#it's almost annoying how helpful and easy teen he is

[episims]

Sara "-can you roll around? Like this-"

Duke "Wrrfh."

Emil "I feel like we ought to get him to understand the difference between a dog toy and a chair leg before other commands."

Sara "Aw. But chair legs are yummy too, amirite??"

Emil "Chair legs for you then, more fish for us-"

Sara "Blah, blah. Can you hear a word of what he says, Duke? 'Cause I sure can't."

Becca "Oh... Emil, you didn't need to cook."

Emil "I wanted to try this recipe! Smells good, at least."

Sara "Uh, it does. Figures you're some kind of cooking prodigy, just your kind of nerdy thing to do."

[so-long-soldier-writes]

Heartbeats

liam dunbar x reader

summary: heartbeats quicken every time stiles goes over a bump. scott is determined to find out why.

tags: mutual pining, crushes, nervousness, comfort (no hurt), some fluff, protective!scott

word count: 820

a/n: this is only the third time i'm writing for teen wolf, but the first for liam, so i'm nervous! go easy on me plz 🥹 (he's just so cute, i can't help but write a lil soft piece for him.)

Stiles takes a turn at a whopping forty miles an hour, making the whole Jeep rattle in discomfort. There’s a squeak somewhere, but all the occupants know better than to ask. Scott turns to the pair in the backseat, looking once again for the correlation between the rattling and the racing hearts he keeps picking up. 

“You guys good?” He asks, offering a thumbs up. 

Liam’s lip is slightly turned up with distaste at the question. You scrunch your nose. 

“Define good,” you challenge. 

Stiles is immediately offended. “She’s doing her best, guys. We’re almost there.”

He goes over another bump, causing another increase in heart rate, and earning another look from Scott. 

Both of you look nothing but annoyed, giving him no signs of why it could be happening. There’s a slightly sweet scent in the air, but it’s not sticking out as anything important. For all he knows, there’s a carnival nearby. Scott can’t do anything but stare and wait for another bump. He hopes his betas continue to look out their respective windows and don’t feel his eyes on them. 

“ETA?” He asks Stiles, hoping he can get in at least five more minutes of analysis. 

“Five forty two. About ten more minutes.”

Good.

He takes another wicked turn without warning. Everyone bounces in their seats, and if you weren’t buckled in, you would’ve fallen into Liam’s lap.

“Stiles!”

“Sorry!”

“Warning next time!”

“The GPS barely warns me, I don’t have time to warn you! Wear your seatbelt.”

“I am!”

“Well then hold on better!”

“Ugh!” You send Liam an apologetic look. “Sorry.”

“It’s okay.” 

Scott watches from the rearview mirror. Liam’s heart jumped at the sudden turn, and rose again slightly at your apology. Yours, on the other hand, is still beating out of your chest since the turn. He cocks his head. 

“Left!” Stiles yells while making the turn. At least he tried this time. 

“Shit,” you mutter, grabbing the handle on the ceiling. Your knee still hits Liam’s, though, making both your hearts sputter. 

Scott turns quickly, realization hitting him. His leather jacket scrapes the seat, causing a disruptive sound that catches both of your attentions. 

“What?”

He only stares, ignoring your question. 

“Another left!”

The cycle repeats. Your knees touch and your hearts race. That’s the correlation. 

Every time you and Liam touch, you both get nervous. 

That explains the smell in the air. 

“What?” You repeat. 

For a while, Scott’s theorized you’d fall for each other. You’re the same age and both full of a charisma that he adores. You mess with each other all the time, but also find comfort in one another. Liam’s taken it upon himself to guide and protect you whenever Scott’s not there. He’s also been helping you control your turns. 

But as cute as it is… he’s not sure how he feels about his betas being together like that. He suddenly feels like a mom getting overprotective of his kids when they start taking an interest in dating. His nose twitches. 

“Right!”

This time, Liam falls into you and stutters out the quickest apology he can muster. Your cheeks heat up as you assure him it’s okay, then you both let your eyes drop to the ground. 

“Tunnel!”

Blackness overtakes you as the Jeep barrels into an unexpected tunnel. Stiles’ driving is already questionable, and suddenly so much more so in the complete darkness.

“Oh god,” you mutter, fear wafting off you. 

Unbeknownst to Scott, Liam takes your hand for reassurance. He holds it tightly and whispers you’ll be okay. Scott can sense the comfort easing your mind, taking over your fear. When out of the tunnel, he checks his rearview to see your hands clasped, and can’t help but smile. Your shoulders are touching, and Liam draws a shape on your palm that makes you giggle. Scott’s seen him do it before, when you need a distraction from turning, but he didn’t expect to see it now. Before he can ask if you’re okay, Stiles hits something in the road and the Jeep shakes again.

“Sorry! Big rock!”

Liam quickly makes another shape, returning the smile to your face. The smell of fear is heavily outweighed by the sugary sweet smell of lovesickness. And while your hearts remain racing, no discomfort weighs on either of you. Scott studies for a moment longer, but relaxes at the absence of any claws. 

“You guys good?”

“We’re fine,” you reply, tone slightly cheery. 

“Okay, just making sure.” He tries to play it off like he hadn’t seen anything, but ironically, it seems the two of you haven’t seen him watching at all. 

“We’re here,” Stiles announces, slamming on the breaks. The car and all its occupants lurch forward, and Scott smiles this time, knowing why the two hearts in the backseat are going so quickly. Some of it is Stiles’ driving, but definitely not all.

“Alright, let’s do this.”

[ferrstappen]

F1 MASTERLIST

CARLOS SAINZ

paella en mallorca: spending time with your boyfriend's family was almost as good as having him for yourself.

mónaco : pero si hay algo que nos quedó es todo lo que pasó en Mónaco (but if there's something left in us then it's everything that happened in Monaco)

CHARLES LECLERC

loving him is red: Charles’ girlfriend receives her first Grammy for Song of the Year, sadly enough the inspiration behind the song isn’t able to make it to the ceremony.

and the Oscar goes to: Charles and his actress girlfriend go to the Oscars, and he has to constantly reassure her.

AirPods and Princess George: a story of lost AirPods and Twitter memes.

titi we don't care: Charles can't seem to handle the fact a notorious singer took interest in you during Monaco GP.

Josephine, baby nº2 and baby nº3 Leclerc (dad!Charles)

the first one (dad!Charles):  Charles tries to prepare to be the best dad for his daughter, even if she’s just two days old.

aren't we supposed to surprise you? (dad!Charles): you somehow manage to overshadow Charles and Jo's gift.

ESTEBAN OCON

LONG LIVE: Esteban Ocon (aka the biggest Spiderman fan, according to himself) tried to bribe his girlfriend for spoilers, but Marvel was just too good keeping their secrets (actress!reader)

LANDO NORRIS

august: every single one of her friends warned her that he was fresh out of a relationship. but she didn't care.

when we broke up series

the first time we broke up: it was easy to remember how you and Lando fell in love, but it kept getting harder for you to remember why you love him.

the second time we broke up: there were reasons to try again, but maybe not enough.

everybody wants a taste : Lando had never been the jealous kind, but after seeing you with many co-stars, he reaches his limit. and his girlfriend doesn't like it (actress!reader)

part ii

Amalia Norris (dad!Lando)

surprise! we are a family : this wasn't planned. you are basically children yourselves and why isn't getting pregnant at 24 not considered teen pregnancy? Now Lando is waiting to meet his baby and hoping he doesn't mess up.

meet & greet : Amalia's first time in the paddock to support her dad.

let me take care of it : when papa isn't feeling his best, baby Norris knows what she has to do.

daddy's a race winner : McLaren garage with baby Amalia in what appears to be Lando’s first win.

MAX VERSTAPPEN

what happens with the kids?: Max really didn't have to find a girlfriend that soon after the divorce, and the fact that his girlfriend had a daughter of her own, didn't really help your case.

max, don't panic (driver!reader): your relationship with Max gets exposed in a non-conventional way, an accident.

max the wag: you can’t keep up with all the drama outside the track, but your boyfriend keeps you updated.

max the wag (again) max the wag (for the third time) max the wag: are we the drama? max the wag: caught in the middle max the wag: is taylor swift coming?

chicken soup: chamomile, green tea, honey, chicken soup, and your boyfriend was the best recipe to get over the flu.

primero llegó verstappen : Suddenly, Max isn't annoyed about being featured in a music video.

SLUT! : this isn’t your first time being a WAG, but people don’t seem to like the idea of you ending your relationship with Joe Burrow and falling in love with Max.

Mila & Luca Verstappen (dad!Max)

SAFE HAVEN: the Verstappen family and St. Barths

Disney World Break: Ahead of the Miami GP, Max and his wife take the twins to Disney World.

happy mother's day, sorry for the mess: Mila and Luca go rogue during Mother's Day, ignoring Max's plan.

unscheduled school visit: the twins’ teacher calls, the twins got in trouble. Max is in disbelief.

maxplaining 2.0: Luca Verstappen's first press conference during his karting career. turns out, he even speaks like his dad.

could you be more obvious? : you show up pregnant for the first race of 2024, just six months after Max won his 3rd WDC.

prompts

Accidentally referring them as "my" (MV1)

and whispering in their ears, "I love you" (CS55)

collections

THE COLLECTION MASTERLIST: pieces inspired by Taylor Swift's lyrics.

all the years we stood there on the sidelines, wishing for right now (EO31)

wanting was enough, for me it was enough (LN4)

[talesfromawannabejournalist]

Furry Companion

welp here it is, ladies and gentlemen, may I introduce of the storyline of arc 1 written by @talesfromawannabejournalistand and @kittenfangirl20

also special thanks to @rius-cave for giving me some inspiration for the plot, and thanks to @helluvahazbins for giving me inspiration for the Hellhound character and her appearance from their own art.

@kittenfangirl20 see at end of notes

Lucifer knew there would be a day like this would eventually come. Since the moment Adam woke up in Hell as a sinner and fallen angel Lucifer had vowed have him protected and happy at all times. It was the least he could do after all he did to him. In the beginning it was easy to keep him entertained as he mainly stayed in his room. He stayed in the hotel all the time so he wasn’t worried too worried about it.

But now, especially since they officially got together, Lucifer’s been busy more with his work as King, he can’t be by Adam’s side all the time and Adam was wanting to go out more. Plus Adam needed someone, a companion. Sure he had Angel Dust but that was about it. It didn’t help that the other residents, beside Angel and Charlie, were outright hostile towards him. Lucifer swore that if it wasn’t Hell itself Adam needed to watch out for Vaggie and Alastor and maybe even Nifty but for a whole other reason.

In any event Adam needed a companion, his own hellhound, which is why they were both at a an adoption clinic with the head director walking past kennel after kennel of teens with her going on about the different potentials of each hound. Adam was growing bored and to be honest a bit annoyed at being dragged here by Lucifer. He thought this whole adoption process with Hell hounds was weird, they were treated almost like pets. Yes, they had an animal appearance but they were sentient just like the rest of the demons in Hell. As he was thinking about it in the corner of his eye a movement caught his eye.

There in the back was a young hellhound, who appeared to be female, she appeared to be 12-14 years old. She had the appearance of husky and wolf dog mixed together with dark fur and and long black hair that covered a part of her face. However, when she looked up he saw both her eyes as they flashed red and she growled at him.

Director: sir please stay away from that kennel specifically we’ve had incidents in the past where some male adopters got too close and lost a hand to her. Let’s just say she’s just too unstable to be a good guard for you

Lucifer: come on my dear I’m sure there are plenty others for you to choose from

Adam: yeah you go ahead Luci I think I’m just uh gonna go to the bathroom

Lucifer raised an eyebrow but ultimately shrugged following the lady in charge as she showed Lucifer the other hounds. Adam waited till they were out of ear shot then turned his attention back to the girl who was just glaring at him waiting for him to do something

Adam: um hi

She didn’t respond

Adam: my names Adam, what’s yours?

???: Lydia

Adam gave her a smile

Adam: it’s a pretty name

Instead of a smile she instead bared her teeth and scooted even further deep into her kennel

Lydia: the fuck did you just say!?

Adam: I said it’s a pretty name

Lydia: Get the fuck away from me before I tore open your guts for all of Hell to see!

When Adam didn’t move away from the bars she let out an intimidating bark

Lydia: what the fuck do you want!?

Adam: Nothing I just wanted your name

Lydia: well you know my name now you can go back to your royal boy toy and pick out a good hellhound, just just please go away and leave me alone

Adam stared at Lydia, even though she was telling him to go, deep down inside he knew that’s not what she wanted. Looking at her was like looking at himself when he was in a similar position not just when he revived here in Hell but when he was left abandoned over and over again in his life. Scared, confused, and lashing out at everyone because it was the only way to express how she was feeling. At that moment he knew that he couldn’t let her stay here. Exhaling he stepped away from the bars and crouched a little to make himself appear less intimidating to her. Adam: Lydia, you can say no to this, but…I can take you away from here, would you like that?

Lydia stood up from her cot and took slow small steps over to him. Adam could see her full height being at 5’7. As she got closer he could see her guard was still up until she was standing right in front of him. Lydia stared down deep into Adam’s eyes and even though she didn’t know why, she didn’t feel in danger by this sinner. In fact she felt her walls tore down as she saw nothing but earnestness in them as he seemed like genuinely wanted to help her. Tears started to form in her eyes as she looked down and gave her answer

Lydia: …..yes

alright Kitten, hoped you liked it now it’s your turn

[impactedfates]

Hello! Is it alright if I request platonic headcanons for Dan Heng, March 7th, and Welt with a teen!reader who’s really calm and chill? They don’t cause trouble/chaos, has a really calming presence, easy to talk to, is mostly mature for their age, but they aren’t cold or blunt. They are nice but not naive, and they are quite observant + smart when they need to be, so they’re good at solving problems (reader is kind of like the calmest one on the Astral Express lol)

Please remember to take breaks and to stay hydrated! Your health comes first :)

A/N: Yes it's alright :D Thank you, I'll remember to take breaks and drink water, you will too alright?? I'm so sorry if this came out so late :sob: I didn't mean to make you wait for so long!

Genre/Trope: Platonic + Found Family (Express Family)

Format: Head Cannons (Separate)

Warnings: None

Extra: Reader slightly of taller then March despite being younger // Grandpa Welt <33 // Reader was also found in ice along with March

Dan Heng admires how calm you can be, even in stressful situations and is thankful at how observant and smart you are. Likely helping the group get out of certain situations due to it. You're rather different to the girl who was found floating near you in ice and he noticed quickly how you two were almost polar opposites.

He enjoys having another person on board the express who's calm and he's thankful you're easy to talk too. And that you don't mind how closed off he is himself, he's also thankful you don't cause trouble on missions or the express and rather you help defuse them.

He sees you as a younger sibling and makes sure you're being taken care of as well. Everyone on the express is his family and he will ensure all will be protected. This means you have to eat your vegetables, hydrate and sleep.

I see you two relaxing in the archives as you help him with adding things into the Data Banks when neither of you can sleep. And when you do ultimately fall asleep, he carefully carries you back to your room and tucks you in before continuing working himself.

Also, despite being younger then most of the express, you're more mature then a good few of them which are adults. And he's unsure if he should be concerned cuz of that fact.

March 7th is older then you, but she considers you her twin! Simply because you were both found on the same day, and even though everyone knows you're a teen so younger then she is. People go along with it.

She complains a bit about being shorter then you, one of the times she doesn't call you her twin. But she means well, all her little annoyances and complaints with you slightly being taller is a joke.

