#imagine them trying to name a frog

[primordialruin]

She used to put her head against Adam's when she needed him to figure out the right word that matched her abstract thinking. Since she couldn't create words on her own, she had to rely on her husband to match the right vowels and consonants that felt the most appropriate. She tried to offer him descriptions with the vocabulary that was available to her tho. I think they played a lot of charades.

[girl-lostconnection]

So..forgive me you're the first person I'm ever asking anything on Tumblr (Kinda new and I usually like to describe it like hiding in the corner and just watching everything quietly and leaving likes and I love your work) but I was thinking about your concept with 141 and reader dying and the notebook. Would there ever be a case where the others stumble upon it? Whether Price forgets (somehow) to put it away or someone's in the midst of searching for something and stumbles upon it?

Again, love your work, feel free to ignore this tho

Yeah, I think this type of readers people call “lurkers” which is cool🙂‍↕️you guys are usually the backbone of the audience, I enjoy you tremendously.

And that’s a really good question, anon!

You know what? Why not turn the heat up a little more for this pot with the frogs.

I can imagine Price not exactly forgetting it somewhere but harbouring it so close to himself that people start to notice. This specific notebook is always with him — under his armoured vest and in the front pocket of his shirts, on top of the stack of documents, edge of it peeking out of his pants pocket.

It’s always there when before he didn’t carry it with him. It’s small and simple, technically it shouldn’t rise any questions but Kyle is the first who notices it. Maybe because after your death he’s so sharply attuned to everyone else on the team, it’s practically unhealthy.

Kyle who watches John fumble with the leather bound corners of the little thing and wonders…what’s inside of it? They have been all grieving but your things have been taken by them all and shared fairly.

Simon doesn’t withhold your pictures or books with your annotations. Soap doesn’t say no when Gaz asks for one of the keychains. Kyle himself lets Simon and Johnny take one of your things each. Simon takes the big oversized T-shirt and Soap whisks away one of your hoodies, clutching it hard to himself, knuckles white with tension.

(Kyle will never admit but when he walked in on Johnny in hoodie with your name and rank on the back of it his knees buckled. For a moment a traitorous part of him thought you were there. For a moment he could breathe again)

So Price keeping something of you to himself almost felt unfair. It wasn’t, of course, no, Captain had every right to grieve and mourn in a way that made it easier for him.

But-

But Kyle missed you. Everyday and every morning he’d wake up, realisations hitting him again that you aren’t coming back. You are never coming back.

You disappeared so suddenly you were now everywhere.

The unwashed cup they couldn’t bring themselves to wash, the clothes and trinkets, the books and pictures. The notebooks.

Kyle remembers how you two played games in it, drawing X’s and O’s when debrief would get too long and your brains too sluggish to keep awake without external stimulation.

Kyle remembers you writing in them, so focused you oftentimes wouldn’t notice him getting closer until he’d plop himself down in front of you, pretending to pose. Your favourite model, wasn’t he?

Kyle remembers you smiling at him, eyes flickering to his face for a moment, your gaze so impossibly soft he feels like choking and burying himself next to you.

There is a whole life ahead. Kyle isn’t sure how to live it with a hole in this chest the size of your love.

It’s a selfish thought, maybe. Maybe he is selfish.

Maybe he should have been content with what he has been given. But he wasn’t.

So now he slips the notebook off Price’s desk when the man himself is so wrecked he can’t see straight. John’s drinking got worse after your death. Not yet enough to cause disciplinary action but enough to make them all worried.

Gaz has never seen him like that.

Why were they all lucky enough to meet you but not lucky enough to save you? Would the outcome be different if one of them went with you on that deployment? Could they save you if they knew how it ends?

Could they try?

Kyle’s fingers skim over the pages, your hoodie on him and if he pretends hard enough it almost feels like a hug. It almost feels like his body heat seeping through fabric is yours. Like you were just wearing it.

Like you didn’t leave at all.

Like you are coming back.

Kyle flips through the pages, gurgling wet laughter in his throat when he notices that you have been writing Simon’s jokes down and coming up with your own. (The “just got hospitalised due to peekaboo incident. They put me in ICU” joke almost makes Kyle choke).

Some part of him gets why Price has been guarding this specific journal so hard. Why he wasn’t letting anyone else close to it, because this right here is you.

Everything that’s left of your thoughts and feelings, of your humour and love, of your plans and scribbles.

It’s tangible proof that you were here. You lived, you loved, you thought. You were there and you were a person. Their favourite person. Their beloved one.

Maybe that’s why your small note hits him harder than he could have ever expected. A small resigned “I’m not sure I fit in. I’m not sure I’m not second…or fifth best in this case. Don’t even know if I wanna talk about it. Just plain stupid” splits Kyle’s scull open and leaves him bleeding and aching and shaking.

What…what did you mean “fifth best”? Why would you say that? What- no. Nonononono. No, it’s not fair. It’s not true, it has never been true.

Kyle feels like driving back to the cemetery and wrapping his car around the poll.

Kyle feels like clawing at the ground and sobbing-sobbing-sobbing.

Kyle feels like begging.

Please, no. Please, come back. Please, let him fix it, let him tell you the truth, let him tell you.

Kyle understands why Price was guarding the journal this fiercely. Kyle is so mad he feels like demolishing John’s office and yelling until his voice is raspy useless thing, vocal cords damaged, headache pounding inside his head and he’s burning from inside out.

Kyle looks at the page, his whole core so hollowed out you could feel an echo if you’d knocked.

Kyle doesn’t know what to do because you are gone.

Because he wants to say “I’m sorry, love, I’m so sorry, I’d be better if I knew”, he wants to say “come back and scream at me, come back demand attention, come back and hurt me in return just please please come back”.

He wants to say “I love you” in a hundred different ways, he wants to kiss it better, he wants to hold you again, he wants you back, why can’t you come back, why can’t he get you back? He will change, he will do better, he will pay attention, he’s sorry, love, he’s so sorry.

Soap finds him just blankly staring at the page and he doesn’t understand at first, concern sharpening his features like one of the razors he uses for his drawing pencils.

Johnny sinks down next to him, lips pressing to Kyle’s temple, breath panting when Gaz doesn’t respond because he can’t.

He doesn’t know what to say.

How do you live knowing you may never change what already happened? How do you keep going knowing your tenderness is decaying six feet underground, that your love is springing with flowers when they should have stayed above the ground and picked them? How do you get over it? How?

Johnny’s eyes skim over the page and Gaz can feel when the realisation sinks in, when the body next to him is getting poured full with raw ache and ice sharp panic.

Johnny asks “Gaz whose journal is that”, Johnny pleads “Mate, talk to me, where did you get it?”, Johnny whimpers “Kyle tell me it’s not theirs, Kyle please, Kyle say something”.

Kyle doesn’t know what to do other than wrap himself around Soap and hold him despite the thrashing, despite the disbelieving laughter that descends into gasping for air and clawing at his back and shoulders.

Kyle doesn’t let him get out and do something stupid, like drive to the cemetery and wrap a car around the poll and curl near your gravestone.

There is an awfully loud gulp and the journal is getting carefully taken off Kyle’s lap, Simon’s fingers long and scarred — things broken too many times to grown back straight and narrow, calloused pads of his fingers catching on the paper of the notebook.

Kyle has to drag him down to them, he has to practically kick the ground from under Ghost’s feet because the man looks like he will get the shovel and get you out of the coffin.

(Kyle doesn’t want to think how Simon refused to let them bury you, how he sat with you for days, until the decomposition became evident. Kyle doesn’t want to think how Simon placed a phone in your coffin despite knowing that you are not coming back. Kyle doesn’t want to think that Simon was terrified the 4 of them might bury you alive).

Ghost looks like the sky just fell on his head, crashing his spine and grinding down his nerves. Ghost looks like he wants to cry but doesn’t know how.

Ghost looks like how they all feel.

Kyle forces the man into their cuddle pile and forces his hand to wrap around Johnny, because Soap digs his fingers into them like he’s falling-falling-falling. System crashing, bomb ticking, Rome burning down.

Funny how Ghost never understood the phrase “going mad with grief”, always felt like it was a bit of dramatisation. People die every day after all, don’t they? It’s statistically impossible to never lose a single person.

Funny how Soap gets it now perfectly. The shift of tectonic plates in his brain, the rewiring of the whole system, pain so intense he might have ash for heart now.

Funny how it’s not funny at all but Gaz still laughs, face wet when Simon tightens his grip and pulls Kyle in, letting him hide his face.

Taglist: @synthe4u

[autumndragon]

In the episodes of Shell Shocked, Ruffnut and Tuffnut mention how Viggo would actually be fun to hang with if he didn't try to kill them all the time. Can you imagine Viggo being among the chaos of the Edge? I'm telling you, he wouldn't last a week.

.

Hiccup: Dragon Fly Four!

Hiccup: *jumps off a cliff*

Viggo:

.

Viggo: Fishlegs, are you alright?

Fishlegs: I will only tell you this once, senile old man, the name is Bonecrusher, Thor Bonecrusher

Viggo:

Viggo: wat

.

Viggo: should you not be at practice?

Snotlout: no, I quit the dragon riders. I will now be a beggar in the streets, all alone, cold, like my dead heart.

Viggo: oh--

.

Viggo: hello

Tuffnut: I kissed a frog :D

Viggo: goodbye

.

Viggo: finally, a sane person

Astrid, carrying two axes, five knives, a spear and a sword: kill

Viggo: understandable, have a great day

.

Ruffnut: *sitting behind a game board*

Viggo: ah! Maces and Talons, may I join?

Ruffnut: can't. I ate the pieces

Viggo: excuse-- you what

Ruffnut: I ate the pieces

Viggo:

Ruffnut: don't tell Hiccup

.

Ironically, Viggo finds dragons are the most sane creatures on the island.

[theosbaby]

helping hand

lorenzo berkshire x fem!reader

masterlist

SUMMARY ! the guys find out that enzo is still a virgin and they keep bothering him about it, so he asks for your help.

WARNINGS ! friends to lovers, use of y/n (just once i think), loss of virginity, SMUT, virgin!lorenzo, sub!lorenzo, dom!reader, mutual masturbation, p in v, lots of praising, neck grabbing, hair pulling, slight orgasm denial, unprotected sex.

NOTES ! english isn't my first language, so you might find mistakes. yes, i have read filthy and i know lorenzo isn't innocent at all, but i wanted to portray him like that for this one, hope you like it!

lorenzo was your best friend, he had been since you both were a couple of tweens and met at the hogwarts express on your first year. you remembered that day as if it had been yesterday. he had bumped into you, which made you drop your chocolate frog to the ground, after that, he immediately apologized and bought you the whole honeydukes trolley as an apology; at that moment, you swore to yourself you would never let him go.

and seven years later, he was the most important person in your life.

as every friday night, lorenzo and you were having a sleepover in your dormroom. that night, pansy, your roommate, was out on a date with some dude and you had the room all to yourselves. you were lying in your bed, enzo next to you. a film was playing, but you were having trouble to focus on it since enzo kept moving; he looked uneasy, which was really rare to be honest, lorenzo was the calmest guy in the whole wizarding world.

you couldn't possibly imagine what was going on in that pretty head of his.

truth is, the week before, the rest of the guys had discovered that enzo was still a virgin and they had been teasing him about it nonstop since then, which had already started to seriously bother him. at first, maybe you could say it was funny, but after eight days of constant jokes, it was not funny anymore.

you sighed, finally deciding to ask him what was going through his mind.

"lorenzo," you called him, using his full name, which you rarely did, "is something wrong? you seem off today..."

enzo looked away, clearly trying to avoid your eyes, and you frowned; that was the confirmation you needed to know that something was not fine, he never averted your gaze like that.

"nothing, just... dealing with some stress." he answered, dodging the subject. when he saw your unpleased look, he added, "it's not a big deal, seriously. don't worry about it."

"cmon, enzo..." you said, reaching to cup his cheek and force him to look at you, "i know you like the palm of my hand and i know something's bothering you."

you smiled reassuringly at him, pausing the film to focus fully on the conversation, then you added, "you can tell me anything, you know that, right?"

enzo's cheeks blushed slightly, his eyes darting back and forth as he looked at you, clearly hesitating whether he should tell you or not.

"you wouldn't... you wouldn't think any less of me, would you?" he asked and you saw a hint of vulnerability in his light brown irises.

you frowned as you looked at him, caressing his cheek softly; his attitude was making you really worried.

"of course not, enzo... you're my best friend," you told him with a soft and sweet voice, trying to get him to open to you.

he nodded slowly, leaning into your touch; he found comfort in your presence, it had always been that way. taking a deep breath, enzo finally confessed.

"well... it's just that... the guys found out i'm still a virgin and they've been teasing me about it all week." as he talked, his voice was barely above a whisper.

"that's it?" you asked, chuckling as your worried expression visibly softened. "they're a bunch of idiots... just ignore them," you reassured him, your hand moving up to stroke his soft hair.

enzo managed to let out a small laugh, his expression softening at your comment too.

"yeah, i know..." he muttered, his eyes fixed in yours as he thought of his next words, "but it's hard not to let it get to me when they treat me like some sort of joke."

"hey, don't say that..." you replicated, your brow furrowed as you heard his words. "there's nothing wrong with being a virgin."

he nodded, agreeing with you, while his eyes drifted back to the paused movie on the screen. despite your words, he still seemed a bit troubled. you were definitely going to beat the guys up the next time you saw them for making enzo feel so bad about something completely normal and natural.

"i know that... i can't help but feel self-conscious about it though," he said, then elaborated, "I mean, everyone else seems to be... well, you know."

"experienced?" you asked, finishing his sentence.

you grabbed his hand, entwining your fingers with his; you wanted to make him feel better. he looked down at your intertwined fingers and sighed softly.

"yeah... experienced." he nodded while he talked. "it's not like i haven't tried to lose my virginity or anything; it's just never been the right time or person, i guess."

you gave his hand a gentle squeeze when you heard his words, smiling at how sweet he was. enzo was simply the perfect guy, the perfect friend, and you were sure someday he'd be the perfect boyfriend.

"you'll get there eventually, trust me," you chuckled and rested your head on his shoulder. "just don't overthink it, okay?"

lorenzo smiled back, clearly more relaxed now that had confided in you. his fingers tightened slightly around yours as he rested his head on top of yours.

"i know, thanks for listening, darling."

"always, enzo." you kissed his cheek briefly. "and if they bother you again about it, just let me know, i'll gladly hit them," you added, laughing.

"you would do that for me?" he looked at you, his expressive eyes sparkling in the dim light of the room.

