#if this happened a day sooner i would have more than 5 bucks to my name

[lilgynt]

okay i am hilarious for being the only kid to take up my moms threat of kicking us out as far as i know like cmon. cmonnnnnnnn.

[batsythoughts]

Third up in the Yandere Baby Trapping, the one and only Dick Grayson!

Warnings: Possessive tendencies, manipulative behavior and actions, dubious consent, forced pregnancy (obviously)

Smut under the cut. Minors please do not interact with this post.

Dick Grayson was a bit more lovesick than the rest of his family when it came to your relationship

He had first meet you when he was taking Haley on a walk and she bumped into you

Dick swore he saw a halo glow over your head and flower petals flowing around you when he looked at you

He profusely apologized before asking you out with a bashful grin and dreamy eyes, how could you possibly say no to that face?

That's how the relationship with Dick had started. Now 5 months later, you were spending at least 4 nights at his place every week

He loved spending time with you no matter what was happening. Staying in for a movie, going to the dog park, even just going to the store with you was a beautiful experience for him.

Dick was already imagining the wedding bells as you would walk down the aisle to get married together one day

And hell, the two of you had a pretty healthy sex life that definitely helped him with expressing just how much he loved you

Dick's not even embarrassed to admit that he was the first one to say that he loves you to anyone who cares to hear it

And obviously Haley loved you as well. She got so excited every time you came walking through the door to his place

He was getting ready to ask you to move in with him to make it easier on you since you had quite a bit of your stuff over at his place

Dick had been talking about his plans with a few of his coworkers when one of the officers that was a few years older than him spoke up on his opinion

"I would hold off til the honeymoon phase ends. Me and my old girlfriend moved in too soon. Three months later, she got pregnant and started more fights than were worth it. Now I pay 900 bucks in child support every month. Word of advice, make sure the condoms you use aren't expired."

Most of the others dismissed what the guy said before telling Dick it was a good idea to at least try out

He smile while nodding his head before going about the rest of his shift with a small nagging feeling in his chest

He wasn't too worried about you moving in, you practically lived with him part time

But what did worry him was if a sudden change in the dynamic would pull the two of you apart. And the thought of you leaving him was terrifying to think about

That night when you had come over, Dick decided to just have the conversation with you about what would happen between you both if a baby were to sudden come into the picture

The both of you sat on the couch while putting the wants of the future you both wanted and thoughts for if the situation were to occur sooner than expected

"If we did happen to get pregnant at some point... I wouldn't give up on us, Dick. You're worth fighting for with something like that. But I also don't think it could be a problem since we aren't actively trying. But I it happens, then it happens."

Dick felt as though his heart melted at your words as he beamed while agreeing with you

He was so glad to know that the two of you would still be together if something like that were to happen and that you had already put thought into your response

He went to sleep that night happy as he held you close with Haley snuggled at your feet

It did take him another week to finally ask you to move in, which of course you agreed

Dick was ecstatic that he basically got the rest of your things moved to his place in two days of you saying yes

About a month after moving in together, Dick went to spend a weekend with his family for a new development project Wayne Tech was having

He excitedly told everyone the news of you moving in and how he would make sure to bring you along next time so everyone could see you

And with Dick being the oldest, he casually looked through his younger siblings' respective rooms to make sure they weren't doing anything dangerous or harmful

It was all going fine until he got to Jason's nightstand drawer and found not one but two boxes of condoms

That in itself isn't the problem. The problem was that the condoms were within a month of expiration and it seemed only a couple had been used

Instead of out right rushing out to lecture Jason about responsible sex and getting Bruce and Alfred involved, Dick waited until they were alone to talk

Dick carefully explained the potential dangers of using condom past their prime and that buying in bulk wasn't ever a good idea

Jason, though embarrassed and annoyed by Dick going into his room, said that he hadn't been active recently and forgot about the ones he had in his drawer

Dick relaxed at the fact his little brother wasn't engaging in unsafe sex

He gave Jason a couple bucks to get a new box while saying he would get rid of the ones he had so nobody accidentally used them

Dick truly did mean what he had said. Took both boxes back to Bludhaven with him and was about to throw them in the trash

Just as his hand was about to let go of the box, Dick's mind went back to the conversation at the police station and flashed to the agreement you both had about a sudden pregnancy

He took a second look at the boxes as the gears in his mind turned as he lightly bit his lip

He debated with himself the entire day over if he should throw the condoms away

It would be a waste to just throw them away, wouldn't it?

In an act of uncertainty, Dick put them away in his drawer from the time being

It was only when you came home and began guiding Dick to the bedroom that he saw it as a sign to keep them tucked away in the back his personal drawer to use at a later date

It only took him a month to figure out the time range of your cycle to accurately attempt to get you pregnant

He would always try to go through with it when you were ovulating, but he still pulled out to come when his nerves began to overpower his thoughts

It was three months into living together when you both got back from dropping Haley off for an overnight observation at the vet

Dick was just getting out of the bathroom after taking a quick shower. Wearing only his boxers as he tried walking to his dresser grab some sweatpants to sleep in

He stopped for a second when you both locked eyes and you gave him a relaxed grin

He returns the grin before going over to place a soft, lingering kiss to your lips

Dick pulled away to just have a calm night with the plan of doing nothing but sleeping and cuddling

When he pulled away and felt the breath you let out on his lips, Dick couldn't help as he leaned in for one more kiss

One kiss turned into three which lead to him on top of you in a passionate make out session

He guided his fingers over your body as he took off your clothes . Pulling away only enough to remove them from your body before returning his mouth back to yours

Dick pulled away for a few seconds to catch his breath before placing one more kiss to your lips until moving to reach into his drawer

He hesitated for a second as he grabbed the two boxes of condoms as he debated using them or the new box he had gotten last week

He didn't have the patience to open the new box when he felt your teeth teasingly graze his throat

Dick quickly got the foil packaging open to put the condom on before looking over your body with a look of awe

He teased his fingers over your entrance to make sure that you were ready enough to take him

He leaned down to trail his lips from your stomach upwards to the valley of your breast. Eagerly kissing both of them equally before gliding his tongue over each nipple with a soft groan

"You always look so beautiful, baby. No matter the outfit you wear or what you're doing at the moment. Always so gorgeous for me to love and appreciate."

A few more words of praise came from his mouth before trailing his lips across your collarbone, gently nipping the skin to feel your chest press against his when you gasped

Dick let out a sigh as he moved his head up from your throat before kissing you on the lips as he grinds into you

He pulled away enough to look down as he lined himself at your entrance

Dick couldn't help the moan that passed his mouth when he finally pushed inside, slowly inching himself completely in

He kept his thrusts shallow as he rests one arm beside your head as the other looped beneath your lower back to hold you closer

He took his time rolling his hips in the way he knew made your body tingle in the best ways

Dick smiled when he felt your arms wrap around him, one tangling in the hair at the base of his neck as the other rested in the middle of his back

The soft groans that came from the two of you filled the room as Dick picked up his pace just slightly

His hand clutched the pillow as he began lovingly kissing you again, his mouth barely getting an inch away from yours before diving back in

He felt your hand lightly tug at his hair as your back arched and you pressed against his chest

Dick could tell you were beginning to get close as you move your hand up his back as your nails dig into his skin

He moved away from your mouth before resting his head in the crook of your neck so he could hear all the noises you would make right into his ear

He let out a low groan as he felt you unintentionally rock your hips against his

He felt himself about to orgasm and felt himself holding back as his mind began to get hazy

He was about to pull out like all the times he had done before, but something just felt different this time

Maybe it was the way you held him closer from the back of his head, maybe it was the string of whines flowing from your mouth, or maybe it was the way you were squeezing down on his cock

Dick bit down on his lip when you both came together

He waited a moment before pulling out with a sigh while rubbing your side

He littered kisses across your collarbone, neck, and face while talking you back down from your high

After a couple of minutes before Dick got up from the bed to get you cleaned up and into fresh clothes before doing the same for himself

That night, Dick went to sleep with a smile as he held you close while drifting off to sleep

His mind finally came to the conclusion that he would finish the box, and if anything happened then he would live with any consequences that came along

After that, Dick wasn't hesitant to use the remaining condoms while knowing that things would work out eventually

It was about three months since he had began going through with his thoughts before something happened

You both were in the kitchen making dinner, just chatting away until you suddenly got quiet with your mouth agape

Dick asked what was wrong as your eyes looked down at the floor as you mumbled about how you were late

He felt his heart race while asking if you were sure, to which you gave a hesitant nod

He didn't even hesitate to grab his jacket and wallet to go to the drug store a block away

He went to the women's health section and scanned the option before settling on a digital test that said was 98% accurate

When he went to the register to pay, the guy who was the cashier gave him a weird look about how excited Dick was to buy it

He told Dick he hoped the results were the ones that he wanted in a sarcastic little comment

Dick didn't pay any mind to the comment before grabbing the box with a lopsided grin

"Dear God, I hope so."

It was less than 10 minutes before Dick was back at the apartment to see you finishing up with dinner with Haley sat next to your feet

He went over and placed a comforting hand on your shoulder while holding out the box for you to take

You took it from him and started to head to the bathroom, which Dick followed close behind with Haley trailing along

When getting to the bathroom, you tried to tell Dick he wouldn't want to watch you pee on the stick, but he said he wanted to support you through the entire process

Cue to Dick sitting on the floor with Haley on his lap as he holds your hand while looking at you with adoration

When you were done, you washed your hands before sitting down on the floor beside him

You both stared at the little stick while waiting for the results to come up in the small window

After three agonizing minutes, the blank screen displayed the bold word 'Pregnant' for all to see

Dick just stares at it for a moment with his mouth parted before turning his head to you

Your gaze remained on the test in your hand as you kept quiet

Dick hesitantly called your name before you finally looked away. Staring at him for a second before a joyful smile spread across your face

"We're having a baby."

The both of you start laughing while hugging each other, Dick pressing kisses to anywhere he could reach

It took a few minutes before either of you got up from the bathroom floor because of how exciting the news was

When you did finally get up, Dick began fussing over all the things that you would immediately need for your health as he got your plate ready with a little extra food

That night before going to sleep, Dick was eye level with your stomach while lifting your shirt up to rest his forehead against your skin while happily talking about all the things he would do as a dad when the baby got there

He kept rambling for about 10 minutes until he shifted back up to hold you close with one hand on your stomach

The next couple of weeks consisted of making the appointments you would need, getting all the prenatal medicines, finding a doctor that would be good enough for the both of you

Dick had even brought multiple of those custom made matching shirts that some expecting parents get as a way to announce the whole pregnancy to friends and family

He even got a couple for Haley so she could be apart of it

That's exactly what the both of you did the next time he went to Gotham and you were able to go along with him

He had went into the manor first with the bags wearing a sweatshirt that said 'Protecting Precious Cargo'

Damian and Jason were the first ones to notice him walk in and they began poking fun at Dick being so smitten to get couple shirts

The rest soon noticed and began inquiring about where you were to which Dick said you were just taking Haley out before coming in to see everyone

The door opened as if on cue as Haley came rushing into the room to excitedly greet everyone with a onesie with 'Precious Cargo's Big Sister' on the back

They all looked at Dick confused until you came walking into the room with a hoodie that was a few sizes up from your regular fit

On the stomach area of said hoodie read, very boldly, 'Carrying Precious Cargo'

It all goes quiet for a moment until Alfred goes over to give his congratulations

The others soon followed with their own happiness of the news as you give a nervous smile from the attention

As the other talked to you about a few things regarding the baby, Bruce went over to Dick while asking if everything was clear between you both about the commitment and responsibility that came with a baby

Dick nodded while watching you with a smile while saying you both had previously talked in case the situation were to arise like it had

His favorite moment of your whole pregnancy wasn't announcing it to his side of the family though

It came a couple months after that trip when you were laying in the bed while Dick worked on putting together the bassinet to use for the bedroom until moving into either a house or bigger apartment

You were working on making an appointment for the maternity photos with Haley laying down with her head on your slowly growing bump

Everything was quiet until Haley let out a startled whine while sitting up and looking at your stomach with a small head tilt

Dick quickly shoot up while asking if everything was alright as you took a deep breath while looking down

He was about to ask again until Haley gave a small bark before poking her nose against your stomach as her tail began wagging

You looked at Dick with a shocked look before looking at your stomach again

"I think... I think the baby's moving."

Within seconds, Dick is sitting on the bed beside you with a hand resting on your stomach as the three of you wait to see if it will happen again

He was about to give up after a few minutes of waiting until he felt the most beautiful sensation he would ever know

It wasn't too strong, but he felt a gentle movement under his palm

He looked at you as if you crafted the stars in the sky as he then felt a more prominent kick under his hand

The laugh you gave from the feeling was a beautiful melody as Haley gave another excited bark while jumping around on the bed before nudging your stomach again

Dick grinned while leaning down to give you a quick kiss before placing both hands on your stomach while moving to rest his head on the bump

"You had us scared, little one! Mama and Daddy weren't expecting you to start kicking up a storm so suddenly! Definitely wasn't expecting you to be so active just yet."

He laughed when he got another soft kick in response to his words before gently kissing your stomach

"I can't wait for you to get here, little one. Daddy will take good care of you and your mama until my last breath."

He felt your fingers entangle in his hair which led him to let out a small hum

Turning his head, Dick looked at you while still rubbing you stomach in a soothing motion

Yeah, Dick was confident that he made the right choices to lead you both to this moment

[lengthofropes]

okay, Oookay, a WIP! (sorry prob a lot of typos, my issue) inspired by my What if Tommy never left 118 series, basically (can't help it)

Despite Bobby’s lasagna being extra delicious today (new secret ingredient?), Tommy feels like he’s chewing on grimy sole. He knew this day would come sooner or later. It’s been over a week since Sal got transferred, and of course they need a new member for their team. But.  But. What? Sal has been a pain in the ass lately (not that he’s ever been anything less, but...), and his constant arrogance and disobedience made it only a matter of Bobby’s patience to be finally kicked out of 118. And to be completely and utterly honest, Tommy got much tired with having to deal with his best friend’s shit to the point it has become harder to even call him a friend.  But. He was his first friend here, in some way, his mentor. And even if they both were under constant pressure of keeping the mark of Gerrard’s ‘best boys’, they always had each other’s back. Always.  It’s just- Strange, not to see him here, sitting across the table, making his obscene jokes with a snarky grin face. And even if Tommy knows now, it’s better to let go of everything that fuels your worst traits, it feels like it’s the Sal’s empty chair that is somewhat a stupid joke itself. Like, if Tommy could blink – and everything would get back to how it used to be, simple and familiar. Nevertheless. No matter the ball of unaddressed feels in his chest, Tommy made a promise to himself to take it as it comes and hold on to this new and better version on himself and try his best to make their new probie’s life here if not carefree, but at least tolerable. He learned his lesson good with Howie and Hen, thanks! He chews and swallows.  He’s gonna be fine, Jesus! He has other friends here too, good friends. And, finally, a captain who knows how to be one. Job is good, his mom is fine, and that girl he met near the gym yesterday agreed to go out with him, and he has a good feeling about this, like it can actually work out this time. Life is good! No need to feel all anxious and insecured again, he’s in a good place, he’s ready for anything.   “Uh, hi. I'm Evan Buckley, new recruit.”

Tommy must’ve gotten too much into his own head with eyes on his plate, he didn’t even notice that someone came near the table. He rises his eyes.  “I was told to report to Captain Nash.” That “someone” looks the right amount shy, but at the same time like he’s trying to make the nicest first impression ever with that ear to ear smile and awkward pull on a shoulder strap of his duffle bag. “You know a Captain Nash? You?” Bobby pulls out a joke, and everyone play along, efficiently hiding their smiles. Kid looks more and more confused, before Bobby takes a pity on him and invites him to the table with one of his kindest smiles.  “Take a seat, Evan.” Evan’s smile grows wider with that. “Uh, Buck. Everyone just calls me Buck.” “Well, welcome to the 118, Buck.” Well, could’ve been worse, Tommy thinks, as kid sits himself down into Sal’s chair, glancing exited at their fabulous lunch. They could’ve easily been tossed with some asshole, but this one looks civilized. At first sight, at least. Gotta see how he will handle the job, though, but as for now, Tommy makes another mental note to himself to treat this “Buck” kid no worse than Bobby.  “Uh, that’s a sauce?” Buck asks particularly no one, just hangs the question in the air, pointing at one of the bottles on the table. So, Tommy decides to become one of the first friendly faces here. “Yeah, but I’d rec the other one -“and he points at the second bottle. “This one is spicier.” Tommy's smile is easy and polite, bit twisted in a chewing process. But what happens within next 5 seconds makes that smile freeze and food stuck in his throat. “Oh yeah? Thanks! Never too much spice, - Buck grins at him and winks. “Just what I need!” He winks. And by any means, it’s near same obscene as Sal’s innuendos.  But no one seemed to notice, and Buck already redirected his efforts into putting as much food on his plate as possible. And maybe - maybe Tommy just overthinks it?? Maybe that’s just the way this guy communicates? Just a silly little playful - Wait, no! Even if so, how the hell is it appropriate?!  They are not friends. They literally just met. They are colleagues (about to become). And Tommy is not a freaking high-school girl to be winked at like this, for fuck’s sake! Buck continues to chew and talk non-stop, smiling at everyone who’s willing to talk to him; table mood is pleasant and unbothered, and no one notices how one of Tommy’s hands involuntarily makes itself into a fist under the table. He’s not angry, in fact. Just.  He doesn’t know. He cannot explain. But one thing he’s certain of, he’s sure as hell won’t be calling that brat a “Buck”.

I have no idea where it goes so god help me 🙃

[diedbutterflies69]

Leaving Pluto -

Lee Know smut imagine.

Contains: soft dom!lee know, praise mixed with teasing, slight choking. Arguing slightly. Fingering, oral $ex

Minors don't interact.

Working past the work hours cause he didn't have you waiting for him to come home.

It was another exhausting night for Minho. Being away from you was killing him slowly. A small fight that happened four days ago was the reason for you to not contact him. You wanted to find a new workplace, cause you were too tired of your co workers talking behind your back how cheap of a woman you were just because you were dating a male with slight higher position than you. According to Minho you should have ignored thier words or come with most savage comeback possible or simply talk sweetly and be friends with them. But you being you picked up the option which he never expected. Your resignation letter.

For Minho you were a deadly drug, Without you he can't live. He was addicted to feeling of being loved.

Being bad with words he never really poured out his heart to you. He fell for you when he was at his peak of self-hatred, he still can't understand how you were able to see behind the proud man who earned his position all by himself was a hiding his depressed emo kid who just wished to feel something.

Minho can't lose you. He exactly knew where you were. But he didn't have the guts to face you, he was scared because his words were no less than knifes. He was tired of himself being always a jerk to you and you forgiving him everytime because

Minho was your everything too.

You both weren't in a toxic relationship just were different.

He believed in facing problem and you believed in running away from it .

Shutting down the laptop he picked his coat and stuff. Minho made his mind, he can't just sit ideal and expect you to come back to him . Your apartment wasn't miles away from him but here he was still hesitating to start the car and and Stay with you.

Finally gathering all his shattered courage and starting the engine Minho finally headed to his world.

Standing infront of your apartment and again trying to find his lost courage Minho finally rung the door bell and it didn't even took 10 secs before the door opened.

"What you want", you Asked him. Your voice colder than ice. You expected Minho to come begging at your door anyways as you understand what kind of devil was residing in his mind, but now you were tired , tired of how Minho only knew how to regret over the mess he created himself. Looking in his eyes, your whole tough demonor almost shaken. You hated to see Minho in that state.

"umm, can I come in, please Y/N?"

He gave you a small smile and your heart melted, no one knows how much you adored that man he always just pretend to have a tough front, and right now it was crumbling again.

Sighing heavily you let him in.

"come in" you said.

"Y/N, Listen to me please, I overreacted it was my fault I -I apologize I was hitted hard by fact that I would be unable to see you everyday in that suffocating place, I--I am really sorry and please I wasn't trying to control you, I was being selfish I--I-I--"

" will you stop now?" You asked him cutting him off, whatever anger you had disappeared the moment he expressed his heart truly but you just wanted to know one thing.

"Do you love me Minho?", You asked him you didn't understand what exact feelings he had for you, was it love, or desire to be love, or just a simple fuck. Minho's face full of confusion, you caught him off-guard. But he answered confidently no ounce of hesitation in his voice.

"I love you, I love you so much" His voice so sincere like he was practicing his wedding vows.

"Then fucking act like a normal guy in love for atleast 1 second, who the hell takes almost whole week to apologize?? Is your ego more powerful than your love, dating in office place was so damn hard for me those annoying rats comments were giving me headache and I live with you, do you forgot that??? Fucking stupid crazy ?"

You ranted , felt like the weight from your shoulders finally lifted you just wanted his genuine emotions, living peacefully without arguing like cats and dogs.

Minho was hanging his head low in guilt knowing how much damaged he has caused , that you started to doubt his love.

"I love you so much sorry please forgive me , I will try to get better", Minho said he always meant what he said. looking straight into eyes he come closer to you.

"You should have come sooner, I missed your stupid ass", you said speaking from your heart. The 5 days argument finally fucking itself.

Minho smiled at you and said," I was too afraid of lover, you know she is a whole different person when angry." Pouting like a kid, he was too irresistible for you and you were deprived from his touch,his kisses and whole him.

"You talk to much", You said and locked your lips with Minho for a desperate deep kiss, which he happily reciprocated back with equal desperation and love.

" you are the hottest girl I have ever seen" he said and pecked your lips lifting you up in his arms and going straight to your bedroom. Both of you looking at each other with so much respect love and affection. Reaching your bedroom Minho slowly put you down smiling at you and whispering "let me show you how much love I have for you", whimpering desperately at his words that sended shivers down your spine no matter how many times he had fucked you , you can't get used to his dominant persona.

Minho's hand wondering inside your hoodie and cupping your breasts as you didn't wore any bra his fingers softly pinching your buds not in a rough way. Tonight he decided to go as gentle as possible.

"Stop teasing, Minho", you moaned desperately , tugging on Minho's shirt and attempting to free his god sculpted body. One thing Minho loved the most about you , you not being shy and addressing whatsoever you felt. Minho smiled playfully at you and saying out " patience darling, I am gonna make you feel good" This man is gonna be death of me you thought .

Minho removed your hoodie and freed your upper body, cold air immediately making your buds hard again, his hand resting on your waist and one to support himself at top of you , he started kissing your neck And leaving a very small hickey as you didn't liked him marking you at visible places, you were too lazy to conceal it. Going down and cupping your right breast so tenderly your breath getting heavier at Minho's slow yet sensual ministrations, he was different from usual, definitely more soft.

