#it's got a cartoon bat giving a big thumbs up

[nevesmose]

Somehow the idea of Curze whispering poison in his sister's ear repulsed Perturabo most of all.

[pizzaqueen]

the sweetest words

(Wherein Eddie likes Steve's face and tells him all about his favorite parts)

Rated T / 1.2k / more fluff! / warnings for smoking (not cigarettes :P)

Also on AO3

“Hey, Steve.” Eddie whacks Steve’s shoulder with the back of his hand, lets it rest there a moment until it falls back to the space between them on the couch. His knuckles brush Steve’s thigh.

Steve’s head lolls toward him. “Mm?”

“Did you know your eyes have some green in them?” Eddie leans in, peering into Steve’s bloodshot eyes, searching for the green; his pulse does a little skip when Steve’s eyes catch his. They sparkle in the low light and Eddie feels suddenly warm.

Steve’s brows raise. “I was aware of that, yeah.”

“Cool.” Eddie blinks. He’s gone cross-eyed. He shakes himself and leans back. “Just wanted to make sure you knew.”

“Thanks.” Steve snorts, takes a hit of the joint they’ve been passing between them, hands it over to Eddie.

The cloudy cotton candy feeling that’s been circling for a while settles over Eddie; he slumps further into the couch, legs falling open. His knee hits Steve’s; Steve doesn’t move and neither does Eddie. “I like your eyes.”

“Okay.”

“Like, they’re really big—”

“Look who’s talking.”

“But it’s the way your eyelids do that thing.”

Steve’s face screws up. “What thing?”

“You know…” The way Steve’s brows raise says he doesn’t know, so Eddie reaches over and traces the crease of Steve’s eyelid with the tip of his finger. Steve squeezes his eyes shut; Eddie lets his hand fall to his lap. “I like it. Kinda like a sad puppy, you know? Like…” He trails off, trying to think of who, or what, Steve’s eyes remind him of. “Droopy!”

“My eyes are droopy?”

“No. Like Droopy, that cartoon hound dog.”

“That’s flattering.”

“They’re kinda…sad, sometimes.” Eddie thinks about that a lot, the sadness in Steve’s eyes. It’s not there often, and maybe sadness isn’t the right word. Hidden depths, or some shit. Eddie wants to dive into them. He doesn’t say that, but he does say, “They’re my favorite part of your face.”

Steve takes the joint back. “Why do you have a favorite part of my face?” He exhales.

“Why wouldn’t I?”

“Why would you?”

“Because.”

“That’s not an answer.”

“Oh, my friend, but it is.”

“Whatever”—Steve rolls his eyes—“you’re high.”

“I am, Steve. I am high.” Eddie shakes his head, then he nods. He points a finger at Steve. “But not that high.” He swipes the joint from Steve to illustrate his point.

“What does that mean?”

“Your nose is cool, too, though.” Eddie reaches over again, ignoring Steve’s question, gently tracing the slope of Steve’s nose. It twitches under his touch and warmth bursts beneath Eddie’s skin. He lets his pointer finger rest on the bridge, and his thumb at the tip, then brings them together in a pinching gesture. “It’s very…sharp. And a little crooked.”

Steve finally bats his hand away. “I have droopy eyes and a crooked nose. Thanks.”

“It’s not a bad thing.” Eddie passes the joint back.

Steve takes a final hit, tamps it out. “Uh-huh.”

“There’s the little bump in it.” Eddie angles himself toward Steve more, inspecting Steve’s nose when he looks at Eddie. “Did you break it?”

“Yeah.”

“How?”

“Basketball.” Steve tilts his head. “And, you know, I got punched in the face a few times. Probably didn’t help.”

“Huh.” Eddie follows the slight bend in the otherwise straight line of Steve’s nose with his eyes. There’s something about it… It does something to Eddie that he can’t explain. But he could say that about a lot of things about Steve. He props his arm on the back of the couch, leans his head on his hand. “I think it adds character.”

“You think a lot about my face.”

Through the fuzziness in his brain, Eddie’s dimly aware he might be giving too much away. But he’s been more obvious than this in the past, he’s sure he has, and Steve hasn’t caught on yet. At least, Eddie doesn’t think he has. If he has, he hasn’t said anything about it. Eddie doesn’t know if that bodes well or not.

“Why?” Steve asks.

“Why what?”

“Why do you think about my face so much?”

“Well,” Eddie says, waving a hand, “it’s right there.”

“Hm.” Steve crosses his arms, lips twitching. “Any other opinions about it?”

“Maybe.”

“Gonna share with the class?”

”I—” It almost feels like a trap, but Eddie’s not sure if he cares, so he says, “I like your freckles. Or moles. Whichever.” He pokes each one in turn. When he gets to one on Steve’s cheek, Steve moves quickly, snapping his teeth at Eddie’s finger. Reflexes dulled, Eddie doesn’t move away fast enough, and his finger is caught in Steve’s bite.

“I think I might be a bad influence,” Eddie says, a little breathless.

Steve grins. He bites down harder when Eddie tries to pull his finger away, not enough to hurt, but enough to keep it there. So, Eddie wiggles his finger, tickling Steve’s tongue, and Steve’s jaw unclenches.

Eddie doesn’t draw his finger too far away, though. He lets it rest on Steve’s bottom lip, pressing down, and Steve only watches him. Eyes hazy and curious and as pretty as ever.

“Your lips,” Eddie starts, then catches himself, curling his fingers into a fist and turning away.

“What about them?”

Eddie turns back; Steve is looking at him, eyes dark, his tongue darting out to wet his lips. Eddie’s heart beats hard and he feels like he’s on the edge of something. Something good, he thinks. Hopes. But, might as well take a chance right? He can blame it on the weed if it goes to hell.

“They look like they’d be good for kissing.” He swallows thickly, tries to paste a confident grin on his face.

“Do they?”

“Yeah, I mean… Lots of girls think that right?”

Steve looks at him a long moment before he says, “Wanna test your theory?”

“That girls think you’re lips are, um, kissable?”

“No”—Steve shifts forward—“just to see if they are.”

“Right.” Eddie nods. “Yeah, I mean, I guess you know, we should.” His breath catches as Steve crowds him into the corner of the couch. “Scientific theory or some shit, I don’t know, I flunked like, nearly… Everything at least once…”

Wait. What is he doing? Why is he pulling away? This is what he’s wanted, and Steve is offering it to him. Must want it, too, otherwise why would he suggest it? Fuck it. No more thinking. Eddie leans forward, meeting Steve halfway.

It’s not everything he thought it would be, because their lips don’t quite meet, but he’s still kissing Steve, so it’s fucking awesome. And then he shifts a little, and Steve shifts a little, and, yeah, that’s it.

“Oh,” he says against Steve’s lips, “they’re definitely good for kissing.”

“That’s good.”

“Yeah.”

“I think I have a new favorite part of your face.”

“I’ll let my eyes know,” Steve says and kisses Eddie again. Slow and soft and exactly like Eddie’s dreamed of.

In between the press of their lips, Eddie says, “Actually, I just like your whole face.”

Steve sighs through his nose, but then he breaks away with a smile and says, “You know what,” hands cradling Eddie’s jaw on both sides, “I like your whole face too.”

[bryan360]

Here’s my note before I’ll get started….

(DON’T YOU EVER COPY FROM MINE OR MY FRIEND’S WORK, CHARACTERS, AND STUFF IF ONE OF YOU ARE IMPOSTERS WHO HAD HABITS OF PLAGIARISM! I WILL BLOCK YOU FROM MY BLOG IF I SEE YOUR POST WITH MINE OR MY FRIEND’S ORIGINAL WORK BEING EDITED ALL OVER! I’LL EVEN SHARE IT ONTO MY BLOG SO IF EVERYONE WILL SEE THAT YOU TRYING TO COPY MINE OR MY FRIEND’S THINGS FOR NO GOOD REASON WHATSOEVER! That will be all….I mean it.)

🎃Inktober of 2022 - Day 14: 👻 Ghosts

🇵🇷Me: Have you guys watch 👻👧 Disney’s The Ghost and Molly McGee show? I’m sure have since it premiered back in October last year. It was a pretty good show like other Disney’s other modern shows like 👨‍🌾Big City Greens or 🐸Amphibia; which I had also give a thumbs up about….still hoping to catch up with 🦉The Owl House. Though originally for this Inktober post, I would’ve like of showing being a Ghostbuster style cosplay for my characters while trying to capture Slimer. So instead, I got this idea from the season finale I’ve check on lately. However if you haven't seen it to avoid spoilers, then you might wanted to go back watching episodes via Disney+ or on other media sites. What that being said, I think it looks fine to be a part of my Inktober postings list. Hope you’ll enjoy this, sorry yet again that I’m running a bit late.

Previous Inktober Posts of 2022:

Day 1: ⚫️⚪️Cartoons - Link Here

Day 2: 🎃Pumpkins - Link Here

Day 3: 👨‍⚕️Doctor - Link Here

Day 4: 💀Death - Link Here

Day 5: 🐱Cat - Link Here

Day 6: 🦇Bats - Link Here

Day 7: 😈Devil - Link Here

Day 8: 🌳Forest - Link Here

Day 9: 🧙‍♀️Witch - Link Here

Day 10: 🔪Murder - Link Here

Day 11: 🔴🐻Red - Link Here

Day 12: 🧸🪆Playtime - Link Here

Day 13: 🥚Eggs - Link Here

Tagged: @murumokirby360 @carmenramcat @alexander1301

[ordinaryschmuck]

What I Thought About "Eda's Requiem" from The Owl House

Salutations, random people on the internet who certainly won’t read this! I am an Ordinary Schmuck. I write stories and reviews and draw comics and cartoons.

...

...

...HOW IS SEASON TWO SO GOOD?! WE'VE HAD SEVEN EPISODES SO FAR, AND EACH ONE OF THEM WAS A HIT!

Take "Eda's Requiem," for example. It's yet another episode where I have NOTHING bad to say about it! That's two weeks in a row where that happened! HOW DOES THIS HAPPEN?!

HOW!

HOW!

...But anyways, "Eda's Requiem." It's another fantastic episode, and I'm about to dive into explaining how and why. Just keep in mind, it's gonna require spoilers to do so, so be wary of that as you keep reading.

Now, let's review, shall we?

WHAT I LIKED

Eda’s Checklist and Grom Photo: Within the first second, "Eda's Requiem" perfectly sets up Eda's central conflict in the episode. Despite spending years being on her own and looking after herself, she now has two kids that she's constantly caring over. Eda can try all she wants to say that she doesn't care, and I bet she has in the past. But given the hard work she's putting into getting King and Luz what they need and having a grom photo of the three of them together pinned in her mirror, it's pretty clear that those two knuckleheads wormed their way into her heart and are never getting out.

Eda’s Worried About King and Luz Leaving: And thus, that's precisely why something like this bothers her so much. Eda inadvertently adopted two rambunctious rapscallions (Yeah, I know. I'll get to it), so the idea of them not being around her anymore is going to be terrifying. That is a situation most parents, especially mothers, can identify with. It’s called empty nest syndrome and it proves just how much Eda loves Luz and King that she can't stand the thought of her babies leaving the nest. It's yet another well-made, wholesome, found-family moment that this series continues to excel at each week, making me extra excited for more like it to come...while also readying myself for heartbreak when one of them eventually does leave Eda.

Eda and Raine’s Music: Ok, I don't know the exact instruments that were played during this episode, but I also don't care because it was all (for lack of a better term) music to my ears. Every time Eda and Raine played resulted in melodies that are so beautiful and filled with so much emotion and feeling that I'm honestly tempted to listen to them again, multiple times, on repeat. Shows rarely do that for me, as background music doesn't always draw me in as much as lyrical songs do. Usually, it takes something so extraordinarily composed to give me the desire to listen again, and that's the case here. So huge congrats to Brad Breek for doing so. Seriously, the man's been killing it this season.

Eda’s Bard Magic Causing Things to Turn to Ash: This was assuredly a surprise side-effect of the curse. The fact that Eda can sort of do magic at all was its own shock. To then reveal that a specific type can do dangerous things to people and environments is...Well, it definitely brings up its own fair share of questions. Like, how can she do this? Will she do it again, one day? And are there other types of spells that can be negatively affected by Eda's curse? We don't get answers for any of these questions, and odds are, we never will. But that's alright with me. Because if a show makes me consider these many possibilities after a brief amount of time, it is a show that has to be doing something right. Even if I don't get the answers I want, the fact that it caused such a reaction makes me less willing to care.

Raine Whispers: Hey, would you look at that. Another fun, interesting, and compelling character added to the list of this shows' other fun, interesting, and compelling characters...how is this series so good at this!?

Joking aside, Raine's pretty good. I like Raine. They could have been this super serious leader who lost all their fun after years apart from Eda, but I'm glad that they're not. There are moments when Raine takes their job as leader of the BATs seriously, as one would, but I still prefer the fact that they kept a jovial nature despite how grim their situation is. It's an admirable trait to have, and it avoids the trope of making leader characters boring just because they're the ones who have to take things seriously.

Oh, and also, Raine's Disney's first non-binary character who has a stake in the plot. This is a tremendous deal, as you don't usually see that many non-binary characters in children's animation, let alone ones that hold importance to the story. So it's pretty cool for the writers to feature Raine, as it helps several kids feel as though they're finally seen and respected. And the fact that Disney of all companies gave the thumbs up is even more impressive. I hear people say that Dana Terrace should have pitched The Owl House to more progressive networks to avoid pushback, and while I absolutely see your point, I'll have to respectfully disagree. Disney is the largest entertainment industry of all time, so if you want to make LGBTQA+ representation normalized, you gotta stop making splashes and start making waves. Because if the same company that made three racist cats in the span of a few years manages to say that being gay is a-ok, then you know there's something wrong with you. Yes, Disney ended up screwing over the show anyway. But for that one moment, when kids felt pride after seeing a character like Raine, then, in the end, it's kind of worth it.

Also, if you're still having issues with more representation like this popping up in kids' shows, then allow me to redirect you to the complaint department.

...I made that post earlier today for this bit. YOU HAVE BETTER APPRECIATED IT!

Day of Unity is meant to be a Secret: At least, that's what I got when Raine stumbled over their own words. So if it's true, then I wonder why? Why does Belos want to keep the most critical change in the Boiling Isles a secret? Does he want to make it a surprise for his grateful subjects, or does he not want to spread worry and fear amongst the wild witches? It has to be something big if he doesn't want his followers to even say the words "Day of Unity." Whatever reason he has, we most likely won't know until the future. A future that I grow more and more afraid of each week.

Hooty Eating Echo Mouse: My heart sank in that brief moment when I thought that Hooty intensely screwed Luz over in getting back home. But looking back...it is pretty funny.

Just the suddenness of Hooty eating the poor creature that Luz desperately tried to earn its trust is priceless in how shocking it was. And also, Luz's expression.

That was the look of a young girl who immediately shoved her hand down an owl demon's throat the second the scene cut away. The Owl House may not always be a hit in the comedy department, but scenes like this prove that when it's funny, it is hilarious.

Luz and King Entering the Grand Prix: Not much to discuss here. It's just a cute subplot that adds frivolity to the intensity of what's going on through Eda and Raine's story. But I will say that I love how both stories occasionally interconnect with each other through the many moments of Eda being worried about King wanting to leave to find his father and avoiding any conversation about it. It helps both plotlines feel like they belong together, without being something like "Through the Looking Glass Ruins," whereas both stories could have been in their own episode. Which is neat.

How Bard Magic Works: I really love how this season is diving into how the other magic types work. More specifically, the ones that seem a little vague. I mean, stuff like healing, potions, and plants are easy to figure out, but what does it mean when a witch's talents are construction, beast keeping, and bard magic? We've been getting a lot of clearing up lately, with bard magic looking like a witch can control their environments and enemies through the power of music. Which is fair. Music is pretty powerful in the metaphorical sense, and I actually love that it's powerful in the literal sense when in the Boiling Isles.

The BATs: Not much to comment on these three either. The BATs have the potential to have an entertaining dynamic, but they do very little in this episode that I can't say much other than I hope they make a return in the future. But I will make this claim: Amber is my favorite. I'm sorry, but her screaming "You're not our mom!" to then go, "Bye, mommy Eda" is just too precious for me not to love.

I'm a simple man who falls for cute s**t. Leave me alone.

Raeda (RainexEda): Well, EdaxCamila, you were a fun crack ship while it lasted, but I'm afraid that this is now goodbye. The current canon has provided an incredibly adorable and believable relationship that I would be a monster not to support with my whole bi-heart. It's been real.

Ok, back in serious mode: I love these two together. Eda and Raine are grown-ups, and they still act all flustered near each other as if they were still Luz and Amity's age. It's definitive proof that you're never too old to get flustered near a crush, and seeing them interact adds a sense of wholesomeness when seeing them together as well as heartbreak when they're forced apart. Plus, we get confirmation that Eda's LGBTQA+! Whether she's bi, pan, or whatever, now that we know Eda can catch feelings for someone like Raine, it's yet another case that The Owl House is the most important series to the community. Because having the main character be queer is fantastic in its own right. But having the same apply to the motherly mentor figure? That's is an extra bit of normalization that anybody would be willing to appreciate.

Unique Guard Designs: Not many fans are going to appreciate this, primarily compared to everything else this episode does perfectly. For me, I actually like that you see a few Coven Guards looking differently from the others, as it helps make them less like clones and makes it seem like anybody of any body type could be a part of the coven.

Gus Looking Uninterested when Presenting Grand Prix with his Dad: I am positive that you didn't notice this (I didn't even notice it until someone else pointed it out), but there's something to dissect here. It hints that perhaps Gus isn't as interested in his father's field of work as one might think. If he did, he would look a lot less bored and much more excited to be helping Perry Porter present the race. It could just be the race itself, but judging from Gus' expression, it really seems like the kid would prefer to be anywhere but there. And why would he have that reaction to a race that his best friend is competing in? To me, this seems like an inkling of what Gus' relationship with Perry could be, which may not actually get time to shine, what with how little wiggle room the series has now (Thanks Disney). Regardless, it is interesting to notice, and it will certainly have fans thinking for a while.

Bump Being Smug of Luz Being in the Lead: That's it. Principal Bump looking smug as his human student is beating the students of his rivals is yet another moment that proves why Bump is easily the best cartoon principal.

Darius: First of all, this guy is f**king fabulous, and I love him. *Snaps*

Second, he is definitive proof that you do NOT want to f**k around with Coven Leaders. Lilith may have had her intimidating moments, but none of them compare to the guy who can turn himself into an abomination monster where only magic that hasn't existed before can take him down. It's genuinely scary to see Darius lose control, and I fear for the day when Luz inevitably ends up in his crosshairs.

With that said, Darius' still a ton of fun! He may be threatening, but he's just a flamboyant guy that hates the idea of getting his outfit the tiniest bit dirty. And I love that. I love that these Coven Heads have actual personalities instead of being generically evil. I consider it preferable to make villains entertaining rather than blatantly scary as I'll remember the personalities first and the villainous acts last.

Eberwolf: But this one's my favorite. I told you: I'm a simple man who gets easily swayed by cute s**t. And Eber? I mean, just look at her:

She's just a cute widdle rascal! I just want to pinch her cheeks, give her a belly rub, and--

...Eberwolf is not a cute widdle rascal. She is a strong, independent woman, and I will respect her as such from this moment forward...lest I feel her wrath.

That is all. Let's move on.

Eda and Raine Attempting a Final Performance: This was the best scene of the episode. It looked gorgeous, it shows the dedication Eda and Raine have for stopping Belos, and it says so much through so little. Go back and look at how Eda and Raine regard one another when performing Eda's requiem. Through their expressions and a few short words, you know they understand that if they complete the song/spell, they probably won't make it in the end. And yet, they don't care. They both know bad stuff will happen if Belos wins, so Eda and Raine put everything to the side, both their feelings for one another and the people they leave behind if it means putting an end to a tyrant. That level of dedication...Words can't fully describe how powerful that is.

Raine Sacrificing Themselves Instead: But in the end, Raine can't do it. Not when they know the life that Eda has and the people she'll be leaving behind. It's an extra bit of nobleness to the character seeing that Raine refuses to take away a woman from two kids who need her the most. A tad bit selfish, sure, knowing what Belos has planned. But when it comes to love, the romantic, familial, or platonic, the best decisions aren't always the logical ones.

Eda Crying: Luz crying tears me up, but seeing Eda cry is a whole different level of heartbreak. Like Lilith, Eda has her emotions locked up tight, with the closest she came to weeping were those two tears in "Young Blood, Old Souls." In "Eda's Requiem," she cries but almost quickly stops herself. As if she knows that doing so isn't going to save Raine. That is...even worse than seeing Luz break down after losing Eda. The fact that Eda refuses to give herself time to mourn losing someone she loved is tragic because crying is the most natural way of showing grief. Turning that off isn't healthy, and seeing her do it with little resistance is sad to me. It's sad to see a character I love can easily shut off all emotions despite how badly she may want to embrace them. It's one of those moments that, again, by doing so little, it shows so much.

“No one watches Crystal Balls anymore. It’s all about streaming.”: Oof. Even I felt that burn towards cable.

King’s Message: King's message was the pick-me-up I needed after the heart-wrenching sadness this episode put me through a few minutes ago. Seeing King say who he is and listing all the things he loves is nothing short of adorable. On top of that, I adore that Eda willingly recorded the whole thing. She may not want King to leave, but that doesn't mean she'll sabotage the one thing he wants. Especially not after Raine gave up everything so Eda could be with her kids. The opening scene may prove how much Eda cares about a rascal like King, but this heartwarmingly sweet moment reveals just how far she'll go to make him happy.

King’s Dad Reveal: ...ok, I'll be honest, I did not think we'd get that reveal this soon. Dumb of me to say, considering the number of times I've said that these writers don't waste time getting to the s**t, I know. But still, it's pretty cool knowing that King's dad is alive and well, added with the fact that we've got a fair idea of what he looks like. At this point, it's only a matter of time before we see him figure out where the Clawthorne residence is and witness the tear-jerking moments that will follow.

King Changing his Name to King Clawthorne: Not the official adoption I was expecting Eda to make...but DANG IT, is it still diabetes-inducing levels of sweetness!

Personally, I feel like the main reason why Eda breaks down this time is not only because she shouldn't be worried about King leaving her life, but also because Raine's sacrifice wasn't in vain. Her kids really do need Eda because no matter how far apart they'll be, she will always be a part of their life...dang it, I'm going to cry too!

What those Coven patches really do: Well...that was horrifying to see.

...Writers, if you kill off the best non-binary character in animation (it's a short list, I know), we are going to have PROBLEMS!

IN CONCLUSION

"Eda's Requiem" is--surprise surprise--another A+. The emotions hit hard, the representation hits harder, Raine is a fantastic addition to the cast, and it was all surprisingly cute at times. Season Two is currently on a hot streak, constantly winning with every episode that's come out so far. When a bad episode does eventually show up (IT'S GONNA HAPPEN!), I'll be sure to sing my requiem then. For now, I'm just gonna enjoy the ride.

[laurenairay]

Sweater Weather - M. Rielly

Summary: Morgan didn’t warn you about his new favourite Christmas sweater…

Word Count: 1.4k

Warnings: established relationship fluff, trash-talking ugly sweaters, a little anxiety from Mo

A/N: fully in my winter holiday feelings! ☃️ This one is for @broadstbroskis – I haven’t written for Mo before so I hope you like this Sarah!

*

“Mm, I almost forgot,”

“Forgot what?” you asked breathily.

Morgan didn’t answer, just continued to kiss your neck, arms wrapped around you from behind, making you shiver. It was only when he sucked hard at the spot where your neck met your shoulder, making you moan softly, that you broke out of your lusty thoughts and spun around in his arms to face him.