Anytime she's stuck on a puzzle she always call for you (And I mean like, those puzzles you buy in shops) and always watches intently as you figure it out.

She's of course aware at how calm and chill you are, and honestly. When you two first got to know each other she wanted to see what would change that. Pulling pranks and attempting to annoy you but not too much. Yet you still stayed calm.

She's very interested at how you're so calm in nearly every situations, now a days. She accepts it as you and won't try to break the calmness you have. If she's ever having a bad day, she comes to you. You oddly have an aura that helps her calm down.

When Welt saw not one but TWO ice blocks containing people in it, he was shocked. However wasted no time in saving the two of you. Just like March you seemed to have lost your memories and he's determined to help you find out your past.

He sees you as his grandkid, and was even a bit protective of you at first. However seeing your calm nature and how smart you were in many situations calmed himself down. He's still worried if you go on missions but he trusts that you'll be protected.

He's not that surprised you act so differently to March when you two were both in ice however he does find it amusing in a way. You're still a teen so even if he does trust you now to go on missions, he wants you to update him.

Just like Dan Heng, he's thankful you're not only chill but don't cause problems, also you're rather mature for your age, if you were older then he'd definitely consider putting you in charge of the train if Dan Heng wasn't able too take charge. Considering you're age currently, only Dan Heng is in charge.

DIWNDJFEHW. Hopefully I'll be able to finish the next requests in the following days, I feel so bad for not being able to write them yet :,)

[bloodwrittenballad]

Bobby’s Got It Goin’ On | Bob Floyd x Reader

Summary: When Jake takes it too far, you step in

Warnings: Smut, oral (reader receiving, bc in my mind, bob is a pussy eating king!) fingering, consensual groping, blowjob in a car (0/10, do not recommend doing this) protected sex because!!! it’s a must!!! swearing, lil tad bit of angst, sexism? Hangman being, well, himself. Also, I suck at titles and summaries 🙃 18+ ONLY, MINORS DO NOT INTERACT, YOU WILL BE BLOCKED. And please, let me know what you thought! Reblogs and comments are so very appreciated and help us fic writers <3 Xoxo, Parker

If there was one thing you knew for certain about Jake Seresin, it was that he had a loud fuckin mouth. And quite the talent at opening it at the wrong fuckin times. Like now, for instance. You and the crew were all at The Hard Deck, hanging out and celebrating getting through another long work week. Things were going well, you found yourself perched next to Bob, as the two of you made easy conversation.

You liked Bob, a lot. How could you not? He was sweet, smart, handsome as ever loving hell… Only issue, was he probably didn’t feel even the slightest bit same for you. That was okay though! Because in the end, you’d rather have a friendship with him than ruin it by telling him how you felt only to be rejected.

It was better this way, regardless of how bad it hurt or how much pestering you’d get from the other squadron members to just confess you feelings.

Pushing back the slightly depressing thoughts, you continued your focus on Bob, who was getting rather animated as he told you a stories from his childhood and teen years. Head thrown back in laughter, you couldn’t help but to gently slap his arm, a habit you had developed over the years and could never quite shake. Most people would have found it annoying, but not Bob. Never him. He found it endearing, plus… he couldn’t deny that the skin to skin contact was nice. You were so soft and warm, so, so… perfect.

Bob continued to blush while you giggled, “wow, Bobby, I never would’ve taken you for such a bad boy!” If his cheeks weren’t already as red as a stop sign, they certainly were now. “I wasn’t! Really! Just a… ya know, had a bit of teen angst, I guess.” Bob muttered, not being able to handle how goddamn beautiful that smile of yours was. “Well, teen angst aside, I think some trouble looks good on you. Kinda rouged. Chicks dig that, ya know.” You spoke with a soft smile, one that didn’t quite reach your eyes as you thought of him with any other woman than you.

Bob wore his usual lopsided smile as you said that, his skin feeling even warmer now. Jesus, you were so perfect. This moment was so perfect. Until it wasn’t.

Hangman, being the ever present thorn in your side, just had to go and ruin it. “Y’all wanna know what else chicks dig?” He spoke with a shit-eating grin as he plopped down beside you, making himself more than comfortable but not at all welcome. “Not really,” you huffed out through gritted teeth. A devilish smirk blossomed even wider on the blonds face, “chicks dig a man who’s tough and confident, unafraid to take charge and get shit done. Like me, sweet pea.” Jake ended with a wink, something that shouldn’t have pissed you off so much. But it did. He always managed to get under your skin in a way no one else could. He just had that effect on people. Obnoxious.

“Well, maybe some women aren’t into that,” you shot back. “Maybe some of us like a quiet, down to earth, gentleman who doesn’t boast about how supposedly great he is.” Jake barked out a laugh, his eyebrows shooting high up and almost into his hairline. “Damn, girl.” Jake whistled, “ya got fire in you, f’sure. Gotta find the right to manage that. Some prissy, sissy of a man ain’t gonna be able to tame it. Like Bob!” Said person looked up at you sheepishly for the first time since Hangman had crashed your little party. “Bobby here wouldn’t know what t’do with all that you got goin’ on, he uh, he just ain’t built for it.” Okay, so now you weren’t just pissed. You were fucking livid.

“And what the fuck do you know about anything, Bagman? Huh? What’re your qualifications to be making such claims? In fact, when’s the last time any of this macho bullshit actually worked on a woman? Cause ya wanna know what I think? I think you’re just an insecure little boy who acts like he’s gods fuckin’ gift to this world, like he’s got it all goin’ on for him. But you don’t! You can sure as hell act like it, but we all know you don’t. You wanna know who does, though? Bob. Yeah, that’s right. Bobby’s got it goin’ on!” By this point, you had stood up from your seated position so you could feel like you had a bit more of an upper ground, as you glared down at Jake.

Bob, who still hadn’t uttered a peep since Hangman’s interruption, saw how close you were to hitting the man and gently decided it was time to divert from the situation and led you outside. His hand, strong but gentle on the small of your back, guided you throughout The Hard Deck until you both found yourselves under the pale moonlight. “God!” you groaned angrily. “I mean, who the hell does he think he is? Such a prick! Like, I get it, you haven’t been laid in a while but fuck don’t take it out on people who don’t deserve it! It’s just so, so, so fucking frustrating. Aren’t you frustrated? I’m frustrated! No, I’m pissed! Oooh, I’m so pissed. I could go in there right now and punch him right in his stupid f-,” You stopped short in your rant, the pacing you started somewhere along the line coming to a halt.

Bob was just standing there, head bowed, not saying a word. “Bobby?” You whispered gently, mentally cursing yourself for your tangent now when you should’ve been making sure he was okay. Opening your mouth to speak again, Bob cut you off. “Did… did you meant it? W-what you said. I-in there? Or was that just to get Hangman off my back?” The shake in his voice made your heart crack in two, but what truly broke it was the look on his face. So unsure, so pained, so scared that it was all just a big fat lie.

“Bobby, I-” you started, but was once again cut off. “It’s fine, I-I uh, I get it. I do. No hard feelings. But, um, thanks for taking care of Hangman.” Bob went to pass out, presumably to his car so he could get the hell out of there and save himself any further embarrassment for tonight. Before he could make it far, you grabbed his arm, tugging him back towards you and pushing your lips to his. Bob left out a soft whine, immediately melting into the feeling of you.

The kiss was soft, warm, delicate and messy all at once. It was everything you ever dreamed of, it just sucked that the events of tonight were what led up to it. Pulling away, your hands went up to cup his face, locking eyes with his in the compassionate embrace. “I meant every single word, Robby. All that, and so much more.” Bob broke out in a smile, with you following not far behind, before he surged forward and connected your lips once more. This time in a much more needy and demanding kiss, with his and your hands roaming each others bodies.

A soft moan left your lips in a tiny squeak, Bob pulling away with a satisfied grin. “Maybe we should take this somewhere a little more private? Don’t really feel like sharing those noises with anyone else.” You gasped and gently hit his arm, like how you had earlier. “Bobby! You dirty dog! I cant believe you… but yes. Yes. Let’s go, now. Please.” Bob couldn’t help to laugh at the display of utter desperation from you, as he led you to his car. The second you were inside, a full makeout session ensued. You ended up on his lap, albeit with some struggle because his car was tiny, but you made do. Grinding on his growing bulge, you moaned widely, his tongue darting into your mouth. “Fuck, Bobby, take me home. Want you to take me home and fuck me so bad. Will you, please?” You whined and begged, and what kind of man would he be to leave you so needy like this.

After you were safe and secure in the passenger seat, Bob wasted no time on stepping on the gas as he made his way back to his rental. After the mission, many, if not most, of the original crew got a transfer. Yourself included, though unlike Bob, you’re place wasn’t as nice. That didn’t matter though, it was all small details in the end. Because now you not only had the best of friends, but you finally got the guy. And said guy was taking you home to fuck you.

The drive wasn’t long, but damn, did it make you needier. You weren’t sly in the slightest, as you snuck your hand slowly up Bobs thigh, climbing higher and higher, stopping just below where you so desperately wanted to touch. Bob gave you a look, eyebrow quirked, lips in a smirk. “This okay?” you whispered, just to be sure. “More than okay, darling.” He confirmed, and that was more than enough for you to launch your attack. Unbuttoning his pants, you make quick work of pushing down his boxers as far as they would go before his hard and ready cock popped out. Your mouth went agap at the sight, suddenly feeling drool looking at the edges of you lips as you took in the length and size of him. He was huge! “Holy shit, Bobby, you really do got it goin’ on.” And with that, you took him into your mouth.

He couldn’t reach all the way in, so you made due by streaking the rest of him. Occasionally groping his balls, which earned the heavenly sound of his moans. You continued bobbing your head up and down, savoring the taste of him and the way he swore. “F-fuck! Yeah, yeah, just like that. Taking it so well, j-just like a good girl.” You moaned at the praise, feeling yourself getting wetter by the second. Then, before you knew it, the car came to an abrupt stop and so did the blowjob, as Bob gently grabbed your cheeks and lifted your head. “As much as I’d love to come in your throat, sweet thing, I’d much rather continue this inside. Where I can really treat you good,” he said with a wink. Oh, god, he was so fucking hot.

The two of you managed to stumble inside, hands never leaving each others bodies as you nipped and sucked at any possible exposed skin, groping and grinding and messy as he led you to his bed and practically tossed you on to it. By the time you made it to his bedroom, both of you were almost fully nude, aside from the underwear you wore. Which were fully soaked now, by the way. And damn, did Bob enjoy the sit. Sinking down to his knees on the floor, Bob grabbed your legs and scooted you forward so your ass hung over the bed almost completely. “Fuck, s’wet f’me,” he mumbled against the skin of your thighs, your ankles now hanging over his shoulders.

He worked his way up, pressing kisses to the soft skin, loving the way you moaned and begged for me. “You want my mouth or my fingers, darling?” He asked, and the smirk he wore when you screamed, “both!” only widened. “If it’s both you want, baby, then it’s both you’ll get.” And with that, your panties were gone in a flash as he tore them off and dove right in. “FUCK!” you moaned loudly, your hands frantically clutching the bedsheets. “Yes, yes, yes! Oh, right there! Fuck yes!” He’d barely begun, still only using his tongue, as he lapped at you like a man starved. It was heavenly, the warmth of his tongue and the speed at which it tortured you with bliss.

Minutes, maybe even hours, fuck who knows how long went by with him in between your thighs, just licking and sucking and slurping at what you had to offer before he asked if you wanted his fingers yet. Of course you had screamed yes again, but it was all garbled and mumbled from the pleasure you felt. Bob chucked between you, the vibration a heavenly feeling on your clit. The added sensation of not just one, but two fingers prodding at your sensitive hole had your mind swimming in pure ecstasy. You knew you were close, and his fingers speeding in and out of you mixed with his tongue on your clit only brought on that freeing feeling. Bob must’ve felt the way you clenched around him, the way your thighs shook, and masterfully continued his work. Drilling his fingers inside of you and bringing your clit to rest in between his puckered lips had you exploding into a dazzling glow of orgasm you’ve never felt before.

Bob stayed between your thighs, fingers slowing down as he coaxed you through your orgasm. Once he knew you were good, he gently pulled his fingers out and tapped your thigh in a way of telling you “good job”. Climbing back onto the bed, he smiled down at your fucked out figure. The way your eyes were glazed over, your naked chest rising and falling. It was a beautiful sight to behold, and he was so lucky he got to be the one to do it. You smiled back at him, before slowly getting up so you sat on your knees with him on the bed, hands stroking up and down his arms. “As good as that was, and trust me, it was really good, I want you to fuck me for real now.”

Bob didn’t need to be told again, he bolted towards his bedside table, almost ripping the drawer out as he searched inside the messy compartment. “Aha!” He said victoriously, holding up a condom. You smiled softly at the man, who despite being a literal sex god a minute ago, still had the capability to be the goofy dork you’ve had feelings for forever now.

“You ready?” he asked earnestly once he got the condom on, you’ve never been more ready for anything in your life. “Just hurry up and fuck me, Floyd.” you said breathlessly, and that was more than enough for him to pounce on you like his life depended on it. His lips met yours in a flurry once more that night, the taste of you not gone from his mouth as he all but attacked yours. The tip of his cock met your folds in a blissful roll of his hips, making you gasp. Needing him inside you desperately, you grabbed his cock gently and helped him slowly guide it inside you, breathing out a sigh of relief once he filled you to the fullest. On your back, you laid there, allowing yourself to get used to the feeling of him. Bob, ever the patient man, didn’t move an inch until you gave him the go ahead.

Once the coast was clear, he was like a beast, snapping his hips at an unstoppable force. It felt so good, like all your nerves were set ablaze in the best way. Your ankles wrapped around his waist, your hands scratching up and down his back. The way he was bent over you gave him perfect access to your tits, to which he took full advantage and brought one of your nipples to his mouth. The feeling had you clenching around him like a viper, his hot tongue dancing around the sensitive skin of your breast brought you close to the edge again. His thrusts were hard and wild, but calculated, hitting the perfect spot every single time. You were both moaning like animals, swears and praises and the scent of sex filling the air as you fucked each other into the night. “Fuck, Bobby, m’so close. Wanna come with you, wanna come with you so bad.” you whined out, and Bob can’t think of a time in his life where he’s heard or experienced anything sexier.

“I’m almost there, my girl, fuck, so close. Just hold on f’me like a good girl, can ya do that? Can you wait like the good girl I know you are?” His voice was so gruff, deep and full of ecstasy. “Yeah,” you managed out in a high pitched whimper, something that made Bob’s cock twitch from inside of you. With a few more deep strokes inside you, he was ready, and he knew you were too. “Let go, baby. Come with me, fuck! You better come with me, baby, know you can.”

And so you did. And it was glorious. Earth shattering, mind blowing, you name it. Your skin was hot and sweaty, and you shook like a goddamn earthquake as you came, Bob not far behind as he experienced his own orgasm. Moaning wildly, he collapsed beside you the second he pulled out. The two of you lay there, breathing heavily, minds reeling from the most amazing and intense and powerful sex both of you have ever had in your entire lives. Once the two of you caught your breaths and energy enough to move, Bob cleaned the two of you up before pulling you into his arms. You laid there, head on his chest, looking up at him in pure fascination and wonder.

Yeah, Bobby’s definitely got it goin’ on for sure.

And Hangman can fuckin’ suck it!

[cloudberriess]

Teen Skk Headcannon

Picture this:

Dazai was drenched. Every step he took would cause water to splash back up onto the bottom of his pants. It was a dark day outside, clouds thickly coating the night sky as the rain poured down.