But him being slow was torture to your core.

"Please", you whimpered bucking up your hips to Minho's body in response he grabbed your thighs his hands, caressing your inner thighs dangerously close to your heat, you were already wet from all the foreplay , your pussy begging to get destroyed by your lover.

Minho removed your shorts , now your slight wet panties being the only cloth on your body on the other hand Minho being Fully dressed his black shit wrinkled from your tight grip which he unbuttoned hastily after freeing your body from those useless panties throwing somewhere in room.

"because of who your pussy is soo wet , love?" He said looking straight in your eyes his fingers resting at your entrance, waiting for your answer before doing anything else. A fucking teaser.

"Because of you Min, do something please", your voice coming out much softer and desperate than you thought.

Finally giving you a big smile, Minho entered his fingers in your mouth covered in your saliva then without warning he shoved his two fingers in your hole and moving them at a extremely slow pace his touch was so powerful today even if it was different he never was a slow going man but you weren't complaining.

Minho went down to your thigh level, eyes looking straight at your pussy , without removing his fingers , he attacked your pussy with his mouth, sucking the entrance and tongue going straight inside you, fingers and the soft muscle making it difficult for you to not moan and just keep screaming his name till your lungs burn.

His nose brushing to your your clit , and fingers finally picking up pace , you can literally feel Minho's smirk whenever you called his name.

"I. ... I am close", you said followed by a high pitched moan, hearing you Minho's own cock almost bursting , he added a third finger and started sucking you more aggressively.

"I am cumin..." You felt your body on cloud nine, your high washing over you, juices flowing from you and Minho not letting them fall, till the last drop he kept eating you out and fingering, you almost crying from overstimulation.

"How was it babe? Felt good?", Minho asked you even knowing the answer that he literally made you see the stars alone with his fingers and tongue, detaching himself from your lower body and again looking at you , You got up ready to give him something in return, he loved your mouth and loved how you gagged whenever his tip touched back of your throat, your hands reached his belt but he stopped you .

"This, ain't about me babe", Minho said, resulting in you looking at him in pure frustration, giving you a sly smile as he lied you back down on bed he continued. " I mean suck me some other day, now I just wanna come inside your small pussy"

Minho have a great way of making you lose your mind completely.

He unbuckled his belt and removing his belt so slowly like he was giving you a whole strip show. After finally freeing his member from all the restrictions Minho's mouth again finding your lips as he slowly entered inside you .

"Fuck, why you always feel so good", Minho grunted heavily and started moving at a slow pace, his hand cupping your breasts and lips hungrily kissing you."you are so fucking beautiful love",He said , his voice containing pure sincerity and sensuality. The way he was rolling his hips was driving you insane, even the kiss was so sensual, his tongue inside exploring your mouth . Minho's body so close to you ,your slight bloated stomach occassionally coming in contact with his sculpted abs, he always made you feel beautiful , sexy even when days he was rough his degradation never made you felt insecure and today he was being so gentle, so soft and his praises making your throbbing heart melt. You love Minho and Minho loves you.

"Minho, please you.. you feel so damn.. good", you said in between your deep breaths and screams. Minho's lips now giving you hickeys and you didn't really wanted to stop him, his mouth felt so damn good. His pace being the same slow torture to you.

"I feel good too babe, inside you", Minho said his grunts getting more louder signalling he was close too. His hand now intervining with yours in a tight grip as if he you were his last straw to sanity.

"can I come, please?", You asked as of an habit , Minho was a hella kinky man and he had taught you so many things inside bedroom and asking for his permission before Cumming was one. He nodded at your request, something which happened once in a blue moon you were glad as wasn't edging you. His thrusts getting faster as he chased down his own high.

Leaving many screams and moans, you cummed around his cock feeling like being top of the world. " You are mine", he said before kissing your forehead and those intervened hand before empting himself inside you.

"I am yours, always yours", you replied to Minho, his forehead resting against yours both giving each other a faint and tired smile.

He scorched beside you and engulfed you in a tight hug , caressing your sweaty forehead and removing the hair that were sticking to it because of the passionate activities you both just did.

Comfortable Silence spreading inside your room. Before Minho finally spoke again.

"I am sorry, you gonna come back to our house right?" Minho apologizing again and being oblivion to the fact that you had even forget the argument. You also loved the way he referred his house to 'ours'. Those small things which he do without any intentions meant so much to you.

"Stop saying sorry It wasn't only yours alone fault too, I too overeacted, sorry" you said to him and snuggling inside his neck . He quickly reacted to the last word. Minho hated the way you thought it was your fault.

"No babe, I am sorry, don't apologize", Minho again saying sorry, Guess it was endless loop of taking the blame. You ignored his words having no energy to argue .

"well, so are we gonna have a bath, We need to go back to our home in morning", you said Minho and him being too aware of hidden meaning of your words.

"Okay babe , let's do 69 there"

Thanks for reading .

Beautiful reader.

[standbyu-03]

Giant wheel

Pairing : Ben Barnes x reader

Summary : You hated this world, so you decided to come to the giant wheel, sat there alone. It’s where you met Ben. You said everything about your life to him - a stranger. What will happen?

Warning : fluff, angst, some curse words 

Word count : 1.3k

A/N : Should I write a smutty in part 2 ? Let me know what you guys want

MASTERLIST

Pic not mine

You had been in a mood for a couple of months. So this weekend, after finishing some works, you would go somewhere to relax, to clear your mind after all those shit.

You remembered that someone had told you that “when you're sad, the best thing is to get on the giant wheel and sit there alone”.

So you decided to hurry wrapped your things and went to the nearest giant wheel.

After 45’ of driving, you reached there. A Giant Wheel - literally

It’s not the tourist season, so it’s quite deserted here. ‘Cause you wanted to be alone, you just gave the doorman 100 bucks - which you didn’t know if it’s too much or not, but right now, you didn't even care. 

So the man took it, and make the pinky-promise to let you alone in the capsule.

You came in. Finally, you had some privacy here, not like when you in the ground, surrounded by people.

Just a few minutes after that, when you’re ready to go, you heard a loud voice “Open this door, please”

A guy or maybe a man walked in.

“Hey, I gave you money to let me here alone. We made...pinky promise.” You said with shyness.

“This man wants to be alone, too. So I guess I can let you both in the same capsule.” The open-man said that and quickly closed the door. 

No sooner than that, the wheel started moving.

“Jerk. I gave him money to be alone. Not like this. No with you. No offense.” You sighed.

This man started saying “How much did you give him ?”

“100 bucks. Crazy, right.”

“Son of the b*tch.”

“Ha, he received your money ?”

“Yep, 50 bucks.”

“I guess we’re both fools to gave that man money.” You exclaimed

“Right.” He chuckled

Then this man thrust out his hand, introduced himself “Ben. Nice to meet you.” 

You grabbed his hand “I’m y/n. Nice to meet you too, I guess we’ll stick with each other in the next 30’. “ You smiled

Ben nod slightly

Then you both didn't say anything, Each person did his own thing.

“Why did you want to be alone in here... in this capsule ?” You took a break “You don’t have to answer if you don't want to.”

He shook his head “Nothing’s serious here. I gave my company a day off, they went to an amusement park nearby - which is very childish thing with them. So I decided to come here, get some quiet, and relax.”

You nod. He continued “What’s about you? What’s your story ?”

“Same to you. I want to be alone, stay away from all the noise, everything that goes bad around me.” You sadly said that.

Then you started to cry, it has been such a long time since someone asked about your feeling. You have moved here for 5 months, but didn’t get used to it very well. You didn’t have many friends here.

“Hey hey, calm down y/n.” He comforted you.

Then he said, “If you want to share, I’m here for you.”

“You’ll regret it later.” You smiled slightly

“I won’t.” He confidently asserted

So you didn’t have to hold back your feeling anymore. You told him about your daily life, how suck your boss is, how bad your colleagues are,... every details about your life.

You said like if you didn’t say it now, you’ll be regret it later. ‘Cause you know, when you came out of here, you wouldn’t meet this man again. So...fuck it. You told him everything. Oh one more thing, you told Ben about your ex - who sadly dumped you.

Surprisingly, he concentrated on listening to you, sometime he nodded like an agreement.

After saying that to the guy you have just met, you felt relief.

30’ passed. It’s time for you guys to get down from that wheel.

Walking to the outside of this giant wheel place, you turned around and said to him “Sorry for wasting your time. I talked too much up there, did I ?”

“No, nothing to be sorry here. I chose to listen to you. It’s quite interesting.” He smiled

“Thank you very much. It’s very nice to meet you, Ben. And thanks again for listening to my story, it helped me a lot. So I guess it’s time to say goodbye.” You gave Ben a hug and quickly ran away from him.  Sharing about your life, your whole life with the man you just met is released the pressure for you but it’s shame too.

“Wait, y/n” He ran toward you and pulled you back. “Nothing to be a shame here. I know that what you’re feeling right now. What’s about dinner? A dinner - he repeated. After that, we can walk away, like stranger do.” He raised his eyebrow.

“I don't know...” you hesitated

After listening to him for a while, you decided to have dinner with him.

You both felt comfortable when you’re around each other. You told him everything about you and your damn life in the wheel. So in exchange, he told you about his life, his work, his clients,... 

You both came to a conclusion “ Fuck. Life sucks.”

To return the meal - which he paid for you - you invited him out for a drink.

Coming out of the bar, both of you staggered, tipsy. You could laugh out loud just by his simple jokes.

Then you hugged Ben, “Now, it’s time to say goodbye. It’s really really nice to have you after all those fucking months.” Then you shyly covered your mouth with your hand “Sorry, bad word”

He giggled “How can I not be in love with you, y/n” He kissed you in your cheek “So I can’t let you go y/n. It’s not ended for us.” 

You stepped back “That’s all for us, Ben.” You shook your head “You said you will let me go after dinner, and we just came out from a bar. That’s enough.” You bowed your head.

“What’re you afraid of ?”

“Nothing. But it’s enough for a stranger”

“That what I am for you? Huh, a stranger ?”

You didn’t say anything. ‘Cause deep down in your heart, you knew Ben’s more than that. 

He said “I know, I know what’s wrong with you. You’re afraid to love, to be loved, after all shit things with your ex.”

“Don’t say that. That’s hurt.”

“So tell me, what’s wrong if I want to see you again,y/n.” he cupped your cheeks

“Right now. I don’t want a binding relationship. But you’re the good guy, Ben. I can’t hurt you...”

Suddenly you giggled, hardly shook your head, you want to get rid of those ridiculous thoughts

“Why are you smiling. What’s so funny here ?” You could hear the angry in his voice.

“Nothing. Just my stupid needy thought in my mind”

“Needy ?” he curiously asked

Oh, you just said your thoughts out loud, the dirty thought.

You blushed, your cheeks got hotter and hotter.

“Not me speaking, the alcohol did “

“What do you want ? Say it. I don’t think I can say “no” to you, y/n.”

You were drunk. No excuse about that. And you followed his words, said what you wanted “Is there a problem if I want to...fuck you... I want your lips on mine.” 

After hearing that, he kissed you hungrily, passionately. His tongue pushed past your teeth, wanted to explore more. The bristles of his beard scratched against your soft cheeks. It’s kinda hurt, but you didn’t care. You moaned and tugged gently on his hair.

Then he stopped “I can do that for you. One night. And we’ll be a stranger in the next morning. I’m a man of my word. I promise”

So you got into his car, let him drove you to his house, and did what he promise to do.

[erin-bo-berin]

Jealousy

MASTERLIST

I wrote this fic AGES ago back when I first watched the season 14 finale, but for some reason its been sitting on the back burner as I wasn’t quite happy with it. But anyway, now it’s finally seeing the light of day and was heavily inspired by the poker game at the beginning of the episode, as you can probably tell by tge gif. I hope you enjoy some more Spencer feels.

Spencer Reid/Reader

Rating: Mature (smut)

Word Count: 2,913

“Pair of kings, pair of sevens. Oh I’m sorry, three sevens.”

Everyone groaned, throwing down their cards as they surrendered to the normality of Dr. Spencer Reid winning another hand of poker.

It was after hours at the BAU and a few of you decided to unwind in the briefing room by playing poker. So far, Spencer had won every round. But the night was early and you all were only a few hands in. 

“I wanna know how Y/N was taught by you, yet still can’t beat you.” Luke shook his head.

“Sorry, but the brains also helps with the wins,” Spencer chuckled.

You mock scowled, before laughing yourself. Not long ago you’d asked Dr. Reid to teach you how to play poker since he was the best and you had zero knowledge of the game. That and it was a good excuse to spend time with him since you’d been harboring a crush on him. 

“I don’t know about you guys, but I am determined to beat Spence,” JJ grinned.

“Oh, I'd love to see the lady try,” he smirked at her.

You felt a twinge of jealousy, probably irrationally so since it was obvious to you that he’d had a crush on JJ forever. You couldn’t blame him exactly; even if your best friend was married, she was still stunning.

“Let’s go then,” Luke said, dispersing new cards around the table.

•

“I’m all in,” Spencer said, pushing his candy towards the pile in the middle of the table.

You had to resist the urge to groan. Your hand of cards were absolute shit.

“I fold.” You put your cards down, thankful that you didn’t have anything to lose this hand.

“Same here,” Luke said, tossing his hand, “Hey Y/N maybe we should start the worst poker players club. You in?”

You laughed, pushing your hair back over your shoulder, “As long as I’m the president.”

“Deal.”

Across the table, you noticed Spencer’s eyes squint—like he did when he was analyzing something—as he watched the two of you. You weren’t exactly sure what that was about.

You watched as JJ pushed her pile of change and candy towards the pot.

“I’m all in.”

Spencer’s focus turned back to her as he made a tsking sound, while JJ flashed an innocent smile.

“Okay show us your cards,” Luke waved his hand, anxious to see who would win. You had to admit the suspense was killing you as well.

“Four of a kind!” Spencer beamed when his cards touched the table, showing his four 5’s. 

Your and Luke’s head immediately swiveled the opposite direction as JJ set her cards down with a flourish. It was a straight flush.

Luke whooped and your jaw dropped. Spencer was speechless. 

“No. Way.” You said, in awe, watching JJ pull all her earnings towards herself.

“It finally happened!” Luke grinned, high fiving you, “I owe you 20 bucks Y/N.”

“You guys bet on me losing?!”

“It had to happen sometime Spencer,” you said.

“Come on, it’s my turn to beat the doc,” Luke said, reaching for the cards to shuffle again.

“Okay one more hand and I gotta go. I promised Garcia I’d be home before it got too late. Hopefully the boys aren’t driving her crazy,” JJ said reaching for her new cards.

“Oh please, you know she loves them,” you grin.

You pick up your cards, pretending to sneak a peek at Luke’s cards.

“Hey, no peeping!” he laughed, trying to move them out of your sight, making you try to lean further over to see.

“I’m just trying to see if the Vice President of the Worst Poker Players club has a chance,” you smirked at him.

“You madam President are too nosy for your own good,” Luke grins.

“Can we just get on with the game?” Spencer retorted, his voice unnaturally harsh.

Your gaze shot to Spencer, shocked to hear the sharp tone in his voice. You very rarely ever saw him mad or even irritable for that matter.

“Uh, sure,” you said, going first, placing your bet.

A few minutes after everyone else placed their starting bets, Spencer challenges you, raising your bet, his glare fixed on you. You make yourself resist physically flinching. You have no idea why his mood had darkened so suddenly and only at you.

You glance at JJ to see if she’s noticed and she gives you a small shrug, just as baffled as you are. As your best friend, she of course knew about your feelings for him. She gives you a questioning look as if assessing if you’re okay. You give a quick nod and return to your cards, trying not to feel hurt. Tuning back into the game you notice Luke has folded, JJ soon follows. Before you know it, it’s just you against Spencer.

“Ah, teacher against student. The tension is real.” Luke drums his fingers against the table.

You set your hand down. It wasn’t the best, but you were hoping somehow Spencer would have a worse hand. No such luck. Once again, your jaw drops when you see his own straight flush spread out in front of him.

“Damnit,” you mumble.

“You’re never gonna beat me Y/N. I’d stop trying if I were you.”

This time you did flinch. Your brows furrow, irritated, both at him and the fact you can’t beat him.

“Hey, I did,” JJ pointed out as she stood to pull on her jacket, “I gotta run guys.”

“Yeah, me too,” Luke says, standing up and stretching, “Spence? Y/N?”

“No, I think I’m gonna stay a bit longer. I’m determined to beat him.”

“Good luck,” Luke said heading to the door.

See you guys Monday and hopefully not sooner!” He calls as he walks out of the room.

“Tell me how it turns out,” JJ says, giving you a look only another woman could decipher, clearing meaning she meant more than just the game.

After giving both of you hugs and saying goodbye once again, you and Spencer are settled back at the round table, ready for another game.

“Sure you’re up to this?” he smirked, looking you up and down.

“Yes.” Your tone is clipped, determined, “I was taught well you know.”

“It’s going to get boring winning hand after hand you know.”

“Fine. Then let’s make it interesting why don’t we?”

“I’m listening.” He sits back, clasping his hands behind his head, watching you.

“Strip poker. You know the rules. Losing hand removes an article of clothing.”

“You’re on.”

Half an hour later you’re sitting next to a pile of your belongings. Deciding to count accessories since you had on a lot less layers than he did, you had managed to already have removed your hair clip, watch, necklace and shoes. Spencer had only lost his watch. At least that was a small victory, your one win.

“One win out of five games. I’d say I’m impressed, but that’s a measly 5% of your wins in our total of games so far.” 

Your eyes blazed and you glared at him.

“What’s your problem?”

He looked up at you, clearly taken aback. You stifle a snort, annoyed at the fact that he had the audacity to look surprised.

“What do you mean?”

“Why are you mad at me?”

“I’m not.” You look up from your cards to say something else, but he goes back to the game before you can ask any further questions.

“Damn,” he mutters, putting down his hand of random assorted cards.

Your face lights up and you slam down your three of a kind.

“Pay up. Something comes off.”

He shakes his head, pulling his tie off. Unfortunately for you, the next game isn’t in your favor and your shirt comes off, leaving you in just your bra and pants. You look up and deal to begin the next game, noticing his eyes suddenly are intensely focused on the tabletop.

You lay your head in your hand as you look at your cards before reaching from one for the deck, not noticing how the movement makes your breasts even more visible to him. What you do notice though is his slight shift in stance. 

“So uh, you and Alvez huh?”

Now it was your turn to look startled.

“What about me and Luke?”

“I don’t- I just- I mean,” he cleared his throat trying to stop his stammering, “You guys just seem really friendly all of a sudden.”

“Yeah, we get along great. He’s a good friend.”

“Oh, I see.”

Suddenly it clicked.

“Why? Are you jealous?”

He doesn’t answer, just drops his hand on the table, the cards splayed out.

“Well, shit.”

“Another four of a kind.”

You sigh, standing up, unbuttoning your pants. 

“This isn’t fair, you know,” you say, unzipping them.

You look over at him when you realize he hasn’t answered you and find his eyes on you, his tongue moving over his lips. Your stomach tightened, a sight you would never get over seeing. He did that single motion more times during a single case alone, than you could count.

You dropped your pants on the pile of your belongings, not exactly caring where it landed or the fact that you just happened to be half naked. It was like a magnetic force pulling you closer towards him. You drag your hand across the table as you approach him, your teeth sinking into your bottom lip. His eyes don’t leave you as you approach him, the game long forgotten.

“You were jealous. Weren’t you?” Your voice is barely a whisper as if you’re afraid that if you spoke the words too loud they wouldn’t be true.

Smoother than you thought he could be, he’d reached out for you and pulled you into his lap.

“Yes.” 

Next thing you knew his hands are in your hair and his lips are on yours and you’re kissing him back with such intensity that you had to pull away after a moment, just to get air back to your lungs and clarity to your mind.

“But I thought you-” 

“Liked JJ?”

“I, uh-” you momentarily blank on what you were saying as his hand moves up your arm and pulls one bra strap down, slowly.

“Yeah,” you finish.

“I did.” His lips met your shoulder, kissing it, “Until the day you walked through those doors.”

You felt your jaw slacken a bit as his lips traveled up your neck, stopping every few moments to suck on one spot or another. The realization had dawned on you that that specific event was more than six years ago.

“Oh,” you breathed, both in response to his confession and his gentle suckling.

His hands reached behind you and unfastened your bra in one swift movement.

“Why Dr. Reid aren’t you suave?”

He groaned, low in his throat. Whether it was because of the sight of your bare breasts or you calling him doctor, you weren’t sure. Your arousal was obvious, your nipples already pinched.

You lifted your head to kiss him again, loving the way his scruff was slightly scratchy against your face and the feeling of his lips moving simultaneously with yours.

You weren’t sure how long you’d been kissing when you felt his hands glide up your thighs, fingers brushing against the side of your underwear. Just the feeling of him touching you through the thin fabric of your underwear was enough to make you shiver. Your lips were traveling along his jaw when you felt him lift you. 

“What are you-”

He placed you on the table as easily as he could before pulling your last article of clothing off. His arms hooked under your thighs, lifting you up and pulling you to the edge of the table, sending the deck of cards flying.

“Oh my god,” you moaned, feeling his mouth on you. Never in a million years would you have imagined his mouth to be this impactful.

You couldn’t see his expression, but somehow you knew Spencer was smirking. His tongue moved agonizingly slow over your slit, just barely brushing your clit.

“Spencer for God’s sake,” you whined already feeling tension building throughout every inch of your body, his touch sending your entire being into overload.

Your head fell backwards when his tongue flicked your clit repeatedly before flattening his tongue against it. Your breathing was heavy as you managed to sit up on your elbows, looking down at him. The sight of Dr. Spencer Reid, the resident genius, with his head between your legs, doing magical things with his mouth was almost enough to send you spiralling out of control. 

When you felt his touch completely disappear you opened your mouth to protest until you felt his fingers on you again. One finger slid in as he watched your expression, his eyes squinted again, his tongue moistening his lips.

“I swear to God if you don’t stop licking your lips I’m gonna cum right this second,” you practically growled at him.

His only response was a chuckle before he added a second finger to the mix and his mouth was back on you again. His tongue moved against you before finally sucking on your sensitive bundle of nerves.

“Oh fuck, oh yes. Speeeence,” you moaned, “Fuck, fuck, fuck.”

You couldn’t tell if it was just your thighs or your entire body that was shaking, but you were pretty sure it was both at this rate. You gripped the edge of the table hard, the mound of tension in the pit of your stomach unraveling faster and faster.

“Please don’t stop,” you begged breathlessly, desperate for the sweet release that was so close you could almost reach.