“Stop distracting me!” you giggled, batting at his chest, “what did you almost forget?”

“JT’s having his Christmas party on Saturday, and you’re invited,” Morgan said.

“Saturday? As in, two days from now Saturday? Really?” you sighed fondly.

It’s not like you had plans, but come on, a little more notice would’ve been nice! Morgan just smiled sheepishly. “Sorry?”

How could you be mad at that face?

“I’m sure it’ll be fun, count me in,” you nodded.

Morgan punched his fist in the air in celebration, making you giggle.

“Oh, the theme is Christmas sweaters – there’s even going to be some kind of competition!” Morgan grinned, “I found my new favourite sweater in a store the other day, so I can’t wait to wear it!”

Eurgh, oh god. Christmas sweaters. If there was one thing you hated about the winter holiday time, it was the insistence on everyone around you of wearing gaudy tacky sweaters that were (most of the time) itchy and uncomfortable. You’d gotten away with not wearing one for years, your family not really that fond of them either, but your work colleagues had done so with vigour since you started working there a few years ago – and you should’ve known that Morgan, sweet Christmas-loving Morgan, would wear them too.

He saw the grimace on your face and winced, before his eyes went wide and pleading. Oh god not the puppy dog eyes.

“I know you’re not a fan of them, but will you wear one for me?” he asked hopefully.

Damn it. How could you say no to that face?

“I’ll ask one of the girls at work if they can bring one in for me tomorrow,” you sighed.

The grin that lit up Morgan’s face showed you that your agreement, however reluctant, would be worth it.

*

Fortunately (or unfortunately) your colleague had been more than willing to lend you a Christmas sweater yesterday, so come Saturday evening you were dressed up in cute sparkling leggings and a black strap top, staring down at the sweater while you waited for Morgan to pick you up from your apartment. It wasn’t completely awful, thankfully – just a very dark blue with snowflakes stitched all over it, with silver glitter thread running through to make it shimmer. Definitely could’ve been worse.

When you heard him knock on your front door, you sighed and pulled it over your head, ruffling your freshly curled hair before letting him in.

“Oh wow, that’s such a cute sweater!” Morgan grinned.

You rolled your eyes fondly, but pressed a gentle kiss to his lips in greeting. “It’s not itchy or overly warm, so...”

“Thank you,” he murmured, wrapping his arms tightly around you in a hug.

Your smile softened, and you couldn’t help but sink into his body as you hugged him back. Anything for him. Luckily it didn’t take long for the two of you to get to JT and Aryne’s house, and you were greeted with big hugs and a kiss on the cheek.

“Thanks for coming guys!” JT said cheerfully.

“Thanks for the invite!” you grinned back.

Aryne sent you a pout, making you giggle as you unbuttoned your coat. Her face lit back up through at your christmas winter sweater…and then Morgan took off his coat too. Oh good god. The sweater…the sweater was the most garish thing you’d ever seen. Holy shit. Bright red with dancing cartoon reindeer all over it, with snowmen and even Santa on the shoulder. Not to mention the actual bells stitched on. Morgan grinned as John cheered (how much eggnog had he had?!) and bounced on his feet, making the bells jingle.

“Oh, and it lights up!” Morgan added.

He reached to the side of his sweater, flicking a switch – and yep, dozens of tiny little lights

“What do you think?” Morgan asked you.

You froze slightly, making his smile dim a little. Damn it.

“I like the lights! Very festive,” you said quickly, running your thumb over a cluster of them on his shoulder.

“The reindeer are really sweet, Mo,” Aryne added.

Thank fuck for Aryne.

Morgan seemed to relax slightly, making you feel a bit better. Well, as good as you could – why hadn’t he warned you about the sweater? No, no judgement. Morgan clearly loved it and you weren’t going to ruin that. Not for him.

But when the four of you walked into the main ‘party room’, everyone saw Morgan’s sweater and fell silent.

“Jesus Mo, it’s like Christmas threw up on you,” Auston snickered.

You felt Morgan tense next to you as people laughed, squeezing your hand just a little tighter. Oh shit.

“And I thought Willy’s sweater was bad,” Mitch giggled.

Bad. Oh no.

“It’s festive!” JT said, clapping Morgan on the shoulder.

Thank fuck for JT.

“It’s a headache,” Auston retorted, nudging Mitch.

That earned more laughter from other people in the room. You glanced up at Morgan, and winced at how forced his smile now was. Shit.

“Shall we get a drink, babe?” you asked, trying to break the tension.

“Yeah, I could do with a couple,” he nodded.

You frowned at his teammates as you walked into the kitchen with him, but only Zach noticed, and he winced, sending you an apologetic smile. You just hoped the teasing would stop there, for Morgan’s sake if nothing else.

*

It didn’t stop. The teasing didn’t stop at all, and you watched sadly as Morgan got more and more deflated over the hours you were there. It even got to the point where he switched off the lights, which only made things worse. The smile didn’t drop from his face though, not once, even when he was awarded ‘Most Garish Sweater’ at the end of the night, Aryne murmuring her apologies to you.

You just hoped that you could do some damage control when the two of you got back to Morgan’s house.

“Is it really that bad?” Morgan asked, as soon as the front door closed.

The way his voice went quiet and a little sad made you die a little inside. Oh God. This was genuinely upsetting him. Shit.

“I mean…it’s a bit intense,” you winced, making Morgan wince too, “But, that’s the spirit of this, right? It’s incredibly festive!”

“Festive, right,” Morgan sighed.

Shit.

“Hey, look at me,”

You waited until your boyfriend looked at you with those beautiful blue eyes.

“You like this sweater. That’s all the matters. It made you happy when you put it on so screw everyone else. And me, for making you feel like this,” you said firmly.

“I’m not mad at you, no!” Morgan said, shaking his head.

But you pressed your lips together in a tight smile and shook your head right back.

“I stayed silent at what they said – that makes me just as bad as them – so I’m sorry,” you insisted, “just because I don’t love all the Christmas traditions that you do, doesn’t mean I should’ve let them make fun of any of it. Especially not something like this,”

Morgan sighed softly, before smiling. “I’m not going to win this, am I?” he mused.

“Nope,” you grinned back.

He didn’t deserve to feel this bad over something that made him happy. No way. You were just glad he was giving you the chance to redeem yourself. Morgan just laughed, leaning his head down to kiss you gently, before resting his forehead against yours. “You know, there is one way you can make it up to me…”

“Yeah?” you mused.

“The store has a matching one in the ‘women’s section’ – wear it with me at my family Christmas?” Morgan suggested.

Oh god. Oh that was just unfair! The sparkle in Morgan’s eye showed you just how much he was enjoying this – but for him (and his family) you knew you would do it. Damn it.

“Fine. I will wear this sweater with you,” you groaned, burying your face in his neck.

It would be worth it, to make him smile, you knew that much.

“I love you too,” Morgan grinned.

You just laughed, making him laugh as well. Loving him was just too easy.

“You know what I would love too?” you asked innocently, raising your head to look at him.

“What?” Morgan mused.

“Seeing that sweater on your bedroom floor,” you smirked.

Morgan’s eyes flashed dark, making you shiver in anticipation. Oh happy holidays to you.

[kanene-yaaay]

Tap. Tap. Tap. Tap.

Kanene’s note: Okay, I’m- aaaaa

I’m very proud of this one because it’s a little different of what I use to write and it was cool to try a new something. I didn’t even wrote the laughter because I was writing this next to my family and I didn’t wanted any of them asking why my characters were laughing so much xDD.

Warnings, fun facts, random things and stuff:

* Switch!Émile and Switch!Remy (It is def romantic. They are married and very gay and there is a lot of kisses in it-)

* Hmmm… This is a Tickle-Fanfic! If you don’t like this kind of stuff, please look for another blog, there are plenty of amazing art in this site!! ‘u’).

* Something around 2700 words. -w-)b.

* Sorry for any spelling, pontuation and grammar mistakes! I didn’t proofread that one very well, so I will probably be correcting a few things later. Any advice is always very, very welcome!

* Just two silly and very mean boyos being two silly, teasy and ticklish boyos. xDD

* A versão em português brasileiro irá ser escrita, ainda! Thankys for reading, my lollipops! Watch a fun video, take a good rest, talk with the one that you love and drink water! Byeioo!~

                                [~*~]

- Émile ~

 He didn’t know from where this came from. In a second they were on the couch, smiling and watching Steven Universe, and in the other a cold shiver ran across his body, making him turn to his husband, just in the exact moment to see he taking off his sunglasses, locking his glare on him with those sweet, dangerously warm eyes and grin. Just like that. It took a heartbeat before Émile realized what was about to happen, a wobbly smile beginning to control his features as he felt himself almost paralyzed, Remy starting to tap his fingers on the lenses of his own glasses, his malefic smirk never fading.

 Tap. Tap. Tap. Tap. Tap. Tap.

 They stared each other, Émile’s gaze finally changing to his fingers, another round of goose bumps spreading across his spine, the adrenaline taking over his veins and giving him the enough strength to dash in full speed through the hall.

 Tap. Tap. Tap. Tap. Tap. Tap.

Which leaded the poor, almost giggling, adult to his current state: hiding behind his room’s door and wishing with all his will power that this plan would really worked as well as it had when he watched in the cartoons.

 (He tried to ignore the voice in his mind reminding him how all that chases usually ended up in the end, the thought only being enough to heat his face.)

 - Émile ~ - It was in days like this that one wearing glasses could swear that Remy was a witch. Because there wasn’t any other realistic, rational and plausible explanation about how much the giggles trapped in his throat got louder, bouncier and even more difficult to control just with the slight sound of his voice, obligating their owner to press his hand further around his mouth, lightly biting the tip of his tongue. – You had better hide well, because you know what is gonna to happen when I find you, don’t you?

 Émile shook his head, his back forcing itself on the cold wall.

 Tap. Tap. Tap. Tap. Tap. Tap.

 - Oh, gurl, maybe you don’t even remember anymore… Now, we can’t fusion like this, can we? Let’s me remind you, then. ~ - The chased hold a pouty whine when heard these words, already feeling the beginning of a blush spread in his neck. Remy knew very well how teases could be as unbearable and unnerving as the tic… I mean, The Thing. – First, I will carry you aaaaall the way back to the couch and maybe my fingers will slip in tweaks and squeezes all over your hips, who really knows, ya know? But you better don’t squirm that much, because then I will have no escape but be obligated to bring my other hand to better hold you and just hope that this one is not more slippy then the first, right?

 Tap. Tap. Tap. Tap. Tap. Tap.

 - And then: The couch. Nothing different will happen there, really. I will just lay down with my extremely ticklish, helpless husband to take a nap, and, if my glorious lips will be random blessing your incredibly sensitive neck with a lot of Goodnight Kisses and my hands will keep lightly scratching, squeezing and poking all the length of your sides, sometimes even giving a little attention to your hips, because no way in hell I will be sleeping in a hard pillow, it’s none of your business, giggly boi. – Émile couldn’t help nor stop the pitched squeal that escaped from his mouth, eyes widening and breathing immediately stopping, the others giggles also begging to escape. - Oh, and, by the way, better keep your mouth very shushed while this. We don’t want the Tickler Master waking up, am I right?

 Silence.

 Remy’s nonchalant tune still full filling the air, which didn’t carried the sound of his steps anymore. The cartoon lover knew there was no way for him to save himself and, in a surrender act, just let his high, excited giggles run happily across the room hiding his face in flames behind his tremble hands. Seconds later, he heard the sound of his door being closed and his hide spot exposed.

 - But we both know that you just can’t contain yourself, my so poor, so defenseless lee. – Émile playfully screamed as he was lifted up in the air, quickly being carried in bridal style. He opened his eyes enough to see Remy in a bat of eyes deviating his glare from his form, the tender smile taking pieces of seconds before changing to an evil grin, fingers suddenly tweaking his kneecaps and hips, leading the carried to jump, a squeal signaling the flow of giggles that followed it.

 - Please, Remy, please!! – Each new squeeze was a snort interrupting his words, making him try to start again only to get the same result and repeat the cycle all over, resulting in a more helpless babbling than anything else. The said stopped, adjusting his hold in order to sneak his thumb in that damn spot right between his shoulder blades, switching between kneading and prodding while leading to an even more no-understandable sentence. - No there, no there, no there!!! Pleasepleaseplease-

 - Huh? Whatcha you are trying to say, hun? That I’m the most handsome husband in the entire world? That you are so sensitive that only a few squeezing and prodding are enough to transform you in a blushy, laughing mess? – The one being held felt his laughter increasing, the words spreading tingles in all his others ticklish spots, even the ones which weren’t being attacked. He shakes head, denying. – Is that you love all these teases and specially when I tickle tickle tickle you? Huh? Use your words, babe.

  – Nonononono! – Émile arched his back just to find another attack to his hips, bucking the said as Remy buzzed his fingers in the exact point where his sides and hips connected, and generating loud crackling as response. – You a- nah! You are mean mean mean!! – His arms danced to a place to another, too much occupied with the crazy sensation to really focus in stopping it, Remy increasing his efforts in order to make the snorts start to bloom amongst his laughter and squeals, no needing too much to succeed. – Remy!!!

 - Yes, gurl? Geez, you should love my name. It seems like you can’t even spent a whole real minute without saying it! – His tune was still nonchalant. However, he leaned down for a heartbeat in order to steal a peck from his beauty, giggly and cute as fuck, husband, who obtained a new shade of red creeping down his neck. Nooooice. – Anyway, what did you wanna tell me? Be quick, I still having a lot of places to knead, scratch, scribble, wriggle�� This whole ‘Tickle your extremely ticklish husband, like, really, reeeeeally ticklish, like seriously, this guy is a whole tickle spot himself, a alive version of Tickle Me Elmo, and, when he became a helpless mess just tease him more and more until the big, rational, Émile Picani turns in just a poor, so poor, blushy lee.

 - REMY!!

 - What? Can’t handle the truth? Boo-hoo, then.

 Émile didn’t answered, unless you considered his fast, absolutely incoherent, stumbling words a kind of response, choosing to clench is hands in his shirt and hide his face in flames, instead. His laughing being so strong that reverberate through the attacker’s chest, who couldn’t stop feel like a villain as he stared with a gigantic grin adorning his lips the ribs that such act let defenseless. Well, he internally shrugged as he took a deep breathe, suit himself. His arms were growing tired anyway.

 Émile thought he was going to melt in any moment, the teases still heating his sensitive skin and increasing the tickles in a way that should be definitely illegal, but in the moment he felt the raspberry, spreading, taking over his nerves and T I C K L I N G he died.

 And screamed, for sure. Oh, and also gripped something while kicked and trashed as if Mabble’s life was depending on it (not his own life, of course, since he was already dead). Some part of his desperate brain noticed he was falling, but the laughter exploding from his mouth and the impossible to ignore feeling quickly expelled any other thing.

 He opened his eyes, breathless as his watery vision focused in the form mostly layed onto him, their giggles flying and filling the entire room. After some heartbeats, Remy finally got up, his hands resting on the floor and sustained the weight of his body. Their eyes met.

 - I’ve forgot how much of a kicker you are. – Émile just curled up a little more, pulling his tongue out in a very mature and hard to win, statement

 - ‘s not my fault your arms are weaken than Deadly Arms’ ones.

 - Excuse you?

 - Nuh.

 - I beg your heck pardon?

 - No, you let me fall for you. Twice. In love and on the floor. I’m ignoring you until the end of ours married days.

 - Oh, is that so? – Remy replied, adjusting his position so his hands would lay each one in the sides of his husband’s head, who immediately recognized the smile beginning to shine and exploded one more time in a flow of giggles, his arms in front of his body, attempting to conjure a kind of shield.

 - Wait wait waitwaitwait!! Nonono! – A yelp cut his sentence when a hand tweaked his thigh. - I’m sorry, I’m sorry!

 - Yep, gurl, you will b- And his threat was interrupted when Émile pushed his shirt and connected their lips, stealing his words, breath and any and every coherent thought from his head, his giggles still floating from his mouth, which leaded, if that was even possible, to the coffee lover melt further, allowing himself to be carried away by the tenderness and love, sighing and deepening the kiss.

 …Until that dirty, evil, nasty cheater digs his fucker fingers in his damn stomach, which ruined the romantic moment and absolutely did NOT made Remy Tough Picani release a half shriek half snort that DIDN’T resulted in the only one wearing glasses coos softly, excuse you.

 - Awww. – Émile gave him an innocent smile, quick turning the tables and sitting on Remy’s legs, his fingers swinging in a dance that consisted in craving his thumbs right above his waistline and vibrating his others fingers in his torso, the maddening sensations culminating to free, belly laughter escape from the ‘victim’s’ mouth. Eyes tightly closed, wrinkled nose. – What is the matter, my dear? The cool, bad boy Remy can’t take some ti-tickly tickle tickling in his tummy-yummy-yummy? Huh? Huh? Can’t he? Because he is super hype dyper sensitive, aren’t you? Yes, you are! You are!

 - OH MY GOD, SHUT UP!! – Remy could feel his face, against his own will power and threats, melt in flames. His laughter being replaced by hysterical giggling as his husband changed his technique to spidering, slowly walking his fingers up before quickly drag his nails in random patterns the way down, going up and down one time more and after that a couple more of times, always managing to catch four or five snorts. – THIS IS SO DUMB, FUCK.

 - Now, now, Mister Ticklish Master. Let’s not be a Squidward to the Tickle Monster, alright? He just wanna to hear aaaaaaall that adorably, lovely, helpless giggles of yours!! – Émile lowered down and touched their noses, his smile increasing as he felt the other’s laugh hitting his cheeks, his tune now in flying in joyful whispers. – And what a cute laughter you have! Definitely the most lovely, sweet and favorite lee of the Tickle Monster!

 - ‘m not- ‘m not cuteyourbi-nOPLEASENOTTHERE- His words stumbled in each other, specially when his shirt was lifted and a finger began to squirm and scratches his bellybutton, his legs now kicking while his hands tried to get enough strength to stop the marvelous move. However, exemplary falling as the attacker focused some quick prodding in the exposed axillaries, receiving what was suppose to be an angry snort. Émile couldn’t help but coo one more time. – I’M. NOT. – He couldn’t help the squealing cutting his sentence. - CUTE. FUCK OFF!

 Émile made a soft sound of sadness, pouting even if his husband was still with his eyes tightly closed, unable to see it.

 - Now, it’s a pity that you don’t believe in the words of your own husband. – He switched to lightly scribbles and pokes at his sides and lower ribs, making sure to rub circles in each one of them while also gave his ‘victim’ some room to breathe and understand his words.

 - Well… maybe, maybe he would… – Remy tried, really tried to frown and looks angry, but that was really hard with the giggles still interrupting his words. His body melting in the gentle, good touch. Totally against his will, for sure. - ... if his husband wasn’t being a jerk and tickling him.

 He stared directly at Émile, therefore he didn’t lose the slightest which red freckled his cheeks, smirking, wobbly that is true, but also proudly in being the only between both who managed to say ‘tickle’ without shuttering. Sadly, though, he also didn’t lose the way his eyes and smile widened, showing that the other had an idea.

 Butterflies started to panic in his stomach, especially when Émile’s gaze focused there with a ratter crazy gleam, his next phrase coming out as a soft, dangerous purring.

 - You know… all of this made the Tickle Monster a bit hungry… and he heard that some lil lil lee has a very yummy yummy tummy right here. – His hands squeezed his belly, as if to prove his point. Remy jumped, the adrenaline running all speed across his body as the words starting to weight in his brain.

 - Wait, WAIT! Émile!!! – The one being called slowly moved towards his target, ignoring the squirm and pleas from his husband, who grew more and more desperate as his attacker innocently smiled and looked at him, his head gradually lowering to his most ticklish spot. – Émile, Émile, please, I’m actually begging you. I’m begging you!! I’m cute, see? I said it!!! Émile!!!!

 - I’m listening. ~

 - No, you’re not! – His euphoric, hysteric giggles already began to take over his sentences. – No! Fuck!!

 - No? – Émile’s lips already were resting on his belly, the word sending shivers across his nerves, which was not helped by the fact that the other absently shook his head, demonstrating his saying.

 - No! No!

 - A no to ‘no’? So that is a yes?

 - nO.

 - No? But what about the ‘yes’?

 - Stop it! Oh my gosh, I’m gonna to get a bitching divorce!! It’s a no to your yes!

 - Got it! It’s a ‘no’, then?

 - Yes!

 - A yes? Okay!

 Before any other protest could fly from his mouth, a shriek did it first. And again. And again. And one more time, almost as fast as the nuzzled raspberries buzzing and the nibbles, together with the ‘nhom nhom nhom’s’ sounds, spread and madly tickled in a total oblivion to his kicks, pushes and loud, thunderous laughter painting the air.

 It didn’t took too much before the cartoon lover stopped, already aware of the other’s limits, and touched their foreheads again, Remy’s breathing and reminiscent giggles being the only thing breaking the silence which involved them in a calm, cozy, warm feeling.

 - You don’t look at me like that, your traitor. – His tune was free of any harm, his bright gaze and blushed cheeks locking his attention. Émile couldn’t help himself but kiss the pout out of his face. – And don’t you dare to kiss me. – Quick kiss. - I don’t trust in your sweet lips anymore. – Soft kiss. – They are a hell of a trap. – Giggly kiss.

 - I love you.

 Their eyes met, one more time, and Remy finally gave up, swimming in that deep, caring moment. Their hands intertwined themselves.

 - I love you, too. – He lightly poked Émile’s ribs, winning a yelp before receiving the same treatment. – But only sometimes.

 - Uh huh.

 - What? It’s the truth!

 - Sure it is, dear.

 Tap. Tap. Tap. Tap. Tap. Tap.

 Their heart did, beating in unison.

[abitnotgoodiebag]

Ties that bind

Title: Ties that bind

Square filled: G1 - Wearing each other’s clothes

Warnings: language, light violence

Word count: 6,185

Summary: Sam keeps finding Bucky’s hair ties where they Should Not Be

Link to AO3

Ties that bind

1.

Sam wanted nothing more than to clean himself in solitude and sing loud (and terribly off-key) Motown hits.  It was a rare moment that Sam was able to luxuriate in the shower without having to worry about rationing the hot water.  Two grown men in one house shouldn’t use as much hot water as they do, but Bucky did not understand the concept of a short shower and had a tendency to make their water heater work overtime.

Sam didn’t have the heart to curtail Bucky’s extended showers, as he seemed to be so content afterwards, so when he had the chance to have his own quality time, he made sure to take it.  Bucky hadn’t come back the previous night, no doubt off on some strange SHIELD side quest so Sam had the whole house to himself.

Sam was determined to treat himself, so not only did he bring his bluetooth speaker with him into the shower, but he also dabbed some of his homemade beard mask onto his beard and after a bit of thought, added some to his face as well before he began to tinker with the water temperature.  As Sam waited the requisite 3 minutes, he grabbed a fresh washcloth from their linen closet and decided he was in a Toni Braxton mood.

He got in the shower, already crooning ‘You’re Making Me High.’  The steam from the scalding water filled the room, opening Sam’s pores and clearing his sinuses.  He washed the mask from his face and beard, settling for humming as he removed all traces of residue.  

“ And in my mind I feel, I think I might be obsessed.  The very thought of you makes me want to get undressed .”  Sam’s thoughts drifted towards his housemate as he sang, thinking of Bucky’s tendency to wear as few clothes as possible while in the house.  Sam’s got eyes and Bucky was built like a brick house especially to distract Sam Wilson from everything.

