#jean and nadia are so dear to me

[bimblescribbles]

The Awe of the Nautilus

Hey now, this is something different! Here's a screenshot redraw of a scene from Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water, one of my favorite animes! I got inspired after seeing that one of my mutuals, @ascendandt, redrew this exact screenshot and I was like: "I wanna take a crack at it." And now, here we are! Behold, anime characters in a rubberhose cartoon artstyle! Original screenshot under the cut

Original screenshot:

[bimbelygimbly]

I need those Nadia plushies/finger puppets so damn bad. I just wanna have Jean and Nadia on my shelves, is that too much to ask for?

[bimbelygimbly]

Oh my goodness they did more :]

[saintslewis]

❝ 𝐂𝐎𝐙𝐘 ❞

𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐀𝐈𝐒𝐒𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄 — 𝐋𝐇𝟒𝟒

˖ ࣪⭑ - pairing: lewis hamilton x fem!oc

˖ ࣪⭑ - summary: imagine you go for dinner at your neighbours house and you’re told you’re getting married? you better get cozy for this one!

˖ ࣪⭑ - warnings for this chapter: none

˖ ࣪⭑ - saint’s team radio: hey y’all…. i told you guys i don’t have a planned schedule for this series and i’m really starting to think i should 😭. i hope you guys enjoy this and lemme know if you wanna be tagged 🤭

masterlist

previous chapter • next chapter

"Renaissance yachtin' in capri!" Nadia sang as she entered the driveway of the Hamiltons only a week after the first dinner. Knowing her mother's dramatics, Thembi had once again requested her presence at the home except she had to drive straight to the Hamiltons house. Finding the situation weird but not giving it a second thought, she parked next to the all black G63, one of her many dream cars and one she hadn't seen the last time she was here. Thinking it was just a simple visit (and Thembi hadn't given her a chance to dress up after the phone call), Nadia fixed the Nike tee and adjusted the biker shorts she had worn throughout her chill Saturday morning.

Knocking on the wooden door felt weird, given that she was welcomed into the house before but she felt like something quite suspicious was going on but she couldn't even figure it out. Rubbing her eye whilst waiting for someone to answer the door, she wrote a few reminders on her phone to not forget to complete the work she had to take home from the previous day.

"Well aren't you a ray of sunshine?" Nadia had recognised the voice to be Nicola, adding a little laugh after her sentence. "I woke up late so this is valid." Nadia replied, giving a smile as she entered the house with Nicola making room for her to walk in. After the first dinner, the two women had kept in touch because of the growing friendship and Willow, who would send a voice message every day to say hi. But this time, Nadia couldn't hear the kids laughing or playing around the house.

Oh, this was serious.

"Is that Nadia, darling?" Linda's voice chimed through the entrance hallway leading to the living room. "Hello Mrs Hamilton." The young woman greeted, giving Linda a side eye as she held a glass of water in her hand. "Please Nadia, rather call me Linda. Do come through, my dear!"

"We're out by the patio, need the bathroom before we start?" Nicola asked, making Nadia way more confused the more footsteps she took. "Start with what?" She trailed off, seeing Nicola just smile and head into the direction of the patio with her following. This was officially starting to get weird but Nadia chose to push her thoughts aside for this lunch.

"Oh she's here! How was the drive, Nads?" Her mom spoke up as soon as Nadia's foot hit the wooden floor of the large patio. Different types of charcuterie boards were placed with juices and waters to accommodate everyone but the atmosphere seemed so different from the dinner last week, it rather felt like a meeting.

"Helloooo." Nadia dragged out the greeting as she eventually found an empty seat, once again, next to Lewis. The man was genuinely a sight to see as the sun shined on him as he sat comfortably on the patio bench chair. Wearing a black NY cap, a graphic tee once again with a pair of jeans this time and his jewellery on display, Lewis smiled up at her with a toothy grin.

After personally greeting everyone around the table and answering their fast questions, she plopped down onto the chair with a few of her bracelets clanging together. The familiar scents of each other from the last time they met fused together as they both studied each other once again.

Nadia's tattoos were finally on display, each dainty artwork fluttered around her skin with a few being inked in red. The most noticeable thing being her hair as she changed the colour to black and it reached past her back. The makeup was very simple and she only carried her phone and lipgloss in her hand as she placed the overly cracked device onto the table right next to Lewis'. When she smiled, he noticed a small gem on one of her front teeth and he definitely admired her style, not one he would regularly picture on a high school teacher.

"You know Nadia, we were just talking about how odd it would be to suddenly become famous within a matter of hours." Linda started, grabbing the large jug of grape juice to give the girl a glass. Helping the older woman, Nadia lifted herself off the chair and gave Lewis a look, non verbally asking if it was true and his eyebrows furrowed whilst pursing his lip upwards, making Nadia smile a little.

"Really? In what aspects?" She sat back down, lifting the glass to her gloss covered lips and only taking little sips. "Oh just how you'd maybe have to close off social media for a while and suddenly having people around you to help with everything." Linda said, taking her glass of water and eyeing Nadia's mom after her sentence. Tilting her head in confusion, she made sure to sit comfortably as this was definitely an interesting conversation.

"I never really thought about it like that actually. The way teams assemble within a matter of hours is something else but I always hear my students say that they're one hundred percent ready for fame." Nadia watched the two older women constantly look at each other with the older men being suspiciously quiet. "Oh and don't even get me started on the scandals you're put through." Nicola submerged from the house, holding a fresh pizza on a wooden board with an extra plate.

"Lewis, you'd know a thing or two about these things right?" Nicola smirked as she placed the plate on the opposite side of the table. Snapping her head towards Lewis, he sighed then nodded before straightening up his posture as it was before. Now Nadia was incredibly confused. Although she spent at least two hours in conversation with Lewis, she never really found out what exactly he does for a living even though he knew what she did as she went on a whole rant about her day with the teenagers. The way he had carried himself whilst speaking with everyone and just how he listened made it seem like he could be a businessman of some sort that clearly made his money and he made it well as he wore jewellery pieces that she could only dream of seeing.

A beat of silence passed and a knock on the door was heard. "Oh, that must be Gerald." Anthony got up in quite a hurry, with the table falling into conversation to detour the previous topic. After the man was welcomed onto the patio, he placed his small briefcase next to him on the chair with Nadia's suspicions growing more and more.

But what if he was really just there for lunch?

The word 'deactivate' kept being thrown around between Nicola, Thembi and Linda for several minutes, snapping Nadia and Lewis out of their conversation on her tattoos. "Nads, come here really quickly and bring your phone." Her mom ordered as the young girl walked to their side of the table. Standing over all three women, she held her phone in front of her mom's face. "How do you deactivate your Instagram? Nicola here made one for me but i don't want it anymore." Thembi asked, once again eyeing Linda.

Showing the directions on her own phone, Nadia then became distracted by her stepdad's question. "Nads, do you know when Rea's flight lands? Will you be okay to go?" He asked, slightly jumping at something. "Yes, I'll be fine. Her flight lands at like two in the morning so after here I'll just finish up some work then go to the airport early." Nadia responded, feeling her hand move a little as she spoke to James.

