her,” Hondo commands as he raises his phone to his ear. “We need everyone out without raising flags.”

Standing in the crowd at City Hall, you watch as Cortez turns to the side and answers her phone. Your phone begins buzzing immediately after, and you step back to answer the call from Street.

“The Emancipators are planning to blow up City Hall,” Street says, skipping his usual greeting. “Hondo wants everyone out.”

“Got it,” you answer.

“No, hey, listen to me. You get out of there.”

“Street, I will.”

“Don’t wait, just get out of there and come back here. Okay?”

“I’ll be back soon, Street. I promised, didn’t I?”

Now, you just have to keep that promise.

Back at HQ, Hondo preps 20 Squad, and they roll out in Black Betty less than five minutes later. In his seat, Street forces himself to pay attention to Hondo. If he doesn’t focus on his job, his mind will run rampant and make him think of everything that could happen to you.

When people begin exiting City Hall, the final Emancipator detonates one of the explosives hidden inside. You’ve strayed from Hicks and Cortez to make sure everyone gets out safely, and when the building shakes and the first explosion echoes through the halls, you cover your head.

“Go, get out of here!” you yell to a man in the same hall.

The explosion sounded like it was on the two-side of the building. Though you know the sound may have been distributed oddly and you could be wrong, you begin moving that way. Street told you to leave, but you’re this close; you can’t sit back and do nothing.

“Go,” you call as you run past civilians exiting doors off the hallway.

You near the two-side as the explosions continue, ranging in speed and location. Without communications with your team, you have no idea if the bomber is even in the building. Or anyone else, for that matter.

“22-David, Chris got the bomber,” Luca alerts.

“30-David to D-Team. Status,” Deacon requests.

“26-David, clear,” Street answers.

“25-David, clear,” Tan adds.

“20-David, all clear,” Hondo reports after a moment. “And I’ve got Cortez.”

“Just Cortez?” Street asks.

Street doesn’t wait for an answer before he rips his phone from his pocket and calls you. You don't answer, and Street runs toward one of the only standing entrances. As he enters the falling building, he yells your name, screams through the dust, ignores the burning in his eyes and throat, and climbs over the rubble.

“Talk to me!” he yells, feeling ready to collapse. Leaning against a pile of debris, Street yells your name once more.

Each explosion disorients you more. Between the dust, the noise, and how the closer explosions throw off your balance, you lose sight of the exterior wall and your escape. Instead, you focus on moving forward and keeping your hope of finding any door.

Someone yells in the distance, but you can’t decipher where they are. Everything is muffled, and your steps are growing slow and heavy in your oncoming lethargy.

“Street,” you whisper, reaching for your phone before remembering you dropped it while running past a falling pillar.

Your eyes flutter closed as you lean against a wall. Investigators will be inside soon, so you rest amongst the wreckage and consider simply waiting for them. Until someone yells your name, that is.

“Street?” you ask without opening your eyes. You try to imagine the voice in your head again, and the simple thought of Jim Street gives you the strength to stand. “Street!” you yell. You’re interrupted by a cough, but you call for him again and hope you aren’t imagining his presence.

“What can you see?” Street yells.

He sounds closer now, and you smile as you reply, “Dust!”

“Cute,” Street says, his voice quieter but clear.

You turn to the side, and your eyes widen when you see him. Street steps to you and pulls you against his chest, hugging you tightly. He cradles your head against his chest for a moment before he pulls back and lays a hand against your cheek to look at your face.

“Let’s get out of here,” he suggests. “You feel okay?”

You nod and agree, leaning against Street as he follows Luca’s radioed directions to a clear exit. In the light of day, you can see that you and Street are both covered in dust, but there’s no one else you’d rather have beside you for support. You like having him by your side, you realize, and you wouldn’t mind staying at his side even when you’re off-duty.

“Thank goodness,” Street sighs. “I thought I’d forgotten what you looked like without all the City Hall powder on you.”

“You stare at her enough it should be burned into your mind,” Luca teases as he waves at you. “Have a good one.”

“You too, Luca,” you call.

“You want to come over?” Street offers, pulling his backpack onto his shoulder. “I can make you dinner.”

You smile as you close your locker. “I really want to, Street. But isn’t your mom at your place right now? Don’t you need to spend time with her, before, you know?”

“Is that the only reason you’re saying no?”

“I didn’t say no,” you argue with a smile. “I don’t want to intrude, though.”

“Come with me,” Street repeats, offering his hand.

You lay your palm over his, and you know you are home. Your place has always been by Jim Street, and you’re finally seeing that.

“Go ahead,” you murmur at Street’s door. “I’ll either be here to take you to my place or I’ll come in later.”

Street nods and squeezes your fingers gently. As he enters his apartment, he sighs. “Hey,” he tells his mom.

“How was work?” she asks.

“It was good,” Street lies. You were in danger, it was terrible, but his mom has enough to deal with already. Not that he would have told her the truth anyway. “How you feeling, Mom?”

“My headache’s cleared away, so… Thank you so much for coming and getting me. Uh, thank your friend, too. You okay?”

Street doesn’t answer, his eyes straying to the door, where you’re waiting to be everything he needs and more. Not because you have to or feel some obligation or twisted sense of responsibility for him, but because you want to.

“I’m so sorry, Jimmy, that you had to see me like that,” Karen continues. “Sometimes your mom’s just pretty sick.”

The door opens, and Street doesn’t turn around because he knows it isn’t you.

“Mrs. Street,” Karen’s parole officer says, “I have to remand you back into state custody for parole violations. You missed several check-in appointments and were found under the influence or narcotics.”

“You reported me?” Karen asks Street.

“So that you can get treatment, get better,” Street explains.

“I can’t go back to jail. Jimmy, I can’t go back to prison, I can’t. After all I’ve been through and all I’ve done for you, you’re sending me back? What kind of son would do this to his mother?”

“The kind that doesn’t want you to die.”

You watch as Karen is led out of Street’s apartment. With her back to you, she never sees you, but you heard everything. The door is still open, but you knock regardless as you step into Street’s home. His eyes are on the floor until you enter, and then he looks up with sadness evident on his face. Jim Street has never been one to wear his heart on his sleeve, but with you, he’d rip it out of his chest and place it in your loving hands without second-guessing that you’d treat it better than he ever could.

“Jim,” you say softly. “I’m so sorry.”

Street gently grabs your left wrist, closing his fingers around your skin and feeling your pulse thump beneath his touch. With his other hand, he pushes the door closed. When you step closer to him, Street pulls you into his arms and drops his head to your shoulder. Carefully, you move your hands to rub between his shoulders while gently brushing through his short hair.

“You did the right thing,” you promise him. “You love her. Even if she can’t see it, you did the right thing.”

Street’s arms tighten around your waist, and you close your eyes as you hold him.

“What do you want for dinner?” Street asks against your shirt.

You chuckle at his sudden change of subject, but neither you nor Street move. The comfort, the peace, the love you feel at every point of connection you have with Street is better than anything you’ve ever felt or will ever feel in the future.

“What if we order from your favorite place?” you suggest.

“Why?” Street mumbles, his hands clutching the back of your shirt.

“Uh, because you like it.”

“No, I mean, why stay with me, be here for all of this?”

You gently push Street back to look into his eyes. With your hands on either side of his face, you smile and answer, “Because I want to be. Right here is the best place I’ve ever been.”

Street smiles, his dimples appearing beneath your thumbs at your honesty. With his hands at your side, Street leans his forehead against yours and sighs.

“I really am hungry,” he admits.

“I thought we were having a moment,” you tease, brushing your thumbs over his dimples.

As you look into Street’s eyes, you desperately want to kiss him. After everything that’s happened, you don’t want to make him uncomfortable or force him into something he isn’t ready for yet. So, you wait.

“You didn’t listen to me. When I told you to get out of City Hall… you were all I could think about and when we realized what Cinque’s crew was doing, I realized that I need you, all the time,” Street confesses.

“I thought you were hungry,” you whisper.

“You can’t have it both ways,” Street replies happily. “Unless you want it both ways, and then I’ll find a way to make it work.”

“I want you, Street,” you say. “Now and forever, I want nothing but you.”

“Even with all the drama?”

“And the trauma,” you affirm with a nod. “We all have pasts and baggage, Street.”

“Would kissing you immediately after sending my mom back to jail be weird?”

“Now that you’ve pointed it out, yes, it would.” You step back and suggest, “Dinner and then we try to find another moment?”

“Only if you’re in it,” Street answers.

[bberetd]

If you were the wedding planner of a Luiasy wedding how would you arrange it? What would the location be? What would the theme of the wedding be? And what extras would you add towards the outfits of the bride and groom?

Aaaaahhh this took me forever to get to 😭 @kelbreyworshipper I’ll be real with you, when you sent me this ask, I was walking to my chem final, and I read your prompt and I was like “ummmmm 😳”

Buuut I think it’s safe to say I had enough time to cook, plus it was a fun challenge, so I hope you enjoy this! It's pretty long, so read at your own pace hehe

@peaches2217 (hopefully this lifts your spirits <3) @vulpixfairy1985 @itsavee4117 @supergay-64 @pepperycar @silenzahra, I think you guys may also like this! And @artycomicfangirl you as well!

First of all, I’ve chosen this day in particular to post the becaaauuuseeee…

Today (or yesterday wherever you are) is/was the one-year anniversary of my very first Luaisy drawing! BOY how far we’ve come. Now without further ado…

= LUAISY WEDDING =

This wedding was months in the making. Peach and Mario self-appointed themselves (even though it was obvious from the get-go) to the maid of honor and best man, so they worked tirelessly to ensure everything was perfect and better.

Each Mario lady had an essential part to play in this wedding:

Peach Maid of honor. Her role was to find the best venue for the wedding and send out invites to the Mushroom Kingdom and the other kingdoms within Sarasaland. But Peach being Peach with her overenthusiasm for weddings, carried 95% of the wedding planning and wedding day on her back. Of course, everyone gave her her flowers in the end. Mario definitely made sure she knew she was appreciated

Daisy was a 5'11" sack of nerves for her wedding, so Peach took it in her hands to calm her down, assuring her that it was completely normal to feel that way, and had to keep reminding her of how much Luigi loved her and that he wants this as much as she does. She also reminded Daisy that she should be elated because this is her special day. Peach would know all about it. ;)

Peach ran through the wedding, had multiple (maybe more than needed) rehearsals, and coordinated the wedding dinner that Daisy and Luigi would have.

Pauline Bridesmaid, wedding designer, and performer. I headcanon Pauline to be the most fluent in fashion and designing among the Mario ladies, and it was her who Peach took sewing up. Peach invited Pauline to a lot of her and Daisy's shopping trips for wedding dresses, getting her advice on what would suit her and Luigi's taste for their wedding day.

Pauline also performed at their wedding, doing solo performances, and then concluding with her band.

Rosalina Bridesmaid and vow writer. Even though Rosa is not a woman of many words, when she does have something to say, people are listening.

Out of the ladies, she's the biggest bookworm, spending time in her observatory reading and writing when she can. This makes her an amazing poet. All her close friends find it hard to believe that she doesn't have a significant other. She has shared some of her poems with her friends, and it was a wonder how none of them fell in love with her.

But Daisy called her up (or down) to help her write her vows, and Rosa was more than happy to help. She helped her organize her thoughts and feelings for Luigi and what their relationship truly meant to her. Rosa also helped to plan, outline, revise, and maybe wrote some parts of it herself.

She oversaw all parts of the writing process, yet, when Daisy recited those words back to Luigi on their wedding day, she reacted as if it were her very first time hearing it; tears in her eyes and hands clasped together. She was so proud.

Toadette Bridesmaid and master chef. And even better... free of charge! She was cooking up a storm with the help of other Toad chefs for Daisy and Luigi's special day. The two still provided her and her crew a very generous tip (Luigi is loaded here).

=====

Mario

Best man. With Mario and Luigi, it was pretty much the same story with Peach and Daisy, except Luigi was ten times worse. It took Mario a great deal of effort and convincing Luigi to not call off the wedding, just because of the mere thought of Daisy possibly having second thoughts.

Mario did everything a typical best man would do at a wedding and more, making sure everything was in order, and not a single detail was out of place. Right before, during, and after the wedding, he used at least 3 full rolls of tissue paper.

Another thing on the performance line-up... I'm gonna go ahead and yoink @silenzahra's musician bros hc and say that Mario does a surprise performance for Luigi and Daisy. It’s a song that is a testament to his and Luigi’s bond, which obviously immediately gets Luigi choked up.

As Mario was singing and playing the guitar, it felt so wrong for Mario to be singing their song on his own, so Luigi joined him on the stage, grabbing a mic left behind from Pauline's band group and singing alongside him. Cue forehead touches, and lots of hugging, crying, and ‘I love you’s.

====

Wedding Location and Theme

I 100% believe that their wedding would take place outside. Daisy and Luigi wanted a large, open space with a nice landscape view with not too many manmade buildings. So uh, Brooklyn was out of the question, not that they minded. Daisy decided to make use of the Chai Kingdom (one of the four Kingdoms in Sarasaland) and its naturistic feel.

And then the post-wedding dinner and performances would all take place here:

(Basically, just imagine all of this but green and orange-themed lol)

As for the theme, I feel that they’d go with a fairytale-themed wedding! That, or a forest-themed wedding; green and orange are earthy colors, so I want their wedding to reflect that.

Again, yoinking @silenzahra's Luigi the bookworm hc, I’d like to think that one of the ways Luigi and Daisy grew closer was from reading together, and the National Book Days in Sarasaland. Once Daisy got more into reading, Luigi encouraged her to venture out in her castle’s library and find some genres that she liked. They both noticed that she seemed to gravitate towards stories that were more adventure-packed, as well as fairytales, mythological, and fictional stories. Daisy has a very active imagination and loves otherworldly visuals, so Luigi was more than happy to incorporate that into their wedding theme.

The bridesmaids and maid of honor are decked in golden dresses (for ya girl), and the groomsmen and best man are decked in emerald green (for ya boy). For the wedding guests’ attire… there is not a single trace of black to be found! The wedding looked like a rainbow that threw up all the colors in the visible spectrum.