Sam had embraced the steam for long enough as the initial notes to ‘Un-Break My Heart’ trailed lazily through the bathroom.  He made to grab for the exfoliating gloves he kept on a hook suctioned to the tile of their small-ish shower stall and was baffled when only one came away in his hand.  He pulled at the second glove, frowning as he saw that it was attached to the hook with something small and dark. Closer inspection showed Sam that it was a hair tie. Sam did not sport enough hair to utilize hair ties and Figaro damn sure didn’t use them, seeing as he had no thumbs and didn’t take showers.  This left only one suspect.

“BARNES!”  Sam’s deeply annoyed shout completely erased the light mood of his shower and once he untangled the glove from it’s hair-tie captivity he quickly gave himself a good scrubbing, muttering angrily to himself about needing separate bathrooms and pondered (not for the first time) looking for a bigger place.

He finished his shower, dressed himself quickly and was making his way back to his room when he crashed into the (shirtless, as usual) glove-bander himself.  “What the fuck, Barnes?” Sam asked, irritated.

Bucky looked back in confusion.  “You ran into me, Tweety.”

“I mean why the fuck would you tie my glove to the hook?!”  Sam knew he probably looked a bit nuts. “Is a man’s bath glove not sacred?  What do we have in this world if not the sanctity of our toiletries?”

Bucky looked alarmed until Sam’s words sunk in and he began to snicker.  “I kept knocking them over, and I didn’t want them to get all over the floor so I secured them so I wouldn’t keep jostling them.”  Bucky looked down at Sam through his lashes in the most infuriating way. “I’m sorry, Sammy.”  

Sam stood there in the hallway and felt his irritation slip away despite his best efforts to hold onto it.  Bucky batted his eyes some more and Sam knew he was done for. “It’s all good, Barnes.” Sam sighed.

Bucky’s grin faded a bit at Sam’s resigned tone.  “I’m serious, Sam. I thought it’d be helpful.”

Figaro chose that very moment to wind himself between their legs meowing for his breakfast.

“Figs says ‘fur-give me, Pops, you know Bucky was trying to be a good guy.’”  Bucky said, imitating a cartoon cat voice.

Sam reached down to pat Figaro and rolled his eyes on his way back up.  “Sounded more like a ‘Why hasn’t that weird bum fed me instead of yapping it up in the hallway’ to me.”

They headed towards the kitchen, Figaro bounding ahead, yowling in impatience.

“What’s that?”  Sam said, pretending to translate the hungry meows. “‘Bum should cook?’”  Sam looked pensive for a moment as he opened a can of Fancy Feast and tipped it into Figaro’s dish.  “I think you’re onto something, Figs.”

Bucky just laughed and made his way to the fridge, pulling out the carton of eggs and some cheese.  Sam reached past him and grabbed the last of their spinach to Bucky’s amused brow.

“It’s like you don’t believe in green foods.”  Sam sighed, shaking the container of produce.

Bucky grabbed the spinach and was soon well on his way to making a couple of omelettes for the two of them.

Sam hummed in contentment as he watched Bucky and Figaro soon jumped in his lap and started purring in contentment.  Sam scratched behind his ears and inhaled the scent of their breakfast. Bucky soon slid the food onto plates and grabbed glasses and the last of their OJ as well while Sam observed, trapped under his purring cat.

“Your food, your majesty.”  Bucky said, bowing as he set Sam’s plate down in front of him.

Sam smirked and inclined his head while Figaro raised his head, sniffing at the omelette with interest.  “Thank you kindly.”

Bucky flopped onto the stool next to Sam and attacked his food like he was starving.  Sam couldn’t help but laugh at Bucky’s enthusiasm and Figaro, disliking Sam’s movement, vacated his lap in disgust.

Bucky smiled at the feline diva and his antics.  “I guess his majesty wasn’t impressed after all.”

Sam looked affronted that Bucky was referring to Figaro as royalty over himself and stuck his tongue out before taking a bite of his meal.  “I guess you’ll have to keep trying to gain the good Prince’s favor. How tragic.”

Bucky snorted and reached out to steal a bit of Sam’s food.  Not one to give Bucky an inch, Sam used his fork to block the attempt and flashed a victorious grin.  “Not today, Buckaroo. You gotta be quicker than that!”

“But I’m a growing boy!”  Bucky whined, still trying to get at Sam’s plate.  He pulled out the big guns when he pouted and batted his eyes.  Sam was forced to share the last bit of omelette in the face of such an effective offense.

“Geez, you baby.  Take it.” Sam said, chuckling.  “You know the puppy face gets me every time.”

By the time Bucky finished the last bite, Sam had forgotten all about his vexing shower.

2.

Sam was a tad hungover.  Never one to say no to drinks after the mandatory monthly Avenger’s meetings, Sam, Bucky, Thor and Luke Cage had gone back to his Hell’s Kitchen bar and promptly gotten wasted.  Well, Sam got wasted, everyone else was enhanced and probably just got pleasantly buzzed. No Sam absolutely does not have a chip on his shoulder about his tolerance, not even a little bit.

His head felt like it was full of rocks and dryer lint and he stumbled as he made his way into the bathroom to splash water on his face.  Staring at himself in the mirror, Sam grimaced. He looked terrible and unfortunately he felt as bad as he looked.

Shutting off the bathroom light, Sam shuffled down the hall toward the kitchen, needing to simultaneously eat and vomit.  He reached the kitchen, meeting Figaro on his way in (seems he wasn’t the only one looking for breakfast). Sam dutifully fed his spoiled cat and debated trying for anything more than water after almost gagging at Figaro’s breakfast.  Sam decided that cereal sounded like a safe bet and grabbed the first box on the top of their fridge (Count Chocula because apparently there weren’t any adults in their house) and the almost empty milk jug from inside of it.

A bowl and a spoon were the next order of business for the hungover hero and he gingerly moved as slowly as possible to stop the queasiness he was trying not to think about.  Armed with all the necessary things to force something into his protesting stomach, Sam gingerly sat down in the least wobbly of their barstools, leaning his elbows heavily on the island due to his persistent nausea.

After a rough 30 seconds, Sam’s stomach had settled enough for him to pick up the box of sugary goodness and pour himself a restrained amount.  That was the plan, at least. Instead it happened like this: Sam picked up the box of cereal, squeezing in a bit to pop open the cardboard flaps.  Sam held his bowl steady and waited for the pattering of his cereal to reach his ears. The sound that actually reached his ears was the entire bag hitting his bowl a little bit too hard.  The inner bag of cereal, closed haphazardly with a bright green hair tie that immediately sprang free, burst open and littered the entire counter with chocolate bits and tiny marshmallows.

Sam, who was not expecting this at all, could do nothing but watch as his meager breakfast scattered any and everywhere throughout the small kitchen.  Sam could do nothing but rest his head on his arms and wait for death to claim him. The cool tiles felt good so close to Sam’s sad forehead. He spread his arms so they weren’t overlapping and the coolness intensified.  He let out a small gasp of contentment, pleased when he didn’t immediately feel like vomiting.

Sam rested there in the kitchen for a moment.  Well, it was supposed to be a moment. Sam’s body had other plans and he fell asleep right at the counter and all was serene until the apartment’s tranquility was shattered with a shriek of “FIGS, YOU FAT FUCK!”

Sam jolted awake, causing him to almost hurl.  He closed his eyes and prayed for the spots in his vision to go away and take the lurching room with them.  His prayers were not answered and to insult to injury Figaro decided Sam’s lap looked like a good place to sit, jostling him even more.

“SAM!”  Bucky yelled from the hallway.  “YOUR FUCKING CAT IS AN ASSHOLE!”

Sam could only moan quietly to himself and stay still to quell the room’s spinning.  He heard Bucky enter the kitchen and made no move to look at him, he just let out another pitiful noise.

Figaro could sense that he had no friends in the room at the moment and abandoned Sam’s lap to scamper out of there, no doubt to take the warm spot left in Bucky’s bed.

“You ok, man?”  Bucky asked softly next to Sam’s ear.  “Did Figgy knock over your cereal?”

Sam had forgotten all about his aborted attempt at breakfast and replied in an even softer voice.  “Figs didn’t do shit, Barnes, this cereal mess is your fault.”

“How can this possibly be my fault?”  Bucky asked, indignant. Then he spotted it.  “Oh.” he said.

Sam snorted and then winced and then just groaned.  “Yeah. ‘Oh.’”

“Well it keeps the cereal fresher!”  Bucky tried to explain. “I know you have those clips but-”

Sam cuts him off with a raised hand.  “Nothing in this world matters to me right now except surviving.  Fuck this cereal. It probably would’ve come back up anyway.”

Bucky’s face softened at Sam’s misery and he spoke softly, “Don’t worry, Sammy, I’ve got you.”

Minutes later, Sam was presented with a glass of cool water and a plate of banana slices and a single piece of bread before Bucky left the kitchen.  He sipped at the water, feeling the soothing glide of it down his throat. The bananas seemed too daunting so he instead started with the bread. He finished half the slice and felt marginally better.

Unfortunately falling asleep at the counter had done nothing for his generally achy and sore body.  Sam knew he wasn’t old by any stretch of the imagination, but he could not deny that his hangovers were getting worse with age.  He managed to finish the water and eat a few pieces of banana before admitting defeat.

“You ‘bout ready to move somewhere less bright?”  Bucky asked Sam lightly once he returned.

Sam nodded once and stood up slowly.  They made their way into the living room where Bucky had closed the curtains and Sam immediately sank down into the couch.  Bucky grabbed the fuzzy blue throw Sam had bought him for Christmas and tucked Sam in gently. He turned the TV on and set the volume at a level barely above silence and began Planet Earth II.  

He went to the bathroom to find some ibuprofen and returned with the pills and another glass of water.  Sam took it gratefully and let out a satisfied sigh when he drained half the glass. “I am never going out with you assholes again.”  He said ruefully.

Bucky snorted, knowing Sam would break his promise as he had the last six times he’d made it.  “I don’t know why you try to keep up with Thor and Luke. It’s not a competition.”

Sam scowled.  “Says the juiced up jock.”

Bucky straight up laughed at Sam’s petulance.  “Look, Dinky Duck, I know my own limits and don’t go past them.  As the grown man you insist that you are you should really try that.”

Sam just pouted and slumped down to watch the documentary playing before them.  “You’re not the boss of me, Barnes.”

Bucky shook his head in exasperation before settling in for what promised to be a lazy day of recovery for Sam.  Sam fidgeted a little until he was perfectly cocooned in his blanket, leaning slightly against Bucky. He was out cold in less than thirty minutes, smiling lightly and soaking up Bucky’s warmth.

3.

The day had been full of chores and housekeeping.  Two grown men sharing a space had a tendency to leave the housework until the last possible moment.  That morning Bucky had swept and mopped (wearing nothing but royal blue briefs and singing loudly along with Aretha, obviously trying to give Sam an ulcer) before taking out the trash on the way to a nearby SHIELD field office.  Sam had begun their laundry while he worked on dusting and cataloguing exactly what essentials they needed to restock (they were down to their last two rolls of toilet paper, Figaro would soon starve, and the toothpaste had been squeezed to within a millimeter of its life).

Sam had given up trying to separate their clothes anymore.  Once he woke up to Bucky rifling through his dresser looking for a t-shirt for the second time in as many days, Sam had forgone it utterly, keeping the shirts in his room, the pants in Bucky’s room and the coats and hats and things in the hall closet.  Clothes were for whoever got to them first in their house and so it took Sam a few weeks to notice the pattern.

Fall was making its way into winter and that meant that the four hoodies they had between the two of them were constantly in rotation, especially for their lazy-ass runs to the corner store.  Three of the hoodies originally belonged to Sam (before the whole of their wardrobe became communal), so he didn’t notice until he was unloading the dryer that he saw them all in the same place.  Three of the hoodies had new adornments. His navy blue HU hoodie, faded with age, was trimmed in bright red hair ties on the ends of the frayed strings, making Sam smile at the clear attempt in coordination.  He saw multicolored elastics on the pulls of his gray USAF hoodie and his red Avengers one. Bucky’s lone black hoodie with a red and green stripe across the chest that had been with him since leaving Wakanda had no embellishments, just ratty, uneven strings tied in large messy knots.  

Sam took a moment to note that strange fact before transferring the wet clothes from the washing machine to the dryer.  He grabbed the basket of clean clothes and brought it to the living room to fold while he caught a few episodes of his guilty pleasure (Law and Order:SVU, Olivia was the best), Figaro falling into step behind him.

Later that evening after Bucky came home from whatever debrief SHIELD had mandated without the groceries he was supposed to stop and get, the two decided they were too lazy to shop and cook dinner.  Bucky suggested they visit that new Thai place that opened up a few blocks away and Sam didn’t see a reason to object so they dressed up in their outerwear and headed out.  

Every time Sam saw Bucky in his Howard hoody, Sam couldn’t help but smile.  The fact that he walked around the streets of DC with the Bison proudly displayed on his front filled Sam with warmth (and he couldn’t deny, the confused glances that Bucky got from members of the public made Sam smirk a bit).  The red hair ties bounced on Bucky’s chest with every step he took and Sam was so distracted by them that he almost face planted after missing a curb.

Embarrassed, Sam kept his eyes straight ahead until they reached their destination.  Luckily for them the dreary weather was keeping most people indoors and there was no wait for them and they were quickly escorted to a table near the window.  Their server brought them both water and took their order with quick efficiency. Sam choked a bit when Bucky ordered nam tok but decided to enjoy the ensuing entertainment.

“I guess we’ll just get the stuff from the store when we leave?”  Sam asked as they waited on their food.

Bucky grunted with a half shrug.  “If we must.” “I know your previous residence was a hut with no plumbing and all, but I am very much used to wiping my ass with Charmin.”  Sam said with a grin.

“Well if it’ll keep princess Pigeon quiet, then I guess that’s what we’ll do.”  Bucky said magnanimously, as if accompanying Sam to the store was doing him a favor.

Sam crossed his arms in mock annoyance and saw their server approaching with their food.  Sam, unlike Bucky, did not just pick things at random off of the menu was entirely too excited to see how Bucky liked his choice.  The server arrived at the table and Sam slyly reached for his phone. He discreetly activated the camera while Bucky unrolled his silverware and set his napkin across his lap.  Bucky took a (rather too large, in Sam’s opinion) bite of his meal. First there was silence. As his eyes watered and cried, Bucky coughed hard and his face turned strawberry red.  Sam snapped a quick photo as he chuckled.

“You ok, Buckaroo?”  Sam asked, his face a picture of smiling innocence.

“Why would you let me do this?”  Bucky sputtered out a few minutes later after he

“Man, I didn’t let you do shit!”  Sam said through his laughter. “I told you picking things at random is a terrible idea, maybe now you’ll listen.”

Bucky just glared at him with red eyes and cheeks.

Sam took pity on him and switched their plates.  Sam was no stranger to spicy food and while nam tok wasn’t his favorite, he at least knew to eat it in smaller bites and he did sort of enjoy the burning of his tongue.  He dabbed a bit at his lightly running nose and winked at Bucky who seemed personally offended that Sam wasn’t a crying mess.

“Unlike you, I am used to my food with something other than three grains of salt.”  Sam couldn’t resist cracking.

Bucky huffed and finished Sam’s pad see ew in silence.

Sam sent the photo of Bucky’s red face to all of the Avengers the moment they left the restaurant.

4.

Sam was confused.  His car was in it’s normal place, but he could tell that someone had touched it.  He stood on their porch and cocked his head to the side. His brain was screaming that his vehicle had been messed with, but BeepBeep was exactly where Sam had left her after his trip to CostCo the previous afternoon.  The front wheels were just as crooked, the fallen pine needles didn’t give any indication that they’d been run over or disturbed in any way.

Sam had not gone with just any car once he took up the Captain America mantle.  Sam went with his Dream Car .  Sam purchased a beautifully restored, crimson and black (absolutely not Hot Rod red, he had some class) 1970 Plymouth RoadRunner.  The car was an absolute monster and Sam had been known to spend a good chunk of time detailing it and keeping it pretty.  Sam figured that after all of the shit he’d seen, that there was no reason to put off things that made him happy, and boy did this car make him happy.  He remembered his father showing him all of the old muscle cars he liked as a boy before he died and always treasured those times (his dad liked the mustang the best, but Sam had always been partial to the bird-themed cars.  What can he say, he likes what he likes).

Sam knew that someone touched his baby.  And he was absolutely fucking sure that a certain someone was not stupid enough to touch his car (especially after absolutely obliterating his last one).  Sam made sure to pay for this one in cash upfront and carried the absolute highest amount of insurance, well, as high as an Avenger could reasonably expect to have (Sam will admit that they did go through vehicles more than the average citizen).

Deciding that he wouldn’t rest until he figured out what was different about the car he approached her cautiously.  One too many bomb threats (a few of which were NOT hoaxes) had made Sam trust his gut even more. He sometimes wished he had the Parker kid’s petey-tingle or whatever the kid was calling it these days.  A quick circle of the car didn’t put Sam at ease even though he couldn’t see what was different.

He checked the trunk and the undercarriage, getting his jeans dirty in the process.  He couldn’t find anything underneath the hood or underneath the seats. Nothing in the pockets in the back of the seats.  He finally got in the driver’s seat, frustrated beyond belief that he couldn’t shake the feeling of something being different about his BeepBeep.

He fit perfectly in to the seat, so it hadn’t been moved.  Sam growled to himself, overcome with frustration. He grabbed the steering wheel angrily and--oh!  He found it! He squeezed the suede steering wheel cover and felt a strange protrusion. He ran his hands around the wheel and found three additional bumps.

Since he hadn’t blown up yet, Sam decided that removing the steering wheel cover was a safe bet.  After spending the last half hour thinking that he was moments from dying in a bomb blast Sam let fly a string of curses so terrible he was surprised his mama hadn’t spontaneously appeared to wash his mouth out.

Four bright orange hair ties are wrapped around the top half of the steering wheel.  Sam cannot for the life of him figure out what they’re doing there. Bucky knows how Sam feels about this car.  Sam is so caught up in his thoughts and confusion that he doesn’t notice the subject of those thoughts standing right outside the passenger window.  Sam nearly jumped out of his skin when Bucky knocked on the window.

“You good, Sammy?”  Bucky asked, concerned.

Sam stared at him for a solid ten seconds, then gestured at the steering wheel.   “Explain.” The words were tense.

“Oh,”  Bucky said, ducking his head and blushing a bit.  “I heard you say your hands would slip on the wheel sometimes when you turn when you were talking to your sister.  I didn’t mean to pry, I just thought it’d help you stay at 10 and 2.” The explanation was so darn cute that Sam found all of his irritation leaving him yet again .  It seemed that Bucky was determined to make his life easier by any means necessary and Sam was about done trying to figure it out at this point.

“Man,”  Sam began.  “What are you, my fairy godmother?”  He leaned his head back against the headrest.

Bucky’s confusion morphed into a smirk, “Who else is going to look after you, pigeon?”

Sam groaned at the nickname.  “We were having a moment, Terminator.  Look what you’ve done to it.”

“Whoops.”  Bucky said, deadpan.  “What are you doing out here, anyway?  Going somewhere interesting?”

Sam had indeed forgotten why he had come out here in the first place, once he noticed his beloved car had been touched.  He didn’t want to go back inside and just sit around though, he felt like going out and doing something out of their routine.  “Why don’t you get in and find out?” He asked, leaning over and opening the passenger door for Bucky.

Bucky grinned and slid onto the long bench seat.  “Take us away, Sammy.”

Sam cranked up his baby, listening to the Hemi engine growl low.  He carefully replaced the steering wheel cover and placed his hands between the guides Bucky had so thoughtfully placed for him.  Sam looked over at Bucky and took in his easy smile as he relaxed, leaning his head back and closing his eyes. Sam rolled down their windows and put on Still Bill , they needed some soul for this ride.  As he backed out of their driveway, Sam had no idea where they were going, but he knew he’d enjoy every moment of the journey as long as Bucky was on his right.

5.

Sam really did enjoy training exercises.  Well, sometimes. Today wasn’t going in his good books, though, because he was almost dead on his feet.  Bucky had kept him up all night. He didn’t hold the nightmares against the soldier at all, especially since he was just as prone to them as any of them these days.  Bucky’s just had a tendency to wake up the whole house. Sam and Figaro both did their best to calm him afterwards, but Sam knew from personal experience that usually the only thing that drove the demons away was the warm light of the sun.

All of that was neither here nor there because Sam was supposed to be focused on rescuing their virtual hostages from terrorists who’d unleashed some killer robots unto the city.  Sam was not supposed to be dwelling on nightmares that were not even his own.

He was across the street from the bank in which the terrorists had 13 hostages.  Wanda was holding the perimeter, making sure that the killer robots didn’t advance further into the city while Sam and Bucky were attempting to infiltrate the building without tipping off the hostiles.

Sam saw a flash of light in his periphery from the side street next to the bank and once he focused on it, he saw that Bucky was signalling that he had found a way in.  Sam made it to the alley and let out a low whistle as he saw Barnes point up several floors to a broken window.

“Just couldn’t resist another ride on the Sam Wilson Express, could you?”  He asked quietly as he maneuvered and rose to a hover in the tight space.

Barnes just raised a brow and lifted his arms (determined to ignore Sam’s quips), ready to be carried to the window.  Sam obliged him and when they landed in the small office on the fourth floor of the bank they made their way to the door to begin working out the best way to disable their targets.

“Cap, perimeter is secure and all robots have been neutralized.”  Wanda’s heavily accented English came crackling into Sam’s earpiece.  “Orders?”

Sam gave Wanda their location and a moment later Wanda floated in.  “Looks like the hostages are on the main floor of the bank, but we don’t know where all of the hostiles are, so I’m gonna send Redwing out to see what’s what.”

Sam tapped on his bracer, calling for his well-loved drone and--

“What the fuck is this?”  Sam asked, voice flat. Redwing’s tail-end had been covered in a rainbow of colors.  Sam didn’t even need to look any closer to know that they were Bucky’s damn hair ties.  He has not had enough sleep or coffee for this and Sam was just done.

Bucky snorted before schooling his face into an innocent expression.  “Redwing is a pretty bird, Sam. Just like his mom.”

“Nope.”  Sam got up (leaving the beautifully--absurdly--decorated redwing hovering) and walked out into the hallway and made his way to a balcony where he shot the two targets holding the hostages.  Bucky was at his six and he took out the one above them. They were making their way down the stairs, back to back, when their virtual construct blew up around them.

Sam and Bucky stood in the middle of the second largest training room, Wanda and Redwing several yards behind them looking at them (a bit too judgmentally in Sam’s opinion).  Sam threw his hands up and left. He headed straight to his room in the compound without another word.

He had just managed to take off his wings, boots and goggles before Bucky was banging on his door.  Sam sighed and contemplated ignoring him, but Sam knew that Bucky was stubborn enough to stay out there all night, the asshole.

Sam opened the sliding door just as Bucky was about to start banging with his left hand (and wouldn’t that just do wonders to the poor metal?).  Bucky abruptly dropped both hands to his sides and looked at Sam in concern.

Sam didn’t want to do this now, he was sleep-deprived and keyed up for a reason he hasn’t really examined himself yet.  “Can I help you?”

Bucky held out his right hand and Sam saw that he had brought Redwing back, without all of the extra layers.  “I didn’t mean any harm by it, I thought you’d laugh.” Bucky said softly.

Sam did laugh as he claimed his mechanical wingman which further confused Bucky.  He felt as if the last two days had lasted an entire week and Redwing being ‘pretty like his mom’ was just too much.  He moved to put Redwing back in with his wings and said, “Babe, I’m too tired for life right now. It was funny.”

Bucky was silent when Sam turned to look at him, finished with the drone.  “What?”

Bucky came closer, right into Sam’s personal bubble, still not saying a word.  Sam raised an eyebrow in question.  