"i'd do anything for you," you answered honestly, smiling warmly at him.

it was the truest thing you had ever told him; there wasn't a single thing you wouldn't sacrifice for him. he was just worth it. your words seemed to awake something in him, you could almost see the gears in his head spinning as he stared at you intently.

"really? anything?" his voice deepened a bit, his eyes still locked onto yours. "can i ask you something then?"

"of course silly, anything," you replied, letting out a nervous laugh as his intense gaze made you feel butterflies in your belly.

"would you..." he swallowed nervously, taking a deep breath before continuing. "would you maybe... want to be my first?"

your breath hitched when you heard his proposal, your heart started racing in your chest. for a second, you thought that you could be dreaming, so you pinched yourself; the pain you felt confirmed that your were, in fact, not sleeping.

"enzo, are you sure about that?" you questioned, unsure if he was saying it seriously or not. "we've just talked about that, there's nothing wrong with being a virgin," you repeated.

"i know, darling." he bite his lower lip, looking down at the floor for a moment before meeting your eyes again. "but i can't stop thinking about it... and i'd really like it to be with you."

"really?" you gasped in surprise, nipping at your bottom lip to try and hide the smirk that tugged at the corners of your mouth.

you loved enzo; not the kind of love you feel for a brother, though, you were in love with him, and you had tried to convince yourself otherwise for a long time, because you thought your feelings weren't reciprocated, but now... he was in front of you, asking you to be his first, and you weren't sure if you'd be able to ignore your feelings anymore.

"you aren't just doing it out of social pressure?"

you wanted to make sure he was not feeling pressured to do it; you wanted him to do it only if he finally felt ready to take that step.

"no, i mean it," he said, blushing shyly. "i really want it to be with you, y/n. you're so beautiful, and kind, and smart. i've had a crush on you for years."

his admission made your heart skip a beat; you thought you were going to faint right there and then. your thoughts were all over the place, your mind racing as you looked at him, but there was just one thing that you knew for sure; you were dying to kiss him... so you did.

"then, i guess it can be arranged," you whispered, reaching to cup his face and pull him into a kiss, one that was very sweet at first.

enzo's eyes fluttered shut as he leaned into the kiss, his hands moving to rest on your hips. he gasped softly against your lips, his heart racing wildly. you took control of the kiss as you tangled your fingers in his hair and tug at it, slipping your tongue in his mouth; the innocent kiss soon turning into a full make out session.

his hands moved slowly but surely down to the small of your back, gently pressing against your lower back and pulling you even closer to him. you slightly moaned into the kiss, unable to get enough of the taste of his soft lips.

"you taste so good, enzo," you muttered between kisses, not pulling back at any moment.

your hand moved down his neck, gripping at it, which made enzo gasp softly, his fingers digging into your waist as his tongue became bolder in your mouth. he could feel himself getting hard, the rush of blood making him dizzy.

he was practically on top of you at that point, so you pushed him gently until he was sitting on the bed, back against the headboard and you straddled his lap, leaning in to resume the kissing. quickly, he wrapped his arms around you, pulling you as close a he possibly could. one of his hands moved to the hem of your shirt, pushing it upwards slowly; the gentle caress of his fingertips on your skin gave you goosebumps.

"you want me to take this off, baby?" you asked, breaking the kiss, as you started toying with the hem of your top.

lorenzo looked at you with hooded eyes, licking his lips slightly. "yes, please… take it off."

you smirked, grabbing the hem of your top and pulling it off your body. since you were not wearing a bra, you breasts were now completely exposed under his intense gaze. his eyes darkened as he saw your boobs for the first time; they were perfect, just like the rest of you.

"have you ever touched a girl, enzo?" you questioned, a sweet tone to your voice.

he swallowed hard, his hands aching to touch you, and answered, "no, i haven't."

"don't be shy, baby," you whispered with a smile, grabbing his hands to encourage him to cup your breasts, squeezing them lightly. "like this."

enzo stared at your face closely, his eyes filled with lust as he mimicked your action, his hands squeezing both your boobs gently. his thumbs brushed against your little nipples, causing them to harden instantly.

"you're beautiful," he breathed out, completely stunned at your beauty.

you gasped slightly, your cheeks flushing as a heat wave washed over your body; your panties growing wetter by the second. the way he touched you, as if he was worshipping your body, was a huge turn on.

"thank you, baby," you muttered, squirming in his lap.

enzo moaned softly as he felt your body grinding against his hard length. he kissed along your jawline and down your neck, nipping softly as he went. you let out a cute whimper, your eyes fluttering shut when you felt his tongue lapping at one of your hard nipples and you reached up to tangle your fingers in his soft hair, caressing it tenderly; he groaned against your skin as he began to suck at the hard nub gently.

his hand moved down between your legs and he slipped his fingers underneath the fabric of your shorts and panties; you felt his digits rubbing hesitantly over your pussy, as if he didn't know what to do with them next.

"enzo," you gasped at his action, tugging at his hair tenderly. "you have never done that before, right?" you chuckled as you you caressed his face.

lorenzo blushed slightly and shook his head slowly, still teasing your sensitive skin with his fingers. his eyes locked onto yours as he whispered back, "no... i have not."

"let me show you how to do it properly, yeah?" you said with a sweet voice, grabbing his hand to pull it out of your panties.

then, you got off his lap, sitting next to him as you pushed your shorts and underwear down your legs, finally exposing your pussy. his breath hitched in his throat as he saw you completely bare for the first time. he reached out tentatively, tracing a finger along your upper thigh.

your hand moved down to cup your pussy, your fingers gently parting your slick folds to rub your swollen clit in circles, teaching him how you liked it; you couldn't help but gasp at the touch.

"just like this, see?" you asked, looking at him with glazed eyes.

enzo's eyes darkened as he watched you touch yourself; you looked so vulnerable and exposed, yet so sexy. when you withdrew your hand, he replaced your fingers with his, mirroring your movements as he started rubbing your clit in small circles.

"fuck yeah, like that..." you muttered, your breathing coming out in sharp pants as your hips bucked forward. "doing so good for me, enzo," you praised.

he groaned at your praise as he watched you writhing at his touch. his dick was rock hard in his pants and he wished more than anything that he could slide it into your tight pussy right away.

you reached next to you to push his sweatpants down his thighs, just enough to free his erection. he arched his back slightly to help you and his hard cock sprung free, standing tall against his flat stomach. you bit your lower lip, your mouth watering when you saw his dick; he was really big.

"can i touch you, baby?" you asked, your hand absentmindedly tracing patterns over his abs.

enzo's breath hitched at your touch. his abs flexed slightly under your fingertips as he nodded eagerly. when he gave you his permission, you grabbed his length in your hand gently, pumping it slowly at first.

he groaned at your touch, leaning back against the headboard as you began to stroke his cock, his fingers still rubbing your soaked pussy. his eyes were half-closed as he watched you move your hand up and down.

"that feels so good, darling," he muttered.

you moaned in response when his digits picked up speed, pressing down your swollen clit and making you squirm in pleasure. your chest raised and fell quickly as you gasped for air.

he smirked as he felt your body respond to his touch, leaning forward to capture your lips in a passionate kiss that you returned instantly. his tongue slipped inside your mouth as his hand slid down your slit, searching for your entrance; he pushed two fingers inside of you, feeling your wetness coat his digits as he began to thrust them in and out.

you whined, involuntarily breaking the contact between your lips, and your face scrunched in pleasure. your hand moved faster as it stroke his cock, your thumb teasing his tip, that was leaking precum.

he groaned, his mouth finding your neck. his free hand slid up to cup your breast, massaging it gently as he continued to finger fuck you. he was already close to cumming, all the new sensations overwhelming him, but he wanted to make it last as long as possible.

"enzo, fuck," you cursed, your pussy tightening around his fingers when you felt the coil in your belly about to snap. "such a good boy... making me feel so good."

you gasped, your pumps becoming sloppier as you approached your orgasm. enzo's breath hitched at your praising words, hips bucking against your hand, unable to contain himself any longer.

"please, love... let me inside you," he begged between breathy moans, his fingers thrusting in and out of you harder.

"how do you want me, baby?" you asked in a whisper, your lips brushing his as you spoke.

enzo nipped at his lower lip, he didn't even have to think his answer. "i want you to ride me," he muttered as he looked into your eyes, his own glazed with lust.

you gasped when he withdrew his fingers from your pussy, a smirk tugging at your lips as you said, "whatever you want, baby."

you released his cock from your grasp to climb onto his lap. enzo's breath caught in his throat when you straddled him, the sight of your wet pussy just inches from his cock making him shudder with anticipation; he almost came on the spot. his hands found purchase on your hips, pulling you closer to him.

you grabbed his cock and placed the tip against your entrance, slowly lowering yourself onto it. you couldn't help but moan as you took his big cock inside you. once he was fully seated within your pussy, you stood still for a moment to get used to the new intrusion.

"how does that feel, my pretty boy?" you asked, leaning in to nuzzle his neck affectionately.

he groaned, his hands moving to cup your ass as he began to instinctively thrust up into you. it felt so perfect, so right, like every inch of him belonged inside you.

"it feels so good," he whispered in your ear, his breathing ragged.

"yeah... it does," you agreed, starting to ride him slowly at first; his cock reached all the right spots inside you so easily. "it's like your dick was fucking made for me, enzo," you moan, your breathing growing uneven.

he shuddered as he bucked up into you, his fingers digging into your ass so hard that you were sure he would leave bruises. you were so fucking tight, and he was so hard, the friction almost too much for him to handle.

you smirked as you saw him so helpless underneath your body while you rode him. you reached to tug at his hair, tilting his head back to suck at his neck, leaving some hickeys, which made him moan.

"you like being deep inside my tight pussy, enzo?" you teased him.

your boobs bounced as you jumped on his cock; that sight only adding to his pleasure. you placed your hands on his chest to support yourself, seeing his eyes roll back in his head as he felt you tighten around him; he thrust up into you, hitting that perfect spot again and again.

"yeah... so fucking much," he answered, panting heavily.

"such a naughty boy..." you cooed, a smug grin tugging at the corners of your lips. "but i love it."

you looked closely at him; he was completely flustered, cheeks flushed and hair sticking to his sweaty forehead.

"you look so fucking pretty underneath me, enzo," you complimented him

he groaned, sliding one hand down to rub against your clit roughly, the other one still holding onto your ass.

"don't stop, please." he breathed out, his hips lifting up to meet every downward thrust of yours.

"you close, pretty boy?" you asked him, watching his face attentively as he nodded in response. "you gonna be a good boy and hold it in for me, yeah?" you ordered with a soft voice.

he whimpered, biting his lip harshly. his cock throbbed inside you, aching for release, but his thumb did not stop rubbing circles on your clit; the sensation of his dick pounding into you together with the stimulation on your clit making you weak on the knees.

"yes... I'll be good for you."

"that's my boy," you praised him, struggling to keep up the pace while riding him since your legs had started shaking from the pleasure. "you gonna make me cum, baby." you breathed out, moaning loudly.

you hand had a conscience of its own and moved up to grasp at his neck, applying light pressure on it. enzo's eyes fluttered shut at the sensation, your grip limiting his air flow very slightly, but enough to make it pleasurable.

"oh fuck! i'm cumming," he moaned, gritting his teeth.

"hold it," you commanded, your voice harder that time. "you won't cum until i do."

he moaned in frustration, shaking his head as his hips jerked up into you. "please... i can't."

"just a minute, baby, i'm almost there," you promised, whimpering while your pussy started clenching around his cock as your orgasm built up.

you kept riding him until you finally fell over the edge, letting out a long string of soft moans and whimpers while your whole body shook. you leaned into his body, your hands gripping at his skin as pleasure washed over you.

"oh gods, enzo," you moaned, "you can cum now, baby."

as soon as you gave him permission, he came with a loud whimper, almost a cry, shooting his thick cum inside you in long spurts, your pussy milking his cock as both of your rode out your highs, holding onto each other tightly.

he panted, leaning his forehead against yours, his heartbeat slowing down as he tried to catch his breath.

"that was amazing."

"pretty good for a first time, huh?" you chuckled, out of breath too, while caressing his back and shoulders; your bodies were completely pressed together.

"fuck yeah... let's do it again," he laughed, grabbing your hips to push you onto the mattress; your body bounced slightly.

"enzo!" you giggled, but your playful laugh soon turned into a moan when your best friend buried his head between your legs.

you had definitely created a monster... you weren't complaining, though.

[omgfangirlland]

Random but imagine neglected reader or batsis has a pet frog or snake.. Maybe even the weirdest creature in her room. Reader was so neglected that she decided to adopt or take care of any animals she sees.. Just imagine the look on the batfamily once they see her petting or a xenomorph cuddling up to her like a puppy. (I have another alien in mind but I can't remember the name.. It's kinda pink and its head opens like a flower?) Reader is basically just collecting aliens and weird creatures like it was a mundane activity.

(Sorry if this is a bit of a mess.. I'm writing this at 3am with one eye open)

-🔱

PART TWO

NOT RANDOM AT ALL HELLO- I LOVE THIS!!!!!!!

I dropped everything because all I can think of is an elder Yautja seeing this young hooman ordering a xenomorph and his own lost bloodhound around and just being like-

"Does this mean this little hooman has won the hunt/been bloodied???" Which it doesn't- but the sheer craziness of seeing a Xenomorph listening to a human made the Yautja pause for a second.

also the flower alien- is it the demogorgon from stranger things? Because I'm giving you a demodog and making it stay a dog-ish species (at least for now, idk where the story may take me)

Xenomorphs could definitely be tamed by someone with powers like Ivy, aka pheromones, and the likes, BUT it's so much funnier to think that bugs/lizards/aliens/monsters/demons/etc just see Batsis and immediately think safe/mother/friend- and I'll leave if that's a power to y'all but I'm a normie!Reader dick rider with this one.

P.S. CHANGED MY MIND HALFWAY THROUGH, BATSIS IS OLDER AND GETS AN ELDER YAUTJA LOVER, FUCK YOU BRUCE (I'm also stealling the hellhounds from the Super Predators, thank you~)

You weren't athletically inclined, nor were you smart like Tim or Barbara, or your other siblings, or your dad. But that didn't mean you deserved to be ignored and brushed to the side like this- and it took you a while to come to terms with that.

But once you did, it was freeing. You accepted whatever they gave you and were satisfied with it. The monthly allowance was half put away for "dark days" and the rest was spent mostly on useless shit- it just was too much to spend on neceseties- or put to the side in the "spare change" section.

Dick questioning you about where xyz is? "I don't know." And you don't even register him sighing and leaving anymore. Damian is arguing with Tim while Jason pours gasoline on the fire by trying to pull you into this? "Yeah- sure- go Brooklyn Robins or whatever."