Dazai had just gotten back from a small and easy mission, just dealing with some things that underlings couldn't figure out. He didn't exactly want to go, but Mori had sent him anyway.

He didn't want to call for help to seek shelter from the rain, but what other choice did he have? It was pouring and he was about three miles away from the Port Mafia headquarters. He would've rode back with some other underlings, but none of them were going back to headquarters. They were all going back home to their families.

Against his better judgement, he called Mori. He told him that he needed to a ride back and the boss was happy to send someone out.

So he waited.

He waited in the pouring rain, sitting down in the middle of the sidewalk by himself with his knees pressed up to his chest. He didn't even have his PSP to pass the time as he had left it at home, so he just watched the cars pass by, waiting for his.

Finally after what felt like forever, he heard an obnoxiously loud engine coming his way. Looking in the direction from where the sound was coming from, he saw none other than Chuuya's stupid bright red bike.

Great.

Here he was looking like a drenched puppy with his hair was soaked an in his face along with his bandages messy and to add onto it, he was exhausted. Of course it had to be Chuuya to pick him up.

The red head had looked slightly annoyed as he pulled up next to Dazai on the sidewalk, staring at him quietly for a moment before saying, "Get on."

Dazai just stared at him, causing Chuuya's frustration to grow. "Are to deaf or something?" He growled, his grip tightening on the handles to his bike. "Get on."

The soaked boy scoffed, standing up from the ground and purposefully talking short steps to piss of Chuuya on purpose as he stepped over towards the bike, and it seemed to be quite effective.

He then just stood there, not saying at word as he stared.

Chuuya dealt with it for no more then a couple seconds before speaking up once again, "I don't have all day."

Dazai shot him a looked, scoffing under his breath as he mumbled something quietly, so quiet that Chuuya couldn't hear anything.

"Eh?" The shorter quirked a brow, "What'cha say?"

Dazai shifted uncomfortably, mumbling again, this time a bit louder than before. "Never.... bike.... don't know...."

When he looked back up, Chuuya was staring at him like he was an idiot.

"For fucks sake, speak up!" He snapped, causing Dazai to huff and cross his arms. He looked away, speaking just loud enough to hear this time, "I don't know where or how to sit. I've never ridden a bike before."

Chuuya was dumbfounded for a moment. Seriously? He didn't know one thing that Dazai didn't know how to do and yet he didn't know how to ride a motorbike? He was almost amused. Though something about Dazai's expression, how his brows had been furrowed when Chuuya pulled up on the bike and how he looked at the vehicle warily.

He sighed. "Sit behind me with your legs on either side, not that hard."

Dazai stilled for a moment before he shuffled over towards the bike, sliding onto it behind Chuuya and just sitting there quietly.

There seemed to be a silent sense of tension between the two, though it broke the moment Dazai sneezed.

Chuuya blinked just before a smile cracked on his face. "You look like a damn mutt out here in the rain."

Dazai perked up right away. "Chuuya is such a hypocrite since he looks like a dog all the time."

Neither of them were going to speak about how Dazai was clearly terrified to get onto that bike. They didn't need to. Chuuya bickered with him the whole way back and Dazai didn't even notice when they arrived. He didn't notice that Chuuya had purposefully taken his attention off of the situation.

[nasturtiumloom]

Hi! I was just wondering if I can request Rex splode dating fem!reader who’s like raven from dc? :D

hello ໒꒰ྀིᵔ ᵕ ᵔ ꒱ྀི১ ! i decided to do some mini headcanons for this one

rex splode x fem raven like! reader ‧₊˚🍊༉‧₊˚.

headcanons contain: uhmm idk just fluff!!

i feel like before you guys were dating he’d be so drawn to how mysterious and hot you looked when he first saw you making him follow you around everywhere, before he got his attitude beaten out of him by monster girl you almost did it yourself by how annoying he was getting with his flirting and jerk personality.

would always try to make you crack at least a smile with his cheesy pick up lines or a dumb joke he saw off reddit. If it didn’t work he’d get all pouty, but if it did you would never hear the end of it from him.

if you were apart of the teen team he’d probably beg you to make him fly with you when going into a fight, his reason? an awesome entrance.

DEFINITELY would brag about you to invincible or dupli-kate. Or just have his arm around your waist 24/7 can’t let anyone gawk at you without knowing you’re his!! (ง'̀-'́)ง

“can your girlfriend fly and look super hot doing it? oh wait, you don’t have a girlfriend!!” and would burst out laughing in front of poor mark, one hit upside the head from you and he’s acting like a baby.

"Hey, at least my girlfriend isn't a thousand years old!" Rex quipped with a smirk, earning an eye roll and groan from dupli-kate. "I mean, I like 'em timeless, but not that timeless." once again earning another smack upside the head. (·•᷄∩•᷅ )

rex would be your biggest cheerleader while you guys are fighting beside each other, but would still jump in front of any danger to protect you, and as you scold him while patching up his wounds, he could only focus on how hot you look in your suit. (¬_¬")

speaking about your suit you’d always find him gawking at you, practically drooling! or his hand squeezing your thigh and when you snap him out of it you’d get a response like “sorry babe, i can’t help it when my girlfriend is so sexy.” chuckling at your cringing face.

even though he would insist on going out he doesn’t mind settling for a simple movie night, cuddling under the covers, eating fast food, trying not to fall asleep not even halfway through the movie, and if he got caught sleeping he’d play it off with kissing you on the lips, easy way to get your forgiveness!

Rex shows his affection through small, thoughtful gestures, like bringing you your favorite tea or surprising you with a new book, earning him a kiss! ٩(ᵔᗜᵔ*)و

you caught him once wearing your cape and laughed at him as it got stuck while he tried to take it off, forever that memory being engraved in your mind.

he’d listen to you read from your books, having his full attention, but would end up asleep on your stomach, he loves your voice! it’s soo soothing for him.

while you guys lay in bed he’d always ask you to play with his hair, your hands feel like magic (pun might be intended..) that he melts in them and immediately passes out snoring.

and while you guys sleep he’d be totally clingy and stay like that the whole night, absolutely smothered by him, and if you push him off in the middle of the night because you feel like you’re in an oven. You’d wake up again to his arms wrapped around you and his face in the crook of your neck and his legs tangled in yours.

-ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈

this was not proofread so if you see something dumb do NOT mention it to me i’ll get embarrassed and explode ૮(˶x ཀ x˶)ა

hope u enjoyed, baii ><

🍊.

[naminethewriter]

Thank You for Finding Me

Chapter Five: Meeting the Students

Masterpost | First | Previous | Next | Ao3

@intrulogicalweek

Story Summary: Logan didn’t date or really had any friends but when this strange guy asks him out while complimenting his posterior, he can’t help but be intrigued.

Content Warnings: Panic Attack

~~*~~

Logan didn’t know much about what goes on at Remus’ school. Yes, his boyfriend would rant at him about how annoying colleagues were or how unfair regulations could be, but Remus almost never talked about his students. At least not individually. He would say something along the lines of ‘my class really enjoyed the experiment we did today’ but never ‘this student said this to me’. Logan honestly didn’t think he could name even one of Remus’ students.

And that was fully intentional.

Remus took the privacy of the kids very seriously and urged them to do the same, especially online, so if he had the need to get something related to his student off of his chest, he never went into specifics.

Which was why Logan was very much surprised when Remus came into the library with two teenagers in tow.

“Hey Lolo!” he greeted quietly when he got to the counter. “I need you to whip up library cards for these two.” He motioned behind him and Logan took a moment to properly look at them.

One of them was female presenting, her red-blonde hair tied into a ponytail. She wore a leather jacket over a dark green shirt with a print Logan couldn’t make out. Her jeans had several holes and stains. She was looking anywhere but at Logan, a scowl on her face and her arms crossed over her chest.

The other was quite androgynous with shaggy, shoulder-length black hair. Their clothing style was similar to that of the girl, all dark colors. A black vest over a grey shirt, black, knee-length skirt, leggings and combat boots. Unlike their friend, they looked more uncomfortable than annoyed.

“This is Lilith, she/they, and Elliot, they/them, from my AP chemistry class. And this is Logan, he/him, my partner.”

“This is stupid, Mr. Prince,” Lilith groaned.

“Shouldn’t’ve made the bet then. You played, you lost, now you gotta pay.”

“You made a bet with your students?” Logan asked. He tried to keep his tone neutral but couldn’t hide his disapproval entirely.

“They initiated!” Remus defended. “And I said no several times, but they wore me down with the chicken noises.” Logan sighed and rubbed his forehead but didn’t comment further. “And it’s not like I’m asking anything unreasonable from them. Just get a library card and borrow one book. I’m not even going to check if they’re going to read it!”

“You already dragged us here, isn’t that enough?” Lilith whined, but Elliot elbowed her lightly in the side.

“Just do it. A bit of reading isn’t the worst.”

“Ugh, fine!”

Logan walked with them through the registration process and started the card printer.

“This is going to take a few minutes. How about you two go and find a book to fulfill the other half of your bargain.”

Lilith looked at him funny but didn’t say anything and Remus waved Virgil over, who had just come back from his break.

“Hey Virge! You seem like you might have the same kind of taste as these two, mind giving them some book recommendations?” Remus asked with a grin. Virgil rolled his eyes.

“You just want to be alone with Logan.”

“Mayyyyybeeee.”

“Fine.” Virgil walked around the desk and waved the two teens to follow him. Lilith looked annoyed again, but Elliot just pulled them along.

Logan could just hear Lilith ask her classmate, “Who uses the word ‘bargain’ these days?” before the three of them disappeared between the shelves.

“Thanks for the help, Lolo. It means a lot.”

“I am simply doing my job. But why do this, meus? You usually don’t involve yourself into their lives like this.” Logan watched Remus’ expression wander from guilt to worry to exhaustion.

“I’m just worried. Neither of them has it easy at home, so I thought showing them that this is a place that will welcome them without prejudice, they might use it as a little retreat. And they’re both so smart, they could do so much, but they’re being put down again and again. I just wanted to offer them a safe space to learn because education is what will get them out of there.”

Logan put a hand on Remus’ arms with which he was propping himself against the counter.

“You did a good thing. Everything you can do as their teacher.”

Remus sagged and sighed.

“Thanks. I’m still worried.”

“And that’s good. That will let them know you’re safe to turn to when they need someone.”

“I hope so. Thanks, Lolo. That’s exactly what I needed to hear.”

“I’m glad I could be of help.”

~~*~~

Later that evening, Logan fondly looked at the two pictures Remus had sent him. The first was of him with his two students, the books they chose and their library cards. The second was Remus leaning against Logan’s back and grinning over his shoulder with the caption: ‘Bothering my partner at work :P.’ Remus asked if he could upload the second one to Instagram and Logan agreed. His boss wouldn’t mind.

Logan had his own Instagram after Remus talked him into it though he rarely used it. Mostly he posted a few book recommendations here and there and a few pictures of Remus and him and occasionally Virgil. It was a nice way to organize mementos.

In a few weeks, Remus would move into Logan’s house with him. It was a bit of a rushed venture since Remus hadn’t planned to move out of his flat, but his two roommates had gotten engaged and while they enjoyed Remus’ company, they asked to have the space for themselves. Remus had told Logan that he would look for his own place so as to not overstep his boundaries, but Logan asked him to move in instead. Maybe they were moving a bit fast, but Logan’s been more and more aware of how empty his house was and he felt so much better whenever Remus came over.

He was startled out of his thoughts when the landline rang. That was unusual, but Logan didn’t think much of it and went to answer.

“Sanders residence.”

“Hello Logan. I hope you’ve been well.”

Logan froze and the receiver almost slipped out of his hand.

“Father.”

There was a pause then a dry chuckle crackled through the line.

“I’m a bit surprised you remember my voice so well.”

“I am too.” Logan hadn’t spoken to his father since he’d been seventeen and the man had moved to the other side of the world on some business venture. Still, his cold voice was branded into Logan’s brain. “Why are you calling?” he asked, the shake of his voice probably obvious.

“I… wanted to call for a long time actually. When you graduated. When your grandfather died. When I heard you got the job you wanted. But I held myself back. I thought you wouldn’t want to hear from me, not after all your mother and I put you through.”

Logan couldn’t believe what he was hearing. His knees were getting weak and instead of fighting to remain standing, he let himself sink down to the floor. His father continued after a few moments of silence.

“I’m sorry, Logan. I was convinced that success was everything that mattered in life. That if we raised you on logic alone that you could be the best a human could ever be. I was wrong. Very wrong. I’m sorry.”

“I don’t understand,” Logan whispered, unable to find his full voice. “Why now?”

“I saw the pictures. The one with you and that man. Your boyfriend.”

He stopped breathing. He had no idea what to expect. Logan hadn’t thought about relationships while he had been with his parents and only figured out that he was gay shortly before his grandfather passed. He hadn’t told him. The only person he had ever come out to was Virgil. He didn’t even know what his parents thought of queer people.

“You look so happy in those photos. I forgot how long it’s been since I saw you smile. Forgot that I’d been the one to make that smile go away. I showed them to your mother. She said that it was right to give you to my father. We were never supposed to be parents. I’m so sorry we made you go through that, Logan.”

“I—I don’t know— I can’t…”

“You don’t need to say anything. You don’t need to forgive me or your mother. If you never wanted to talk to either of us again, I wouldn’t blame you. If you’d hung up on me, I would have accepted that too. This is all our fault. You were a good child, Logan. And we held you to an impossible standard. I hope you can find your happiness now. I truly do.”

Tears were streaming down Logan’s face. No words would pass over his lips, no matter how hard he tried.

After a solid minute of silence, his father spoke again.

“I’m going to hang up now. I’m sure this must be overwhelming for you. If you ever want to talk, call me back. And if not—” His voice broke, and Logan’s breath stuttered. “—if not then I will accept that and not bother you again. Goodbye, son. I’m sorry.”

The line was cut.

The phone landed heavily on the carpeted floor.

Logan’s vision was obstructed by tears, and he could hardly breathe.

Had that really just happened?

What was he supposed to do now? He wasn’t equipped for this!

Remus.

He needed Remus.

The sudden need to talk to his boyfriend brought him back to his feet and he stumbled back to the sofa where he had left his phone, dialing Remus’ number with shaking hands.

He picked up on the second ring.

“Lolo! What gives me the honor?” Remus’ cheerful and carefree tone brought another sob out of Logan and before he could say something, Remus reacted. “What happened? Where are you? Are you hurt?”

“Home. I—” Logan gasped for air between his sobs. “Come, please?”

“I’ll be right there. Should I stay on the line?”

“Please!” It was all Logan could bring himself to say, but it was all Remus needed.

“Of course. I love you. I’ll stay on.”

Logan couldn’t get another word out. He simply listened to the sounds of Remus getting ready and the continued reassurances he was whispering into the phone.

Soon Remus would be there. And then he could figure out what to do.

[sarahowritesostucky]

📖"Alpha, Beta (& Omega)"

Rated: Explicit

Chapter Rating: Teen

Word Count:

Pairing: Steve x Bucky

Tags: a/b/o, arranged marriage, enemies to lovers, nobility/royalty au, alternate history, dom/sub elements, beta bucky, hurt/comfort, age gap, domestic discipline, spanking, head of household, wedding night, Edwardian time period, m/f/m poly marriage

Summary: To save House Barnes from scandalous ruin, James must agree to a contracted marriage, accepting Lord Senator Steven Rogers as his Alpha, Husband, and Headship.

To read previous parts of this series first, got to the masterlist

6. A Honeymoon

This Chapter: Steve looks at him pointedly. “I’m pretty relaxed when it comes to matters of protocol - if it concerns just the two of us or our Third. But in company I’ll expect you to mind yourself. Understood?”