Thembi tapped her daughter's hand as Nadia focused back on her phone. Seeing her instagram page now logged out, she groaned at the thought of her completely forgetting her password to it. Plopping back into her seat defeated, Lewis eyed her then her phone that she placed on the table. "You good?" He asked, turning his body to look at her. "I think I  accidentally logged myself out of insta and i forgot where i wrote down the password." Nadia frowned a little as she clasped her hands together. Even though he didn't want to seem like he was smiling at her misery but the little pout she had on her face was adorable and obviously he wasn't going to admit that anytime soon.

"Okay, I cannot do this anymore." Anthony announced out as he sighed which caught everyone's attention. "Dad, what's going on?" Lewis asked worried, he had noticed his father was quiet most of the time but he brushed it off knowing that his father was usually like this.

"Son, listen. I know what I'm about to say will sound insane but I need you to listen very carefully. Along with you too, Nadia." Anthony stated. Linda then stood next to her husband in terror. "Wait, Anthony. Are you sure you want to do this right now?" She muttered.

And now the uneasy feeling came right back.

"Lewis, you know I care for you deeply however these past few weeks have been tough for you... and pr." His dad started off, earning a sigh from Lewis and a pinch on the bridge of his nose. Seeing Lewis stress like this was weird for Nadia and what exactly did his father mean by PR? Anyone could tell that he wanted to say something but chose to keep quiet.

Now sitting up properly, Nadia was intrigued with the entire situation and wondered how famous Lewis actually was.

"Linda and I, along with Nadia's parents and Nicola have decided that we wanted to help you to clean up your image a little more even though you are a private person. And for that, we've come up with the concept of a fake marriage between you and Nadia." Anthony concluded and took his seat.

It was as if the blood from Nadia completely left her face after that very last sentence however her face stayed extremely neutral. Her face rather snapped towards her parents who were avoiding eye contact with her.

The silence was so loud, the birds chirping ever so slightly as if they were part of the plan as well. Looking at everyone's face, anyone could tell that this had probably been discussed many times before. "What?" Nadia being the first one to say something, spoke in a monotone voice.

"Look we wanted to see how you two would get along when you first met and it had seemed to work very well. We're only really looking out for you, Lewis. These rumours have kinda taken a toll on you." Nicola voiced, seeing that their faces were stoic yet burning daggers into everyone's skulls.

Finally looking at each other, Lewis and Nadia's eyes met with no source of attraction to each other in that present moment. "This is crazy." Lewis muttered to himself as he shook his head whilst looking down at his shoes.

"Okay." Nadia said, crossing her arms and looked at her mom directly. "Okay?" Lewis grumbled with slightly narrowed eyes to the girl. "Yeah. Clearly this is important and stuff so I'll do it." Nadia responded with a calm facade but she was truly screaming on the inside, her leg shaking underneath the table. Shocked as he was at her nonchalant response to the situation, he slumped back and chose to not speak up in front of guests. Lewis wasn't frustrated in the slightest but he was just extremely confused.

"What about the details?" Lewis sighed, feeling through his beard and accepting his fate.

"Wait, you're actually doing this?" Thembi expressed. If anything, Thembi felt embarrassed to even coming up with this suggestion thinking that it was going to help the driver and his many social problems. "Ma, please tell us the details before we rethink doing this for you guys." Nadia deadpanned, grabbing a grape from one of the charcuterie boards displayed.

"Well. You would have to tell the world that you've been married for at least a year or two and I've already told your PR team, Lewis, to get everything ready before you announce. For now, you're only allowed to tell your closest friends and coworkers about this so that it doesn't seem suspicious that your friends didn't know of your marriage." Nicola started.

"Nadia, because you're now affiliated with Lewis, security and a team will have to assembled to be at your beck and call. Marie from Lewis' team will come over to help you choose potential candidates for your everyday team. Now the difficult part. You two have to be married legally because you know how people get, Lewis. They'll want evidence. And that's Gerald is here for." She concluded, gesturing to the guest to open his briefcase but god, did he feel awkward.

"Uh, hello. Here's the marriage certificate you two are meant to sign for the court to recognise it as an actual marriage." The poor man was red in the face as he shakily placed the certificate between Nadia and Lewis with a pen. With her freshly manicured hand, the girl picked the pen and signed underneath her name officially as a Mrs. She took a quick glance at Lewis' name and it seemed so familiar but the thing that intrigued her the most was the 'Sir' before anything.

Lewis had a good look at Nadia's side profile as he watched her sign the official papers. She didn't seem bothered with anything that was said, it was as if everything just defeated her and she just accepted it. If there's one thing he noticed was that it looked like she didn't have a clue about who he was at all and that was so fascinating to him.

She handed the pen to him, their hands touching a little with the warmest touch as they made eye contact. They both couldn't read each other's eyes, only dark brown pupils staring into each other's souls. Lewis then also signed with a bit of hesitation, the reality falling on him as he dragged the pen to the very last of his signature.

"Congratulations, Mr and Mrs Hamilton." Gerald broke the silence as he uttered his words. He quickly packed his briefcase and walked away from the table with a small wave to everyone to escape from the awkwardness of the lunch table.

"You only have to do this for a year or so then you can either divorce publicly or privately. And the living situation has to be changed. Nadia, you will have to be almost everywhere with Lewis now that you've signed that certificate so I am not sure how you will handle this at your workplace. Do you have an active passport?" Anthony ended with his question to which the quiet girl just nodded.

"Wait, where am I going to live?" Nadia asked, eventually snapping out of the quiet demeanour she had. "Well you'll have to speak to your husband about that." Linda smiled at the two, the smile slowly falling when seeing their deadpanned faces.

Sighing out for the final time, Lewis sighed and lightly tapped Nadia on the arm signaling for her attention. He held his car keys in his hand and she knew that she had to go because being there any longer would've suffocated her. The newly married couple simultaneously stood up and gathered their belongings, making everyone's faces grow into confusion.

"Where are you guys going?" Thembi asked, standing up as well with a worried expression. All Lewis did was shrug as he fixed his shirt and move out of the way so that Nadia could walk before him. "Bye everyone! Your charcuterie boards looked amazing by the way, Linda." It was as if someone completely different had greeted the group goodbye because her mood changed in a matter of seconds as if nothing happened.

"What the hell did we just do?" Nicola asked, rubbing her forehead as she watched the two walk away and out of the house.

-

"You've arrived at your destination." The automated voice rang through the large car as it approached a large black gate behind an elegant building.

The drive to the unknown destination was not as quiet as they thought it would be. When entering the car, all Nadia could do was to laugh as soon as Lewis entered the car so much so that a few tears of laughter came out. It was a sound that he appreciated to hear and he joined her in her laughter. They couldn't believe that they even went through that, mainly laughing at the fact they went into the house for lunch and left as a married couple.