And since Duke officially moved in with his uncle, you've seen even less of the girls- or you started ignoring them like they used to do you. It didn't matter in the end, you've long ago found something else to give your love to, starting with a small lizard.

It was by pure coincidence, really. You've told Alfred to stop picking you up from school a long while ago, which the man tried to argue against, but eventually gave up. As fate would have it, it was the right choice in your eyes, especially since you found a little leopard gecko thrown away in a little hamster enclosure.

Poor thing had dysecdysis, and you couldn't just leave it to suffer, almost blind and with circulation cut off from the incomplete shedding of its skin. You did everything you could to make it easy for the little thing- took her to a vet, bought her the biggest enclosure you could fit and filled it with all necessities and beyond, fed her the healthy diet she needed, and soaked her as much as she needed. She's old now, but still kicking her little limbs around. Athena is what you called her.

You were eleven then, and barely a month passed before you found the oddest little thing failing to fight a chicken. You couldn't even describe it- a skeletal quadruped with an elongated head that went backwards and a tail longer than its body and a sharp end- how was it even holding it's head up, you weren't sure. But you did find out that, after feeding it for two hours straight every meat the family had in the freezers, it reached its maturity and stayed roughly the size of 114 cm. Fluffs seemed a fitting name.

(MK-19 on Artstation)

Between Fluffs and what new oddity you found, you've raised chickens, an old cat, the vet you've been visiting for years gave you 2 snakes, a corn and a sand snake, taken care of two mangy dogs, and found them new loving homes- which made Fluffs quite sad to have his friends gone.

But it didn't take long for a new, permanent friend to appear- well... evolve. See, you thought you found a very deformed frog at first, but after five days of feeding it a regular diet, it evolved like Fluffy did. Its tail gone, and limbs longer, it looked silly even as he stood at 80 cm tall. You've named him Goober.

(Ellen Humbler for this article and her instagram)

You weren't sure how your family didn't find out about them, they weren't quiet at all- but maybe they just didn't care as long as you specifically didn't get in the way of Batman and his helpers. You couldn't complain, not when Fluffs and Goober got along so nicely, cuddling each other and sleeping as close to you as they could.

When Damian came, you couldn't risk it anymore, so you bought the empty land across the manor, deep in the forest, and moved, only visiting the manor to raid for Alfred's food. (and steal the meat because you were too lazy to go buy it since nobody wants to deliver to your new address)

It... it was surprisingly nice to be away from them. You didn't need to walk on eggshells anymore, no need to hide or deliberately quiet yourself just to make sure nobody yells at you for making "too much noise". You've never been as happy or relaxed.

There was no place to fall asleep watching the stars outside at the manor, but once you had this piece of land- that's exactly what you created, a little nook made of glass and filled with pillows and fluffy blankets.

You don't remember closing the door- you don't unless it's raining, honestly- but you're sure Fluffs and Goober went to terrorize their bowls of food as soon as you closed your eyes. They couldn't have come back so soon. And they sure as hell didn't have horns. Ugly thing he was, but you couldn't help cooing at it as it whimpered, nudging your hip while showing you his wounded paw.

(Screenshot from the movie Predators 2010)

It didn't agree with any name you threw out, and after a while, you gave up, nicknaming it Predator- he still seemed pouty about it- but accepted it better than the other names.

His actual owner found his loyal companion in quite the predicament- sitting on your lap, all 130 cm and 140 kg of it, while you rubbed his belly and kissed his forehead. And as the Yautja's eyes moved from the unbothered dog xenomorph and demodog at your feet, to his hellhound, to you and back, a million thoughts running through his mind, you could only stare at the well over 2-meter-tall alien as his mandibles clicked.

Predator immediately perked up as he recognized his master, but he didn't move. He actually got even cozier in your arms. His master needed a good mate, and he found the best one.

(I was actually thinking of specifically Ahab while thinking about the x reader thing- but OC Yautjas are a thing, and I sure as hell didn't give specifics 💁‍♀️)

[countrycritter]

YouTuber!141 Headcanons?!?! 😱

Alright y’all, my thought is that they have these channels as a side hobby. They upload every couple of months but trust me their fans are very devoted. Always get warm welcomes on the platform when they make a video after their return from deployment.

Price definitely has one of those how-to channels but it’s very fatherly in a sense. He makes those videos showing you things that your father should have taught you, and if he didn’t then that’s what Price is there for. You will catch this man doing things like changing a tire, building (and stabilizing) shelves, laying down floor pallets, etc.. You name it, he’s probably made a video about it. Of course, the view is just a bonus. This nice older man with a deep, raspy voice and biceps that could kill. Old t-shirt with a whiskey logo on it, the graphics cracked from use and multiple washes. Jeans that hug all the right places and just a pair of boots. You’re watching him change a tire while also trying not to stare at his strong, hairy arms that have patches of soot on them from the truck he’s working with.

Gaz makes ASMR videos, but the calming organization type. There’s a southern woman that goes into Dollar General and organizes the back shelves while quietly talking about what it is and just telling little stories relevant to it. I can see Gaz doing that. Trust me when I tell you that all the stores he goes to LOVES him. The moment they see his vehicle pull up in the parking lot and him walking to the doors with his camera they always smile and welcome him instantly. This man is their savior on extremely busy days when organizing isn’t the top priority. There’s just something about laying in bed with the window open, warm summer breeze coming through, crickets and frogs chirping, and this beautiful man’s sweet baritone voice coming through the speakers. You can imagine the amount of swooning going through the community once he decides to turn the camera around, giving everyone a view of his cleanly shaved face.

Soap is a little more chaotic. You will not be sleeping or studying during his videos. He loves to do experiments that his viewers recommend. This man will put anything together to make a bomb (not anything illegal of course). I just imagine all of his comments being something like “Nice video, brother” and other variations of it. Surprisingly, there are many people that tell him he’s their comfort YouTuber. A charming, but chaotic, man with a tantalizing Scottish accent that gives him everyone’s attention within seconds. That smile he makes when an experiment works will get you every single time. Before the video starts he always has a goofy little PSA telling his viewers to never try it at home and tells them he’s a professional. Overall, can’t go wrong with a buff man sweet talking while making bombs to set off for his viewers.

Ghost doesn’t make what you would expect. Maybe he makes something about guns, or fixing stuff like Price. Instead his channel is about baking. It used to be cooking and baking but after a couple videos he decided baking was his favorite. Baking can be a great way to relieve stress so I think he would definitely benefit from it. Can you imagine this big behemoth of a man baking? Because I sure can. He stands at his wooden counter, the background shows his nice rustic kitchen. I feel like he makes his kitchen look extra nice just because his viewers compliment it CONSTANTLY. He’s probably wearing a comfortable long sleeve shirt, I’m thinking a dark brown. The sleeves are pulled up right below his elbows showing off his tattoo sleeve. He has a tiny microphone attached to his shirt, adjusted just right so you can hear him from under the black surgical mask. He loves making anything ranging from cakes, brownies, cookies, breads, etc.. Not to mention, he has a cute plastic container that holds all his note cards with recipes on them. He probably puts the recipe in the bio just so people can see the exact measurements (he’s also a considerate man and puts the US’ funky measurements alongside it after people asked if he could).

I hope y’all enjoyed this as much as I loved writing it 🫶

[steddieas-shegoes]

if you fall, i will catch you

for @steddielovemonth day 2 using Time After Time by Cyndi Lauper

rated t | 855 words | no cw | tags: high school, prom, slow dance, flirting, open ending but assumed getting together

🪩🕺💃🪩🕺💃🪩🕺💃🪩💃🕺🪩

Prom is stupid.

Steve didn’t even want to come. He didn’t have a date and nothing is more embarrassing than showing up to prom alone. Even the nerds come as a group, dancing and laughing together.

His mom made an appointment for his suit fitting and he couldn’t really explain to her that there was no need. She still thinks he and Nancy are on track to be married when Nancy graduates high school. He doesn’t know how to tell her that he’ll probably die alone.

Okay, that’s a little dramatic. He’s probably not gonna die alone.

But he may die unhappy, and that’s worse.

Most of the music hasn’t been terrible so far, at least. Only one slow song played and no one seemed interested in dancing to it.

Steve’s a fucking wallflower at his own prom. He never saw this coming.

He figures he could probably escape within the next few songs, no one would even notice his absence. He makes a mental plan to wait until one of the parent chaperones walks back to the other side of the room.

Then he’s off.

He manages to escape to the hall behind the gym, the one that leads to the auditorium and drama class, not the main building of the school. No one should be back here. It’s the perfect escape route.

“Never thought I’d see the day when King Steve is trying to escape prom,” a voice says from the end of the hall. The music from the gym is echoing in here, but the voice is much louder. It’s familiar, too. “Miss Wheeler too busy with Byers to dance?”

It’s Munson. Steve sighs.

“Why are you even here?”

“It’s my senior prom, too! Or should those of us not graduating not be allowed?” Eddie walks closer and Steve sees that he’s actually dressed up. It’s not a designer suit like he’s been forced into, but it’s nice. Eddie looks…nice.

“Wait,” Steve registers what he actually said. “Not graduating?”

“Yep. Apparently quadratic formulas are crucial to my development and I cannot enter society until I understand them.” Eddie kicks his foot across the tile, leaving a scuff mark from shoes that have probably been waxed beyond necessity. “And I guess dissecting a frog and turning in homework may have helped.”

“But aren’t you pretty smart?” Steve thought he was one of those dungeon dweebs like Dustin. Dustin’s the smartest person he knows, without a doubt, kid or not. He thought all the nerds who play that game were like that.

“Sure, I’m smart enough,” Eddie scoffs. “But I don’t play by their rules. I forget to do homework. I argue.”

“But if you know the stuff, they can’t fail you.”

“Ah, but they can. I don’t have the Harrington name to convince them to change a D to a C. It’s all good. Everyone expected it.”

Steve’s brows furrow, forehead creasing as he thinks about how many things people expected of him that won’t happen.

“Just because people expect it doesn’t mean you have to give it to them,” he says.

Eddie’s eyes widen and he seems shocked by Steve’s words. But the shock wears off quickly. Steve wonders if he imagined it.

“Right you are! Very wise words from the king,” Eddie bows dramatically.

Steve laughs.

Eddie glances up, tense until he realizes Steve’s not laughing at him, just at the entertainment. He stands straight and holds out his hand.

“I do believe such wise words should be repaid with a dance,” Eddie puts on a fake British accent, nose pointed to the sky, smirk playing on his lips.

Steve thinks this must be what it’s like to be charmed by someone.

“A dance?” Steve asks. “Here? With me?”

“It would be my honor,” Eddie loses the accent and turns his head back down so he’s looking right at Steve’s eyes. “Miss Lauper wrote this song just for us, after all.”

Steve’s confusion grows until he hears the song coming from the gym. He can only imagine how awkward it must be in the gym while some couples slow dance with chaperones watching their every breath. He reaches out and takes Eddie’s hand.

“The honor is mine, sir Munson,” Steve tries for an accent like Eddie had previously, but it falls flat.

Eddie pulls him close, but hesitates before he puts an arm around his waist. Steve feels breathless all of a sudden, like they’ve rocketed into space and he forgot one of those astronaut suits. He nods, giving permission for Eddie to take the lead.

When Eddie pulls him closer, they’re almost flush against each other.

Steve’s heart is racing.

“I didn’t know you were weird,” Eddie admits quietly. It sounds a lot like admiration. He’s swaying them back and forth gently, and Steve finds it’s easy to lose track of everything but the way Eddie’s hands rest on his body. “It’s nice to see you, Steve.”

It’s a lot more than what it sounds like.

As Cyndi Lauper plays, Steve wonders if this is how his prom was always meant to be spent: in Eddie Munson’s arms, falling.

[monserelates]

TETHERED ; James Potter

Part V of the Series Dumb Decisions

⇨ summary: James and Y/N keep ignoring eachother. Will they finally sor tit out? or will they just let it linger, once again?

⇨ warnings/notes: apologetic james, use of y/n, curse words, minor inconsistencies ?),mild angst, broken bond, stubborn!reader, denial, mutual pining, platonic marauders x reader shared sensations, platonic friendships, magnetic bond effects, chaotic Marauders, idk what elsee

⇨ word count: 2.9k

It’s cold for May.

You’re outside, half-shivering under your cloak, arms tucked around your knees as the wind rolls off the lake in slow, spiteful bursts. The stone wall you’re sitting on is rough beneath you. The sky’s a pale, cloudless blue, but it might as well be grey.

You came out here to be alone. Naturally, that meant half of Gryffindor followed.

They’re scattered on the grass and benches nearby, sprawled out with textbooks and half-finished essays and half-hearted jokes. It’s an accidental gathering—a lazy Sunday kind of quiet—but there’s tension thick in the space between you and him. Like smoke that never quite clears.

Sirius is lying flat on his back, arms crossed behind his head, letting the sun hit his face. Remus is reading, obviously, legs crossed like he’s meditating instead of just trying to block out the awkward. Peter is chewing on his quill, trying to look casual, and failing.

Lily’s beside you on the wall, head tilted toward her parchment, though her eyes keep flicking up toward James. Dorcas and Marlene are sharing a Chocolate Frog and watching the chaos with matching unimpressed expressions.

James has tried talking to you, but every time you look at him you can't help but wanting to crawl into a ditch.

He’s sitting on the grass near Remus, trying to look relaxed, but he keeps drumming his fingers on his knee. Every once in a while, he glances your way—just once, just barely—and then looks away so fast you wonder if you imagined it.

You didn’t.

The others are pretending not to notice. Badly.

“So,” Marlene drawls, stretching her legs out dramatically, “anyone else miss the days when people just hexed each other instead of ignoring each other to death?”

Sirius snorts.

“Speak for yourself, McKinnon. I’ve missed a hex or two to the face. Clears the sinuses.”

Remus doesn’t look up.

“She’s talking about them, Pads.”

There it is.

No one says your name. No one says his. But suddenly, the wind isn’t the only thing cold.

Lily shifts beside you. You can feel her wanting to say something. She doesn’t.

Dorcas pops the last bit of the Chocolate Frog in her mouth.

“We should start a pool. Who caves first. Ten Galleons on the dramatic one.”

“Which one’s that?” Peter asks.

“Exactly.”

You pull your cloak tighter. You don’t say anything.

James is still drumming. Tap. Tap. Tap. Like maybe if he keeps moving, he won’t have to feel the silence. Or the space between you.

Or the fact that now that the bond is gone, there’s nothing forcing you together. Nothing making you share thoughts, or dreams, or warmth in the middle of the night. There’s no more magic. Just the awkward, heavy ache of what’s left behind.