Like a balloon bursting after being filled with too much air, your body feels the same as your orgasm coursed through it, rendering you breathless mid-moan.

You’re pretty sure you hadn’t cursed as much as you did in the seconds following.

“Holy shit Spencer,” you groaned, trying to gain some control in your body again.

He pulled you toward the edge of the table, helping you down so you were leaning against it. Your legs were shaking too much to be able to stand on your own anyway. His hand cupped your face as he kissed you again, this time a lot softer than the previous kisses you’d shared. It was then when you had an idea.

“Sit back.” You took his hand off your face, lightly pushing his shoulders for him to sit back in the chair.

“Why?” 

“Just do it.” You kissed the base of his throat, fingers fumbling over the buttons of his shirt.

With each button released, your lips moved lower over his skin.

Finally getting the gist of your movements, his hand caught your wrist when your fingers reached the waist of his pants.

“You don’t have to.”

“I know. But I’m a lady and I always return a good deed,” you grinned slyly.

He bit his lip as if trying to assess your face just to be sure.

“I want to.”

He released his grip and you continued your task, wasting no time until he was in his boxers. Your lips moved in line above his waistband your palm pressing against the noticeable bulge.

A grunt came above you encouraging you. You pulled the fabric enough out of the way, your hand wrapping around his cock. He inhaled sharply, watching you intently. Your hand moved slowly back and forth making him suffer just as much as he did to you.

“Y/N I think I’m wound up enough. Cut out the fucking teasing,” came through gritted teeth.

“My apologies, Doctor.” 

You flashed a quick smirk up at him then leaned down, tongue swirling around his head. His hips jerked slightly when you took him in your mouth, your tongue swirling before settling on sucking.

“Fuck!” Spencer groaned loudly.

You peeked upwards to see his head fall back and his eyes close. You couldn’t help but feel the satisfaction at knowing you’re the one causing him to react like this.

You feel his hand in your hair, his grip tightening the longer you’re on your knees.

“After listening to you Y/N, I’m not gonna last long,” he groans as you hum your response.

Using one hand to pump him, you suck on his head long enough for him to give you the warning of his impending release. Seconds later it hit him, hot liquid filling your mouth. You sat back swallowing like a champ and wiping your mouth. You looked up at the wrecked Dr. Reid, panting above you. It was a good look on him.

“Did you let me win?” 

“What?”

“Earlier. During the game; that last hand I won. Did you let me win?” You asked as you grabbed your own clothes, both of you trying to look presentable again.

“Y/N, you can win all the poker games you want as long as we can do that again.”

“You got a deal.”

“There’s only one problem now,” he groaned.

“You mean besides the deck of cards scattered on the floor?”

“Yes. Cause now when we have a new case I’m going to have to resist the urge to imagine bending you over this table.”

You swallowed hard, the image in your mind doing things to you as well. You looked him in the eye before responding, earnestly.

“Guess that’s gonna have to wait until the next poker game.”

[warpweighted]

Rating The New Girl Scout Cookies

So there's a girl scout cookie alignment chart post going 'round, and as a Former Girl Scout™️ I thought it would be fun to take a look at what the cookies are like nowadays. More expensive for less product? Well, that's a given (in my day the boxes were much larger and four bucks a pop, shakes cane get off my lawn etcetera), but every few years they come out with a new cookie and shuffle others away so there's bound to be some interesting changes.

But first! A treatise on girl scout cookie brands. Y'see, what the alignment chart gets wrong is that a Lemonade would never be caught dead next to a Do-Si-Do - they're from different manufacturers! Little Brownie Bakers and ABC Bakers are two separate cookie manufacturers, and if I recall correctly each county's Girl Scout association will only purchase from one. Matter o' fact, where I was the bordering county had ABC Bakers, and we were Little Brownie Bakers, and we weren't even allowed to sell in each other's counties.

It might've been because our county operated on a pre-order system and the neighboring county was sell-what-you-got, so ABC scouts would be selling the physical cookies a lot sooner than LBB scouts which meant that an ABC scout in our LBB county could really fuck up your sales prospects.

ANYWAYS! Back in my day, the lemon cookie du jour for LBB counties was Savannah Smiles, which were introduced to capitalize on the massive popularity of Lemonades. LBB hasn't got Savannah Smiles anymore, which actually makes the alignment chart out of date, but what they do have is

Lemon-Ups®️! I gotta be honest, I don't see how these are any different from Lemonades. Savannah Smiles kinda sucked, but at least they were original. 6/10 smart business decision at least

I seem to remember a short-lived chocolate chip cookie counterpart to this next one, similarly gluten free. The chocolate chip one sucked so much that it was pulled after one year. 7/10 she's a survivor

When the fuck did this happen? You leave for mumblemumble years and they change everything goddammit. I appreciate the relief sculpture thing they've got going on, tho. 5/10 I dont trust the marshmallow

The new bitch in town! She's full-bodied, she's cool, she doesn't give a fuck, and everyone in the grocery store desires her carnally. Personally I'd do away with the chocolate drizzle, but as long as the caramel doesn't suck ass she's fucking golden. 8/10 I'd have to try the caramel first.

Now let's take a gander at ABC Bakers!

Looks about how I remember it, slightly different recipes and names for the same basic stock, and - oh, what's this?

Ohhhhhhhh-kay. Maybe it's a play on "toasty," like as in toasting a marshmallow or -

1000000/10, no notes

[elentiyawhitethorn]

Sneaking Around | Chapter Fifteen

Lysandra’s caller ID showed up on Aelin’s phone, which she had in fact retrieved from Rowan’s earlier in the day. After a round of sex with Rowan, Aelin had eaten breakfast and walked over to pick up said phone (Rowan was too lazy to come with her), and driven back in her car.

Despite wanting to know what the hell was going on with Lysandra and Aedion, Aelin decided to wait until one of them said something to her. Which was happening now, at half past three.

“Hey Lys. Have a fun night?” Aelin couldn’t help but tease.

“Good gods yes. It was amazing.” Lysandra sounded out of breath.

Aelin answered with her usual snark, “Well good for you, darlin’, but seeing as you slept with my brother, I’d rather not hear the details.”

“Right. But holy fuck Aelin, guess what happened!”

“You two had sex. Woke up the next morning and confessed your undying love for each other. Raced into the bathroom to call me.”

Lysandra gasped. “What the hell, Aelin. Are you stalking me?”

Aelin giggled. “Oh, shit, I got it right, didn’t I? You are so predictable.”

Lys sighed. “I woke up next to him, and I laid there for a few seconds trying to figure out what the hell had happened, and then I remembered. And I looked over. And fuck, Lin, I didn’t know what to do. I debated running away, but I thought of what a coward I’d been for so long, so I poked him.” Aelin snorted here. “And he woke up and was all bleary and then he was like Oh! and then I just blurted, “I love you!” And he said it back! Fuck, who knew?”

“I know that’s supposed to be a rhetorical question, but everyone. Everyone knew.” Aelin was smirking.

“Whatever. And so I squealed and ran to the bathroom and called you. Like you said. Are you sure you don’t have cameras in here?” Lys asked.

“Yes, I do. To watch my best friend and my brother going at it,” Aelin responded dryly. “And seriously, you didn’t wake up until a few minutes ago? It’s after three.”

“Hush, I had a lot to drink. And now that I am aware of your relationship with Whitethorn, I need the details. Every freakin’ detail.”

“Maybe not on the phone when you’re camped out in my brother’s bathroom. Did you even put any clothes on?”

Lysandra snorted. “I’m too pretty for clothes.”

Aelin chuckled. “Go tell my brother he’s dumb for not making a move sooner. And shit, I owe him twenty bucks. Don’t mention that part, okay?”

A giggle escaped Lysandra. “I can’t believe you had to get him drunk and bribe him just to kiss me.”

“We Galathynius folk are always stubborn. I’m braver, though.”

Lys snorted. “You’re not wrong. Alright, thanks for the chat. Have a nice time with lover boy.”

“Oh trust me, honey, I will. Bye.”

The sound of the shower Rowan had been running stopped and a minute later he walked out in a towel. Aelin’s eyes drifted to his muscular chest. She’d had plenty of chances to look at it before, but there really was no limit to gazing at that chiseled glory.

“Like what you see?” Rowan asked teasingly.

She shamelessly replied without looking away, “Yep. And hate to break it to you, but I’m allowed to check you out; we’re dating.”

Rowan snorted and sauntered into Aelin’s bedroom. He came out a few seconds later in sweatpants and a t-shirt, basically the only thing in his wardrobe. He had brought a change of clothes with him a few days prior, and Aelin had done the same at his apartment.

“What’s for breakfast?”

“Whatever you make, dear,” Aelin replied sweetly. “And hurry, would you? I’m hungry.”

“You are wicked. But it’s Christmas Eve, so I’ll be nice.”

Aelin grinned. “For once.”

He just rolled his eyes at her and started looking through the cabinets, muttering about her abuse.

The “Christmas party” had taken place on the day before Christmas Eve, as most people didn’t want to spend Christmas Day with a bunch of drunken friends. Of the friends who didn’t travel for the holidays, Aelin and Aedion would be spending part of Christmas together as siblings. The rest Aelin would be with Rowan for. Hopefully Lys would see Aedion, but who could tell at this point? Manon liked to go out to bars on Christmas. “My favorite type of gay girl is the one who ditches everybody on the holiday to get a drink,” she always said. “The holidays are my favorite opportunities.” Everyone else always laughed at Manon’s antics.

Now, though, Aelin had a whole day to herself of Rowan.

-

After cereal for lunch (Rowan made a mean Cheerios bowl) and a Halloween movie (yes, on Christmas Eve - don’t judge), Aelin demanded Rowan take her on a walk.

“It’s snowing, Aelin.” Despite being late December, it hadn’t been very cold lately. Now, however, it was snowing in earnest. There was already an inch and a half on the ground and it was still going.

Aelin frowned. “That makes it even better. And remember, we need to work on your courage issues.”

Rowan scowled at her. “Enough of that.”

“It is enough when I say enough. Need I make a list of all your cowardly deeds? Let’s see; not wanting to go out in the snow now like a little baby, not telling Remelle to fuck off that one time, oh, and not asking me out for three fucking years? Also, jumping in the middle of Silence of the Lambs and-”

“Okay, that’s... we can go on a walk.”

“Yay!” Aelin brightened.

Rowan snorted. “You say that like you’re surprised. Did you ever have any doubt you’d get your way?”

“Of course not. It’s still exciting, though.”

Aelin dug through her closet, grabbing a coat, hat, scarf, and gloves. She got an extra of everything for Rowan except for the coat. Then Aelin pulled out one of her largest jackets, which happened to be neon pink, and held it beside Rowan’s towering figure. “Um, close enough?”

He sighed. “Better than freezing. I’ll take it.”

They walked down the stairs and outside. Aelin immediately started jumping around and squealing as she was pelted with snow.

“Who knew the fire-breathing bitch-queen turns into such a child in the snow?” Rowan was chuckling.

“Who doesn’t? Snow is fucking awesome.” Aelin grabbed Rowan’s arm and yanked him farther down the sidewalk and toward the park.

-

They spend the rest of the afternoon and part of the evening throwing snowballs and tackling each other into the snow. It was late when they entered Aelin’s apartment, took off their snow things, and ate a quick meal of pasta (neither could cook anything else). Finally, food was eaten.

“Rowan, darling,” Aelin purred.

“Yes?” he responded, a smirk on his face and an eyebrow quirked.

Aelin grinned. “It’s so cold. I was only wondering if you could be so kind as to warm me up?”

Rowan chuckled. “Anything for you, dear.” He hooked his arms under Aelin’s thighs and she instinctually wrapped her legs around his waist.

Aelin sucked on Rowan’s neck as he carried her to her bedroom. She felt satisfaction knowing it would definitely leave a mark.

Rowan placed her on the bed and climbed on top. Aelin smiled against his lips as he kissed her. “Not tonight,” she whispered, grabbing his hands before he could pull her pants off. Aelin then rolled over, pulling him with her. “I’m going to ride you tonight,” she breathed against Rowan’s neck. He let out a groan at the thought.

Rowan helped Aelin slide his sweatpants down, his underwear going with them, and he lifted his shirt off himself as Aelin stripped. Finally, they were both naked. Aelin leaned over to the nightstand and grabbed a condom. She expertly rolled it onto Rowan. He gripped her thighs and she lowered herself onto him. They both let out a groan.

Aelin started rocking her hips, drawing more noises out of him. “Oh, Aelin,” Rowan moaned. “Aelin, I love you so much.”

“Everybody does, darlin’.” Rowan just growled and slammed his hips up to meet hers.

Aelin moaned loudly. “Oh, Ro.” She braced her hands on his shoulders and kept riding him.

She was soon climaxing. He flipped them over as she moaned his name. Rowan drove his hips into Aelin several times, hard. Before long, he also reached his peak, growling as he thrust into Aelin one last time.

They lay in a pile of tangled limbs, panting. “Fucking gods,” Aelin got out between breaths.

Rowan chuckled breathily. “Damn straight.”

-

Aelin woke up to darkness. She glanced over and checked her phone. 5:00 am.

“Rowan, wake up!” Aelin yelled.

He jolted. “What? Aelin, what’s wrong?”

She grinned at him. “It’s Christmas!”

Rowan frowned. “That’s all? No fire? No burglar?”

She frowned as well. “What’s wrong with you? It’s Christmas,” she repeated. Aelin climbed out of bed, wearing only a t-shirt she’d pulled on the night before. She dug through her drawers for a snowman shirt to change into, as well as pants and a pair of reindeer socks.

“What time is it?” Rowan grumbled.

“It’s five.” Aelin ignored his groan at this. “Which means it time to get up and celebrate.”

“I pity whoever raised you. You must have been even worse as a child. And it’s kind of hard to celebrate when it’s the early hours of the morning and I’m trying to sleep.”

Aelin scowled. “Whatever. I’m going to go make hot chocolate.”

-

She did indeed make hot chocolate. And sit by the window happily reading a book. By eight o’clock, Rowan shuffled into the kitchen.

Aelin grinned. “Merry Christmas.”

He snorted. “Merry Christmas, Aelin.” He came to where she sat and wrapped an arm around her. “I love you.”

Aelin hugged him back. “Me too, Ro.”

-

They had a few more hours to spend together before Aelin put on a pair of snow boots, grabbed her gift for Aedion, and tromped to his apartment.

“Why are you walking, Aelin?” he asked when she appeared on his doorstep. “Did you lose your car?”

“It’s Christmas, dear brother. It’s nice outside. And don’t even comment on my pajamas, they’re comfy.”

Aedion rolled his eyes at her and let her inside. Lysandra was sitting at the counter. She turned and grinned at Aelin. “Hey, Lin. Merry Christmas. I’ll leave you two to spend your sibling time together, but I have something for you first.”

Lys had gotten Aelin a box of chocolates, making her Aelin’s new favorite person. She in turn gave Lys an expensive lipstick Lysandra had been admiring a while ago, saying she had a feeling Lys might be here.

Hugs were exchanged, and then Lys went to a back room to give the siblings some space.

“Aed, you’re my favorite brother ever,” Aelin said, giving him a hug.

Aedion snorted. “Also your only brother, but I’ll take it.” He squeezed her back.

Aelin gifted him a pair of socks with little reindeers on them (to match her own socks), getting a new series of books in return. She was an avid reader, and loved adding to her collection. Aelin stayed for several hours, then said goodbye to him and Lysandra, who were shyly smiling at each other every time their eyes met. Good grief.

Finally, she made it back to her own apartment. Upon opening the door, Aelin was greeted with Christmas lights strung all along the walls and a minature plastic tree in the middle of the room. Aelin gasped. “Ohmigosh, Rowan, did you do this?”

He was leaning against the counter smirking. “No, it was the elves.”

Aelin walled over to him and punched him in the bicep. For once, he didn’t say ‘ow.’ They were making progress. He did complain, though. “Um, you’re welcome? Also, I don’t think that’s what you’re supposed to do under mistletoe.”

Aelin looked up. Taped to the cabinet above him was indeed a strand of mistletoe. She rolled her eyes at his antics, then leaned forwards and placed a gentle kiss upon him lips. He tried to pull her in for more, but Aelin just backed away and said, “You’ll get the rest later. Now, I’m going to give you a present.”

She went to her room, put away her new books and candy, got a wrapped gift out from under her bed, and walked back into the living room. Rowan was waiting, a gift of his own on the counter next to him.

Grinning, Aelin handed him the present. He looked suspiciously at it, then unwrapped it.

And rolled his eyes at what was inside.

“I thought you needed to spice your wardrobe up a little,” Aelin said with a devious grin. He snorted, holding up the red sweater with a Christmas tree on the front. Actual minature lights were strung around the torso. They lit up when you pressed a button.

Rowan chuckled. “I love it.” He slung it on over his t-shirt and pressed the on switch. Suddenly, the light bulbs were glowing, making him look like he tripped and got tangled in a pile of Christmas lights.

He handed Aelin her present. She opened it to reveal a box of chocolates. Lys had given her the same thing, but there never was enough candy. She squealed.

Rowan smirked. “I take it you like it? Look inside.”

Curious, Aelin opened the lid to find... chocolates. And then seeing the custom order sticker on the lid she realized: “Rowan, you got me all my favorites! How did you even know which chocolates I like?”

He grinned. “Milk chocolate, pecan, almond, caramel. I’ve been paying attention. Also, the extra five dollars was worth not seeing you scowl at all of the assorted coconut.”

Aelin smiled. “They always put so many coconut candies in there and I hate them. They’re disgusting. Thank you so much, Ro. I’m warning you, though, they aren’t going to last very long.”

“I didn’t think they would,” Rowan said with a smirk. “I’ve seen you devour a large KitKat in seconds. I’ll admit, it was a little frightening.”

Aelin snorted. “I got you something else, too.” She pulled a smaller gift out of her pocket, wanting the extra one to be a surprise.

He opened it and pulled out an ornament with the inscription A + R. Aelin smiled nervously. “Perhaps a little presumptuous, but...”

Rowan looked up at Aelin and smiled widely. “Thank you, Aelin. It’s great.” He leaned down and kissed her softly. She tried to deepen the kiss, but Rowan pulled back and said, “You’ll get the rest later,” mocking her words from earlier.

Aelin tried to scowl, but it faded as Rowan walked over to the mini tree and carefully placed the ornament on a plastic branch. “Where exactly were you planning on putting this? You didn’t know I got you a tree.”

She grinned. “Planning that would have required forethought, which I do not have.”

Rowan snorted. “At least you admit it. I got you another present too.” He picked up a small box off the counter that Aelin hadn’t noticed before.

Aelin opened the box to find a necklace. She opened the locket on the end to see A + R. “We got the same inscription,” Aelin said, laughing. “It’s beautiful, Rowan.” She handed it to him and turned, pulling her hair over one shoulder.

She heard Rowan unclasp it and then he gently placed the necklace around her neck, clipping it in the back.

Aelin turned back around and lifted her hands to his face. “Merry Christmas, Rowan.”

He placed his hands on her waist and gazed lovingly into her eyes. “Merry Christmas.”

[starlocked01]

ROYGBIV

AO3 @tsshipmonth2020

Masterpost- Previous- Next

Summary:  Patton loves to see the colors of his soulmates everywhere around him, but he hasn't found a way to meet any of them yet. When it becomes clear they're finding each other, Patton wonders if they even want to find him.

Day 4 DRLAMP- You see a path of color left behind by your Soulmate

Patton loved the rainbow of trails that crisscrossed his world. The paths usually lasted a day before fading away but they were all close enough in the city that he saw their mosaic frequently.

When Patton left for work in the mornings, he smiled at Violet's path as it traveled down the sidewalk. He often wished he could take a day or two to try and track that path back to a house or Violet's work, but the path crossed itself so many times and ran practically everywhere through the city. He was certain Violet had to have seen his path, so maybe it was a one-sided bond. The man sure was busy all over town as it was so maybe he just didn't have enough time to look for Patton. Or he didn't want to.

Patton would arrive at the post office and pick up his deliveries for the day before starting his route. He greeted everyone with a smile and if they seemed in need of cheering up, he'd crack a joke.

About a quarter of the way through his route, Patton often found himself following pretty closely with Yellow's path. He was pretty sure Yellow was a lawyer because his path spent so much time between the municipal courts and prison. Patton didn’t like to imagine Yellow was on the other side of that coin so a lawyer he had to be.

After lunchtime, he often found the point where Red and Green met up and visited a local deli together each day. Patton wondered if the two saw each other’s path or if they just happened to know each other by coincidence. Some days he stopped at the same deli for his own lunch.

Indigo must be so smart; he was always at the local college campus where Patton's last few deliveries were. Maybe he was a graduate-level student or a professor! Patton liked to admire Indigo's path after his last delivery and sometimes followed it off campus to the local park. Sometimes Indigo and Violet's paths joined up and led up to the top of a hill. Patton wondered when they met up because he never found them there but they seemed to go there together often.

One day after his route, Patton found that Yellow had joined Indigo and Violet on the hill. That couldn't be a coincidence. Did they see him pass by when they came back the next day? What color did they see him as?

This left him as the only one who hadn't met any of the others.

Patton sighed and headed home to make dinner. He didn't like feeling left out. But there wasn't much he could do if he never ran into any of them.

The next day he followed the three paths to the hill again, but this time he found an envelope in the grass. The outside was marked with neat print handwriting and read "Sky Blue". Looking around he picked up the envelope and opened it. Inside was a note in the same neat handwriting.

Dear Sky Blue,

We see your path here each night when we come to stargaze together. We want to meet you and Red and Green. Take this letter with you so we know you found it and come back tonight at 9 PM.

Sincerely,

Logan (Indigo), Virgil (Violet), and Janus (Yellow)

The names were each signed in different handwriting. Patton felt his heart soar at the thought of meeting his soulmates. He hurried home to prepare for that night.

First, Patton had to decide what to wear. They called him Sky Blue, so maybe his work shirt would be a good idea? He shrugged and decided to go with the light blue polo and khakis. He tied a light grey cardigan around his shoulders just in case it got cold that night. He looked in the mirror. This was either the best look he'd ever come up with or the absolute dorkiest outfit he owned. He'd make it work.

Indigo, Violet, and Yellow (no.. Logan, Virgil, and Janus) hadn't said to bring anything, but it felt rude to show up empty-handed. Patton quickly set to work in the kitchen making snickerdoodle cookies. By the time the last tray was coming out of the oven, Patton checked the time and realized he needed to leave 5 minutes ago. He quickly packed the cookies up and ran for the park.