“Wanna try that again, Wilson?”  Bucky’s voice was lower and Sam felt faint at their nearness and Bucky’s damn (voice, smell, face, body heat) everything .

Sam internally rewound the last two minutes and mentally slapped himself.  Seeing as how he’d already put it out in the universe and Bucky wasn’t running away, Sam was (still) too tired to be upset.  Eyebrow still raised, he said, “I said : Babe, I’m-”

Sam didn’t get to finish his sarcastic reply as Bucky was kissing him.  Bucky’s lips were touching his and Sam must surely be dreaming. He will cuss if his alarm goes off and he has to do this terrible training day all over again.  He threw his arms around Bucky’s neck and kissed back eagerly, because if this was a lucid dream he was going to enjoy the hell out of it.

Bucky pulled back slightly, laughing, “So not a mistake then?”

“Obviously not a dream, you would be naked and shutting up,”  Sam muttered to no one before Bucky distracted his thoughts by licking a stripe from his neck to his earlobe, sucking the latter into his mouth.

The noise Sam made could have been categorized as a moan (or a shriek depending on which one of them you asked) and he pulled them both further into the room, determined to get horizontal before he passed out from either exhaustion or (suddenly requited) horniness.

Neither Sam nor Bucky were seen for the rest of the day.

+1.

Sam yawned as he shuffled into the compound’s kitchen and went straight to the coffee pot, praying there was some left.  He was in luck as there was just enough left to fill the largest mug he could find. Once his coffee was creamed, he joined the rest of the Avengers at the table and reached for a muffin from the tray someone (probably Rhodes, he was considerate like that) had brought.

Bucky’s sleepy form plodded to the table and he grunted in appreciation as Sam handed him the half-full mug of coffee he’d made.  Sam knocked Bucky’s shoulder with his own and Bucky dropped his head on Sam’s shoulder in answer (covering Sam’s upper torso in loose, wavy hair) once he’d gulped down the rest of the coffee.

“Why do you people wake up so early?”  Bucky whined.

“It’s 9:30, Barnes.”  Rhodes said, unimpressed at Bucky’s displeasure.

“Last I checked, that was before noon, which is a more reasonable hour for being conscious.”  Bucky mumbled, determined to stay grumpy.

Rhodes snorted.  “You sound like Peter.”

“How dare you, Quill is an idiot.”  Bucky said, affronted.

“Not that Peter, dumbass.  Parker. The actual teenager.”

Bucky’s frown deepened even further because he was certainly not a chipper, happy, talkative teenager, he was a grown man who just enjoyed resting his worn-out body sometimes.  “Why is everyone on my ass all of a sudden?” He wondered aloud, shaking his hair out of his face.

Sam giggled softly at the word ‘ass’ and Bucky smirked up at him.  Valkyrie rolled her eyes at the two of them and set her bottle of whatever she was drinking (not coffee, that’s for sure) down on the table hard enough to rattle silverware.  “You two are sickeningly chummy this morning.” She observed them with narrowed eyes.

Bucky whipped his head around to glare at her, tossing his hair back again when his glare seemed to have no effect at all on the Asgardian.  Bruce cocked his head and looked at both Bucky and Sam closely. “You know, she’s right.”

“Thank you for your support, dear greenie.”  Valkyrie said sarcastically as she took a fortifying swig of what smelled like rocket fuel.  “After what I heard of yesterday’s training exercise, I would have expected more--not this.”

“You gossips!”  Sam accused with his mouth full of the last of his muffin.  Crumbs flew everywhere and everyone looked disgusted except Bucky who looked at Sam in amusement.

“Look at these guys,”  Bucky said, shaking his head and then tucking all the hair he shook loose back behind his ear.  “Just bumping gums all over the place. For shame.”

“Oh my God, babe.  Just put it up already!”  Sam said, exasperated as he took the black elastic from his wrist and handed it over.

“Whatever, mom.”  Bucky griped as he pulled it into a messy bun and stuck his tongue out at Sam.

The rest of the table was shocked silent.  Bruce and Rhodey’s jaws dropped and Valkyrie just stared at them with a brow raised.  Wanda remained unaffected, simply going back to her magazine. “Well that explains a lot.”

Sam ignored her and proceeded to give Bucky a loud smacking kiss on the cheek.  “See? The morning is better already, isn't it Barnesy?”

“Absolutely not.  I draw the line at cutesy names.”  Val got up from the table, draining her bottle as she went, leaving them with Bruce, Rhodes and Wanda.

“We don’t have to take this, Willie.”  Bucky said, pulling Sam close and kissing the top of his head as Sam laughed at the butchering of his surname.  “They don’t deserve our shmoop.”

Bruce kept glancing between them trying to gauge whether or not they were serious.  “Are you just messing with us?”  

Sam looked up at Bucky and grinned.  “Are we, babe?”

He was answered by Bucky getting up, picking Sam up and throwing him over his shoulder in a fireman’s carry.  Bucky kissed the side of Sam’s backside and headed out of the kitchen. He paused at the doorway, looked back at everyone and slapped a laughing Sam’s ass, the sound echoing through the kitchen.

“Nah.”

Sam’s laughter echoed after them.

[palettepainter]

What are some of your favourite my hero academia characters and who are some of your least favourite? Both students and teachers/pro heroes

Saying right off the bat, there will most likely be a lot of fans that get annoyed by what I say: And to all those fans I say good for you for having a different opinion! I’m open to discuss if you guys wanna share your thoughts on characters in my ask blog or messages! As long as you don’t hate on my opinions

WARNING: This post may contain spoilers so just be weary 

Anyway ONTO THE CHARACTERS!

Top fav hero: Fatgum!

I. Love. This. Hero.

I cannot express enough how much I adore him! I’m not really sure what it is exactly that I adore so much about his character, I don’t think it’s one thing in particular: One thing I love about Fatgum is his design, I find his design really interesting and unique, and I think it’s great we get to see a hero that isn’t a typical comic book buff fictional kind! I think that’s really cool! Also, I love his English voice actor, again I don’t know why, but I just think the voice suits him so well! And watching his animation and seeing his expressions is so pleasing! I think the reason I love his expressions so much is because of that big goofy cartoon grin he has, I just love everything about his character!

Plus I think he’s the perfect role model for Kirishima and Amajiki! I remember reblogging a post that explained more about this, but it’s implied in the anime that Kirishima struggles with some self doubt with his abilities, thinking his quirk isn’t as flashy as compared to others. And then there’s Amajiki, someone who struggles a lot with anxiety and self doubt also - Fatgum is a hero who DOES have a skinny/normal look once he uses all his fat from fighting, a body that someone would consider as fit or even sexy, yet he CHOOSE to stay in his fat form and even name himself after it - Fatgum. Fatgum isn’t put off by his shape because he accepts that’s what his power is, he doesn't try to hide it or feel ashamed by it, and having a mentor that is confident in his own abilities is the perfect match for Amajiki and Kirishima, who could both use the encouragement to become stronger and more confident in their own skills.

Other fav top heroes:

Best Jeanist - 

Jeanist was a character at first that I was like ‘he’s okay’, to begin with he wasn’t a character I would get excited about if he appeared in an episode. But now - and this time you CAN blame @hazbinextgeneration for this - I love him! Similar with Fatgum I really like his design, and his outfit - which is all denim - is so stupid and silly that I can’t help but love him even more! Even his dialogue is gold! I love how Jeanist makes metaphors or sayings linking to jeans or clothing, and the things in which he teaches Bakugo during his internship are very admirable points for a hero to take into consideration. He clearly cares for being a good pro hero and role model! Even going as far as to loose a lung from fighting All for One and saving his team mates from his blast!

Gang Orca

His design was the thing that got me to fall in love with his character, even the way his clothes are designed and the colour used to match with his orca appearance is so awesome! His voice is also really cool sounding! We’ve only seen him a few times through out the anime, but I hope we get to see more of him and hopefully more of his backstory! The fact he’s also rated number three in the list of heroes that look as though they should be villains could lead to some interesting episodes or small moments in future episodes!

Kamui Woods/MT Lady:

The first pro heroes we where shown in the anime! Off the bat I loved these two! They where interesting, their designs and personalities caught my attention, and I love theri dnyamic whenever they talk! As I said I’m a sucker for opposites attract ships, and these two have become one of my favourites. They’re already a pretty popular ship, and I can see the appeal behind it! Kamui being strict and well mannered, and wanting to keep up a good hero image. And MT Lady, who comes across as playful, a little carefree at times, and using the appeal of her body to get things (such as during the sports festival when she used her looks to get her a free box of food). I find MT Lady a funny character, I laughed during the episode where her and Midnight get into a fight at the TV interview, I really hope we get to see her and Kamui interact more! If I had to choose what we see more of with these two, I’d say there backstories, mostly Kamui if I had too choose between the two

Also Kamui woods, during the mission at Kamino, told MT that she did her best during the fight, and brings her closer to him. She is the ONLY hero he does this too, and that just fuelled my shipper heart

Present Mic

Cockatoo man

I LOVE his personality! I love how lively and energetic he is! And how he always seems to be gesturing with his hands while he talks, it shows off his energy! The fact we get to see a more laid back and easy going teacher in a popular school like UA is a funny set up to me! Plus I love how his quirk not only works well in fighting, but also for his job on his radio station and as an announcer to the school! Also watching his interactions with Aizawa are some of my favourite moments in the series! Again sucker for opposites attract!

Hounddog

He’s a dog - yes

Similar with how Mic is a more laid back and easy going teacher, I like how more animalistic and gruff Hounddog can be. Also the fact that Nezu hired him as a guidance counsellor is so funny to me! Nezu had to look at this giant beast of a man, who growls and snarls when angry, and wears a literal muzzle, and go ‘Ah yes! A therapy dog!’ - Does anyone else find that funny?? Also even though we’ve only seen a lil bit of him in the English dub of Episode 21 (I know he appears more during episodes in season 4) I can say I adore him even more now! His voice makes his whole character that much more loveable! Yes incase it wasn’t clear I admire the voice acting for this series-

Shoji, Tokoyami and Koda

Just some characters that I really like the look of and want to see explored more!

Now onto characters I don’t like as much 

Bakugo

Now- Calm down-

Okay. So there’s a bit of debate around this angry gremlin - whether he is a good character, or just a straight up egotistical ass. And I’ll be honest - I think he’s kind of an ass. YES I know in recent episodes he’s been showing some development of becoming better, but me personally, I don’t really see it. Bakugo is obviously supposed to take up the role as Deku’s sort of rival if you will, childhood friend turned rival as Deku fights to beat Bakugo and become the number one hero. And..yeah, I can see that relationship in the show. What I DON’T see is how these two can be considered childhood friends. I’ll explain why: Bakugo is shown to bully Deku, even give him a name (Deku) that means useless. Furthermore, Bakugo then tells Deku to kill himself by jumping off the roof of the school - that’s not childhood friendship, and I fail to see why Deku would continue to chase after Bakugo, let alone even still want to be near him after all he had done. 

As someone who was bullied - granted in no way as bad or severe as Deku was by Bakugo - I can’t help but feel this so called ‘friendship’ they have is toxic and unhealthy. Even if Bakugo is showing signs of being a better person, I still don’t like him. You don’t tell someone to kill themselves, telling someone to do so is just as bad as committing a murder yourself. Plus Bakugo didn’t even have a reason to bully Deku, he did it because he could, because he had power to do so.

And what to the parents of said bully do to stop this? Nothin

What does the teacher in Deku’s old school do when everyone in the class starts laughing at him? Twiddle his thumbs

Also, I think he’s overpowered. I know a lot of people think Todoroki is overpowered, but that may because he’s the son to the Endevour, who’s a very powerful hero - Bakugo’s parents aren’t heroes or in the top 10, so WHY is he so powerful?

I’m sorry, but I just..REALLY don’t see it with Bakugo

Mineta

Do I even need to say anything about this one??

I don’t like his reason or being a hero. He’s being a hero so that women will let him touch them? Excuse me? I didn’t know being a hero equalled consent.

I get it, pervy characters, they’re fun to laugh at if used correctly - but not when they’re constant. Theres a point where it’s funny, and then a point where its not. And right now with this guy, it’s defiantly an ‘ Okay we get it, you like girls and you’re all whinny you don’t have a girl can we move on?’ - I fail to see how Mineta is still on the hero course, or how Aizawa hasn’t kicked him off the course yet

Oijiro 

Maybe this is just me, and this isn’t really a hate thing, but I just think Ojiro’s a bit boring. His design is simple, to me his slicked back hair looks a little weird, and he isn’t really that interesting to me, even his hero suit is kinda standard and normal looking compared to the others.

[hotoffthepressfics]

A Family Circus

MASTERLIST

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Female Reader

Word Count: 4,759

Summary: The reader and Bucky are in a budding relationship. Things are going really well, only the reader has some secrets she’s been hiding. Will the truth bring them closer or tear these two apart?

Warnings: Angst

A/N: Written for a follower request, this one was really fun to write. Shoutout to @buckysforeverprincess for helping me figure out how to end this right. 

Warm hands wrap around your stomach as you sleepily pour two cups of coffee.

"Mm... Good morning.." Bucky's gruff voice mumbles next to your ear. 

You shiver. How on earth had you gotten so lucky to have this man to wake up to you would never know. You spin in his arms, reaching up on tiptoes to kiss him fully on the mouth. His hands bunch your nightshirt up, exposing your backside to the cool morning air.

"Morning sleepyhead, want some coffee?" Bucky accepts the offered mug and pulls you onto his lap at the table.

You both sit in comfortable silence, sipping at your morning pick-me-up. A few minutes pass before Bucky glances up at the kitchen clock. He groans and buries his face into your shoulder. You chuckle quietly as you caress his brunette hair gently.

"Time stops for no man... you need to get to work!" You tease, earning you a playful pinch to your ass.

You squeak in surprise and half- heartedly bat at his shoulder. Bucky's breath puffs out over your neck as he hugs you closer. His lips press so carefully to your pulse point all coherent thought leaves you.

"What if I call in sick today? We could continue what we were doing last night ," he coaxes, pressing another kiss to your collarbone as his fingers play with the hem of your shorts, "we wouldn't have to leave the bed all day."

It's tempting, and the longer his fingers trace along the bare skin of your thighs the harder it is to say no. Your shift into him, seeking his mouth when your phone vibrates loudly against the tiled counter. You both jump then share a sheepish laugh. You slide off his lap to check it. 

Hey. We'll be up in ten. Thanks again for doing this. – C

‘Shit. Shit, shit, shit!’ You think to yourself, tapping out of the message and putting the phone down. You’d forgotten they were coming. You'd been too caught up in all things Bucky that you'd spaced on agreeing to watch the kids.

"Everything okay?" Bucky asks, drawing your attention back to him.

“Yeah! Yeah... I just got called into work. Looks like we'll have to postpone our all-day love fest for another time. I'm sorry..." You apologize. 

Bucky's face is crestfallen a moment before he nods." Yeah... Steve would kill me if I didn't show up for work, so it's probably best. Mind if I use your shower to clean up?" He asks.

You nod meeting him halfway for one more kiss before he disappears back into your room. You watch him go, slightly leaning forward as he rounds the corner. When the door clicks shut and the groan of water pipes starts up you wedge your feet into a pair of sneakers and bolt out the door.

Clint and his brood are at the end of the street as you race to meet them, red-faced and wheezing. Clint quirks on eyebrow, adjusting little Peter in his arms.

"Hello to you too. Didn't realize you were so eager to start babysitting duty." He glibs.

You pin him with a stink eye, bending over to rest your hands on your knees as you catch your breath. You were tempted to give him the finger, but little eyes were present.

"I... need you... to go... once around... the block." You wheeze out, a stitch forming on your right side.

You stand upright, covering your ribs to ease the ache. Clint frowns at you. 

"What for? If I do that I’m gonna be late to work!"

You spear him again with a look, "You and I both know you left early enough to get here that you’ll be fifteen minutes early to work. You always do. So today you'll only be five minutes early. Please, Clint." You plead.

Revelation dawns on Clint's face. He leans forward, voice lowering an octave as the left corner of his mouth curves into a mischievous smirk.

"He's up there, isn't he?"

You roll your eyes at him turning your attention towards the kids. Nina, the middle child, nearly

vibrates with anticipation. She adored her time with you. You give her a smile and a wink. Matty, the oldest at seven, is preoccupied with a small rock he is toeing with his shoe.

"Hi, kiddos!" you greet happily.The older two mumble their own hellos while Peter eagerly reaches for you, leaning away from his father. 

"Come on, Clint. Help me out." You urge, letting Peter hold your finger to pacify him. 

Clint sighs heavily raising his free hand in surrender, "Alright! Alright... come on guys. We're gonna go on a little walk."

•••

Bucky kisses you three times in quick succession while you lean out your apartment door, prolonging his departure. You grin against his lips.

"You're gonna be late..." you chide.

Bucky sighs and gives you one more lingering kiss. He bids you goodbye and promises to see you later before stepping into the elevator. You wave one last goodbye as the metal doors slide closed.

"Is the coast clear?”

"Jesus! - " You nearly jump out of your skin.

Whirling around you spot Clint, Peter, Matty, and Nina snooping behind the hall corner. They all march over. Clint stares at you expectantly as you take Peter from him. Your eyes flit to his face.

"What?" you ask a little petulantly.

 You walk back into your apartment without waiting for an answer. Nina tottles in after you making a beeline for the small cubby shelf where you stashed away their toys when they weren't there. Matty plops down in front of the TV, ready to watch his favorite cartoons. Clint finally brooches the subject you're avoiding.

“You need to tell him, Y/N. The longer you wait the harder it will be to explain." You finally drop the tension in your shoulders, sagging into the seat you pulled out for you and Peter.

Peter babbles gleefully in your lap. 

"I know.. It's just so... complicated." You finish lamely. As if to punctuate your point Peter reaches for you and whimpers,"Mama.”

You were not Peter's mother. Or Nina's. Or Matty's. You had never even entertained the idea of a relationship with Clint. He was one of your best friends. You'd do anything for him. Which is why you'd stepped into the role of maternal figure when Clint's wife had decided she was done and took off without a word. You didn't mind it. You loved them and wouldn't have it any other way.

You'd been content with your life and makeshift family when you'd met Bucky. What had begun as a mild flirtation had quickly turned into something more. You were head over heels for him. Before it hadn't seemed like a big deal to let him in on your odd family. Now it was an albatross hanging from your neck.

Clint sits across the table from you, reaching for your hand. You grip onto his for support. He squeezes reassuringly.

"I'm sorry... I know I've put you in this position..." You begin to object but he stops you," Yes, I get that you wouldn't change a thing, but you gotta tell him. It’s only going to get worse the longer this goes on…”

You let your head drop, nodding meekly. “I know, I’ll do it soon… I promise.”

That had been almost two weeks ago. You really wanted to tell Bucky… but every time you opened your mouth to begin, it felt as though your throat closed up, leaving you unable to utter a word.

“Maybe you just need to get good and drunk, you know, to loosen you up so you can tell him.” Nat offers.

You cast a sidelong glance at her to let her know just what you thought of that idea. Nat shrugs, spooning more of the green mush into Peter’s mouth. You look back to the sandwiches you were making for Nina and Matty. Natasha was another old friend of yours and Clint, but unlike you she carried a torch for the man. Not that she would ever tell him that. She was more terrified of him knowing and ruining their friendship than you were of ruining what you had with Bucky. She tried to help with the kids when she could, but her job demanded more of her time than yours did.

You finish preparations on the sandwiches and head to the table. Matty digs into his the moment it’s in front of him, but Nina sullenly pushes away her plate. You frown. She’d been acting more and more unruly lately, and it wasn’t a change you were thrilled about.

“Nina, hun, you gotta eat your lunch.” You warn, giving her a look that brooches no argument.

She stubbornly kicks the table leg, attempting to push the plate further away. She hugs onto her teddy bear, popping her thumb into her mouth and furrowing her brows harder. You sigh, getting ready to launch into disciplinarian mode when there’s a knock at the door. You glance at Nat who nods in understanding, pulling the pouting toddler closer to convince her to eat her meal.

You make your way to the front entrance, so lost in thought you forgo looking through the peephole before throwing open the door. Your heart lurches to your throat as a smiling Bucky waits patiently on your doormat.

“Hey baby!” He greets brightly.

You swallow the thickness in your throat, pulling the door close to your hip, praying it’s enough to block his view.

“Hey… what are you doing here?”

His smile slips a little at the awkward uncertainty in your voice, “I got off early today… I thought I’d come surprise my favorite girl…” 

His voice trails off as a loud clatter sounds from within your apartment. Your heart sinks from inside your throat to the pit of your stomach, making you sick. Bucky tried to look around you. 

“Do... you have company? Is it a bad time?” He asks flatly.

You can see him closing off a bit and it hurts you. You need to fix this somehow. 

“It’s Nat… bad day at work so she’s blowing off some steam here. Didn’t realize she’d actually start throwing my things around to feel better!” You pitch your voice louder at the end, tilting your head back so she could hear you.

A moment later you both can hear a muffled ‘sorry’ come from Natasha. You turn back to Bucky. You’re relieved to see his shoulders slacken, but he still wears a guarded expression. You smile sadly, hoping that the regret and sadness you feel can be seen. 

“I’m sorry you came all this way. Can I call you later and we can do something?” 

Bucky nods, offering a grin that doesn’t reach his eyes. He steps forward, cupping your cheek and kissing your forehead. With your stomach feeling like lead you watch him walk away before closing the door. Another crash followed by a loud wail sounds from the kitchen.

“Ouch! Mother — Nina that is not how we behave!” Nat scolds.

You hurry back to find Nat sitting on a chair nursing her bare foot while Nina sits in the far corner, sniffling and whimpering. Her plate of uneaten food a mess across the vinyl floor. You sigh, propping your hands on your hips. You peek over to Matty, who’s watching you with eyes the size of saucers waiting for you to dole out punishment. Peter fidgets unhappily in his high chair, ready to join in on the wailing.

“Can you take care of the rest of lunch while I speak to her?” You ask Nat.

She agrees before standing to clean up the mess and the boys. You kneel down in front of Nina, who is studiously avoiding your gaze. You reach out your hand.

“Let's go kiddo, we need to have a talk.”

Nina grudgingly takes your hand and stomps off to the living room with you. You hoist her up onto the couch, settling in next to her for your talk. She wiggles to the side, avoiding you.

“Nina. What’s going on sweetheart? Why are you misbehaving today. It’s not like you sweet girl… what’s wrong?”

You study the side of her face as fat, wet tears well up in her doe eyes. Nina buries her face into her teddy and sobs. You heart flutters in alarm and you soothe your fingers over her back, shushing her quietly.

“H—he’s gonna — take you away— like mommy!” She wails, hiccuping every now and then from her upset.

Your heart breaks at the little girl’s pronouncement, but your brows furrow in confusion.

“Who’s going to take me away?” You ask.

“T—the man—that daddy and— you t—talked about!” She breaks into fresh sobs again

“Oh sweetheart…” 

You pull the crying girl onto your lap, consoling her. Nina weeps into your chest, her tears leaving warm, dark stains on the fabric. You wait until her crying subsides, leaving her snotty and hiccuping all the more, before pulling her back to speak with her. You make certain you have her attention.

“No matter who is in my life, I am not going anywhere. You’re my special girl, part of my special family. Nothing in this world will change that. I promise.”

Nina takes it in, her little mind whirling with the words. After a minute she sniffles and nods, burrowing back into your chest for a hug.

•••

Some playtime and a nap later, it was as if the trauma at lunch never happened. Nat had left some time before the kids woke up from their nap, leaving you to entertain the kids until Clint got off work.

A half hour into the riveting tale of Barbie and her friends against some Autobots bent on destroying her house your phone buzzes on the coffee table. You hoist Peter onto your hip and pick it up.