====

Have some drawings of the important people! (and my wacky attempt to shade gold material)

Bridesmaids: Pauline and Rosalina

To honor Pride Month… let’s just say Rosa is looking for that special someone… right beside her ;)

Lumas

I’m adding the Lumas (plus Lumalee of course!) to be the flower children! The wedding would be decked with 75-100 lumas of all different colors and purposes. They would be the ambiance for the wedding, especially when the sun sets, and at nighttime. The wedding would still use fairy lights in case the Lumas didn't cooperate (was never an issue). But... just imagine dozens of bright moving lights with sparkles trailing behind them in the night sky.

Groomsmen, Ring Bearer, Maid of Honor and Best Man (tumblr has me on a pic limit here 😮‍💨): Wario, Waluigi, and Toad; Yoshi; Mario and Peach

Yeah, Wario and Waluigi were invited, as long as they promised to behave. And if not, Daisy and her family will set em straight… and Mario if they even dare think about ruining his baby brother’s day. The two weren’t so fond of the dress code at first, but they sucked it up. Eventually, emerald green grew on them.

Wario: I look like a leprechaun!

Waluigi: Wah! How bad can this possibly be? (Iykyk)

Also, the tie Mario is wearing was handcrafted by Luigi when they were kids. ;’)

And of course…

Bride and Groom: Daisy and Luigi

She on dem high heels 🤭

I also really wanted to draw Daisy’s dad sending her off. I absolutely LOVE @itsavee4117’s interpretation of him (aka King “Marshmallow” Cris), so I’m yoinking him here toooo~

====

Post-Wedding

Like I said earlier, plenty of food will be provided by Toadette and her crew, and there will be endless games. They would mostly be Mario Party-styled, but there would also be some sports like tennis or mini-golf. That all happens after the newlyweds have their dance and cake. Let’s just say for an itty-bitty second of time, they recreate the dance of all dances.

After all the fun has been had, the two are driven into the moonlight by Toadsworth with a “JUST HITCHED” sign on the back of his Parade Kart from MK Double Dash. They’d be transported in this very familiar fashion.

;)

====

And that’s it! Hopefully I didn’t make the wedding seem too boring or sane for them, or made anything out of character for them. I know I did a lot more than you asked for, but I had way too much fun with it lol. Wanted to do our beloveds justice to the fullest. Let me know what you guys think, and feel free to add on to it!

[magics-neptunes-things]

Is tusa mo cheann eile

Hi guys!

This a McFoord one, from a request that you can find here :)

Once again, it's just a fiction and no hate towards anyone!

And please enjoy ♥

TW: Injury

“Katie, I’m hot, sticky and I can’t even breath” Caitlin says softly smiling.

Katie groans, tightening even more her arms around Caitlin’s hips. They are tanning on a beach in Mallorca, where they are enjoying their holidays together, before going back to camp. They are having a good time honestly; the hotel is amazing and there is a lot of things to do. Even if Katie’s principal want is to tan as much as possible.

“You will have tanning marks” Caitlin smirks.

The Irish sight dramatically and roll on her back on the lounge chair they are sharing. Katie has always been cuddly with Caitlin since the beginning, bit several days before they had that stupid rumor about Katie cheating on Caitlin in front of dozens of people. The forward didn’t really understand what was happening when she received a call from her girlfriend at 8 in the morning, with that said girlfriend freaking out so much that none of her words was understandable.

With a lot of patience, she managed to unravel Katie’s sentences and understand what was going on. There are pixelized pictures of Katie in a Nightclub with some of her friends and people are saying that she kissed two of them, but she swears that it’s not true and Caitlin has to believe her because she would never do a thing like that even if she’s on the other side of the world and – that’s when Caitlin interrupted her.

She believed her and when she was facing those pictures later, she knew she made the right decision. We literally can’t see anything, apart from Katie leaning in the direction of her friends to be able to hear them correctly. Sadly, they received so many messages from everywhere that Katie needed to post a video to ask people to stop being shit.

It broke Caitlin’s heart to see that video, Katie looked so tired and done with everything and she wasn’t here to hug and comfort her. She had things to do in Australia and that’s why she stayed, while Katie needed to go back in London.

The next time they saw each other, except for multiples FaceTime, it was when Katie came to take Caitlin and her sister and her girlfriend to the airport. Jamie, Caitlin’s sister, and her girlfriend were clever enough to stop to a shop to buy something only to let Caitlin and Katie alone for a little bit.

Caitlin can’t remember if Katie already hugged her so hard, but she only understands the distress of her girlfriend when she faced her. Katie will admit to Caitlin several hours later that she was scared that Caitlin would change her mind and that she will finally not come here.

It was four days ago, and Katie seems to be way more relax, but she’s still glued to her girlfriend every single minute of the day.

The Irish finally sits to look at the sea while Caitlin was peacefully sipping her drink. They are alone today, Jamie and her girlfriend left for an excursion early in the morning.

“I think I want to learn how to surf” Katie suddenly says.

“Do you?”

“Yeah. Maybe I’ll go ask to the teachers right there” she add, pointing the said people.

“Hell to the no.”

Caitlin sits in the chair too, looking very upset with that idea, much to Katie’s misunderstanding.

“Your girlfriend is Australian my dear, do you really think I would let those clown teach you how to surf?”

Katie chuckles softly, looking at Caitlin.

“You want to teach me?”

“Of course I will. The only think you will ask those people is if they will be ok if we borrow one board and two surf wear.”

********

Later this afternoon, they are somewhere on the beach with a board and both wearing surf wears. Caitlin is teaching her the basics, stand up on the board, on the sand.

Thanks to Katie’s sporting abilities, she manages to make the right gestures in the right time pretty easily. She was already glad to have Caitlin as a teacher because she was really patient and seeing her molded into her suit is pretty amazing. Even if she’s able to see her with way less clothes.

But when Caitlin decides to correct Katie’s position on the board, Katie is even happier.

“Ok now” Caitlin says, taking her by her waist from behind. “You have to turn your body like this.”

With a smirk, Katie let her move her body likes she wants, looking at her over her shoulder. Caitlin was concentred on her task, but she feels her girlfriend’s gaze immediately.

“Don’t start” Caitlin says with a smile.

“I haven’t said anything.”

The Australian girl rolls her eyes but keeps her hands on Katie’s waist, positioning her body like she wants. She tries to keep Katie’s flirty teasing at bay at first, but she soon let it go and decide to play too. Her hands stayed on strategic but unless place, like Katie’s bum.

They ignore the potential fans around them, or the curious people watching them. Katie seems happy and that’s all matter for Caitlin right now.

“That’s the real reason why you wanted to be my instructor isn’t it?”

She smiles when she sees Caitlin’s guilty face. The girl is pretty calm and thoughtful in everyday life, but she definitively has a possessive side who comes out from time to time. Katie loves it, Caitlin never accused her of anything or never shout at her. She just makes sure that no one is looking or touching Katie in a way that is reserved for her.

“People don’t have to touch you like that” the Australian growls.

Katie smiles and kiss Caitlin’s cheek softly, taking advantage of their position, Caitlin is standing right behind her, her arms on her waist.

They manage to keep the flirting down after that to let Katie learn anything needed before going in the water. Caitlin has to admit that her girlfriend isn’t bad. She managed to stay on her board for several seconds when they tried to go in the water for the first time.

“You were definitely Australian in another life Katikat” Caitlin shouts just before her girlfriend falls on the water, splashing water around.

********

Several weeks after, they were back in national camps. For an unknown reason, Australia decided to attend a game against Ireland just before the Olympics, a game to try some combinations and things for real. A game is always different from training, everyone knows that.

Of course, the fans went crazy and looked forwards to see another complicated moment between Katie, Caitlin and Ruesha. Katie managed to avoid Ruesha as much as possible during training, even if it means that she can’t be as much as she wanted with some of their teammates. But the McFoord couple didn’t talk about this reunion, deciding to just ignore it.

Last time Ireland and Australia played against each other, Caitlin and Katie weren’t out for the rest of the world, even if Ruesha behavior kind of out them. Now though, they don’t hide anymore even posting pictures of themselves during their holidays or free time. They both appear in each other photo dump, but they are always together so it would be hard making thing in another way.

And some paparazzi and fans catch them during Katie’s surfing attempt during their holidays.

Even Katie’s mom started to post pictures of Katie and Caitlin on her Facebook page. Which always amused Katie so much because her mom is the caricature of people about her age and social media.

“How are you feeling?” Mackenzie asks Caitlin the day of the game.

“Fine” Caitlin shrugs, leaning against the wall of her cubby.

“Fine to fight against your girlfriend and her ex-fiancée?” Macca smirks.

“I’m not afraid of her” Caitlin answers honestly. “She can bark all that she wants, it won’t change things. And for Katie, we talked about it. We will fight for our teams, not against each other.”

“You are wise women”

Caitlin rolls her eyes with a smile. She knows that Mackenzie doesn’t want to be mean and that she’s just checking on her. Which Caitlin appreciates really much, even if people say that she’s thirdweeling Alanna and Mackenzie’s friendship, they both care for her.

“Just scores and I’ll take care of the rest” the goalkeeper says, before pinching her cheek.

Caitlin slaps Mackenzie’s hand playfully. It was a friendly game without any important issue. They were using their Olympic team though, wanting to have time to make some adjustments.

Ireland wasn’t already here when the Matildas came to line up before entering on the field. Caitlin distracts herself by remembering the last recommendation of her coach, moving softly to stretch and keep her muscles warm. She was still doing it when she hears a bunch of conversations full of Irish accent and she instinctively turns herself to them.

Katie smirks at her when she passes next to her and Caitlin smiles back. Being in camp means not to be able to see her girlfriend during long days, but at least they were on the same time schedule this time. Australia is training in Greece this time. They don’t say anything to each other, but Caitlin can’t help but look at Katie’s silhouette in front of her several times.

She completely ignores Ruesha, even if she feels like she can feel her eyes burning her head from behind. She chooses not to put the most interest on this information.

She hasn’t thought about shake Ruesha hand or not but decides to go for fist bump with everyone. She smiles at Katie’s teammates she knows better than the other and when Ruesha ignore her fist, she just bumps her arm. Alanna saw it and teases Caitlin about it when they go in their part of the field.

“She’s resentful” the blonde comments.

“I don’t care. I know I have done nothing wrong about the whole situation” Caitlin shrugs. “Her not being ok with it won’t change the fact that Katie moved on from her”

“Cheeky.”

The Arsenal’s girl rolls her eyes with a smile, before being called for the picture. Katie and Caitlin exchanged a last smile before switching in full game mode.

The game went pretty great for Australia, they are winning from one goal, but the different issues have been working in for the second part. The first goal was scored by Mary with an assist from Caitlin, taking advantage of Ruesha.

She can’t help but smile during a freekick, when she feels Katie’s presence behind her. It reminds her about the scene from the World Cup.

“Keep your hands for yourself, Captain” Caitlin teases while Steph was getting ready to shoot.

“You’re hot. Can I have your jersey, your number and your body after the game?”

Caitlin laughs softly. She can hear Katie’s smirk in her voice, she doesn’t even have need to turn to know it. Katie’s lame flirting always makes her cry laughing, but she needs to stay focused for now. She knows that it’s a teasing tentative from Katie to distract her.

They don’t score from the corner, but around the seventy minutes, Caitlin is running almost alone to faced the goalkeeper, after receiving a great ball from Kyra. She just have to pass the goalkeeper, which she does easily. It made 2-0 for them and she smiles at her teammates when they come to congratulate her.

“Ruesha is getting pissed” Mini comments.

Caitlin throws a look at her. Mini is right, but it’s not her business, right? It’s the second time that Caitlin passes her pretty easily, the first time she managed to assist Mary’s goal. Katie seems pretty gutted too, but not as angry as Ruesha.

The Australian’s girl keep focused on the game though, playing and wanting to test every things they tried during the training sessions. The Olympics were really important for each girls in the team.

Almost five minutes later, almost the same scenario is happening. Caitlin’s running to catch a long ball from Michelle this time with only Ruesha covering her. She’s faster than her, Caitlin knows it.

The next actions went pretty quick, she was running a second before being tackle from behind, Ruesha’s studs trapping her ankle between them and the ground. The pain is so strong that she can’t even shout, only able to grab her ankle tightly and hide her face on the grass.

She’s not aware of what was happening above her, Alanna grabbing Ruesha by the collar of her jersey to push her as far as possible from Caitlin, nor Mini and Hayley screaming at her, passing in full protective mode.

Steph is kneeling next to her, her hand on her back, saying things to her that she doesn’t really understand. Caitlin’s scared. Her ankle hurts like hell and the Olympics are in only several weeks. She groans when she feels someone touching her feet and slap their hand away. Kyra chuckles makes her come back a little on earth.

“Let the medical team look at it, Girl” Kyra comments.

Caitlin rolls on her back, trying to keep her breath steady. She hides her face in her arm, letting the nurse working on her feet.

“Should I let Katie kill Ruesha or are you against the idea of going to meet her in jail with oranges?”

Steph’s voice is calm, but there is a hint of amusement behind it. Caitlin turns her face in the field’s direction, just to see her girlfriend roasting Ruesha. Their others teammates look to scared to intervene.

“She doesn’t like oranges” Caitlin mumbles.

“Mh. I’ll go then.”

Steph gets up and Caitlin sights, closing her eyes again. She wishes Katie could come to her, but she feels a little stupid about it too. She feels like a kid wanting her mum when she’s hurt to bring her comfort. Kyra’s arm stroking is nice, but she’s not Katie.

“Can you look at her feet out of the pitch?”

The referee came after several minutes while Caitlin’s foot is now outside of her socks and boot.

“I’m almost finished” the nurse answers, before looking up when the referee left. “Your girlfriend is looking at me with some intensity” she adds.

Caitlin turns herself this time, searching Katie. She’s closer than she thought, standing only two meters away from them.

“She’s worried” Caitlin mumble, wincing when the nurse turns her foot in an uncomfortable position.

“Right. I don’t think there is something broken but it would been better for you to get sub of.”

Caitlin sighs and nod. It was a friendly after all and she already scored during the game. She gets up with the nurse’s help, trying to put some weight on her foot. After having hesitate for longs minutes Katie finally decides to come for her.

“You alright?” she asks quietly, escorting Caitlin out of the pitch.

“I will be.”

They share a look and Katie nods, sighing softly before going back in her place in the pitch. Caitlin goes sit on the bench to watch the end of the game and when she comes back on the pitch, she’s with crutches.