He got to the hill, out of breath but right on time and took a moment to look at the vibrant paths ahead of him. Virgil and Logan must have walked to the park together and met Janus here at the base of the hill. His eyes followed the paths up to the top where an aura of purple, blue, and gold was shining with a halo effect. He couldn’t see anyone but they had to be up there. Patton couldn't remember feeling this nervous before in his life. With a gulp, he started to climb the hill.

"Maybe the note scared Sky Blue off," Virgil suggested, laying on a blanket with his hands cushioning his neck, his hoodie splayed out underneath him.

"Why would it have scared him? I was formal and polite," Logan squinted his eyes at Virgil.

"Exactly, L."

"Maybe someone else picked up the letter," Janus poured himself a glass of wine and glanced down the hill. He failed to mention the man hiking his way up with a trail of light blue behind him.

"Perhaps, but why would they have taken it with them if it wasn't for them?" Logan reasoned.

"To throw it out? I mean it was litter," Janus smirked at Logan.

"Nah, I think he got it. His path is standing like right on top of where I left it," Virgil shrugged, "we'll find out sooner or later."

"Ah, hello?" Patton called up the hill as he neared the top. Logan and Virgil snapped their heads towards the sound of the voice.

Janus glanced at Patton again with a knowing smirk, "probably just a ranger coming to send us packing."

"You're a really bad liar, Jan," Virgil admonished, propping himself up on his elbow as Patton huffed his way into view of the three men.

"Sorry… I'm late…." Patton took some deep breaths, practically doubled over, "had to get…. the cookies… out of the… oven," He took one last deep breath and sat down on the ground before looking up at the others.

"Sky Blue, it's really you," Virgil gave Patton a smile.

"My name is Patton and I can't believe we're all here," Patton looked at each of their faces, trying to memorize each one.

"Baked goods? I'll pass. But it is good to meet you, Patton," Logan smiled before turning back to the telescope he was assembling.

Patton held up the tray of cookies to the other two and Janus quickly grabbed one. Virgil took two, stuffing one in his pocket before laying back down on the blanket.

"So, how did you all meet?" Patton chose one of the hundreds of questions threatening to spill out of his mouth all at once.

"I deliver doordash so it was kinda just a matter of time," Virgil spoke up.

"Yes, Virgil delivered to me once and we made it a habit to come out here after dinner to relax," Logan looked up from the telescope.

"Much like you, I found their trails meeting up and took the opportunity to trace the dark blue one back to Logan’s office," Janus smirked.

"Some would call that stalking," Virgil interjected.

"Is it stalking if you're soulmates?" Janus retorted.

"I suggested leaving you the note. It was fairly obvious you'd found this spot but missed our meet-ups each time. We haven't figured out how to contact Red or Green yet," Logan mused, proud his idea had worked.

"Oh, so you see them too?" Patton smiled, his own idea coming together.

"Yes, it appears we each have five soulmates. A bit of an anomaly but it's worked well so far," Logan grinned, moving to sit next to Janus.

"Any more than five would just be a crowd," Janus laid his hand on Logan's, resting his head on the other’s shoulder.

"And I hate crowds," Virgil spoke up from the ground. Patton shifted to sit closer to him, grabbing one of his cookies for himself.

"Guys, I might know how we can contact Red and Green. We should write another note and I can deliver it somewhere I know they'll find it," Patton grinned at the others, glad he could contribute to the dynamic.

Virgil looked up at Patton, "wait you're actually a postman? How come you never found any of us first?"

"Probably because I have to keep my deliveries on schedule," Patton shrugged, "neither rain nor sleet nor dark of night, right?"

"Well that makes perfect sense," Janus rolled his eyes, "although we should do another note for the other two."

"Let's get writing," Logan rummaged in his messenger bag for paper and pens.

"Okay no, it's my turn, Teach," Virgil sat up and grabbed the paper from Logan. Logan huffed at him but tossed him a purple pen anyway.

Patton was so excited to see Red and Green's trails by the deli the next day that he completely missed that they both went inside but only Red's came back out. He headed directly to the counter, greeting the server behind the counter who he'd spoken with several times before when he heard a loud gasp behind him.

"It's You!" Patton turned around in alarm to find a man with a bright green aura standing much too close to him with an almost manic grin on his face.

"It's me?"

"Baby Blue! I told Ro you'd come in today but he didn't want to wait," the man grabbed Patton in a big hug. His grip was terrifyingly strong. Patton barely managed to worm his way out of the embrace.

"Hi there! You were waiting for me?" Patton straightened out his uniform, the letter from the others clutched in his hand.

"Yup! I'm Remus and my brother is gonna be so mad he didn't wait," Remus grinned and offered a hand to Patton.

Patton blinked, "wait, your brother? Red is your brother? Isn't that… weird?"

"Oh, we can't see each other’s trail. But we both see the same four colors around town so we made a bet that y'all see both of us and I just won 20 bucks," Remus laughed and noticed the letter in Patton's hand, "who's that for, Baby Blue?"

"Oh, my name is Patton, and this is actually for you and Red- wait you called him 'Ro', right?" Patton handed over the letter.

"Short for Roman," Remus scanned the letter quickly, "got it. We'll be there tonight. See ya Pattycake!" And with that Remus tore out of the store, leaving Patton clutching his hat to his head.

"Wonderful, I think?"

Patton smiled, helping Virgil stretch out the blanket on top of the hill while Logan fiddled with the telescope. The others had yet to arrive but he was excited for them to meet Roman and Remus.

"So they're brothers? That doesn't bother them?" Virgil asked skeptically.

"Well they aren't soulmates to each other, they both see all of us though," Patton explained for the third time.

"Riiight," Virgil rolled his eyes and grabbed a cookie, "Pat, you're gonna have to stop bringing these. They're way too good. I can't stop."

"Have a second cookie! You've earned it," Patton grinned, grabbing one for himself, "Logan, you sure you don't want any?"

"I assure you, I don't need excess sugar and trans fats in my diet. It's not even finals yet," Logan spoke without looking up from the telescope, "you told them the correct time, right?"

"Virgil was the one who wrote it, ask him," Patton sat down on the blanket, watching the sky turn dark as the sunset behind the trees and city skyline.

Janus came hiking up the hill, talking animatedly with a man surrounded by red who Patton had never seen before. Remus was in tow, dragging a cooler behind them.

"Oh hello everyone, we found Red and Green," Janus grinned. Patton jumped up to help Remus with the cooler and Virgil stole his spot on the blanket, saluting the newcomers.

Logan looked up from the telescope, "Jupiter looks fascinating tonight; you all need to see this."

"Can I take a look?" Roman grinned at Logan, walking towards him.

Logan gulped, cheeks flushing, "uh sure, Roman, right?"

Roman laughed, "don't worry I have that effect on all the gays."

Patton and Remus set the cooler down and the latter opened it up to grab a beer, closed it, and sat on the lid. Patton grinned and wrapped Remus in an even tighter hug than the man had given him that afternoon.

Remus looked surprised but quickly scooped Patton onto his lap, "that's quite a grip you've got there, Pat."

Patton giggled and blushed, "you just took me by surprise earlier, Remus. I can give out what I get when it comes to hugs!"

"Is that a challenge, Baby Blue?" Remus smirked, wrapping his arms around Patton's waist.

Patton looked out at his rainbow of soulmates, all together for the first time. It was honestly pretty magical. And he loved that through all their mixed paths, there was a place for him and his bright blue among their vibrant colors.

Patton felt lighter than air, despite the fact he was covering a co-worker's shift when he was supposed to have the day off. The route was much more residential and a bit easier than his normal trek around the city. And he was going to see his partners that evening after work and was definitely looking forward to it. They'd spent several weeks stargazing as a group and meeting up in duos and trios, but tonight they were all going out for a nice dinner.

"Hey! Thanks, LB!" Patton heard an unfamiliar voice from behind him.

"Did you mean me? I'm just covering the route today," Patton stopped walking and started to turn around to greet the stranger.

"Yeah, LB for light blue. It's nice to finally meet one of y'all."

A look of confusion crossed Patton's face but was replaced with surprise as he saw the man standing at the mailbox.

"Orange???"

[temptingempress]

The Mafia’s Princess J.hs (2)

Summary: “I can’t loose you because if I loose you I loose myself. You’re all I have left.” she begged him to put the gun down. Her bloody knees splashed into the mud. Helicopters surrounded them and the sirens were getting closer and closer but she could think about was him. The man whom she fell in love with, standing in front of them. Gun pointed towards his head.

This is a HoseokxOc story but feel free to think of her as y/n. I just didn't want to call her y/n so I used my own character that you'll see in a lot of my stories but her mood and temperment will change in each story.

Warning: A bit of sexual interaction but nothing too much, weapons, skin damage, cursing, DIOR FREAKING HOSEOK. AKA: SUPERIOR HOSEOK.

Previous: https://temptingempress.tumblr.com/post/639443379410927616

Hauling Areum away in his arms from the vent into his arms, he opened the window just to see that the cops and dogs were guarding the entire motel, just waiting for them to come back and attack. He had to think and he had to think fast or else they’ll both be dead meat. He looked around and spotted one place where the dogs nor the cops have reached yet. The garbage bin. Of course, it was disgusting but it was the only chance they got. 

Hoseok’s P.O.V

I sigh as I held Areum close to my chest, there’s no way that she could be seen by the police or else it’s pretty much over for her and her family. I quickly set Areum down being careful not to to injure her even more than I already did. I had some spare time until the cops could reach this area. Taking my jacket off, I carefully wrapped it on her wounded leg so no infection would begin to grow. I had to get her back home and I had to do it fast. There she could be met with a medic. This all has me wondering if I should just drop her off at the place she belongs and leave her be. All I am is trouble in her life. I am in everybody's and I really dont give a shit. I’ve become my own nightmare that lost it’s mercy ten years ago but when it comes to her. I swear I’d do anything. I’ve become so selfish and allowed my heart to become enslaved in chains to her love. To her affection. To the way she smiles or the way the moonlight touches her soft skin. 

Love is tortuous, I feel myself going on a never ending rollercoaster with her. She was the worst thing that ever happened to me but the best thing at the same time. She can’t let me go and that’s the worst part about this relationship because I know at some point she’s going to have to let me go. Not that I want to go. I want to be her dream man and offer everything she wants that she deserves but not off of blood money. I’ve never thought that one time in my life I’d be regretting being a mafia lord. Love is powerful. 

All this goes through my mind as I picked her up once more and jumped into the trash can, where there were a lot of bags. Yes, it’s risky to possibly get stabbed by glass shards or bitten by a rat but it was better than prison. Our landing sound was muffled by the plastic bags. The cops were approaching so I closed the bin and hid myself and Areum to the best of my ability. There happened to be a small hole that I peeped through to see if the cops were going along their way but they weren’t. They were just guarding the whole hotel as well as their dogs. We needed a distraction so I picked up a rusted old wrench and while they werent looking aimed it at the highest window that was out of the cop’s eyesight, so of course they wouldn’t see the wrench. Once the glass broke the cops shouted and ran towards the window, holding their guns up. I took Areum when the coast was clear and silently got out of there, running far away into the woods. Once I was far enough, I slung Areum onto my back and looked into my suitcase for a pager. “I need a car sent to Eastwood Urgently.” 

Eastwood was about 5 miles away but it was the only place where I knew to navigate to from here. My pager dings before a man starts to talk “Yes sir, it will take us fifteen minutes. Parked in the garage sir.”

“Thanks Jungkook. Coming home soon, prepare med for Areum. She got a bog bite...” I looked at Areum’s leg. Lines of slightly opened bloody flesh lined along her legs “And a bit of a scratch.”

As I kept walking on the cops were soon long gone or so I think. You never know in this field of work. I had a long ways to go and there was no way Areum could walk on her feet. She wasn’t very heavy so I could handle it. Walking through nature was quite nice actually. It’s not something I usually do. I had to make it to Eastwood before the sun rose because if not I could get caught by someone. I felt Areum shift her head on my back, and soon her hips.

“Baby?” I say to her as she regains her conscious. I went to a tree and sat her down onto the leaves so she could wake up and I could take a small break before we move again.

Areum’s P.O.V

An instant sting shot onto my leg as if somebody took sharp nails and dragged it along on my skin. “Augh!” I whimpered as I reached for the long bloody scratch. I saw that a sweater was wrapped around my bloody wounds. I don’t even remembered what happened after being in that vent. All I remember was darkness. “It hurts.” my voice cracks as my hands tried to rub down the cut to attempt to make it feel better but my attempts only made it worse. I wasn’t used to all this. I mean, small scars and such were common but this? My eyes began to water as the pain only got worse. It wouldn’t go away. Hoseok knelt towards me, caressing my cheeks. “Hey, you’re alright.” 

~

Areum felt Hoseok’s heavy breaths as he continued to walk with her in his arms. Two hours passed and they were far out of the cop’s sight. They were almost to their destination but Hoseok’s steps became slower. Areum spoke “Stop, I could walk on my own now.”  Hoseok shook his head as he kept walking. Sure, he was tired and he exhausted. He could just pass out right then and there but he wasn’t going to let go of her.  “Hoseok.” Areum spoke louder as her fingers gripped his shirt. “Let me go.” “You’ll get hurt more Areum, I’ve already done enough to you!” He didn’t let go her, he couldn’t let her go but soon enough he had to let her go. “Let’s take a break.” he panted. Areum’s P.O.V

I laughed a little as he had to let me go sooner or later. Some long scratched lined my leg and I still felt the sting but it wasn’t unbearable. I could walk on my own now, well, at least limb. By looking at Hoseok slumped down on a tree I had to walk at this point “Okay, just get on my shoulders.” He panted and knelt down. I chuckled a bit as I tightened the ‘band aid’ Hoseok put on my cut. “No love.” I push Hoseok���s shoulders back up. “I need to start doing things on my own.” Five years ago. Areum’s P.O.V

The evening of the ball was wonderful to say the less but as the sun set over the horizon the part I dreaded came. The dance. Where my parents set up certain men from different kingdoms to dance with me. Expecting me to find my one and only true love but the truth was I liked none of these stuck up petty men. They think they all have me at their fingertips when really they all disgust me. With their pristine suits, perfect smiles, and expensive rings. I was so sick of seeing all of them but especially one of them, Namjoon. 

Namjoon was the richest prince there was. Everyone knew him, loved him, and loathed him. He was the number one running to marry in my parents list but certainly not on mine. Taking a class of champagne before the dance I saw Namjoon coming towards me. Even down to the way he walks irritates me. Even though he didn’t do anything to me I just didn’t want to marry him. I didn’t want him to take me away to wherever he lived and trap me as his little house wife. Oh yeah, might I mention, all of Namjoon’s ex wives told me not to marry him because he’s demanding, bratty, and a so called womanizer.

He gave me a smile and fixed his glasses and I returned with a nice gesture. Coming close he looked down to me, admiring every aspect of my long golden dress. He finally spoke “Good day my lady, I’m looking forward to out dance.”  I just smiled and nodded, just because I hated him didn’t mean I had to be rude to the guy. Even though I really wanted to punch his ass to ten buck two. His next words to me made me gag my champagne. “Maybe I could get more than a dance by the end of tonight.”  He swayed away with a wink. Now I really wanted to get out of this place. That man was the epitome of sickness. The bell rung and it was already time for the dance. All the princesses gathered in front of the princes. I took my position right in front of Namjoon. The kings and queens oversaw from the tall stories. Overlooking their daughters with binoculars, seeing if they could see anything “magical.”

The dance has begun and we all followed the elaborate and precise steps to the rhythm. Princes caught us by our waist and held onto our hands tight. Twirling all around the dance floor I soon was caught by Namjoon. My soon to be king. He smirked down onto me as his hand traveled down my waist. I gave him a naïve smile but I really knew what he was doing all along. I couldn’t be more happy to spin again into another prince’s arms but Namjoon seemed disappointed that my body left his presence.

 The dance went on and on and on. “I think we have found the one for Namjoon, may he have your daughter in marriage?” Namjoon’s father exclaimed loud enough for me to hear. My body went into full shock, I just wanted to get out of there. I knew my parent’s would say yes since they’ve been rooting for us. 

Spinning

Spinning

My eyes caught the guards running outside of the palace, everyone seemed distracted so I decided to discreetly take my leave. I lifted my long golden dress up and ran to where the guards were running towards. They led me all the way outside. I heard one of the guards running close so I pressed my back onto the brick wall surrounded by bushes so they wouldn’t see me.  “There he is!” One of them yelled and chased after a man. I tried to get a closer look but all I could see was a leather black mask and all black attire. He seemed to have a black turtle neck a buckles along his chest. Strange, how could he even get into the castle’s quarters. I knew I shouldn’t of but I followed the thief, looking for some new excitement. The guards lost him but I knew exactly where he was heading, the maze. He was taking a shortcut to the maze. One that could be missed by the guards. It was strange that he knew where everything was in this castle, was he one of our workers before? He entered the maze and I came after him. I saw something shiny in his hands, aw it was my bracelet. As I followed I stepped on the noisiest branch. 

Dang

The thief turned back, pulling out a black gun and it sure did look terrifying. Something that’s never allowed on the grounds of the castle. “Who goes there.” He spoke. “Come out or I will shoot.” 

I didn’t really have a choice, the last thing I wanted to do tonight was get shot. Well, maybe it was better than getting engaged to Namjoon. I came out of the bushes and allowed my dress to flow down. I bowed at the thief lifting two sides of my dress up. Once I analyzed his face might I say... He wasn’t bad looking, he looked pretty good for a thief actually. “Princess Bailey.”  The thief stood there for a bit, probably in shock he’s seeing me out of anyone. Hoseok’s P.O.V

 This day couldn’t get anymore stranger. I put the bracelet in my pocket but held the gun tight in my hand. I wasn’t afraid to get royal blood splattered on my clothes. “Who do you come with. Where are the guards.” For some reason she just stood in front of me. Staring me down as if I was some sort of toy in the toy store. She took a step closer to me but I took two steps back, holding my gun higher to her head. If I shot at anytime she would for sure dead. This was one bold princess. She spoke once again “That bracelet, it’s mine. But, you could have it.” “I wasn’t asking.” “What is it for might I ask? Will you pawn it?” She seemed super calm when seeing a whole criminal right in front of her. The biggest one of Korea that is. “It’s for someone.” “Oh a gift? How kind of you sir. If you asked me I would’ve gave it to you.”  “You don’t even know me. “ “Who are you then.” The princess smiled as she stepped closer again “I come in peace, please lower your gun.”  Not budging still I get a small intercom out of my pocket and spoke “Bring the helicopter in the maze.” “Helicopter? That’s not very discreet. This castle is filled with security tools. You’ll surely get shot down.” She sung as her heels kicked the rocks on the ground. I thought about it and she did have a point. “Cancel the helicopter..” I turned the intercom off and looked at the princess. “Okay, then what do you suggest?” The princess smiled and turned to me. Happy that I gave her an inch. This may be a big trap but at this point I didn’t have a choice. 

“Follow me.” She hums.

-

Hello everyone, I hoped you liked the part two of the Mafia’s Princess. Now you know a little backstory, I’m curious if anybody reads my story. If so could you please comment or anonymously tell me so I am more encouraged to continue it? Thank you so much and tell me what you think so far. I might accept request pretty soon! Thank you so much for reading :)

[idabbleincrazy]

ok, since i haven’t had much time for writing in-between taking care of the kittens, and haven’t been keeping up on my sneak peeks, here’s a lil something from Ch.5 of Bang (i’ve been jumping around in it, writing between the dialogue bits at the end of NFA since i keep feeling dissatisfied with the beginning of the chapter and deleting it) to whet your whistle...

Spike and Angel arrive at his apartment to find Wes and Illyria still there, Wes hovering protectively at Illyria’s side as he helped her from the bed. Spike is all too aware now of how big Angel’s button-down is on him and how fresh their Siring scars looked on their necks as Wesley looked between them, his brow raised knowingly. Even with the heat of embarrassment that tingled at the back of his neck, he couldn’t find reason to put more space between himself and Angel, and he was happy to note, rather, how Angel pressed closer beside him, his large hand resting at the small of his back.

“I see the two of you spent the day...productively.”

Spike surreptitiously tasted the air to gauge Angel’s reaction, relieved to find a happy calmness rolling off of him instead of the expected sense of discomfort, and relaxed into his soft touch. 

“We’ve worked out some things that should have been settled months ago, yes.” Angel smiled wistfully at the ex-Watcher. “We won’t traumatize you with the details.”

Wes gave a quiet chuckle and nodded in understanding. 

“Well, I’m happy for you both, truly. We’ve all been waiting months for you to finally gather the courage to admit to each other what had already become obvious to the rest of us. I’m glad you both will be going into this with the truth of your souls made known. And don’t think for a second that I begrudge you it, either of you.”

“Ta for that, Percy.” Spike leaned into Angel’s side and nodded at Wes, his soul twinging at the sadness he felt for the mystic and his loss. “Means a lot, from you.”

“Thank you, Wes. Really. You, more than any of the others knows the importance of the step we’ve taken. But, I want you to know we’re not going to let it distract us from whatever blowback we have to face tonight.”

Wes nodded in understanding, a sad smile on his face. 

“I know. I trust you both to have taken all due considerations beforehand.” Wes looked over at Spike. “Gunn and Lorne will be here soon, you might want to change into something less telling...unless we have an hour for all the sordid details and all of Lorne’s inevitable questions?”

“Right.” 

Spike ducked his head and reluctantly left Angel’s side to change his shirt. He could feel Angel’s cheeky mirth and heard him clear as day when he spoke too softly for Wesley to hear. 

“Too bad. I was getting used to seeing you wearing my clothes.”

“Possessive bastard”, Spike whispered back with a smile in his voice.

Angel chuckled quietly, the sounding cutting off abruptly as he caught Illyria’s gaze, her head tilted curiously at him. 

“I do not understand. Why should it matter if he wears the clothes of his mate?” Illyria looked down at Wesley for clarification on the matter, and Angel found himself regarding them with his own curiosity. They seemed to have formed a tenuous bond of their own in the past few days, and he could scent a sense of companionship burgeoning deep within them. His soul took comfort in the slight easing of Wesley’s grief, even if it wasn’t likely to last. “Even the base creatures of this world seem to carry the scent of their mates with them, on them, when they must be apart, why should the half-breeds be any different?”

Wes huffed a soft laugh, not quite looking at her as he spoke.

“Sometimes, the full details of the intimacies between two people are preferred to be kept secret. Not for the lack of understanding, but simply to have something that is just theirs. Displaying themselves as something other than they previously were perceived to be can lead to prying questions into matters better left private, especially in the early days of a change in dynamics.” Wesley looked at Angel, his eyes portraying just how much he truly understood what had gone on between Spike and himself. “Lorne, as a demon himself, may appreciate the delicacies of such matters, but the empath in him might find it hard to resist boasting of his foresight of such partakings. Charles is another matter, entirely. He has a penchant for not being able to read the room and asking the awkward questions others would politely refrain from inquiring upon.”