“You know,” Sirius finally says, pushing himself up on his elbows, “it’s kind of funny. You two were insufferable when you were bonded. Now you’re just insufferable separately.”

James throws a twig at him. It doesn’t help.

Okay, now you really want to crawl into a ditch.

Marlene turns her gaze on you. It’s sharp, but not unkind.

“You can keep pretending nothing happened, love. Doesn’t make it true.”

You stare straight ahead. At the lake. At the shimmer of sun on water. Anywhere but him.

“It wasn’t the bond,” Lily says softly.

You blink. “What?”

She finally looks at you fully. Calm. Honest. Lily.

“Whatever you’re trying to convince yourself. That it was just magic. That it didn’t mean anything. It wasn’t the bond. That was just the excuse.”

And across the circle, like you’re tethered by more than magic, James says—quietly, almost to himself—

“I thought it’d go away when it broke.”

You look up. Meet his eyes for the first time in days.

He looks wrecked. Not in the tired, casual, Quidditch-practice way. In the way that says I broke something I can’t fix.

“It didn’t,” he adds, voice barely above the wind. “It didn’t go away.”

No one says anything. Even Sirius shuts up.

The silence between you hums. Different this time. Not dead. Not broken.

Waiting.

You clear your throat, "Um... so, I just remembered I had to meet um- Mary, to help her with a Transfiguration exam?" You said, even though it came out more like a question. "So.. I'll see you guys later." You offered them a warm smile and ignored James' gaze on you.

As you leave, Sirius sighs. "For Merlin's sake, this is embelating to watch."

"Excruciating, Padfoot, Excruciating." Remus corrects.

..

You should’ve known McGonagall would choose violence today.

You walk into Transfiguration ten minutes early, quill behind your ear, trying to ignore the fact that your stomach’s been in a weird knot since the lake. Since him. Since that look. Since those words.

It didn’t go away.

You sit beside Lily like always. James is on the opposite end of the room, slouched beside Sirius, sketching absently on the edge of his notes.

The lesson is fast—McGonagall isn’t in the mood to coddle anyone. She gives a sharp explanation about conjuration under magical stress and then turns to the class like a general issuing orders.

“Pair up. You’ll be working on cross-wand synchronization. The spell won’t work if you’re not in sync. Choose wisely—your mark depends on it.”

Half the room starts scrambling. You reach for Lily’s arm automatically, but she’s already standing—moving toward Dorcas.

And then McGonagall says your name.

“Miss Y/L/N, you’ll be working with Potter.”

The air leaves your lungs.

What. The. Fuck.

You freeze. Your neck turns before your body does. James is already standing. Not smug. Not even surprised. Just… resigned. He looks at McGonagall like he’s considering asking for someone else, but he doesn’t.

You want to. But your legs move anyway.

The room fades to a distant blur as you step toward him. He gives you a small nod like it’s all fine. It’s not fine.

You take your place beside him. Wands out. Eyes anywhere but each other.

“Remember,” McGonagall says, arms folded, “this spell is nearly impossible unless you’re attuned to one another. Communicate. Adjust. And don’t explode anything. Again.”

She walks away.

You and James are left in a bubble of silence.

Your fingers brush your wand. His jaw is tight.

“We should probably—” “I’ll start—”

You speak at the same time. Of course you do. You both go quiet again.

He gives you a tiny, crooked smile. “Still in sync, I guess.”

You glare at him. “Don’t.”

He straightens. The smile drops. “Right. Sorry.”

You aim your wand at the target. It’s a simple transfiguration: two charms fired in perfect sequence, meant to turn a stone into a living flower. But it only works if you move as one.

You breathe. Try to clear your mind.

“On three,” you mutter.

He nods. “One. Two—”

The spell hits too early. Off-beat. The stone rattles, glows blue, and then explodes into dust.

You take a step back, coughing, waving away the smoke.

“Brilliant,” you snap. “Great work.”

“You rushed it,” he fires back.

“No. You did.”

“You weren’t even looking at me!”

“Why would I?”

Your voices are getting louder. Students are turning. McGonagall is watching from across the room.

James exhales harshly, dragging a hand through his hair. “I didn’t mean for it to happen that way, alright?”

You cross your arms. “The kiss or whatever the fuck that was at the common room?”

He winces like you struck him. “I was drunk.”

“So was I. And I still managed not to shatter someone.”

He’s silent.

The stone resets. Neither of you moves.

“You used to talk to me,” he says finally, voice low. “Even when we hated each other. You still talked to me.”

You clench your jaw. “We weren’t pretending back then.”

He flinches. “I wasn’t pretending.”

Silence.

Heavy. Choking.

Your heart is pounding in your chest. You can feel your magic buzzing at your fingertips, wild and unbalanced. The way it used to when he was too close. When the bond got too loud.

But now there’s nothing magical between you. No forced connection. No spell pushing you together.

Just this. Whatever this is.

You turn toward the stone again. Raise your wand.

“One more time.”

He nods. Raises his too.

“One. Two. Three.”

This time, the spell is perfect.

the moment the flower blooms on the stone, soft and luminous and fucking perfect — you feel your lungs stop working.

You don’t say anything. You just whisper, “Excuse me,” like it’s a spell, like it’s the only thing keeping you from falling apart. And you walk out. Fast. Too fast. Like if you don’t leave, you’ll unravel right there.

You don’t hear your friends call after you. You don’t see Lily lurch to step forward. You only hear him.

“Y/N—”

You keep going.

Through the courtyard, through the dusk-streaked corridors, down into the gardens where it’s quiet and shadowed and sharp. Where no one can see you fall apart.

But he follows. Of course he does.

“Y/N, stop—please just—stop.”

You do.

Not for him. For yourself. Because your knees feel like they might give out otherwise.

You spin around, chest heaving.

“Why are you here?”

Your voice doesn’t even sound like your own. It’s raw. Cracked open. Echoing off the stone like something broken.

James slows. There’s panic in his eyes. Not panic like "Oh no she’s mad." Panic like 'I think I’ve ruined everything I love.'

“Because you left.”

“Yeah, I tend to do that after being brutally emotionally disemboweled by someone I trusted.”

“I didn’t mean—”

“Don’t,” you say, voice sharper now. “Don’t do the I didn’t mean to thing. You did mean it, or you wouldn’t have let it happen.”

He flinches. And good. He should.

“I told you I didn’t want to lose you,” he says.

You laugh, hollow. “You keep saying that. Like it changes the fact that you did.”

He’s quiet again.

“I didn’t think the bond was real,” he says finally.

“And I didn’t think you’d ever want it to be.”

You turn around slowly. He’s standing there in the doorway, backlit by moonlight and something inside you snaps — like all this time, all this distance, all the pretending not to care was just waiting for this moment to fall apart.

“You kissed another girl, James.”

“I know.”

“And then you looked at me like I was insane for caring.”

“I was insane. I was—” He drags a hand through his hair. “I was terrified. I thought if I kissed you, and it meant something, and it wasn’t the bond— then I’d lose you anyway. I thought you’d see me for what I am and walk away.”

“So you walked away first.”

He closes his eyes like it physically hurts to hear.

“You used to make me feel like the magic wasn’t the only thing that made me worth something.”

Your breath catches.

“But after you kissed her,” you say, voice breaking, “I stopped believing you.”

He looks up. His eyes are glassy.

“I didn’t kiss her because I wanted her.”

“Then why?”

“Because I couldn’t let myself want you.”

Silence again. This time it aches.

“You don’t know what it’s like,” he continues, “to feel like the only reason someone wants you is because of something you can’t control. To wonder if it’s just magic. To wonder if you’re enough when the bond is gone.”

“I do know what that feels like,” you whisper. “I’ve been wondering the same thing about you.”

His breath shudders out.

And then—

He says it. Quiet. Devastated. Raw.

“I see you everywhere.”

Your heart stops.

“You’re not in the tower and I still hear your laugh. I sit at breakfast and I still look for your hands. I write notes to myself and they still start with your name. I see you, and I miss you, and I love you and I am so—”

He chokes.

“—so fucking sorry I didn’t say it sooner.”

You’re crying now. Silently. The kind that hurts worse than screaming.

“You think I broke you?” he says, stepping forward. “You broke me first. That day we dueled. That moment the bond hit. I looked at you and felt like I’d never be able to go back to who I was before you.”

His voice is shaking now.

“I would give anything for you to look at me like that again. Like I wasn’t a mistake.”

You're not a mistake, James, for Godric’s sake. But if I didn’t love you, it would be a lot easier.”

He doesn’t move.

“But I do,” you say. “And I hate that I do. Because you make it so hard— with your perfect, disheveled, brown hair, and your stupid hazel eyes that always look at me like I’m something you almost deserve but not quite, and your laugh that makes everything feel lighter even when I don’t want it to.”

Your voice cracks and you don’t care.

“You act like you don’t care and then you do, and then you run away, and you make me feel like I’m going insane because I can’t tell what’s you and what’s fear and what’s just... bullshit, James.”

He opens his mouth but nothing comes out.

“You talk like you’re terrified of ruining things,” you say, taking a step closer. “But you already did. And I still want you.”

His breath catches.

“I want you in ways I don’t know how to not want you. And I hate it. I hate how you crawl under my skin. I hate how I see you in every hallway, every page I try to read, every second I spend trying to forget you.”

You're shaking now, not from anger but from the weight of it.

“I hate that you made me believe in something,” you whisper. “And then kissed someone else just to prove to yourself that it wasn’t real.”

James looks like he might fall apart. His eyes are wide and glassy and so, so full of everything he never said.

“And I still love you,” you whisper. “Merlin help me, I do.”

There’s silence — the kind that feels sacred. And then—

He steps forward.

“Do you know what kills me?” he says, voice wrecked. “It’s not that I broke the bond. It’s that I didn’t need it to feel you.”

“I felt you in every spell I cast. Every time I closed my eyes. Every time I tried to move on.”

He reaches up, almost like he wants to touch you, but stops short.

“You say I make it hard to love me?” he whispers. “You made it impossible not to.”

His voice breaks.

“And now all I want is a way to make it up to you. To make you believe it wasn’t just magic. That it was me. It was always me.”

You stand there, the space between you thick with everything you've both said, and everything that still hangs in the air like static.

And maybe you don’t fall into his arms.

Maybe you don’t kiss him.

Maybe you just breathe.

Because for once, the truth is out. And sometimes love isn’t a spell. It’s the aftermath.

“If I told you I’d wait,” he whispers, “would that be enough?”

You shake your head, tears burning down your cheeks.

“I don’t want you to wait.”

“Then what do you want?”

Your voice cracks.

“I want it to not hurt.”

You both stand there. Under soft glass. Under stars. Under the weight of everything unsaid.

And maybe this isn’t a happy ending. But it’s the truth. And sometimes that’s the most magic there is.

...

They come back separately.

You first — red-eyed but composed, hair a little windblown, but chin high like you dared someone to ask. James follows ten minutes later, looking like he fought a tree and lost.

The common room goes silent when you walk in. Everyone stares. Someone drops a Chocolate Frog.

And then—

“So… are we calling that closure or a reunion?” Sirius asks, from the couch, flipping a galleon. “Because I need to know if I owe Lily money.”

“You owe me,” Lily says, without looking up from her book. “I said they'd sort it out before exams.”

“I said they’d make out again before exams,” Marlene points out, sipping from a Butterbeer bottle. “Slight distinction.”

“I said they'd explode into magical flames and die tragically,” Dorcas mutters. “So I’d say I’m already out.”

“I just hoped they’d stop making our study sessions actively painful,” Remus adds, dryly. “Honestly, this is a win for all of us.”

“I made a chart,” Peter says proudly, holding it up. It’s chaotic. There are three separate columns labeled “Will They,” “Won’t They,” and “Dear God Please Just Talk.”

“You had a chart?” you ask, blinking.

“There were rounds,” Sirius adds. “Weekly meetings. Montague handled odds.”

“Professor Flitwick caught us once,” Lily says. “He gave me five sickles to put on ‘first kiss in the Astronomy Tower.’”

“McGonagall asked me last week if you two had finally sorted it,” Remus says. “She said— and I quote— ‘this has dragged on longer than the last Triwizard Tournament.’”

You stare at them.

Then—

“I hated all of you,” you say.

“You still do,” James mumbles beside you.

There’s a pause.

Then Lily grins and scoots over on the couch. “Right. Sit down. Tell us everything.”

“Slowly,” Marlene adds. “And with dramatic pauses.”

“Also someone owes me ten galleons,” Sirius mutters.

In the corner of the staff lounge later that night, McGonagall sips her tea and mutters,

“About time.”

Beside her, Professor Slughorn sighs dreamily,

“Ah, young love. I knew it’d take root.”

a/n: TYSM FOR SUPPORTING ME AND THIS SERIES, IT WAS SO SOSSO MUCH FUN TO WRITE, remember requests are always open!!

taglist:

@strlightfilms

@glittervame

@ifilwtmfc

@theblindhag

@vxyselectric

@spirit-of-a-b1tch

@shushbruv

@glennussy

@mp-littlebit

@fiowerbeds

@trulyyoursniki

@ifilwtmfc

@minghaossv

@kind4luck

@hoeformarauders

@prongs-moon

@j2warren

@urfunnyvalentin3

@klobug287

[empress-simps]

James Potter Dating Sirius’ Younger Sister (Head Canons)

Note: These are just random stuff, it has been sitting in my notes app for a month or so? Enjoyy

Oh boy, you are in for a wild ride; just imagine all the chaos this would bring. Best believe you always have a stupid prank to worry about around the corner when your brother and boyfriend are pranksters.

You were a year younger than Sirius, being the middle child, and Regulus the youngest, it wasn’t surprising that you were kind of shunned by Walburga and Orion. You’re a girl, you cannot pass the Black family name onto your children, you were also not the heir. Luckily, big brother Sirius quickly took you under his wing and became the parent figure in your life.

You were sorted into Slytherin, along with Regulus much to your older brother’s dismay.

He threw a fucking fit and practically felt his soul leave his body the first time you told him. Sirius even went as far as tearing up and looking out the window, defeated. (And quite dramatically)

“You should’ve been a Gryffindor, Y/n! I don’t even know why the sorting hat put you in that evil house!” Sirius huffed, pouting.

“Regulus is also in the same house as me, brother.”

“Well it was quite obvious that he was meant to be a Slytherin, Regulus has a stick up his a-“

Although the Marauders mainly pranks the Slytherin students, you were an exception. How could Sirius prank his adorable little sister? You don’t deserve it! (also because James is a tad bit overprotective when it comes to you, Sirius just chalks it up as James being respectful to his younger sibling.)