Katie goes straight for her, congratulating opponents and teammates on her way, but her eyes are on Caitlin every second of her journey. She passes a protective arm around Caitlin’s waist when she finally reach her. Katie searches for Caitlin’s eyes, scared to find some anger towards her.

“Hi” Caitlin just says, and Katie’s eyes automatically goes for her ankle.

“What did the doctor say?”

“Nothing is broken. It’s probably sprain, I have to get some scans in the morning.”

Katie nods and they are soon joined by Steph and Kyra, their teammates at Arsenal. If they were alone, Katie would most certainly have wrapped Caitlin in a protective embrace, but they aren’t. Other people came to join the small group that they formed, and all this little people talk happily.

“Katie” calls suddenly Caitlin.

The Irish woman look away from the conversation she wasn’t listening at all to put her attention on her girlfriend. Caitlin’s blue eyes are looking straight at her, and the exchange last several seconds before Caitlin talks again.

“Come on, we need to talk.”

Katie feels her stomach dropping somewhere in her feet, but still nod and follow quietly Caitlin. The Tilie takes her in the tunnel to go to the locker room, Caitlin walking slowly because of her crutches.

But, unlike what Katie was expecting, Caitlin doesn’t start the conversation with hard words. She’s in fact so surprise about the hug Caitlin gives her that she needs several seconds to pass her arms around Caitlin’s frame in return. The Australian is holding her tight, her face in her neck and the Irish is a little lost.

“I’m not mad at you” she finally whispers.

Her breath makes Katie shivers and when she looks at her again, Caitlin can see how much relieved Katie is.

“It’s not your fault. I don’t even know if Ruesha did it deliberately.”

Katie shrugs, not knowing it either. She can’t say that if her ex lost her mind at some point, if she meant it or if it was bad luck.

“I can look for the answer if you want to” Katie frowns.

“Nah. If I have the right to be possessive a little bit, I would rather you being as far as possible from her.”

“You have all the rights you want”

Katie has the time to see Caitlin’s smirk, before she passes her arms around her neck to kiss her.

“I missed you” the Aussie whispers against Katie’s lips.

“I missed you too”

They know they won’t be able to be at home together soon again, Caitlin needs to go to Paris for the Olympics. But right now, they are together and that’s what is the most important.

“Do you think I could come tomorrow for the scan?”

“I don’t see why you couldn’t” Caitlin shrugs. “Don’t you have training or team meeting?”

“No, we are free until Monday”

“Just like me” Caitlin smirks “Can I maybe sneak in your hotel room tonight?”

Katie makes a slight grimace, making Caitlin arch an eyebrow, until Katie talks again.

“Maybe it’s better if I am the one sneaking in, don’t you think?”

There is a beam of silence, before Caitlin smiles softly.

“Yeah, you might be right here.”

They hope not to be caught, but if that’s happen it’s probably better if it’s by someone like Sam Kerr or even Kyra than Ruesha. The girl left the pitch as soon as the game was finished, not wanting to talk to anyone. She received a yellow card for her tackle on Caitln, depriving her to play the next game.

They didn’t have to face her, even when Katie hurry to go take her shower to be able to go back to her girlfriend as soon as possible.

She will be able to go to the scan with Caitlin, where they learn that the Aussie will be able to start playing in two weeks again. A miracle in Caitlin’s opinion. But at least she will be able to see Katie wearing her jersey during every game and she doesn’t think that already she find her so attractive.

[riahlynn101]

"Pancake Date."

With all the angst, I needed a little bit of a breather. So, here's a fluffy one-shot with pre-established Schmelly (Mike x Vanessa).

--

“It’s your birthday?” Vanessa asks, frowning. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

They sit across from one another at the tiny table in the security office. It had been a quiet night so far - the animatronics keeping to the main lobby and the stage. So, the threat of death-on a one to ten scale (with one being they are under no threat of death, and ten being, if they sneeze, they die)-is currently about a five, maybe six. 

Mike crosses his arms, half-asleep. Or at the very least, he looks half-asleep. The dark bags under his eyes only ever seem to get darker as time goes on. It never ceases to amaze Vanessa how he can fall asleep at the drop of a hat. The fact that she (continually) warns him about this place doesn’t seem to bother his sleeping habits. 

“Because it’s not important.” He shifts in the office chair. “Besides, it’s two in the morning. What can I possibly do in the morning?”

“Dunno….oh!” Vanessa's face lights up. “I can sing you the Fazbear birthday song.”

Mike shrinks down. “Please, god, no.” Quickly he adds, “though, I’m sure you have a great singing voice.”

“Oh, come on, don’t you want to hear the famous Fazbear birthday song?” 

Mike sends her an annoyed look (though, knowing him, maybe that’s just his natural resting face).

“Hm….can I at least take you out for breakfast?”

He frowns. “I have to be home by 8:30. I promised Max I would be home by then, and she already thinks I’m unreliable.”

It breaks Vanessa’s heart that-no matter how hard he tries-in the eyes of Mike’s (very limited) support system, his efforts will never be good enough. It shouldn’t be all on his shoulders, but it is. And she knows, without a doubt, Mike will do whatever he has to, to keep his little sister from being taken away. 

“She could come with us,” Vanessa offers. Over the time she’s known Mike (which, to be fair, hasn’t been very long) Abby has become something like a little sister to her. So, it feels less like she’s ‘tagging along’ and more like a ‘no-duh’ decision. 

“I can’t afford to go out right now. Money is really tight.” He looks almost….sad? Regretful? But probably not for himself. Mike is someone that has long since given up on caring. Caring for himself, but not caring for his sister. A realization sets in. He’s sad, because he knows Abby would enjoy going out to eat, and he can’t give that to her. 

Vanessa gives him a gentle smile. Without thinking, she says, “I’ll pay for both of you. Think of it as a birthday present.” 

Mike chews his bottom lip, considering her words. “Okay,” he says, after a solid minute of thinking. 

“Great,” she says, a pleased smile forming on her face. “I know just the place.”

-x-x-x-

After swinging over to his house to pick-up Abby, Mike meets her at the restaurant. A little diner smooshed between a used bookstore and a tire repair shop. The sign is faded with age and the windows are covered in dust. Vanessa’s almost impressed it’s still open.

They find a seat in a booth towards the back of the diner. Abby sits near the window, and Mike slides in next to her. Vanessa sits across from them, a little jittery from the copious amounts of coffee she drank last night.

“My mom used to bring me and my brother here all the time. They have the best pancakes.” She can still taste the delight concoctions her and her brother would order into their pancakes. The waitress and cooks must have thought they were insane. 

Abby’s eyes light up. “Pancakes?” She asks. “Can I get whip cream and sprinkles?”

“Abby,” Mike starts, “we can’t ask-”

Vanessa interrupts him. “Of course you can. Do you want chocolate milk with it?”

Abby nods, smiling big. “Yes, please.”

Mike mouths, “thank you.”

Again, Vanessa’s heart breaks for the two people across from her. So, she mouths back, “don’t mention it.”

-x-x-x-

The food is just as good as she remembers it. Thankfully, for once, childhood nostalgia hadn’t steered her wrong.

“Thank you, Vanessa,” Mike says.

“Yeah, thanks, Vanessa,” Abby tells her, hugging Vanessa. “The food was really good.” She looks back at her brother. “And I think you made my brother happy. He really likes you.”

Mike claps. “O-kay, time to go.” 

“I think you guys should get married- hey!” 

Mike pulls her to the car. “Kids say the darndest things, don’t they?” He laughs, but there is undeniably panic in his eyes. “Thanks again, I’ll see you tomorrow night.” 

Abby waves at her, a mischievous smile on her face. 

Vanessa waves back, watching them leave. 

An excited, almost giddy feeling wells up in her chest. She walks to her car, the caffeine high she’s been on since eleven last night has started to lessen, but Vanessa hardly notices. Her heart continues to beat fast, and it’s hard to see her face in any of the mirrors at this angle, but she’s confident it’s bright red. 

On the way home, all she can think is:

he likes me. 

And maybe that’s childish of her, to dwell on that thought. It’s just a stupid crush, but for some reason, she can’t stop thinking about it. Vanessa is a fairly logical person. Outside of ghosts in an abandoned pizzeria, she holds herself to a certain standard of intelligence.

But maybe, for once, it would be okay to have this one little thing. Even if Mike doesn’t actually like her, it wouldn’t hurt to hold that feeling close to her chest. He’ll be gone or dead within the week. 

Her heart clenches painfully, at the thought of Mike being dead. The thought of him being beyond her reach, just like her brother, makes Vanessa want to scream at the top of her lungs. She wants him to stay with her, for as long as possible. 

Which means, she can’t let him win. Contract or not, Vanessa will save Mike. 

Even if it costs Vanessa her life.

[vodika-vibes]

Undersea/Merfolk AU with the Bad Batch please! Can be romantic or platonic.

Stand By You

Summary: You spent your whole life living in the Royal Orphanage of Atlantis. According to the Matron, you were found on the front steps when you were hours old, and no one ever showed any interest in adopting you. You’ve since aged out of the system, luckily, you made some pretty solid friends. Unluckily, you’ve also landed squarely in the crosshairs of a Sea Wizard.

Pairing: platonic TBB x F!Reader, hinted Crosshair x F!Reader

Word Count: 2792

Prompt: Merfolk AU

Warnings: reader is attacked

Tagging: @trixie2023 @n0vqni @imabeautifulbutterfly

A/N: So, I wasn't sure, at first, where I was going with this, and then I had an idea. And then I had to change the idea halfway through because it was edging into Little Mermaid territory. Anyway! I hope you like it~

“I’m telling you,” You say with a roll of your eyes as you flip so that you can look at Tech while swimming backward, “I am a very poor fit for the Atlantis military.”

“You have not even tried,” Tech points out as he adjusts his glasses, then swiftly grabs your wrist to keep you from swimming into a statue, “You can not continue living in a cave outside of the city.”

A petulant pout forms on your lips, “Watch me.”

He sighs as he carefully tugs you so you’re swimming next to him, “Why are you being so stubborn about this?”

You glare at him and flick your fingers towards your tail. Your very mammalian tail. Unlike the other merpeople of Atlantis, your tail looks more like a seal than a fish.

Tech glances at your tail, and then at you, “No one cares that your tail looks different.”

“Correction, you don’t care that my tail looks different. Everyone else cares a lot.” You fold your arms, “Just because they don’t say it around you, doesn’t mean they don’t say it.”

“Well, that is a good reason for you to get a military job,” Tech tries, “Make people see you differently.”

“It’s like you’re being deliberately obtuse, Tech. Why aren’t you listening to me?”

“I am listening to you!” Tech stops and grabs your shoulders, “You are not listening to me. It is not safe for you to live outside the city. Do you know what it would do to us if something happened because we were not there to protect you?”

You sigh and lightly wrap your hands around his wrists, “Tech. I know you’re only being like this because you care—”

“Because you are family,” Tech says.

“But you’re making me feel like you don’t actually care about what I’m saying.”

He closes his eyes, and drops his hands, “That…is not my intention. I am sorry, vod.”

“I forgive you.”

You fall into a comfortable silence, and then Tech bumps your shoulder with his, “I would feel more comfortable if you moved behind the walls.” He says, “But I understand why you might not want to do that.”

“It’s not like I want to live in a cave like a sea witch, Tech. No one will hire me. And, without any money, I’m kind of stuck.” He opens his mouth to say something, but you cut him off with a press of your finger against his lips, “And don’t even think of saying that I can move into your barracks. There’s barely enough room for the four of you.”

Tech sighs, “I do not like that you are right about that.”

You grin at him, “Relax. I’ve been living in that cave for years now, and nothing bad has happened.”

“Yet. Nothing bad has happened yet.” Tech corrects.

“Well, maybe I’ll be lucky.” You shrug, as if you’re unbothered, “Anyway, thanks for coming shopping with me.” You add as you lift your netted bag.

“You are welcome. Are you heading home?”

“That’s the plan. Tell the others that they can come and visit whenever,” You say as you back away from him, “And be careful at work, all of you.”

“You do not have to worry about us.”

“Truth, I’m going to do it anyway.” You quickly dart in and press your lips against his cheek, “I’ll see you later, Tech.”

“I will tell the others that you say hi,” Tech replies.

You toss him one more grin, and then turn to swim down the path that will take you out of Atlantis proper, splitting from Tech, who continues straight to the military barracks. 

Your home is near the kelp forest, several miles away from the solid walls that mark the city of Atlantis. The location tends to work in your favor, seeing as there’s a lot of food in the kelp forest that you can gather, or catch, without having to pay for it.

On the other hand, your neighbors aren’t the best.

One of your neighbors, a Cecaelia sea wizard, who goes by the name Verdant, has been trying to coax you into his employ for the better part of the last two years.

He’s nice enough, you suppose. He understands what it is to be seen as not normal in Atlantis and has always been your biggest supporter when it comes to helping you advocate for yourself.

Still, you have no intention of working for him. 

You have the feeling that working for him would put you in opposition with your closest friends, and you’d sooner cut off your arms than allow that to happen.

You slow as you approach your home, a single brow arching when you see Verdant, and his two most loyal retainers, in front of your cave. “Something you need, gentlemen?” You ask as you swim over to them. 

“Ah, my dear,” Verdant beams at you as he swims over to you, “I was wondering where you were.”

“In Atlantis,” You reply, “They get deliveries of surface fruit this time of year, and it’s something that I enjoy when I can.”

Verdant’s grin seems to widen, “How wonderful! Tell me, my dear,”

There’s something about the way that he’s grinning that makes your skin crawl, and you begin to regret not taking Tech up on his offer to crash with him and his brothers for the night. 

One of Verdant’s cronies moves so that he’s almost circling you, ushering you closer to Verdant, “Tell me, you’re friends with several members of the Atlantis Military.”

“We grew up in the Orphanage together,” You reply, it’s not an answer, not really, and judging by how his smile fades, he agrees.

Roughly, Verdant grabs your chin, “I want you to convince your friends to look the other way while we enter the city.”

“No.” The answer falls from you almost without your permission. 

“No?”

“No. I’m not going to help you. Let me go.” You try to jerk your head out of his grip, but he just tightens his hold on you, until it’s painful.

“I have been exceedingly patient with you, child. You have to help me.”

“I don’t have to do anything.” You counter, “Can’t we go back to just being neighbors who sometimes say hi to each other?”