Except for being trampled by a carriage and almost losing his arm, taking a boat over the Atlantic winds up being the worst experience of Bucky’s life.

It’s neat, at first. Bucky’s only ever travelled by boat once before, and Steve has booked them tickets for a first-class suite on a luxury liner. A week after their wedding, they drive to the harbor, Steve and Bucky in one car and two of their servants and all the luggage in another.

At the docks are a number of newspaper reporters, all standing around and yelling out for a comment. It’s to be expected for a newly-married Senatorial couple such as them, but annoying all the same. Bucky heads straight for the gangplank, ready to walk-on-by and ignore the shouts completely. It’s been drummed into him since childhood: never give the press an unauthorized interview.

So he’s taken aback when Steve grabs his hand and pulls him over to address the reporters. Bucky looks at Steve with wide eyes, but his husband is already speaking to the nearest photographer, who’s asked them if they’re off for their honeymoon. “Yes,” Steve says, an easy smile gracing his face. Surprised, Bucky stands there like a dolt while Steve takes questions and engages politely with the reporters.

How liberal of him, Bucky thinks. It’s certainly unexpected from someone like Steve, who’s a goddamn member of the Senate. These are nothing but a bunch of gossip rag sidewalk paparazzi. Even they seem shocked that they're being given the time of day. Normally men of Steve's stature stick their noses up at anything but the most coordinated of interviews, arranged and conducted by seasoned journalists from only the most respected publications.

Bucky bites his lip as he watches Steve, looking at his smile, his bright eyes. He’s so handsome, he can’t help but think. Why the hell would someone like that ever consider marrying someone like him? Bucky averts his eyes when Steve turns his head and catches him staring.

“Captain Rogers: Is it Europe then, where you and the Lord Rogers will be travelling?”

“Yes. England, and then we’ll be touring the continent,” Steve says. The other reporters bark out more questions, asking for private details about their wedding and their plans for the future, but Steve shuts them up with a raised hand. “I’m sorry gentlemen, ladies, but that’s all. We need to board now.” He directs Bucky back towards the ramp, and it’s with the sounds of still-squawking reporters at their backs that they board the ship.

Their staterooms are finely furnished but small.

Bucky figures that since they have a sitting room separate from the bedroom, and a private promenade, these accommodations must be quite spacious—for a ship. The servants put the luggage away, then excuse themselves to settle into their own cabins down in second class.

That leaves Bucky to wander about and look things over. He pokes his head into the bedroom. There’s a dressing table and a door that leads to the bath. The room has a bed with posts and a canopy, tucked right up against the wall. It's clearly meant for two people, but it is much, much smaller than the bed he and Steve shared on their wedding night.

That had been nearly a week ago. Steve had travelled to D.C. to set his Senatorial affairs in order before their trip abroad, and Bucky had stayed in his own family's home. Aside from Becca's teasing and Prudence asking naughty questions about 'marital activities', Bucky's almost been able to forget that he's married at all.

But now they're on the ship, in luxurious but cramped quarters—and with a bed sized to match. Bucky swallows and eyes the small frame, thinking about how he’ll be sleeping there with Steve for the next eleven days …

“Bucky?"

He inhales sharply, shaking himself from his thoughts "Coming!" He goes back out to the sitting room, where Steve is standing and looking about the room with a proud smile. "Well, what do you think? I made sure to book one of the finest staterooms. It's nice, right?"

It's fucking gorgeous, but Bucky isn't going to say so just so Steve can preen over himself. He shrugs. "Sure. I guess so."

The light in Steve's eyes dims a little, but he recovers. “There's a promenade," he offers brightly. "Want to see outside?”

Bucky huffs as if put-upon, even though he does want to see, and follows Steve onto the promenade. It’s nice—light and airy, with wicker furniture and large windows that can be opened to let the sea breeze in. Steve flops down onto one of the chairs and Bucky walks over to the windows, sliding one open and looking out. Their stateroom is on the side of the ship that faces the docks, and he observes all of the pedestrians and dock workers moving around on the street below. Some are passing by, others have stopped to look up at the ship as all of its passengers and luggage are brought on board. Below, the muddy harbor water sloshes gently against the bottom of the ship, and Bucky leans out over the edge of the window, trying to see if there are any barnacles clinging to the—

“Bucky!” Steve’s hands are suddenly on him, yanking him by his coat.

"Wha—oof!"

Steve pulls him back into the room, maintaining a harsh grip on his upper arm as he shuts the window. He turns and glares at him. “You could have fallen!”

Bucky jerks away from his hold. “No I couldn’tve,” he snaps. “Jesus, I was just looking. I’m fine. What’s your problem?”

"You could've been hurt," Steve insists. "Or killed! You have to be more careful."

"More careful than what?" Bucky scowls. He stalks away, not noticing the other man's pained expression as he watched him go.

Steve gives him his space after that, telling Bucky that he’s going down to arrange their dinner reservations, and that he’ll be back in a bit. Bucky waits, intending to bide his time in the cabin, but there’s really nothing to do, and it gets boring after only a few minutes.

So he decides he’ll explore the ship. He heads out, not unaware that he should probably be waiting for Steve, or at least leaving him a note telling him where he’s going. It is a big ship, after all. But he ignores the consideration. Steve can figure it out for himself. Bucky’s an adult, and even though Steve's his Headship, he hadn’t told Bucky to stay put. Bucky smirks as he leaves their stateroom and takes the lift down, thinking about Steve returning to the room to find it empty.

The ship, Bucky concludes, is ridiculous.

He stops a steward and asks about what he might see, and the man directs him to several attractions. There’s the day lounge, the smoking lounge, the bar, the library, the gym, the squash courts and the swimming pool. There’s a goddamn Turkish bath, of all things! Bucky can’t imagine what person thought that they needed one of those. God forbid they cross an ocean without the essentials.

It takes a long time to tour most of the ship. At least an hour goes by before Bucky makes his way up to the public promenade and sits on a deck chair, tired and ready to people-watch. He’s relaxing, enjoying the busy sounds of the ship and the dockside, when all of a sudden someone down the way is exclaiming,

“There you are!”

He startles, head turning to see Steve approaching looking quite harried. Oh. Bucky tucks his lips in, trying hard not to smile. “Oh, hey Steve.”

Steve comes over and stands there with his hands on his hips, staring down at him. “I’ve been looking for you for over an hour!”

Bucky shrugs. “I went for a walk.”

“A walk?!” Steve huffs. “What on earth was so important that you couldn’t have waited for me to get back?” He glares at him. “I had half a mind that you’d gotten off the ship!”

Bucky laughs out loud at that. Even he wouldn’t literally jump ship to escape his new husband. “You know, I hadn’t thought of that,” he drawls. “It’s an idea though.”

Steve’s face darkens, and he is not amused. Growling, he grabs Bucky by the scruff of his shirt and yanks him up. “Come on,” he says, verging on using his Voice. “We’re going back to the room.”

“Sit,” he says, the moment he’s got the door to their suite shut. He points at the couch. “There. Now.”

Bucky gulps. He’s never been on the receiving end of an alpha’s Voice before. Truth be told, he’d always expected that it wouldn’t have much of an effect on him. He’s beta: omegas are the ones who are supposed to be compelled. But Bucky definitely feels something. Steve’s Voice puts a slight urge in his brain, an itch to obey. Coupled with the fact that he's wary of his husband's anger, it motivates him to plant his butt exactly where Steve just pointed.

He doesn’t have to do this, he reminds himself stubbornly. He doesn’t have to obey Steve’s command. … It just feels better if he does. Bucky grits his teeth and tells him, “You don’t have to Voice, alright? I’m here. I won’t run off again.”

Steve’s features lift a bit, whether in surprise or relief is unclear. “Okay,” he says, and yeah, it’s relief. He comes to join Bucky on the couch. “I was really worried, Bucky.”

Bucky hates the honest look that’s on Steve’s face right now, hates the hurt pinch in his brow. It tells him that Steve is a good man, is just concerned for his safety. Bucky feels his cheeks heat with embarrassment at having to be scolded like a child. “Sorry,” he mutters, hoping that it'll be enough to satisfy whatever his husband needs to hear from him.

“Promise me you won’t go running off again,” Steve says. He’s not using his Voice anymore, but his tone is imploring. “On this ship or elsewhere. We’ve got stops planned all over Europe. I won’t be able to relax if I constantly have to worry about you disappearing.”

Bucky frowns. Sure, he’d disappeared for an hour or two, and maybe he’d enjoyed the fact that he knew it would annoy Steve, but that wasn't why he'd done it. Bucky had honestly wanted to see the ship. He tells Steve so, saying, “I just wanted to explore. I won’t run away.”

Steve nods, seemingly satisfied. “Okay. Thank you, Buck.”

Bucky doesn’t know what to say to that. He feels suddenly awkward, sitting on the couch next to Steve; his husband, his Headship, the alpha who just a week ago had held Bucky tight to his body, jerked him off, and fucked his spend all over his thighs. Bucky swallows heavily at the memory. “I ...” he starts, needing to put some space between them. “Steve, I … need to use the bathroom.”

Steve frowns lightly. “Well go ahead. Jeez Buck, you don’t have to ask permission.”

Bucky shoots up from the couch, eager to get away because he's not sure he can keep himself from flinging out a nasty rebuttal, if he stays sitting there much longer.

They dress in tails for dinner in the ship’s finest and most exclusive dining room. Steve leads Bucky in by the arm, all eyes turning to watch them as they enter. Thankfully, everyone else in this part of the ship is just as, or nearly as, wealthy and important as Steve and Bucky are, so it isn’t long before most of the eyes trail away and their owners return to their previous conversations, two members of minor American royalty of no special note to them. Steve guides Bucky in the direction of their table, at which point they are accosted by two people.

“Captain Rogers!”

One of them Bucky recognizes. He’s Henry Mills, youngest son of Senator Mills of New Jersey, the man who used to be Bucky’s father’s counterpart—No longer, he thinks bitterly.

You’re the Lord of nothing! 

He can still hear his mother's hissing rebuke from that day. He blushes, embarrassed to have to stand in the company of his old schoolmate like this. Before, as both a Senatorial heir and as a beta, Bucky would've been considered above Henry in status. But now all that's changed. He’s sure Henry must be thinking about House Barnes’ scandal, as word has undoubtedly gotten 'round to the more important families of society by now. Soon enough it’ll be in the papers and everyone will know. Bucky cringes at the thought.

Steve starts up a stilted conversation of pleasantries with the alpha who introduces himself as Henry’s husband—Lord Jamison, Senator of Ohio. Henry is omega and a younger son, two very simple reasons why he was never going to inherit his father’s Seat. Bucky thinks dejectedly about how now the two of them have ended up in very much the same place; married to alpha Senators to maintain their positions in Society. The only difference between them is their designation, and it’s glaring. Henry’s stomach is noticeable beneath his waistcoat and dinner jacket. He’s pregnant.

“Yes,” Jamison is saying. “We’re very excited to be starting a family.” He wraps his arm possessively around Henry’s waist, drawing him closer against his side. “And we’re thinking we may have found our third. A beta from Maine. She’s just a daughter of one of the elected, but even still, she’s a very nice girl. Don’t you think, Sweetheart?”

Henry nods, one hand migrating to his stomach as he gazes up at his husband in adoration. “Yes,” he says. “It’s been a wonderful first year. We’re very fortunate.” He returns his attention to Bucky and Steve, saying, “You must be looking forward to setting up your Household, when you get back.”

It’s framed as a question, and since it’s clearly been aimed at Bucky, he feels compelled to answer, “Um, yes?” It’s a terribly awkward answer, and the uncomfortable silence that follows it makes him want to shrink away. Henry’s so obviously in love with his Headship, and meanwhile Bucky is just … not. He feels guilty for making it so obvious. 

Hadn’t they come there to eat dinner? He doubts he’ll have much of an appetite after this. He's been feeling a tad bit queasy since the ship departed that afternoon, and he desperately hopes that he won’t be prone to seasickness. “We’re moving into Steve’s brownstone,” he says, trying to offer something useful to the conversation. “It’s in Brooklyn.”

Jamison laughs. “Oh, how terribly chic of you. Such an eclectic place.” ‘Eclectic’, Bucky knows, is a euphemism for ‘common’. “You’ll have a lot to see there,” the alpha says. “I’ve heard they’ve made great progress in gentrifying some of the neighborhoods.”

Bucky looks to Steve, who is smiling a fake smile with tight eyes. “Yes, it’s nice. My favorite of all our residences.”

All our residences? Bucky thinks. All our residences? He tries to reign in his reaction. He hadn’t known that Steve owned more than one property, though it does make sense, given his wealth. He makes a mental note to ask Steve later about where the other houses are.

“Well, we really must take our seats,” Steve excuses. “I think I’ve seen our waiter divert himself twice, now.” He chuckles, and even that is fake, though Bucky isn’t sure the Jamisons can tell. “Gentlemen,” Steve says, and the couple bids them a polite goodbye. Steve waits until they’ve stepped away before he guides Bucky to sit at their table. “They seem nice,” he says, unfolding his napkin and placing it in his lap. Bucky follows suit.

“Yeah,” he says. “I guess.”

The waiter arrives and asks Steve what they’ll have. He doesn’t address Bucky, as it’s traditional for Headships to order for their spouses. Bucky is annoyed but not surprised. He speaks up right after Steve’s asked for lobster and before he can order for Bucky. “I’ll have the duck à l’orange,” he says.

The waiter seems tense for a moment, eyes flicking to Steve to assess his reaction. Steve gives a slight nod, and the waiter relaxes. “Very good Sir. I’ll tell the chef.” He turns and walks on to the next table.

“You don’t mind, do you Steve?” Bucky asks sweetly, waiting for his husband to scold him for the embarrassment. But it doesn’t come.

“No, I don’t,” Steve says, smiling slightly when Bucky looks at him with surprise. “I’m pretty relaxed when it comes to matters of protocol.”

“Oh?”

He nods. “When it concerns just the two of us or our Third, yes.” He looks at Bucky pointedly. “But in company I’ll expect you to mind yourself. Understood?”

Bucky wants so badly to say that no, it’s not understood, but that would be embarrassingly childish, even for him, so he reins himself in. “Sure,” he says.

“Good.”

They sit in silence, uncomfortable, until Bucky blurts, “Where are your residences?”

Steve's mouth quirks. “Well for one, they’re our houses now, seeing as we’re married. And they’re in Brooklyn, the Hamptons, Washington D.C., Manhattan, London and Paris. The latter three are only apartments, but they’re sizeable. I especially enjoy the Paris residence. We’ll be staying there for part of the trip. I'll look forward to hearing your opinions on each, you know." His expression turns fond. "Especially about our house in Cobble Hill. That's to be our family home."

Bucky fights to keep his face neutral, but internally he’s impressed. House Barnes has only ever kept residences in Paramus and Washington D.C. Ruefully, he thinks of how his mother and sisters will likely be forced to move to a different house now that their Senatorial status is about to be revoked, the only thing keeping them in Society being Bucky’s marriage to Steve. For that, he is grateful. He nods and fiddles with his silverware. “That’s nice,” he says.

Steve smiles. “Have you ever been to France?”

Bucky shakes his head. “No. I um, I went with my father to a state dinner in London once, back when I was introduced to Society, but it was brief. We didn’t go to the continent.”

“I see. Well I think you’ll enjoy yourself on our trip. I’m looking forward to showing you the sights.”