“Siri, please don’t make Reggie suffer too much.” You plead to your older brother, puppy eyes activating as you heard their plans to set a nasty prank to slytherin students earlier. Sirius’ features soften, “Alright, I’ll talk to James. He’ll be the one to decide.” He pats your head, already formulating an apology for the prank he’s sure will not be cancelled.

James has been harboring feelings ever since he saw you on the train ride to Hogwarts with Sirius in his second year, so it was quite obvious what his opinion is on the matter.

Sirius randomly starts later that evening, “Prongs, Y/n was asking if you could exempt Regulus in our prank-“

“Oh don’t worry I’ll cancel it.”

Peter sputters “You’ll what?”

James looked at them “What? Let’s give them a day off.” Remus did a double take and actually sets his book down after placing his book mark. Yeah, that's how you know it's serious.

“We’ve been planning this for months-“

“Did I stutter, Wormtail?”

The hold you had on James though, seriously.

James Potter is whipped for Y/n Black.

You want some food that the house elves didn't prepare for dinner? Don't worry, James is on the case! He will run to the kitchens and bribe the house elves to make you some of your favorite dishes and what you're craving.

“What’s with the long face, princess?” Sirius asks, seeing you slump down next to him, looking quite defeated.

“Just some housemates, I couldn’t study well because of them.” You grumbled, pulling out your Herbology textbook and trying to focus.

Prongs frowned, snapping him out of his daydreams (which were probably about you.)

“Who?”

James want names.

Who dared interrupt his sweet girl’s (still not his girl though but we don’t talk about that) study session?!

Remus, being the observant sod he is, looks at Prongs, amusement swimming in his eyes as he takes in James’ angry and protective form.

Remus and Peter already has a hunch that Prongs fancy Padfoot’s little sister like… about a few months or so?

James doesn’t really even try to hide it, although it was one of the greatest unsolved mysteries on how Sirius still hasn’t figured it out.

“You reckon Padfoot’s just playing dumb? Even an oaf could see Prongs making heart eyes at Y/n.” Peter stated, snacking on some chocolate frogs as he sat on his bed.

Remus rolled his eyes, also sitting in his bed at their dorm room. The boys in conversation were in their quidditch practice. “He’s quite thick, I bet he wouldn’t even know until they started dating.”

“But Y/n’s innocent- doesn’t even know how lovesick James is.”

Peter was utterly wrong about that part.

You know that James likes you, although you try to ignore it, you can’t.

Because you like him back.

“Go out with me?”

You felt yourself blanch, hearing the familiar cheeky voice behind you.

You nearly broke your neck as you spun around to see James holding a bouquet of your favorite flowers while sporting a nervous smile.

“Does my brother know this?”

“Do you think I’d still be here alive when I tell him I’m utterly in love with his younger sister?”

Sirius almost busted a blood vessel when he found out.

Remus had to physically restrain him from lunging at James.

Yea sure, Sirius views James as his brother from another mother BUT BROTHER-IN-LAW?

“Bloody hell, Pads! Calm your balls down!” Remus grunts, back hugging the boy as he desperately tries to wriggle out of his mate’s grasp.

“No! Let me go, Moony! I just want to have a chat with Prongs!”

“Chat my ass! You were about to bloody knock the living daylights out of him earlier!”

It took a while for Sirius to wrap his head around how one of his brother-from-another-mother fancies his younger sibling.

He won’t lie, he felt betrayed by James for a short amount of time. He distanced himself (for a day, lol) but of course, he couldn’t stay mad at James.

Realistically speaking? James and Remus are the ones who are good enough to date you for Sirius.

“Do you love him?”

Sirius approached you one time in a random hallway. Youwere caught off guard with his question. You never saw your brother serious like that before.

“Sirius, what are you talking about?” You tried to feign innocence, but Sirius saw through that.

“James. I know he fancies you. Have you been shagging-“

You quickly clamped Sirius’ mouth with your hand, looking at your surroundings to check if anyone heard what he said.

“Salazar’s balls, brother! I still have my virtue!” You hissed, “Besides, I’m saving it for marriage.” You told him, making his tense shoulders relax.

“Atleast there’s something good that came out of those boring lectures Walburga taught us.”

“I am not a whore like you, brother.” You snickered, a playful smirk present on your face as Sirius slowly processed what you said.

“Why you little-“

It would take some adjustments for Sirius as he slowly takes in the fact that you and James started dating.

It doesnt help the fact that James always proclaims his undying love for you every chance he gets, which is every time.

Although, before he even asks you to be his girl, he talked to Sirius first, asking for his blessing.

Who is Sirius to deny his little sister and Prong’s happiness?

“I just love her so much…” James sighs dreamily, watching you from the Gryffindor table as you ate in silence beside Regulus, who was uncomfortable and tries to shield you from James’ looks (which he finds creepy).

Sirius can feel his eye twitch.

“Can you stop that Prongs? Just say that to her when you’re alone in a room.”

James frowned, “But you don’t allow us to be alone-“

“Exactly, Prongs. I don’t care if she’s your girlfriend—wife even. She’s my younger sister.”

James perked up, “So you’re alright with her being my wife?!”

Hogsmeade dates with James always.

“Honey, you don’t have to get me that necklace.”

He would buy you anything and everything you land your eyes upon more than 1.5 seconds.

He frowns, looking like a kicked puppy. “But you were staring at it!”

“It just crossed my line of vision-“

James certainly went back and secretly bought it for you.

No one can stop him when it comes to spoiling you.

Effie and Fleamont absolutely adores you.

“So, when is the wedding?” Effie smiled, looking at you and James expectantly

Cue Sirius choking in the background.

You blushed as James cleared his throat awkardly, a beet red blush already dusting his cheeks. “Mum…”

Effie blinks, acting innocent. “What? You guys are about to graduate from Hogwarts in… three months or so!”

Your family found out about the relationship.

Walburga’s stinging slap was marked on your cheek. “Have we taught you nothing, girl?!”

Regulus watched worriedly from the side, feeling helpless as Walburga continued to shout and curse at you.

“You good for nothing brat! I should’ve married you off ages ago! To think you’d turn out to be your older brother… Leave! And never come back as you will be no longer welcomed in the house of black!”

Regulus begged to take him with you.

Having nowhere else to go, you knocked on the door of the Potter Manor tiredly, holding your suitcase and Regulus looking around nervously.

Sirius was the one who answered the door.

“she hit you…” James muttered lowly, softly placing his warm hands on your cheek.

“It’s nothing, James.” You shrugged.

“We’ve suffered worse. I’m sure you’ve known that by now.” Regulus told him quietly, not looking up from his cup of warm tea before his eyes flickered to Sirius.

From that moment on, everything seemed to be better.

You’re happy to get out of the abusive household. Bringing Regulus with you, being reunited with your older brother, and hanging out with your boyfriend anytime you want.

Finally graduated from Hogwarts, James decided to pop the question.

“Padfoot..? You in there?” James nervously knocked on Sirius’ bedroom door.

“In here, Prongs! Hold on.” James heard shuffling before the door opened to reveal Sirius rubbing his eyes, seemingly woken up from a nap. He opened the door to let James in his room.

Sirius eyes him, noticing how fidgety one of his best friends are, his mind assumed the worst.

“I swear to Merlin, Prongs. If you got her pregnant and don’t plan to be responsible for it I’ll-“

James sputters, “What?! No! No one’s having a baby!”

Sirius visibly relaxed, “Then what’s gotten you looking so troubled?”

James pulls out a velvet box from his pocket and opened it to reveal an engagement ring.

“Erm… I’m not Y/n, Prongs.”

Cue a face palm from James, “I’m planning to marry your sister, not you, Pads. I’m asking for your blessing.”

Sirius didn’t think twice before giving him his blessing.

Which was why he and Regulus were dragged alongside Remus and Peter to plan a prefect surprise proposal.

“No no, it’s a bit crooked on the right.” James told Regulus, who was setting up the picnic blanket.

“Sirius, remind me again why I have decided to help this stupidly nervous sod?” He deadpanned to his brother.

“It’s for Y/n, Reggie.”

Regulus frowns, scrunching up his nose as he watches James run around like a headless chicken who’s trying to oversee everything.

“Right…”

“Where’s the ring?!”

Regulus could only sigh as he watched James panicking and looking in every nook and cranny, searching for the velvet box with the ring inside— that was obvious in his back pocket, where he placed it five minutes ago.

[kiame-sama]

I can already imagine the human giving the hatchling human names after hearing each name malleus gives. She knows it's a royalty thing but she just can't imagine all of them having names starting with Mal. So she gives them human middle names and calls them by that name. Sometimes the little ones won't even answer to their royal names just the ones mama gave them. (Also I can just imagine mc naming one Chad idk why but it makes me cackle) (or she names one after her parents)

Also I thought about mc putting her kids in burrito jail instead of air jail. She just wrapped them tightly in a blanket till they learn there lesson. Unfortunately her kids share a singular brain cell and they just stare at her, bleping, and blinking one eye at a time. They have no idea that they are in trouble they just enjoy mama holding them.

Also she definitely have baby leashes for them cause you can't tell me those babies aren't runners/flight risks. Like they see the outside and immediately try to get away. Mc nearly has a stroke the first time it happened and immediately bought fire proof baby leashes. Plus the leashes have cute little backpacks to store treats on them.

On another note when the babies do get their fae form would they look like babies or toddlers?

The names are primarily to honor Maleficent as the eldest of the lineage. I could also see all the babies getting fun middle names too. Mallechite's middle name is Thorn and he barely responds to Mallechite where he will always respond to Thorn even if they are talking about a thorn bush and not actually Mallechite.

Ya can't tell me these chubby little things burrito wrapped in a blanket aren't the cutest thing on the face of the planet. Slowly frog blinking as the try to stretch out their little forked tongues to give their Human parent a kiss or sniff their Human parent curiously. Not a thought behind those eyes as they squeak and purr to their Human parent that has since forgotten why the baby is in burrito jail and is just snuggling the clueless hatchling that trusts them so deeply and wholeheartedly.

The white one is 100% a flight risk and is energetic enough to run halfway across Briar Valley before tiring. They all mostly stay close to their Human parent- in part because the Human means safety, and partly because of that Human addiction they are also susceptible to- but they do like to explore and chase all the little critters that call the outdoors their home. Just make sure to have extra hands (Lilia, Sebek, Silver, and Malleus) if the plan is to take all eight out for an excursion. Don't put treats in the bags, they will rip them open for the treats and don't understand why they can't have those treats right now.

They will look like they are in between toddler and infant, because they are trying to look more like their parents- the Human and Malleus- so it will be their first conscious use of magic. Their primary scale color is their hair color in their fae-humanoid forms with the secondary scale color being their highlights and horn color. Their eyes are the same color between both forms. Their ears are a little more rounded than Malleus' ears and their eyes just a little bit bigger than normal for young Fae. They are almost as addictive to Malleus and other monsters as the Human is to everyone including the hatchlings. Their first adventure walking around in their Fae-humanoid forms will have the guards, the staff, the Hoard, the Royals, the citizens, and the Human cooing over them endlessly.

The Clutch is officially considered The Crown Jewels of Briar Valley the very second they hatch. Each one bright and colorful like a jewel and carrying the regal title of their lineage. Still zero thoughts- even as they tumble around in their Fae-humanoid forms- but they're working on figuring things out still and will take time to fully understand things.

[these-posts-arent-real]

Time to catch up on your favorite dashboard simulator :3

#gonna start scheduling these for 1 or 2 per day #i really enjoy making them but I think i'll get burnt out otherwise #also HUGE ty to whoever was the anon who sent me the idea #about having therian cats #ohhh my god #hey anon #(or anyone else but im talkin to u) #feel free to dm me to talk at any point you seem cool

15 notes

🔁 🐍xviper-the-fagx reblogged

🫎 mo0sedude Follow

I PASSED MY ASSESSMENT!!! AAAAAHHH

🪺 robbbinpaw Follow

OMSC CONGRATS MOOSE! I'm so happy for you!!!!

🐍 xviper-the-fagx

WOAAAHHH CONGRATULATIONS MOOOSEE!!! Have you had your name ceremony yet??

#im so happy for ya dude #moving on from apprenticeship </3 #gonna miss you in the 'apprentice things' tag

10 notes

🔁 🏞 trouttail-prefers-bass Follow reblogged

🏞 trouttail-prefers-bass Follow

Daily selfie !!!

Trying on some new berry-based fur dye.

🏞 trouttail-prefers-bass Follow

The amount of cats commenting "you'll never be a she-cat" and "wearing fur dye won't make you female" is astounding. Like. Thanks?? I'm a trans guy not a trans girl...

#lol?? #this is so funny to me #trans

4,703 notes

🥬 rxttencatmint Follow

Ahh.. different type of post than usual, but.. mmrrnn... I'm considering coming out to my mentor. I know he's supportive, but I'm really nervous, so, uh.. I'm gonna leave it up to a Clanblr poll haha..

#trans #transmasc #trans tom #transgender #trans apprentice #advice #poll

4 notes

🤍 snwtl Follow

* ,○ ' WELCOME TO MY BLOG ^. o° ;

adult female cat - 49 moons - gender critical

Keep reading

#terfsafe #radfem #adult female cat #terf #riverclan

0 notes

🔁 🥬 rxttencatmint reblogged

🍲 ex-thundrclan-kipper Follow

New neighbors have THE most annoying dog I've ever met in my life. Won't shut up about how that's her yard and to get back... nobody wants your yard Jackie, shut uppp...

🌻 l1llyst3m Follow

Since when do you speak dog????

🍲 ex-thundrclan-kipper Follow

I started picking it up when I moved to the twolegplace. I'm still not fluent, but I can hold a conversation with the neighborhood dogs if I want.

#every new thing i learn about kipper #just. wow #he is so coolll... #this is totally not the gender envy and parent issues speaking

2,851 notes

🔁 🌊 missingmyscales reblogged

🦊 foxx--hearted Follow

The worst part about being a fox therian is that even when I am partially accepted, it's usually because cats are telling me how horrible foxes are, and how I should've "picked a different species" because they think that's how it works.

🌊 missingmyscales Follow

Imagine being a fish. In RiverClan.

The closest I ever get to "acceptance" is my friends joking about how I would taste.

🦋 lalala-bluegaze Follow

How does it feel to have to eat the thing your damaged brain thinks you are. Lol

🌊 missingmyscales Follow

Frst off. "Damaged brain" like. Oookay guess we're just being really mean to others on Clanblr today. Second off ,I dont eat fish??? I never even implied that I eat fish.

🦋 lalala-bluegaze Follow

You're from RiverClan lmao. What else is there to eat

🌊 missingmyscales Follow

...

You are joking, right?

Lizards, birds, water voles and shrews, snakes, frogs, toads?? None of those come to mind when you consider the potential diet of a RiverClan warrior??????