“Okay guys, looks like daddy is waiting downstairs for us!” You announce to the kids.

You set about putting away toys and packing up their things before dragging your crew down to the front entryway. Clint beams at his kids as Matty and Nina push their way out the door and into his waiting arms. Peter kicks excitedly in your arms to see him too. You laugh and hand off the babe. Clint takes Peter and smiles at you.

“Hey thanks again for —“

“Y/N?”

The blood drains from your face as you turn and see Bucky walking towards you, a bouquet of flowers hanging limply in his hands.

“Bucky! W—what are you— I thought I said I’d call you…” you bite back on your tongue as his eyes cut to you, the bewilderment and hurt brimming his eyes.

It was a pain worse than death to see how you’d hurt him. He glances from the kids clinging to Clint and back to you, his mind trying to piece together what was going on. You go to him but stop when he holds his hands out in front of him.

“Bucky… it’s not what you think. I swear…” you plead.

Peter whimpers and calls out for you, only it’s not your name he’s calling.

“Mama…”

Bucky’s eyes harden and he shifts away. Panic rises in your chest as you feel him slipping from you.

“Oh no? Seems like the kid just confirms it.” He remarks, the words slapping you with how cold they sound.

He spins away, letting the flowers drop from his hand as he stuffs it into his coat pocket.

“Bucky! Bucky, please!” You shout, chasing after him.

He quickly steps into a waiting taxi before you can reach him. You bang onto the glass before the cab pulls away and you have to let go or risk being dragged down the street. You stand in the road, watching your hopes and dreams drive away with your heart dissolving into nothing.

•••

“I’m so sorry Y/N.” Clint apologizes for the millionth time in the last hour. 

He hands you a tissue, which Nina snatches away and tries to help wipe your face. You pull back, smiling weakly at her as you take it and blow your nose. Your eyes felt hot and swollen from your crying.

“It’s not your fault, Clint. I knew better. I should have told him when it started getting serious.” You admit defeatedly.

Nina crawls into your lap and hugs you. You return the hug, allowing her tiny body to offer you some comfort.

“He might come around… just give him some time to cool off and you can explain things” Clint encourages. 

“Yeah… maybe…” You stare up at him, missing a beat before nodding.

The way Bucky had looked at you, with utter betrayal, cut you so deep. You had done this. The deep aching in your chest renewed and you broke into fresh sobs. You could only hope that once the dust settled there would be enough of the love you once shared to salvage what you had with Bucky.

•••

“No word from Bucky yet?” Natasha asks as you both watch the kids play along the jungle gym of the park.

You take in a shuddering breath, blinking away the sudden onset of tears at the mention of his name. You shake your head. No matter how many calls you made or texts you sent to explain he wouldn’t respond. Days turned into weeks until no hope of reconciliation remained. All that was left between you two was dead air.

Nat pats your knee in sympathy but says nothing. There was nothing to say. You’d been through the rounds of reassurance so many times that it did little to comfort you. You needed a distraction.

“So when are you and Clint going to quit dancing around each other and go on a date?” You tease, pushing yourself away from the back of the bench seat to look at Nat.

She gently pushes Peter in his stroller back and forth, avoiding your gaze. Your mouth falls open. 

“Oh my god.” 

She glances at you, her face impassive but there was a soft blush to her cheeks. You turn to fully face her, mouth still open in shock.

“Oh my god! You and… when??”

“Last Friday… I was watching the kids at his place while he ran errands. We sat and talked when he got home, we had some wine and… he kissed me.” She finishes, giving you a coy smile.

“It’s about time you guys did something about your feelings for each other! I thought I was going to have to stage an intervention to get you guys to come out with it!” You tease.

Nat quirks an eyebrow, her features showing she doesn’t believe a word you’re saying. You school your own features into a mask of seriousness, but the minute your eyes meet hers you both burst into a fit of laughter. In spite of how you’re feeling inside you can’t help the elation at this pronouncement. You knock your shoulder against Nat’s. She lets out a soft chuckle and returns the nudge. The two of you sit in silence for a moment. As quickly as it came your jovial mood slips back into the moroseness that had plagued you of late. Nat slips her hand around yours.

“I’m…sorry…” Nat’s voice dwindles away as she awkwardly tries to find the right words. Words of comfort had never really been her strong suit.

You place your free hand atop hers, silencing her apology.

“It’s okay. I’m happy for you. For both of you,” you give her hand a shake in reassurance. “One of us should be having a successful relationship at least.”

Nat hums low in her throat and rocks back on the bench. 

“Yes well... I don’t know about that. It’s a rather slow-moving relationship. Can’t really get...” She surveys the area around you, ensuring the other two kids are out of earshot, “intimate with the kids around.” 

“Ah.” you respond in understanding. Nina lets out a shrill cry as she runs around the jungle gym, deep in the middle of an impromptu game of tag with the other neighborhood kids. More silence fills the space as you both sit, pondering.

“You guys should let me watch the kids this Friday. That way you two can have some adult time without the worry of little eyes present.” You wink at Nat.

Nat appears uncertain, “I don’t know Y/N... Are you sure?”

You nod, “Absolutely. This will be exactly what I need to get my mind off…of things. It’ll be nice spending a Friday night with my favorite little people.”

Natasha mulls over your words a minute longer before smiling mischievously. “I’m sure Clint will only be too glad to take you up on the offer.” 

•••

“Now be careful, little miss, you’re about to spill all that popcorn onto the floor.” You warn.

Nina quickly corrects the tipping bowl in her arms, knocking out a few popped kernels in the process. She tottles off to the living room stopping every few feet to fix the too giant bowl before she loses more popcorn. The result is a long, white puff trail from your kitchen to your living room. You shake your head quietly, handing off the root beer floats you just made to Matty, who protests for the fourth time that he should have been the one to carry the popcorn. Popcorn was easier to clean up than spilled soda. 

You grab the broom and dust pan, quickly sweeping the white, fluffy trail into the pan. Once the mess is contained in a neat pile you carefully make your way back into the kitchen. Just as you're about to dump the soiled popcorn into the trash bin there's a slow but firm knocking at the door.

 "I'll get it!" Nina shouts.

"Nina, wait- "

You hastily shut the sink cabinet and prop the broom against the wall. You hear the unmistakable creak of your apartment door open and you tear ass around the corner.

"Little miss, how many times do I have to tell you not to answer the door without me..."

Nina is shyly curled around the edge of the door once you came around the corner. A deep, masculine murmur sounds from the other side. You hesitate. You knew that voice. It was the one that lately had only inhabited your dreams. Gently you pull Nina around your hip as your eyes connect with soft blue eyes you thought you'd never see again.

Bucky pauses a beat before rising from his kneeling position. The two of you just stare at each other. The awkward silence stretches on. You'd longed for this moment for weeks on end and now that it was here you found yourself closing off. Bucky rubs uncertainty at the back of his neck before clearing his throat.

 "Hi... uh... can we talk?" he asks cautiously.

Nina draws closer to your leg, hiding her face into your thigh. You gently caress the top of her soft, blonde hair. She pulls her face away to stare up at you. You offer her a gentle smile.

"It's okay sweetie. Go watch the movie with your brothers. I'll be back in a minute."

She casts one more furtive glance up at Bucky before scurrying back into the living room. You watch as she nestles herself close to Matty and the popcorn bowl, prolonging the inevitable. Peter kicks excitedly in his bouncer as the familiar castle logo appears on the screen. You exhale slowly through your nose, rubbing at your temples before facing the doorway. Bucky has his eyes trained on the wooden paneling of your apartment floor, studiously avoiding your eyes. You step closer, pulling the door up to rest against your hip. 

"Well? You asked to talk, so talk." you raise an eyebrow expectantly.

Bucky swallows hard, nodding as he stuffs his hands into his pockets. He rocks back on his heels once looking up towards the ceiling as though summoning up strength. 

"First off... I am a complete and utter ass." he states.

You nod an agreement but stay silent, waiting for him to continue. Bucky sighs, resting his hands against the door frame.

"When... I saw you with him… and the kids... I just felt betrayed. I heard the kid call you 'mama' and I felt like that was all there was to say... Look, l'm not good with handling or dealing with my emotions...” 

He pauses, waiting for you to interject. You simply stare at him, clearly not going to offer any relief. As he opens his mouth to begin again, however, you cut him off deciding you did have something to say.

"How did you find out?" you ask softly.

"I saw that guy and Nat out tonight. I thought he was cheating on you and you didn't deserve that... I went over to tell him as much and Nat ripped me a new ass — I mean… she let me have it." he chuckles awkwardly, rubbing at the back of his neck again.

"I tried to explain things to you. If you had bothered to return any of my calls or texts I could have explained everything. I know I should have told you. It was stupid to keep it secret, but it didn't just affect me. It affects all of them if things went south between us. They've had enough people come and go from their life, they don't need another one. They're my family and they come first! “ You gulp for air at the end, forcing all you had to say in one breath.

Bucky slowly nods, hanging his head," I know, I know- "

"And look how it turned out! You turned tail and ran without giving me a second glance! I can't fall apart like that again, I just can't. So if this is going to be too much for you then just go back down those stairs and don't look back." You huff, pulling the door harder against your leg for stability.

Bucky trains his eyes on you, all traces of sheepishness gone. Another silent moment passes. Finally he gently reaches up to brush a strand of your hair back. His hand shifts to up your cheek. In spite of yourself you lean into the touch, craving it more than anything else.

"I want to be in this. I won't run again. I promise."

You feel the tears prick at the corner of your eyes. With a sniff you pull back. A flicker of panic flashes in Bucky's face before you push the door open, a nonverbal invitation to come in. You turn to head to the living room as Bucky shuts the door behind him. 

"Hope you enjoy Frozen." You comment, nestling yourself next to Nina on the overstuffed sofa.

"Not sure that I've seen that one, but I'll give it a shot." He says as he lowers himself next to you.

"It's our favorite around here." 

You're conscious of his arm thrown over the back of the sofa, careful not to touch your shoulders. Your little pack carries on watching the movie, though you hardly hear the dialogue over the whirling thoughts in your head. You peek over at Nina, who surreptitiously sneaks glances at Bucky. He's too into "Love Is An Open Door" to notice the little examination. By the end of the song you're shocked when Nina wiggles her way over your lap and into Bucky's. 

He stiffens a moment, unsure of how to react. He exchanges a look with you and all you can do is shrug. You can barely hide the grin spreading across your face as Nina grabs a handful of popcorn and becomes engrossed with the movie once more, content in her new seating arrangement.

Bucky leans over to whisper in your ear, " "Does this mean I get the seal of approval?" 

“Looks like it."

“Cool.” He smiles brightly, eyes sparkling in amusement.

Bucky returns to his upright position, relaxing once more into the cushions. The cartoon trio make their trek up Elsa's mountain when you decide to relent and lean your head against Bucky's shoulder. You remain tense until, cautiously, he wraps his arm around you. Secure by his side you blow out the breath you’d been holding. The tension swiftly bleeds away from you and for the first time in a long time you feel optimistic that this could actually work. Bucky just might become the next rag-tag member of your crazy family circus.

EVERYTHING TAGLIST: 

@booktvmoviefangirl @lowkeybuckyb @mrsdaamneron @xxashy999xx @c-ly-g @coal000 @rroguebones @ghostlyrose2 @part-time-patronus @emelielwh @peaceinourtime82 @buckysforeverprincess @geeksareunique @amnahs9695 @v-2bucky @scarlet-skywalkers @lokilvrr @thisismysecrethappyplace @sacre-bluhm @tatertot1097 @until-theend-oftheline @amoonagedaydreamer @marvelouspottering @thatfanficstuff @chuuulip @averyrogers83 @ellaprime68 @shield-agent78 @jewels2876 @collette04

BUCKY BARNES TAGLIST: 

@bloodiedskirtts @igotkatiepowers @misplacedorphan @superwholockwannabe @moonstruckhargrove @ladysergeantbarnes 

[drakexwillow]

One Long Summer

Chapter Three

Pairing: Drake Walker x Willow (OC) Maxwell Beaumont x Sophie (OC)

Warnings for the series: Smut, Swearing, Drug use, Sexual references. do not read if under 18.

Premise for the series: This will an AU following Drake when he leaves Cordonia to go to Texas for a year, instead of college he decides to get a job and just live a simple life with Maxwell joining him to also get away from court.

A/N: Okay this is my first ever series, i’ve decided to make the jump and just go for it so it might be abit rough around the edges. Let me know if you want on or off the tag list at any point

Tags: @burnsoslow @i-bloody-love-drake-walker @lyndsay1313 @furryperfectionlover @tinypenguincheesemachine @janezillow @of-course-i-went-to-hartfeld @msjr0119 @jlynn12273 @jovialyouthmusic @addictedtodrakefanfic @walkerswhiskeygirl

Chapter Two here if you need to catch up.

Drake set about his morning routine. After he’d showered and got dressed he made his way down to the open plan living room of their apartment. Much to his surprise he didn’t find Max in his usual spot on the couch watching TV, instead he was sitting on a counter in the kitchen shoveling cereal into his mouth.  “Not getting your cartoon fix this morning” Drake quirked a brow as he grabbed a mug from the cupboard and poured himself some coffee. Max shook his head as he wiped his mouth with the back of his hand “Nope, I’m taking Sophie out today and i need to catch a ride with you” Drake took a sip of coffee from his mug “where you taking her?” Max placed his bowl on the counter then sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck “Well i forgot it’s her birthday tomorrow and i haven't got her anything so I’m taking her out for the day so she can pick something” Drake snorted “Her birthdays tomorrow and you haven't got her anything?” Max shook his head “I forgot” 

Drake smirked “So your’e going to play it off as if this is your present for her” Max groaned as he ran his hand through his hair “i know i know, I’m new to this whole relationship thing” Drake clapped Max on the back “Rule one don’t forget her birthday” Max furrowed his brow in confusion “wait there’s rules?” Drake rolled his eyes and made his way to the door picking up his keys “Come on we need to go” Max jumped off the counter and followed Drake out the door “No wait i need to know these rules”

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

Sophie was sitting on the porch of the ranch as Drake and Max pulled up outside. Max jumped out of the truck and made his way over, pulling her into his embrace placing a chaste kiss on her lips “Hey so you ready to go?” Max grinned as he pulled away. Sophie giggled “Where are we going?” Max brushed a stray piece of hair behind her ear as he smiled softly “Well it’s your birthday tomorrow and I wanted to do something nice for you”

Sophie grinned as she turned to Drake throwing him the keys to the ranch “you're in charge while I’m gone” Drake nodded as he pocketed the keys and turned to make his way to the stables.

“Wait Drake can we use your truck!” Max shouted after him.

Drake turned, fishing the keys out of his jacket pocket. He looked between the pair and threw his keys towards Sophie “You’re driving” Sophie smirked as Max threw his hand to his chest with a hurt expression on his face “You don’t trust me to drive your truck” 

Drake smirked as he shoved his hands in his pockets and turned to walk up the dirt path shouting over his shoulder “Not a chance in hell Max”

Sophie giggled as she grabbed Max’s hand pulling him towards the truck.

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

Max held the door open to the coffee shop for Sophie as they walked inside “I’ll get the drink’s you go find a table” Sophie nodded as Max placed a kiss on her cheek and made his way to the counter. Sophie looked around finding an empty table near the window. she took her seat and moments later Max appeared with 2 hot chocolates, he placed her drink in front of her before sliding into the seat opposite. “So have you heard from your brother recently?” Max took a sip from his drink and nodded “Yeah he rang me yesterday actually” Sophie smirked “is he still angry you managed to burn through your money within 2 weeks” Max rubbed the back of his neck “I don’t think he’ll ever let me forget it, but he agreed to send me some more to tide me over”

“Do you plan on going back?”

Max reached over the table taking Sophie’s hand in his, rubbing his thumb over her knuckles “Not any time soon” giving her a reassuring smile “But I will have to eventually, being part of a noble family i will  have to show my face every now and again”

“I still find it hard to believe that someone like you is part of all that”

Max chuckled “Well it has it’s advantages, no one will even bat an eyelid at me being gone, only for big formal events. That way i get to spend more time here with you” Max raised her hand to his lips gently placing a kiss, causing Sophie to smile “How’s Willow settling in” Sophie tucked a strand of hair behind her ear “Well she’s getting there” Max could hear the hesitation in her voice “you never did tell me why she left” Sophie bit her lip as she averted her gaze to look out the window “Okay but please don’t bring any of this up” Max nodded a he drew a cross over his heart “I promise” Sophie rubbed her forehead “You know how i told you Willow came to live with us when her mom died?” Max nodded as he leaned in closer “Well that’s where it all started to go down hill”

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

Drake secured the saddle on his horse before placing his foot in the stirrup and lifting himself on. He patted the horse on the neck, settling into the saddle he made a clicking noise causing the horse to walk forward. He lead them out the stable and out the gates, they walked a short distance when he saw Willow walking towards him. She smiled giving a small wave “Hey have you seen Sophie?” 

“Her and Max are out for the day” He pulled his phone out checking the time “They should be back soon though”

Willow furrowed her brow “Oh i didn’t know” 

“Anything i can help with?”

Willow shook her head “It’s just about the party tomorrow nothing major” 

Drake nodded “Care to join me, I’m just going on a ride before i finish for the day”

Willow smiled as she took Drakes outstretched hand. He lifted her up into the saddle and gripped her waist to steady her, she lent back into his chest as he  rested his hands on her thighs gripping the reins. “Where do you normally go”

Drake spurred the horse forward as they slowly made their way up the dirt path “Through the field’s and back round to the ranch”

“So is this what you do all day? ride around on the horses looking pretty”

Drake smirked “No it’s just one of the perks”

Willow chuckled “It is therapeutic”

“I need it before going back to Max”

Willow playfully slapped Drakes hand “Max isn’t that bad”

Drake snorted “Try living with him”

“How are you two even friends, you’re complete opposites”

“We grew up together, he always followed Me and my friend Liam around like a lost puppy”

Willow giggled “So how did you end up living together”

Drake rubbed the back of his neck “I needed a break and decided to move out here and he wanted to tag along to make sure i settled okay”

“That’s sweet of him, he must really care about you”

Drake chuckled “Yeah he does have his moments”

As they rounded the corner towards the ranch Sophie and Max were carrying bags into the house from Drakes truck. Max waved “Hey guys” as they came to a stop Willow jumped off the horse and made her way over picking up some bags and following Sophie into the ranch. “So did your plan work” Max grinned as he nodded “Sure did, you ready to go home” 

“Sure i just need to lock up the stables” 

“I’ll help” before Drake could protest Max clambered up into the saddle sitting in front of Drake. Drake rolled his eyes as Max nestled into him “This is cozy”

Drake spurred the horse forward “Yeah well don’t get used to it”

[ducktracy]

107. buddy in africa (1935)

disclaimer: this review entails racist imagery, content, and concepts. i don’t endorse any of these stereotypes or depictions whatsoever, i find them gross and wrong. however, it would be just as wrong to gloss over them and act like they didn’t exist. this review is purely for educational and informational purposes. please let me know if i say something harmful, offensive, or wrong—it is NEVER my intention to do so. thank you for bearing with me and understanding.

release date: july 6th, 1935

series: looney tunes

director: ben hardaway

starring: jackie morrow (buddy)

ben hardaway’s last buddy cartoon. buddy sets up a moving variety store shop in africa, but a pesky monkey and gorilla cause problems for our little shopkeeper.

just a normal day where a man is mowing the grass in his african village, or so we think. a pan out reveals that he’s perched on top of a house, mowing the straw roof. another gag includes a human juicer, a man twisting the bone in his hair to squeeze the juice out of the fruit in the man’s mouth. some villagers engage in a game of horseshoe, a man tossing children and using their nose rings to get caught onto the stake in the ground. as always, racial stereotypes and caricature are abound and uncomfortable.

enter chipper buddy, whistling away as he totes his trailer behind his car, advertising a variety store. a somewhat similar premise would be used in porky’s five and ten, where fish wreak havoc on his own variety store. a gorilla is hitchhiking, eagerly sticking out his thumb when buddy approaches. buddy rides straight on by, bad news for the gorilla, who dismisses him frustratedly. there’s a nice (albeit standard) gag of a monkey traffic cop and a giraffe posing as a traffic sign. the monkey directs the traffic, while a kangaroo (in africa???) stuffs litter in its pouch.

a guard waits by the entrance of the village. he spots buddy approaching and snags another villager, shaking him and ringing him like a bell. everyone pokes their heads out to see what the occasion is as buddy drives through the gates.

buddy screeches to a halt and begins to set up shop, beating on a drum, his butt, some pots and pans, greeting the crowd congregating before him with “howdy, folks! here it is!” jackie morrow’s voice acting is very cute, and it’s neat that they got an actual child actor (i believe i read somewhere that he was 9 when he voiced buddy). i think jack carr’s voice suited him more, though—it was an ambiguous child AND adult voice. it could pass for either, just like buddy’s appearance. i guess it’s just a little strange seeing buddy drive a car and own a house and talk in a child’s voice. just something very petty to nitpick at, morrow does a very good job of voicing buddy. the villagers exchange fruit for the goods as the trade ensues.

there’s another rather redundant and arbitrary shot of the gorilla hitchhiker before cutting back to buddy and his booming business. one of the villagers goes into his hut with his newfound collectibles. he twists two lightbulbs in his ears, which add some much needed light into the dark hut. he placed a lampshade on his head and reads the newspaper. elsewhere, another villager stuffs fireworks in his mouth and lights them, flying off into the distance. it’s an absurd gag, but the abruptness and almost incoherence of it makes it highly amusing.

meanwhile, our little salesman triumphantly displays some bottles. “here’s a drink that’ll cure your jitters,” he announces in rhyme, “buddy’s famous jungle bitters!” one of his customers takes the bottles buddy was holding in his hands, whereas a pesky little monkey decides to help himself, too. buddy scolds the monkey, but the monkey isn’t bothered, chattering and slamming buddy’s car door shut.

four of the villagers drink the bitters—music strikes. a man plucks his hair like a bass as they sing “marchin’ towards ya, georgia!” a very catchy song indeed with lovely vocals, but appreciation severely muddled by the blatant blackface caricatures staring you in the face. a man plays an elephant like a pair of bagpipes, a man stretches out his lips (sigh) and plays them like a muted trumpet, and a woman sings some vocals. she has some sort of pipe on her neck (it’s difficult to tell since this print is so poor in quality), and a man annoyed with her singing turns a knob that shuts her up. meanwhile, buddy merrily juggles his bottles.

two of the villagers dance, bouncing around doing handstands. obviously, this whole scene, not to mention entire cartoon is cringeworthy and painful to watch (unfortunately, this is relatively tame compared to other cartoons), but the animation is solid, very bouncy and fun. a turtle plays itself like a banjo while the four singers finish up the song. very catchy indeed.

back to the monkey, who’s proving himself to be quite the nuisance. he bangs the bottle against the car in an attempt to open it—buddy yells at him to stop and to give it back, but the monkey refuses. buddy chases the monkey around the car—he dives under the car, where the monkey pops out on top and hits the bottle against buddy’s head. buddy snags the bottle (which somehow isn’t broken) out of the monkey’s hands and spanks him. back to the harman-ising days of spanking gags! how we miss you!

accomplished, buddy releases the monkey and laughs. the monkey shakes his fist and wanders off, right back to the hitchhiking gorilla. ahhh, of course. the monkey chirps and squeals about his horrific encounter with buddy, patting his own butt for good measure. the seemingly docile gorilla scowls and rolls up its fur-sleeves (such an overdone gag, but a big guilty pleasure of mine. i can’t help but love it!) menacingly. it puffs its chest out and tips its hat forward, preparing to march along. a nice detail as the monkey follows behind, also puffing out his chest.

the gorilla and monkey come to a standstill as a guard confronts them at the entrance to the village. a lovely little bit of acting as the gorilla shrugs at the monkey for advice, the monkey punching its palm. the gorilla takes its orders and pummels the guard into the ground, the gorilla stepping on his head and the monkey poking his eyes.

predictably, buddy gets his. he’s pumping up a tire when the gorilla terrorizes him, stepping onto the tire and propelling buddy upwards. the gorilla catches buddy and slams him down onto the tire, pumping the air pump and propelling him offscreen. thusly, the gorilla snags the pump and tire, preparing to beat buddy senseless by swinging the tire like the world’s most painful lasso. the scene reads as incoherent (even aside from the poor quality) as the tire hits the gorilla instead, shooting it into the distance. a tree slingshots the gorilla back to where it was (nice rubbery animation of the tree), and the gorilla barrels right into a lookout tower. the tower collapses, trapping buddy AND the gorilla who are both unscathed. finding great humor in the debacle, the little monkey laughs at the gorilla. in a moment of camaraderie, the gorilla exchanges a glance with buddy and punches the tire. the tire sends the air pump handle rocketing, which in turn hits the monkey, who flies into the distance. iris out as foes become friends, the gorilla and buddy shaking hands.

hardaway’s buddy cartoons, in my opinion, were slightly weaker than king’s. in general, they’re all pretty bland—the titles blend together and i can’t even remember if i have a discernible favorite or not. i know i had commended a buddy cartoon relatively recently and labeled it as good, but i can’t even think of it! thus proves buddy’s blandness. this is another bland one, more than usual. right off the bat the racial stereotypes and caricatures make the cartoon an uncomfortable watch. the monkey and gorilla scenes were amusing, though. the ending battle read as incoherent and incomprehensible, i kept having to rewind it just to formulate what was going on. it was certainly creative and high energy, though, and i applaud that. the song number was nice and catchy, but that’s it. i hate to say “it could have been worse” because blackface is blackface and stereotypes are stereotypes, any inclusion at all is immediately bad. but i suppose there are cartoons out there that are more mean-spirited than this one, more of a “celebration everyone sings and dances for the fun of it and everyone gets along”, but still. not pleasant and cringeworthy. even besides that, the cartoon doesn’t have much going for it at all. you won’t miss anything by skipping.

but, as always, i’ll provide a link. obviously view at your own discretion.