“No.” Verdant releases you and you try to back away, only for the twins to latch onto you, holding you still. “If you won’t work with me, then I suppose you’ll just have to suffer.”

“What do you—?” You’re cut off when you feel a sharp pain in your lower abdomen.

“I am a variant of the Blue Ringed Octopus, little one. Your death is going to be very slow and very painful.” He lightly pats your cheek as your vision starts going grey at the edges, “Assuming you don’t bleed to death first, of course. Release her. We have places to be.”

The arms holding you still vanish, and you sink to the ground.

They swim away while you struggle to cling to consciousness. Whatever they did to you, you can’t seem to move your tail, wherever you try, it sends shockwaves of pain through your whole body.

The next thing you’re acutely aware of is a cry of your name. 

Omega leans over you, her hands pressing firmly against the wound on your abdomen, “—ld on, just hold on! Help is coming!”

What a shame.

The last thing you would have ever wanted was for Omega to find your body. The only thing worse would be dying in her arms.

Shame that it isn’t your choice anymore.

You sink into darkness with Omega’s increasingly panicked cries of your name ringing in your ears.

The waiting room in the Atlantis Military Hospital is silent save for the muffled sobs of Omega as she buries her face in Wrecker’s side.

And while Hunter would usually love the fact that it’s not loud, after six hours of waiting for some news, any news, the silence is beginning to be deafening. 

He drums his fingers against his side for a moment and then swims over to the window, just for something to do, while he tries to stop thinking about what she looked like when they found her.

He wants to forget the blood and how unnaturally still she was.

Hunter wants to be angry that Omega was the one who found her, he wants to rage at her, and tell her that if she just listened to them, this wouldn’t have happened.

But after 6 hours, his rage has been totally extinguished. Replaced with an icy terror.

What is he going to do if she dies?

How is he supposed to keep their family going if she dies?

Hunter flickers his gaze around the room. Omega isn’t crying anymore, though it looks like she’s cried herself to sleep while cuddled against Wrecker. She still has blood on her hands and shirt and streaked down her tail.

Hunter should have helped her get cleaned up, why didn’t he help her get cleaned up?

Wrecker is tense, his hands curling into fists, and then relaxing, before curling back into fists. This has to be torment for him, the sitting and the waiting. He seems pretty calm, all things considered though. Probably because Omega is right there.

Hunter wants to say something to him, to reassure him that she’ll be alright, that she’s stronger that people give her credit for. But, in truth, he doesn’t believe it himself.

So he keeps his mouth shut and flickers his gaze over to Tech.

Tech is sitting closest to the doors that lead to surgery. He’s flipping through a book, very quickly, and a glance at the titles makes Hunter shake his head. They’re books on medicine, surgery, and poisons. Of course, Tech is dealing with the situation in the only way he can. His hands are shaking, though.

Makes sense, Tech was the last person to see her before she was injured. He’s probably blaming himself. No one else here blames him, of course, but Tech has always been his own worst critic. Hunter will have to keep an eye on that, and maybe call Phee if he starts to spiral too badly.

Finally, Hunter turns his attention to Crosshair. Crosshair is folded into a chair, his head in his hands.

Right. Crosshair has always been closest to her. She’s always been very good at handling his mood swings, even when they were kids, and Hunter’s pretty sure that Crosshair’s feelings towards her have long since stopped being simply platonic. 

Not that he’d ever admit it, even to himself.

“You’re staring, Hunter.” Crosshair says quietly.

“Just making sure you’re alright.”

“I’m not the one that was nearly murdered. I’m fine.”

“She’s going to be fine.”

Crosshair releases a bitter laugh, “You don’t even believe that yourself.”

Hunter doesn’t say anything for a moment and then turns to face Crosshair fully. He opens his mouth to say something, only to pause when the door to the surgical suite opens, and the Doctor enters the room.

He looks exhausted, but pleased with himself. 

The Doctor’s gaze sweeps the room, and he nods once, “Her injuries are severe, but I’ve managed to repair the worst of the damage, and she has been given the first of three doses of anti-toxin. We won’t know the extent of the damage until she wakes up, but assuming nothing goes wrong over the next couple of days, she’s going to be just fine.”

The tight string of tension that had been running through all of the brothers snaps at the doctor's words as they slump in relief. “Is she allowed visitors?” Hunter asks.

“Not just yet. Give us some time to get her settled in the observation ward, and then you can visit her.”

“Thank you, Doctor,” Tech says as he straightens, “This is very good news.”

The Doctor smiles at them and then turns and leaves the room.

No one moves for a moment, and then Omega lets out a delighted noise and she twirls, “She’s going to be okay!”

“So it seems,” Hunter agrees, a relieved smile on his face.

Slowly, you open your eyes, feeling like you’ve been asleep for far, far too long. You feel warm and comfortable, and it takes you a moment to completely push the sleep away to figure out where you are. 

There’s a quiet beeping noise coming from nearby, and you roll your head to see what is making that noise, momentarily confused when you see a heart monitor next to your bed.

You slowly sit up, the blanket tumbling from your chest to settle at your waist, and you absently tug on the sleeve of the shirt you’re wearing. It looks, and feels, like the soft material used in hospitals. 

And then you remember. Verdant. His Cronies. The stabbing.

You lift the hem of your shirt and peer down at your stomach. There’s a massive wound, running from just over your hip, across your stomach, and stopping just under the breast at the opposite side.

You touch the injury, and aside from some faint pain, it doesn’t hurt.

You must be on some good painkillers.

It’s about that time when you realize that you can’t feel your tail. For a moment you think that Verdant cut your tail off to punish you, though as you move the blanket, you can see your tail is still there. 

White and dark grey with black spots.

The same tail you were born with. The same tail that had you treated as an outsider. 

You stare at your tail as you try to move it. To twitch your flipper, or anything.

But nothing happens.

The door to your room opens, and you turn to stare at the Doctor. He looks surprised to see you awake, but then he smiles, “How are you feelin—?”

“I can’t feel my tail.” You interrupt.

His smile vanishes.

The next couple of hours fly by. Tests and more tests, and long conversations with dozens of different doctors, and they all say the same thing.

The attack that nearly killed you permanently damaged your spinal cord. You’re likely never going to be able to move your tail ever again. And then they leave you on your own, with little more than an appointment with a therapist to help you learn to live with your new circumstances.

And so, you’re not in the best mood when your family arrives to visit you. 

Though, Omega flinging herself into your arms, wrapping her arms tightly around your neck, and burying her face in your hair is almost enough to make you smile again. 

“How are you feeling?” Crosshair asks, as he moves to the other side of the bed, his sharp gaze flickering across you as if searching for any injuries the doctor might have missed.

“I’m…okay, all things considered.”

“Just okay?” Tech asks.

You frown slightly, “I’m going to be in the hospital for a bit longer.” And then you hesitate.

“What’s wrong?” That’s Wrecker, from the doorway. The room isn’t really big enough for everyone.

“Um…well,” You pause, “The attack left some lingering damage.”

Hunter lightly takes your hand in his, “Tell us.”

“I’m paralyzed,” You clench your jaw, to keep yourself from crying. You’re still alive, there’s no reason to be upset. “I can’t swim anymore.” Hunter’s grip on your hand tightens, “The doctors are working on coming up with a way for me to still be independent, but—”

You start when Crosshair lays his cheek against the top of your head, “We’ll help.”

“As much as we can.” Wrecker agrees.

“If we pool our money,” Tech says, “We can afford a place outside the barracks for all of us to live. I will work up a budget.”

“You don’t have to do this.”

“Don’t be silly,” Omega says stubbornly, “We’re family, this is what family does.”

Some of the anxiety fades away, and you flash the smallest smile towards all of them, “Thank you.”

“You don’t have to thank us,” Hunter says, “We’re not doing anything that you wouldn’t do for us.” He flashes a small smile, “We take care of each other.”

“You are going to have to talk to Marshal Commander Cody about the attack,” Crosshair says, “Everyone is very interested in knowing who attacked you so close to Atlantis.”

You nod at him, “I know. I’ll tell him everything he wants to know.”

Two weeks later, you’re released from the hospital with your new mobility harness strapped around you. You’re going to need help for a while, while you adapt to it, but you’re not too worried.

You have a pretty solid support system, after all.

And they’ll never let you get hurt.

[strangersatellites]

AU where steve and robin own a bookstore+coffeehouse and it becomes their pride and joy.

steve knows everything about every book and loves to give customers recommendations. robin has taken to being a barista like she was born to do it. dreaming up new flavors of cold foam when she sleeps.

it’s in the fall that they get a new neighbor in the form of a record store.

robin is so excited she can hardly contain herself, has it’s grand opening added to the shop calendar as soon as she hears.

when the big day finally rolls around the music is loud, the line is long, and the complimentary drinks are flowing. by the time steve and robin make it over, they don’t get the chance to meet the owners because everything is just so busy.

they retreat back to the bookstore and try to accommodate their own guests and regulars despite the thumping bass from next door. steve gives them some slack, opening day parties are always a big ordeal.

but the loud music doesn’t stop the next day.

or the next day. or the next.

by the end of the second week, steve is watching himself turn into a crotchety old man in real time. he’s had enough of trying to pick a coffeehouse playlist that will hopefully drown out the noise from the record store. it never does.

he marches over as soon as it starts up one day, fully intent on making a scene if he has to when he spots a tall, lanky guy behind the counter. pretty. add pretty in there too.

he’s got his hair pulled back in a clip and a t-shirt for a band steve doesn’t recognize pulled across his broad shoulders.

the guy throws a hand up and waves at steve where he’s frozen in the door. says “hey man welcome in. let me know if i can help you with anything!”

he’s momentarily stunned until the next song picks back up and he can physically feel the floor vibrate under his feet.

he stomps up the counter and slaps his palms against it. jolts the guy to attention with wide, worried eyes.

“dude. could your music be any louder? you know you’re next door to a bookstore right? you know. the quiet place where people go to relax and read?” he gestures with a flurry of his hands.

pretty boy actually looks embarrassed for a second before he reaches over to a screen and decreases the volume.

he wears a sheepish smile when he crosses his arms over his chest.

“sorry dude. my co-owner chrissy had a pretty bad accident a few years back and lost a good bit of her hearing. i keep it up pretty loud so she can hear it. i’ll bring it down some though. sorry it’s been bothering you.”

and oh. steve was not expecting him to have an excuse. especially not a good one.

now he feels bad.

“it’s really okay. i’m sorry i came in a little dramatic. my co-owner robin and i have just worked really hard the past few years to curate our space and i guess i just got thrown off.” he shrugs. “it’s cool though. this is your store as much as the next one is mine, so.”

the guy smiles big and bright and man he really is pretty. steve’s eyes flit down to a name tag that reads “eddie.”

“maybe just bring the noise down a smidge though?” he smiles when he says it so eddie knows he isn’t mad.

he nods and steve hears a clatter come from the back. eddie laughs and hangs his head. “i should probably go check on her. she hid in the back when she saw you on the sidewalk so i couldn’t chicken out of talking to you.”

steve’s jaw drops at the implication and he has to take a second to reorganize his thoughts.

“i- what?”

eddie brings a hand up to the back of his neck in a nervous gesture and his cheeks flush the faintest pink.

“i may or may not have been unable to shut up about the pretty boy next door since our grand opening party.”

steve laughs this time, loud and happy.

“i didn’t even see you!”

“oh well i saw you. chris has been on my case to walk over for days so when she saw her opportunity today she took it.”

steve’s head tilts to the side and he has a playful smile on his face when he says “weren’t you supposed to be checking on her?”

eddie spins around so fast he nearly sends a cup of pens clattering to the ground.”

“shit! i-“

“don’t hurt yourself, rockstar. i’ll see you around eddie.”

eddie’s head swings back around and his face is scrunched up in confusion until steve points at his name tag.

“ah. right. well, i’ll see you around too…”

“steve.”

this time when steve walks through the door it’s quiet enough he can hear the bell jingle above it.

au august day 12: book store

[gingernut1314]

Oh my god. Four words. Jealous Polnareff one-shot.

Imagining you and Pol (before part 3) are out shopping or maybe at a celebration. Then Polnareff needs to go try on clothes (if shopping) or grab drinks (if at a celebration); and for whatever reason, you refuse to come with him because you insist on needing to watch over your guy’s cart or bags. After some whining Pol will eventually go and retrieve what he needs to, promising to be back soon. While he’s out, you may or may not run into someone and start talking. This person could be a friend or a family member, but Polnareff being Polnareff started jumping to conclusions. Later, he pulls you away being dramatic and pouting.

This could either turn fluffy as you comfort him or maybe even nsfw if Pol wants to show you that you’re his and he’s yours.

Jealous

Polnareff x GN!Reader

Summary: After Polnareff returns from getting you both more refreshments, he finds you kissing the cheeks of another man.

Warnings: jealous polnareff, takes place before JJBA part 3, french and Italian pet names, Italian reader

Word Count: 1.5K

Song: Jealous Spotify | Youtube

A/N: I got three words for you: Eating this up. Jealous Polnareff?? YES PLEASE!!!! Jealous Polnareff at a celebration and getting Jealous over a family member?? CACKLING ITS SO GOOD!!!!!! Also.......i am so sorry this took so long, it's been a struggle out here 💀 I hope you enjoy!!! I didn't add any spice cause I'm not really motivated to write for that right now buuuut when I do in the future I will keep this request in mind and give you a little part 2!!!!!

Taglist: @cinnbar-bun @lostfirefly

↞ to Jjba Masterlist | Request Rules | Blog Navigation ↠

The streets of Naples, Italy were packed with people waiting to watch the fireworks bloom across the sky as soon as the sun fell away. It was a festival you had grown up as a kid loving and one you had wished to come back home for to show your partner, Polnareff. 

He had been more than excited to come, wishing to know more of you and your home. Though, he had not been all that excited when you had posed the idea of him going to grab you two some more drinks and snacks before the sun disappeared. 

“And leave you here on your own? No. We can go together.” He had insisted, taking your hand in his with a gentle squeeze. 

“But we will lose our spot and I’m telling you this is the only spot you want.” You said, gesturing towards the spot you had elbowed and argued with to get. A spot that overlooked the blue waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea and was high enough that one could all but touch the fireworks as they shot off from the boats below. “You’ll be gone for only two minutes. I’ll be okay.” 