🦊 foxx--hearted Follow

@missingmyscales you should probably just block @lalala-bluegaze, her whole blog is about being anti-kittypet, anti-therian, not believing enbies or bisexuals/any other lgbt identity than lesbian or gay or binary trans is valid, and a whole bunch of other stuff. It's not worth talking to her.

🌊 missingmyscales Follow

Ahh thanks... blocked her. I didnt think to check her blog beforehand

#sorry again for arguing on your post, Maple #saw a misconception ab RiverClan and blacked out lol

407 notes

🔁 🏞 trouttail-prefers-bass reblogged

🌾 barncat-vibes Follow

Good morning everyone <3 remember to eat breakfast and stay hydrated!

2,301 notes

🐍 xviper-the-fagx

Ithunk i atw a bug

#it difnr taste good euther :/

1 note

🌱 dirtdigger-23 Follow

So I guess I'm just on this site now?? Clanblr is gone. I can't access any of its posts. But. I can see "Tumblr". Which is weird. The posts are really strange here.

[tiredfox64]

Okay, imagine that Johnny arrives at the Wu Shi Academy and meets reader, but they treat him in a very cold way and whenever he tries to talk to them, they avoid him. But it turns out that the reader is actually a big fan of Johnny (to the point they have a pet with his name 😭) and is very, very, very shy.

Hope my request isn't so silly 🙏

A Silly Little Crush

Prior notes: If this was considered silly I would be considered crazy. They would have put me in the loony bin a long time ago.

Pairing: Johnny Cage (MK1) x Gn reader

Warnings ‼️: I like the birds

Johnny has made many enemies just by being famous. They’re just jealous of his fame, skills, and looks. And also because he could be an occasional dick but that’s irrelevant.

What he doesn’t understand is how he gained your ire without you saying a word to him. Ever since he came to the Wu Shi academy you have been acting colder than a glacier. He’s tried talking to you on multiple occasions but you wouldn’t say a peep. You would turn away from him with your arms crossed and your eyes closed like you were trying to block him out.

You were someone who helped out the monks. Brought food, helped cook, attended to the gardens, keep the place in tip-top shape. You were very welcoming to the champions, except to Johnny. The first time you saw him you froze up, blinking slowly like a frog. Before he could even place his hand out to shake your hand you walked away from him. It confused everyone. Your demeanor switched so quickly. Maybe you just had a moment. A hormonal shift or mood swing. It happens to the best of us. He’ll catch you on another day.

Day after day came yet you avoided him like the plague. There was always a distance between you two. Any time he would make an effort to talk to you, you would give him a side eye and not say a word. He could make a joke and you wouldn’t laugh. He would criticize someone’s fighting style and you wouldn’t agree. The only other reaction he could get out of you was when you tried to prevent a smile. You would chew the inside of your cheek to prevent any and all reactions. If it got too much for you then you would walk away.

Forget trying to make you interested in his conversations. He would intentionally talk loudly to get your attention if you were nearby. No matter what, you kept doing your task without a break in your stride. You kept sweeping the leaves off the path or hanging up the towels they use after training to dry. It got so annoying that Kenshi had to yell at Johnny to tone down his volume already.

“Why won’t they pay attention to me? What did I do?” Johnny complained.

“Can you really not accept that some people don’t like you? Leave them be already. You’re probably giving them more reasons to hate you.” Kenshi was so over it.

Johnny sighed in defeat. He had to face the music. He’s never gonna get your attention or even admiration. He never had a chance. Maybe he is just a dick.

══💤══╡°˖✧🦊✧˖°╞══💤══

The end of the day was the best time for you. Your work was done and you get to relax. But you also get the chance to let yourself be you. You quickly open your bedroom door, slip in, and lock the door.

“Woo, I’m back, Johnny.” You said in a cheerful tone.

Your severe macaw, whom you so lovingly named Johnny Cage, came flying at you before landing on your hand. You booped his beak as your strolled over to your bed.

“I got so many pictures of Johnny today. Let me show you.”

You open up your camera to show dozens upon dozens of photos you took of Johnny when he wasn’t looking. Some when he was training, some when he was eating, and some when he had his back turned towards you. In those instances, you would take a selfie with him in the background. You were always worried he would turn around while you were positioning yourself into the frame but you were lucky every time. He never caught on, and he hopefully never will.

If he found out you might actually die.

You’re happy to have him at a distance and be sneaky with your secret love for Johnny. You will appreciate every poster that he signed that your friends gifted you. You’re fine with watching his movies on your own. You’ll love him at a distance. It’s all you can do considering you’re worried about actually interacting with him.

You wish you could though. It’s hard for you. The reason you froze up the first time was because you were in such shock. You never imagined you would meet your favorite actor ever. But there he was standing in front of you. Not just that but he would be in close proximity for months! Freaking months! You walked away so you could tell all your friends what just happened, saying it in a whispering scream.

Every time Johnny came up to talk to you, you practically wanted to jump into his arms and shout how he was your favorite. Yell and shout about how he was an amazing actor and that every one of his movies is your favorite. But that’s not who you are. Speaking up is hard for you and even making an attempt to talk to Johnny felt like pulling a trigger. You wanted to laugh at his jokes but you were scared about embarrassing yourself. You don’t even have a weird laugh.

That’s enough beating yourself up for the night. You need your rest. You put your macaw on his perch and got yourself ready for bed. You laid in bed with your phone in your hand, scrolling through your album of Johnny photos. You start to succumb to your exhaustion and pass out soon after.

══💤══╡°˖✧🦊✧˖°╞══💤══

Hm, Johnny hasn’t seen you yet today. Usually you were up and helping to make breakfast for everyone. You were nowhere in sight. Strange.

What’s even stranger is when he was served his breakfast, his oatmeal didn’t have the usual smiley face made from fresh cut fruit. That threw everyone off.

“Woah, who did you piss off? Looks like someone didn’t feel like making you happy this morning.” Kung Lao pointed out.

This was unusual. First, you’re not around, now he doesn’t even get a pleasant breakfast. This just sucks. Johnny started to hear some of the monks talk about not seeing you this morning either. They found it strange since you are always up and running.

Johnny needed to get to the bottom of this. He played a detective on TV he can play a detective in real life. After breakfast he started looking around for your room. He asked some of the other monks where your bedroom was and they pointed him in the right direction. When he got to your room he began knocking, quietly at first before getting louder. The noise ended up spooking your macaw who started squawking like crazy. He woke you up with his loud bird mouth. You groaned as you sat up and looked down at your phone. By the gods, it was ten in the morning! You overslept! Now who will put a smiley face on Johnny’s breakfast?!

The door creaked open when Johnny began to open it. He had no clue what was up but when he looked inside he was shocked. Posters of his movies on your walls, autographs that were on your tableside, and magazines with him on the cover that were scattered all over the floor. This was…unexpected. Your macaw went flying towards Johnny, perching himself on his shoulder. This surprised Johnny but what was even more surprising was when your macaw placed his beak against Johnny’s forehead and made a kissing sound. You don’t know how he learned to do that. Maybe he learned to do that from watching you kissing your photos of Johnny. Oh what a mystery.

You were frozen in place once again. You didn’t know how to explain yourself. I don’t think anyone would know what to do. The only explanation that was reasonable was that…omg you do like him. You’ve liked him the whole time.

Johnny’s face went from a confused and surprised expression to one of pure joy. He was ecstatic to see all the merch you have of his. You even had posters of his box office failures! He’s not proud of them but to see you had them up showed how huge of a fan you are.

“You sly dog. You’ve liked me the whole time! You really made me think you hated me.” He felt so silly thinking anyone could hate him. You clearly don’t.

At that moment a message popped up on your phone, showing a picture of Johnny as your background. You both looked down and when you looked back up at him he had this mischievous smirk on his face. A phone hides many secrets. He wants to explore more of those secrets.

“Oh, what do we have in there? I bet you have some pictures of me.” He teased.

Yeah there were some…dozens of pictures in your phone that he does NOT need to know about. You snatched your phone away before he could get his hands on it. So that’s how you want to play, huh? Johnny doesn’t mind getting the answers the hard way. He crept towards you which made you leap out of bed. The chase was on. He started bolting for you, laughing at this amazing discovery he had made. You were running past all the monks and the other champions with Johnny hot on your trail. It was chaos at the academy with you and Johnny playing a game of cat and mouse and your macaw squawking like crazy from the madness. One of the monks yelled something in annoyance.

“Please silence Johnny already. We have discussed his squawking problem.”

“And you named your bird after me?! This is so awesome!”

Johnny seems pretty pumped about this new discovery. The remaining months he has to stay at the academy are gonna be a blast. It will be a blast for you but will also be an embarrassing torment.

After notes: I'm sorry if this isn't correct. I feel like I made this too obsessive or stalkerish. I did find the idea cute though. For some reason Johnny reminds me of Squakabilly from Pokémon (the green one to be more specific) so that's why I made the pet a macaw. I should lie down now. Adiós!

[swan-of-sunrise]

Taking Care of Business (Chapter Forty-Eight)

Summary: As the third trimester begins, Din and (Y/N) spend their quiet morning at home struggling to come up with baby names.

Pairing: Din Djarin X F!Reader

Word Count: 2.5k

Warnings/Disclaimers: None

A/N: Hey guys! Today I present to you a short but sweet chapter about our bad-ass but very silly Din and Alor'ad trying their hardest to finally choose a couple of names for Baby Djarin. I haven't settled on the baby's sex yet so if you have a preference, please let me know! Thank you for reading, I hope you all enjoy!

Chapter Forty-Eight The Names (Previous Chapter)

As (Y/N) entered the third trimester of her pregnancy, Clan Mudhorn continued to diligently prepare for the arrival of its eagerly-anticipated fourth member. Din and (Y/N) converted their cabin’s spare bedroom into a nursery and while (Y/N) spent her free time away from House of (Y/L/N) sewing baby clothes, Din completed as many bounty hunting jobs as he could before the captain’s due date, the extra credits ensuring that their son or daughter would have every comfort imaginable. They attended every birthing and parenting class at the medical clinic, downloaded and read dozens of books on the subject of childbirth on their holo-pad, and brainstormed their intricate birthing plan. Even Grogu participated in their preparations, much to Din and (Y/N)’s amusement and occasional exasperation; at least twice a week, one of them would find an irate frog in the baby’s nursery that the child captured as a welcome gift for his brother or sister. They were undoubtedly ready for their little one’s arrival…well, except for one very, very important decision.

“What about Kalerth?”

Din wrinkled his nose in distaste, continuing to rub slow circles over (Y/N)’s protruding stomach and watch the sun slowly rising outside their bedroom window. “Nope. How ‘bout Ronhys?”

“No, I knew a Ronhys once and he was a kriffing idiot. What about Syril?”

“C’mon, alor’ad, that’ll make our kid sound like some sort of half-wit pencil-pushing Imperial analyst.”

(Y/N) snorted in amusement and Din smirked against her collarbone as she playfully smacked his arm and threaded her fingers back into his rumpled hair. “Mir’sheb. We’re getting absolutely nowhere with the boy names, so why don’t we throw in the towel and move on to the girl names for now?”

With a tired yawn, Din pressed a chaste kiss onto the exposed skin of his wife’s clavicle and nodded. “Good idea. How’s Daya sound? It’s an old-fashioned Mandalorian name, but Bo-Katan mentioned that it’s back in fashion.”

“…I don’t hate it, but I don’t exactly love it either. How does Amilyn sound?”

“Okay, I guess, but I think we can do better. Galleia, maybe?”

“It’s pretty, but I’ll have to think that one over. What do you think of…hmm, I don’t know…Xi’an-?”

“Absolutely not.”

The captain chuckled. “That was suspiciously quick. What, did you have a fling with a Xi’an before you met me and I made an honest man out of you?” He pursed his lips but remained silent, which only made her gasp in exaggerated shock. “You did, didn’t you?”

“If by ‘fling’ you mean we slept together once during a job, she tried to kill me and years later, she tried to kill me again then yes, we had a fling.” Rolling his eyes, Din lifted his head to give (Y/N) an amused smile. “Would you really wanna name our child after one of your former flings, alor’ad?”

A look of revulsion twisted at her beautiful features. “Urgh, I see what you mean. Besides, Jod and Han are awful names for a baby, even without the unpleasant added context of a failed relationship.”

“Y’know, those names sound awfully familiar-”

“C’mon Din, focus! If you keep distracting me, then our baby’ll never have a name.” (Y/N) lightly scolded, but the glimmer in her eyes and the curved corners of her mouth coupled with the hand she’d brought up to cradle his cheek. “And don’t you go thinking that those big, brown eyes of yours will get you out of trouble.”

Din’s brows rose in mock outrage. “Wait, I’m distracting you?”

“Taking responsibility for your actions, that’s very mature of you.” The bedroom filled with the captain’s giggles as his fingers dug into her ticklish sides and her attempts to squirm away from his onslaught were unsuccessful. “Okay, okay, okay, truce!” She cried out, shooting him a withering glare as she worked on catching her breath. “You’d better watch your back, Din Djarin, ‘cause the moment this baby’s born my revenge will be swift and merciless.”

“Mmm, I’m looking forward to it.” Din flashed her a brazen grin and ducked down to press his lips against hers in a searing kiss. Before he could, however, his wife’s rumbling stomach brought him to a sudden halt and caused them both to burst into surprised laughter. “Hungry, alor’ad?”

“I wasn’t, but it would seem that your child has other plans,” (Y/N) grumbled, but a loving smile softened her features as she glanced down at her protruding stomach and ran a tender hand over its curve. “With all this food I’ve been eating lately, I wouldn’t be surprised if this little one grows up to be quite the formidable warrior, just like their dad.”

Din smiled as his hand moved to join the captain’s, secretly reveling in the feeling of their child’s movements beneath his palm. “Maybe, or maybe he or she will follow in their mom’s footsteps and become one hell of a pilot. Either way…” He gave her lips a quick peck before getting out of bed and offering her his hand. “It’s breakfast time. Pickled meiloorun fruit and blue milk again?”

The captain sheepishly smiled while he helped her out of bed. “I know that it’s a gross combination, but it’s the only thing that sounds even remotely appetizing these days.”

“Whatever makes you and the baby happy, alor’ad, but I think I’m gonna fix me and Grogu something a little less…unique.”

“Oh please, the little guy catches and eats frogs on a regular basis and before you met me, you survived solely off of expired ration portions.”