Bucky nods, not disagreeing but silent on the matter. Secretly, he’s been kind of excited to go on this honeymoon with Steve. He’s never traveled much, and touring Europe with a gorgeous Alpha is hardly a hardship. The only catch being that Bucky has to be married to him.

Their meal arrives before too long, and he's able to distract himself with the food. He drinks the wine that the sommelier suggests—a floral red that compliments the duck—and is pleased when Steve doesn’t protest his request of a second glass. Dessert is a rich chocolate cake, and Bucky nearly moans by the time he’s enjoying the last bite. When he finishes and glances up, Steve is looking at him with a mixture of amusement and desire. Bucky blushes. “Um, do you want to go to the smoking lounge, maybe? Have a brandy?”

Steve shakes his head. “I’ve had enough, and it's been a long day. Shall we head back to the room?”

Bucky swallows, nodding meekly and standing to take Steve’s offered arm. He thinks about what they’re going to do when they get back to their quarters. Will Steve undress him? Expect to have sex? Bucky’s thoughts drift back to their first night together; how Steve had handled him gently, made him come …

Steve guides him from the dining room. On the way out, they pass by Senator Jamison's table, and Bucky catches Henry Mills shooting him a friendly look—almost one of understanding, as though the two of them are Societal equals.

With a strange twinge in his gut, Bucky realizes that now they are.

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[liaromancewriter]

One Day

Premise: Ethan is confronted with the fact that his father won’t be around forever.

Book: Open Heart (post series) Pairing: Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Cassie Valentine); feat. Alan Ramsey Rating/Category: Teen. Angst. Words: 2,405

A/N: Submission to @choicesoctober prompt "family"; I'm using @choicesflashfics week 53, prompt 3 (in bold).

Alan Ramsey woke before his alarm, not an uncommon occurrence after thirty-plus years of early mornings. But lately, his knees creaked more often than not when he climbed out of his bed. There was no denying it took his muscles longer to recover after a full day at work.

He lay in bed, staring at the ceiling and listening to the quiet around him. Every now and then, he heard creaking and settling from inside the walls of the old house. Alan was used to the silence, but he missed that long ago time when the house was a home.

There was a time when his ears would be tuned to the sound of Ethan’s heavy feet rushing down the stairs, ready to conquer the day. And when his son was older, those same feet stealthily climbed up the stairs after a night out with a girl or his friends.

Alan was loathe to get out of bed this morning. He felt the ache down to his bones, and the inky blue darkness outside the bedroom window wasn’t helping. The days were getting shorter and the air colder. He felt like calling in sick but wasn’t sure what he’d do sitting at home alone.

Deciding he’d dawdled enough, Alan shoved the covers aside and rolled off the bed. His feet touched the cold floor, reminding him that he needed to call someone to service the furnace. Typically, Ethan took care of it, but his son had been busy lately, more than usual, as he prepared for his new role.

Alan was proud of everything he had accomplished, but he wondered if this was a sign that he’d have even less of Ethan’s time than before.

Later, still feeling out of sorts, he started the truck and waited for the engine to warm up. He absently sipped coffee from a thermos as the wipers cleared early morning dew coating the windshield, and slowly backed out of the drive.

A loud honk had him hitting the brakes hard and cursing as hot coffee splashed across the steering wheel and his hand. He looked in the rearview mirror to see a black sedan zoom past, uncaring about the speed limit.

Shaking his head in disgust, Alan used a rag to wipe the coffee stains away and continued on to work.

Later that morning, when his foot missed a foothold halfway down the telephone pole, and the ground rushed up towards him, he wished he’d called in sick after all.

---

Cassie Valentine was trying to read a super-dense journal article for the diagnostic team’s latest case, but an intermittent buzzing sound kept interrupting her focus. Frustrated, she threw Ethan’s cell phone an annoyed look, tempted to chuck it across the room.

Why did he have to be forgetful today of all days? She cursed as she lost sight of the paragraph she was on and had to start over.

It didn’t help that she was working the case on her own. Tobias was on vacation, and Baz was tied up with a research project. Ethan was working with Naveen on his transition. So, their contributions had been minimal to date.

Her green eyes fired up when the sliding doors swooshed open, and Ethan strolled in nonchalance.

“How’s the research going?” Ethan asked, heading straight to his desk.

“I don’t want to talk about it,” Cassie bit out. “You left your cell phone here, and the constant buzzing is driving me fucking crazy. Did you have to leave it behind today of all days? It’s not that hard to remember to take it with you!”

Ethan glanced over in surprise at her raised voice and waspish tone. “What’s got you upset?”

Cassie almost screamed in frustration, ready to tear her hair out. Instead, she snapped, “Nothing!” in a tone that implied everything was wrong and it was his fault.

She pushed back her chair, not an easy feat since it didn’t have wheels, and gathered her things.

And another thing, she grumbled, which genius decided office chairs without wheels on a carpeted floor were a good idea? Everyone knew a good chair should easily roll across the floor!

She stalked over to his desk, slammed his phone down (vibrating again, of course, in that maddeningly grating way) and marched off before she said or did something she’d regret.

Ethan watched Cassie warily through the glass walls as she disappeared down the hallway. He pursed his lips at her strange attitude and then dismissed it out of hand.

He glanced at the still buzzing phone — the vibrating tone really was annoying — and wondered who he knew at University Medical Center in Providence. Likely a consult request, he thought absently and accepted the call.

A few minutes later, he rushed towards the staircase closest to this part of the hospital. He was too anxious to wait for the elevator and didn’t want anyone to see him like this. Once he was in the parking lot, he called Naveen, tucking the phone between his ear and shoulder as he opened the car door and slid into the driver’s seat.

“My dad’s been in an accident at work,” he said when his mentor answered, grateful that Naveen didn’t interrupt with a lot of questions. “He’s at University Medical in Providence. I’m leaving now.”

Ethan started the engine and waited for the phone to sync with the Bluetooth system.

“Keep me posted, Ethan,” Naveen’s voice boomed from the overhead speakers. “I’ll come down to Providence as soon as I can.”

“Thanks,” Ethan said, disconnecting the call before backing his car out of the parking spot.

A thousand thoughts crowded his brain as he battled the afternoon Boston traffic. He breathed a sigh of relief when he cleared city limits and took the interstate ramp, accelerating with every passing minute.

Like most children, Ethan had always thought his dad would be around forever. But the man and doctor in him knew one day he’d have to reconcile with losing his only parent. Still, Alan was only fifty-seven, active and fit, and Ethan figured one day was a long way off.

He checked in on his father every month, made sure he was aware of any medications he was prescribed and took care of stuff around the house. Well, he hired someone to do it, from mowing the lawn in summer to a snow cleaning service in the winter. His dad protested at the expense, but Ethan didn’t want him doing the heavy lifting.

The last time he drove down to Providence…he racked his brain and realized it was six or seven weeks. He’d been too busy lately to visit, what with leading the team and working with Naveen on the transition and with Cassie on hers. Their calls had been brief too, just hello, how are you, sorry, can I call you back?

He was about to cross into Rhode Island when he remembered Cassie. He’d call her later, he decided. Right now, he wasn’t in the mood for an argument about whatever was bothering her. They could hash it out later, as far he was concerned.

It was an hour later when he was finally escorted to his dad’s hospital room. Sitting in the waiting room had been unbearable, but he understood these situations all too well.

He nodded absently as the on-call resident went through the litany of injuries, some of which Ethan could see for himself. Alan’s left arm was in a cast, broken in two places. There were abrasions, contusions and lacerations along the side of his neck and face, his arms and legs.

He looked so small, Ethan thought, watching his father sleeping, swallowed up by the large bed, the back raised at an angle. Lines and wires were running up the side of the bed, and a pulsometer measured his heart rate and O2 stats.

“Your father is fortunate, Dr. Ramsey. The bushes broke his fall,” the doctor droned behind him, his tone deferential upon learning his identity. “A few inches to the left and the injuries might have been catastrophic. We’ll monitor him overnight and reassess in the morning.”

Ethan placed his hand atop Alan’s through the guardrail, reassuring himself when he felt the warm skin.

“I’ll check in later in case you have any questions,” the resident said.

Ethan nodded, taking a deep breath to hold back his emotions. “Thank you, Doctor…” He turned around to look at the young man with a quizzical look. “I’m sorry. I’ve forgotten your name.”

“Doctor Nolan,” he said simply, hand on the door handle.

And with a wave, he was gone, closing the door behind him.

Alone, Ethan dropped into the visitor’s chair beside the bed and leaned forward. He reached for his father’s hand again, careful of the IV catheter. His eyes turned misty, and his mind flooded with memories from his childhood.

His dad cheering him on at hockey practice and basketball games. Those early days after Louise left and waiting for his truck to pull into the driveway, afraid that his father would disappear like she had.

Walking along the riverbank in the summer, licking ice cream cones. His dad teased him for taking his sweet time while Alan gobbled his up quickly, laughing as he wiped the sticky residue in his beard.

Being a single parent was hard, but his father had done his best for his only child. Ethan knew Alan had no regrets, but he couldn’t say the same about himself. He should have visited more, spent less of his free time working or with Cassie, or maybe he should have brought her down with him.

She had been pushing him for months for a relationship with his father, but Ethan had resisted. He wasn’t even sure why he’d been reluctant. His life in Boston, his life with her, was so different from his life in Providence. He wasn’t ashamed of it, precisely, but he couldn’t envision her in the rundown neighborhood with chain-link fences.

Should he contact Louise? Alan would want him to. He was certain of that.

Ethan wasn’t sure how long he sat there, head in his hands, lost in thought. When a hand fell on his shoulder, the unexpected touch was like an electric shock to his system, and he almost jumped out of the chair. The darkness outside the window was as jarring as the intrusion.

“Sorry,” Cassie whispered. “I didn’t mean to startle you.”

“What are you doing here?” he asked, clearing the gruff from his throat.

Cassie looked momentarily hurt, but then her face cleared, looking almost serene.

“Naveen told me,” she said, her gaze briefly landing on the bed. “I’m so sorry, Ethan. How is he doing? What did the doctors say?”

“He hasn’t woken up yet, but his vitals are stable,” he said, stretching his long arms into the air.

He narrated the notes he’d read earlier, summarizing what the doctors and nurses had relayed and the incident report from his father’s boss when he dropped by earlier, falling into the familiar role of a doctor and not a son.

“I wish you’d called me,” Cassie said softly, and then she shook her head before Ethan could respond. “Never mind.”

She nodded at an overnight bag on the floor just inside the entrance. “I packed you some clothes, underwear, toiletries. I figured you’d want to stay until Alan is out of the hospital. I wasn’t sure if you keep a change of clothes at your dad’s house, but it couldn’t hurt to be prepared.”

Ethan felt ashamed for not getting in touch with her himself. He’d meant to do it after he arrived, but it had slipped his mind. And yet, he’d managed to speak to Naveen and convinced him to stay in Boston.

He stared at the bag and thought he was an ass for taking her for granted.

“I’ll leave you alone,” she said, taking a step back as she turned to leave. “Let me know when he wakes up and how he’s doing.”

Ethan grabbed her hand before she could leave and reeled her into his arms, locking her against him. He framed her face between his hands and tilted her head back to meet his gaze.

“I’m sorry, Cassie,” he said, his blue eyes remorseful. “I should have called you as soon as I heard, or at least from the road. I kept telling myself I’d do it shortly, but it slipped my mind.”

“It’s okay,” she murmured. “You had a lot on your mind.”

“It’s not okay,” Ethan countered vehemently. “No excuses. You should have been my first call.” He brushed her lips tenderly. “I want you to stay. Please. I can’t do this without you.”

Cassie relented, the stiffness in her body dissipating as she leaned into him and her hands slipped around his back.

“I’m sorry, too, for snapping at you earlier,” she said, kissing the underside of his jaw. “I was irritated by my lack of ability to solve the case, and I took it out on you.”

“There, you’re all better now,” Alan whispered hoarsely from the bed.

Ethan let Cassie go and stepped toward the bed. He placed one hand on the pillow as his father struggled to sit up, his hands failing to find purchase.

“Easy, Dad. I’ve got you,” he said, pressing a button to adjust the bed and helping Alan get comfortable.

“I’ll get the doctor,” Cassie said, leaving them alone as she rushed out of the room.

“Dad, I…” Ethan swallowed hard against the lump forming in his throat.

“I know, son. I know.” Alan squeezed his hand lightly. “I was careless.”

He started coughing, wincing at the pain. Ethan quickly grabbed the water jug and poured water into a paper cup. He stuck a straw through the top and held it up for his father to drink.

“We can talk later when you’re feeling better.” Ethan lowered the back of the bed slightly. “Just rest for now. Doctor’s orders,” he added, forcing a smile.

Alan settled back on the bed, wheezing slightly from the exertion, and closed his eyes.

“Don’t make the same mistakes I did, Ethan,” he said weakly. “Don’t take the woman you love for granted.” He paused to catch his breath. “Love is fragile in the best of times. But when things are hard…”

“I won’t,” Ethan said, understanding what was left unsaid. “I promise.”

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

All Fics & Edits: @bluebelle08 @coffeeheartaddict2 @crazy-loca-blog @genevievemd @headoverheelsforramsey @lucy-268 @jamespotterthefirst @jerzwriter @lady-calypso @mainstreetreader @peonierose @potionsprefect @queencarb @quixoticdreamer16 @rookiemartin @socalwriterbee @tessa-liam @trappedinfanfiction

Submissions: @choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics

Ethan & Cassie only: @cariantha @custaroonie @hopelessromantic1352 @mrs-ramsey @youlookappropriate

[andreal831]

Hey, love your posts and I hope we aren’t annoying with all of these asks!

What are your thoughts on Alaric Saltzman?

Not annoying at all! I love asks. I'm probably going to post anyway so asks just give me a direction to start talking in!

Alaric Saltzman is one of those characters who would have benefitted from staying dead.

Throughout TVD

He comes onto the show as this really great character. He's one of the few humans who knows about the supernatural world and is able to protect the teens better because of it. I love that he really becomes a parental figure to Elena and Jeremy. This time in TVD was really peak. I loved him and Jenna. I thought the conflict between Jenna not knowing plus Isobel coming back was so interesting. I really wanted Jenna to survive as a vampire and get to see that play out. All and all, I really enjoyed his character.

The storyline with the Gilbert ring was really interesting too. And how Esther was tied into it before even entering the show. But to me he should have stayed dead after he died when Elena died. It didn't feel like his character was ever as necessary again or as good. And this is coming from someone who loves him and Jo. But the whole "turning human from being saved in the 'no magic' zone" just seemed to go against the rules of the show. If it was that easy, we would see so many more people doing it. Also why wouldn't they have done it for Elena who desperately wanted to be human? I know she does enter it to get her memories back but they didn't have a doctor with her trying to save her. It just feels like they would have tried it on more people. Or what about Caroline? I know the fandom likes her better as a vampire, but she didn't even get a chance to want to be human again. I digress.

Where he starts going downhill for me, is really after Jo's death. Which is kind of understandable, but he just never recovers. After Jo dies, he goes on a spiral to try and bring her back. Again, understandable given how he lost her and the babies. I even like how gentle he was with the soul they accidentally put into Jo. But he's not really helpful to the plot at this point. If anything, he is the reason everything with the phoenix stone happened. He asked 20 year old Bonnie to get invovled, knowing it was dark magic and knowing Bonnie's history with dark magic. He was willing to risk her sanity and safety to bring back Jo. He never even apologized for it at any point. I get he was desperate, but this just highlights the rest of his character throughout TVD and Legacies. He is constantly willing to do anything to keep himself safe. It's almost like he thinks less of supernatural creatures. Like they don't deserve his consideration.