Polnareff had hesitated for a moment longer. A hesitation you eased with a gentle grab of the back of his neck to pull him down so that you could place a sweet kiss to his lips. So that you could murmur loving words against them that had him folding to your whims with a grumbling fine before heading off. 

You watched him go with a pleased smile before a man knocking into your shoulder, turning your attention back to your very important job of keeping your spot. 

Polnareff grumbled when he was met with long line after long line, the sun setting lower and lower the longer he stood. At this rate, it would be dark before he made it back to you…but you had wanted this so he was going to make sure you had all the snacks and drinks you could need. His main goal was to make you happy, and he would be damned if he wouldn’t make you the happiest person alive. 

Seeing you happy made him hap--

Polnareff froze when he finally spotted you after what felt like hours of being away. Spotted you placing a soft kiss to the cheek of another man. 

It wasn’t an uncommon practice. As a Frenchman, Polnareff was sure to greet those he knew and loved with la bise. A simple kiss to either cheek starting from the left and going to the right. And he knew you were accustomed to doing them as well, seeing as you were born and raised in Italy where such kisses were very common. 

But something about how you looked up at this man. How you held his upper arm oh so gently. 

No…no he was just being jealous. Looking too much into the situation and--

You moved to place yet another kiss to this man's cheeks.

Polnareff knew thanks to you that the number of kisses meant something. That one was reserved for quick hellos and goodbyes. For friends and acquaintances you might not be the closest to. For strangers and yet here you were--placing a second kiss.

So you knew him well. A friend you might have known from childhood or--

A third kiss. 

You were gifting this man a third kiss. 

Very close.

You were very close to this man. 

Maybe--maybe a past lover? 

It had to be. Who else would you grace your glorious affections to? 

Yet, just as Polnareff went to storm over there and demand answers, a large group of travelers walked before him. Travelers he pegged as Americans by the bit of conversation he overheard in their passing. He huffed and hurried to push through them despite their barks of protest but, upon making it to the other side, found the man gone. 

You looked his way and smiled happily as if you hadn’t just been with another man. As if you hadn’t just met up with a past lover. 

Polnareff almost let his rising jealousy and slight hurt fall away upon gazing upon your smile again, but they were too big to drop. 

“Amore, come quickly!” You waved quickly over. “The fireworks will be set off in a few--” Polnareff was crossing the way and standing in front of you before you could even finish your sentence.

“Who was he?” You blinked up at him, slight confusion furrowing your brow. 

“Who--what?” You said. “Why do you look so upset?” You continued, raising a hand to feel over the warm skin of his cheek but Polnareff, despite himself, moved from your touch. Your own hurt shot through your chest like a dagger. “Amore--” You started, that hurt pouring into your voice.

“Who was that man you were just with? You--You kissed him. Three times. Three times means you know him well. Very well. You--you must love him, yes? Who is he?” Polnareff rambled out, making your hurt soften and concussion turn to amusement. Amsuemnet you couldn’t help but show with a small chuckle. “You find this funny?” Polanreff huffed.  

“Yes.” You snatched one of the drinks from his hand and took a sip that you dragged on just to see Polnareff stress about who you had just been with for a short while longer. 

“Amour--” Polnareff all but whined at your all but disinterest in the seriousness of the situation. 

“You think I would show that much love for just any man?” You turned your gaze away from Polnareff to look over the darkening sea. Polnareff huffed, moving so that he could keep his gaze trained on your face. The man beside him hissed his annoyance but Polnareff hardly cared.

“No--no of course not. That is why he must be very dear to you. A--a past lover? A first love.” Oh god--the thoughts just kept tearing at his heart. A first love--how could he compete with that? With a love that had been so new and innocent and un--you were laughing again. 

“Darling--sweetheart, that was my brother.” Polnareff blinked as he slowly registered the words coming out of your mouth. Brother. That had been--that was your brother. You pointed over the railing at another person in the crowd below. 

“And that is his partner, just there see?” Your brother's partner looked around as if searching for someone. Their search had their eyes turning upward, finding you there. A happy smile pulled to their lips as they waved furiously to you and you were very quick to return the greeting. “He saw me and wanted to get a heads start in welcoming me back home before we went to go meet them all. No secret lovers or past lovers….though that would have been something huh?” You joked, turning back to him fully, that bright smile back on your face. 

“I-I-amour, I am sorry. I just--” You shrugged, reaching back up to place your hand on his cheek. He let you gratefully, leaning into the touch that was always so gentle and comforting. 

“It is alright, amore. I am glad to know you love me so much you would fall apart at such a scene. It makes me feel very special.” Polnareff nodded, leaning down closer so that he could breathe in the scented mist you had put on before leaving the hotel. A scent that he just could never get enough. 

You can’t help the content sigh that puffed from your nose as you leaned forward and pressed a delicately soft kiss to his lips. This kiss was one you had not thought of sharing with any other since the moment Polnareff had swept you off your feet. 

The sudden pop and whistling wizz that sounded through the dark air had you whipping around to watch the first fireworks bloom in the sky. It cast a pink glow over the dark sea and gathered crowds--crowds who Oooed and Aaahed at the beauty before them. 

Just as the second round of fireworks were shot off, Polnareff grabbed hold of your chin and guided your attention back onto him. His lips were set in an easy smile and his eyes, which were now illuminated by the green of the firework overhead, bore such unyielding love and affection in them that it stole the very air from your lungs. Such a look that had you forgetting about the fireworks because they could never beat the beauty of the man before you. 

“You are very special to me.” Your lips parted on a shaking intake of breath, your heart fluttering at his words. It was a slight movement Polnareff’s loving eyes shifted quickly to watch. “And you are mine and for that, I am truly blessed. Forgive me but…I will do anything to protect such a blessing.” 

The boom of yet another firework sounded as you threw yourself forward, nearly knocking the man you loved backward in your rush to fit his lips against yours once more.

[willowworkswithwords]

Good Morning Coffee – Seth Avett

-

Steve just couldn’t get a break, could he?

This customer was ridiculous, truly. They were gonna run out of sugar at the rate he was going, and they were a coffee shop. They ordered enough sugar to supply a whole neighborhood’s worth of sugar.

It was like each week he changed his order just so, adding a touch more or “oh yes please add whipped cream to that” (as if they hadn’t learned the first time that he absolutely needed whipped cream, even that one time he got a black coffee. Which, to be fair, made it not a black coffee).

Steve got the impression he was a funny guy, for all Robin laughed and laughed each time he came to the window. He made Steve wish they were the kind of coffee shop to ask for people’s names, or wish, for just a fleeting second once or twice a day, that he could hear well enough to actually take orders through the headset. And, damn him, this guy only came in during the morning rush and only through the drive thru. Steve didn’t really know anything about him, besides a guess at outrageous dentist bills and a glimpse or two of dark, curly hair piled in a  high bun.

So Steve just made this man’s coffee around eight o’clock every morning, and wondered.

- - -

“Steve, you’re squinting.”

“Shut up Robin, I’m fine.”

“Have you taken your meds yet?”

Steve turned his back to her, eyes focused on the screen. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Robin cross her arms.

“Steve, my beautiful friend. Take your medication.”

“Rob, really, I’m ok—”

Bells.

Steve turned around with a smile, launching into his spiel before he’d even fully turned around. And when he did, the words died in his mouth.

“Hello welcome to Groovy Gary’s—”

Dark curly hair. Silver rings. It was the sugar guy. He was. Wow. He was something else. He had tattoos, his outfit all black, piercings and bracelets and and and—

Reboot, Harrington, stop staring.

“Hi!”

Too chipper, Steve. Robin smothered a laugh from where she was covering the window, and Steve wanted to melt into the sticky floor.

“Hey there.” A shit-eating grin spread across his face and Steve was only sort of annoyed by it.

“How can I help you?”

Act natural Harrington, act natural.  He tried to lean against the counter and put his hand directly into the cup of stopper sticks. Sugar-guy saw. Shit he definitely saw. Steve cleared his throat and raised his eyebrows.

“I was coming in for a coffee.”

Steve bit the inside of his cheek to keep from rolling his eyes.

“A coffee? I don’t know, we might be low, I’ll have to ask Robin if we have any in stock.”

A shit-eating grin.

“You remember my order?”

“How do you know it’s me making it?”

Sugar-guy glances around behind the counter. It’s only Steve and Robin, as it’s almost always only Steve and Robin. Except on—

“Except on Thursdays. That grumpy guy makes mine on Thursdays.”

Steve laughs.

“Keith.”

“He hates me.” His voice is full of despair, and Steve laughs again.

“Wow, what are you gonna do? You’re not every baristas favorite customer.”

“Am I your favorite customer?”

Steve pretends to think, tapping his finger against his chin.

“Well man, you never get the same thing in a row, but your variations are definitely interesting.”

“You know my variations?”

Sugar-guy is looking at Steve up through his lashes, hair pulled across his mouth, barely hiding the grin.

“Do you only eat sugar?”

Another laugh.

“Hey, I order black coffee sometimes.”

“Dude, you order it with whipped cream. That’s not black coffee.”

A car horn blares outside the drive-thru window. Robin comes up on Steve’s right.

“Sorry to interrupt, but Steve, it’s Mrs. Click. She’s spitting mad already, which I don’t how that’s possible because it looks like she just rolled out of bed. They wrong side of the bed, maybe.”

“Oh Jesus, ok.” He turns to sugar-guy.

“Hey, I’m sorry, I never got your order.”

“Oh, nothing for me today. Got something for you.”

Steve tilts his head and automatically takes the things Eddie holds over the counter. With a wink Steve barely catches, sugar-guy’s walking out the door. Steve looks down at the…napkin? The folded napkin. He unfolds it.

Eddie Munson 432-9090

Steve doesn’t stop smiling all day.

[leighlew3]

Want to know how it feels to be a writer in Hollywood?

Picture yourself working at an ice cream shop.

Customer: “Ohhh all of these look amazing, but that one in particular -- that looks so good, I'd love to try this 'rocky road' flavor.”

Worker: “Fantastic! Coming right up! Oh, you’re aware there’s nuts in it, correct? Just making sure, in case of allergies.”

“Yeah. I know what I want. Please give me rocky road.”

“Sure, no problem. :) Here ya go! Even gave ya a little extra, on the house!”

“Ew why is there nuts in this? It’s too crunchy for my mouth and I shouldn't be eating nuts anyway. I don’t want this.”

“Oh, I’m- I'm sorry… that’s… um, okay, well is there something else you’d like to try?”

“What do you suggest?”

“The mint chocolate chip is really popular.”

“Seen it too many times.”

"But have you tried it?"

"No, but I've seen it enough to know that's not what I want."

“Okie dokie. Though I will say we do something different with ours, we also add in-”

“Wait, hold on -- *lowers phone* -- I was just talking to a friend of mine, he's never even had ice cream, but he had this brilliant idea: what if we take the rocky road ice cream and mix the mint chocolate chip INTO it?”

“Oh, I— I'm sorry, just to understand, you just said you didn’t like nuts from rocky road and had no interest in the mint chocolate chip, but now you'd like both -- just, combined?"

"Yes, and I'm very excited about it!"

"K, I'll get to work on that for ya. Just a note, I'm not sure these two flavor profiles will work super great together, but hey -- it can't hurt to try."

“Exactly. It’s called development of flavors. Sometimes you have to figure out what you don’t like, duh.”

“Right. And we did. But now you want two things you didn’t want? I'm just trying to understand-”

“Yes, obviously, because together, it’s never been done.”

“Okie dokie. Not a problem!"

“And, can you do this fast? We need to leave soon.”

“Gotcha. Here you go!”

“Oh, this is gross. This doesn't work well together. Why the heck would you combine this? The flavors don't work well together.”

“Oh, I — I'm so sorry, but you wanted them combined."

"I mean it was a collaborative effort."

"Um, not really, you didn't even listen when I- you know what? It's all good. We're adaptable here and always happy to serve! Can I offer you something else! Sherbet, perhaps?"

“Is that like, fruity?"

"Yeah, we have orange or mango, I love the mango personally."

"Hmm. Maybe I'll try the orange. Actually, you know what? I don't know anymore, I don't know. I think I’ll come back in six months and tell you want I want.”

“Wait, s- sorry- six months?”

“I’m very busy. I have to go to four other ice cream shops just this week.”

“Oh... ok...”

“In the meantime can I get a free sample of the mango sherbet?”

“Oh, so you do you want sherbet! Sure, be happy to get that for ya!”

"Please put it in the large ice cream cone and with double scoops."

"Oh... that's... sorry that's no longer a sample. You'd have to pay for that much..."

"Haha. Sure. I mean, you're lucky I'm even standing here. Most people would kill for my presence in their shop."

"...you know what? That's fine. Here you go, have a good day, and I hope you leave us a positive review!"

“I don't do reviews. And oh, this tastes weird... this is way different from ice cream. It's very fruit forward.”

“Yes, because it’s sherbet.”

"Yeah, I know the difference."

"But you just said... nevermind. Can I help you with anything else?"

“No. And, thanks, I guess. Really would have preferred ice cream. Maybe something chocolate like rocky road or mint chocolate chip, you know?”

"?!?!!?"

End scene.

[all-the-things-2020]

Summary: When you land on a backwater planet for a routine job, your feelings for your bounty hunter boss are revealed, thanks to a local holiday tradition.

Rating: PG-13 (implied sexual activity but everything happens off screen)

Notes: This was written in 2020, before we knew Grogu’s name. I wrote it for the Pedros12DaysofChristmas gift exchange on tumblr as a gift for @djarinslover.

Word count: 3600+

Tags: @morallyinept Jett, please add to your Festive Fic Rec List 🎄❄️🎁

The wind whipped across the plain that lay outside the little town. You huddled into your coat, which was not thick enough for this weather. Din’s cape plastered itself to his back and the Child he carried whined at the cold. “It’s not far,” Din said. “I’ll keep you warm, kid.” The green child snuggled closer and made an inquiring noise. “And we’ll get something to eat. I promise.” The Child cooed and snuggled closer, his tiny clawed hand clutching at the smooth beskar of Din’s breastplate. You marveled at how well the two communicated, considering the Child couldn’t talk yet. Of course, you and Din were often able to communicate without words, even though his face was always hidden by his helmet.