Illyria looked like she had even more questions than answers, but before she could open her mouth to speak them, Spike returned and silenced her with a look. Angel wondered at that, at what things may have passed between them during the hours they had logged in the firm’s training rooms for her haughtiness to be quieted so easily. 

“Enough of the lessons on demon relations, Perce. Blue don’t really need complex understandin’ of what makes vampires tick right now, you’d only succeed in spinning her godly little head in circles. And not a word to the other two, they don’t need the distraction.”

Spike sat himself on the couch just as the sound of footsteps on the stairs reached Angel’s ears, signalling Lorne and Gunn’s approach. Just as the doorknob turned, Angel let out a quiet mine, and Spike’s eyes flashed golden as he mouthed always back at him.

Charles entered the apartment first and promptly sat down on the couch beside Spike with a nod in Angel’s direction. Lorne lingered by the door for a few seconds, his red eyes widening as they flicked between Angel and Spike and narrowing again as he looked over at Wes and Illyria. Another look at Angel, his mouth opening to speak and shutting again when Angel curtailed his questioning with a shake of his head. 

“Fine, don’t tell me all the glorious details then, Angelcakes. Just too bad it didn’t happen sooner so I could’ve collected that fifty bucks from Lloyd in accounting.” 

@thewhiterabbit42 @highonbandcandy @prose-for-hire 

[doubleshotofsomething]

Needy

[This is my submission for @sourpatchkidsandacokecan​ ‘s Little Darlin’s Mystery AU challenge. This is a three part soulmate au inspired by the song “Needy” by Ariana Grande, the prologue and epilogue do not count as part one/three.]

The person you’re supposed to be with, isn’t always the one you’re meant to be with.

Summary: You can’t fight fate and expect the battle to be fair.

Pairings: Bucky x Reader, Wanda x Bucky

Warnings: anst (ANGST), abuse (im so sorry), panic attack mentions, mental disorder references, attempted murder (for like 5 seconds tho), absolutely no fluff (if it looks like fluff then it’s a lie). Please be warned, im bad at warnings but this may be a triggering chapter so proceed with caution.

Prompts: soulmate au. song prompt

---

Prologue Part One Part Two

---

 Part Three: [ How you even think it got this far?]

"What-- the fuck did you do?"

You blink at him, eyes wide with anticipation as you watch him assess the situation.

The party was still going on somewhere in the tower. It was fun, for the first hour. Then it got boring, so you found Sam, a bottle of whiskey, and ditched to the residential floor.

Sam is next to you, expression matching yours as you both feign innocence – you more than him.

"This is—" Nat pauses, walking further into the room and stopping just a few feet to your right. "—this is actually cute."

"Thank you," the words slip out of your mouth far too quick for your control. Your eyes widen at your admission and you squeak as Sam jabs at your side with his elbow. "ouw!"

You glare at him and he glares back, head nodding to a slowly angering Bucky.

"You—" Bucky grits his teeth, picking up one of the swans you had made with the dress, "—you ruined it."

"We improved it." Sam chimes in, earning a pitiful elbow from you.

The swans were terrible. The internet wasn't as helpful as you had thought it would be and making a swan out of cloth was surprisingly harder than you thought it be too. Especially when you do it after Sam found Thor's secret stash of Asgardian mead.

"Twas actually harder than you'd think," You find yourself adding, "google isn't that user friendly."

"—and the instructions were in hieroglyphs." Sam nods, facing scrunching up in confusion and then he turns to look at you. "You speak hieroglyphs?"

You shake your head at that. "I think it was Korean—"

"—it couldn't have been."

"How would you know? You don't even speak it hieroglyphs—"

"Widow probably speaks it—"

"She could have translationed it for us! Why didn't we think of that!"

Nat blinks at you both, eyebrows furrowing as her eyes land on a flask next to one of the swans. "Oh."

Bucky is shaking, the sound of metal plates shifting echoes in the room as his eyes land on the beads scattered on the table. He looks back at the remnants of the dress in his hands, and he can't find it in himself to calm down. Not when he knows what this dress means, not when you know what it means to him.

"Steve made us do it." You say, smiling innocently at him.

Sam shrugs. "Yeah, definitely."

"It was a pretty shit dress—" Nat adds, nodding her head as she picks up a swan. "This is justice."

"Also, it's bad luck to see the—" You pause, hiccup, and frown as the word escapes you, "—female groom?"

You look to Sam for assistance and pout, he shrugs. "Don't look at me, I wanted to make ducks."

"Yeah, but ducks are difficult to make—" You pause, "—my battery is still at 40%, I know where the suits are."

He grins, wide and devilishly. "I'll look for the other flasks."

 You don't get to make ducks or get the suits. You end up hanging over Bucky's left shoulder as he barrels his way down to the parking lot, stomach churning from your position and completely uncomfortable.

"At least let Steve mandle me, he’s nicer." you try to push yourself up, hands pressing into his back as you try to find some comfort.

Steve chuckles as he watches you pout from in front of him. In his hands are the keys to Sam's car and your purse, along with your coat and gloves.

"Manhandle is the word you're looking for, doll." Steve says, unlocking the car and opening the back door.

Bucky places you inside, surprisingly gentle, as compared to his brutish behaviour, and practically growls at you when you try to wiggle away from him.

"Sit. Still." His words come out through gritted teeth as he clips your seatbelt in place. "Don't even think about it."

You move your hands away from the seat belt clip slowly and feign innocence. "Can I at least say bye to Cap?"

The door slams shut before you even finish your sentence, but you still yell out a goodbye anyway while Bucky yanks open the driver's side door.

He gets in gracefully, throws your stuff onto the passenger seat roughly, and speeds out of the Tower's underground parking before the doors even fully open.

He's quiet the entire drive to your place, tense and stiff in his seat. You're fidgeting in your seat behind him – poking at the back of his neck and trying to get him to open a window— completely unremorseful.

It baffles him, the lengths you're willing to go to get your point across. The damage you're willing to do. It completely blows his mind, the things you're capable of doing – just to get what you want.

He tells you that, as he carries you up to your apartment. Continues to tell you that, as you retch into the toilet and then helps you change into your pyjamas. Doesn't even stutter as he goes on while making you finish up the coffee he made.

You glare at him and his control falters, frowns at that uncanny familiar sensation gripping at the base of his skull.

"—it's not like she was gonna wear it, anyway." You mutter, taking a gulp of the coffee, "you can't marry her now."

"Wha—" his voice cracking cuts him short, a shiver races through him as he tries to blink.

You're sitting on the counter, trapped between both of his arms on either side of you, and he breaks eye contact to look down at the cup in your hand.

"She knows that we're mates," you continue, completely oblivious. "She's great, I like her, honestly. But she can't fight fate, or nature. It would've made cents—scents—" you frown, and glare at the crown of Bucky's head, as if you'll find the word you're looking for there. "—whatever. It doesn't matter. Neither does this wedding, because— come on, let's be honest. No one wants to be with our kind, it’s too risky. We are the defamation of— deformation— what?"

He should find this cute. He usually does. But he can't, not now, not when he can feel the sweat pooling at the back of his shirt. Not when that prickling feeling is clawing up his spin, that trickle of fear – foreign and yet familiar –  why was it so familiar?

"Stop—" he rasps, pushing himself away from you, putting as much distance between the both of you as possible.

You frown, setting the cup down and slide of the counter. "Buck—" your knees knock when you land on your feet, and you have to grab onto the counter to keep you from falling. "—Bucky?"

"Stop." His hands are in his hair, gripping furiously as he shut his eyes. "No."

He has done this before, deflecting from the topic at hand, changing it in a way that made you not want to touch it.

Coffee mugs crushed in his hands. I'll talk to her, don't worry about it.

Fists slammed into dinner tables. For fuck's sakes, I said I'll do it, it's been a really stressful weak as it is.

Doors banged off their hinges. Wanda is not some mate-stealing monster, damnit! I won't have you shit-talking her like this.

Broken plates scattered on the floor, while on their way to the kitchen. Are you fu— doll, please, I didn't come here to fight. Okay? Let's just... not, right now.

You had listened, each time, because he was there with you and not with her. You let him deflect every time, because he needed that from you, and you could never deny him – not that you'd try. You had listened and, in turn, the wedding wasn't called off.

You were done listening.

"You can't walk away every time I bring this up, Buck—" you follow him into the living room, "—I'm not some groupie you can't shake. I'm your soulmate, and you're gonna have to face that fact sooner, rather than later."

"Just—" he breathes out, "—stop talking, for once."

"You can't seriously be mad at me, right now—"

You need to stop.

"I'm not wrong for wanting us to be together, and you know that." You point out, frowning as the chair he’s leaning against begins to crack under his grip. "—okay, fine. We can change the topic, if it's that upsetting!"

He really needs you to stop.

There's a tug at your chest, faint but strong enough to make you look down in confusion, before you realise it's the matebond.

Except, the pull feels different this time. It's an uncomfortable sting, leaving a bitter taste in your mouth, and you frown. It has never felt like this, not even when you had first found Bucky, never this... this... alarming?

You look up at your mate and you think that's why. You think it's because he's distressed, that this is serious, that it's another one of his attacks.

So, you go to him, because you need to. Because the feeling won't relent. Because it's in your nature to be what he needs you to be.

The stinging seems to worsen the closer you get, furious as it spikes an increase in your heart rate, and you hate yourself for a second – knowing that you've caused this. This is happening because you went on a rampage and ruined Wanda's wedding dress.

She liked that dress. You know that because he told you. Because it was bought on the same day that you had met Bucky. Because he couldn't stomach the thought of her never being able to wear it for their wedding, once it's called off...

And you decided to turn into swans.

His hand is on you, around your throat, backing you into a wall as it squeezes.

It takes a couple of seconds for you to register, to realise what is happening. And, for some reason, all you can think about was how it was the first time he used his hand –  his actual hand – to touch you.

And, suddenly, you prefer the left hand.

--

It's too late.

By the time he comes to, you're already on the floor.

You're unconscious, your cheeks are wet and your neck is bruising.

He's standing over you, confused. He calls your name, shakes you, but you don't wake.

There's a pulse, he checked, and you're breathing, he double-checked.

He can still feel you, so he tells himself that that's a good sign as he carries you to bed. He sets a bottle of water on your nightstand, charges your phone for you, and scribbles down a note.

Call me when you wake up.

He can't seem to start the car, or remember why you ended up on the floor, so he calls Steve.

He doesn't tell him what happened over the phone, but he does when he arrives. He tells him what he can remember, about the yelling and then putting you to bed and that blank gap between the two.

Shit, Buck. Steve swears, so he knows it's bad.

You're going to hate him in the morning, he knows this, but why isn't he feeling the bond pull him to you. To fix this.

That's what it usually does, doesn't it?

That's why he always came back after every fight, isn't it?

There would be the fighting and arguing and the breaking of things. You would kick him out and ignore him. He would feel bad and make up for it, he had to – he always had to. He could never fight that feeling.

Why wasn't it there, now?

--

Wanda was there when you woke.

Bruce was there, too. Checking you, helping you, telling you what to do and what not to do.

You're all quiet, except for Bruce as he speaks only when necessary. She's in the background, leaning against your dresser, while you try to go about your morning routine in the afternoon.

Bruce called your work and put in a sick leave for you, had Dr Cho sign a sick note for you. He even scheduled an appointment with Cho for you, a proper scan once you can get out of bed.

You blame the mead, how could you not? It had to be it, because there is no way, in heaven or hell, that Bucky could...

Bruce only stays for as long as he needs too. He's a match, the thread match, and he can't stay away from Nat for too long. So, he leaves… she doesn't.

It's awkward, as expected, and ugly and anxiety inducing.

You ruined her wedding dress, cut it into pieces and turned it into a plaything for you and Sam. You remember that part because you did it while you weren't completely shitfaced.

She's marrying the man that you want, the man that's supposed to be yours, and it would be easy to get you out of the picture – get rid of you so you wouldn't put Bucky through this anymore. But she doesn't, because she understands.

She understands because you don't know.

You don't know what they did to him, what they had to do to get him to be the soldier they wanted. You don't know what he went through, what they put him through when he resisted.

And he could never tell you that. Because it's not your fault that they used your bond to turn him into a monster. It's not your fault that they turned the only good thing he had, the one thing that was his, into a weapon. He couldn't tell you that...

"He's in Wakanda." Wanda says softly, eyes locking on yours as you both watch each other from opposite ends of the room. "Bucky."

You want to ask why, she can tell, so she explains.

"When he was put under, again, we thought—" she swallows, rubbing circles in her chest to ease the knot, "—we thought that he could be..."

You give a slight nod of understanding, adjusting the continental pillow behind you back.

You knew what Hydra had done to him, what they had turned him into. Anyone who was anyone knew.

"So," she sighs, "when he came back to the team, we all thought he was okay. I thought he was okay, I mean—I checked to make sure he was okay... But... we know, now that he wasn't. I didn't think it could happen, especially not now. I mean—"

She pauses and looks at you. You can see the struggle on her face, the hesitance to continue, and you frown.

Wanda found out about you on the same day that Bucky did. He told her immediately, over the phone, didn't even wait until she got back to the compound.

He said it didn't change anything, that your presence didn't change anything, but she knew.  She knew it did.

He couldn't balance between her and a mate, she didn't want him to. So, he decided to introduce you to each other.

She liked you instantly, how could she not? You were exactly what she expected Bucky's mate to be, and more. But he didn't care.

She wanted to call things off, but he wouldn't listen to reason. She wanted him to understand, to know that she wouldn't hate him if he didn't choose her. Because she knew better; fate had chosen, and it wasn't her.

It's my choice, he persisted. And I love you. She'll just have to understand, because I'm not leaving you.

You were fate's choice for him.

But he had had enough of people choosing for him; the army, hydra, the UN, and now, you?

No one knows what's best for me, except for me. We're getting married and that's final.

He wouldn't back down and she couldn't fight him. She loved him more than she could ever understand, who was she to choose for him?

"Hydra did things, things that shouldn't be possible," she continues, her voice steadier than she expected. "Once they had their hands on the tesseract, they did things to him that — I don't think we can fix…"

You can feel him, sort of... it's barely there, the bond, but you can still feel him.

She folds her arms across her chest. "Whatever you said last night, whatever it is you did— it triggered him back."

You blink. Once. Twice. Then, all at once, it sinks in and your stomach tightens.

"What?" Is your reaction, whispered and you can barely register the voice as yours.

"They're gonna try and reverse it, like before—" Wanda rushes the words out, but it's too late. Her previous words are already sitting on your chest and you're finding it hard to breathe. "—they've done it once; they can do it again—"

The realisation hits you, hard, and you have to force yourself to breathe.

Because now you understand why, you know why the link had felt that way – why the ache intensified as you got closer to him.

"I threw the bond in his face," your voice cracks and your throat aches as you speak. "I told him that— oh."

It was warning you, the bond, and you ignored it. It was feeling threatened, and you ignored it.

How could you be so selfish?

Wanda is sitting in front of you before you can even blink, trying to calm you down, begging you to calm down, to breathe...

Damn it, why couldn't you breathe?

"I can never have him, can I?" You're gasping, practically wheezing, and your nails dig into Wanda's arm.

The pain is there, she feels it, but she's too busy worrying about your escalating heart rate to focus on it. "Y/N, please, breathe—"

You're shaking your head, frantic and harder than your headache can handle. "What did I do— what did I do— what did I do—"

"Hey—hey— hey, look at me!"

"I ignored it—" your chest hurts and you don't understand why, "—it was, it was here—" you let go of her arm to pat your chest, "—right here, it was here. The bond. I could feel it. And he was begging me to stop and trying to leave, but I didn't listen— Wanda, I didn't listen—"

Wanda doesn't know what to do, not even Bucky had gotten this bad before. This was new territory for her.

You were too far gone to listen to anything she was saying, and she was too busy panicking to know what to do. How does she fix this?

"I need you to calm down, please— oh my god!"

"Why wouldn't I listen? I just wanted him to— you know? I just wanted him to choose me—"

"Y/N! Y/N! Please, I need you to—"

"Because I didn't— I just wanted to have him. And now— I broke it. It's broken. I broke it, Wanda. I broke it—how could I— he needed me to just— and I broke it—"

"Sam— help me! I don't know what's happening— she won't stop— "

 --

It was unchartered territory.

Reversing the trigger through the matebond wasn't possible, especially when the stones had been returned to their timelines.

The only option they had, that Shuri could provide, was completely erasing every single one of his memories. Every, last, one.

Clean slate. No Wanda, or Steve, or you.

You would still remember though, everyone will. So, there really wasn't a point.

You told Wanda – days later, when you were well enough to leave for your appointment with Dr Cho and found her there –  it wouldn't be necessary.

"He doesn't have to go under," you said, fidgeting with hem of the hospital. "I'll stop... I'll stop everything."

She shook her head, ready to protest. "You don't have to do any of that, I'm not going to marr—"

"Please do." You stopped her, shaking your head. You'd done enough damage as it is. "He chose you. He's fought me at every turn because he wants you. I'm not—"

Why was it so easy to say all this?

"I'll still be there, when he needs me— for whatever it is, but only for that. He's yours," he doesn't want me anyway, "We're mates, not matches, we don't have to be together for this to work—"

"You don't know what you're saying—"

"The world has taken enough from you— I've taken enough from you, Wanda. Let me give you this, at least."

You could live without him. You've done it before.

How hard could it be?

Tagging: @sourpatchkidsandacokecan​ , @decadentsoulbiscuitgoth​ [sorry i took so long, won’t happen again :) xx]

[imposterellie]

“I can’t take this anymore.” Febuwhump Day 2

Have a little bit of something from my sleep deprived brain! I thought a slight continuation from day 1 was in order so enjoy some more Bucky whump!

**TW - swearing, slight violence, mild intentional harm**

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

The compound was filled with laughter and loud voices when Bucky and Steve arrived back from a mission. It hadn’t been a difficult one and was over within a couple of days. They’d managed to sort things out with the FBI and SHIELD and be debriefed too, and they were both looking forward to a few days off with the rest of the team.

“Hey guys!” Steve said when they entered the communal area where most of the avengers were sat. Many of them waved or said hi in response, not really looking at them until Bucky walked more into the room. They then fell silent, turning to look at him. Wanda grew pale and excused herself, leaving the room in a hurry. The rest of the team not daring to meet his eyes. He huffed and headed straight to his room for a shower. 

Bucky asked Friday to lock his door then began to peel off his suit, he hadn’t taken it off since they’d left two days ago so it was a huge relief when he finally got to remove it. He spent a moment looking at his reflection in the mirror. He looked tired, and there was a set to his jaw that hadn’t been there before he got off the Quinjet. He made a point to unclench his teeth and stretch his aching muscles before turning the shower on to as hot as he could stand it, then got into the shower to wash the grime off his body.

Bucky was partway through shampooing his hair when Friday alerted him that there was someone at his door.

“Tell them I’ll be out in a minute; I’ll just finish off in here.” He said to the AI.

“Of course, sir” Friday responded. Bucky made no effort to speed up the end of his shower. His visitor could wait whilst he scorched himself under the burning water to try and rid himself of the funny feeling crawling up his spine. It had been doing that every time he was in the compound since the training mission catastrophe. He’d forgiven Wanda immediately, making sure that he found her as soon as he was discharged by Dr Cho to tell her as such. Tony had taken a little longer, and he was still quite pissed with him for suggesting cheating in the first place, but even Bucky couldn’t deny that no one knew how Wanda’s powers would have affected him.

The problem was that everyone had begun to treat him like glass. It was a though they thought one wrong move would send him dropping to the floor again. He couldn’t get it across to them, that it was a one-time thing, so they continued to avoid him as best they could. All of them except Steve of course, Steve knew that Bucky was fine but even reassurances from his best friend didn’t stop him from feeling like an outcast; especially after he had put so much effort into building the Avengers’ trust. He sighed heavily and turned off the shower, grabbing a towel to wrap around his waist.

Upon opening the door, he was greeted with the presence of Peter Parker, Tony Stark’s protégée, who looked like he was going to be sick with nerves.

“Hello Mr… um Mr Bucky Sir.” Peter mumbled. Bucky moved to walk past him and begin to dry off and get dressed.

“Hey kid, is everything okay?” He didn’t look over at Peter as he talked, trying to make the boy as comfortable around him as possible, make him see that he was just as normal as he had been before the accident. Peter swallowed.

“Um yeah- yeah, Mr Stark got takeout and wondered if you wanted to join us? He got shawarma.” Peter was fidgeting, clearly feeling very awkward. His eyes grew wide as he suddenly had a realisation. “But- but if you don’t like shawarma, we can get something else! You don’t have to have that! Just tell me what you want instead, and I’ll get it for you.”

Bucky sighed again, feeling anger rise up in his chest, but he reigned it in, the kid was just trying to be nice.

“Shawarma sounds great Peter! Tell Tony I’ll be out in 5 minutes.” Peter nodded quickly and then turned to leave. “Oh, and Peter?” Peter stopped short at his name, practically holding his breath. “Tell those guys to save me some, we both know what they’re like!” Bucky watched as Peter nodded again and hurried out of the door, closing it behind him.

Bucky sighed heavily and finished off getting dressed. He tried his best to remove the bad mood he was currently in from his facial expression, but it didn’t seem to be working. He was just so mad at his friends, and at himself, for changing everything. For treating him like he was something to be scared of or careful about. He was a super soldier for Christ’s sake! He collected himself and exited his room, dressed casually in a pair of jeans and a nice shirt, with the top 3 buttons undone as he was too hot from his shower.

The room went silent as he entered, for the second time that day. Bucky plastered a smile onto his face and sat down at the large table. Steve pushed a box towards him, and conversation tentatively resumed. It was very clear that they were all avoiding having to engage with him in both nervousness and something else – something that he couldn’t quite put his finger on. The hushed conversations continued whilst he ate, and he felt anger begin to build up in him. His food started to taste a bit like carboard, his metal hand clenching involuntarily.

“That’s enough!” he yelled, slamming his fist onto the table. He noticed that Peter jumped at the noise, but he didn’t have the capacity to feel guilty in that moment. Everyone’s eyes were on him, staring in shock. “I’m damn sick of you all treating me like a piece of glass! I’m not just gonna fucking shatter in front of you.” He took a deep shaking breath, staring down at the table.

“I can’t take this anymore. I feel like an outcast all over again, and I didn’t even do anything!”