[hmubangtan]

BTS Reaction to your first time in Little Space

*WARNING* This is a little space request. If you don’t like it don’t read.

Jin:

When you had first told Jin about you being a little he was a bit shocked. He didn't know that it was possible for a person to regress their mental age to destress.

He wasn't against it but he certainly wasn't ready for the day you regressed around him for the first time.

It happened when you had found your old teddy bear. Seeing it had made you regress extremely fast and Jin hadn't seen it coming. When you toddled over to him with a wide smile on your face he assumed you were just extremely happy.

It wasn't until you started babbling incoherently that he figured out you regressed. You had only told him about regressing and even then it was just the basics, not how to actually care for a little.

He was flustered and running around the dorm like a chicken with no head when Jungkook noticed.

“Hyung what's wrong? Why is (Y/N) acting like a kid?” Jungkook asked Jin as he noticed you sitting on the couch playing with your teddy and babbling.

“It's called little space Kook. (Y/N) told me about it but never how to deal with it.” Jin sighed out exasperated.

“Well if (Y/N) is in little space then why not just treat them like a little kid?” Jungkook suggested.

“You are brilliant Kookie!” Jin grabbed Jungkook and shook him around before letting him go and rushing over to you.

Jungkook just shook his head, shaking away the brief dizziness as he watched his oldest Hyung bolt from the room before leaving to go play Overwatch.

“Hi baby. Do you know who I am?” Jin asked you as you looked up from your teddy.

“Daddy! Silly!” You giggled out as Jin slightly laughed along.

“That's right baby! And Daddy is gonna be the bestest daddy in the whole world okay? I love you no matter what.” Jin hugged you close as you hugged back.

“I love you too Daddy!”

Yoongi:

You had told Yoongi about little space before and he accepted that it was your way of destressing and unwinding after a long day. He was not however prepared for you to actually regress in front of him.

You had regressed when he found your pacifier in between the couch cushions. He had picked it up and held it between his fingers curiously, wondering what it was doing there, when he turned around and noticed you.

You were staring at him with wide eyes and slightly open mouth.

“Dada… Mine.” You made grabby hands at him.

“What? (Y/N) what did you call me?” Yoongi asked, slightly panicked.

“Dada? Dada mine.” You pointed at the pacifier he was holding in his hands. Yoongi was now thoroughly freaked out.

“(Y/N) how old are you? Did you regress?” Yoongi asked in a bit of a stern voice.

“Dada! MINE!” Tears easily welled up in your eyes. You started crying after Yoongi didn't give you your pacifier. Why wasn't he giving it to you?

“Okay! Okay! Just let me wash it off! It's gross!” Yoongi panicked at your crying as he ran to the kitchen sink to wash your pacifier. He ran back just as fast and stuck the pacifier in your open mouth.

As soon as you felt the plastic of the pacifier heavy on your tongue you squealed in delight.

“Dada? Tank ou!” You mumbled out from around the plastic.

“Yeah yeah, kid you're welcome. What else do you want?” Yoongi asked a bit hesitant about the answer.

“Bubba and cuddles!” You answered back softly, holding your hands out to Yoongi to be carried. Yoongi lifted you into his arms with ease.

“Okay, a bottle and cuddles. Nothing I can't do.”

After Yoongi had made your bottle (having to redo it three times) and fed you, he sat on the couch exhausted with you snuggled up on his lap, pacifier in your mouth. He would have to read up a bit more on little space in order to be better at looking after you.

In the end, though everyone got what they wanted. You got the cuddles you wanted and he got to relax. He felt better now that he had seen you in little space. He vowed to be the best daddy he could.

J-Hope:

You had never told Hoseok about your age regression because you were afraid he would leave you. The only person you had told was Jin. He was the only person you thought you could trust with your secret.

You knew it wouldn't be long before Hoseok found out and you knew you should just tell him instead of him finding out accidentally but you kept putting it off. Until one day he accidentally found out.

You had been left alone in the dorm which was the perfect time to fit some little space activities in. You grabbed your favorite blankie and pacifier and laid down on the couch watching your favorite cartoon.

You had been laying there for around an hour just relaxing and sucking on your pacifier when the front door of the dorm opened.

You froze like a deer in the headlights. A minute later the boys came strolling through the door only to stop when they saw you sitting on the couch swaddled in a blanket with a pacifier hanging from your lips.

“(Y/N)? What is this? What are you doing?” Hoseok asked with a hint of disgust in his voice.

“I-I was j-just-,” you tried to stammer out a reason as you noticed Hobi’s lip curl up.

“Why are you acting like a kid?! You're a grown-up for god's sake! Act like one!” Hoseok growled out.

Tears started falling from your eyes. This is the one thing you were hoping to avoid. Now Hobi would leave you and you would have no one yet again.

“Hey, sweetheart it's okay. Come to Jin baby.” Jin pushed Hoseok away as he went to comfort you, pulling you into a hug.

“Hobi no love me anymore! I bad!” You cried out as the rest of the boys stared at Hoseok with anger.

“Hyung that was really mean. (Y/N) is probably using this to destress or something. Why don't you give them a chance to explain before judging.” Taehyung said softly to Hoseok as he watched you cry into Jin’s shoulder.

Hoseok looked at you as you cried and felt disgusted at himself. He hadn't even given you a chance to explain. He walked over and knelt in front of you.

“(Y/N) I'm sorry. I just was shocked and didn't know how to deal with it. Will you forgive me?” Hoseok asked lightly as you looked at him with tear marks on your cheeks.

“Okay, daddy. I forgive you.” You mumbled out as you hugged Hobi. “Daddy love me?” You asked, a bit fearful of the answer.

“Yes, daddy loves you no matter what. I'll love you always okay?” Hoseok held you close and kissed your forehead.

“Love you, daddy.”

“Love you too sweet pea.”

Namjoon:

You had never bothered to tell Namjoon about you being a little because you never regressed in front of him. You were always very careful to keep a big headspace when around the boys. Until one day you were pushed too far.

That day came when you were stressed from school and online classes. You had left your shared room with Namjoon and gone to get some water and medicine for your headache when you noticed Jungkook and Taehyung playing with something familiar.

Your favorite stuffie.

You stopped in horror as you watched them throw it back and forth between each other, batting it around like it was a piece of trash.

The final straw came when Jungkook noticed the little stitching pattern it had on it and decided to tug at it, watching as it ripped.

“Oh shit! Kookie what did you do?” Taehyung asked shocked.

“It ripped! I think this was (Y/N)’s as well. Hopefully, they don't see- oh.” Jungkook’s eyes widened as he noticed you in the doorway, watching with eyes full of tears.

“You hurt him! You guys mean!” You wailed as you ran over to Taehyung and Jungkook to get your stuffie back.

“(Y/N) why are you talking like that? It was an accident!” Taehyung asked, confusedly staring at you.

It was at this moment that Namjoon walked into the room and noticed your tear-streaked face, as well and Jungkook and Taehyung's guilty faces.

“What did you guys do? Why is (Y/N) crying?” Namjoon asked as he ran over to you. You wailed a bit more as you reached out to him to be held. He complied albeit a bit hesitatingly.

“Daddy they ripped him! They mean!” You told him with heavy sniffles. Namjoon’s head reeled at being called daddy but he decided to act now and ask questions later.

“It was an accident baby. They'll say sorry and then they'll fix him okay? No need to cry anymore.” Namjoon lifted you up and soothingly rubbed your back as you got the last of your sniffles out.

“We're really sorry (Y/N). It was an accident. Forgive us please?” Taehyung asked with a guilty face.

“Forgive you.” You mumbled back as your eyes slowly started closing. Namjoon smiled and rubbed your back as you slowly lulled yourself to sleep.

“Night night daddy.” You yawned as Namjoon took you to your room for a nap.

“Night night baby. I love you.”

Jimin:

You had told Jimin about you being a little but had never regressed in front of him. He sounded like he was okay with the idea when you first told him but seeing it but be different.

You were still very cautious around him and careful not to slip into little space. A big trigger of yours was being tired or woken up when extremely tired. And unfortunately, that is exactly what happened.

You were calmly napping when you were startled awake by the dorm front door opening. The slam of the front door startled you into little space and you could feel yourself deflate.

“Hey, babe! What're you doing sleeping out here?” Jimin asked you as he opened the fridge to grab a water bottle.

“Tiwed.” You whined out as you clutched your blanket around your body. You stuck your thumb in your mouth as you watched Jimin walk over to where you are.

“(Y/N) baby. Are you in little space? How old baby?” Jimin asked, unsure of how to respond to you regressing.

You silently hold up 3 fingers signaling your mental age. Jimin smiles softly as he watched your tired eyes peer up at him curiously.

“Dada! Tiwed.” You yawn as if to complete your statement.

“Aw, my poor baby. You just want a nap huh?” Jimin asks as he picks you up and gently rocks you back and forth.

“When you wake up we’ll have to set some rules for you, okay baby?” Jimin tells you as you begin to protest.

“No! No rules! Nap!” You lightly kick your feet as you try to turn in Jimin's hold.

“Hey, now sweetie! We can go for nap time but you have to be good.” Jimin sternly tells you.

“Okay, dada. Nap time?” You ask, hope to shine in your half-lidded eyes.

“Sure sweetie. Do you want cuddles as well?” Jimin asks as he carries you to your shared room and gently lays you on the bed.

You nod enthusiastically as Jimin lays down next to you. You snuggle up to his warmth and yawn, your eyes slowly falling shut as Jimin kisses your forehead.

“Night night sweetie. I love you.”

Taehyung:

Being little was something you never did around anyone. Not even your boyfriend Taehyung. You weren’t planning on telling him until the day came where you absolutely had to. Unfortunately, today was that day.

You had accidentally slipped into little space due to being stressed. At first, Taehyung didn’t notice until you let something else slip as well.

“(Y/N) babe, do you know where my cell phone is?” Taehyung asked as he walked into the living room where you were.

“Dunno Daddy!”

Taehyung was about to leave when he realized what you had said. He turned back around to question you when he noticed you chewing on the remote.

“Hey hey! That’s not food!” Taehyung said as he pulled said object out of your mouth. You whined and reached towards him for the remote you were so happily chewing on.

“(Y/N) what’s wrong with you today? You’re acting…. Weird.” Taehyung commented a bit unsure.

“Daddy says I weird?” You mumbled as you started tearing up.

“No that’s not what I meant!” Taehyung started trying to explain. He had no idea what to do and started panicking.

“Hey sweetheart, Daddy is sorry okay? That remote isn’t good for your teeth! Let’s find something else okay? How about a blanket okay? That won’t hurt your teeth.” Taehyung mumbled to himself as he ran around trying to find the said blanket. When he came back he gave the blanket to you and watched cautiously as you started happily chewing on said item.

“Can you tell Daddy how you’re feeling baby?” Taehyung asked unsurely.

“I feeling little silly Daddy!” You giggled as you chewed on the blanket.

Taehyung nodded as he pulled his phone out and searched up everything he had told you so far. The only thing that came up was something called little space. He clicked on the first article that leads to a Tumblr page. As he kept reading he noticed that almost everything in the article applied to how you currently were.

“You’re a little baby?” Taehyung asked, looking to you for confirmation.

You nod as you stand up and wobble over to him. Sitting down on his lap you snuggle into his chest as you lightly chew your blanket. It was at this moment that his heart melted. He vowed to do everything in his power to be the best Daddy ever.

“I love you, baby.” Taehyung murmured into your hair.

“Love Daddy too.”

Jungkook:

“(Y/N) is in little space.” Jin walked into the kitchen and announced. The members groaned and started freaking out.

“What are we gonna do? Kookie is gonna be home in like 15 minutes and he doesn’t know (Y/N) is a little!” Jimin fretted as he got up to gather everything for little space that you would need.

“We’re gonna have to tell him sooner or later guys,” Namjoon commented as he sipped his coffee from the island counter.

“Yeah we know but what if Kookie doesn’t like-” Taehyung started to say before being interrupted.

“What if Kookie doesn’t like what?” Jungkook asked as he walked into the kitchen, looking at his Hyungs in confusion.

“Uh- uhm..” Taehyung started stammering.

“(Y/N) is a little and all of us were worried you wouldn’t like it.” Yoongi finally spoke up from where he was sitting at the kitchen table. The rest of the members looked at him in disbelief.

“(Y/N) is a little what?” Jungkook asked, furrowing his brows in confusion.

“(Y/N) is a little. Meaning they regress in mental age to destress. Littles also typically have a caregiver usually known as Mommy or Daddy.” Namjoon informed Jungkook who seemed to understand. He didn’t notice that Jimin had slipped away during the conversation to go get you from your room.

“Here’s the baby now.” Jimin cooed as he walked into the kitchen with you in his arms. You were looking around with wide eyes and a pacifier in your mouth. When you looked at Jungkook his heart clenched and he felt himself slowly smile.

“Hi, there (Y/N) sweetie.” Jungkook cooed at you as you reached out to go into his arms. Jimin kept his hold on you though and looked at Jungkook skeptically. You whined and stretched out more to go to Jungkook.

“Dada! Want Dada!” You whined.

Everyone froze. You whined again which made Jungkook go over and take you in his arms. You sighed content with where you were. He walked over to the nearest chair and held you in his lap. You snuggled closer to him and yawned as your eyes started closing slowly. He leaned forward to kiss your forehead and whisper to you.

“I don’t know how to be a Daddy but I’ll try my hardest just for you baby. I love you so much.”

You smiled as you drifted off to sleep and he cuddled you closer.

“Well, I see you have everything under control Kookie. Let’s leave them be guys.” Namjoon said as he winked at Jungkook before leaving. The rest of the boys slowly trickled out and left Jungkook with you.

Jungkook kissed your forehead again and smiled. He loved every part of you, even your little side.

Hello, my lovelies. Good news! I’m almost done night school! I just have one more class and then my exam! Wish me luck! After that, I won’t be focusing so much on studying and I’ll have more time for the blog. Because it’s my winter break at the moment, I decided to get this gem posted. Thank you to everyone who waited patiently. I’m trying to get all my requests out ASAP. Again thanks to my lovelies! <3

PS Sorry about Hobi’s being angsty but when I was writting his I was sorta thinking about what would happen if one of the boys rejected it and that happened. It’s a good ending fluff though ;)

-Admin Rhi

[ahumanfemale]

The Talk

I got in the mood for a little 19x03 episode tag... set the day after the infamous “yummy” scene.  Angsty, be warned.  -  xoxo, ahf.

Rafael really should be at home.

The file in front of him could be dissected in his apartment, from the comfort of his deep couch or even from bed.  Notes could be made in sweatpants and a worn t-shirt rather than his three-piece suit.  Work could be done even over the top of his reading glasses, a thought that occurs to him as a dull headache throbs between his brows.  There was no reason he couldn’t be home other than his own stubbornness.  

That, and the budding desire to keep work away from home.

An impulse he hasn’t had the courage to face just yet.

And one that he avoids yet another night with the sound of a knock at his door.  The quick, rhythmic knock that signaled either Olivia or Carmen and he had sent Carmen home three hours before.  

“Come in.”

Olivia walks through the door and the sight is a welcome one.  At least for a second, until Rafael’s eyes rest on the smaller body she’s carrying past his door.  Noah, in a thick hooded jacket with a candy bar in one hand and a small tablet in another.  He offers a strained smile at the child’s animated wave and he watches Olivia settle him onto Rafael’s couch.  The nice leather one.  The nice leather one he doesn’t want to spend half an hour cleaning chocolate out of.

“Liv-”

A look is all it takes.  A look that tells him in no uncertain terms, Live with it Rafael.

“Here you go, sweetie.  Watch your show while Mr. Barba and I talk, okay?” she asks nicely and the child nods, attention back on the animated video almost as soon as she’s done talking.  

“I seem to remember a lot of high rhetoric about screen time a few years ago,” he teases and Olivia scoffs in return.

“Sugar, too.  Every parent is that parent until you need them to be still and quiet for more than five minutes.”  He laughs and sets down his pen, leaning back in the chair while Olivia squares her shoulders and adds, “I was hoping we could talk, if you have a minute.”

“Of course.  Although somehow I feel like this talk is already not in my favor.”

“I’m not here to attack you.”

“And thank God for that.”  He nods at Noah behind her.  “You already have backup.”

That wins him a smile, however brief.

“I came to talk to you about yesterday, in my office.”

Rafael cocks his head.  “Yesterday?”

“When we were discussing what to do about Evelyn, Nora, and Julie.”

“And we decided to go through with Carisi’s suggestion.”

“You did.  Without a fight, even,” she points out and his stomach gives a slight flip.  “I’m glad to see you’re getting along again.”

“We never stopped.”

She arches an eyebrow in his direction.  “I’m almost certain the last year would beg to differ.”

“We’ve had…” he starts, grapples for a word that doesn’t sound too intimate.  “Disagreements.”

“No, you’ve had sparring matches.  Carisi had a temper that I’ve never seen from him, but only with you.  I didn’t see him lash out at anyone else during that time.”

“Liv-”

“Don’t hurt him again, Rafael.”

He blinks, stunned.  

Olivia doesn’t so much as bat an eye, holding his gaze evenly while the sound of Noah’s cartoon in the background detracts from the otherwise deafening silence between them.  

“I don’t recall disclosing a relationship to my superiors,” he says coolly, “And I’m almost certain Carisi wouldn’t, either.”

“I’m aware of that.”

“Then I’m not sure what you’re getting at.”

“Do you think I’m blind?  Or just willfully ignorant?” she asks, exasperated even after less than five minutes in the room with him.  “I don’t know when or how, but I know that it happened.  I even think you made him happy, that much was obvious.  Even after Mike’s death, he was okay.  Until he wasn’t.”

“And you think that has to do with me?”

“I know it does.  Just like I know that it must be fading, because here you are again.  Flirting, sending those same long looks over my desk like you’re the only ones who can see them,” she sighs.  “And maybe I’m wrong, but I don’t think I am.  So I’m here to ask you again - please, please don’t hurt him.”

Rafael clears his throat, feels the knot there and does his best to talk around it. 

“I never… this wasn’t supposed to happen.  It wasn’t intentional.”

She scoffs, “Now that I believe.”

“I’m just trying to tell you that it wasn’t the plan.  This wasn’t supposed to develop into… feelings.  What it became, and even how it ended.  I never meant to hurt Sonny.”

“Uncle Sonny?!” Noah cried from behind them, happy to have heard a name he recognizes.  

“That’s right, baby.  We’re talking about Uncle Sonny.”

“He gives me cookies when you aren’t looking.”

Rafael chuckles.  That sounds like something the man would do.

“Does he?  Well, I’ll have to start using the eyes on the back of my head then,” Olivia says and shakes her head, looking back at Rafael with softness across her features.  “He’s smitten with Uncle Sonny.  We all are, I think.”

We are, he thinks but can’t bring himself to say it.  

Next to his arm his phone vibrates and his eyes dart to the screen, seeing a familiar name flash across it.  He thumbs the message open in less than a second, without even thinking about it.  The message is short and simple and still Rafael can hear Sonny’s voice in it.  The accent, the warmth.  He can even picture Sonny’s smirk as he typed out the words, plans already forming in his mind as the message sends.

You free tonight?

“That’s him, isn’t it?” Olivia asks quietly.

He nods briefly and puts the phone away, forgoing a response until he could form it alone.  

“I can tell.  You light up near him, Rafael.  Like I haven’t seen you done in years,” she tells him and before he can answer she’s stepped away, collected Noah from his spot on the couch.  To his surprise there’s not a dollop of chocolate on his seat from what he can tell.  Olivia heads for the door and turns back at the last minute, offering him a small smile.  “I hope… I hope you know what you’re doing.”

He doesn’t dignify that with a defense.

“Have a nice night, Olivia.”

“Bye, Mr. Barba!” Noah cries as she leaves and then the door is closed behind them, the sound of the heels of Olivia’s boots fading down the hallway until he’s left with ringing silence and the unpleasant skitter of his own unease.  

He looks down again, at the paperwork he hasn’t managed to make any headway on in close to two hours.  Then at his phone, flipping it over again to see Sonny’s message.

Rafael stares at it, the ghost of a smile forming.  

It’s so easy to smile around Sonny.

Then Noah’s earnest face floats to the forefront of his mind again, chocolate smeared at the corner of his mouth while he excitedly asks about Uncle Sonny.  Noah, the child of a coworker who somehow Sonny had managed to bewitch into loving him.  Like everyone else, Rafael mourns and feels a familiar chasm open up in the center of his chest.

Those old fights are still there, he realizes, as every one of them wells to the surface again.  

Always there, always haunting him.  

They hadn’t gone away, not really.  Not the big ones.  Rafael had only forgotten how those old fights made him feel in the year and a half since their last one-sided shouting match around two in the morning - frustrated, angry.  Grieving for a man who refused to leave him in the hopes he could persuade Rafael to want the same kind of family he did.  A fight Sonny could never, ever hope to win because Rafael was fifteen years past persuading.  

Rafael looks at the message again, picturing Sonny’s smiling face even has he hears the remnants of Olivia’s heartfelt warning in his ears.

He looks at the message, takes a deep breath.

Heart panging in his chest, he deletes it.

[homeiswherethestuckis]

Bitter, Sweet

This is a davekat meteorstuck request I wrote for @ironbubble!!  Thanks so much for the request, I hope you like it!