The ramp rumbled closed behind you as the three of you made your way to the gate of the town. It was another nondescript settlement on a nondescript planet; somewhere that should have been a safe hiding place for a being on the run, but Din was a relentless hunter and very rarely failed to find his quarry. You were surprised that he hadn’t simply left you and the Child on board while he checked out this new lead, but you had learned not to question him when it came to bounty hunting. That was his area of expertise, not yours.

There was a gateway of sorts over the road into town, and it was bedecked with boughs of some evergreen plant that smelled spicy and stringent. Bunches of red and white berries were tied here and there with bright yellow ribbons.

You stepped a bit closer to Din as you entered the town. The houses looked empty, although some had colorful lights hanging in the windows, and most of them had boughs hanging over the door frame. “Where is everyone?” you asked, disconcerted by the lack of people and the empty echoes of your feet against the walls.

Din shifted the Child in his arms and grunted. “Must be in the center of town for the festival,” he said briefly.

“Festival?”

He nodded, but kept walking. “It’s the Midyear Festival. Winter solstice or something like that. I thought the kid might enjoy seeing it.” He dug in his pocket and pulled out a small pouch of credits, which he handed to you. “There’s sure to be some food for sale. Maybe you can find him a toy or something, keep him from stealing the knob off my gearshift all the time.”

You hid your smile, knowing that Din would just get brusque and dismissive if he saw it. You took the pouch and slipped it into the inside pocket of your coat. “And it gives you a good excuse to be here, too,” you said. “Bringing the kid to see the festival. Who’d be suspicious of that?”

Din turned his helmeted head slightly and you just knew he was rolling his eyes at you; the man could convey a full range of emotions with just a tilt of the head or shift in body weight. You’d learned to read him well during your time aboard the Razor Crest. You just wondered what it would take to get him to express the emotions you were almost certain were lurking just underneath the surface of what he’d allow himself to feel.

The town square was packed with beings of all kinds, eating and drinking and shopping at the booths that had sprung up around the perimeter. They were all decked out with the same evergreen boughs and berries. Din handed the Child to you. “Here, find him something to eat and look around at the wares,” he said. “I’ll be back as soon as I can. It shouldn’t take me long to get the information I need and then we can move on.”

You held the Child close as the two of you watched Din walk away, his cape swaying behind him as he strode across the square. He didn’t have to weave his way through the crowd; they parted in front of him. You felt a swell of … not exactly pride, since it was mixed with a healthy dose of lust ...Din looked good as always, and you had to remind yourself that so far he’d treated you as no more than a crewmate.

“Come on, kiddo,” you said once Din had been swallowed up by the crowd. “Let’s get you something yummy to eat.”

The Child made it clear that he wanted one of the large, sugar dusted cookies that several children were carrying around, and you quickly found the booth that was selling them. You purchased two and found a place to sit down. You and the Child nibbled at your treats, watching everyone in their festival finery. “They sure are dressed up, aren’t they?” you said. The Child continued to munch on his cookie, but he pricked his ears up, so you knew he was listening. “Think we’ll ever have money to waste on fancy clothes like that? Yeah, probably not. Your dad’s pretty tight with the purse strings. And fuel and ship repairs are expensive.” You sighed. Life was better now that you were traveling with the Mandalorian and his strange little foundling, but it was never easy in this part of the galaxy.

Once the cookies were gone (and part of yours might have mysteriously found its way into the kid’s hands), you picked the Child up and wandered around the square, looking at the sights. At one booth, you found an assortment of wooden toys which you found charming but which barely got a glance from the Child. What he did like were the shiny ornaments that hung from a large bough in the next booth over.

“Those look awfully fragile, kiddo,” you said doubtfully.

“But you would be wrong,” said the young woman behind the counter at the booth. “They are made of durasteel, hand painted and beautiful, but guaranteed to withstand the wildest gaggle of children and/or beasts.” She took down the one that had caught the Child’s eye, a silvery globe just big enough for both of his little hands to grasp, painted all over with geometric shapes in a brilliant azure blue. As the Child reached desperately for it, you knew you’d never hear the end of it if you didn’t get it for him.

“How much?” you asked, sure it was going to be outrageously priced and Din would be mad at you for spending so much on a useless bauble.

“Five credits,” the woman said. She tilted her head, taking in your patched trousers and the raggedy hem on the Child’s robe. “Let’s say four. Can’t let a kid go without a Midyear present, can we?”

You would have gladly paid five, but bit your tongue. A credit saved was a credit earned, after all. You handed over the money and the Child cooed as he examined the beautiful ball in his hands.

“And what about for you?” the young woman asked. “Do you have your sprig of laramin yet?”

“My sprig of what?” you asked.

She nodded. “Figured you for an offworlder,” she said, reaching up to pull a bundle of blue and white leaves down from a rack at the back of the stall. “Laramin,” she said, holding it out to you. “Almost sold out, so you’re just in time.” She held it up above her head. “It’s a tradition. At midnight on Midyear Day, you try to get your sweetheart under the laramin. Legend has it, if you kiss them under the laramin leaves at midnight, they’ll love you forever.” She gave you an appraising look. “I saw you come into the square with that tall fellow in the shiny armor. I’ll bet you’d like to get him under the laramin.”

You laughed and rolled your eyes, but still asked the price of the bundle of leaves. One credit, and she threw in some silver ribbon to hang it from. “Little guy might want to play with it, after. Since it matches his ornament and all,” she said. You thanked her and tucked the sprig of laramin in your pocket next to the credit pouch.

You took another turn around the square, but the Child only had eyes for his ball, and soon you settled back down on a bench to wait for Din. You’d bought a couple more of those cookies, but hidden them away from the Child. You wanted to save at least one for Din, although who knew when he’d have a chance to eat it. He always snatched a bite here or there when you and the kid were asleep or busy.

Finally, you saw his shiny helmet weaving its way through the crowd, swiveling back and forth as he scanned the crowd for you. You suppressed the urge to stand up and wave; Din was a skilled hunter and he’d find you and the Child easily enough. Besides, you didn’t want to seem desperate or anything. You thought guiltily of the sprig of leaves in your pocket and your face got hot. It was ridiculous and a waste of money, but at least you’d saved the credit you spent on it when the vendor cut the price on the Child’s bauble.

Din reached you. “Come on,” he said, motioning for you to stand. He picked up the Child, who held out his new treasure for inspection. “Hmm … very nice, buddy. You do like shiny things, don’t you?” The Child chirped his agreement and returned to admiring the blue and silver ornament. Din turned to you. “Did you get yourself anything?”

You were flustered. “Um, I bought the kid and me each a cookie earlier, and I got a few more to take with us. So you can have one later. They’re pretty good.” You were rambling, but you didn’t want to admit you’d bought the laramin sprig. You’d toss it in the trash compactor when you got back to the ship.

Din simply nodded and began to walk. “We can stay overnight and head after the quarry in the morning,” he said as you followed him through the crowd. “I don’t think he’ll be on the move for a while, according to the intel I got.”

The ship was quiet and cold when you arrived, but that was normal. It just seemed darker than usual because you’d come from the brightly lit festival. Din closed up the ramp and busied himself with a check of his arsenal. “Keep an eye on the kid,” he said. “He’ll probably be busy with his new toy, but still, I don’t want him getting near the weapons.”

You nodded and took the Child into the tiny bunk where he and Din slept. The Child had a hammock strung from the ceiling; the sleeping area took up the entire bottom of the bunk, which you secretly thought looked more like a storage closet than a bedroom, but it wasn’t your ship. Your own sleeping area was a pile of blankets on top of a foam pad tucked behind some crates between the main hold and the carbonite freezer. It wasn’t fancy, but at least you had more room than Din and the kid had.

You sat with your back to the bunk entrance, with the Child in front of you, so he was blocked from getting out. The little womp rat was stealthy and you’d learned that unless you could see him at all times, he was capable of slipping past you and getting into trouble. Right now, though, he was enthralled with his new shiny toy and happy to sit and burble at it. You slid the packet of cookies out of your pocket, worried they would get crushed. The Child perked up at the sight of them, but you said, “Not right now. Wait until your dad’s done, then we’ll all have one, okay?” His ears drooped a bit, but he returned to the toy with only a tiny sigh.

You also pulled out the credit pouch. You would return it to Din when you gave him his cookie. The sprig of laramin came with it, the silver ribbon tangled around the pouch.

“What’s that?”

Din was almost as sneaky as his little green kid. “Oh, just a decoration,” you said, hiding your face by looking down at the Child. “The girl who sold us the ornament insisted I take one. No charge.” You dropped the laramin on the bed and held out the pouch. “Here’s what’s left of your credits.”

Din held out his gloved hand and took the pouch gently. He didn’t open it, or even test its weight, even though you knew he was always careful with his money. “Don’t lie to me,” he said firmly.

“What?”

“I told you when you came aboard, I don’t tolerate lying,” he said, tucking the credit pouch back into a pocket. “I know what that is.” He pointed at the bedraggled bunch of laramin leaves. “It’s some sort of love charm or something, isn’t it?”

You took a deep breath before you spoke. “It’s a decoration,” you repeated. “You hang it up and if you can kiss your sweetheart under it at midnight on Midyear Day, then the legend says they’ll love you forever. It’s silly. I just took it because the girl insisted. We can throw it away.”

You reached for the leaves, ready to crumble them into a wad, but Din was faster. He picked up the bundle and dangled it over your head by the silver ribbon. “No, let’s hang it up,” he said. “We could use some decoration in this old bucket.” You turned around in the bunk, wondering what he was going to do.

He reached up and tied the ribbon over an exposed girder. “There,” he said. “Festive, don’t you think?” Then he turned abruptly and headed up the ladder to the cockpit.

“What was that all about?” you asked the Child, who had crept up beside you. He stared at you for a moment, then shrugged and went back to admiring his ball.

You could hear Din moving around up in the cockpit but he wasn’t planning to move the ship until morning. Had he gotten embarrassed by the laramin? Was he trying to pretend nothing had happened to spare your feelings? You’d tried your best to hide your attraction to him, but the man was a hunter; he noticed details. He was probably well aware of the way you watched him, the way your eyes lingered over certain parts of his anatomy as he moved. And you were sure he knew how you tensed up when he moved close to you, how hard you resisted leaning into his touch when he laid a hand on your shoulder. You looked up at the wilted sprig of laramin, just hanging there mocking you.

It was getting late, so you arranged your bed, which usually got messed up during the day, either from the movements of the ship as it flew, or the feet of the Child, who pattered around the hold when he got restless. The kid slowly followed you, his eyes starting to droop. When he yawned, you scooped him up and tucked him into his hammock. “Your dad will be down pretty soon,” you told him, even though you didn’t know what the hell Din was doing up there.

With the kid in bed, and Din busy, you pulled off your boots and got ready to crawl into your nest of blankets. You had just untied the string that held your hair back out of your face when you heard Din’s boots on the ladder. You looked up. He glanced briefly at you and then ducked into the bunk. Oh, well.

“Here,” Din said, suddenly looming over you. He was holding out a scrap of old blanket.

“What?” You took the piece of fabric, wondering what was going on.

“Put it on,” he said curtly, making a circling motion around his head. “Cover your eyes.”

“Um, okay,” you said, twisting the fabric and wrapping it around your face. You tied it behind your head. It was an effective blindfold; you couldn’t see a thing through it’s tight weave.

“Good,” Din said. He reached out and took your hand. “Stand up.” When you did, he moved his hand to your shoulder. “Over here.”

You shuffled after him in your stocking feet. The floor of the hold was cold and hard through your socks. Din carefully adjusted your position and then stood quietly. “What’s going on?” you asked, but he shushed you.

“Almost time,” he said. When the alarm on his chronometer beeped, you heard him take a deep breath, followed by the click and slight hiss of his helmet being detached. You held your breath. Was he … was he really …

A gloved hand stroked your cheek and slid behind your head, holding it steady. “I’m not sure how to do this,” Din said quietly. His voice wasn’t distorted by the vo-coder in the helmet and you heard a nervous quaver in it. “I’ve … I’ve never done this before,” he whispered.

Your heart was pounding. It was happening. “That’s okay,” you said softly. “Just do what feels right.” You lifted your hand to touch his face, the face you’d imagined so many times. You gently traced the curve of his cheek, the sharp ridge of his nose, the soft pillows of his lips. You felt his breath hitch as you slid your fingers back and forth against his lips. Then he brushed your hand out of the way and pressed those lips against yours.

It was everything you had imagined, and more. His lips were soft and clumsy as he kissed you, his fingers tightening in your hair as he held your head in place. You lifted your other hand to the back of his neck and ran your fingers through his hair, giving a gentle tug as he pulled back from the kiss. “How was that?” he asked breathlessly.

“Not bad,” you said. “But you definitely need practice.” You pulled him closer and kissed him harder, sliding your tongue along the seam between his lips, until he parted them and you were able to deepen the kiss. When your tongue darted into his mouth, he gasped and his free arm wrapped around your waist. You responded by pressing your body against his armored chest, wishing he’d shed more than his helmet.

After a few minutes, you came up for air. “Happy Midyear,” Din said, his voice raspy.

You laughed and pressed your head against his shoulder pauldron. “Was that my present?” you teased.

“The first of many, I hope,” Din said hesitantly. “I … I’ve been wanting to do this for a long time. I wasn’t sure if you felt the same way about me, but when I saw the laramin sprig, I thought, what the hell.” His arms tightened around you and pulled you closer to him, squishing you against his armored body.

“Is the kid asleep?” you asked.

“I think so,” he replied. “I closed the door to the bunk.”

You chuckled. “Good idea. He doesn’t need to see this.” You pulled Din’s head down for another kiss, and started backing toward where you thought your bed was. Din steered you by the shoulders until you felt the edge of your foam pad under your feet.

“Are you sure about this?” he asked.

“Yes,” you said. “I’ve been dying to find out what’s under all that beskar.” He laughed and kissed you again.

**************************************

When you woke the next morning, you were alone. Your blindfold was gone. Your clothes were folded neatly on a crate next to your bed. You could hear Din talking softly to the Child in the cockpit.

You got up carefully, stiff and sore in places that hadn’t seen much activity recently. You got dressed and made your way to the ‘fresher. After you’d splashed a little water on your face, you climbed the ladder to the cockpit.

“Good morning,” Din said quietly. He was in the pilot’s seat, the Child perched on his lap, watching as he entered coordinates and ran through the pre-launch sequence. The new durasteel ball was clutched in the Child’s hand and the knob had been returned to the lever where it belonged.