It was quite the lengthy drive but it seemed much quicker as they spent the time speaking about what happened at lunch yet they never got to the topic of his job and also because they decided to play music to get rid of the negative mood they both had.

“I thought you were going to kidnap for a second. I still do.” Nadia joked as he playfully rolled his eyes at her. “Where are we even?” She looked out of the window to see the back of the large building, eventually spotting a small yet visible sign on the wall reading ‘Harrods VIP parking’.

Letting the smallest gasp escape her mouth, she gazed at Lewis once again who was typing on his phone and wondered what he did for a living for him to be able to decide to park his car here. The rumours from this department store were unbelievable so to see them bloom in real life felt surreal to Nadia.

Lewis definitely saw Nadia to be a good friend to him and could keep her around his circle and vice versa. It was a sign that a friendship was brewing between each other and they’re somewhat grateful for that although it happened so quickly.

“Seriously bruv, where are you taking me? I have to get home to watch catfish.” She asked, flicking her hair back and he laughed once more. “Bruv?” He said in between his giggles. “Okay my pookie wookie buddy bear, where are you taking me?” She said, fluttering her eyelashes at him which made him burst into so much more laughter.

“Since you want to know so badly, we’re going to Cartier to get our wedding rings.” He smiled a toothy grin, turning off the ignition of the car while looking at her stunned expression.

“…what?”

taglist: @non-stop-imagines @folkloresthings @tispys-blog @userlando @lorarri @thisismeracing @thatsdemko @myescapefromthislife @slytherinjimin3nthusiast @jamie2305 @like-fire-love-blog @sugardontbesweet @simpfortoomanymen @mauvecherie-writes @queenshikongo3 @eugene-emt-roe @deepgothfiremuffin @18754389 @cherry2stems @anubisnoir @goldsainz

dividers by: @cafekitsune

faceclaim for nadia: @/unclewaffles_ on ig!

all pictures from pinterest and ig!

[drewsbuzzcut]

I Tore You Right Apart

mat barzal x model!fem!reader

a visceral in doses blurb

part 1 here

warnings: angst, sadness

You had just settled the boys in bed, spending an extra 30 minutes watching them while they slept. They are finally becoming adjusted to the Hampton’s house after being here for a month.

Making your way to the cozy living room to relax, something you haven’t been able to do lately, you hear your phone ringing. The color in your face disappears when you see who’s calling you, Nadia. You cautiously reach for your phone as if she could jump out of it and yell at you.

“Hello?” You say in a small whisper, resembling a frightened child.

“I’m surprised you picked up,” she responds and your shoulders sag in relief that she doesn’t sound angry.

“If we’re being honest, I was scared to pick up,” you admit.

“Why? There’s no need to be scared.”

You fiddle around with a loose string on your jeans, wishing you could just be wrapped in Mat’s arms on your huge bed.

“But he’s your son, Nadia,” you say defeatedly.

“And he told me everything, you have every right. Don’t get me wrong, you both made mistakes, but you needed space and that’s okay,” she says, soothing that ache just a bit.

“He told me that you’re going to be helping him,” you say, changing the subject, surprising Nadia at the fact that you two have talked.

You and Mat have no choice but to talk. It’s not fair to Angel or Nolan for them to not see their father. You can actually count on one hand how many times you’ve talked; he usually just calls for the boys.

“I am, but I think it’s good that you said to start off on the weekends.”

“Yeah. Weekends just seem best, especially right before the season starts. Did he tell you that Angel is actually not going to be with him for a little while because of the breastfeeding situation?”

“No, he didn’t tell me. Well, hopefully I’ll be able to pick him up for the day, so Mat can see him,” she mutters, sounding sad.

You gather all your strength to not burst into tears. You are disappointing all of the people that matter to you.

“Nadia…”

“Yes, dear?”

“Am I making a mistake? Do you think I can do this, because if Mat doesn’t think I can do it, then maybe I can’t?” Your voice cracks, eyes becoming tearful.

“Sweetheart, Mat didn’t mean what he said. He loves you and he knows you’re a great mother. He wouldn’t have had kids with you if he thought you couldn’t do it,” she sighs out, reassuring you.

“I told him that I hated him,” you sob, face falling into your hands.

“I know, he told me.”

“I’m a terrible person,” you blurt out.

“No, you’re not. You just said something out of anger. I love you and my grand babies. Give them kisses for me, and I’ll see if we can meet up sometime to talk more. I just got to Mat’s, so I have to go.”

“Okay. I love you, too.”

You hang up the phone, sinking into the unwanted silence of the house. To “Mat’s” place; the thought sends you spiraling. Your tears continuously run down your cheeks. Silent sobs wracking through your body.

I am a terrible person. You think to yourself, knowing all too well about that piece of paper hidden in your purse stating that you are pregnant with your third child.

a/n: So sorry for the angst, but it’s needed for the story to move along. Hope you all enjoy!

taglist: @literatureluster

[galpalaven]

OC Codex - 7 for Nadia, 11 & 12 for Kira

7. something written by a diplomat who has stayed at Skyhold

A letter addressed to the Inquisition, found in the waste bin near the desk of Ambassador Josephine Montilyet.

Mistress Montilyet, I would like to issue a formal complaint about the conduct of the so-called Herald of Andraste. During my stay at your fortress, I requested an audience with her no less than four times. I was constantly rescheduled and eventually was simply told that the Herald would not be seeing me as she had more 'pressing matters to attend to.' Tell me—do these pressing matters have anything to do with the heretic staying in your presence? I say heretic, but apparently, there are plenty to be found. Qunari, Tevinter magisters, and I even saw the man responsible for the destruction of the Kirkwall Chantry walking with her in the gardens one morning! They were holding hands! I don't know who you people think you are, but the Maker will see you all punished for using His Bride's name in such a despicable manner! —Comte Jean Luc Dupont

11. slander written about your OC

A letter addressed to Queen Anora of Ferelden, sent along to Fergus Cousland of Highever with a note that read:

Believe you may find this humorous. —A

My Queen Anora Theirin Mac Tir, Many pleasant greetings and well wishes to you, your Highness. I am writing this letter to inform you of a matter that I believe should be brought to your attention regarding the Hero of Ferelden. It has come to my attention that the Grey Warden who is currently ruling over the arling of Amaranthine has been using the surname Cousland. This is an outrage and I cannot let this go unopposed. The Cousland family were very dear friends of mine. Fergus is the only surviving member of this family by blood—though the so-called Cousland ruling Amaranthine was raised by the Couslands, she is not of their blood and should not be allowed to continue calling herself nobility. It is a direct offense to the memory of the Couslands. In fact, I have even heard a rumor that she is bedding an elf. An elf! And, if sources are to be believed, this elf is an Antivan Crow. Surely, keeping assassins so close to a usurper of a noble line should be some cause for concern from the Crown? Sincerely, Ser Thomas Browen of South Reach

12. propaganda written in support of your OC

From an article published by the Amaranthine News Gazette, 24 Cloudreach, 9:31 Dragon.