Your mouth tastes bitter.  You hate it.  You know it has to do with all the coffee that you’ve been drinking lately, but it’s not like you can do shit about it.  There’s nothing else here to keep you awake, and the last thing you want to do on this godforsaken shit rock is sleep.  

Which is hard, because you’re so tired.  You’re so fucking tired all the time.  You feel like you could pass out at any moment if you don’t keep yourself busy.  

It’s a good thing you have Dave and the Mayor now.  You’re always busy when you’re spending time with them.  That’s good, because there’s no way this coffee alone is going to keep you awake for very long.

You’re dragging your feet over to Can Town right now.  You’d be lying to yourself if you said you weren’t excited to hang out with them.  You love having people to spend time with, it’s a lot different than all the interactions you had up until the game began.  All the stuff Dave wants to do, hopscotch, tag, even just running around the meteor holding hands, has been entirely new and so much more fun than the type of play you’re used to.  

Before all of this, you spent all your time in your hive with only your lusus for company and your husktop for communicating with people.  You barely stepped foot out of your home, and you’d never actually met any of your friends face to face before.  

It was a little overwhelming at first, but now that you’ve had time to get used to it, you think it’s...nice.  You like having people this close to you.  People who are actually there, in the same block as you, near enough for you to touch.  

You like talking, and you like listening to other people talk.  You’d been missing out on this entire facet of conversation this whole time and you never really realized it.  You feel like you’re making up for time lost, it’s a real learning experience.

You feel lucky to have Dave here.  Dave, who’s not only okay with the occasional physical contact you crave, but also sometimes initiates it and seems to want it just as much as you do.  Dave, who talks so much but seems just as inept at conversation as you are and puts up with all your shit.  Who finds your embarrassing freakouts entertaining as opposed to irritating, and then proceeds with a long winded response that rambles off topic so far that you don’t remember what you were even talking about in the first place once he stops for breath.  

All this time you’ve been spending with Dave has been amazing.  You’ve never felt so close to anyone in your life.  Physically or emotionally.

Which explains the influx of feelings you’ve been having about him lately.

Dave is your friend, and you’ve been having a lot of fun spending time with him.  But, just like every friendship you’ve had before this, it didn’t take long for a crush to rear its ugly head.

This wasn’t an uncommon event for you, in the past you’d developed strong feelings towards anyone who showed you the barest hint of kindness.  So you tried to do what you usually do when these situations inevitably arose.  You bit your tongue and suppressed your feelings, hoping they would go away or fade soon like all the others that came before him.

Maybe it was because Dave is an alien, or maybe it was because you weren’t used to this much prolonged exposure, but either way it didn’t work this time around.  The feelings didn’t pass, and they refused to be ignored or unacknowledged and shoved into the back of your pan where they belong.  There was nothing you could do about it except deal with them and hope nobody noticed how your insides turned to mush anytime Dave looked at you.

You are so fucked.

But hey, at least your fear of Dave or anybody else noticing how you feel about him is enough to force yourself to keep awake with your guard up around him.  That’s a side effect that works in favor of your self imposed insomnia.  

Dave and the Mayor are already busy at work when you get to Can Town.  They both look over at you as you enter.  

“Hey,”  you walk over to a pile of cans on the ground and pick one up, “what are we doing today?”

“I don’t know.”  Dave admits.  He takes the can out of your hand.  “I was debating between tag and hide-and-seek, since the meteor’s so big there’s probably plenty of places to hide here and tag’s always fun, especially since there’s a fuck ton of variations on the game-”

“Wait, what?  What kind of variations could you have to a game that’s basically just running around and hitting each other?”

“Freeze tag, for one.”  He hands your can over to the Mayor.  “There’s probably a lot of other ones, but that’s the first thing that comes to mind for me.  Anyway, that’s what I was thinking about doing until you showed up.”

You bristle defensively. “What the hell’s that supposed to mean?”  

“Nothing, it’s just that you look like shit today, man.”  He says, shrugging.  “And I don’t mean like how I usually say you look like shit.  I mean you look like someone  just experienced the worst case of diarrhea in their entire lives, let the shit petrify for a couple days, and then just for kicks and giggles shoved it in the microwave on high for a couple minutes.”

“That was imagery I didn’t need at this hour, thank you.  I am both offended and choking on my own vomit.  You did an excellent job there, ass bag.”  You give him a sarcastic thumbs up.

“You shouldn’t be offended, you do look terrible and I’m just calling it like I see it.  If I ever reach your level of shit scented grease ball then I expect the same thing from you.  No holds barred.  The point I was trying to make before you got me sidetracked about this was that I think instead of doing those two things I thought of maybe we could just chill and do something else for today.”  He shrugs.  “Something basic.”

“Something basic?”  You raise an eyebrow.  “Like what?”

“I don’t know.”  He shrugs.  “I found a bunch of cartoons someone must have alchemized the other day, I thought we could just sit around and watch those or something.  Do you guys have cartoons on your hellish murder planet?”

“We had cartoons.  I wasn’t interested in them because they were literal shit, but they definitely existed.”

“Yeah, ours were mostly shit, too.”  Dave nods.  “That never stopped anyone from watching them, though.  So, you in?”

Snuggling on a couch with Dave for an unspecified amount of time?  Sign you the fuck up.  “Okay, sure.  I’ll watch some of your shitty earth cartoons.”

“Alright, cool.  We’ll just finish up here and then get on that.”  Dave goes back to his construction project with the Mayor.  

You help as much as you can, and you all spend the next half hour or so building and hanging out.  Dave talks the entire time, it’s mostly a one sided conversation that you’re not really sure he knows is happening.  He does that sometimes, just talks under his breath without realizing it.  You and the Mayor just sit there and listen, you love listening to him talk, and you’re sure the Mayor agrees.

Eventually, the Mayor claps his hands and announces that you’re done here for the day.  You and Dave go off to watch whatever weird cartoons Dave found.  You sit down on the couch and immediately feel your eyelids get heavy.  

Dave bypasses the couch.  “I’m thinking about getting popcorn before we get this thing started.  You want anything?”

Your mouth still tastes bitter from the several cups of coffee you drank.  Your stomach is empty, and you feel a little nauseous and you know that anything else will just make you feel worse.  You regret the words as soon as they leave your mouth. “Could you get me a coffee?”

Dave leans over the back of the couch and stares at you, his mouth set in a firm line.  You’re not sure what he’s doing, but you don’t break eye contact with him.  You do lean away from him a little, though.  God, his face is so fucking close.

“No.”

“What?”

“No can do, man.”  He shakes his head.  “Look at those bags under your eyes.  They’re so big you couldn’t even bring them on a plane as carry ons.  You don’t need coffee, you need sleep.”

“Fuck you, no I don’t!”  You snap at him, pushing his face away from you with your hand.  “I don’t need sleep, I’m perfectly fine.”

“Well, if you’re so fine then obviously you don’t need the coffee.”  He backs away from the couch before you can get at him again.

“Fine, just fuck off and don’t bring me coffee, then.”  

“Okay, I won’t.”  Dave shrugs.  “I’ll just make enough popcorn for the both of us, you get the show started, alright?”

“Sure, just popcorn.”  You agree.  “You go do that.”

Dave leaves the room, and you bite back a yawn.  You’re not sure how long you’ll be able to last without that coffee, but you’re planning to hold out as long as you possibly can just out of spite.  

You get up, but the disc in, and sink right back into the couch.  You force yourself to sit up straight, if you relax too much you’ll be doomed to falling asleep for sure.

Dave comes back, carrying a big bowl of popcorn.  He looks at you and laughs.  “Why the fuck are you sitting like you’ve got a metal rod shoved up your ass?”

“I always sit like this.”

“No, you don’t.”  He replies as he sits down, putting the bowl of popcorn between you.  “Yeah, you’ve sat in some really weird positions before, some of which I didn’t think were physically possible, but for all the freaky pretzel bending you’ve done in the past I don’t think I’ve ever seen you sit this stiff.”

Dave pokes you in the shoulder a couple times, and you bat his hand away.  “Keep it up and I’ll take the rod out of my ass and force it down your throat.”

“Ah, so you’re saying there is a rod down there.”  He pokes you lower, in the hip this time.  

“Given what I already said what I was going to do to you, is that really something you want to risk finding out?”

“Not really, no.  Contrary to popular belief I have zero interest in swallowing your shit stick.”

“Oh,”  you smirk, “so there’s been talk of you swallowing my stick before?”

“What?  No, what the hell gave you that ridiculous idea?”

“You just said it!”  You pick up a piece of popcorn and toss it at him.  “Hey, remind me, isn’t stick another word humans use to refer to-”

“Shit, I forgot to press play.”  Dave interrupts, getting up and running over to the tv.  “Karkat, I think you’ll like this show.  The main guy kinda reminds me of you.”

“Oh.”  You grimace at the thought of watching something like that.  The last thing you want to see is your own fucked up personality reflected back at you through an animated lens.  

“Now that I think about it,”  Dave says as he flops back onto the couch, “there’s a better chance you’ll hate it.  Who knows?  Guess we’ll just have to watch it and find out.”

“Yeah, I guess.”  You shrug, even though you’re pretty sure at this point you’re going to despise it.  Whatever, you’ll give it the benefit of the doubt for now.

The show starts, and within the first two minutes you can determine that it’s weird as shit but not if you love or hate it.  

“I don’t think I like Zim,”  you admit after a couple minutes, “he’s obnoxiously dense and annoying as hell.  I’m losing function in my pan just listening to him speak.  That’s the one I remind you of?”

“Yeah, that’s him.”  He replies.  “That’s the first thing I thought of the moment I read one of your god awful rants.”

“I sound like that to you?”  You sounded like that in your head, sure, but you always thought you sounded at least a little less awful to everyone else.  “Fuck, how can you stand being anywhere near me?”

“Oh, you know how it is.”  Dave punches you lightly on the arm.  “You kinda grew on me, dude.  Like a fungus some shit.”

“Wow, that’s nice and kind of gross.”  You punch him right back.  “Thanks.”

“Don’t mention it.”

You’re not able to keep yourself in a this stiff as fuck position for longer than an episode, and honestly that alone is actually making you more tired than just letting yourself lean into the cushions would.  You succumb and relax at the first episode’s end credits.  Your head ends up inches from Dave’s shoulder.  You have to suppress another yawn.

“You okay?”

“Yeah.”  You nod.  “I’m fine.  Hey, how come everybody in this show has three letter names?  I thought your species used four letters.”

“Unlike your weird as shit species, we don’t have a set number of letters for our names.  There can be as many letters as anybody wants.  Anyway, not everyone in this show has a three letter name.”

“Really?”  You reply.  “Name one character with more than three letters in their name.”

Dave thinks about it for a minute, you watch him try to work out a response while you eat some popcorn.  You know he’s not paying attention to you right now, so you’re staring openly at his face.  More specifically, his mouth.  He’s chewing on his lower lip, lost in thought.  You’re a little embarrassed about how your interest is so easily diverted.

“Miss Bitters!”  Dave says triumphantly.  You almost jump in surprise and look away before he notices how you were staring.  “Her name has way more than three letters.”

“Fuck, you’re right.”

“Of course I’m right!”  He picks up a handful of popcorn and flings a piece at you.  “I know how counting works, man.”

“Well, good.  I’m glad you at least have that basic skill down pat.”  You reply, removing the piece of popcorn from your hair and trying to shove it right into Dave’s mouth.

“Hey, no!  Don’t do that, that’s disgusting!”  He tries to push you away, but you manage to smash the piece against his face and get some of it into his mouth.  Satisfied, you climb off him just as he starts spitting. “Gross, Karkat!  You’re such a nasty ass wad!  I can’t believe you made me eat popcorn out of your garbage hair.”

“If you didn’t want to eat it, then you shouldn’t have thrown it at me.”  You take another handful of popcorn and continue talking with your mouth full.  “Don’t play with your food, Dave.”

He flicks another piece of popcorn at your face. “Don’t talk with your mouth full, Karkat.”

What with all the throwing and purposefully talking with food in your mouth, it’s not long before you both polish off the whole bowl of popcorn.  You’re so full now, and it’s not helping your nausea or your tiredness.  There’s kernels stuck between your teeth, but you’re too tired to even attempt to pick them out.  You bite back another yawn and have to fight to keep your eyes open.

Dave puts the empty bowl on the floor and leans against you.  

Okay, you’re awake now.

“Dave, what are you doing?”  You go stiff again without thinking about it.

“I don’t know.”  He mumbles.  “I’m more tired than I thought.  Do you want me to move?”

“No, this is fine.”  You’re so glad he’s not looking at you.  You have no idea what your face looks like, but you know your expression is definitely revealing and embarrassing.

You watch half an episode with Dave laying on you like this.  It’s not long before Dave’s breathing slows down to an even pace and his head slips from your shoulder and down to your leg.  You can’t believe you lasted longer than Dave.  

He cuddles up against your thigh, and you’re so glad you wore sweatpants today.  You look down at him and carefully rest your hand on his shoulder.  He stirs under your fingers, but settles back down before you can panic about possibly doing something stupid.  You leave your hand on his shoulder and pretend you’re watching the show, even though all your attention is on the weight of Dave’s head on your leg.  You’re still really tired, but now your stomach’s full of that warm, fuzzy feeling you’ve been associating with Dave lately.    

You’re grinning like an idiot.  You can tell.

You wake up with Dave’s face so close to yours that your noses are almost touching.  You don’t remember falling asleep, but you must have otherwise you would never have gotten into this kind of position.  No matter how much you want to.  

Dave has freckles all over his face.  You really love them, you can’t stop staring.  You kind of want to touch them, but you don’t want to risk waking him up.  That’s assuming he’s still asleep.  You can’t actually see his eyes through his shades.

Shit, what if he’s not asleep?

“Well, you’re definitely awake.”  Dave laughs quietly.  “What are you staring at?”

“Nothing.”  You’re quick to whisper back to him.  “You got some douche on your face.”

“Oh man, I guess I should get that.”  He rubs a hand over his face.  “So?  Did I get it?”

You shake your head.  “No, I think it might be a permanent part of your face.”

“Shit, that sucks.”

“It really does.  You’ll learn to live with it eventually.  After all, you’ve learned to live with being such an ugly son of a bitch, I’m sure you can manage.”

“Wow, that was cruel.”  He grins.  “You’re so mean, Karkat.  Or should I say...crabby?”

“Fuck you, you know I hate puns.”  You punch him lightly in the chest.  “You suck.”

“I thought we already established that I don’t do that.”

“I don’t think that conversation ever reached a conclusion.”  You reply.  “Did you want to revisit that discussion?”

“No, I really don’t, thanks.”

You both fall silent.  The whole block is completely quiet and it takes your sleep addled brain a moment to realize that the show ended at some point while you were asleep.  Fuck, how long were you out?  

All you can hear is Dave’s breathing.  Not that you’re complaining.

“How long have you been awake, Dave?”  You inquire softly.

“Awhile.  Not a long time, but long enough.”  He says cryptically.  “Did you know you talk in your sleep?”

“I do?”  Shit, you didn’t know that.  

“Yeah, you do.  Well, it was more like shouting in your sleep.  I thought you were loud when you were awake, but shit you have even less volume control when you’re unconscious.  You practically screamed right in my ear.”

“Sorry.”  That’s awful and embarrassing as fuck.  You can’t even imagine how much more embarrassing the shit you said was.  “Did I wake you?”

“Honestly?  Yeah.  I fell off the couch and everything, but it’s okay.  Don’t worry about it.  Listening to you talk was interesting.”

You really don’t want to ask, but you feel like you need to know what fucked up things you said while you were out.  “What did I say?”

“Oh you know, the usual stuff.  There was a lot of cussing involved.  At one point you called me a fuck faced idiot and told me to eat your pustule encrusted nook with a fork.”

“Sorry.”

“It’s okay, you’ve said grosser shit to me before.”  Dave replies.  “It was kind of  hilarious.”

“What, are you saying you find my insults funny?  Because if so then I’m clearly going to have to step up my game until my words strike fear into your stupid fragile earth blood pusher and make you void your bowels every time I spoke just like they used to before we started being bros.”

“I feel like I should clear up the fact that literally nothing you’ve ever said in the entire time I’ve known you has never struck fear into any part of my body ever.”

“Dave, that’s a lie and you know it.”  You poke him a couple times in the chest.  “You may as well admit it, I scare you and you’re intimidated by me.  Go ahead, say it.”

“Fine, if that’s really what you want to hear.”  He shrugs.  “I scare you and you’re intimidated by me.”

“I hate you so much for that.”

“Yeah, sure you do.”  Dave laughs.  “Anyway, it was only hilarious because you were asleep.  I didn’t realize all those colorful phrases came so easily to you.  You didn’t even have to think about that shit, it just popped right out of your foul little mouth.”

“Of course it comes naturally, dick noodle, this is just how I talk.”  You roll your eyes.  “So did I say anything else while I was asleep?”

He goes quiet for a minute.  He’s chewing on his lower lip again.   Holy shit, what the fuck kind of awful shit did you say in your sleep?  

Dave finally responds.  “You said my name a couple times.”  He says slowly.  “And some...other things.”

Oh fuck.  “What other things?”

“I...don’t know if I should really say.”  Dave’s still chewing on his lip.  His ears are red.  

“Come on, ass munch, tell me!  I think I deserve to know what I said.”  You really don’t want to know what you said, but the thought of not knowing whatever the fuck you said that made Dave’s face like this is eating you up inside.  “Just tell me.”

“It was...mostly...well..”  There’s a red blush crawling up his neck.  

“Well, what?”  You demand.

“You said a lot of stuff about me.”  Dave blurts out in a rush.

“I said a lot of stuff about you?”  You repeat.  You don’t like where this is going, but it’s too late for you to back out now.  “What kind of stuff?”

“Oh, you know.  Stuff about...how you feel.  About me.”  Dave looks so embarrassed.

Fuck, this is worst case scenario, what are you going to do about this?  There’s no coming back from this type of thing.  Shit, shit shit.

“Dave, I-”

“Did you mean it?”

The interruption catches you off guard.  “What?”

“Is that really how you feel about me?”  He asks.  “You like me?”

“I..."  You can’t get out of this, can you?  Your broship is over.  This is the end.  You swallow thickly. “yeah.”

Dave doesn‘t respond for a long time, and the silence is so heavy you feel like you‘re going to be crushed under the weight of it.  “Wow,” he finally says.  You feel like your bloodpusher’s going to stop in your chest, “I had no idea you felt that way, Karkat.”

You nod and stare down at your hands.  You can’t look at him anymore.  

“Karkat,”  Dave says slowly, “you’re my best friend and I think you’re great, but-”

Here it comes.  You were expecting this.  He’s going to ask you to stay the fuck away from him because he’s done nothing but offer you kindness and friendship and you had to go and ruin it by developing some fucked up feelings for him.  You feel sick.

 Dave cups your face in his hands and you’re forced to look at him.  “-I think I should hold off on telling you how I feel.”

Wait, what?  

You weren’t prepared for this.  Holy shit, what’s going on right now?  

Your confusion must show on your face, because Dave continues.  “Until you want to tell me yourself, obviously.  Sometime when you’re not asleep.”

You nod, feeling completely dazed. You can only manage a mumbled reply. “That’s fair.”

“I can’t tell you how I feel, but....”  He replies awkwardly, “I can show you.”

You smile, your blood pusher is pounding hard in your chest.  “What makes you think that’s something I’d be interested in?”

“Well, I don’t mean to brag, but you did mention my lips an awful lot in your sleep rant.”

Fuck, that’s embarrassing.

“So, Karkat?  Can I show you?”

“Hell yes.”  You nod.  “Do it.”

Dave pulls you closer to him, and you squeeze your eyes shut as his lips make slow, tentative contact with yours.  

You’re kissing Dave Strider on the couch, and it’s slow and lazy and sweet.  So fucking sweet.  Dave’s mouth is soft and tastes like sugar and it’s so nice you feel like you could cry.  You couldn’t imagine a more perfect first kiss if you tried.

You break apart just as slowly as you begin.  You open your eyes and don’t even try to fight the smile on your face.  Dave smiles back at you.  His ears are still red.

“That was great.”  

“Yeah,”  Dave nods, “it was.”

“You can feel free to show me how you feel anytime you want.”  

“Um.”  He’s blushing so hard.  “Okay.  Yeah, I’ll keep that in mind.”

Dave’s hands are still on your face, and you take them in your own.  Neither of you say anything as you lay together on the couch and hold hands.  You can’t stop grinning.  

“Hey, Karkat?”

“Yeah?”

“Are you still tired?”  He asks.  “You can go back to napping if you want.”

You haven’t felt this great in a long time.  You don’t even have to lie when you say “No.”

You hold Dave’s hands tight in yours.  

Your mouth tastes sweet.

[thejinichan]

Under the Circumstances Ch. 3

It was raining lightly, and the air was hazy with humidity when Yakko finally left work at 11pm. Furiously, he kicked at a crumpled-up tin can on the sidewalk. It barely moved an inch. With 1 more swift thrust of his shoe, it was sent sailing across the road hitting the curb. “Why had I agreed to come in early?” He thought angrily. Feeling bitter, he cursed at himself for thinking that today would be any different than the norm. Any positive thoughts that he had were now far gone from his mind.

The French doors at the entrance of the restaurant had chimed loudly when Yakko arrived early just as his boss instructed. As in typical fashion, Abbey stood stoically by the far side of the bar, checking her watch to make sure he was on time. Putting a hand up to his mouth, the warner did his best to suppress a snicker. “Typical.” He chuckled to himself. If an employee did not show up at least ten minutes early before a shift, Abigail would usually have words to say. She could be such a hard ass sometimes. Yakko always wondered if she was that stiff outside work too. Maybe if she had a drink every now and then with the others at closing she’d loosen up a bit.

Standing on the other side of the bar, and wiping martini glasses, Minerva Mink beckoned Yakko over in a sweet sultry voice, her head cocked down seductively. “Hey Handsome!” Minerva did very well being a bartender, and she used her looks and charm to her advantage. She had been the highest tip earner in the joint for years.

Yakko’s ears twitched from the sound of the mink’s voice. Happy to see a familiar face, he waltzed over to the bar and hopped up on the nearest stool.  Leaning over the side of the marble counter, he rested his head on his gloved hands. “How was your day off yesterday gorgeous?”

“I went shopping! Minerva bragged, batting her long eyelashes. “And check out this new necklace I got! Isn’t it pretty?” She pulled down the front of her red shirt, showing an ample amount of cleavage, with a single diamond pendant hanging between her chest.

“Well ain’t that the breast-er, I mean best.” Yakko stammered. Minerva was always flirting with him; she knew how to push his buttons. As attractive as he found her though, she wasn’t his type. Not that it stopped her relentless attempts to seduce him. Minerva enjoyed the game, and just seeing with how far she could take things with him. Yakko didn’t really mind, although he sometimes found it difficult to control himself in the face of such.. ahem, curves. Nevertheless, he had a lot of respect for her. She had been a good friend to both him and his siblings over the years.

The mink tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, smirking playfully. “Glad you like it.” Abruptly, Minerva turned towards the bar to put the glasses she had been cleaning on the shelf. Her golden blonde tail swished up into his face in the process.

It tickled his snout, and a flustered Yakko hastily batted her tail away while rubbing his nose. “You don’t know when to give up do you?”

“I can’t help it.” She cooed. “It ain’t easy being me.”

“So you remind me, almost every other day.” Yakko said sarcastically with a raised brow. “I gotta clock in though, save me a bubbly one for later eh? If there’s anything left after the big bash that is.” Yakko eyed his boss from the side as she gave him a disgruntled look. “Time to boogey.”

“Will do Mr Warner.” Minerva winked, blowing him a kiss as he left the dining area, to the kitchen.