Steve reached over and grasped his hand, shooting him a small smile as he did so. A hint of pride was visible on his face, which meant that Steve had been waiting for this outburst for quite a while. There was a beat of silence whilst the group processed what had just happened. Surprisingly, Peter was the first to speak up.

“I’m sorry we made you feel like that Mr Buck- sorry, Bucky,” he corrected himself quickly, “I promise not to get nervous talking to you anymore. I actually really like you.” Bucky smiled gently at him, grateful for the vote of confidence.

Tony then spoke up.

“I take full blame for all of this. I called a meeting whilst you were knocked out in the medbay, and I told everyone to be careful around you. I just felt so guilty for being the cause of the Wanda-“ Wanda shot him a dark look, “I mean – the training incident – that I didn’t want to risk it happening again.” He stood slowly and looked directly at Bucky, outstretching an arm as an offering for a handshake. “If I promise not to make decisions like that without your consent again, will you promise not to scare the shit out of my kid again?”

A peace offering. Bucky hesitated.

“I promise everything will go back to normal.” Tony looked thoughtful, “we can even rent one of those shitty 80’s action movies you like for movie night and I’ll force everyone to watch the whole damn thing.”

“Promise?”

Tony chuckled, “Yeah, I promise.”

Bucky nodded and stood, grasping Tony’s outstretched arm in his flesh one, shaking it firmly. The glint of humour had returned to his eye and he looked contemplative as he sat back down.

“I think I’ll go for Terminator for movie night, I don’t think we’ve watched it enough.” Bucky joked. There was a collective round of groans and chuckles from the group as the avengers softened around him once more. The conversations restarted with a renewed vigour and Bucky smiled, pleased that things could finally go back to the way they were. Steve grinned at him.

“I knew you’d do that sooner rather than later.”

“What do you mean?”

“Sam and I had a bet on how long it would take you to lose your cool. He said a week, I said 3 days.” Steve paused, smiling, “Sam owes me 10 bucks.” He began laughing as Bucky whacked him in the chest, and Sam grumbled on his other side, discreetly passing over the money from his losing bet.

[detectivecarlosreyes]

Series: Part 2 of Hidden Truths  / Link to Part 1: The Secrets We Keep

Chapters: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

Chapter summary:

It's official Eddie and Buck are dating but they aren't ready to tell anyone just yet, too bad the team had other plans for them.

read under the cut

After the events of that morning, Buck had migrated from his bedroom to sleeping in Eddie’s bed, it seemed only natural for him to do so. And Eddie was right, it was far easier to sleep against the threat of nightmares when there was someone sleeping next to you, especially when their body is snuggled up against yours and they were holding you close.

Now when he went to sleep he had an arm wrapped around his torso anchoring him in the present and allowing him to experience the memory without being immersed in it. If he focused on it, Buck was able to pull himself out of the dream and when he did, he took comfort in taking hold of Eddie’s hand, holding it close to his chest.

Sometimes he would wake to their positions reversed, and in those cases Buck would bury his face into Eddie’s back, placing a hand over his heart. He learned pretty quickly the steady rhythm of Eddie’s heartbeat settled his own.

And in both instances, Eddie would stir and press himself closer, sleepily planting a kiss on his body if the opportunity presented before going back to sleep. It was safe to say the nightmares were less aggressive and were dying off again now that he had Eddie there as a reminder that he wasn’t alone with the memories anymore.

During the day, their life had become even more domestic than it was before. They told Christopher almost immediately, knowing that there was no point in hiding it from him with them all living under the same roof. He seemed pretty excited about it, commenting that “Bucky won’t have to find a new place now!” And then went on with his day, pleased with the prospects of having his Buck living with them forever.

Buck was also pleased knowing that didn’t have to withhold from his desire to be close to Eddie anymore. Now he got to hug him from behind when he was brushing his teeth, he was now allowed to lean against Eddie when they had movie nights without it being weird, and he could pepper him with kisses him whenever he wanted. It was a whole new dimension to their relationship and all of it was so easy to fall into.

Eddie seemed to thrive off the close contact too and gave as much as he got. Pressing himself up against Buck and dropping a kiss on his shoulder as he peered around him to see what he had cooked, absentmindedly trailing his fingers along Buck’s arms or shoulders when they inevitably sat leaning against each other on the couch to watch tv, or just planting a chaste kiss to his cheek when Buck would hand him his morning coffee before they left for work.

It was familiar and comfortable, and gave Buck the feeling of home, exactly what he had been searching for but had seemed just out of his reach.

Surprisingly, their work-life hadn’t seemed to change much since they’d become boyfriends. They were already protective of each other as partners as it was, now it was just dialed up a little higher. No one seemed to notice the difference in their attentiveness towards each other, and they supposed that was a blessing because they were still figuring things out and taking things slow and didn’t want the scrutiny that would be sure to follow that announcement.

Unfortunately for them, the way the team found out about them, however, was far from how they expected to bring it up. Namely, because it happened only two weeks after that first kiss.

It was at one of their monthly afternoon team gatherings at the Grant-Nash household, having everyone come together with their families on of their day’s off. It was always nice to see each other in a relaxed setting and catching up with the family members they wouldn’t often see outside these gatherings.

Buck, Eddie, and Christopher had all come in the same truck, it would have seemed impractical if they didn’t when they were all coming from the same house. They shared a fleeting kiss at the door before entering, finding everyone gathered out in the backyard, relaxing on the deck while the kids played out in the grass.

Greeting everyone, Buck migrated towards the cooler and picked out a drink for him and Eddie, taking off both the caps before sidling up to Eddie, who had just started talking to Karen and pressed one of the bottles into his hand with a light pat to the shoulder. Instinctively taking hold of it, Eddie brought it up to his lips without looking at it, keeping focused on Karen who was updating him on how things were going with Nia.

Buck left him to it and moved to sit beside his sister who seemed to be having a quiet moment, half-listening to Chim, Hen, and Athena sharing stories of their most disastrous cooking attempts. As soon as he took his seat she leaned into him looking mischievous as she eyed Eddie.

“You look happy little brother. That wouldn’t have something to do with you arriving with the Diaz boys would it?” She asked, murmuring to him quietly, being sure that the others didn’t overhear.

Buck had to suppress a grin by pursing his lips, but that did nothing to stop the smile from reaching his eyes. He turned his head, close to her ear, keeping his voice low but his words light, “They might have something to do with it.”

She took in his expression, reading between the lines and let out a minute gasp. “Are you saying what I think you’re saying?”

He nodded, ducking his head to hide his warming cheeks. “We haven’t told anyone yet and we hoped to keep it that way for a little while longer.” He gave her a meaningful look.

“My lips are sealed. I promise.” She said smiling at him in delight. “I’m happy it worked out.”

Buck looked across at Eddie on the other side of the deck, “Me too Mads.”

** ** ** ** ** **

With their bellies full and bathed in the lazy afternoon sunshine, all the adults had drifted into one group blending their conversations until they became one as they claimed their spots on the outdoor furniture.

The kids had disappeared inside some time ago and Eddie had kindly offered to check on them to see if they needed anything. Now Buck wished he came back sooner because he’s not sure he was liking the direction of the current topic, making him the subject of everyone’s attention.

“Buck, what been up with you lately, it’s been a while since you’ve talked about dating. What happened? Did somebody lock you down and you’ve just been hiding her from us?” Bobby asked good-naturedly when there was a lull in the conversation.

Buck leaned back into the sofa cushion, nursing his beer. “Ah nope, I’m happy with where I’m at right now.”

“Ooh yeah, let’s get you back into the dating scene. A guy like you shouldn’t be single for this long.” Remarked Hen.

“I know of a couple of singles ladies at the precinct who you might like to meet.” Piped in Athena offhandedly as she raised her wineglass, “I’d be happy to put in a good word.”

Realising that he had been unconsciously scratching his thumb against the paper label of his beer, Buck set it down by his foot, not wanting anyone to see his nervous habit. “While I appreciate your concern, I am more than capable of finding a date on my own.”

Chim wasn’t ready to give up that easily as he chimed in with, “Aw come on Buck, let us set you up with someone-.”

As much as he loves this group of people, they did have a tendency every so often to get attached to an idea, turning into a snowball effect when they all start piling onto each other’s thoughts. And to his dismay, it seemed his efforts to stop them were falling on deaf ears.

“I’d really rather you didn’t.”

At that point, Eddie had reappeared and Buck could see him out of the corner of his eye as he took in the scene before him before slotting himself in the last available spot next to Buck. As Buck continued to push back against the idea of being set up with a random woman, he felt Eddie’s hand slowly slide into his before pulling it onto his lap.

Feeling calmer from that action alone, Buck relaxed slightly into the sofa until he realised what Eddie had just done. Sitting upright again, Buck turned to look at him asking the unspoken question. The answer he got from Eddie came in the form of a small smile and the barest of nods with his thumb rubbing his knuckles comfortingly.

“Uhh, hold up.” Karen who had been quietly observing them up until this point held up a finger interrupting whatever Chim had started to say before gesturing at their linked hands drawing everyone’s attention who at this point hadn’t yet noticed, “What’s going on with this. Am I missing something here?”

“I- uh, well, we-“

“Wait, are you guys together? Like together, together?” interrupted Chim, confusion written all over his face.

“Uh, yes?” Buck looked to Eddie for confirmation, who didn’t say anything, instead bringing their joined hands to his lips and kissing the back of Buck’s hand.

“Yeah...” Buck exhaled, lost for a moment in Eddie’s eyes until Eddie cleared his voice, indicating with his eyes that the others were waiting for him to elaborate.  

Shaking himself out of his lovestruck stupor over the simple tender act, Buck turned his attention back to all the equally surprised and questioning faces staring back at them and opened his mouth before Eddie beat him to the punch. “Yeah, Buck and I are dating.”

The reaction was instantaneous with everyone talking over the top of one another.

“You guys are dating?!” “How did this happen?” “I didn’t know you were attracted to guys?!?”  “Is that why Buck hasn’t found a new place yet?” “How long has this been going on?”

“Guys, jeez one at a time please!” Buck raised his voice over the cacophony, feeling slightly overwhelmed with the number of voices speaking at once. Thankfully it worked like a charm because everyone was quick to quieten down looking at him expectantly.

“This was not how I or Eddie pictured us announcing our relationship to you, but yes, Eddie and I are dating, and have been for about two weeks.”

Hen raised her hand, “I’m probably not the only one thinking this, and please don’t take this the wrong way but I didn’t know either of you were attracted to guys. Is this something new, or have we just been completely oblivious?”

Buck looked to Eddie before answering. “I’m not going to speak for Eddie, but personally, I’ve known this for quite some time from back in my teenage years. There was a period of time that I wasn’t proud of my sexuality.” He sighed and bit his lip, “So when I joined the 118 I chose not to openly announce my bisexuality, but I also didn’t keep it a secret either. I dated a couple of guys in my 1.0 phase and when I talked about them I didn’t use pronouns. I just let you guys assume what you wanted, which, just so you know, I was totally fine with.”

There were a few contemplative nods, and Buck could see each member of their team internally replaying those moments, while the others turned their attention to Eddie. Probably unconsciously, Eddie had tightened his grip at the attention, so Buck leaned into him and whispered into his ear, “You don’t have to tell them if you’re not ready.”

“No, it’s alright. I made my choice when I took your hand. I’m just nervous.” Eddie murmured back under his breath.

Buck shifted so that his body angled towards Eddie, giving him his undivided attention. “You can tell them as little or as much as you want, they’ll accept anything you’re willing to offer.”  He gathered up Eddie’s hand, encompassing it between both of his and brush his lips against his knuckles before settling them back in his lap.  

Buck watched him as he did this, seeing Eddie close his eyes and taking in a slow calming breath and relaxing his grip before opening them to address everyone else who had been patiently watching their inaudible exchange with looks of fondness.

“I’m going to start by saying that I’m not very good at reading relationships. It takes me a long time to know whether the love I have for someone is purely friendship or could be interpreted as something more.” Eddie paused, clearing his throat, “Yes, I had a wife and we had Christopher, but there was no one before or after her because I never felt the attraction towards anyone else.”

He sucked in a deep breath and continued in a rush. “It takes a lot of familiarity and or a deep emotional bond for me to really know for sure and I guess what I’m trying to say is that I’m demisexual and up until about two weeks ago, I didn’t know that I was into guys either.”

There was a long pregnant pause after Eddie’s speech and up until this point Buck had only been watching his face. Buck turned to look at the others to gauge their reactions at both of their confessions and the best he could describe is that they were all looking at them and each other in various degrees of fondness and pride.

Finally, it was Athena who broke the spell as she cleared her throat. “I think I speak for all of us when I say thank you for trusting us with this and we are so happy for you both.”

The rest of the group followed suit echoing Athena’s sentiments in a chorus of appreciation and word of thanks, and those closest to them reached out to pat their shoulders or give their knees a squeeze in support and gratitude of their trust.

Michael, who had been the quietest of the group since the team had started coercing Buck into being set up on a blind date, got up from his seat and moved purposefully to stand in front of them.

Buck had always liked Michael from the moment that they met, despite the fact that they weren’t exactly close. So, he was surprised to see the man sporting the widest of smiles as he reached down to pull them both from their seat and into his arms.

It was firm and warm, and so fatherly that Buck all but melted into it. Peeking around Michael’s back he could hazard a guess that Eddie felt the same way with the way his forehead was pressed into Michael’s shoulder and arm pressed tightly against his back.

And then Michael spoke, loud enough that they could both hear him but intimately quietly enough that no one would overhear, “My door will always be open to you both, should you ever need it.”

“Thank you Michael, you have no idea how much that means to us.” Mumbled Buck, doing his best to hold back happy tears at such a familial reaction from Michael.

As if on cue, all at once everyone stood up and joined their small huddle transforming it into a huge group hug. It was awkward and squishy with so many bodies pressed up against each other, and yet it was so comforting to know that that the family he chose accepted him and Eddie as easily as he hoped they would.

After enough laughing and more love and words of pride sent their way, the group broke apart with each person sporting a glowing smile as they all retook their seats, falling back into light-hearted chatter. Maddie caught his eye, with eyes twinkling as she mouthed to him “proud of you.”

And he answered in kind with a simple “love you.”

After some time, its Chim who caught everyone’s attention bringing up a very important question. “Did we have a bet on this?” he asked gesturing towards Buck and Eddie who had been leaning into each other, quietly letting the chatter wash over them as they took it all in together.

Bobby chuckled at Chim, “I think we had one for how long it would take for Buck to find a new place, but I’m pretty sure that we didn’t have anything on them becoming a couple.”

“Seriously? You guys had a bet on me!” Buck exclaimed, feeling somewhat offended.

Hen shrugged her shoulders, “Honestly, considering how many bets we’ve had over the years, you shouldn’t be so surprised.”

Beside him, Eddie laughed at their antics, “Well whoever bet the longest should get the money because Buck will be staying with me for the foreseeable future,” Eddie announced before looking uncertainly at Buck, “if he wants to that is.”

“For as long as you’ll have me,” Buck answered with a grin before cupping his cheek and gently touching his lips to Eddie’s in the briefest of kisses, not wanting to be that kind of couple with excessive PDA.

Nonetheless, there were still cheers and wolf whistles directed at them, and when they parted they discovered Karen collecting her reward. Noticing their gazes on her she shrugged at them with a smug smile, “What? Just because I’m not in the firehouse doesn’t mean I can’t be part of the bets.”

Buck grinned back at her, pleased that she at least won a decent amount from his inability to leave the Diaz household.

** ** ** ** ** **

It was late afternoon when the families started heading home, bidding their farewells and taking home leftover food that Bobby and Athena insisted they take lest the fridge would overflow.

Soon enough, Buck, Eddie, and Chris had made back to their place and settled in for the evening, feeling pleasantly drained from being out for the day and keen to just relax on the couch together, still full from the afternoon of eating.

As much as he wanted to relax, Eddie found himself locked in a daze, now that the reality of the events of the afternoon had caught up with him. He had not only come out to his close circle of friends in one go but also announced that he had a boyfriend who happened to be his best friend; both things he never thought would ever happen.

Never before had he felt so exposed and yet so relieved at revealing so much about himself. He’s thankful that the team and their families are such wonderful and accepting people, but it could have gone completely differently if they weren’t. So much and so little has changed that Eddie is at loss, feeling both mentally and emotionally drained over that conflicting notion.

He could tell Buck was worried from the glances he kept catching out of the corner of his eye while he stared mindlessly at the tv. Thankfully, Buck let him be, instead carrying the conversation with Christopher for the evening until it was his bedtime. And while Buck tucked Christopher in for the night, Eddie found himself staring off into space holding an untouched full glass of water by the kitchen sink.

Its Buck’s voice that breaks through his thoughts, “You doing okay?” He asked softly, slipping his arms around his waist as he dipped his head down to pepper butterfly kisses along his shoulder before touching his cheek to Eddie’s temple as he slowly swayed them side to side.

Eddie couldn’t help by smile at Buck’s gentle approach and set down the glass before overlaying his arms over Buck’s and leaned back against him. “Yeah,” he replied, “just trying to wrap my head around everything today.”

Buck hummed, “It’s a lot to process.”  

“Knowing that you’ve just trusted a lot of people in one go with a long-held secret, yeah, it is.” Eddie agreed.

“Do you regret it?”

Eddie turned in Buck’s arms, touching a hand to his cheek. “Not at all. This is the most open I’ve ever been about myself with anyone else and I have you to thank for that.”

Buck shrugged bashfully, placing his hand over Eddie’s as he turned his face to kiss the palm of his hand. “All I did was run into you at a Pride festival, the rest was all you.”

“Well, I’m glad you did,” Eddie said tenderly.

Buck smiled warmly and took a step back, out of Eddie’s reach but kept a gentle grip on his hand, “Come on,” he said quietly, “Let’s go to bed, you’ll feel better in the morning after a good nights sleep.”

And Eddie, trusting the man implicitly, let Buck lead him to the bedroom already feeling more like himself just from talking to him and feeling so lucky to have such an amazing person in his life that is able to put him at ease with just a few choice words and actions.

They slotted themselves easily into each other arms as the settled under the covers, falling asleep happy and content, feeling more at peace with themselves knowing that all would be well as long as they were by each other’s side and had each other’s back in the moments that mattered most.

~ Fin ~

Tagging:  @buck-eddie @bisexualbuck  @benjisvictor  @seaofashes @chimbuckleys @maysgrant @pan-buck @adamngoodbuck @buckleydiazs @vampirebuckley @oliversstark @brilliantbanshee @eddiediaz @gracieli 

[drawing079]

Exception On Line 129

Chapter 6: Ephialtes Interlude

[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7]

A Human AU SCP-079 x SCP-682 Fanfic

Warnings: Violence, Alcoholism, Brain damage/trauma, Police brutality, Sexual content

Description: Zero is a reclusive computer science major, floating by in college with the help of vodka by his side. His only human interaction seems to be from his distant father, who abandoned him as a child but now is trying to make a bit of effort to be back in his life. And after a failed virus he sends to a Cray supercomputer gets exposed, he is forced to pay for the consequences of his cyber crimes in more ways than one.

During an unnecessarily violent arrest, he suffers a brain injury and anterograde amnesia, damaging his short-term memory. But during his time detained, he meets a violent man with an infamous short-temper, who takes a surprising interest in him.

(Read it here on Ao3 or continue below)

Exception On Line 129: Ephialtes Interlude

Most people know their body and sleep patterns well enough, that they can predict certain things. Maybe they know what will make them sleepwalk, or give them nightmares. Maybe they know how to wake themselves up from a bad dream, or fall asleep within minutes of deciding it’s time for bed.

Zero never understood people who were really in tune to their sleep like that. Although he was broadly categorized as an insomniac, he learned that he could sometimes invite sleep sooner with a few shots of vodka. Or, it would keep him up later by encouraging him to have another round, but it wasn’t consistent which way the night would swing when he went to pour one out. However, if there was one thing Zero could guarantee about his sleep, it was that he got wet dreams when he was stressed.

Embarrassing, but true. Maybe it was his subconscious way of coping with stress. Makes sense why when he has a bad day nothing takes the edge off more than a night of drinks and going home with a stranger.

But, somehow, tonight’s dream was way more vivid than the usual.

The first part of the dream that really started being memorable was Numin pushing him aggressively up against a wall.

The room was dim and cold, and so was the wall behind him, but Zero’s lips were locked with Numin’s, and their bodies pressed up against each other provided a sweltering heat that kept him warm.

The place was familiar, and the second Zero spared a thought about it he realized they were in his apartment. Or maybe their apartment? It felt like they lived together in this dream.

Broad, strong hands slid over his slender waist, teasing him as they stopped at his hip bones, and with a yearning whine Zero pressed his pelvis forward to invite those wandering hands behind him. With a dark chuckle, Numin pulled his tongue out of Zero’s mouth for a split moment, so he could watch his face as he aggressively grabbed his ass with both hands.

With a delight groan, Zero arched back into his grip, throwing his head back ever-so-slightly to ravish the feeling.

The hands underneath kept a firm cup under his bottom, and in a sudden motion Zero felt himself hoisted up, which he greeted with a short gasp of pleasant surprise. Almost naturally, his legs came up to wrap around Numin’s waist, steadying himself by a needy grasp encircling the larger man’s neck for support. Upon looking up, he saw some of the glint of light barely filtering into the room hit the bright canines of Numin’s devious smirk.

Something about the way his teeth glistened threateningly felt as if Zero couldn’t tell if Numin was going to kiss into his neck or rip out his jugular between his incisors.

And before he could predict which one it would be, the beast rushed forward to devour his prey, and Zero couldn’t help the little noises escaping his throat as he felt those dangerous teeth leave a certainly inhibited bite on the skin between his neck and shoulder.

The idea of wearing a scarf of delicious bruises and hickeys from Numin’s mouth made his hip buck forward, grinding down on the man he was wrapped around. Almost as a reward, he felt himself rub over something firm and prominent, albeit muted from the barriers of fabric between them.

Eager to make his own excitement be known as well, Zero gave a rolling arch of his back, allowing his own erection to rub up against Numin‘s. And almost as if rewarding him, Numin gave a fervent suck of the stolen flesh between his teeth, not ceding until it tinged with a reddish hue. The tangible formation of that hickey made Zero whine needily under his mouth, only encouraging Numin’s ego.

Upon drawing back to admire his own work, he saw Zero’s mouth agape in carnal delight, and pale face flushed into a rouge hue. Heaving, still enraptured by the fresh bruises blessing his neck, Zero licked his bottom lip at him, carefully pushing the ring around it suggestively.