Readers, It has come to our attention that there has been some upset about the recent changing of hands over Vigil's Keep. We are writing to inform you that, though the Grey Wardens of Ferelden have indeed taken over Arl Howe's estate, this is no cause for alarm. Many of you seem to believe that apostates and elves are going to be running our beloved arling—this is not the case. As you may or may not know, the Hero of Ferelden has been granted the title of Warden-Commander of Ferelden. This is the person in charge of the arling, and this person is Kira Cousland of Highever. Cousland is a noble, and the daughter of late Teyrn Bryce Cousland of Highever. Not only that, but Kira has also already done much for Amaranthine even in the few weeks she has been here. According to some of our sources, she has*: - Delivered a baby after slaying a group of Darkspawn in the farmlands - Restored access to the mill south of Amaranthine - Personally cleaned up some of the waterways around the arling of tainted bodies left behind by the Horde - Promised a stipend to every noble of Amaranthine to help them recover from the damage of the Blight Please give her a chance and do not cause a stir without proper proof for concern. *All claims made were made by individual citizens and are not the view of the Amaranthine News Gazette.

[schoolbookdepository]

HAPPY 2 YEAR ANNIVERSARY @pinkmoondoll4shihtzu 💚💖 these past 2 years have been some of the years of my life. sure they’re what they’ve been, up and down, but the ups have been the best i’ve had and the downs i’ve always had u there to let me know it’s going to be ok. the moments we’ve made have been the most important and valuable moments of my life. i’m so very grateful 4 all the things you’ve taught me, all the stories you’ve shared, all your advice, your cosmic knowledge, your favorite music, your hatred and insults for things that suck. your bubbly burning bigbooty bimbofied energy and love for ur friends warms my heart in a very special way. u are a real life anime girl w the passion of a thousand magical girls. i love ur autism obsessions, the way you pronounce against, ur favorite snacks, ur writing, ur art, ur everything. all of it is something i hold near to me and all i want is to just to listen to u it all, and remember all of it. the way you listen to me and my silly lil factoids and tales makes me feel so understood. you’ve been here for me in ways i can’t put into words. i’ll list some of my favorite things i’ve experienced with u: both of the trips to vancouver. LAKE DAY!!! the summer nights spent making kandi and listening to you talk about astrology and making me realise it’s real. going to madrid for christmas and seeing a ufo. the roadtrip to white sands with maheyo. watching all of south park in like a week. watching u become the best mother to piepie i could ask for and talking to him. watching nadia for your first time, especially the one day it was raining and we were eating tonkotsu. going to the cliff dwellings with my parents. the soviet science fair shows. the raves. walking in the snow and listening to the route 211 music. hearing about new conspiracies from u. showing u how to play guitar. recording us being cute w my camcorder for ur 27th birthday. the time we took molly with sarah on a whim and it felt like i was a kid again (not the aftermath tho LOL). giving u sloppy while u play sonic adventure 2. watching u raise ur chao garden. (RIP ;_;) bryan’s birthday. vlogging at savers n showing our haul. sitting in bed while u work on ur neocities as its snowing outside. doing ketamine and learning to love bladee with u. finding fred spencer’s youtube. getting catcalled and walking to burrito spot every day. making stickers with u. the moment we found out that you were now legally an american. complaining with u (never gets old). going to the plant store with you and hearing all your flower shop lady knowledge. cooming inside u. watching you play minecraft and freaking out n screaming. going tagging with you. going to the store to get u ur little snacks. watching chills videos and other clickbait with u, and lastly walking into our room to find u rolling on the floor laughing and saying wamart aebeb pie while u were mushroom’d out. i still can’t believe that god sent me an angel like urself that loves me the way u do, in the way we met. you make me want to be a better me, to create things everyday, to cherish the little things, to wake up early, and to take care of u until ur a raisin. as long as i have you i know things r gonna be okay. i love you with every cell in my body and soul, ella kimberly jackson. ur my schizo shihtzu, my libra librarian virgo vixen scorpioid succubus cosmic cutiepie. ur my mallwhore, my ningen, my one of a kind britbong bimbo fembladee frosslass gyaru gringa seapunk snowfall autism angel cryptid gf. i can’t wait to go swimming w u today n make another memory like all these that i hold so dear. thank you for marrying me. 💖💚💖💚shika+usagi;yui+azu;L+yagami;nadia+jean;mado+homu;leafeon+glaceon 222ever & everrrr.

[koifishart]

Halloween is near, so I've had an idea to add here Halloween chapter of "Prince Charming" from Wattpad. Hope you'll like it, and will read previous parts 😈

~Spooky Halloween Party at McGregor’s Mansion~

He didn't like such events, but from time to time he met interesting people with whom it was worth establishing contact, which is why he appeared every time. This year he also had his own safety valve - Nadia. In case things started to get boring (or worse, pathetic), they could go out and no one would ask uncomfortable questions. He knew she had come to Scotland a few days earlier. She had a photo shoot planned in advance for her sister's new collection and the streets of Edinburgh were chosen as the plan. It annoyed him that she hadn't gone alone - she was with Jean-Pierre, they had hired him as a photographer. The more Robert was disgusted with the fact that he couldn't go with her. He was too busy with his urgent matters. She gave no sign of life, must have been extremely busy, and in the evenings tired, because all he received was a short message with good night wishes. He knew that besides filming, she was taking care of her usual tasks, including keeping an eye on the funds of the family business. He waited impatiently, adjusting the collar of his navy blue, slim, pinstriped fit shirt (which she had chosen for him while in Norway) tucked into jeans fastened with a brown leather belt. Together with him, the young landlord and two other friends went out to the front of the house. He was eaten by jealousy by the handsome, entertaining French. He knew perfectly well that he liked Nadia and was eager to enjoy in her company. She finally came. He bit his tongue to keep from cursing as he saw who pulled her bag out of the furiously red sports car. Dark pants, a light shirt, a colorful scarf around the neck. Dark fringe, playfully curled, slightly falling over the forehead. Glasses with dark peach lenses in thin, golden frames on a gold chain. Jean-Pierre... She appeared shortly after him, looked adorable. The day was a bit cool, but still warm for the end of October. She wore a maroon sweater revealing the shoulders, with white strings tied at the neckline, a pleated black skirt, long, graphite socks and flowing pumps on a fairly strong, high heel. He barely noticed the rather voluminous graphite cap dangling from her head, attached to complement her outfit rather than keep it warm.

- Oh, finally! - the girl sighed. - You have no idea how I was fed up! Pierre is a monster!

- Don’t fret, the photos turned out great! - the man replied singingly, then tossed cheerfully, glancing at the rest. - Hello!

- Oh, that's right! Meet Jean-Pierre de Lauriston, my friend and photographer. - she said, coming to the rest, and Robert immediately grabbed her with his arm. - You already know Robert …

- Of course, my dear! - he replied happily. - By the way ... didn't you forget your promise?

- Pierre, I didn't promise you anything! - She laughed pearl, cuddling with her boyfriend. - However, if necessary, you can contact Robert through me ...