This is shown with how he treats Caroline throughout the pregnancy and after the twins are born. The fact that he doesn't even really consider what sacrifice it is for Caroline. She puts her life on hold to have his children, risking her life, and then even more after they are born to help him raise them. And then when it gets too hard, he wants to take them away from her, claiming they were never hers. I get he wanted to get them out of harms way, but they are siphoner witches, they are inherently supernatural. He wanted to remove them completely from the supernatural world with no way to teach them. I also just try to block out any type of romantic relationship between Alaric and Caroline. This was clearly just forced by the writers to cause conflict. It was clear neither of them really were into it.

I feel like in the last season we get a little bit of early Alaric back. We get to see him working with students again. But again, this easily could have just gone to a new character.

Throughout TO

His role in TO made near no sense. I've said it before, and I know I've seen others talk about it. But it would have been great for Tyler to be invovled (I think he was dead already, but his death was pointless and shouldn't have happened). It could have been anyone helping Elijah and Marcel find the Hollow bone. It would have made more sense for it to be a supernatural being considering how important the mission was. Everyone makes fun of Matt for surviving, but seems to be okay with Alaric surviving as long as he did when he's actively putting himself in these situations.

The only reason he was brought onto TO was to talk about Legacies. Again, ignoring plot to promote the next project.

Throughout Legacies

Alaric taking over a magical boarding school has to be the dumbest plot throughout TVDU. How is everyone alright with two humans (him and Dorian) running a school for magical beings. Again, I have not seen Legacies, but I've been told that he puts misbehaved students in a prison world?? Also the fact that Hope nearly kills him. They needed to have a supernatural person running the school who, first knew what they were going through, and two had the ability to protect the students and the school. Alaric's protection was throwing his teenage students at the monsters and hoping for the best. It's sad because most of these kids are there because they don't have anyone looking out for them, so Alaric takes advantage of this. He was supposed to be the one looking out for them.

The fact that the fandom all agrees that Hayley, Elijah, and Klaus were killed in TO because they never would have let the plot of Legacies happen shows just how bad it was.

And every scene I see with Alaric talking to Hope is just him reminding Hope of who her father is. How is that helpful? Children are not their parents and behavior doesn't function that way. If anything, he had more influence over Hope than Klaus since he was with her throughout her life more. I get Alaric's anger against the Mikaelsons and specifically Klaus, but he was the one that lobbied for Hope to come to the school. He told Hayley he would protect her. It breaks my heart that Hope felt like she didn't have a piece of her mom because she was turning into her dad. But with Alaric telling her that every five minutes no wonder.

I will also never get over how he treated his children. I know Lizzie stans tend to hate Josie because of how she responded to Lizzie's mental health, but that's learned behavior. Josie is a teenager and we see (I think) throughout Legacies, that she and Lizzie get closer and do better. From one of the early episodes I did watch, I remember Alaric is outside training Hope (we never see him train his own children) and Josie comes out and makes a snide comment about Lizzie. Alaric doesn't correct it or anything. He just goes and calms Lizzie down. But how is Lizzie not on medication or seeing someone regularly. They have a witch counselor, but for the most part it doesn't seem to be helping her. I don't blame the students or Josie for not knowing how to handle Lizzie because it's clear that it is learned behavior from Alaric (and even Caroline) not knowing how to handle Lizzie.

Also, Matt Davis being the worst and yet JP et al. kept inviting him back?? It just shows how toxic the set was. I wish they would have overhauled and got a new creative team before Legacies to protect the cast, but that wasn't the networks priority. It's a big reason I don't stream anything in the TVDU or anything JP has worked on.

Thanks for the ask! Never feel bad for asking! If I don't have time, I'll just get to it later <3

[yuriko-mukami]

Hot and Cold, Soft and Bold

Ship: YumEri (Yuuma Mukami x Eri Kuukani / OC) Rating: Teens and up Summary: July in Japan is a bit too hot for Eri but Yuuma knows how to help her. The fic contains slight spoilers for Her Calamity.

This fic has been written as a commission for @eri-talks. The OC in the story belongs to her.

“Ahh, this is too much!” Eri’s voice echoed through the yard and bounced back from the trees near the fence, temporarily drowning the chirps of the birds and singing of the cicadas.

Turning around, Yuuma pushed aside the shovel he had been using. The tall blond girl was swiping her forehead while sitting before the tomato plant full of ripe vegetables. Her sketchbook lay on her lap and the pencil whirled in her free hand. There was a wedge between the her brows and a slight pink hue all over her face even though she had zero reason to be embarrassed at the moment.

Yuuma should know, for he had given several of those earlier. But not right now since he had been focusing on gardening.

“Whatcha whimperin’, Bunny?” Inching closer, Yuuma peeked at the sketchbook. So, this was why Eri had been eager to come to the garden? She had recreated several plants on the paper. “Hah, that tomato would look almost eatable if it was in color.”

Eri shifted, glancing at Yuuma but, as always, she had hidden her eyes behind shades. So fucking annoying. Yuuma would like to see those shiny gray-blue orbs that reminded him of the sky. But he had already learned that removing those glasses at the wrong moment could cause extra trouble.

A whiny sigh pressed between Eri’s lips. “It’s too hot in here… I don’t get how you all survive in this heat.”

Yuuma scratched the back of his head. “It ain’t hot if yer a Vampire.”

“But Yuri too…” Eri started to sound almost desperate. Was the weather really that heated?

“I bet that scrimp is holin’ up under the bushes again.” Yuuma gazed around and sniffed. Yeah, he could smell Vixen nearby. It seemed always to be like this in the middle of the summer months.

A groan. Eri put her pencil down, looking up. There were pearls of sweat on her forehead, and her light hair looked a bit lifeless today. Yuuma could distinguish the faint aroma of perspiration under Eri’s regular scent of paper and paints. Perhaps Bunny had an actual reason to complain. “That bad?”

Yuuma let his gaze trace the woman from head to toe. There was idiocy in dressing up and then there was this… this… “Haa… ain’t that stupid to wear a jacket and a shirt if yer feelin’ too hot already? And what’s with those black pants? Ain’t they absorbin’ the heat or some shit like that?”

The pink deepened on Eri’s cheeks, and her left leg twitched. “I don’t want to burn in the sunlight. I’m more accommodated… in a different kind of environment.”

One of these days, Yuuma would squeeze out the truth about what was that different kind of environment Eri sometimes mentioned but he had figured she was hushing up about it for a reason. As much as he disliked keeping secrets, he didn’t want to scare the bunny and make it hop away.

Why the hell that’s so damn important? I don’t get what’s wrong with me these days… Yuuma frowned. Lately, he had gotten odd thoughts he didn’t want to explore any further. So, instead, he gave a glare at Eri. “Ya should accommodate here then.”

“It’s not that breezy…” The woman hung her head. As she moved, her hair slid along her back, revealing a slice of her pale nape that had started to grow reddish from here and there.

Yuuma stared at the unblemished skin under which blue veins throbbed quietly, pushing the blood forward. The blood had the most curious smell ever It was almost like… stellar. Or perhaps… lunar. Yes, yes, indeed. There was a hint of the full moon in Eri’s blood even though Yuuma couldn’t quite explain the impression.

“Fuckin’ hell, ya ain’t makin’ things easy!”

Yuuma’s grumble made Eri flinch, but the Vampire didn’t mind. Instead, he snatched the woman so fast that the sketchbook glided under the tomato bushes. Not paying attention to the fact, Yuuma swept Eri over his shoulder and strode toward the trees.

“Hey! Put me down!” Eri squirmed so much that Yuuma had to take a tighter grip on her. Not that he cared. She wasn’t going anywhere unless he allowed her. And there was no way he would let go of her. Probably forever. Perhaps he should tell her that. No matter what kind of possible threat she posed, she was going to stay.

“Don’tcha yell at me or I’m gonna stuff somethin’ into yer snout…” Yuuma intended to sound annoyed, but the words came out with an unforeseen chuckle.

“I dare you…” Eri’s words were murmur.

Yuuma couldn’t stop the smirk that curled his lips. “Try me and ya’ll find that piehole full.”

Surprisingly, that really shut Eri up.

Was that good? Yuuma couldn’t quite tell. It could have been fun to watch how well his bunny could take the carrots. Shaking his head, Yuuma stomped under the trees and lay Eri under the biggest one that created a huge, deep green shadow over the grass.

“Ya cool now?” Yuuma sat down and reached his hand, picking up the shades and tossing them aside before Eri could stop him. Heh, it was as if there were a lighter tone of blue meeting his gaze right now. A bunny with sky eyes, who would have thought…

What the fuck am I thinkin’? Yuuma stared into the azure, almost feeling like drowning in it. Surely, he wasn’t in the right of his mind now.

“Erhh… well…” Eri meandered a bit, the pink hue on her cheeks sliding towards red. Was that a no?

Growling, Yuuma yanked the denim jacket’s sleeves down Eri’s arms, finally tugging off the piece of clothing and throwing it on the ground. “Ya shouldn’t put on so damn many layers of rags.”

Was the woman puffing now? What the heck was that twisting around and thumping her thigh against the grass?

“Ya can’t still be feelin’ hot.” Yuuma sighed. “Fuck, come here! Hurry up, move yer ass!”

“You don’t have always to be so loud… I can hear you…” But Eri didn’t inch a bit.

“Then why ain’t ya movin’?” Yuuma grabbed Eri by her waist and lifted her on his lap as if she weighed nothing.

A disoriented cry escaped into the air. “Ehh?! Stop tossing me around!” Eri wriggled like a scared rabbit in a trap.

Chuckling, Yuuma wrapped his arms around the woman, nuzzling her neck. “It’s much cooler like this for ya. I feel like a chiller to ya, don’t I?”

Silence.

Followed by a sigh. “Erh… well… yes…”

Finally, Eri was calming down and staying put against Yuuma. The woman still radiated warmth through his shirt. It was unbelievable how much body heat she was able to develop. However, Ruki had mentioned something similar about Yuriko. Yet Yuuma was the most certain that he wasn’t holding onto a magical fox but something else. Something much more delicious and sweeter.

This scent…

…it emitted through Eri’s skin…

…the taste of full moon nights.

How was that even possible? Maybe Ruki would know. Yuuma should ask him later. But not now. In this instant, he only wanted to sink deeper in the aroma that dampened his tongue, waking up the yearning he had tried to keep at bay for the said brother had told him he had to be careful around this mystery woman who had appeared to their lives.

Eri’s hair tickled Yuuma’s face. Its feral fragrance mixed with the scent of her blood. A new growl vibrated through Yuuma’s chest. Why the hell was Ruki giving such rules anyway? It was easy for him to yap about it since he had brought Yuriko into the manor against all they had been discussing. Against all their plans.

If Ruki wasn’t playing by the rules, why should Yuuma? Inhaling deeply, he allowed Eri’s scent to waft in. Without further thought, he opened his mouth, scraping her neck with the tips of his fangs. She tensed on his lap, pressing her palms against his shoulders.

“Ya ain’t going nowhere…” The crunch of flesh was almost as satisfying as the gush of blood on Yuuma’s tongue and the moan of pain only thrilled him even more, his vampiric senses kicking in and telling him to have everything right here, right now until there would be nothing left but gratifying fulfillment.

Eri whimpered, hitting Yuuma’s chest, but he pressed her against him, sucking with relish as her liquid of life coated his mouth, tickling every cell of his awake. Celestial, this flavor was celestial. Almost too good to be from this world.

“Yuuma… stop…” Eri’s plea reached the Vampire’s ears.

No, no, no! Yuuma needed more. This wasn’t nearly enough. He needed more of this liquid that made his head fill with bliss and eased up the constant parching feeling in the back of his throat.

A harsh suck, then another, and a third. So savory and yet so sweet at the same time. The perfect combination. Nothing could compare it, nothing else could ever quench his thirst to the hilt.

Yuuma groaned, swiping the tip of his tongue over the bite mark. “Ya fuckin’ drive me mad…” The relishing taste lingered in his mouth.

Eri panted, her bosom heaving up and down but didn’t say anything as if her voice had been robbed from her.

But Yuuma needed answers. “What are ya?”

“Your… fellow… human?”

Did that sound more like a question or was Yuuma imagining things? He nuzzled against the throbbing vein but then gradually lifted his head, following the column toward Eri’s earlobe. She instantly shivered and let out a quivering whine, so this time he made an effort to keep his voice down. “That’s all? Ya ain’t shittin’ me?”

Eri quivered in Yuuma’s arms, her heartbeat getting rapid as if she had been a rabbit in the headlights. He could hear how her breath quickened, and when he turned to meet her gaze, something was glimmering behind the blue tint.

“You know… this isn’t the first time I have been here…” Eri finally started to speak. Her tongue dampened her lips, and it almost looked as if even the tip of her nose was vibrating. The faint scent of fear floated in the air.

“Not?” Yuuma stared at Eri. He couldn’t recall seeing her at the manor before. “Vixen invited ya earlier, huh?”

“No… not exactly…” Eri swallowed. “I… kind of landed in your garden last summer. But that was an accident. I didn’t mean to hit there or cause damage or anything like that. It just happened…”

Last summer? His garden? Landed?! “That fuckin’ hole in the ground!”

Eri’s eyes bulged, and she was almost paralyzed in Yuuma’s grasp. “Yes.” A mere whimper.

“What the fuck?!” Yuuma clenched his arms but when Eri yelped, he took a breath and loosened his grip slightly.

“I didn’t mean to…” Eri whispered. “Sorry.”

There was a moment of emptiness in Yuuma’s head. This was absurd. A chuckle grumbled through his chest as the laughter took over. Yes, he had been annoyed as fuck because of the said mystery hole in the middle of his plant plot. But… now, he was too curious. “Just what the hell happened? Why did ya land there?”

Eri’s whole body shook as she gulped air. “It’s complicated. I had to run away… from home. And I was in a hurry, so… I just hopped towards the closest option. That happened to be the Ear–  your garden.”

The words hit deep into Yuuma’s gut. Eri was a runaway? Probably not in a similar manner to the Mukamis, but this was something Yuuma could understand; having to escape somewhere. “Fuck… that sucks.”

“I said I’m sorry…”

“Quiet the whimperin’, Bunny! I meant that yer situation sucks. I caught yer drift. Glad ya got away from whatever shitty stuff it was.” Yuuma nodded. “And the garden was fixed. Just don’tcha go jumpin’ there anymore.”

For a moment, Eri gaped but a tilt of her head followed a while later. “I won’t.”

Yuuma grinned, leaning in. Ruki might be suspicious of the woman, but it was clear that she posed no threat. From where she had run away didn’t really matter. Yuuma knew better than to dig up someone’s angsty past.

“Ya better keep yer word.” Yuuma gazed at Eri, getting caught in the blue again. She was soft and warm in his arms, looking like a wild animal and still so tamed. And for damn sure no one was going to take her from him. He wouldn’t let that happen. For that, he should make sure that Eri wouldn’t think otherwise either. “Yer mine.”

“Eh?” Eri blinked.

Smirking, Yuuma nuzzled his nose on Eri’s. Before she had time to withdraw, he imprisoned her lips with his, sucking gently this time and making sure the moment was long and leisurely. Something moved in Yuuma as the last of his thoughts flew away. The smooch was like Eri’s blood, too, extraordinary… or perhaps… extraterrestrial.

[apricior]

part of the plan

during the two weeks that the teens are stuck inside the portal between worlds, herman takes advantage of the quiet moments alone to scheme their plan. one night, a sob interrupts their machinations.

decided i was done with my writer's block and wrote an oakworthy oneshot <3 for my dear friend @hermanunworthy !