“Good morning,” you replied. Din waved you closer and as you came alongside the chair, he slid his hand to the small of your back. You leaned down to greet the Child, who babbled to you about something.

Din sat back in the pilot’s seat. He gently placed the Child on the floor. “Get in your chair and buckle in,” he told the small creature. As the kid toddled toward his seat, Din tilted his helmet up to look at you. His hand returned to your waist. “Last night …,” he began.

You cut him off. “It’s okay if it was just the holiday,” you said. “It’s okay if it never happens again.”

He shook his head. “No, it … it wasn’t just the holiday. I’d like it to happen again. It’s just … I can’t let you see my face. It will have to be like that.” His hand slid gently up and down against your back.

You leaned over him and pressed a kiss against the cold beskar of his helmet. “It’s fine,” you said. “I know how important The Way is to you. I would never ask you to abandon it.”

Din was silent for a long moment, then nodded his head. He pulled away from you. “Okay, then. You’d better get buckled in. We’re taking off in two minutes.”

You took your seat next to the Child. Din finished the last few checks and pressed a button to ignite the engines. As the ship began to lift off the surface, you noticed something dangling above the control panel, jiggling with the vibrations of the ship. A bedraggled sprig of blue and white leaves, tied tightly with a silver ribbon.

[onceuponastory]

play with fire - bucky barnes x reader

Plot: Y/N finds herself watching the street performance of a man who likes to play with fire... and she's about to realise that she does, too. Pairing: Stuntman/StreetPerformer!Bucky Barnes x Female!Reader Warnings: Bucky doing stunts and playing with both knives and fire. There's a few mentions of the possibility for injury but nothing happens. Reader's friend kinda sucks in this. Also Bucky being a flirt. If I miss any triggers, please let me know. Notes: It's the last weekend of the Edinburgh Fringe festival, and I've seen a few street performers whenever I've been there, so I decided to make Bucky one too! ;)

Not beta'd, so any mistakes are my own.

“Pick a card, any card!” The magician calls out, walking around the crowd that has gathered around him. Y/N watches from her position a few rows back, intrigued by the show. In the past week, there've been several street performers performing in the city, and Y/N has tried her best to make it to as many as she can.

“Come on.” Her friend Iris groans, and Y/N registers her placing her arm on hers to drag her away. 

“Hey, I’m watching this!” Y/N protests, and Iris huffs.

“We’ll miss our lunch reservation if you don’t move.” Another yank on her arm. “I don’t understand all the fuss. It’s just some magic tricks, nothing too special.” She says, ignoring the few dirty looks thrown her way, and Y/N’s hastily mumbled apologies.

“Hey, be nice! It takes a lot of courage to put yourself out there and perform in front of everyone." As the yanking on her arm continues, Y/N decides some battles are better off being lost… that and she’s starving, so food probably is the best choice. Yet as her friend leads her away, she can’t help but throw one last glance at the street performer, feeling disappointed to miss out on his show. Sure, Iris thinks they’re nothing more than a waste of time, but Y/N loves watching or listening to them. It adds more excitement to her day, something fun to do or watch, rather than window shopping. “Who knows, maybe I’ll take it up one day. I think I could be good.” Her words are mostly a joke, but honestly, sometimes Y/N does wish she was bold enough to do something like that. To put herself out there and perform without fear of how people would react to her. 

“Yeah, sure you would. I don’t think you’ve ever taken a risk in your life.” Iris rolls her eyes. At first, she seems to joke along with her, but Y/N soon picks up on the condescending tone lacing her words. Her heart sinks, and she reflexively folds her arms across her chest. Honestly, despite the bitter concoction of disappointment and anger flowing through her veins, Y/N knows she only has herself to blame for this. After all, she’s not sure why she expected anything else. Iris is one of her oldest friends, but god, she can be a bitch when she wants to be. Which seems to be a lot, actually. Honestly, she wouldn’t have reacted any other way.

But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t hurt.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

A few hours later, Y/N walks around the streets again, alone this time. The sun beats down on her, warming her skin and elevating her cheerful mood. Iris left not long after they finished lunch, saying something about an appointment. Honestly, Y/N had stopped listening by that point. That’s not to say Y/N’s a horrible person who ignores her friends, but there’s only so many times you can deal with someone’s awful attitude before tuning it out completely. At least now she’s alone, she can do what she wants. 

As she turns a corner, she spots another crowd has formed, and the sound of rock music soon fills the air. Excitement pools in her stomach, and she smiles. Another street performer. Her brow raised in curiosity, Y/N heads over to the throng of people, making her way towards the front. And immediately, she’s confronted by the sight of a man balancing on a precariously thin ladder that faces the crowd. As he manoeuvres himself along the crowd, despite how high off the ground he is, and the way the ladder seems to wobble every second, the man seems unfazed, and continues to chat to the crowd as if nothing is out of the ordinary, and that this is nothing more than a simple magic trick. Y/N watches him, her heart racing. Whether it’s because of excitement or fear, she doesn’t know.

“Okay kids. Don’t try this at home, alright?” He explains with a grin, pulling out three knives. The crowd gasps, and Y/N’s mouth drops open. To everyone’s surprise, the man juggles them with ease, remaining on the ladder with nothing to hold him up. Y/N watches his every move, transfixed. This is definitely more exciting than any act she’s ever seen before. As he approaches her, his gaze seems to meet hers, and he grins, winking. And something in Y/N’s stomach flutters. Something she’s sure isn’t caused by the excitement of the act this time.

“Did he just… wink at me? No… that’s crazy.” But before she can dwell too much on it, the man has moved on. 

“Now, juggling knives whilst balancing on a ladder seems pretty insane….” When the man jumps down from the ladder, landing with a ‘thump’ on the ground, Y/N finds herself breathing a sigh of relief, happy to see the man is on safer ground. But as soon as the sigh has even left her lips, her brow is furrowed in confusion. 

Why would she care so much about a man she’s never met? One whose job it is to live dangerously?

“And you’re right, it is. But I thought… Where's the fun in that? Surely we can make it more dangerous, right?” The crowd cheers, and the man brings out more things to juggle with. Suddenly, the song changes, and the sound of My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark by Fall Out Boy begins. And once more, Y/N registers her heartbeat increasing.

“Now for the fun part.” He calls, before taking out a lighter and lighting one end of each stick. The crowd gasps, and the man smirks, clearly enjoying their reaction. “May I have a volunteer from the audience?” Before anyone can even reply, he’s turned around and is looking right at her once again. And this time, there’s no confusion if his glance is actually for her. The closer he gets, she realises one of his arms is metal, the gold and black combination glistening in the steady glow of the fire. His other arm is full of tattoos, various colours and designs covering every inch of skin. A pair of silvery blue eyes, rimmed with the slightest bit of black eyeliner, soon meets hers. As soon as he sees her, the man grins. And something familiar in Y/N’s stomach flutters, this time even more than it did before.

“Oh god, he’s gorgeous.”

“Miss, can you please confirm for the crowd that this is real fire?” As he holds one out towards her, Y/N feels the heat radiating from the flames. It rises through her, making her cheeks burn. She laughs, breathlessly. 

Or maybe the heat is just because of the incredibly attractive guy in front of her, who’s still staring curiously at her.

“Yeah, all real.” She nods. The man smirks, sending her heart into a frenzy once again.

“Good girl.” The words almost make her fall to her knees, but somehow she holds herself together. “I might need you again, so don’t move, okay?” He winks, and she nods, the words she needs suddenly caught in her throat. And then he’s gone, the fire little more than a whisper in the wind. As the man starts juggling the fire, Y/N can barely find it in herself to pay attention. All she can do is think about the gorgeous man in front of her, the way he smiled at her, and how it made her feel. 

“Surely it’s just part of the act. He’s not flirting with me.” She tells herself. “But would it be so bad if he was?” Before she can even think of something else, he jogs back up to her again, grinning and breathless.

“Turns out I do need you.” He takes her hand, leading her into the centre of the circle of people. As she sees all the faces staring back at her, Y/N considers pulling out and going back to just being an innocent bystander. After all, she said it herself. She wishes she was bold enough to put herself out there in front of a crowd. And then Iris’ words fill her mind again. 

“I don’t think you’ve ever taken a risk in your life.” This time, though, it’s only anger that flows through her veins. Because how dare she say that about her? How the hell does she know how good she is? Maybe she would be great at this. And if she isn’t, then so what? What’s the worst that could happen? The man approaches her again, smiling that damn smile and whispering. 

“You’re a star.” Maybe there’s a reason he chose her the first time. Perhaps he sensed her desire to be more, to prove everyone wrong. And he’s just given her the perfect opportunity to do it. And she’s going to take it. 

It’s time to live a little, and learn how to play with fire.

“What’s your name, doll?”

“Y/N.”

“Okay folks, Y/N here is going to help me for the last phase of the set.” He picks up the knives from before, running the edge of one along his finger. “I’m going to juggle this fire, and whilst I do that… Y/N is going to throw these to me for me to juggle, too.” The crowd gasps, and Y/N raises a brow. Turns out when she asked what the worst thing that could happen was, potentially throwing a knife into a crowd of people was not what she thought of. “Don’t worry. We’ll both be fine. I trust you.” He whispers, another wink thrown her way. Y/N decides to stop asking whether it’s because he genuinely has feelings for her, or if he’s simply trying to put her at ease. Although, regardless of his intention, his winks are still making her feel incredible.

And besides, isn't the whole point of this to live dangerously?

He starts juggling, and with every nod of his head, Y/N throws him a knife. At first, she’s obviously nervous, not wanting to hurt the incredibly talented and attractive performer, or anyone else. However, he catches it with ease, adding it to the other things he’s juggling. “Told you.” He mouths when he notices the tremendous sigh of relief she lets out. As the surrounding crowd applauds, Y/N stands up a little straighter, pride flowing through her. This is much more fun than she expected.

She throws the other knives to him, beaming as he catches them and adds them to his growing juggling pile. He juggles them for a few more minutes before bringing his routine to an end. The crowd bursts into thunderous applause, and the man grins. “Ladies and gentlemen, my lovely assistant Y/N!” He grins. “Go on, take a bow.” He prompts, and she does. “My name is Bucky Barnes. Thank you so much for coming along to see me today!  Feel free to leave me a tip or share my socials.”

“Bucky. That’s not the name I expected, but… it’s nice. It suits him.”

The crowd disperses then, some leaving tips, others congratulating him on his show as they leave. And soon, it dwindles down til it’s almost her and Bucky. But then, the realisation hits her, like being doused in an ice-cold shower after the fire she’s just experienced. After today, she might never see him again. A sense of unfairness hits her then, twisting her stomach. It’s almost like another douse of cold water. No. This isn't right. She may have only met him today, but she had so much fun with him, and she’s not ready to say goodbye yet. 

But how is she going to tell him that?

As Bucky finishes packing away his things, Y/N places some money in his tip jar.

“Thanks.” He appears from behind her suddenly, the sound of his voice almost making her jump. “And thank you for helping me out today.”

“No, thank you!” she corrects him. “It was nice to get a little confidence boost and prove people wrong.” She regrets her admission almost immediately, especially when Bucky raises a brow.

“What do you mean?”

“Nothing.” Thankfully though, he doesn’t mention it any further, and instead grabs his bags.

“Do you need a hand carrying anything?” She asks, in an attempt to savour every last moment she can have with him. So when he shakes his head, she’s disappointed. However, for a moment she swears she notices a look of disappointment flash across Bucky’s face. And hope begins to build. Maybe he’s not ready to say goodbye yet either?

“Hey Y/N…” he begins, running a hand through his hair. “I’ve um.” He stammers. She almost wants to laugh at how someone who lives so dangerously every day could be so terrified at the prospect of talking to her, someone so thoroughly uninteresting, all things considered. “I’ve got some free time now. Do you wanna grab a drink?”

“Yeah.” she says without even thinking about it. “That sounds wonderful.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

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[emmtropywrites]

"Flowers", a Baldur's Gate 3 fanfiction. Chapter 1: Seeds

Part 2

Also on AO3

Summary: You're working as a florist in Baldur's Gate when you meet one of the heroes who saved the city. After the first conversation with her, you can't get her off your mind.

Tags: Selunite Shadowheart x Reader, fluff, cottagecore, wholesome, post-game, gender neutral reader, flowers, florists, reader is not Tav!

The bell on the door jingles as another customer enters your shop. Wiping the plant matter from your hands, you set down your knife on your worktable and turn to greet the lovely woman. Taking in her long, silver hair, her short, pointed ears, and her sweet face that is marked with freckles and one, long scar across her nose, you feel a flush come to your cheeks.

“Hi there, welcome to Feisty’s Flowers,” you say, hoping your smile doesn’t come off as too intense. You always tend to overthink your interactions with pretty people.

She tilts her head slightly, her lips smirking playfully. “I don’t suppose you would be Feisty?”

You laugh and shake your head. “Feisty is unfortunately no longer with us. He’s not dead, mind you, just retired in the countryside somewhere.”

“Lucky him,” says the woman. “One day, I hope to do something similar. City life is nice enough, but I need some peace and quiet.” You can’t help but think of how silvery her voice is, how pleasant she is to listen to.

“Maybe I’ll join you,” you say jokingly, but, realizing how that might come off, add, “in leaving the city, I mean. There’s no room for proper gardens here.”

“Oh, and that brings me to my visit here,” she responds. “See, my favorite flowers are night orchids, but I live in a flat and so I can’t grow them. I was wondering if you could make me a bouquet with similar flowers? It’s a rather specific request, I know.”

You nod, having seen a few paintings of night orchids. “If I remember correctly, they’re a darker purple color? Almost blue? Or were you wanting a variety of ordinary orchids? In which case I have a few types you can choose from…”

You set to work, showing the woman the different buckets of flowers you have available, and as you do, you see a cautious smile grow over her face. She asks occasional questions about lifespan and proper cut flower care, but mostly listens intently as you explain what you can do.

“How long have you been a florist?” She asks after you explain the differences between dendrobiums (a genus) and mokaras (a hybrid).

“For a few years now. My dad was an artificer, so I grew up tinkering and using my hands to make things, but I always had an eye for more colorful pursuits.” Memories of your time putting scraps of metal together to make artistic collages make you smile fondly.