Yakko hadn’t even finished buttoning up his vest when Abigail had snuck up behind him. Didn’t this human know what personal space was? He’d considered planting a giant kiss on her face when she was sneaky to throw her off, but he knew that would not fly with her. Humans could be so reserved sometimes. They needed to learn to let things go once in a while.

“Good to see you came in early.” Abbey said in her monotone voice, in probably the closest attempt she’d ever get to a compliment. “We are expecting a full house tonight.”

“And just how are we going to fit a whole house inside this place?” Yakko replied grinning widely, twisting himself around to face his boss. “Unless your planning on doing some remodeling I’m not aware of?”

Just as the toon expected, his boss sighed. How could she manage a restaurant for toons and not be able to handle a joke or two? It was almost sad.

“I should know better by now.” Abbey remarked, pushing her glasses up. “By full house, I mean half the restaurant is booked for a 30th birthday party. For an Erica.”

“So, by nights end, this Erica will be a drunken mess, blubbering about how old she is now and how her life is over.” Yakko leaned up against the lockers and procured a tiny violin between his thumb and index finger. It played in a high-pitched, off key melody.

Abbey’s face twitched in agitation, and she snatched the violin from Yakko’s fingers, breaking It instantly. “Always the comedian, aren’t you?”

Yakko merely raised a brow. “Don’t worry boss, I won’t be throwing no pity party.”

Not much later, Erica’s family began arriving, rushing about and setting décor out. The far side of the restaurant, adjacent to the stage had been cordoned off for the occasion. Atop the stage, sat a large shiny black grand piano. Yakko’s fingers glided over the keys, as he gave it a quick tune before the festivities began. He felt content, listening to the soft melody that rose. Out of any place to be in the restaurant, this had to be his favorite.  In those moments, as he sang and played a song, he’d find himself transported to a time when he was truly happy. It was all too easy for Yakko to get lost in moments like those.  

The birthday girl had arrived, in all her glory and splendour at 7 on the dot. If Yakko hadn’t known how old she was, he would have never guessed her for 30. Long dark hair, and a foxy smile, in a slinky white dress that hugged her figure in all the right places. She walked gracefully to the head of the table in a pair of silver strappy heals, as the crowd erupted in applause.

Yakko took her by the hand kissed it. “Hellooooo Nurse!” He chimed “And a Happy Birthday to you!”

Erica blushed deeply, and was left speechless by Yakko’s smile. He gently took her hand and led her to the place of honor, a chair adorned with balloons of many colors.  As everyone got situated, The Warner leapt up onto the stage and grabbed the microphone.

“Are you guys ready to party?” He exclaimed, raising a gloved fist into the air. Yakko was met with equal enthusiasm by the crowd, as they clapped loudly. “How about another round of applause for the beautiful Erica at the end of the table here?” An even louder applause and a few screams followed his next statement.

Yakko jumped off the stage and hopped over to the birthday girl almost instantly, the way a cartoon character was able to do. He pulled a massive, brightly colored box out of nowhere, slamming it down on the table in front of her. “Go ahead Sweetheart.” He purred. “Just a little something I had prepared for the occasion.”

“Oh Yakko,” She cooed, flipping her long hair. “You’re the best! ” With that, she untied the yellow box on the top of the package and something large and feathery landed on her lap. Startled, she nearly fell out of her seat laughing.

“Just a little birthday pheasant for you babe.” Yakko smirked, while raising an eyebrow.

Erica snorted and grabbed Yakko’s arm, pulling him down into a side hug. “See! I told you guys he’s the funniest!” She tried to hold him tighter as she continued her burst of giggles. Yakko merely played along and smiled. Just as he was locked inside the tight embrace, Minerva slinked over, hips swaying, to where the party was with a silver rolling tray. It was filled to the brim with glasses of red and white wine. Yakko swiped a glass off the cart and gingerly handed it to Erica, who eagerly accepted.

Within the hour, it had gotten so busy that Skippy, along with a few other toons also stepped up to manage the large party. Minerva was running circles between the bar and the table, and the atmosphere became louder with the introduction of alcohol. By now, the birthday girl was a giggly red mess, her eyes squinted shut and cheeks flush. There was a flurry of activity in the kitchen, as the cooks tried to keep up with the orders. Yakko spied Abigail in the corner with an almost pleased look in her eyes. Everyone was having a good time, which meant sales were sure to be beaten. All Yakko could think of was the fact that his wallet was sure to be a bit thicker by nights end. It was worth coming in early after all.

Soon enough, a massive 3 tired white cake was brought out, adorned with little red and black roses. At the top of it was a single sparkling candle, sizzling in the dimness of the dining area. Happy Birthday was sung, and a wobbling Erica attempted to blow out her candles. She missed the first time, but was successful on the second attempt.

More applause. After everyone had had their fill of cake, Yakko approached Erica and held out a hand to her. She had a very dopey smile on her face. “S-see, this guy here?” She stammered. “I, I love this guy.!”

“Well, I’d love it if you would come up front with me!” Yakko smirked. “I have a little song for you.” He helped her from her chair, and as she stood up her legs wobbled. She braced onto Yakko’s arms for support and he led her to the stage, gesturing for her to sit on top the piano.

“Let’s hear it for Erica again!” Yakko’s voice rang into the microphone. “Now I have a little song here, I only sing to the most beautiful girls.” Yakko’s fingers began to glide across the piano in a slow, sultry melody. “This one is especially for you.” He said suavely into the microphone, looking directly into her eyes.

As the guests began to clap and cheer, Yakko began to sing, led by the rhythm of the piano keys.

“She’s the woman, of the year, independent, a career, there’s not a thing that she couldn’t do! Oh she’s alert, she’s aware. She’s got legs like Astaire, and a 157 IQ.”

Erica had slowly squirmed closer, to Yakko as he continued to sing through the song. She was really into it, and even drunkenly attempted to sing alongside him. Much to his dismay, she then asked for “Nations of the World.” Yakko sighed inwardly, and did his best to look enthusiastic while he hummed out the countries. Watching Erica trying to keep up with him was comical enough, though, which helped for him to retain his smile. Erica eventually hobbled back over to her chair and Yakko continued to sing requests from the crowd. In the end, the birthday girl hadn’t end up sobbing about how old she was after all. It had been a drama free night much to Yakko’s delight. The only difficult moment he had was when he tried to say goodbye. Erica had embraced him so tightly he was half tempted to pull a crowbar out to pry himself out of her arms. After chatting with the crowd for a few more moments, he made his way over to the register to tally up the bills with Skippy. Hundreds of dollars had been spent. Yakko’s pupils almost turned into dollar signs.

So when the time came to collect on the bills, it was in fact quite the opposite. For the dozens of people that had been there, once the tips were split it barely totaled 5 bucks for each toon. 4 dollars and some change? After coming in early? After all the money these people had spent? Yakko was in utter disbelief.

Once the guests had left though, and the restaurant had closed, he made every effort to express his dis-satisfaction. “Can you believe these cheapskates?” He stammered, while mopping the floors. “After we ran our asses off all night too.”

Skippy shrugged and busied himself clearing away the tables. “Yeah, it sucks, but whatever, always next time, right?”

Yakko swished the mop back and forth quickly. “I’m so tired of busting my ass, of giving it my all, and what do we get in return? NOTHING.” He slammed the mop into the bucket with his last word, making the murky water in the pail splash upwards and onto his pants. “Poop.” He mumbled quietly to himself.

“What, what did you say?” Skippy asked in confusion.

Before Yakko could answer, the kitchen doors swung open and Abbigail emerged from the back, appearing quite pleased. “I want to thank all of you for your hard work tonight.” Because of your efforts, we had a record night in sales. Great job team!”

Clenching a fist, with his temperature rising, Yakko was just about to lose it when a firm hand on his shoulder halted him. He spied Skippy standing behind him shaking his head. The squirrel was right. It was in his best interests not to say anything.

And that’s how Yakko found himself leaving work feeling defeated, with nothing to show for the extra work he had put in. How would he break it to his sibs? The last thing he wanted was to let them down. His feet dragged against the pavement, aching from standing on them all evening. Not only that, Yakko had been so preoccupied running tables that he didn’t make it out back to see if that cute waitress would be back. “Always next time right?” With a heavy sigh, he moped over to his vespa that was parked on the side of the curb. Just as he was about to put the key in the ignition, the toon heard a familiar voice.

“Yakko!”

Eyes darting to the side, a smile widened across his face when he saw who it was. Yakko was elated to see It was Kori, and she was now walking briskly over to him, her ponytail swishing back and forth. Maybe the night wouldn’t end so badly after all.

“Eyyyyy.” Yakko said cooly, leaning back into his moped. “You like what you see?”

“Nice bike.” She giggled. “You just get off? Wait, of course you did, why did I even ask you such a stupid question. I mean why else would you be standing out here?”

Yakko chuckled. This girl was incredibly awkward, and her rambling was really adorable. It almost made him forget how shitty his evening had been in the process. “Who knows? Maybe I just make a habit of hanging out on street corners, waiting for cuties like you to come around.”

“Now that would just be creepy.” She said with an eyebrow playfully raised. “How was your shift anyways?”

“Craptastic.” He laughed. “And yours?”

“Let’s just say the customers were cheapskates tonight.” She added, crossing her arms in dis-satifaction.

“Did we have the same customers?”

“You too eh?”

They both nodded in unison. Yakko felt somewhat relaxed, talking to someone who understood his frustrations. “Soo um, you on your way home?” He mumbled casually.

“Yeah..I don’t live too far from here thank god.”

“Did you want a lift?”

“aha, really?” She said wide-eyed. “That would be pretty awesome.”

“It’s no big deal at all.” Yakko replied, swinging a leg over the side of his moped. He patted the worn leather seat. “I promise you’ll wheely, wheely like it.”

“PFFT, you are so lame.” She giggled. “So um, you don’t mind?”

“Would I have offered otherwise? Come on, just hop on the back, and hold onto something, preferably my waist. And an address would be helpful too. Or if you want, you could just stay at my place?”

Kori blushed, and rolled her eyes. “And see your stamp collection?”

Yakko’s ears perked up to her response. “Dude you remember that?”

“Of course!” Kori smiled. “One of your best jokes.”

Yakko smiled warmly. This girl remembered a single joke, and never berated him about his songs, or catch phrases. It was really refreshing.

Kori hesitated a moment before hopping onto the bike. The vespa wobbled for a moment as she shifted herself into a more comfortable position.

Yakko tensed up when he felt her arms snake around his midsection. She squirmed to get in closer. As her body made contact with his backside, a shiver went up his spine.

“So where do you live?” Yakko said nervously, scooting forwards in the seat a bit.

“1311 Beatty Street.”

The toon nodded. She didn’t live very far from where he and his siblings resided. Which was a bonus.

“Hold on ok?” Yakko said, sticking the key into the ignition. “And when we turn on the corners, lean in alongside me.”

He pushed off with his foot from the side of the curb, the engine of his moped sputtering in defiance. After a few seconds, it finally gained enough momentum and sped off onto the street. There was hardly any traffic, so he pushed the throttle to it’s max. The engine wailed loudly, and the bike shook wildly as it picked up speed. Not the most comfortable piece of transportation. But maybe one day he’d be able to afford something nicer.

But at that point, the lameness of his vespa did not even matter. He turned tightly on a corner and she locked her arms around him even tighter, burying her face into the back of his vest. Yakko blushed, but did his best to concentrate on the street before him and the wind blowing in his face, whipping his ears backwards. He mentally told himself to focus on the road and not on the good-looking girl who was currently holding onto him as if her life depended on it. Not the easiest task for a Warner.

“Just a few more houses up.” Kori shouted, over the roaring of the engine. Slwoing down, Yakko pulled over alongside a stretch of older homes that had been remodeled into apartments.  They looked old and saggy, making his apartment building looking like a palace.

“Home sweet home.” She chimed, as he drove to the side of the curb and coming to a halt. It was eerily quiet once he took the keys out of the ignition.

Kori slowly hopped off the back of the bike, and nodded in thanks. “Thanks so much for the ride.”

“Anytime sweetheart.” The toon winked with a grin.

“Kori?” She corrected him playfully.

“Uhh, I meant to say that.” Yakko laughed. “So, you always walking home from work this late?”

“Pretty much,” Kori said with a shrug. “Not like I can afford a car or anything.” She had a far off look in her eyes, as if she was thinking about something.

“Well..” Yakko mumbled. “If your off at the same time as I am, I’ll give you a lift anytime.”

“Really?” She piped. “That would be awesome!”

“Sure! And if you don’t feel like going home, the offer still stands to come home with me” Yakko said slyly with a raised brow.

“Now your pushing your luck, warner.” She blushed.

Yakko and Kori shared an awkward laugh over the comment.  

“Soo umm” Yakko rambled. “I’ve seen to have lost my number?” To get the point across even more, he pretended to check his pockets.

“You lost your number?”

“Yeah, so, can I have yours?”

Kori paused for a moment, her lips cracking into a huge smile. “Smooth, very smooth.”

“Uhhhh well, that way I can text you and see when you need a lift?” Yakko said, trying to defend his motivations on the matter. From the look on her face, it was evident tell she wasn’t buying it.

She pulled a phone out of her pocket, the screen illuminating the freckles on her face. Enthusiastically, Yakko did the same.

“I thought you lost your number.”

“Well lucky for me I found it just in time.” Yakko grinned.

“Wow, how convenient is that?”

“Very.” The toon smirked.

Feeling content, Yakko drove home with a smile plastered on his face, despite the fact that he had managed to make no extra money that night. Getting her number was a score at least right? Just as he was unlocking the door to his apartment, his phone buzzed in his pocket wildly. He swiped open the phone to read the message, and for once it wasn’t from his boss.

Kori: Hey 😊 How you doing??

Eagerly, Yakko punched back a response immediately.

Yakko: Hellooooooo Kori! Miss me already?”

[writerofculture-blog]

Decisions-Chapter 2

1992

Laughter seeped from downstairs to the attic studio where John sat, in his own home, a modest house in the west of London John bought with his first royalty cheque. After all, it was only the 3rd day of a new year and school is still out. His kids are enjoying time at home while Veronica is busy keeping the house in a decent living condition while all 6 youngsters are home at the same time.

John sat alone and sulked. It seemed to be all he could manage since Freddie’s funeral. It could have been hours, or it could have been days. John seemed to have lost all perspective of time. The past holiday week had been lacked of joy and splendor in the Deacon household as John continue to grieve for one of his dearest friends.

Freddie. John whispered his name. He could still not believe his friend was gone. Freddie was always full of life, full of energy. Even for years that they knew Freddie was sick, even though the doctor warned them they could lose their friend any day now, he was the most energetic out of the 4 of them in the recording studio. Never showed fatigue, never showed pain, never showed fear. If this was God’s punishment for being queer, John thought. It could have been him, it could have been Brian. But no, it was Freddie Mercury. The Freddie everyone loved, the Freddie that touched the lives of millions.

John stood up and walked to the attic window. The weather could not be more-dreary even if it tried. Overcast sky hang over bare branches, as if suffocating them from life, a classic English winter. Might as well, John thought. Good weather would be a total waste for him right now. When the chills ran deep in the bone, even the Mediterranean sun would not be able to warm him up. He got up and started treading downstairs to get a drink of water. On the staircases he could see the younger ones are watching cartoon on tele while the older ones are engaged in a very heated game of scrabble. John could not remember a time that he did not feel a throbbing ache and overwhelming guilt when he faced his family. A life without pain and guiltiness seemed to be a long, long time ago. What was more depressing was that John did not know if he could ever have that life again.

He was startled by the crisp ringing of the doorbell.

“John, honey, could you get that?” Veronica yelled from the kitchen.

John opened the front door. Standing on his porch is disheveled looking man who obviously has not slept for days. What used to be glossy unruly dark curls just a few years ago now show strands of grayness. John could not help but tuck a strand of lone dark curl behind the man’s ear.

“Fancy a walk?” Brian beaconed with his head.

John nodded, turning around to grab his jacket while calling, “Ronnie, Brian and I are going for a walk.”

“Now? It’s going to be freezing rain soon…” Veronica rushed out of the kitchen just to see the front door being closed. John did not hear the worry in his wife’s tone nor see the sadness in her blue eyes as she watched the 2 men leave from the living room window.

John tucked his hands inside his jacket pockets. They were the only 2 wanderers on the street of this quiet neighborhood. They did not talk, just silently walked side by side with syncing strides. The occasional brushes with Brian’s arm was already able to fuel sparks deep inside. John desperately ached to light a cigarette, but held off knowing how much Brian despised smoking.

They sat down on a bench in a side park off the street. John turned to look at his companion, who still seems to be deep in thought.

“I haven’t seen you since Freddie’s funeral, how have you been?” John asked carefully.

“Struggling to keep myself alive.” Brian sighed, humming the tune of their song from 20 years ago.

John felt tears welling up in his eyes when his memory drifted back to the period when they recorded this song, only shortly after he first joined the band.

“Freddie…” John murmured under his breathe.

“Yet you couldn’t move your sorry ass to see him for one last time.” Brian eyed him, with an accusatory look.

“I couldn’t, Brian. It was too hard to see him so sick. “ John closed his eyes and let the tears stream down his cheeks. “I am a coward.”

“That I know.” Brian replied coldly.

Feeling sorry for his harsh words, Brian sled closer and wrapped an arm around the smaller man’s shoulder. “I’m sorry.”

Shaking his head, John covered his face with his hands and naturally leaned onto Brian’s shoulder. “No, you are right. I am a coward.”

Brian pressed a gentle kiss on John’s head and let out a deep sigh, “Deaky, do you remember about 8 years ago you said you wanted out of this charade, you only wanted to be with me?”

John looked up to Brian’s hazel eyes, batted his eyelashes glittered with a mist of tears and nodded. “Yes.”

“Do you feel the same way today?” Brian lifted his other hand and wiped away the tears from John’s cheeks.

“Of course.” John confirmed without a hint of doubt. “I have always loved you Brian, no matter who I am with. You know that.”

“Then let’s do it”. Brian said, “end this charade.”

“What do you mean?” John stuttered, asking even though he knew exactly what Brian meant.

“Don’t be daft Deaky, you know I want you to be with me, only me.”

John turned away from Brian, “I can’t Brian. I want to. God I want to! But Luke is only 8. I can’t just leave everything to Ronnie…”

Feeling Brian’s arm dropping from his shoulder, John grabbed his hand. “Brian, just wait a couple of years. Wait until they are a bit older. We have waited for so long already…”

Brian shrugged off John’s hand. “It’s always the same response from you John. Wait, wait, wait. I am tired of waiting. Hasn’t Freddie’s death taught you anything? We may not have time! It could have been you. It could have been me. “

Brian hunched over and dropped his face in palms of his hands. John has not seen him so vulnerable for a long time. Not when he turned all yellow from contracting hepatitis, not when he had no where to go during his divorce fight with Chrissie, not even at his father or Freddie’s funeral. John could not help but wrap his arms around the taller man.

As if drawing to the warmth of John’s touch like a moth to a flame. Brian leaned on his mob of curls on John’s slender shoulder.

“I am at the end of my rope Deaky. Chrissie has left me for good. My kids won’t talk to me. My father is gone, and now so is Freddie. This is probably the end of Queen. I don’t even know if I will be able to continue making music. I have nothing and no one else left except you. If you leave me, I have nothing else to live for”. Brian sobbed.

John brought his hand to comb through Brian’s curls gently. “You will always have me, Brian. I will never leave you.”

Brian looked up to John’s green eyes, “I want you one hundred percent Deaky. No more hiding, no more pretending. Life is too short for lies and pretense.”

Brian pressed his quivering lips to John’s in a chaste but passionate kiss. John is still awed at how warmth emits from deep of his groin to his whole body every time their lips met, for the past 16 years.

Brian let go, ghosted his thumb over John’s swollen lower lip. “I don’t know what the future will hold, but I know it will be bleak without you.” Brian said gently, “do you really think a smart woman like Veronica doesn’t know? Chrissie has known about us for years. Life is too short Deaky. It’s now or never”.  

Brian sealed their lips in another lingering kiss before getting up from the bench. “I will give you a week to decide. Let me know when we start in the studio next week.”

With that, John watched the love of his life walked away without turning back.

“You should go home, mate. We have to close.” Pub owner scratched his head to find the most diplomatic way of sending his last drunken customer out. Interestingly one that looked extraordinarily like someone famous.

John swayed on the street with a bottle of gin in his hand. Freezing rain soaked his hair plastering them to his face and drenched his jacket. Yet he is numb. Numb to the cold, numb to the pain.

‘It’s now or never.’ Brian’s firm words from earlier that day still ring in John’s ears. “Why does he have to push me so hard!” John shouted into the darkness.

Freddie will tell me what to do. He always took care of me like a big brother. “I wish you were here to help me Fred, what should I do?” John finds himself asking for his dead friend before slipping on a piece of ice and hitting his head on the curb. Then everything went black.

“Deaky? Deaks?”

John felt a familiar touch gently patting his cheek, an even more familiar voice calling his nick name. He squinted his eyes through the blinding light trying to make out the figure hovering in front of him.

It was dear dead friend Freddie, in his early twenties, young and beautiful.

“Oh Fred…” John immediately grabbed Freddie and squeezed the daylight out of him. He didn’t care where he was, whether it’s real, or even if he was dead. The only important thing was he saw Fred again.

“I’m sorry Freddie. I couldn’t see you in those last days. It was too hard. I can’t bear to see you so sick. You must hate me.” John sobbed into Freddie’s shoulder.

“There, there, I could never hate you darling.” Freddie patted John’s back and spoke in the most soothing tone. “I understand. You have always been a fragile thing.”

John didn’t know how long he balled on Freddie’s shoulder, until the excitement of seeing his dead friend passed and reason started to kick in.

“You were dead Freddie. I went to your funeral. How come I can see you. Where am I? Am I dead too?” John asked.

“Don’t be a drama queen darling “. Freddie chuckled. “You still have a long way to go. You are just passed out but will return home to your family once you sleep off the booze. “Noticing John’s confused looks, Freddie continued with a mischievous smile. “You are one of the lucky ones that is able to experience the parallel universes that exist within different space but at the same time. Now which universe you transcend to depend on your decision. “

“Parallel universe…” John mumbled. For some reason, this surreal experience does not feel new to John. He could almost swear he heard this some time in the distant past.

“Do you have a choice to make dear?” Freddie asked.

John nodded. The relationship between Brian and him was not a secret to the other two band members, his two dearest friends. However, John still can’t help blushing when talking about the man he loved. “It’s Brian. “ John sighed, “he kind of gave me an ultimatum. ‘It’s now or never’, he said. He wants me to leave Veronica and the kids to be with him or we are done for good. Oh Freddie, what should I do?”

“Brian is going through a real hard time Deaky. Do you still love him?” Freddie asked.

“Of course. Without Brian I might as well be dead.” John said, “but I can’t say I don’t love my kids and Ronnie. Luke is still only eight. If it were a couple of years later, if they were older, I would go with him for sure.”

“Maybe there won’t be more time.”

John looked at the older man in surprise. “That’s exactly what Brian said.”

Freddie let out a deep sigh, “don’t hate me dear. I told him to ask you that the last time he came to visit me, 3 days before I died.”

John’s delicate brows knitted up in a frown, “why Freddie?”

“Because that’s exactly it darling. You never know how much time you have left. Do you really want to spend your life pretending to be someone or something you are not.”

“So you think I should agree with Brian, leave Ronnie and the kids?” John asked in an unsure voice.

Freddie shook his head, “I am not here to convince you one way or the other Deaky. I am here to show you the 2 parallel universes that exist depending on the path you choose to take. Since you are unsure, then first let us look at the universe if you decide to stay with Veronica and the kids.”

Freddie snapped his fingers dramatically, and it was the year 1995.