[also read on ao3!]

Contrary to what many people would think, Herman Unworthy has always been quite fond of silence. Despite their overt and open love for the theatrical, as well as their nearly pathological need of being the center of attention, talking was sometimes too much trouble, especially when their input remained ignored, and they were perfectly fine with the peace that silence brings.

But this… this is different, somehow. Inside the catbus the atmosphere feels strange, oppressive, almost hard to breathe in, and it would be so easy to blame it on the fact that they have been inside this goddamned portal between worlds for what must be a week now (time works in weird ways when there is no day and night to help you keep track of it), but deep down Herman knows that this is not the problem.

The problem is not the fact that they have all been breathing the same closed air for who knows how long, or the fact that they’re ratioing their food and drink, not even the way there is nothing to do in this godforsaken place. No, the problem is very badly pretending to sleep in a corner of the bus, face hidden against the wall. Herman can very easily tell that Normal Oak is still awake because he usually makes some sort of sound when he sleeps, either mumbles or very soft snores, and the lack of any of those is a very clear sign that the (former?) mascot is trying too hard to appear to be asleep.

At least he is not taking his act too far by pretending to snore, because that would be even more annoying. And Herman does appreciate the peace and quiet that the (supposed) nighttime brings, it gives them time to think, to ponder, to scheme and plan their next steps.

Now that they are all going back to San Dimas, it is the perfect time for them to find a way to steal Teen High’s mascot suit.

It really should not be as hard as it seems, they think. It is very likely that they will have to go to the Oak household at some point or another and, if not, Herman can always ask Normal if they can come to his house, maybe leave the possibility open for it to be a date, and steal Teeny while he’s not looking.

No, that would not work, they need Normal to realize that he’s been betrayed for the portal to open. They need him to see, to look them in the eyes with those shiny brown eyes with confusion and pain and hurt, they need to see how his heart shatters with the realization that it was all a lie so they get to meet their dad again.

They should probably say something cool right when they betray him too. Something like “This was always meant to happen” or “Surprised, Normally?”. There’s still time to workshop it.

A sudden muffled sound distracts them from their train of thought. For a second, the silence returns, and Herman wonders if they maybe have imagined it. But then there it is again, a very delicate and repressed sob, as if hidden behind the protection of a hand.

Normal is crying.

Even though they knew that he was awake, the last thing that they expected tonight was hearing him cry. In fact, they were pretty sure that the next time they would see that would be when they accomplished their flawless plan, so now… they don’t really know how to act.

For a second, Herman wonders if they should maybe go comfort him. They have never been particularly good at offering support to people, and they don’t really want to ask Normal what is happening to him because that would be an open invitation for him to talk about his problems, which is deeply uninteresting to them.

But, on the other hand, it might make their role more believable, more… real. Thinking about the grand finale of their act makes their stomach turn in excitement. How will Normal react when he realizes they are not who he thought? What will he say when he finds out that it was all a lie, that they are born enemies, forced to be on opposite sides since birth, that everything that Hermie has ever done had the purpose of eventually betraying him? Will that get rid of the feelings he has that they clearly don’t deserve?

Oh, that sweet victory. The mere thought of a broken Normal after the big reveal makes their fingertips tingle with excitement, feeling the early joy of having achieved what they have wanted for so long, of finally being worthy of their dad’s pride, of ruining Normal, destroying him, cutting his wings into a million tiny pieces so that he can never glue them back together.

And, for that to work, they need to do an outstanding job first.

They are not sure if Normal knows they’re awake, so they quietly walk to him and sit down next to him, kind of hoping that their presence will make Normal stop crying, but it doesn’t, it just makes him curl into a ball and try to hide from their sight. Alright. That means that they will have to improvise.

“Hey”, they try. Normal holds back his sobs, probably his breath as well, but does not reply. For a few awkward seconds, they both sit there, side by side, maybe hoping that the other will give up first. And Herman is about to, even if deep down they don’t want to but then they remember their goal, their objective, how a deep emotional connection will make the scam stronger. “Normal, I know you’re awake.”

“I’m not. I’m sleeping.”

It takes Herman all their might not to sigh, exasperated; instead, they carefully place a hand on his shoulder, making Normal’s body tense. In a way, it is kind of cute how obviously he is crushing on them, how their charms and flirty one-liners have managed to manipulate him into him liking them, and Herman would be flattered were it not for the fact that they boy that Normal loves does not exist, no matter how much they wish he did.

“What’s wrong?”

Normal slowly turns to look at them and opens his mouth once, twice, but no words come out. Instead, his eyes start watering again, and a tear falls silently down his cheek before more follow suit. And this is exactly one of the reasons why Herman did not want to ask him if he was okay even if it breaks them to see him so sad, because they have never been particularly good at comforting people, and now they are not sure how to react appropriately. Should they just wait until he calms down? Offer him a shoulder to cry on? What are they supposed to do.

Another sob breaks the silence again, and Normal covers his face once more to futilely hide that he is crying again. Without even thinking about it, Herman lets themselves get carried away by the role they are playing and wraps their arms around him, holding him tight, a hug that they never expected would happen and, least of all, that they would initiate. Normal’s body relaxes immediately, but it takes him a second to hug them back. At first, it’s awkward, his arms around them in a way that feels uncomfortable for both, but after a couple of seconds he shifts in his place, and the embrace becomes more natural, more… healing. Maybe for both of them, not only Normal.

Neither of them says anything else, Herman just lets him cry into the crook of their neck, even though his lips are touching their skin in a way that sends shivers down their spine. And it feels so nice to be like this. Normal’s embrace is warm and soft and, even though it started as a way to comfort him, it… makes them feel safe. It is almost a pity that they will have to betray him. He is so genuine, so sincere, Herman has never met someone who wore their heart on their sleeve so proudly, and it feels… cruel, perhaps, to take advantage of that. It’s too easy.

But do you have to betray him?, asks an annoying little voice in their head when Normal’s hands grab their shirt. Do you really have to stab him in the back? Can’t you hold on to this for as long as it lasts?

No. No, they don’t care, they don’t. Normal is a victim, a prey, and they need to remember that. No matter how gentle his hugs are, how soft his touch feels, Herman must not lose focus on what is important now. All that matters is that stupid mascot costume; not Normal, no anything else.

Slowly, Normal’s breathing becomes more stable again, and Herman leans back a bit, feeling that the heat coming from his body is too much to bear. Still, they don’t let him go. “Better?” they ask, even if they don’t care about the response. They do. They don’t, they really don’t.

Normal has stopped crying, even if his eyes are still a bit watery, and the way that he looks at them… They are so close. Their faces are merely inches apart, and it makes Herman feel in a very strange way that they’re not sure they like. His breath clashes against theirs for a second, and Normal, who has been holding their gaze, looks down to their lips. Alright, time to release him from this awkward and unnecessary hug before either of them does something they will regret.

“Um. Yeah.” It takes Herman a second to realize that he’s answering their question. “Sorry. I mean, thanks. For this.” Normal awkwardly clears his throat, and looks down, incapable of holding their gaze. Please, look at me. Herman also looks away, now focused on their feet. “It’s just that I… I keep thinking about what we saw in the church, you know? I knew Uncle Lark and Grandpa Henry had their differences and such, but this…”

He shakes his head, as if trying to get rid of his thoughts, and he seems so… fragile. It’s eating him alive, they realize. All the secrets his family kept from him, the weight of the literal sky heavy on his blood. He was always going to end up tangled in this.

A part of them wants to think that their strings of fate were tangled from the very beginning, one way or another.

“And thinking about that got me thinking about the Doodler, and what I saw, and I just… I don’t understand. I simply don’t understand how Uncle Lark could see someone so fragile and want to kill it.” His voice sounds strained now, as if he were about to start crying again. “He’s just a teenager, you know? Lonely, misunderstood, who hurts people when trying to love them, when trying to be loved.” There is something about the way he says it that makes Herman feel… strange, uncomfortable. Is he even talking about the Doodler anymore? And why did his words make them sad? “And, I don’t know, what if the Doodler just needs a hug?”

Normal leans forward, as if expecting Herman to hug him again, and for a second they consider doing it, for the role, but the moment passes and with it, the chance to wrap their arms around Normal. They genuinely have no idea if this is a good thing or not. After a couple of seconds of awkward silence, Normal looks away, avoiding their gaze even more evidently, and something burns in Herman’s chest.

What if the Doodler just needs a hug? What if it’s just misunderstood and lonely? Okay, Normal, here’s a better question for you: Why do you recognize it in the intrinsically unknowable being and not when it’s right in front of you?

They don’t know what to do with those thoughts, or where they came from, for that matter. It makes them feel slightly better about having to ultimately betray him; after all, they’re doing it for the greater good, for their father, and then Herman will not have to pretend anymore, someone will love them exactly the way they are.

“Sorry for… for rambling out loud,” he whispers, reminding them that they’re still here, inside the catbus, trapped between dimensions. “I think we should try to sleep now, and, um, if you want to stay with me… I don’t know. I’d appreciate it.”

Herman really does not want to they desperately do, but his words have lit a new fire inside them. They need to put their plan into motion, fast. They never had a specific deadline for it, no rush to complete it, but now they know: once they get out of this hole, it is only a matter of time before they destroy Normal. So, actually, Hermie scooting a bit closer to him and Normal snuggling against their side is all part of their plan.

Even if it makes their skin tingle in a strange way. Even if a part of their brain that should be more under control wonders if there maybe is another way of dealing with this, of moving forward, a way that does not involve losing Normal forever, losing his warmth, his kindness, his joy.

But no, there is only one way of moving forward, of making sure that their plan is a success. They need to remember that. Losing sight of the objective only leads to failure.

But resting their head against Normal’s is not losing sight of the objective, they think, and feeling him trying to tangle his fingers with theirs isn’t either. It’s just part of the plan. It’s all part of the plan. With those thoughts in mind, hearing Normal’s steady breathing and unconsciously matching it, Herman slowly falls asleep.

[witchyleehibernates-fics]

I Found a Home (Here With You)

Summary:

“Fuck, you’re freezing, Perce, what happened?” Percy shuddered when they stepped into the house, it was so much warmer than anything Percy had felt in days. Percy wanted to answer, but it almost felt like everything was happening too fast for him to process. “Perce?” Percy felt himself get lowered, and his back was against a wall, hands cupping his face. Percy tried to force his eyes open, wondering why he was so dizzy? “Perce?” Jason’s face came back into focus as a liquid, Nectar, was pushed into his mouth. Percy flinched, turning his head away and thankful that he didn’t feel any spill as Jason pulled back for a moment. “Honestly I… don’t remember most of it.” Percy uttered after he’d swallowed what was already in his mouth. He shuddered at the taste of cookies, feeling almost surprised that Nectar still tasted so much like the blue cookies his mom would make. How many years had it been since he’d been able to have cookies? Nevermind having baked them with his mom?

Content Warning's/Trigger Warnings: Near Death, injured character, blood, nearly passing out, starving character, freezing character, hurt comfort

Characters: Percy Jackson, Jason Grace

Chapters: 1/5

Words: 1,602

Status: In Progress

Fanfic Links:

|| Ao3 || Fanfiction Net ||

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Percy groaned, taking a moment to lean against a wall to take a moment to just breathe. Everything hurt and he was annoyed with himself that he didn’t think about the fact that Hellhounds had puppies.

Adorable to see, not so adorable to nearly be killed by.

Percy felt bad about killing them, but they were too old for Percy to even think about taming one of them, much less all nine of them. They already knew that ‘demigod’ meant ‘food’ for them, but this ‘food’ could fight back and they hadn’t been prepared for that.

Though… To be fair, Percy had been sleeping and it should have been an easy kill for them. Except another monster had kicked Percy’s side, probably a cyclops that also wanted Percy dead. Definitely a young one though older than Percy. His side was killing him and he was exhausted and he was stumbling whenever he tried to walk for what his body considered ‘too long’.

‘Too long’ also meant any further than a couple feet, it felt like.

Percy sighed, pushing himself off of the wall and forcing himself to keep walking. He had fallen a long way from the teen that wouldn’t have even been affected by such an attack… though if he had still been the teen he used to be, he wouldn’t have been on the streets at all tonight. Percy shook his head, shoving the current train of thought from his mind as he focused on walking.

He… didn’t know where he was going to go, but his feet were moving and he was walking somewhere. He was too focused on walking, and too focused on keeping his breathing even, to even think about where he was going to go.

So it was a surprise when, the next time he was more aware of where he was, it was a surprise to find himself outside of a nicer neighborhood… one that he knew he had some old friends that lived there. Would they be of any help? Percy was too out of it to try to sleep elsewhere, he’d be dead by morning.

Percy shuddered when a cold breeze brushed past him, forcing him to make his decision. He turned and walked into the neighborhood, mind running to the last time that he’d seen most of his friends. How long ago was that, now? Four years? Five years?

Percy wondered if too much time had passed. Would they even help him? Percy shuddered, wrapping his arms around himself, hissing slightly when his side ached a little more than the last time.

Percy hesitated when he spotted the house that he knew belonged to Jason; if he remembered right, Jason had left the demigod world behind too, or at least as much of it as he could. He could see a light on, and… Percy stumbled forward, knocking on the door when he reached it before he could stop to think too on if this was an actual good idea or not.

Percy wanted to smack himself, Jason had left the Demigod world before even Percy did. Percy hadn’t talked to him in nearly six years. Why would Jason help him now? Percy almost wondered if Jason would open the door.

He tried to turn away, to walk away before Jason got to the door, before he could be seen by Jason. Percy was halfway turned when the door opened. He looked back and found Jason standing in the doorway in confusion.

“Percy?” It… almost looked like Jason was relieved to see Percy, before concern flooded his features, taking in Percy. How he was, or had been, walking, how he was holding his side, and PErcy was almost sure that he was bleeding somewhere too.

“I… I didn’t know where else to go, I-” Percy stumbled, turning and hesitating as Jason stepped out to meet him. There was concern in Jason’s eyes, and Percy flinched when Jason caught him when Percy’s legs attempted to give out on him.

Percy’s eyes squeezed close as his ribs nearly screamed at him. Had the cyclops kicked him harder than he had first thought? His body ached from both the kick and the flying into a wall a few times… But he thought it was just bruises and aches from his body not being used to fighting now, it had been a year or two since a monster attack truly caught up with Percy… but it would be hell if Percy had a broken bone on top of the bruises he already knew were going to form.

“I’m sorry,” Percy tried to push himself up, glancing up at Jason. He couldn’t quite get his head up, Jason having moved to pull Percy into a hug. The blond had put a hand on the back of Percy’s head, his other arm wrapping around Percy and nearly supporting him entirely.

“Don’t… Don’t apologize, please.” Jason uttered quietly, and Percy felt himself sag against his old friend. “Don’t be sorry… Come on, let’s get you inside.” Jason added, moving to help support Percy more and to take the two of them inside. It was getting colder, and Percy wasn’t sure if that was normal just yet. For being September, it sure felt nearly like the end of November.

“Fuck, you’re freezing, Perce, what happened?” Percy shuddered when they stepped into the house, it was so much warmer than anything Percy had felt in days. Percy wanted to answer, but it almost felt like everything was happening too fast for him to process. “Perce?” Percy felt himself get lowered, and his back was against a wall, hands cupping his face. Percy tried to force his eyes open, wondering why he was so dizzy?