- You are a sly fox, Dina! - he grunted, pretending to be offended. - OK, I'm running away. Have fun!

Robert watched in surprise as the sports car departed, disappearing through a large forged gate. There was something wrong with the man's behavior. He looked questioningly at the smiling girl.

- What was he talking about?

She was confused. There was something to do. He absolutely had to find out.

- Remember the row on the ship, right? - she asked, and when he reluctantly nodded, she continued. - I know perfectly well you were jealous, and the facts are, I should be.

He was stunned. The other three, listening to the conversation, did as well. She pulled back a little so she could look directly at him. She looked clearly amused.

- What are you talking about? Why would you be jealous? - Enrique asked.

- During the banquet, when he pulled me away from Robert, Pierre asked if I had any contact with him and if I would share. - she explained. - I do not give out numbers left and right, so I only promised to ask. The problem was that I didn't have the opportunity because Robert didn't let me get my word out. And now I don't even want to say anything …

- Why exactly did he want my number?

- He liked you! - She laughed pearlly, hugging him gently.

- Excuse me ...?

- Jean-Pierre is gay, love. - she replied as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

His face fell, and Enrique could barely contain his laughter. A homosexual man interested in HIM? He didn't mind different orientations, but he himself didn't intend to change his. In addition, he made her a tavern fight because of the French. Judging by her expression, she was sure that her friend's request would have cured all their ills. The problem was, he wasn't going to give up on her even then, especially for another man.

What Robert liked the least about Halloween was changing clothes. He felt way too grown up for that, but decided to do it for his friend one last time, choosing something that suited his temperament and at the same time felt as if he could get out of it without making a mockery of himself. He put on a bloody shirt, a black scarf under the collar and an equally dark tailcoat. He put a gold watch in his pocket, fastened with a chain with the nearest button. Jurgens was very curious what Nadia had come up with. She was able to surprise him at such moments. This time also succeeded. Oddly enough, their outfits matched each other, though they didn't even discuss it. Plus, he felt a surprisingly pleasant shiver spread through his body from the base of pelvis, different from the one she had gotten used to. The first thing that caught his attention was a ruby, redder than usual, full lips reflected clearly in the fair face. What looked like a thin trickle of blood was dripping from one of the corners. She definitely turned him on. She let her hair loose, taming it only with a maroon headband with a flower wrapped in a dark spider's web, so that it fell slightly over a black sleeveless blouse, with a stiff collar fastened with a silver brooch, while holding a ruffled scarf under the neck. Only a short maroon bolero was thrown over her shoulders. Beneath breasts, she fastened with shiny clasps a gothic corset with pale, thin stripes, all iridescent with carmine, flowing with a thin layer of wavy satin onto a four-layer, maroon short skirt. The outfit was completed with long gloves tied with a black ribbon, trimmed with a shimmering frill on the palm, and knee-high, tied shoes with red heels. When stunned he took her hand, Robert saw rather heavy, dark rings set with rubies on it. Long, ornate, dark earrings with large shiny stones gleamed under the hair. She was still carrying a snake on her other hand.

- I did not expect that we would come up with a similar idea. - she laughed lightly.

- Great minds think alike, Nadia. - he replied calmly, taking her arm.

The room perfectly reflected the nature of the occasion. Dark, illuminated by a muted amber light, decorated with cobwebs, dangling, amazingly realistic bats, a sea of pumpkin lanterns. The other friends were waiting for them at the entrance: the host of the party, proudly wearing a kilt, with the colors of war on his face, next to him a terrifyingly disguised mime with green hair, and a blond-haired devil with a long tail.

- Mr. and Mrs. Dracula, who would have expected! - Enrique laughed.

- And you Johnny ... wait, I'll guess ... William Wallace. - the girl said. - Scottish hero, leader of the uprising.

- How did you know? - the redhead was surprised. - Scotland has many heroes ...

- Characteristic war paints. - she replied shortly, then caught Robert's searching gaze. - I love such historical flavors!

- You'll get to know a piece of my cousin. - McGregor grunted, not very happily. - Honestly, if it weren't for them, I wouldn't be playing it at all this year. The parents insisted ...

- In my opinion, a very interesting holiday. Maybe it's because we don't have anything similar in Russia.

- Nothing? - Oliver was surprised.

- Hmm ... Women's Day, Valentine's Day, Tatiana's Day ... and of those darker ones ... Labor Day. - she replied sarcastically. - My country is quite pragmatic. Halloween is not absorbed very much in our culture.

Robert hoped Johnny was joking with the cousins. Unfortunately, not at all. They were quickly reached by a group of interested Scots, the most curious about the blonde skater. She endured it patiently, although he could see that she was heartily fed up with signing more photos. Fortunately, they quickly returned to their own affairs and attractions organized by Mr. and Mrs. McGregor. Robert and Nadia could sit at the table and watch the youth playing, sipping the currant juice. He loved the feeling of her cuddling against him, crushing his shirt here and there on his back. She was warm and smelled of the captivating perfumes she had bought during their stay in France. Lychee, pink pepper, patchouli, musk, purple foxglove. He remembered the joy she had chosen to choose each fragrance with. He drank into the pleasant aroma, feeling a great urge to bite into the skin on her delicate nape. The blood in his veins felt as if it was flowing much faster than usual. She looked at him with honey eyes, he could melt with joy. Suddenly something grabbed her neck with something quite wide and dirty yellow, and then wrapped it in several other places, pulling the blonde away from him. He didn't have time to react. After a while, she hung in the air, tightly wrapped in mummy's bandages. Under it stood four men Robert knew whom he counted never to see again. And he certainly didn't think he was getting her into this.

--------

Nadia felt a dull pressure on her larynx, then her whole body, and then she flew to the very center of the room, hanging in the air, tied with what looked like a few meters of bandage. She looked down. Beneath her stood the mummy-looking bit-beast, and with it stood four men in truly Halloween costumes. The tallest of them resembled a Frankenstein monster, green-haired, solidly built, with a slightly dull expression and pierced ears. The one she suspected was a leader wore, ironically, like a vampire with a burgundy fringe. She didn't have to search long for the mummy's owner, he was almost identical to his beast. Blonde-haired, tied with white tapes. The last one, sticking with the Dracula's imitation, gray-haired with a close-fitting fuchsia turtleneck, similar to a werewolf, looked like he was about to throw himself at someone. She was definitely not laughing, especially when she was hanging a few meters above the ground. Fortunately, the beast also wrapped around her mouth, thanks to which she didn't scream in terror and surprise when she was kidnapped. Majestics went out against the newcomers. They looked as if they already knew each other.

- Dark Bladers ... - Johnny muttered, glaring at them. - I thought you guys let it go.

- You wish ... - growled the gray-haired man. - We won't leave without a rematch!

- Sanguinex, release Nadia, it doesn't apply to her. - Robert said firmly to the man with red fringe, trying to stay calm.

- Your girlfriend will be held hostage. I have to be sure you will play fair.