Entertaining him, the larger man tightened his grip around Zero, before pulling his hips down against his own to grind up into them. It earned a desperate cry from the smaller man, but he was in the mood to hear more from him than just incomprehensible noises.

“Say my name.” He commanded, voice husky and laced with an obvious note of his own enrapturement. The way that voice commanded the air sent a wave of goosebumps sailing over Zero’s skin, intoxicated by his deep and velvety tones.

Eager to comply, Zero’s mouth opened on a moan, ready to put his name on his lips-- until, he realized, he didn’t know his name.

A sudden embarrassed panic dropped in his chest, and he hoped it was too dark for the man to make out the obvious perturbation in his face. How could he forget the name of a man like this?

“Zero. My name, say my name.” The voice commanded again, although less commanding and more… monotone, this time. Like the texture of his vocal cords was getting lost in Zero’s fragmented memory.

“I-I don’t know, it doesn’t matter…” huffing, feeling the spike of adrenaline in his blood, he tried to wave it off and continue on with the more sexy details.

Until those details weren’t there anymore. The hands on him stopped feeling hot, or even warm. It was getting too dark to even distinguish anything but a silhouette of the man before him.

What happened to the details?

“What’s my name? What’s my name, Zero?” This time the voice wasn’t just monotone, it was borderline inhuman. Like a bird spitting out sounds that it didn’t understand, mimicking words in pseudo-speech that treaded into the uncanny valley.

Regretting his position against the wall, Zero had no room to distance himself and he meekly unhooked his legs from the strange figure, stumbling a bit on his feet as he squeak back, “I-I’m sorry, I don’t know--”

The place where those hands made contact with him had noticeably lost its warmth; the man’s skin felt like ice, almost as if he had become a corpse. The creature holding onto him wasn’t even human at this point. The noises out its mouth were merging words like one big stream of sound, spitting out gibberish that was only vaguely understandable.

“My name, what’s my name? What’s my name, name, name? Zero, what’s my name? Name? What’s my name?”

Like a horrible interlude, it began just making noisy lip smacks and pops, like the mouth around those words were melting as it spoke, and it needed practice with it to accommodate. It babbled like its tongue was sticking to the roof of its mouth, like it was speaking with a gloopy mouth full of peanut butter. The outline of the figure got fuzzy, alike to the blurry details in a dark black-and-white photo or an out-of-focus polaroid, walking the line between being something to being nothing. Staring at the supposed edge of the silhouette didn’t help either, as it continuously yet slowly distorted beneath the gaze, at a rate slow enough that the perception felt more like vertigo than a sincere deformation of the figure. The growing pit at the bottom of Zero’s stomach twisted in nausea the longer he tried to discern its shape, dread swelling up in his chest and settling in all the wrong places.

He didn’t just forget the name; Zero couldn’t even remember the face of who that creature was supposed to represent, and that failure of his memory reflected back to him through this eldritch simulacrum. Before him was the culmination of every vague and forgotten information lost from the individual it once represented. The silhouette was ever-changing, yet remaining a looming dark mass. The details of color, shape, or likeness had melted into the backdrop of darkness around it, and its only dimensional consistency was its lack thereof.

Worse yet, the simulacrum continued its mockery of speech once it had adjusted to its malformed mouth.

“What is my name. What is my name. What is my name—“

To call it a voice was unfitting, the words lacked any nature in their cords that could lead Zero to believe a living creature was making them. Even trying to imagine it was a creature producing them tinged the presence of metal in Zero’s mouth. The simulacrum, this vile ephialtes invading his consciousness, spoke so uncanny that its words were stuck echoing in his ears, as if the garbled voice was ricocheting inside his own head.

“I don’t know! Just stop, please just stop…” Voice straining against the thick suffocating air, they sounded almost mute compared to the insistent repetition of the simulacrum.

Then, as if the world was pulled out from under him, he felt a sudden drop out of this horrific rendition of reality, snapping back into the real world with such a speed that it felt like conscious whiplash.

Startled, he jumped, and in that moment he recognized the departure out of dreamland and into his body. Even though the sheets around him were light and airy, his skin felt hot and damp, and the first thing he became aware of was his sweat mending his back to the fabric beneath him.

The lights were dimmed. It was the middle of the night according to the plain white clock ticking softly above the door, contesting with his heart rate monitor between being the only noises in the room. Yet, their off-sync tempos almost made it seem as though they were complementary, somehow adding calmness to the room. Or, perhaps anything compared to that nightmare seemed like the epitome of tranquility.

Confused, he checked his hand, and surely enough noticed his IV line was taped back upon the poor vein it has been yanked from one too many times. And next to the IV printed in neat lettering was a name: Numin.

A sigh of relief escaped at the recognition of that name.

He was so certain he had forgotten. Actually, even now, he can’t remember the last interaction he had with Numin. After freeing himself from his medical shackles and shuffling over with a grace that rivals a toddler learning to walk, Zero didn’t remember much besides kissing his roommate.

A sudden color tinged his pale cheeks.

They kissed. That much, Zero is certain of-- even though his memory after said kiss got very butchered afterwards. On top of that, beside the certainty of said kiss existing, he was also positive that it was Numin who had grasped his hospital gown and pulled him down into it.

The color on his face intensified, waxing with every second he spent dwelling on that memory.

They hadn’t just kissed; Numin instigated the kiss.

However, like a dismal cliffhanger at the end of a fantastic season finale, Zero drew a blank on what exactly happened next. Hell, he couldn’t even remember returning to bed and falling asleep. Did they spend the time fondly cuddling and sharing intimate thoughts on hushed, quiet breaths between themselves? Did they continue making out, before not really feeling into it and learning they didn’t have as much of a spark as once thought? Did they just flat out have sex last night?

Anything was on the table at this point, and Zero was prepared to play this scavenger hunt with his own memories. After all, it would be quite embarrassing to wake Numin-- whom Zero could tell was fast asleep from his sporadic snoring across the room-- and ask him what happened. Not only would it be embarrassing on Zero’s part, but what if his lack of recall of a potentially fond and intimate moment was a red flag to Numin that’ll make him recede his interest in a fresh amnesiac?

Sitting up, slow enough in case Numin was a light sleeper, Zero brought his hand up to the faint glow of the heart rate monitor to examine the IV line.

Despite the darkness of the room, the dim monitor light was just enough illumination to realize he didn’t even have the IV line in. Rather, it looked as if the medical tape was just tape back over the vein to hold the line in place, leading Zero to the relieving conclusion that a nurse hadn’t come in and interrupted them. Instead, it appears Zero himself probably taped the line down and planned on pretending to a nurse in the morning that it had fallen out of the vein during the night. After all, he didn’t have the original needle to insert the IV tube, and probably wouldn’t have the best idea on doing it both safely and believably.

Even though it was the plan of a forgotten consciousness, a soft smirk of pride ghosted his lips at the idea of taping the IV line down. Or perhaps, maybe he was just retrospectively grateful his former self even put an effort to hide the freed IV line at all, for Zero could completely see himself having a steamy night with an interesting man and going to bed without a care how conspicuous he appeared the following morning, consequences be damned. Said consequences would without doubt be sharing Numin’s state of handcuffed confinement, although unlike him Zero would sooner break his own wrist before successfully breaking out any cuffs.

Disrupting the line of thought to continue his own self-detective work, Zero carried on.

It only took an exploring hand snaking into his gown to tell that the stickers holding the heart sensors were also inexpertly returned to his chest. So more or less, he was checking all the boxes to at least appear at a glance like he had spent the whole night in his bed.

Now that he had confirmed his former consciousness had already established his alibi, his efforts redirected to figuring out what exactly happened after their kiss. Lucky for him-- although not as lucky for his liver-- Zero has had plenty of experiences deciphering a night he doesn’t remember from all the countless times he’s gotten blackout drunk.

If there was anyone who would probably make a good amnesiac detective, it was Zero. That or every morning-after hangover investigation he had ever done would have all been in vain.

There was a bathroom door in the room, on the far side closer to Numin’s bed. If he could make it there, he could check if maybe he had a hickey or two that’ll allude to what he and Numin was up to a few hours prior.

Zero couldn’t help a little smirk at the thought. After all, maybe Numin finally put those dangerous teeth to use.

Aside from a sly bite of his lip, exciting himself at his own thoughts, he made an effort to try and not let himself get carried away by his suggestive imagination.

Once again, he undid the taping on his hand to detach himself from the IV, and peeled off the sensors from his chest with a bit more care than his haphazard yank earlier. After pushing back the sheets that freely crinkled noisily amidst his stealth, Zero stole another glance up towards Numin, confirming he was still deep in sleep whilst he pushed smoothly off the bed.

Or at least, as smooth as he could over his still unadjusted feet. There were a few patters as he calibrated himself, the balls of his feet meeting the floor and dancing his weight back and forth between the two as if they just weren't landed on the floor quite right, before the muscles of his legs finally all synced together and kept him steady without feeling the need to constantly shift his weight. The sensation of jelly in his legs didn’t go away, but at this point it wouldn’t be a shocker if his head injury was compounding with his lack of coordination. Nevertheless, feet ready to be walking or not, Zero made his way towards the bathroom door as softly as he could to remain quiet.

Embarrassingly enough, the lack of adjustment showed in his gait, as it swayed unsteady and borderline on a stumble at points before evening out as best Zero could manage. Perhaps, what with his lack of an audience it was only embarrassing for himself, but it still brought a sensation of heat to his cheeks that made him that much more cautious to not wake Numin.

But somehow his feet still found it’s way guiding him to the bathroom door, even if he walked with about as much confidence as a newborn deer. There was an auditable sigh of relief upon reaching the door, and completely ignoring the loud creak it made on its hinges, he hurried inside and flicked on the light.

The sudden brightness made him recoil, hands reflexively coming up to shield his unprepared eyes. After a series of squints and blinks, the room became perceivable, albeit a lackluster view what with the bland setup. The walls were a simple powered blue, and the sink and toilet the same porcelain white. Adjacent to the mirror above the sink was an automatic soap dispenser, the kind Zero remembers seeing at shops or restaurants bathrooms, generic for commercial use.

When his eyes laid on his own reflection, he gave a meek whimper at his face.

Adorning one side were the dark blots of bruises, discolored with greenish hues to suggest they were days old, trailing over the cheek of the side the cop had kicked mercilessly, and fading off slightly over his brow. Zero often had bags with his chaotic sleep schedule, but the dark puffiness beneath the eye on the more abused side looked much different than under-eye circles, instead it was more rounded and shiny in appearance. Never having a black eye before in his life, it almost turned his stomach to see one on his own face, even if one so minor in comparison to ones he’s seen on people before.

The gauze around his head was wrapped expertly and tight, with particularly thick padding above that sore spot on his head that wouldn’t stop throbbing. Worst yet, perhaps exacerbated by his recent activity, there was a tinge of bleed-through coloring the thick padding over his head injury, suggesting he had reopened the wound.

Lastly, and probably just as disheartening as the rest of his appearance, he bore no hickeys or bite marks over his neck. But after taking in his own reflection Zero almost doesn’t even blame Numin; he looked so battered and frail that it was no wonder the nurse was surprised he had woken from his coma so soon; it almost looked as if he had no right waking from his coma at all.

A dark, dismal drop sank deep into his hollow chest. He wasn’t in any state that even remotely screamed desirable. And while that was a silly thing to be worrying about at the moment, it was a major clue that things probably didn’t go anywhere exciting last night with Numin.

In all honesty, Zero was surprised he was even interested in him enough to kiss him.

Dejected, and a bit over this whole detective game, he shuffled out of the bathroom pitifully, hunched over and over wishing he hadn’t gotten out of his bed to begin with. Yet, to his even sadder surprise, Numin appeared roused awake upon his exit from the bathroom.

Even though the half-lidded look upon his face suggested the lingering presence of sleep, Numin still offered a single raised brow at Zero, a silent question to what he was up to in the dead of night.

“Ah, I didn’t mean to wake you.” He offered sheepishly, almost phrased like an apology. Compared to only hours before, his demeanor had noticeably repressed, not even offering eye contact as he kept his downcast gaze locked on the powered blue vinyl lining the floor below.

“Doesn’t take much to stir me.” With a casual stretch, Numin replied with a cloudy tone, sleep still overtly overcasting his newfound wakefulness. “Can’t sleep very well? You don’t look rested.”

Offering a half-hearted shrug, Zero shifted to leaned against the closed door of the bathroom, having a bad feeling this wasn’t going to be a short conversation.

“I slept some, just had a bad dream,” with a nod towards the bathroom he came from, he elaborated, “I figured I haven’t seen myself in the mirror since the incident so I got up to check.”

The delivery was shallow, as if meant to hide the deeper disturbance Zero held underneath to seeing his reflection. Enough so that Numin could note it, knitting his brow at the smaller man slouching meekly against the bathroom door, looking like a deer caught in the headlights.

“Don’t like what you see?” Guessing, Numin straightened up, seemingly more alert at the notice of Zero’s perturbation.

Unintentionally confirming, he slouched in even more, wishing the darkness of the room was enough to hide his marred features.

“Nah, I’m absolutely thrilled with the bruised and bloody look.” Zero retorted, voice with a backbone of sarcasm, yet delivery surely missing a few vertebrae.

The corner of Numin’s lips just barely peaked, gauging the jest as a good sign. “You’re in the hospital for a traumatic brain injury and currently being detained for a felony cyber crime. But sure, your swollen eye is definitely your biggest problem right now.”

Reflexively at those words, Zero folded his arms around his chest tight, unintentionally emphasizing his thin, fragile-looking frame.

“I’m not saying it’s my biggest problem. It’s just, I’m not exactly the fighting type, so this look is just…” hissing, as if he was trapped into finishing the sentence now, Zero struggled to pin down the correct adjective,“...it is just unsettling, to me.”

His anxieties were only met by a deep, reverberating chuckle from the larger man, who only seemed amused. “Guess I’m just used to seeing people bruised and bloody.” Numin shrugged before looking up, but upon noticing the red glow of embarrassment adorning Zero’s face, a deep part of him stirred in discomfort.

Before he had even realized, his tone took on a much different tenor as new words suddenly found their way on his tongue, that deep part of him yearning to diminish that disheartened look on Zero.

“The black eye will fade in about a week and a half. And your bruising has already turned green so I’d give it another five days, seven tops.” Huffing out a sigh, feeling that deep part of himself settle, Numin offered another ever-so-slight peak of the corners of his lips before finishing. “You’re fine, Zero.”

Blinking thrice, Zero found himself taken aback.

“Th… thanks. That’s good to hear the worst of it should subside in a week.”

If Zero didn’t know any better, he would have guessed that was Numin’s best efforts at trying to comfort him. At least, it would seem that way in his delivery, but such an assumption would be a bit brash to make with a seemingly heartless individual like him. Or perhaps there was a heart in there, somewhere deep and hidden as to not invite harm, that Numin kept guarded ferociously lest he be taken advantage of.

Zero had to wonder if he was born so abrasive or if it was learned, like a defense mechanism. And he couldn’t lie; he also wondered what was so different in himself that Numin cared not to bare his teeth and intimidate him, like he seems to do to all others who dare interact with him.

Shrugging off the wall, Zero took a few idle steps forward.

“Or at least the worst appearance-wise should clear up, that is. I’m honestly not sure about my memory, though.” On finishing, he was just about at the foot of Numin’s bed, and he extended both hands down on the plastic baseboard to lean in a bit. “If I’m being honest… I can’t even remember what happened between us earlier tonight.”

Although his body language was noticeably less embarrassed, there was an obvious shame in Zero’s expression, and he bit absently at his lower lip as if his lip ring was still present to fidget with.

Numin’s brow peaked up.

“You don’t remember anything?” Stiffening up, Numin tried to ignore that deep part of him festering once more, sitting like a weight at the bottom of his throat. Swallowing didn’t help; it only made the heavy sensation more vivid. “Do you remember my name, Zero?”

He pretended that he didn’t notice Zero’s mouth twitch into a momentarily frown, before his jaw noticeably clenched to keep himself leveled.

“When… When I woke up, I didn’t.” Woefully, he raised his right hand, and gave a tap to the name still penned on the back of it. With what could only be described as a pitiful smile, he assured Numin, “I did remember where to find it, though.”

Releasing a controlled sigh, Numin accepted those words as enough for him.

“But a few hours ago? Nothing?” The inquiry held an awful weight in those words, one that Numin wasn’t bothering to hide.

Clicking his tongue, Zero’s gaze wandered up momentarily, as if testing his own recall.

“I remember what the nurse said, about you attacking your previous roommates. And that you offered a trust-fall exercise to show you weren’t a threat to me.” The pale color of his face reddened slightly, and Numin noticed his gaze was now more purposely avoiding his own as he continued, “I-I went over to your bed, and… w-we…”

“We kissed.” Numin finished for him. An uncharacteristically soft smile graced Numin’s features in response to how bashful Zero had become, knowing well it wasn’t the amnesia that was holding Zero back from completing his sentence.

Rewardingly so, he watched as Zero sighed in relief, as if he had been self-doubting if the memory was even real.

“Y-yes, we kissed. But, after that, I-I’m not all too sure what we did…” trailing off, Zero’s eyes kept low to avoid contact with Numin’s, but his diffidence wasn't about to be coddled and catered to by the other man.

“We didn’t fuck if that’s what you’re asking.” Numin supplemented, albeit delivered with a grin of jest. Part of it was just to take delight in watching Zero’s face immediately flush and redden, but a sliver of it was indeed meant to clarify.

And redden he did, almost instantaneously feeling the heat rush to his cheeks. Yet watching Numin subtly smirk at the rise he got out of him, Zero felt the need to justify himself.

“No, no of course not. After all, it’s not like I woke up sore or bleeding down there or anything--” Cutting himself off, Zero realized his insinuation exposed his typical role in the bedroom, and although it didn’t take a lot of detective work for Numin to figure that one out, Zero still found himself somehow even more embarrassed by the second. Which only served to widen Numin’s already entertained smirk.

“For shame, Zero! Give me more credit than that.” Brazen, but still maintaining an atmosphere of jest, Numin continued with a cocky grin, “I would never prepare a partner so half-heartedly that they bleed from being with me. Or hell, even feel sore.”

“I-I didn’t mean to insinuate, I-I’m just used to—“

“Used to tops that don’t know what they’re doing? Come on Zero, you don’t need to put up with that.”

Zero gave a meek shrug, before slouching into himself.

“I know, I-I know… but I’m used to it, it’s not a big deal.” He leaned off the baseboard, and stepped around it to sit at the foot of Numin’s bed before continuing. “Besides, it already comes with the territory that it’s gonna hurt a little bit each time.”

This time Numin scoffed a bit, seemingly a little less entertained and a bit more irritated at whoever convinced Zero that anal sex was doomed to always hurt a bit. Surely a former sex partner, to excuse their own laziness or inexperience; or at least, Numin guessed so.

“I’m telling you, it really doesn’t have to.” The slight irritation in his tone almost immediately waned upon seeing Zero’s worried gaze up at him, and instead Numin found himself forming his next words before a devilish smirk even had time to grow on his lips. “Still don’t believe me? Oh Zero, don’t make me prove it to you.”

Immediately, the lewd suggestion earned a flustered squeak of surprise from the very much embarrassed Zero.

The amount of blood rushing to his face looked enough to cause a faint, what with the bright vermillion glow his naturally pale skin bloomed with. So much, in fact, that Numin almost expected him to swoon— in the quite literal sense of fainting, that is. It wasn’t as if a man as thin and lithe as Zero exactly had so much blood to spare to bring with.

“P-prove what—?” Finally managing to stutter out a line, Zero looked as if he didn’t believe what Numin just suggested. Perhaps in his already sensitive and embarrassed state it wasn’t the right atmosphere to pose such an offer, but Numin couldn’t lie that it was quite cute to watch his sarcastic demeanor wither away into endearing bashfulness.

Numin caught himself thinking that word again. Cute.

It was surprising how much Zero drew that word into his head.

“So coy all of a sudden, hm? Do I need to be more direct?” Leaning in, confined by his shackled wrist from getting too close, his face still managed to be only a foot or two away from Zero’s. In his pause, he noticed that despite his blush, Zero leaned in towards him reciprocally, as if awaiting in bated breath for his continuation, sealing Numin’s confidence in what he planned to say next.

“Do you want to fuck me, Zero?”

Eyes immediately widening, Zero’s mouth parted momentarily as if the words got stuck in his throat. In those bright green irises pooled a storm of different emotions, all too intertwined to differentiate, but each playing a role in the dumbfounded look on his face.

No words. No reply. No nothing.

Numin, still smirking, was almost about to poke fun at his sudden stupor until Zero leaned in fast, crashing his lips onto his own hungerly.

And, pushing back into the kiss once he realized what was happening, Numin heard Zero’s non-verbal response. He heard it in the way Zero’s tongue slipped into his mouth, and in the way his slender hand found hold onto his shoulder. He heard it in the feel of Zero’s back arching slightly towards him, he heard it through the muffled groan released against his lips.

Zero’s whole body was practically screaming one word.

Yes, yes, yes.

[popculturebuffet]

Scooby Doo (2002) Review: The Most Punchable Fred Jones of All Time

It’s one last hurrah for Halloween as I take a look at the often derided 2002 Scooby Doo Movie! See what happens when you combine future superstar director James Gunn with .. the guy who thought directing the Smurf’s movie and Big’s Mama’s House were good ideas. Oh and with a splash of the guy who wrote the loveable family film Cheaper by the Dozen and the utterly loathed Percy Jackson film. It’s as messy as you’d expect with that.. but is it BAD? good, so bad it’s good, just sorta okay? Come with me as I try to find out under the cut with a full review. 

I’ve always loved Scooby Doo. I grew up with the guy, watching reruns of the non-scrappy classic series from Where Are You to the Scooby Doo Movies, the three Superstar 10 movies (Boo Brothers, Ghoul School and Reluctant Werewolf), or the at the time brand new What’s New Scooby Doo. And later in life i’d absolutely adore Mystery Incorporated.. minus the whole Shaggy, Scooby Velma love triangle, but i’ll likely cover that at some point or sooner, you can comission reviews from me for 5 bucks each, 5 dollars off group orders if you really want to make me suffer through that that bad. But getting off self promotion point is I loved and still love the franchise. While I”ve yet to see “Scooby Doo and Guess Who”, though given there’s Weird Al, Kristan Schaal and Urkel episodes you can be sure i’m going to eventually, and Scoob was VERY ehhh even if Dick Dastardly was awesome. But despite my history with the great dane much like with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, despite my rich history with the franchise I haven’t dove in yet and with a friend who could use a nice halloween suprise and loves scooby doo, I figured now was the time to take a look at it.  And since i’d been wanting to take a look at it again anyway, and decided going big wasn’t a bad way to start, i’m taking a look at the 2002 Scooby Doo movie. I saw this flim first run in a drive in, and saw the sequel the same way and loved it as a kid, and fondly remember checking out the Sountrack Preview page back before youtube existed to make checking out soundtracks easier. It was a simplier time. And even rewatching it later with my nieces, I found myself liking it.  And the thing was almost every time this film comes up it’s with a turned up nose. The CGI, the confused audience, the deciding to cast Freddy Prinze Junior.. all terrible decisions that overshadow the film, when it’s not that bad. It’s not GREAT, but it’s not TERRIBLE either. So what is it then? Well i’ll tells ya. Let’s start with

PRODUCTION: Wait James Gunn Wrote This?