“Perce?” Jason’s face came back into focus as a liquid, Nectar, was pushed into his mouth. Percy flinched, turning his head away and thankful that he didn’t feel any spill as Jason pulled back for a moment.

“Honestly I… don’t remember most of it.” Percy uttered after he’d swallowed what was already in his mouth. He shuddered at the taste of cookies, feeling almost surprised that Nectar still tasted so much like the blue cookies his mom would make. How many years had it been since he’d been able to have cookies? Nevermind having baked them with his mom?

“Can you tell me what you do remember? I need to know what you fought so I can help best. If you got poisoned… Perce, I’m not letting you die.” Jason must have set whatever container he had that held Nectar down, as he was cupping Percy’s face in his hands again.

“Cyclops and Hellhound puppies.” Percy muttered, Jason raised an eyebrow and Percy wanted to look away again, but this was Jason… Percy closed his eyes momentarily, sighing quietly before opening them again. “Was, out of it. Hellhound puppies would have killed me had the Cyclops not kicked me into a wall.” Jason sucked in a breath, wincing as Percy’s eyes closed again for a moment.

“Come on, when was the last time you ate?” Jason asked, and Percy shuddered when a hand moved to run through his hair. It had been a while since he’d had a shower, but it had been so much longer since he’d had a friendly gesture directed at him.

“I… Four days?” Percy’s eyebrows furrowed as he tried to think when the last time he had actually eaten was. He was pretty sure that it was four days ago, but he could be wrong. He had been losing time, so it really could have been longer than four days. Maybe it was two or three. “Maybe two or three? I… Fuck I don’t remember.” Percy would have let his head fall back against the wall, but Jason was still cupping his face in his hands.

“Let’s get you something to eat, and any injuries looked at, okay?” Percy felt a bit of relief that Jason didn’t ask about Percy’s obvious dislike of Nectar, or at least his unwillingness to drink any more than what Jason had caught him off guard with.

Percy took a deep breath as he nodded. His head felt a little clearer, and some of the aches that had been bothering him more than the others had faded away a little… Percy was starving, and getting a shower afterwards would be good… But Percy didn’t have clothes. But that was a problem for later as he nodded a second time.

“Okay, come on. I want you where I can see you.” Jason moved to help Percy up, and now that Percy was more aware of his exact surroundings, he found that they hadn’t made it far past the entryway.

How embarrassing.

Percy had some strength now too, so he was able to help get himself up, though he found himself really unsteady on his own feet. He swallowed as Jason helped support him, fighting the urge to try and walk himself. He would only embarrass himself if he did. And Jason was at least helping him, when the Son of Jupiter could have turned him away at the door.

Percy ignored the fluttering in his stomach when Jason rubbed his side when they got to a chair, and Percy flushed slightly as Jason moved to make something. Fuck, how late was it? Percy tried not to think too hard about it as he watched Jason. Keep himself awake, keep himself focused and here and present. Percy didn’t need to be spacing out; he could only fall and get himself more hurt and he didn’t want to worry Jason.

[mery-cm99]

Vixen ~ Nikolai Lantsov (Chapter 2)

Masterlist

Description: Vixen is one of the Crows. Kaz saved her a long time ago. He’s the only one who knows the truth about Vixen. He’s the only one who knows her past, her secret. That’s until a certain privateer shows up in Ketterdam looking for a living Saint. 

Pairing: Nikolai Lantsov x fem!OC

Warnings: Mention of trauma, blood, war and sad stuff in general. English is not my first language, so sorry in advance for any grammar or spelling errors. The sign language used in this story is made up and does not correspond with any official one. The story is based on the series, not the books.

Rating: Teens and up

Chapter 2/6

Word Count: 2,802 words

Vixen used the shadows of the night to slip through the streets of the Barrel on her way to the workshop Kaz told them. When she reached the building across the street, she stayed hidden in an alley, waiting. She stood very still when she heard a pair of footsteps, but it turned out to be only a couple coming out of one of the game venues on the street. The man was almost on top of the woman and seemed to be under the influence of alcohol, because he was slurring his words and trying to grope her as they walked. The woman seemed a little annoyed with him, but kept dragging the man down the street. Vixen assumed he was going to pay her a good amount of coins for the service. 

After making sure no one had set them up, the girl came out of hiding and entered the workshop. Inside were already Jesper and Kaz, plus a red-haired boy who looked a little uncomfortable. Vixen recognized him without any problems. When the boy looked at her, she brought the thumb of her right hand to her chin and then held up three fingers to her heart, forming a W. In sign language it meant <<Hello, Wylan>>.

"Vixen," he greeted with a small smile, but looking away, as if even after all this time, the girl still intimidated him. Vixen smiled tenderly. Wylan was a couple of years younger than her and she had grown fond of him. 

"Wait. You two know each other?"Jesper asked in confusion.

<<Of course, don't you...>> But she couldn't finish signing because the red-haired boy interrupted her.

"Vixen has helped me a couple of times. Some bullies are a little obsessed with me," explained the youngest while his cheeks acquired the same color as his hair. The girl smiled even wider, understanding what was going on. Jesper had forgotten that he and Wylan had known each other before and the younger boy was embarrassed. 

She had been the one who had told Kaz about Wylan. While the rest of the crows were busy with the Crow Club problems, she was roaming the streets of Ketterdam, listening about rumors and the latest business. That's how she had found Wylan, who was playing his flute for money. She had arrived just in time to see the three men, much larger than either of them, stand in front of the boy and threaten to beat him if he didn't hand over all his money. The girl had been unable to restrain herself. She managed to stop them from beating the boy to death, but there was nothing she could do to stop them from taking his money. 

Inej appeared soon after, accompanied by another girl Vixen didn't know. Inej explained that she was the Heartrender Kaz was looking for. Vixen stepped away from them and stood on the other side of Wylan's desk, catching distance from the grisha.

"Nina Zenik, at your service," she introduced herself, taking off her hat. Vixen stared at her. Something about her seemed familiar. As she watched her talk to the rest she realized what it was. The way she moved, her easy, catchy smile. She had the same charming aura that her own mother used to have. That made her feel an inexplicable attraction to the grisha, which was accentuated when Kaz asked her what the price of her services was. 

"I want to get someone out of Hellgate"

Vixen, who had been sitting on the other side of the table, instantly stood up at the mention of prison. Nina turned to look at her in surprise, as if she hadn't noticed her presence. If it had been any other time, Vixen would have wondered why, considering she was a Heartrender and could hear her heartbeat, but at that moment all she could think about was the prison.

Kaz, who was already looking at her even before she got up from the chair, shook his head when Vixen signed that they had to help Nina. 

"What is she saying?" Nina asked worried when she saw the aggressive way Vixen was moving her hands in Kaz's direction.

"She wants to help you. She's asking Kaz to listen to you. There's a lot of swearing involved" explained Wylan, who had learned some sign language from all the time he had been with Vixen. 

"Please. He's the love of my life," Nina added. Vixen waved her hand at her without taking her gaze off Kaz, as if to say: <<See! She needs our help!>>

"I can't get you a release from Hellgate. But I can get you a visit," Kaz said at last. “In exchange for your service”

Vixen wanted to complain that that wasn't enough, but she had to admit that it was the most Kaz could offer the newcomer. Kaz wasn't about to endanger his crows in that horrible prison for someone they didn't know. And without getting paid in return.

Nina accepted, without much choice.

***

Vixen loved the docks, she liked the salty air and the humidity of the environment. She liked the crowds that were always there and that allowed her to hide. She also liked the streets of Ketterdam, where she had spent most of her life, trying to survive and escape the people who wanted to catch her, like the standwatch or Pekka Rollins' men. But if there was one place she didn't like at all, it was the cemetery. She always got goosebumps in that place and her demons seemed to stir the hardest when she was there.

She tucked her cloak a little tighter around her and limped on towards the reunion point, ignoring the voices claiming she hadn't done enough. In case of emergency, the Crows had agreed to meet at a mausoleum inside the Black Veil, the graveyard that was filled after the plague that desolated Ketterdam. No one went there because they said it was occupied by ghosts, so it was the best place to hide. 

When Vixen reached the doors of the mausoleum, she stopped for a moment and touched her leg. Pulling her hand away, she saw that it was covered in blood. She had had a not very pleasant encounter with a pair of Dime Lions. She allowed herself a moment of weakening and Anya came to light for the first time in three years. A tear rolled down her cheek and she muffled a sob of pain behind her left hand. The wound hurt, but that wasn't the main reason for her crying. After a few moments, she let Vixen return. She stretched again, brushed away her tears and entered the mausoleum where the rest of Crows and Nina were waiting for her.

As soon as she reached the bottom step, she saw that Kaz's eyes were fixed on her injured leg. Her boss was just as observant as she was, maybe even more so.

"Did the Dime Lions pay you a visit too?" Jesper asked as he watched her limp. 

Vixen held up two fingers, indicating the number of Rollins' men who had found her. Then she ran the fingers of her hand up her neck toward her chin and turned her hand over, as if it had died. Even for someone who didn't know much sign language, it wasn't too hard to guess what the fate of both men had been.

"You too?" Nina exclaimed as she came out into the main room to find the injured girl. She was referring to Inej, who had also faced death that night. They all had, but some were more wounded than others. "Come, I'll try to heal you. I'm not the best at this kind of work, but I'll do my best."

The silent girl followed Nina into the other room, where the grisha asked her to take off her pants so she could heal her. As she tended to her injuries, Vixen noticed the way Nina's fingers moved over the wound. A part of her was screaming at her to get away from the Heartrender, but she couldn't do it, she felt mesmerized.

When her wound was nothing more than a pinkish scar, Nina pulled away from her. Vixen put a hand to her chest and nodded, the sign of thanking her. Nina had no idea about sign language, but she guessed what that one meant. 

"Now, if you'll excuse me. I have to visit someone," Nina said with a small smile. The grisha was about to leave the room, but a voice stopped her.

"You have to get him out of there."

Nina turned around, surprised.

"You speak. I thought..." but she didn't finish the sentence.

"You can't let him rot in there. You have to get him out of Hellgate" she advised, and Nina could see the pain and sadness in the girl's eyes. She seemed to speak from experience, as if she knew what it was like to see someone rotting in said prison.

"I don't know how to do it," said the grisha sadly.

"I don't either. But we have to get him out of there. Whatever it takes."

***

A man elbowed her so hard that the girl felt her mask fall off from the blow. Vixen ducked down some more, put on her fox mask (a rather fitting disguise considering her name) and tucked herself back into her cloak, protecting the vial in her hand as she headed off to fulfill her part of Kaz's plan. Arriving at Pekka Rollins' place, which was full of people playing, drinking and laughing, she used her gift to go unnoticed and went all around the place impregnating the glasses, gaming chips, dice and cards with the powder Wylan had created.

The girl felt like the Grim Reaper, dealing out terror and death. Usually she wasn't too thrilled to be linked with death, but on that occasion she didn't feel too bad. After all, they weren't really dealing out the plague, they were just imitating it.

When she had finished spreading panic among the occupants of the premises, she returned to the street and hid among the rest of the people in disguise to head to her next destination, The Emerald Palace. She entered quietly and unnoticed and saw that the show had already begun. Pekka Rollins was on his knees in front of Kaz, pleading. The Crows boss had blood on his face and looked pretty beaten up, but at that moment Dirty Hands had the winning hand. Vixen quietly approached the bar, from where Jesper and Nina were watching the show.

Kaz told Rollins that he would tell him where his son was if he would sign a confession that he had killed Tante Helen and give Inej her freedom. Pekka signed it without objecting too much. Vixen would have felt a little bad for the man, but then she remembered all the times he had sent his men to capture or kill her and she had nearly ended up in Hellgate because of him. The only thing that could have turned her back from Kaz's plan was Alby Rollins, Pekka's son. Vixen had killed in self-defense and had used force on behalf of the Crows, but she would never endanger the life of a child. She had only agreed to go along with the plan because Kaz had assured her that nothing would happen to Alby Rollins.

After disposing of the boss of the Dime Lions, the four returned to the Dregs Club, which Kaz had occupied living up to his nickname: Dirty Hands. He had beaten the crap out of Per Haskell's men with only his hands and his cane. Vixen was about to go to her room to meditate —she said that when she wanted to be left alone without anyone bothering her, which was very often— but Nina followed her.

"Vixen, can I ask you a question that you don't need to answer?" She asked as they both walked up the stairs, away from the rest. 

The girl looked around to check that they were alone and that there was no danger before nodding somewhat reluctantly. She knew Nina was curious about her story, she could see it in her expression. But Vixen didn't like to talk about it. She didn't like to talk, period. Still, it was clear to her that sooner or later the questions would come. Jesper and Inej knew nothing about her past life because that was the way their relationship was. They trusted each other, but didn't question what they had done in past lives. Kaz was the one who helped her build her new life, so he was the only person who knew who she was before. And Wylan only knew her as Vixen, his silent guardian angel. But Nina was different, she was more open, more curious. 

"Maybe we should go into your room to talk more privately" proposed Nina clasping her hands together, as if she didn't know what to do with them. The other girl recognized that she was nervous, and that made her more alert. 

Vixen opened the door and let Nina enter the room before closing it behind them. The room was fairly empty and seemed impersonal. Something that made sense considering they had had to stay there on short notice, as the Crow Club was now nothing but rubble and ash. But Vixen's room at said venue was not much different from this one. She was used to living in the shadows, without a face or a name, so she had almost no possessions, and the few she had were always on her person. It was easier to run away and survive from her pursuers when she had nothing to tie her anywhere. 

She gestured for Nina to sit on her bed while she took the chair by the window. It was an unconscious act, but it would make it easier for her to flee if the situation became unbearable. 

Nina noticed the way she sat in the chair, with one leg under the other and only the tips of her toes propped up. She had noticed that. Vixen never sat in one place completely. She always seemed ready for action, whether it was to get into a fight or to run away. She saw her pull one of her daggers out of her belt compartment, though she only did it to play with it, twirling it between the fingers of her hand. Inej also did that with her knives.

"You lost someone there, didn't you?" Grisha began when the doubt became overwhelming. "In Hellgate, I mean," she added, realizing she hadn't fully explained herself.

The knife in her hands stopped suddenly and was about to fall, but Vixen's hand spun it around and she gripped it tightly by the handle again. Her heart gave her away too. It had sped up a lot, as if she was running in front of a pack of wolves, dead terrified of the moment they would catch up with her. It took her a couple of seconds to respond, and when she did it was by signs, which didn't do much good, as Nina still had no idea what they meant. 

Vixen must have seen it in her expression, because she stopped dead in her tracks and her hands dropped to her lap. Then she cleared her throat.

"Yes, my father," she repeated, accompanying her signs with her voice.

She didn't know why she answered Nina with the truth. A part of her, the part that always thought the worst, told her that Nina had forced her with her Grisha powers, but deep down she knew it was because of Nina herself. She reminded her too much of her mother, and she had never been able to lie to her. 

Nina nodded, but remained silent, waiting for the girl to continue on her own. 

"He was there for two and a half years. I went to see him every week without the guards knowing, during the fights. I watched his life, his light, disappear with each one. Until that day. He was fighting another prisoner and he was winning. Someone on the inside must not have liked it, because they unleashed a beast. My father was too busy fighting the man to see it coming. The noise of the crowd was deafening, everyone shouted and cheered, but my father didn't notice the beast until it was too late."

"Why didn't he turn around when he heard the commotion?" asked the grisha, completely caught up in the story. For someone who didn’t speaking too much, Nina thought Vixen had a mesmerizing voice.  

"Because he couldn't hear anything. My father was deaf" she explained, emphasizing each word with sign language.