She didn't like the way things were developing. She was definitely not going to be the lady in trouble like all the women in the B-class cheap cinema from which her torturers and their ideas undoubtedly came.

"Dina, I have an idea ..." she heard a hiss in her head, and a moment later she felt a chill.

Her right eye flashed with an icy blue tinge of its own accord, followed by the left one, the changes she wasn't used to. Beast's venom has taken hold on only one of them. She knew what he wanted to do. She supported the plan, although it didn't make her very happy to execute it. It was painful, as if she was freezing from the inside. The entire intricately prepared outfit became cold in the blink of an eye, covered with a thick frost reflecting the warm glow of the hall lighting. Due to the low temperature, the mummy's bandages crumbled and cracked, and she nimbly landed on the floor between Majestics and Dark Bladers.

- Cenotaph, what's going on? - Sanguinex snapped to the owner of the dirty yellow mummy.

- I have no idea! Zomb, catch her! - The blond man replied, giving the order to the bully.

- You have no right to disturb this evening, dark beasts. - she said in a voice so terrible that she almost frightened herself.

She had no idea that merging with the beast could do that. They spoke simultaneously as if they were the same body. A frosty aura surrounded her, Nadia had to be careful not to chatter her teeth. She felt a chill seize the left half of her skull, the skin around her eye freezing. She poured down towards the Majestics. All four were surprised.

- Who are you? - said the owner of the ruby fringe, still arrogantly.

- I am descended from the ice giants of the land called Jotunnheim, hanging from one of the branches of Yggdrasil. One of the four monstrous children of the god Loki. A snake that wraps around the entire Midgard. - they replied slowly, keeping a straight face. - I am called Jormurgandr.

As soon as they uttered the name, Vasyl slipped out of her bracelet, wrapping it around her body, leaving the excess of his long body to the floor with a thud. He was more silvery than usual, and he used his owner's energy and willpower to achieve this effect. She also noticed that his eyes were wide open, this time sapphire, piercing his opponents with an icy glare. The trick was successful, the monsters looked no less terrified than the rest of the crowd. The beast brought its mouth closer to the four men who threatened them and opened its fangs, letting the venom drip at their feet. The drops didn't break, melting the tasteful wooden panels with caustic acid, but rolled like ice balls.

- You want to start Ragnarok? - he hissed.

-----

It was the first time Robert had seen her like this. He didn't even know if it was good or if something terrible was about to happen. The dark outfit immediately covered with a white layer, instead of one blue eye, two shone shining, the light golden hair turned snow-white, even the ruby lips lost their color. The voice she used wasn't just hers, it was tones combined. He didn't think there could be such a close connection between the beast and the owner. The bracelet on her arm glowed dazzling silver, as if twitching nervously. As Vasyl emerged, the stinging chill turned to bitter cold, and the creatures began to retreat. Jormurgandr... Ragnarok... something that meant him. He waited for events to unfold. He trusted that the girl wouldn't be able to take control of herself, and that her beast would not be greedy. As soon as the Dark Bladers were gone for good, he approached her hesitantly.

- Nadia ... - he whispered, touching her cold shoulder.

She scared him, turning to look at the icy eyes that adorned her face completely emotionless. The left side of her pretty face, from eye to ear, looked as if it was freezing every moment. She was so different, unlike herself. An enormous snake's head appeared beside her head. He could have sworn the reptile nervously wrinkles the skin around its nostrils, revealing huge fangs at the same time. He obviously didn't like him, though he never showed any hostility. Robert wasn't going to be pacified. The beast wasn't going to intimidate him, he wasn't afraid at all. The basilisk closed its large sapphire eyes, turning into a silvery mist seeping into the metal ornament on her forearm. The icy aura was gone, as was all the frost effect on the body and clothes. She closed her eyes and dropped, fainting right into his arms. He propped her up on him, quickly taking off his jacket and throwing it over her shoulders. She was completely cold.

- Nadia, speak to me ... - He muttered against her face.

- R ... Robert ...? - she whispered, looking at him with her honey irises again and smiling weakly. - I feel so cold.

- Here you go, you'll warm up. - Johnny said, handing the girl a steaming mug.

It took a while for her to recover. He felt so much better when the blushes returned to her face. He was still bothered by the story they told with the snake. He suggested going out onto the terrace to catch some fresh air. She went back to the room for her coat so that both of them could cover each other properly. The night was cool, cloudless, so they could admire the beautiful fullness without hindrance. Her jewelry reflected the mysterious moonlight, but one of its elements shone with its own glow. She stretched her hand out in front of her so that the head of the serpent rested on it, entwining the rest of her body along her arm.

- How are you, Dina? - he asked calmly.

- Now quite tolerable. - she replied, stroking his scales. - Where did this story about Jormurgander come from? I haven't heard you ever mention him.

- I have no idea, somehow it just came to my mind. - he replied.

- Could you be related to him? - Robert asked.

- I don't remember life before Oleg. - he explained with a hiss. - I do not exclude such an option. All I know is that Oleg got me from Rurik, or whether I actually met him at his uncle's court. This is my oldest memory. The rest is a white spot ...

Robert frowned. The Ragnarok threat would work on anyone who even knew what the word meant. Apocalypse, the time when the whole world will sink in a sea of lava ... He wasn't surprised that the Dark Bladers had let go.

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

If I made you curious, you can find previous parts on Wattpad, just here:

https://www.wattpad.com/story/262155394?utm_source=android&utm_medium=link&utm_content=story_info&wp_page=story_details_button&wp_uname=HanabiHanayama&wp_originator=%2FBL9y2%2B4fbU4LqWKxU2sPkPd49z3GKEbfiOjdNtwN5JALBUU4TQRqnw1l%2FvBIj1T1X4Sa4ojmIN4tpweNxCtWBp6SUVA7XWIryo4dKZMft2LEF00E8HhAwBu40doKkyf

I've stopped posting there for a bit, but be sure I'll be back! ❤️

[chthonic-cassandra]

For @di-goldene-oygn and anyone else who would like it, have my trauma memoir reader. 

This is a long list, but it is whittled down from the ~250 trauma memoirs I have apparently read, so there are many, many things I did not include. I’ve organized loosely by what type of trauma is the focus of the narrative but this is an imperfect categorization system.