“Well, you’re definitely well-versed,” she praises. “Do you have a favorite flower to use? Or does it change day by day?”

“More like mood by mood,” you say with a hint of cynicism. “For instance, if I were to deal with a particularly rude customer, my go-to would be limonium, as it smells like feet when it gets old.”

She laughs lightly, hiding her mouth behind her hand. You notice a small, dark spot on the back, and wonder if it’s a birthmark. However, you’re more taken with the sound of her giggle- airy, but with a sharpness behind it.

“For average customers, I’ll try to use carnations,” you continue, enjoying the conversation.

“That’s… interesting,” she remarks. “I thought carnations were associated with funerals?”

“They can definitely be useful for funerals, but that’s due to their longevity and resilience,” you explain. “Carnations come in a wide variety of colors, and they’re very sturdy and long-lasting. They’re…” You pause, searching for the right word. “Reliable.”

The woman is quiet for a moment, and you hurriedly ask, “Why are night orchids your favorite?”

A look of quiet sadness passes across her face for a moment- a look that you are very familiar with, as customers often come in for flowers to place on graves. “They remind me that beauty can exist in even the darkest of places.”

Now it’s you who is quiet, and she shakes her head. “My apologies, that got a little morose there.”

You shrug. “I’ve dealt with all sorts of things in the flower business. People think it’s all bright and cheerful, but there’s a grounding factor of sorrow, of reality.”

“And of rude customers?” She teases, quirking an eyebrow.

You laugh. “Yes, exactly. So, back to your arrangement.”

The woman finishes choosing her flowers- purple lisianthus, dark blue delphinium, green cymbidium orchids, and various greens- and you arrange them in a clear glass vase for her. When it comes time to pay, she hands over the few silver pieces, and says, “Thank you for your help and expertise. And for the conversation. It’s hard to connect with people in a city where everyone is going about their business so quickly.”

“I agree, it was lovely to meet you, um…” You trail off, realizing you never got her name.

“Shadowheart,” she introduces herself.

You give her your name, and she says it once, before saying, “May Selune light your evening,” and leaving with her flowers.

Once she’s gone, you begin cleaning up the loose stems and petals left behind from the arrangement. But you can’t help but feel like you’ve heard the name Shadowheart before. Eventually, it dawns on you: she was one of the heroes of Baldur’s Gate, who fought and defeated the illithid attack. You shudder as you remember how you and as many people as could fit inside your store had barricaded your doors and hoped for help to arrive. You had never been sure how much time had passed before the streets had been declared safe again, but your anxiety had made it feel like ages.

Regretting that you hadn’t had a proper chance to thank Shadowheart for everything she’d done, you decide to pay a visit to Stormshore Tabernacle tomorrow, to leave an offering for Selune.

[silencedrowns]

Wig Seller Masterlist

Some people on were asking if I had a post about this and I didn’t, so I thought I’d make a big master post of wig companies I like! It’s in alphabetical order, with information about them listed afterwards. Currently I have fifteen brands on this list, but if I try and am really impressed by another, I’ll add it. I hope maybe one of them has that hard to find wig you’ve been searching for! I have the color samples for Arda, Assist, Classe, Coscraft, Cyperous, Kasou, and Swallowtail and am willing to help you check if a color from them is correct or not.

Airily

Japan only brand, so you’ll need a shopping service. Wide range of colors, including some that are hard to match in other lines, and a lot of base styles that I like more than other brands. Sells both wefts and lace front pieces. Lace hairline wigs are also available. Fit is medium (not particularly large or small). Price is higher. Swatch book not available.

Alice Garden/aiyaya

Amazon wig brand selling lolita/natural looking wigs. The variety is not good but if they have something that looks like what you need to wear with very little styling, you won’t get something as nice for the price! Styles are all very natural looking. Fit is on the smaller end of medium. Price is low. Swatch book not available.

Aoi Wig

Taobao brand doing character wigs, so a shopping service is required. These are hands down the best character wigs I’ve ever worked with. If you don’t want to do a ton of styling and they have the character you want, you literally cannot go wrong here. Fiber isn’t the world’s most durable but will hold up for multiple wears, and the price is good enough to make up for it. Fit is slightly small but larger than most taobao wigs. Price is a bit high for taobao but is still dirt cheap for what you get. Swatch books not available but the photo color is exceedingly accurate.

Arda Wigs

American based. One of the most common brands for a REASON! Wide range of colors in a wide range of styles. If you have a larger head or a lot of hair, this is your new best friend. They sell lace fronts but not individual lace pieces. The big problem with them, however, is the stock issues. Colors run out quickly so sometimes you have to compromise on which style you buy, or place an order from one of their sister sites in another country that actually has the color you need. (OOPS this is no longer an option anymore! Luckily there are a lot of Arda wigs secondhand online.) Nobody has as much hair in their wigs as they do, which can actually be a problem in some styles; be prepared to pluck lace fronts and use thinning shears. Fit is LARGE; they have the largest wigs in the market. Price is a bit high but not exorbitant. Swatch rings are available for both their fiber types

Assist

Japanese brand, ships worldwide but EMS/fedex only so you’ll probably want to group order. Nobody in the market has as many colors as Assist; between their premium and basic lines, they have over 600 colors! DO NOT TRUST THEIR PRODUCT PHOTOGRAPHY TO PICK COLORS; you need to buy their swatch books or ask a friend who has them to help you choose, because those photos can be criminally inaccurate. If you ever order from them, buy a bottle of Face Cover Glue and watch it change your life as “wig sticks away from face and face framing pieces move out of place” become a distant memory, and I adore their contacts! They sell wefts and lace pieces in their premium line but not their basic. Price varies; Premium line is a great price for what you get, but Basic is incredibly cheap (but not quite as good quality). Fit is small; based on how they fit my clients they’re the smallest of the Japanese brands and if you’ve ever found taobao wigs too small, assist will probably also be too small for you. Swatch books or rings are available and also required.

Blue Beard

Taobao character wig brand, so shopping service is required. Blue Beard wigs are all affordable and decent. You won’t ever get a bad wig from them, but I’ve found that their wigs tend to require a lot of maintenance. Wide range of characters! No wefts available. When you find stolen taobao wig photos, more often than not they’re stealing from Blue Beard. The photos are all color accurate, but you’ll typically need to do a lot of styling to make the wig match the photo. Price is great for what you get. Fit is medium to small. No swatches available.

Classe

Japanese brand that requires a shopping service but oh what a brand it is. Classe has a wide range of colors but where it truly excels is in the range of extra styling supply options. You can buy lace front pieces, yes, but you can also buy stand alone skin top pieces in center whorl or long for parts. No brand is as flexible with what you can do with their wigs, not by a long shot. Make sure to check out their styling blog! Even if it’s all in Japanese, the diagrams are clear and the techniques are genuine life savers. The fiber is beautiful and the website’s color suggestion feature where the desktop version tells you a list of characters they’d use this color for makes picking colors a lot easier. You’ll pay a lot for them, but what you get will be worth it. I’ve been using them a lot lately because no other brand’s fiber is as easy to make behave like human hair. Naturalistic wig stylists and cosmetology people, this brand is for you! Fit is up to 59cm (!!) and is roomy in the hairline coverage to the point some people have to trim the ear tabs a bit shorter, although it’s my personal comfiest fit. (Upon further testing: Classe’s fit is going to be perfect for you if you’ve ever tried an Arda lacefront and found it somehow a bit too big in the cap but too skimpy in the ear and hairline coverage at the same time.) Swatch books are available and affordable.

Coscraft

Based in the UK but ships worldwide despite being way too unknown outside Europe. Coscraft is an absolute gem of a site with a wide range of colors (more than 80!) with plenty of unusual color options that aren’t found anywhere else that doesn’t need a shopping service, a decently large variety of base styles to choose from, and wefts and separate lace front pieces and stick on skin tops in every color. Unlike every other cosplay brand on the planet, their lace front pieces come in dark brown lace for darker skinned cosplayers and not just beige! (The skin top pieces are only in beige so far but hopefully they will work on this.) Also for some reason they sell ridiculously inexpensive corset coutil so for all the craftsmanship people, new source acquired! Even if you’re outside of Europe, Coscraft is so nice that it’s hard to believe their prices. When the pound is up vs your currency, they’re shockingly affordable. When the pound is down vs your currency, the quality per money feels straight up illegal. This is my current go to cosplay wig site for a reason. Fit is larger medium; it won’t be too big or too small on most people. Color swatch ring is available.

Cyperous

Japanese cosplay wig source that theoretically ships EMS outside Japan but I haven’t been able to get that to work for years so shopping service it is. Pour one out for Cyperous; they’re clearly in decline but as one of the original heat resist brands, they’re still here and still worth ordering from while you can. Nobody has as beautiful and delicate blondes as Cyperous; their Milky and White Milky are the best blondes I’ve ever used. They have a nice selection of lace wigs and the much rarer lace bang wigs as well as regular wigs, and wefts of course. No other brand I’ve seen has synthetic wigs that photograph as much like real hair as Cyperous. They can tangle a lot as a result but it’s worth the upkeep. I have no idea how long they’ll keep limping along, but look them up before it’s too late. Price is high but reasonable for what it is. Fit is a true medium. Swatches used to be available and no longer seem to be, but the photos are pretty accurate to my ancient swatch ring and newer wigs.

Five Wits Wigs

Five Wits is the most criminally underrated of the American wig companies because most of their stock photos suck. They really, really, really suck. The photos are somehow incredibly color accurate but represent the wigs as pulled directly from bag and plopped onto someone’s head or a mannequin without even combing them in a flattering way. I wrote them off until I got to see their booth at a con and realized quickly that these wigs are wonderfully made with beautiful fiber that typically photographs like a dream (how do they get such bad stock photos?!) and is so easy to style! Five Wits mostly stocks character wigs, but many of them are versatile enough to use for tons of other things and they offer wefts for some of their colors. The owners are friendly, the service is great, the actual wigs are beautiful, the price for what you get is wonderful, but those dang stock photos keep people from noticing why Five Wits is one of my favorite suppliers! Price is great for what you’re getting, especially for an American brand. The fit is larger end of medium (very few people find it too big or too small). They don’t carry swatch books but every single stock photo, despite being terrible, is an incredibly accurate depiction of the color so feel free to judge colors accordingly.

Kasou

I almost hesitate to put Kasou on here considering that one of the problems with them is that their shipping when it’s from their Chinese warehouse is occasionally “good luck getting your wig”, and I disqualified another past favorite of mine for this, but Kasou squeaked onto this list for two reasons: 1) their fiber and wigs really are spectacular and 2) they have the ONLY Jolyne Kujo pre made wig that I don’t hate. Order from them with confidence that whatever you get will be nice, but keep in mind that there are enough people who’ve had issues with wigs from their Chinese warehouse that you want to give yourself months of lead time if you go that route. They have a decent if slightly expensive price range, medium cap fit, and they do offer swatches. I NO LONGER RECOMMEND KASOU. I still stand by their products being nice, but there have been too many extremely expensive packages lost in the mail with them refusing to refund/replace among cosplayers I know for me to put them as a recommendation. If you order from here, do it with caution.

L-Email / wig-supplier

Not everyone needs premium wigs for heavy styling all the time, and that’s where L-Email comes in. This Chinese-based seller that ships internationally will sell you decent character wigs and decent base wigs for an incredibly affordable price. Nothing from here is going to be spectacular, but if your budget is low and you’re willing to put in a bunch of effort to make up for that, what you need is just a plain wig without tons of styling, or you want a character wig that’s a bit easier to upgrade with extra styling work than other brands because the hardest parts are typically done for you, L-Email is a great option for you. They’re just all around decent, and sometimes that’s what you need. Fit is medium, prices are pretty affordable especially if you go in with friends for shipping, and there aren’t swatches but the photos are typically pretty color accurate.

Sepia

One of the absolute oldest wig companies based in America; every cosplayer active before 2007 has bought at least one Sepia wig. They’re still here though, and now they have some heat resist lace fronts! Their range of fantasy colors is pretty atrocious but if you want some beautiful natural colors, you could do worse than shop here, especially considering there’s at least one more expensive brand (that I’m not putting in this list) that sources lace fronts from Sepia and resells! Fit is medium, price is medium, I haven’t bothered to see if they have swatches because I’m an ancient cosplayer and have the typical Sepia color codes memorized.

Swallowtail

If you’ve heard of this Japanese (shopping service required) wig brand before, it’s probably because the canon wigs in My Dress-Up Darling all come from Swallowtail. There’s more reasons than flexing about how you have the canon Shizuku-tan wig to consider Swallowtail, though! They have a massive color range with a lot of colors I’ve seen nowhere else in the world, and while the fiber isn’t the world’s most durable and is a bit shiny for my tastes in some colors, they’re affordable enough to be a competitive option even if you have to use a shopping service from outside Japan. They offer a full range of wefts and lace pieces and clip ons and a wide variety of base styles. The fit seems to be pretty true medium, and they definitely offer swatches (in the most chaotic ring setup I’ve ever seen. You’ll want to resort that one fast.)

Sylvia_Wig

You can get a lot of decent lace fronts perfect for minimal styling on AliExpress, but Sylvia is my hands down favorite. If you need a natural looking lace front and you don’t want to spend tons of money, this seller is where you should be looking first. There aren’t any swatches or wefts, true, but the wigs have so much more lace than any of the American or Japanese cosplay wig brands, the caps run much larger than most taobao/aliexpress brands (comparable to Kasou or Five Wits), and there’s still plenty of hair to do more basic styles. The fiber is a bit thin and shiny, but it still photographs like a dream, and dollar for dollar you won’t find a better balance between quality lace front and budget friendliness than here. The hairlines are so natural that I have a few from here that haven’t required a single hair plucked to just… melt into my skin. There’s a reason this is my go to first source if I want a lace front and it’s not going to be heavily anime styled (like JoJo or Dragon Ball or whatever). Color stock photos are incredibly accurate; you can trust that what you see is what you’ll get!

since people have sent me asks about this: I do not recommend Epic Cosplay at all anymore. Their construction quality has drastically decreased in recent years to the point I keep getting people asking me to help fix Epic wigs that are literally falling apart, which is enough reason to not want to order from them, but they’ve also had a decade plus pattern of labor rights abuse and employee mistreatment including racism, transphobia, homophobia, ableism, and pregnancy discrimination.