The pair of them went about getting dressed and ready for the day, and (Y/N)’s grumpiness was exasperated by her inability to lace up her own boots and their unborn child’s newfound fondness of kicking at her ribs. While Din knelt before her and made quick work of her laces, her stifled winces of pain caused his heart to clench in sympathy as a familiar wave of guilt washed over him. From the moment they first became partners, he vowed to protect the captain from any and all dangers they might encounter on their adventures and keep her safe; it was only natural, then, that he would feel like a failure while he was forced to watch his wife struggle under the plethora of pregnancy symptoms, symptoms that only seemed to multiply as the months went on. She’s the strongest person I know but that doesn’t make it right that she must endure this pain without complaint, he thought to himself, his heart lurching again when a pained gasp escaped her clenched teeth. In tuned to his inner turmoil, the captain carded her fingers through his hair while he tied her laces and pressed a gratitude-filled kiss onto his forehead the moment he finished, and he soon felt his scowl beginning to soften into a smile once again.

Breakfast in the Djarin-(Y/L/N) household wasn’t always a peaceful affair; there were Grogu’s occasional temper-tantrums, emergency holo-calls from Carson Teva, unannounced visits from Greef Karga and (Y/N)’s sudden bouts of severe nausea triggered by whatever Din was cooking, so whenever a quiet morning came around they were always sure to savor it while it lasted. While Din prepared their breakfast, (Y/N) and Grogu sat together at the kitchen table and the child was enraptured by his mother’s tale of flying amongst a pod of migrating purrgils, his wide eyes filled with wonderment as she animatedly described the creatures that few were lucky to ever see in their lifetimes. Din, listening to the conclusion of his wife’s story and his son’s coos of excitement with a content smile on his face, plated their food and carried it over to where his family sat, placing a plate of fruit in front of (Y/N) and a kiss onto her cheek and patting the top of Grogu’s wrinkled head before setting his breakfast down before him.

“Hey, little guy, would you like to help your Dad and me out with something?” (Y/N) asked after taking a sip of her blue milk, her smile widening when Grogu looked up from his Ronto wrap and eagerly nodded. “We’ve been trying to think of the perfect name for your little brother or sister, but we’ve been having a little trouble. Maybe you’ve got an idea or two?”

The child’s brow furrowed in careful concentration and a moment later, he grinned and pointed a clawed finger at (Y/N). “Patu.”

Din tilted his head to the side. “You wanna name the baby after your mom?” His confusion grew when he impatiently shook his head; his eyes flicked over to the captain, and his brow rose when he spotted the blood-red flower embroidered onto her blouse. “Wait, the flower?”

Grogu squealed in triumph and (Y/N) brought a hand up to trace the embroidery, a thoughtful expression gracing her features. “It’s a millaflower. They’re native to Naboo and signify great respect when gifted to someone; its extract is prescribed by many homeopathic physicians as medicine, but it can also be crafted into a potent poison.”

“Beautiful but deadly…” Din mused as he studied the embroidered flower; it’s a description befitting the daughter of a Mandalorian and a retired Rebellion smuggler, he thought with a growing smile, looking over at his wife over the brim of his morning caf. “How does Milla sound, if it’s a girl?”

(Y/N)’s hand absentmindedly rubbed along her baby bump as she quietly tried out the name, and she looked back up at him with a softened smile. “I think…that we’ve finally found the perfect girl’s name.”

With a grin, Din reached across the table to affectionately rub one of Grogu’s large ears. “Good call, kid. Got any ideas for a boy’s name?”

After a moment of consideration, Grogu shook his head and (Y/N) chuckled. “That’s okay, little guy, one out of two ain’t bad.” She ate another spoonful of pickled meiloorun and was reaching for her glass of blue milk when her eyes lit up with realization. “Since Milla’s inspired by my Naboo culture, why don’t we try and come up with a boy’s name that’s inspired by Aq Vetina?”

Din, taken aback by the captain’s thoughtfulness and the mention of his homeworld’s name, attempted to hide his surprise behind a look of deliberation as he crossed his arms over his chest and leaned back in his chair. “We can try, but I was just a child when I was taken in by the Death Watch, there’s not much that I remember about Aq Vetina’s culture…”

“I’m sorry, sweetheart, I should’ve thought-”

“It’s okay, ner cyar’ika alor’ad, I still think it’s a good idea,” He quickly reassured her, reaching over to rest his hand on top of hers and giving it a gentle squeeze. “We just might have to work a little harder to jog my memory, that’s all.”

“All right, then, let’s start with something easy like…” (Y/N) trailed off, lost in thought for a moment before snapping her fingers in realization. “Constellations! Do you remember if Aq Vetina had any notable constellations?”

Din set his Ronto wrap down onto his plate and nodded. “I remember learning about them in school and…” A lump formed in his throat as a long-forgotten memory sprang to his mind and he took a steadying breath. “My parents taught me. In the summer, we’d spend nights stargazing from our back garden; my father would point each of them out to me and my mother would tell me all the stories behind them.”

With an understanding smile, the captain twisted her hand around to thread their fingers together and he threw her a grateful look. He’d learned long ago not to dwell on his life before the Mandalorians but after officially becoming Grogu’s adoptive father and learning of (Y/N)’s pregnancy, he couldn’t help but look back on his childhood on Aq Vetina and mourn what could never be; his parents would never see him grow up, never meet the woman who captured his heart and never know their grandchildren, but what pained him the most was that they would never live to see peace return to the galaxy. Maybe they already know, he thought as he reflected on the afterlife that (Y/N) and the Naboo believed in, I hope they can look upon me and are proud of the man I’ve become.

“That sounds very peaceful. Can you remember any of their names, or maybe one of your favorites?”

Din’s lips slowly curved upwards into a smile. “My favorite was Samidar. He was a Merquaal and according to the legends, he was an old warrior’s trusted companion, more brave and discerning than even the warrior; they embarked on many adventures together and when Samidar died protecting the old warrior in battle, the Maker was touched by his outpouring of grief and to commemorate the beloved companion, he created a constellation out of the brightest stars in the night sky. It’s silly, I know, but I remember really enjoying that one.”

His wife raised their joined hands to kiss his scarred knuckles and looked at him with adoring eyes. “What do you think of Sami, if it’s a boy?”

“I-It’s perfect, alor’ad. Milla, Sami…both names are absolutely perfect.” Sliding out of his chair, Din sank to his knees and rested his forehead against the captain’s protruding belly, his tear-filled eyes fluttering closed and his smile widening as he felt the moments of their unborn child. “Ni kyr’tayl gar darasuum, ner ad’ika.”

“Your dad and I can’t wait to finally meet you,” (Y/N) cooed softly and rubbed her free hand along the chiffon covering her belly, and he could hear the raw emotion in her voice. Now that they’d finally found the perfect names for their baby boy or girl, it was as if the reality of their situation had finally settled in; in about three months’ time, they’d be holding their child in their arms, the living and tangible proof of their endless love for one another, and Clan Mudhorn’s trio would become a quartet.

Grogu, seemingly feeling left out of their tearful conversation, leapt over the table and onto Din’s shoulder with a disgruntled huff, and Din couldn’t help but chuckle and exchange a look with the captain. “Yeah, it’s safe to say that your brother’s even more excited than we are.”

The child nodded and babbled as he stretched a clawed hand out to press against (Y/N)’s stomach, and she let go of Din’s hand to smooth her fingers over their son’s wrinkled head. “Three more months to go, little guy.”

With a content sigh, Din closed his eyes and concentrated on the movements of their unborn son or daughter, diligently committing the sweet moment to memory as his heart swelled with happiness. “Three more months to go.” Thanks to the childbirth classes they’d attended and all the parenting books they’d read, all three of them understood that (Y/N)’s third trimester would certainly be no slice of Uj’alayi but they also knew that as long as they were together, there was nothing in the galaxy that they couldn’t handle. You’re gonna fit right in with the three of us, ad’ika, and we’re gonna love you with everything we’ve got and then some, Din silently told his unborn child, his smile widening and his eyes brimming with fresh tears when they seemingly replied with the gentlest nudge against his cheek.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Mando'a Translations:

Alor’ad-Captain Mir’sheb-Smart-ass Ner cyar’ika alor’ad-My darling captain Ni kyr’tayl gar darasuum, ner ad’ika-I love you, my little one Uj’alayi-Uj Cake Ad’ika-Little one

A/N: Lol can you tell that I'm fitting in as much fluff as I can before the Mando movie most likely hits us with all the angst? Do you prefer Baby Djarin to be a Milla or a Sami? Comment down below to let me know! Thank you all so much for reading and commenting! I’ve created two Spotify playlists, one filled with of all my favorite music from the world of Star Wars and the other compiled with all the songs I listen to for inspiration while writing this series, so if you’re interested in checking them out the links are down below!

Star Wars Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2KuSKJhVOPPvxdJ9YHeo4M?si=2977ff31bf0c4bdd

Din Djarin/TCoB Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5HIv4pIIgtzRW3Nyv5x7ry?si=15e457550bd94966 Taking Care of Business Masterlist

Tagging: @remmysbounty​ @sinon36​ @seninjakitey​​ @thatonedindjarinfan​​ @ginger-swag-rapunzel​​ @mostclevermiss​​ @momc95​​ @welcometothepedroverse​​ @sarahjkl82-blog​​ @elinedjarin​​ @ccomandercody​​ @crowleysqueenofhell​​  @goldielocks2004 @wondergal2001​​ @groovyqueer​​ @impala1967666​​ @fluffy-canada-pancakes​​ @icee228​​ @siimiasoi​​ @uncle-eggy​​ @amyg1509

[jasminedragonart]

7. 

Sokka had a thousand questions when they woke up. A lot of them had to do with Aang. How he was. What he looked like in the spirit world. Questions he had asked before but just needed Zuko to answer again. He couldn’t stop thinking about his friend. His other questions had to do with Koh. Zuko didn’t know a lot about him. The first time he had ever seen the spirit was last night and, like Sokka thought, he was like a giant centipede. Hundreds of legs that anchored themselves on an armoured body. 

Zuko told him about the cave. “It felt grey, if that makes sense. Like all the colour had been stripped. I don’t think it’s Koh’s doing but I do think he chose to live there for a reason.” The creatures around Koh’s cave were like the birds they had found this morning: faceless. That wasn’t even the worst part. These creatures in Zuko’s dreams were spirits but the creatures in their world were living. While the spirits could exist, did exist, without their faces, the creatures in their world couldn’t.

“I don’t…” Zuko sighed, the two of them clambering onto their ship as fast as possible. Sokka raised the sail as Zuko pulled their maps out, whatever he had to say taking until they were on the seas before he said, “I don’t want you to know but I can’t stop thinking about it.”

Sokka carefully made his way to the middle of the boat, his hand resting on Zuko’s. “Tell me.” No more secrets they’d agreed this morning. Although, the spirits thing hadn’t really been a secret. Zuko hadn’t even known if what he was seeing was real or just guilt trying to make him feel better by showing him Aang living on after his death. 

Zuko glanced up only briefly before his gaze was drawn back to his hands. “Aang said something once. I asked him, stupidly, if he had suffered. I wanted to- I don’t know,” he sighed. “But he said the face,” he made a motion to his own, “was quick. Then he was scared but only for a second. He said it was dark and- but he could hear me. I… I was talking to him before-” Zuko cleared his throat. “I think he suffocated.”

Sokka wished Zuko had never told him.

He didn’t know why he thought Sokka would want to know that but then, as the hours slipped by and the day grew darker Sokka could see the fear on Zuko’s face. 

Suffocation. 

“Can he kill you in there?” Sokka asked as they bunked down for the night. “In your dreams?”

Zuko swallowed heavily. “I don’t know.”

Fuck.

They huddled less for warmth that night than to shield their faces from the dark. Sokka hoped that Koh couldn’t swim across the ocean to eat them but he didn’t have to. He’d made his way from the boat to the bird tower. He could move across the water somehow. Sokka woke with every sound. He wasn’t the only one.

Despite Koh being out there they didn’t see him again on their way back. Still, Sokka didn’t feel safe until he saw the village. Bug eye too was a welcome sight after the horror that was the face stealer. He was smaller than usual, nestled in the shadows of the wall as he waited for night to fall. 

“Do you know what his deal is?” Sokka asked.

It took Zuko a moment to locate the spirit. “That’s Lolo.”

“Lolo?” Sokka repeated.

He saw Zuko’s cheeks colouring. “I’m sure he has a proper name but that’s what I called him. He was some kind of frog creature. He’s not the same one that attacked the village.” Sokka tried to place just how young Zuko had been when he decided to name said frog creature. 

“How do you know? That it’s not the same spirit?”

Zuko shrugged. Another great mystery he didn’t know anything about. Zuko was both the most and least curious person Sokka had ever met. “I do know that Aang told it to keep Koh out. Not all the spirits out here are angry at us.”

“Then why aren’t they normal?” It didn’t look like a frog creature. Well, not what Sokka would imagine a frog creature to look like. It definitely had big eyes. Maybe the crouched body as well. 

“I didn’t say they weren’t angry, they're just not angry at us.”

Ah.

They were met with a wall of women as soon as they climbed over. One such tiny woman seemed to have recovered from her fever, her nose bright red as she smashed her face into Zuko’s coat. “She’s been asking after you,” Ahguta said.

Zuko smiled gently, saying a very sappy hello to Korra as Sokka was swamped with people asking for their letters. 

Gran Gran’s was after the letter distribution. Zuko had gone ahead and told on him which meant Gran Gran had a bed waiting as she ground up some foul smelling herbs. “Tattle,” Sokka accused stripping out of his coat.

Zuko sent him a sharp grin, handing another shirt to Korra, she toddled off to put it in the wash pile. 

The herb paste stung and Gran Gran wouldn’t let him up until he told her every excruciating detail on how it happened. Zuko and him had agreed to tell everyone about the face stealer, maybe about Zuko’s dreams too but Aang they would keep quiet about. Sokka prayed Aang didn’t show up here. 

He’d asked Zuko what they talked about when he did see Aang in the spirit world, it turned out Zuko mainly grovelled as Aang asked how Sokka was. Not Katara which Sokka found odd. But if Aang knew Katara was away from home then maybe he had no reason to ask Zuko about her.

Gran Gran didn’t like the sound of this new spirit in any case. “Will it leave like the others?” She asked. Was it afraid of fire she meant?

The answer was no. Koh was an ancient spirit who, while he liked to live in a cave, did so because he enjoyed it. The cave had a lot of hiding places for him. Places he could scuttle his giant insect like body across while he waited for people and animals to be drawn to him. Zuko had said he took the interesting people. An avatar and a man who could dream himself into the spirit world were definitely interesting people.

“So we need to be nice to Buggy,” Sokka finished. “Apparently he’s helping us.”

Gran Gran handed him a clean shirt. “Have you heard from the Avatar at all? Are you certain he can’t help us?”