Memoirs of childhood abuse: The Tricky Part - Martin Moran Tiger, Tiger - Margaux Fragoso Where I Stopped - Martha Ramsey I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings - Maya Angelou That Mean Old Yesterday - Stacey Patton Excavation - Wendy Ortiz Skin and Two or Three Things I Know for Sure - Dorothy Allison Goja - Suniti Namjoshi Educated - Tara Westover A Shining Affliction - Annie G. Rogers Heavy - Kiese Laymon The Sound of Gravel - Ruth Wariner Man Alive - Thomas Page McBee The Book of Emma Reyes - Emma Reyes Bad Indians - Deborah A. Miranda The Incest Diary - Anonymous Denial - Jessica Stern Pulling the Chariot of the Sun - Shane McCrae Consent - Vanessa Springora Sex Cult Nun - Faith Jones

Memoirs of adult sexual assault and intimate partner violence: The Other Side - Lacy Johnson Days of a Russian Noblewoman (1758-1821) - Anna Labzina After Silence - Nancy Venable Raine Aftermath - Susan Brison Lucky - Alice Sebold In the Dream House - Carmen Maria Machado Picking Cotton: Our Memoir of Injustice and Redemption - Jennifer Thompson-Cannino and Ronald Cotton When I Hit You; Or, A Portrait of the Writer as a Young Wife - Meena Kandasamy A History of Violence - Édouard Louis On Being Raped - Raymond Douglas South of Forgiveness - Thordis Elva and Tom Stranger Know My Name - Chanel Miller

Memoirs of abduction and captivity: Finding Me - Michelle Knight Hope - Amanda Berry and Gina DeJesus A Stolen Life - Jaycee Dugard 3,096 Days in Captivity - Natascha Kampusch

Memoirs of genocide: At the Mind’s Limits - Jean Améry If This Is a Man, The Reawakening, The Drowned and the Saved - Primo Levi And I Am Afraid of My Dreams - Wanda Poltawska Auschwitz and After - Charlotte Delbo First They Killed My Father - Loung Ung Cockroaches - Scholastique Mukasonga The Last Girl - Nadia Murad Tears of the Desert - Halima Bashir

Memoirs of political violence (torture, detention, exile) and war: Guatánamo Diary - Mohamedou Ould Slahi Witnesses of the Unseen: Seven Years in Guatánamo - Lakhdar Boumediene and Mustafa Ait Idir Journal of an Ordinary Grief - Mahmoud Darwish A Woman in Berlin - Anonymous A Fort of Nine Towers - Qais Akbar Omar Daring to Drive - Manal Al-Sharif A Long Way Gone - Ismael Beah The Blindfold’s Eyes - Dianna Ortiz Asylum Denied - David Ngaruri Kenney Consequence - Eric Fair The Question - Henri Alleg The Little School - Alicia Partnoy Prisoner Without a Name, Cell Without a Number - Jacobo Timerman The Latehomecomer - Kao Kalia Yang

Memoirs of slavery and trafficking: The Interesting Narrative of Olaudo Equiano Twelve Years a Slave - Solomon Northrup Slave - Mende Nazer Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl - Harriet Jacobs My Life Has a Price - Tina Okpara Barracoon - Cudjo Lewis, transcribed by Zora Neale Hurston

Memoirs of gun violence and/or traumatic grief: Men We Reaped - Jesmyn Ward The Return - Hisham Matar Dear Marcus: A Letter to the Man Who Shot Me - Jerry McGill

[wishing4nuclearwinter]

💤 🌌 ❇️ for any you want!

💤 SLEEPING - do they fall asleep easily? what helps them sleep?

Sol: They fall asleep pretty easily all things considered. They can sleep pretty much anywhere at a moment’s notice. The issue is more staying asleep since their nightmares often wake them, sometimes multiple times a night (or Arcade wakes them up from their nightmares if they aren’t waking themself up). On the occasion that they can’t sleep then having Arcade read to them can help. Alternatively, sometimes they struggle to fall asleep in the same bed as another person if they are feeling overwhelmed sensory wise so they will move to the couch or to Arcade’s empty bed lol

🌌 MILKY WAY - what was the inspiration behind your oc? what was the first thing you decided about them?

Varmint: I wanted an OC who had very few morals and was just out here to have a good time. He originally was a courier OC until I realized that I didn’t want to be locked into that storyline for him. I think the first thing I decided about him was just that he was Too Much. just. all the time.

Nadia: The other half of the Nightmare Duo, I saw some post about ghosts in the Mojave and just ran away with it. It occurred to me that since Varmint isn’t the courier, I could easily make him more or less a companion to Nadia (tho in practice it is the other way around). Other than her being a ghost, I think the first thing I decided about her was that she is a bit of a dick and definitely had the terrifying presence perk long before her death despite being relatively small and unassuming.

❇️ SPARKLE - what is their most prized possession? what do they value?

Sol: I think they would struggle to pick just one. All of the knick knacks in their collection are near and dear to them, but besides those it might be a tie between their jean jacket and their ornate dagger since both of them belonged to their pre-Goodsprings self. They also have an animal tail charm that they have mixed feelings about but is highly protect of. Basically, they are just a surprisingly sentimental person about objects, which is kind of weird given that pre-Goodsprings they probably would have thought that collecting items and caring that much about material things was stupid.

[taliaquinn]

Marinette did an extra twirl for the mirror. She had loved the feeling of the fabric on the dress, She made sure to put in extra effort into the dresses of the night, although not too much, she still wanted Nadia Chamack to be the highlight.

Her work on covering how the Frequent Akuma attacks were affecting the everyday Parisian psyche was getting recognition from the International Journalism community. She could hear her Mother greeting Chloe and Aurore downstairs. Making sure to put on the finishing touches of her makeup, she quickly grabbed her newly bought purse and put in a few macarons for Tikki. Tikki quickly swooped in and settled herself in the secret compartment. She quickly opened her cellar door to allow Chloe and Aurore up.

“Netti~ that dress of yours is truly exceptional” Aurore gushed while grabbing Marinette's hand and twirling her around. Marinette's’ Dress had a more professional style since it was a formal event. The skirt reached above her knees and the top was gray and the skirt was white. The Cape, however, was white as well. The dress was formal but still had a twist like all of her MDC designs. Marinette felt sophisticated, for once.

Suddenly her Mamans’ head popped up, she pushed herself up and that was when Marinette noticed she was carrying a small box.

“Chloe, Aurore, Tom has a few pastries and hot chocolate prepared for you two downstairs, Chloe dear I believe he has prepared a few cheese and berry danishes as well…...” Sabine teased with a knowing smile, Chloe's love for Cheese and Berry danishes were well known throughout the Dupain Cheng household.

‘MIIINNNEEEE thankyouthankyouthankyouu” Chloe squealed, quickly dragging Aurore down the cellar door opening.

Marinette couldn't help but shake her head at Chloe's antics. Honestly, that girl will probably hand over government secrets just for a plate of those Danishes.

“Marinette Honey, I have something I want to give you that once belonged to your mother Alexei.” She gently handed her the small jewelry box.

Gently opening the box Marinette couldn't help but gasp when it revealed a gold armband that was decorated with thin golden leaves. Her mother gently lifted it out and clasped it onto Marinette's arm. It matched perfectly with the dress.

Over the last few days, Sabine has been giving Marinette jewelry, clothing and other stuff that once belonged to Alexei. Some of the clothing was too big but Marinette is nothing but a miracle worker when it comes to upcycling.

Marinette had Alexeis’ old fencing uniform set up in the corner. Maybe Marinette should take up Fencing next year? And Actually, focus on it and not do it for the sake of a boy. A spineless cowardly boy.

Quickly hugging her Maman and whispering a thank you, Marinette climbed down the cellar door after her Maman.