At the turn of the millneium Scooby Doo was back on top. After waning popularity during the Scrappy era, the advent of the warner affilated Cartoon Network meant a whole new generation of kids (raises hand) got to experince Scooby Doo for the first time. This new audeince lead to Scooby Doo on Zombie Island, the first of the franchises 80 or so DTV movies that will continue on long after the earth dies, and brought back the franchise after it’s long slumber. Scooby Doo went from dead to as popular as he was in his hey day again. Naturally Warner wanted to cash in and thus this movie was born.  Originally the film was supposed to be a more adult project, a send up of the franchise with more sex jokes and what not than made the final cut according to writer James Gunn. Yes, the same James Gunn who wrote and directed the Guardians of the Galaxy movie and whose currently saving the suicide squad. It was one of Gunn’s earlier films but just from when he’s talked about it, you can tell he genuinely cared about the project.  Along for the ride with our future Guardian was his co-writer, Craig Titely,  who i’m convinced only came in to do punch ups as the guy has only written three other movies. One of them was being one of MANY writers on Cheaper by the Dozen and thus likely not doing much of note with that, and the other.. is being the only writer on Percy Jackson: The Lightning Thief’s movie adaptation.. aka the movie the fanbase and general audiences rejected in droves yet SOMEHOW got a sequel. Which is somehow still worse than his other film, one that asks “was the moon landing a hoax?” Spoilers, it wasn’t. Point is this isn’t a resume that screams co creator and more screams “Guy brought in to kid freindly this up”. More on that in a minute.  The director is another less than reassuring face: Raja Gosnell, whose credits BEFORE this film were Home Alone 3, Never Been Kissed and Big Momma’s house.. so already he dosen’t have the best track record but somehow got worse because AFTER this film and it’s sequel he directed both live action Smurfs Movies and the universally hated Show Dogs, aka the film  that thought dog rape was funny. The fact this film isn’t out and out terrible is a miracle. 

Even more so because naturally, as Studios tend to do they interfered: The film was supposed to be more adult, cracking jokes about common things fans of the series growing up thought like Velma is Gay or Shaggy’s a stoner, and having both be fully true. But wanting to appeal to kids, Warner gradually lightned it, hence Craig, and Raja clearly having no shame gladly took it instead of you know.. standing his ground.  So Velma has a love intrest thrown in and her kiss with Daphne is gone, while Shaggy’s toke smoking was lowered to subtext.. because either of those things is bad apparently? I dunno the 2000′s were fucked. 

Point is THAT’S why these films are so tonally confused and why I don’t hold it agains the film now I know: It wasn’t James Gunn or even, as dumb as he is, Raja Gosnell’s fault that the film had some tones clashing when the studio was demanding it, instead of you know, thinking this through at all and realizing more kids cared about Scooby Doo than they would’ve josie and the pussy cats instead of bringing it up DURING production, when most of the adult stuff was in there. It’s also why the sequel has no real adult stuff, though it’s STILL damn good, but i’ll get to that some other day. 

The film was also shot at an actual theme park in australia. Neat. 

So yeah the film’s humor kind of ping pongs between knowing adult winks and kids stuff. We get Scooby dressing like a grandma in the same film shaggy enhales his demon possed love intrests breath like weed. The jokes themselves on average are pretty good: Some of my faviorites include the grandma scene, everything rowan atkinson does, Velma getting drunk off her ass, and the instructional video bit which is easily my favorite bit of the episode and one of my faviorite scooby doo jokes period:

This is even FUNNIER to me on rewatch, as we now know this is an instructional video for demons.. and that Scrappy clearly had enough problems with his demon horde to have to pay for this thing. It tis glorious.  However there also are also a few that HAVE NOT aged well, are very creepy at best and disgusting sexual assault at worst with Daphne getting her ass grabbed by the Luna Ghost at the start being treated as a joke and Fred oggling Daphne’s body when he’s in it being treated as a ha ha and not...

So yeah the humor’s USUALLY good, but the slipups are noticable and do bring things down a bit when they come by. So the humor is decent if mixed and the production’s a nightmare, how’s the plot? The Plot: Scoob, We’re Getting the Band Back Together!

I won’t be as through as usual because this is a 90 minute movie, I’m running behind as is and it’s 20 years old, 

We start with your standard mystery inc case with the Luna Goose, aka Old Man Incel who resented Pamela Anderson for not boning him. But Fred hogging the glory during the resulting News Cast leads the gang to start fighting over lingering tensions: Velma is tired of Fred hogging all the credit when she does most of the legwork solving things, Daphne is tired of being kidnapped and being mistreated by Velma and Freddy who laugh at the idea of her doing more, and Fred..

We’ll get to him later. Shaggy is the only one wanting to stick together, but no one’s having it and the group breaks apart and Matthew LIllard REALLY sells Shaggy’s heartbreak over his friends all abandoning him well. 

Two years later though, with Shaggy and Scooby naturally getting stoned and eating large quantities of food on the beach, have made peace with retirement, and have apparently had to duck tons of people coming to them to solve mysteries since they aren’t about that. The latest in that line is a man representing Emile Mondovarius, the owner of Spooky Island, a vast island resort and theme park. Naturally since it has spooky in the name the boys want nothing but Mondovarius does what honestly every previous guy coming to them should’ve done: offers them an all you can eat buffet.  Since they’ve done more traumatizing for Dog Treats, they agree and it soon turns out the entire gang was invited, though none of them but Shaggy and Scooby are happy to see each other. I will say one of my complaints about the film is it never tackles the emotions behind the breakup: while the teams slowly repairs there are never any outright apologizes or scenes of them recociling or scenes of Shaggy chewing them out for abandoning him due to their spat. It just skips over the emotional bits to either wave a joke for the kiddies around or scream 

Really the jokes aren’t bad, the film just has trouble with actual emotion or depth that could’ve been there and tries for it once in a while, but dosen’t really do anything with it. The gang splitting up’s a good concept, and at this point on Scooby Doo on Zombie Island had really used it, and that was one where they were clearly still close friends and were still in touch they just quit mystery solving for a while till Zombie Island happened. Mystery Incorpreated would finally give this story justice later: Instead of over a petty ego squabble, the gang broke up over underlying tensions: The revelations about Fred’s dad caused him to go try and find himself, Velma alienated herself by hiding things from them, and Shaggy was shipped off to Military School and Scooby doggy prison camp... thankfully the last two didn’t last and Scooby rescued Shaggy with a tank but the tension DIDN’T go away: While the gang mostly reunited, Velma took time to forgive them and also tried bringing in the friend/girlfriend she’d made in the meantime only for her friends to isolate her and throw her out while Daphne took her time to return due to being hurt by fred. It’s complex and good stuff versus here where it’s just “WE’RE APART BECAUSE WE HATES EACH OTHER. And now we’re NOT”. It’s just a waste of a good concept and i’ m glad the franchise got around to doing it right. 

But my gripes aside our heroes head to the resort and meet Mondevarious, who admits outright to having tricked then and with confronted with the gang being broken up, makes it clear he knews.  “That’s the thing about broken things.. you can put them back together.”

And so he did. He needs the Gang’s help as he’s worried about the island and something going wrong there: The teens are leaving polite, well behaved. and clearly not themselves as one reacts to an old friend by neck lifting him and tossing him aside. Something’s deeply wrong here and the gang’s intrest is piqued enough to stay though everyone but Shaggy is determined to solve it themselves out of ego. Mondvarius is played by Rowan Atkinson and while I watched the bean movie as a kid this is where I fell in love with the guy, with later watches of Blackadder confirming that in my college years. Rowan just brings a fun dorky energy to the character and a nice earnestness too but when he later takes a turn for the bad, he does that well too. Atkinson is HIGHLY underated in my opinon and easily the MVP of this film’s supporting cast.   So the investigation begins, and we get our supsects: The first we met on the plane, Mary Jane, a kind blonde played by Isla Fisher who got the job becasue Gosnel, in a rare good decision, saw how talented she was and while still picking Sara Michele Gellar for Daphne, made sure she had  a part. She’s a nice sweet girl who Shaggy falls for and Scooby’s annoyed by it.. though unlike earlier the film beats mystery inc easily here as it’s a more understandable conflict and dosen’t act like Dog Issues is a thing people says. Again i’ll get to that clusterfuck of an arc some day. The other two are N’Goo Tuna, a shady worker at the park who spouts off the legends of the island. In a nice twist, he’s NOT the vilian, as is obvious but is his right hand man. He also has his own right hand and muscle in Zarkos a cool looking Luchador and N’Goo’s muscle. Also N’Goo may be one of the worst names in Scooby Doo History, and that includes Dabba Doo. But the legend claims the island was once owned by demons who want revenge since the resort took the island from him. 

The other is probably my faviorite non Rowan Atkinson character, Voodoo Maestro, played by Miguel Nunez. He’s basically just a guy who lives on the fringes of the island and also hates the resort and tries using voodoo curses. He’s honestly a delight from his attempt to sacrifice a chicken (An already dead one at that), to his general hammy and annoyed at dealing with these teenagers demeanor. NAturally he has nothing to do with this but he’s still a fun addition and I wish he was in more scnenes than the two he gets.  But with what they’ve gathered the gang all end up at a spooky castle attraction, with Scooby and Shaggy of course being bribed by daphne while Velma and Fred show up indpeendntly and end  up finding the weird training video from earlier but all get caught when the traps are activiated> There’s also a farting contest which.. eh not funny to me but i’ve seen so much worse i’m not even remotely upset. But then the traps trigger though during the chaos Fred and Velma are forced to work together and finally start doing so, and Daphne finds a clue: A mysterious pyramid known as the damon righus and finally gets some, if not nearly enough, credit.  So the gang is back together.. even if it’s a tenative peace, the high from solving this and relay to their boss the suspects, including him, though Fred assures Mondovarius it’s just because he’s spooky and rowan’s character’s delight over that is fucking glorious.  So the gang enjoys some down time at the local bar, with Fred and Daphne doing their own look ins, Scooby and Shaggy eating and encountring mary again and Velma getting hit on by a dude while looking over the ritus, revealing it’s some sort of soul sucking aparatus, and going into their history... which is really just an excuse to bring Scrappy in who in this universe, is a horny egotistical little shit whose abandoned as a result. ANd before anyone boos he’s not a puppy here, he’s got.. dog dwarfisim.. which while .. how does that even work... means he’s a grown ass man and deserved this. We also get drunk velma and Linda Caredenlli is a delight

The night gets interupted by terrible cgi monsters, the aformentioned emon who soul suck most of the college kids present and also get fred and velma who both find out these are very much real. We also get the best song on the soundtrack, man with a hex. It slaps. But it makes good chase music as with Mondvarious, Fred and Velma captured, the rest of the gang and mary escape.  The next morning we get a surreal as hell scene as everyone’s partying, Fred’s talking in slang and Velma with clevage, thank you, is chatting up.. Sugar Ray? For those younger of you they were a band at the time. They were a big thing. Not half bad but faded away. They looked as 2000′s as hell though. WHy Smash Mouth gets all the memes and not them is beyond me. Look at lead singer Mark McGrath!It’s like the early 2000′s gained sentience and took a human form. But the gang is quickly forced to run from sugar ray, though they get Daphne in a deleted scene. Why it was deleted I dunno. Point is Shaggy, Scooby and Mary are all alone.. oh and Mary’s possessed. Shaggy and Scooby argue over it because Shaggy just thinks Scooby is jealous and while he is .. why would he lie about this? He’s as cowardly as you are. But Scooby falls through the floor, and Shaggy is now going solo but luckily finds his friends souls, and eveyrone elses in a massive cool looking vat and frees them all.  Velma, when the demon leaves her and confronts her, finds out sunlight kills the demons and saves Daphne from hers... only to find Fred in her body. Daphne is naturally horrified and we do get a great bodyswapping scene.

Our heroes reconvince on the beach where htey find the Maestro who explains what’s going on to a point, with the gang’s clues filling in the blanks: The ritus, which they stole back earlier, is used for a ritual that will allow the Demons to rule over the earth for “a thousand years of darkness” but it requires a pure soul to work. Cue our big bad talking Scooby into being their willing sacrifice since Scooby dooes not understand what a sacrifice is.  Shaggy naturally rallies the group to go save him after their understandably worried since they usually dealt with weirdos in costumes and not the apocalypse.. well okay Velma and Fred aren’t, Daphne dealt with this kind of thing once a week back in Sunnydale. So they set up a plan to destroy all the demons at once by unleashing the soul bath, setting them all loose and then using a spooky disco ball from one of the attractions rigged up over the ritual area to shine the light in. It’s classic scooby doo. 

Things naturally go wrong as while Shaggy goes to rescue scooby and makes up with him, he’s caught, so are fred and velma and they have to scramble, while Daphne looses a fight with the luchador up top while trying to let the light in to finish the trap. Meanwhile Shaggy saves Scooby’s soul just as Mondovarious sucks it out by shoving the guy.. revealing him to be a robot! DUN DUN DUN. And inside is Scrappy.. which you all probably knew already but try to act suprise who wanted to conquer the world as revenge for the gang abandoning him and because again, in this universe he’s kind of an asshole. He absorbs the souls gathered so far and merges with the damon ritus, because we’re operating on video game rules now apparently, so final boss time.  But we get a great climax as Scrappy chases scooby, Daphne goes buffy on Zarkos ass , and as a result he shatters the glass and lets the light in releasing the disco ball the kill the demons.. man I love that I get to type things like that. Scooby removes the ritus and defeats his nephew and the day is saved. Velma hooks up with random guy, Daphne and Fred get together, I die inside a little and Shaggy and Mary Jane bond. At the press Fred does his good deed for the movie by letting Velma explain things and get the spotlight and the group have firmly reunited. THE END. Overall it’s a solid plot, that works well, comes together in the end and was well put together, it’s more the filling that causes it to tilt back and forth a bit, but overlal outside of the issue I mentioned it’s a good scooby doo plot. While some have pointed out it is similar to zombie island, a case reuniting the gang, the person who brought them there wanting to sacrifice them, or just scooby here, monsters being real, it works because everything else is so different. But since there’s more to break down and it’s easier to give it it’s own section let’s look at...

THE CHARACTERS: NOT HALF BAD, FRED CAN GO FUCK HIMSELF. 

So we’re down to character.. and since there’s a blonde, preeening, selfish, arrogant, sleazy, sexist, obnoxious, loud mouthed, useless elephant in the room, let’s start with Fred. And to quote it’s always sunny....

Yeah so that fury of a thousand crashing waves (Cracks Knuckles): Fred is the worst part of this movie, the worst version of the character across the entire franchise that i’ve seen with the sincre doubt that there is ANY version worse than this. Everything I said above is true and THEN some. He is one of the most unlikable characters i’ve seen in a film that wasn’t INTENDED to be. There’s just NOTHING to like about him. Nothing. He treats his “Friends” like garbage, all four of them: He basically ignores shaggy and scooby at best and treats them as if they were nothing. For Velma he’s your classic power abusing douche who pushes her to the side and often steals the credit for things she did. He’s still a good mystery solver, but he acts like he does all the work to the press and takes all the credit when Velma works as hard as he does if not harder. And worst of all is Daphne, who he basically either treats like some moron who gets kidnapped due to incompetence and not because creepy old dudes want to feel her up, which given the intro is VERY likely the reason she’s the resident victim of the group, and not like a person, or like a pair of boobs and legs he wants to bang or feel up creepily while he’s in her body. For fuck’s sake his reaction to finding out he’s in her body is a creepy and smug “I can see myself naaaakeddd” If that dosen’t make you want to smack him get off my blog. And they get together in the end! 

Who who wanted that. I genuinely want the presumibly original ending where Daphne and Velma hook up and Fred falls off a pier and is never seen again. The acting does not help. While the other four gang members are expertly cast Fred was given to Freddy Prinze Junior, who made a career out of playing arrogant dicks who are somehow the main character so I can’t fault the casting but I can fault that he can’t delver any line without that smug air of trying to be cool douche and it’s at it’s worst with Fred since Fred’s already written as the biggest creepiest douche in the world and Freddy somehow makes it WORSE. He also has zero chemstiry with Daphne, which would be weird given he and Sarah Michelle Gellar had dated for 2 years at this point and as of this writing have been together for 20 overall and have two wonderful kids together... but given how badly written Fred is here, I can’t blame either of them. And i’m sure FPJ is a swell guy, loves his kids loves his wife seems like a really plesant guy, nothing against him as a person, but at least at this point in his career he wasn’t very good. And I am actually planning on trying to seek out one of his later works in his career to see if he’s gotten better in recent years, and willing to give him the benifit of a doubt that he probably has. I just don’t like him here, and while the script does most of the work he only makes it worse.And works before this (Pup Named Scooby Doo) and after this (Mystery Incorperated) would prove you can give fred a personality that’s not dick tip, so fuck this character, fuck the writing.. and I hope Freddy is having a happy halloween with his loving wife and children, seriously I meant it I have nothing against him as a person. A terrible actor can still be a WONDERFUL guy. 

Now that’s thankfully put to bed, let’s pivot over to Shaggy, whose easily the best of the cast. Matthew Lillard looks the part pefectly, has the right combination of heart and goofus and has some great comedic timing. Granted Scream had already proven the guy’s got genuine talent, but still he’s great here and is currently playing Shaggy in most films and productions, except Scoob which.. was far from it’s only mistake but easily the biggest. There’s not much else to say: the guy IS Shaggy and is the only person whose taken up the roll to equal Kasey Casem in it. As for how he’s written.. he’s basically the same and apart from one line of him wanting to leave everyone to their deaths, which feels like it was added later, he’s written really well and is easily the most likeable of the group. 

Scooby is alright. Not the best version but funny and charming enough when he needs to be and while I hated the CGI at one point.. it’s honestly not that bad. It’s not GREAT, but time has actually been very good to it both in how it’s held up and in the fact we’ve gotten SO MUCH WORSE with so much better techlogies. I mean.. Cats exists.. Marmaduke Exists.. the Bill Murray Garfield exists. This was offputting at the time but now it’s just okay. But character wise he’s good and again not much diffrent. 

Velma is the second best casting of the movie. Played by Linda Cardenelli, who i’ve harbored a crush on for a good few decades now and admire mostly for her talent and charm, Linda kills the roll and easily slips into it as easily as Matt did, and while not picking it up full time like he did, still did it a few times afterword and played hot dog water in mystery incorperated, so she did finally get to play a Lesbian Velma it just took a while. And while Velma being gay is kind of sterotyping, it would’ve been nice to have been kept in instead of edited out for bullshit reasons. But overal her character is decent: While she ALSO bullies and belittles daphne like fred, unlike fred it comes less from just being a douche and more from insecurity. As her scene at the bar makes clear she feels undervalued like the other, like the nerd who the cool kids LET hang out with them instead of part of the team. While it dosen’t make her treatment of Daphne OKAY, it makes Velma understandable. We also get Velma Clevage which.. okay not sure if the world needed that but whatever. Point is it’s throughly likeable portryal that I wish got some character growth.  Finally out of the main 5 there’s Daphne, whose alright. Not as good as the other two, as it feels they lean a bit too heavily on her having taken self defense and wanting ot be tougher, but Sarah Michelle Gellar gives her a ton of charm and likeablity that her husband’s character sadly lacks. There’s just a fun, adorable energy to daph that ends up coupling with her buffy style badassery at the end and Sarah plays both beautifully. The script didn’t give her a ton to work with, though that’s the same for all four of htem, but Sarah really made the character work and made her somewhat memorable despite not being as good as Linda or Matthew. Basically not the best, but still a comfortable third ahead of scooby doo and jackass jones. 

As for the rest of the cast, Rowan Attkinson i’ve covered and is utterly fantastic as is the Voodoo Maestro, and both should get hteir own hbo max spinoff together. The minons.. stupid name and luchadoor are decent enough, nothign special but they have presence and do the job of goon well. And Mary Jane is alright.. the joke is WAY too on the nose to be funny and she’s mostly just there to be sweet, but she’s harmless. Not good but not bad.  So finally we have our big bad, Scrappy. And i’m.. mixed about this. On one hand, Scott Innes, who it turns out is also from Missouri good on you dude!, does a terrific job and I couldn’t tell it wasn’t don messick as Scrappy and he plays him as evil great. On the other.. it’s just kinda goofy. Out of all the tips of hte hat to scooby stuff this feels the most over the top. Scrappy was hated, including by james gunn.. so he’s the bad guy. It’s just a bit on the nose, and the twist is pretty easily teligraphed since Scrappy suspciously is mentioned in one scene so him showing up at all is pretty easy to see coming. It’s not terible but it’s not great. His demon minons also just suck.. the designs are wonky and their cgi, unlike scooby and scrappy’s, is just REALLY bad and dated, and even as a kid I never liked them. 

FINAL THOUGHTS:  Scooby Doo is a decent but messy movie. The clashing tones, dated humor and godawful version of fred drag it down at times, and it’s very clear this had a lot of hands in the pot. But.. I still enjoy it. It’s not the best scooby ever, tha’ts mystery incorpeated, but it has great atmosphere, some good ideas, an utterly spectacular with one exception cast, and some really funny jokes. I genuinely feel the film is overhated when it’s a unique, weird and wonderful slice of Scooby. For better or worse there’s no other Scooby doo property quite like it, and that’s what makes it so fun. And it has enough good performances and jokes to smooth out the edges. It’s not the best, it’s a mess.. but sometimes a mess is fun and I like this flim for being a fun mess I can enjoy with my nieces and talk about to all of you. And sometimes that’s all you need.  Thank you for reading this. If you like this you can comission your own review: 5 bucks for a tv episode, 15 for a movie, 10 for an hour long special, and 5 dollars off when you order more than one episode of a show at a time. Just send me a direct message or ask on here and we’ll get started. Until then you can check out my backlog of reviews, check this space every monday for ducktales reviews, and VOTE DAMMIT VOTE. Until we meet again it’s been a pleasure. Play us out Atomic Fireballs, it’s been a wonderful halloween.