Sokka caught Zuko’s eye. “This is world wide Kanna,” Zuko eventually said. “A lot more people are worse off than us.”

Sokka nodded, maybe a little too enthusiastically. “Besides, you have me. And Zuko. We’re help enough Gran Gran.”

She didn’t look convinced but she did drop it. 

Sokka asked later if Zuko meant what he’d said about it being world wide. Zuko said he wasn’t sure but it didn’t make sense for it to be localised. If anything, the spirits should be attacking those at the North Pole. If they were here, on the other side of the world, then they had to be elsewhere too. 

Gran Gran put Sokka on bedrest for a few days to see if his back got infected. He used his time to sleep and write to Suki. He knew he probably wouldn’t get a response back but he still had hope. Besides, if it wasn’t localised, maybe Suki could get word to his dad that they needed help at home. 

When his probation was over Sokka was quickly put back into his routine. He fished, he hunted, he washed and built the wall. Same old same old.

On nights Sokka sometimes found himself listening to Zuko sleep. He didn't sleep talk much, for which Sokka was disappointed. But he did sometimes have a tell when he was having spirit dreams. Mainly he looked like someone had said something stupid to him. His face would twist and he'd let out a small huff, his sleep a little more restless after that. Sokka asked him after those nights what he'd dreamed of. Zuko remembered more just as he was waking and after the first few times he didn't tell Sokka to go away.

“I met a very tall woman,” Zuko murmured one morning. “She told me Suki was too good for you.” 

Ouch.

“Some fox thing asked me if I wanted a tea party,” was another morning's dream. Sokka was pleased to hear Zuko had indeed attended and behaved himself. Partly because it was hilarious. Mostly because if Zuko managed to keep some spirits happy maybe they wouldn’t come to their world and seek revenge. 

Sokka's favourites were about Aang. It turned out Aang did spend most of his time in the spirit world. He was faceless when he wasn't with Zuko, hence seeking him out every time he was there. Usually Aang just wanted to talk, the idea a novelty to him now. 

“That bison licked me,” Zuko shuddered as he woke that morning. 

Sokka grinned. “Does he still smell?”

According to Zuko's face he wasn't sure but was leaning towards yes. 

Zuko stretched, rolling his shoulders when he was done. “Sparring?”

Sokka groaned and allowed himself to be dragged out of bed and to the training field. 

They worked on the dao in between half a conversation. I didn’t happen often but sometimes Zuko had things Aang wanted Sokka to know, using Zuko as a sort of inbetween. Sokka hated to admit he did the same. Today Aang wanted Sokka to know that he was stupid to turn down a bunch of ladies wanting to kiss him.

“You did not tell him about that!” Sokka screeched.

Zuko’s mouth ticked up. “I didn’t go into detail if that’s what you’re worried about.”

Sokka screeched louder. 

“You’re making it up,” Sokka decided after Zuko corrected his form. “You have to be. Aang was a complete romantic. There’s no way he would have been okay with me wanting to kiss a married woman.” And Sokka had a moment to mourn that Zuko kept it clean because Aang would never be old enough to hear about illicit details. His friend was forever going to be twelve. 

“Actually,” Zuko said, and Sokka really hated that tone of his, it always spelled bad news. “Air nomads were known for their… free lifestyles. They valued love and commitment but they also weren’t opposed to,” Zuko looked to be fighting a smirk, “Group enjoyment.” 

Sokka felt his face heat up. “You’re making this up.”

Except Zuko wasn’t. He’d researched Aang relentlessly for three years before they met. He knew more about airbender culture than possibly anyone alive right now. Maybe Aang would have told Sokka he was being an idiot for not wanting to sleep with Lena.

He tried not to think about it, channelling his frustration into getting a few hits on Zuko. He got two before another distraction showed herself. Their little turtle duck still had some breakfast in her fist that Sokka stole as he nudged her towards Zuko, the meat not even starting to fill the neverending hole that seemed to be his hunger. He pulled his hood up, building himself a snow hill before sitting, his eyes vaguely watching Korra and Zuko as he steadfastly tried not to think about Aang.

Zuko showed Korra a few more firebending moves, letting a small fire flicker from his palms as he did so. Korra clapped and let Zuko put her in position, her little feet following Zuko’s closely. He corrected her a few times but by the hour mark Korra had it down. 

“Show me then,” Sokka called over. 

Korra looked back at Zuko who nodded. 

She ran over, Zuko starting on something complicated as Korra shuffled into her first move. She was very good for a two, almost three year old. She reminded him a lot of Katara if he was being honest. Sokka wondered if the moon had still been here if she-

“Bah!” 

His heart pounded, the world going still as the heat faded from the air. He looked at where Korra was standing, her own face startled as she looked at her raised hand. Zuko appeared from somewhere to lower it.

“Was that you?” Sokka asked.

Zuko's voice shook as he said, “No.”

They looked at Korra. Korra who, now she'd not been told off, excitedly told Zuko, “Fi! Fiiii!” Her hands raised towards him. 

Sokka caught Zuko's eye. “Maybe it didn't happen.” He'd not been sleeping a lot, what with spirits and Zuko and the Light Nights. 

“Maybe.” 

They looked at Korra again. Sokka stood. He either said it or they risked an accident later. “Make her do it again.”

Zuko closed his eyes as he knelt. He put Korra in front of him, his voice low as he told her to steady her breathing and put her hand out.

“You feel that little warmth in your stomach?” He flattened her fingers, “You're going to push it out of your hand. Just like before.” He held his own hand out next to hers, “Just like this.” His own lit up with a controlled flare. Korra reached to touch it, Zuko used his other hand to put hers back out. He told her how to do it again, then again until a tiny flame was lit in her own hand, Korra giggling when she saw it. 

Sokka closed his eyes.

He felt Zuko stand, a hand on his wrist. “What do we do?”

Sokka didn't know. He honestly didn't know. One firebender was bad enough but two? And a baby firebender at that. “We need-” he didn't know what they needed. “Maybe a village meeting?”

He didn't need to look at Zuko to know the dread he was feeling was shared. 

They called the meeting anyway. They had to. It wasn't fair to keep something like this from them. 

They didn't believe Sokka at first. “She's Hantu’s,” was the biggest argument. 

Except, the more people thought about it the more small things were admitted. Like the fact Korra had come early. Like the fact Zuko and his crew had been there weeks before. Zuko couldn't vouch for all of his crew being good people. His uncle was the one who had hired them, Zuko had barely spoken to them except to give orders. 

“Could it be recessive?” Zuko asked. Sokka saw more than one dark look be given to him. It felt like it was last year again, Zuko's presence questioned more than once when Sokka tried to figure out what to do about this.

“It's not recessive,” one of the elders said. “Senna and Hantu’s family have been here for generations.” And by even asking it Zuko was one step closer from being asked to leave the meeting. “No. It had to have been one of your people.”

Sokka saw Zuko's lip curl but he held his tongue. 

Sokka cleared his throat. “Look, it doesn't matter whose she is, what matters is that she can firebend.”

“Exactly,” Aghuta said. “Which is why we should send her to the fire nation.”

“WHAT!” He wasn't the only one to say it, but Sokka was surprised that he was part of a minority. “She's a child. A baby even.” She wasn't even three. 

“She's a firebender.” Like that ended the argument.

“She's one of us,” Gran Gran said. “She was born here, she's being raised here, just because her father might not be Hantu does not mean Senna wasn't her mother. She belongs here!” 

The argument devolved from there. First came the calls to send Korra away. Then came the calls of leaving her to die in the wild. Literally sending a child into the wild on her own. The last call was to just kill her now and be done with it.

“Are you serious?”

But they were. Korra was everything they despised. A firebender in water tribe clothing. She wasn't harmless now and she wouldn't be when she was older. What happened when she sought out others like her? What happened when they turned her and she led them here? Korra could be the South Pole’s undoing.

“And what about Zuko?” Sokka said, “He's been here for two years now. He's hurt no one! We can't just kill a child because she's a firebender. It's not right. It's not-”

“That firebender shouldn't be here either Sokka,” Aghuta said. Which started an argument about killing Zuko. 

Gran Gran sent Zuko out before the threats became action. 

Sokka stayed only an hour longer before he too had to leave. He couldn't take it. The tensions were too high and only getting higher. Nothing good would come from staying there right now. 

He went to Aghuta's igloo, only Korra wasn't there. Zuko wasn't in his place either. Or his stuff. 

Sokka checked the entire village before scaling the wall. One of the boats was moving. 

He ran faster than he thought possible, “Wait!” He reached the bank, the boat wasn't too far yet. “Zuko!”

“I'm not letting you take her!” His dao was in his hand, Korra sitting near their packed sacks. “She’s a child!”

“I know!” Sokka said. “I know Zuko but you can’t take her either. She- please come back! You know you won’t get far in that thing on your own.” Which was true but Zuko still didn’t turn around. “I’m not going to let them hurt her. I promise.”

“She’s a child,” Zuko said.

“I know.” Screw it. Zuko wasn’t coming back. Sokka wouldn’t have come back either. He couldn’t just let them leave however. He just- he couldn’t. “At least let me come with you. I’ll follow you anyway.”

Zuko huffed but he must have known the truth of it. Both of them were tied together now and they knew it sothe boat stayed in place long enough for Sokka to grab his overnight stuff. They rigged the boat up, sailing within an hour. When Zuko didn’t seem to have a destination in mind Sokka made the decision for him, setting them North to the birds. At least there they knew there was a fire waiting.

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

End of Book 2

The next instalment will be short stories following on from this and to the start of the main story. They will be linked from the Masterpost when I've finished writing them.

MASTERLIST | Ko-Fi

Previous Chapter |

[feathermouth]

[EDITED WITH MORE INFO!]

do we still fw pressure OCs?

i have not decided on a name for them yet. im gonna try to pick something thats typically feminine, but i dont want it to be boring, so suggestions are absolutely encouraged!

this fellas name is lamis! its an arabic name that means "soft to the touch."

they are african-american (i still need to determine the specifics, this is a super rough concept so far)

lamis is egyptian ethnically, so, around north africa. lamis was born in america. US citizenship.

im probably gonna end up choosing a dif. set of pronouns for them once ive got the rest of their identity solidified

lamis is definitely a lady. but shes the type of person to not really gaf what people refer to her as.

i also feel like the design is a little cluttered, but i do not gaf. this is very self-indulgent at the moment. plus its pretty.

^ this still holds true. i dont wanna change the design, so im trying to think of ways to justify it. im considering the idea that she was engineered predominantly for aesthetics and was sorta just ... forgotten about.

their current design consists of a black dragonfish and a yellow stingray. i originally wanted to put a poison dart frog in there, but im not sure if an amphibian would fit too well in the rest of the pressure setting. their design is crazy, yes, but it will be LORE APPROPRIATE

^ still the same! if i go with my new idea, maybe they wouldve taken some liberties and used an amphibian. maybe.

they have eyes by the way. i just felt like drawing it closed. their eyes are a similar yellow. im considering changing the eyes to black instead.

her eyes are gonna be iridescent, similar to a black dragonfish. sometimes theyll look black, sometimes yellow, sometimes white—all depends on the angle and lighting.

they are bioluminescent (result of the black dragonfish dna) but their yellow patterns ONLY glow in low-light environments. they aint shining all the time. thatd be so annoying

^ still the same! except im gonna move around the areas that glow. i want them to look more "biological," like, less like a royal engraving, so i mostly need to clean up her chest and stomach. the markings will be less sharp next time i draw her.

their face looks kinda peeled back/smooth intentionally, its not just my art style. the animals they were mixed with are Very Smooth. aerodynamic or something. they had more defined features before they were mutated.

lamis' face is thinned out because of the taught skin of the animals shes mixed with. fish tend to have very smooth faces. before being experimented on, lamis had a meatier nose, deep-set eyes, and rounder cheeks.

im still unsure of what i want their role to be, if any. i dont want anything too special, i dont really like making 'main-character' characters as OCs. i dont have any ideas as to what i could do.

yeah i still dont wanna make a "special" character. i dont like when OCs disrupt canon. lamis is Very Much So an outside addition.

i know that theyre swift, quiet, and glow in the dark, so maybe some sort of rare encounter for the player? like a guide in a particularly dark set of rooms, or a mini-encounter similar to the bottomfeeder? (im aware that those ideas show two very different moral alignments, i havent fleshed out their personality yet.)

well, lamis was forgotten about after her experiments concluded, so i imagine she would be bitter. she'll probably try to force players into dim-lit areas so that she can get near them. i dont think lamis is the type of person to kill outright, but rather maim. definitely lurks in darker places and doesnt enjoy coming out into the light, so shed be a specific-situation encounter, if nothing else.

this is the only pressure oc im currently willing to make public, because my others are ENTIRELY self-serving, and you couldnt WATERBOARD my writing out of me.

anyway! suggestions are encouraged! i need feedback. please .....

[arcadekitten]

Somehow nobodies done it yet, so it’s time! What do you associate with the birthday girl (Mary)?

Oh boy here we go!! ♡

-Manta Rays (obviously)

-The color red (Despite her and Crowven sharing a color palette, Mary's signature color is red whereas Crowven's is black)

-Gothic clothing (Of course! Mostly babydoll goth)

-Goth music (The Cure has a lot of her sound)

-Hoods! (Her manta ray hood specifically! We're bringing it back!!!)

-Mary Janes (yes I purposely give her mary janes a lot because of the name)

-The moon (her moon design)

-Demons/devils (devil fish yadda yadda yadda)

-Dolls (porcelain, plastic, ragdoll, etc etc)

-Cemeteries/coffins(naturally)

-Roses(they usually come in red, so not only do they have the red factor but also the romance factor. also sometimes wilted)

-Chocolate(her favorite food/flavor)

-Big eyes (I've been trying to work on making sure her eyes are big in art)

-pet frogs(like in HFSH)

-people who can fall asleep anywhere(this trait of Mary was inspired by my friends who can fall asleep anywhere!)

-shoujo manga(again, inspired by a fan who loves shoujo manga!)

-Ghosts, spirits, zombies, the undead, etc(my ghostly girl)

-Elegant perfume(she loves wearing it!)

-Black lipstick and black nailpolish (It's not something I often highlight in drawings, but I do imagine she wears them quite often)

-Yellow Smiley Faces(Due to Blackout Hospital)

-Medical eyepatches (Again, Blackout Hospital)

-Little Red Riding Hood (works so well with her boyfriend-not-boyfriend who's got that wolf in him)

-Shotguns (MY WISHMAKER)

-The dark (Go in the dark? Go in the dark)

-Shadows (similar)

-rats/mice (this will make more sense later)

-Umbrellas/parasols (She looks so good with them!)

And certainly more!! But that's all I got off the top of my head!