Once in the living room, Marinette spotted Chloe inhaling Danishes and Aurore frantically pressing buttons on her game controller, trying to beat her Papa, and her papa was winning.

"NOOOO HOW'D YOU EVEN DO THAT!?" Aurore practically screamed, Tom had used a cheat and managed to beat Aurore ruthlessly.  With her head hanging low, she stood up and walked towards Marinette Marinette thought she saw the shadow of a pout. Chloe quickly joined them after one last gulp of hot chocolate.

"Mr.Dupain I hope one day you will teach me your ways," Aurore asked with admiration.

Giggling at her friend's antics Marinette quickly kissed her dad and Her Maman before pulling them out the doorway. Marinette was grateful for her friends and parents. However, she was less grateful whenever she saw signs that her room was slowly getting taken over by Chloe. Seriously she had already called dibs on the top bunk and had covered it with Custommade Queen bee sheets.

“Girls are we Queens or are we, Queens?” Chloe asked with a flair. She knew damn well they all looked bloody gorgeous. Quickly making sure to open the limos’ door, Chloe Bourgeois goes all out or nothing, she practically shoved Aurore and Marinette in. Quickly they sped off but not before making a quit stop to pick up Kagami. Chloe did not stutter when she saw Kagami in her dress thank you very much. Still, Chloe couldn’t help but keep stealing glances at her while in the limo what can she say she liked red.

Aurore and Marinette couldn’t help but look at them in Exasperation. Really could they not save the ogling until after they were out of the limo?

Marinette quickly turned around and decided to content herself by staring out the window. She couldn’t help but be nervous, now would be a perfect time to tell the girls about her discovery around her origins. She knew they could keep it a secret heck they would probably help her in her endeavor to find and talk to Mr.Wayne. Still she was worried. What if they looked at her differently, not as Sabine and Toms child, but as the child of Bruce Wayne?

“We’re here~” Chloe loudly announced the door was quickly opened and the girls were helped out. Thanking Jean-Paul, Marinette followed the girls in.

Grand Paris Hotel                                                                                       Paris City                                                                                                      8:15 pm

Bruce was quickly adjusting his cuffs.

He then proceeded to help Damian with his, despite his protests.

“Father I can do them myself” although Damian didn’t fight it off as much. After assuring himself that the Cuffs would meet Alfreds Standards, Bruce couldn’t help but make sure that Dick's tie was well adjusted, although he didn’t protest it all of course. Quickly taking a final glance around the suite he quickly ushered Damian out and followed leaving Dick to lock the suite's door. Soon they were situated in a limo that was provided to them by the representatives of Wayne's Industries Paris Branch.

Dick couldn't hide his excitement. He might have another little sister

“Oh my gosh, I can't wait to see this kid. What if she is a Wayne kid. I'll get another little sister, ohmygosh I'm going to have to introduce her to Wally, Artemis, Zatana and ohgeeezzz Babs I-”

“Grayson shut up or I will” Damian bit out. Honestly, Damian wasn't happy at the fact that he might have another blood relative. At least he's older and obviously far better. He's a superhero and an heir to the League.

Bruce could tell that Damian was a bit Miffed about the fact that there might be another Wayne Blood child and worse off she was a girl. Thank god that they weren't that different age-wise.

Once they arrived, they quickly stepped out. Damian was flagged by Dick and Bruce. Once inside Bruce was immediately approached by an overeager mayor.

"Mr.Wayne We are so deeply honored to have you join us this night. Please Please if you have anything you need us to do to make your evening more comfortable please feel free to inform me" Mayor Bourgeois urged although he didn't seem to want to stop shaking Bruce's hand anytime soon.

"Mayor Bourgeois Please allow me to introduce you to my Sons, This is my oldest son Richard and this is my youngest Damian" Bruce quickly pried his hand out of Bourgeois' grip to push Dick and Damian in front of him.                  

Yes, he knew that it was very dirty of him to sacrifice his sons to Andre Bourgeois but honestly Bruce was keen on finding Dupain-Cheng. Although that didn't stop Dick from sending him a glare.

Quickly walking off he started walking around and occasionally stopped to chat with Journalists or Businessmen. He quickly passed two blondes who were too busy talking to another Journalis-Hold up.

"Lois Kent? I didn't expect to see you here tonight?" Oh god, Bruce has the worst luck. If she was here that most likely meant that boy scout wasn't far away.

"Bruce Wayne, I was invited to attend. I am a respected Journalist outside of the States, also I have the assignment to cover in Brussels concerning recent events within the United Nations " Lois couldn't help but be entertained by his slight confusion. Lois and Clark have received recognition and awards for their work, especially since certain people like to take some of the most dangerous jobs. Lois used to take extremely dangerous assignments up until she got pregnant, now she only takes slightly dangerous jobs.

Yes, there is a difference. No matter what Jon says. Before she can even tell Bruce that Clark was still at home with Jon, he hurriedly shook her hand goodbye.

"Well, we will have to catch up later Lois" I have to go.

"That's Fine Bruce." Do what you have to do. Lois quickly turned her attention back to Ms.Aurore and Ms.Bourgeois and went back to answering their questions surrounding Journalism.

Bruce had caught a glimpse of blue hair while he was talking to Lois. Still scanning the crowd he was able to catch another glimpse of Dick and Damian who both seemed to be still stuck in a conversation with Bourgeois. About to take a quick turn he suddenly bumped into someone. Grabbing the arms out of instinct. He quickly steadied them slightly crouched down due to the short stature of the person. He suddenly looked up. With a jolt of realization, he realized that he was staring into familiar baby blue eyes.

His but on someone elses face.

[shastelly]

Cozy - March Klance Prompts from MonthlyKlance - Day 17

Anyone order farmboy Lance?

Day 17 – Cozy

 Keith and Cosmo were driving down the long lane that lead back to the McClain family farm. Sure, Cosmo could have teleported them in, but sometimes Keith actually liked to drive.  He'd picked up an old motorcycle and had a special side car made for Cosmo.  He wasn't sure how much longer the space wolf was going to fit in it, so they had to use it while they could.  Pidge had already asked if she could buy it off of him when Cosmo outgrew it.

 The bike sped along the dirt road kicking up a trail of dust behind them.  Keith grinned as he stepped on the gas, it was going to be fun sliding a bit around the curves, not too much though.  The last time he'd slid at too steep of an angle for Cosmo the wolf had blinked them both out and the bike had wrecked.

 The summer sun was beating down and it must have been ninety degrees outside, but with the wind whipping around him, he didn't even feel it.  He'd taken off the helmet when they reached the lane and his hair was whipping around in the wind.  It all felt so good and relaxing.  He needed this vacation.  His work with the Blades was great and he really felt that he was doing good, but it was stressful at times and he still saw a lot of the bad out in the universe. He needed some time to recharge.

 One either side of the lane rows and rows of plants stretched out bright green.  Just past those fields, at the end of the lane was the big two-story white farm house, complete with picket fence around the front yard.  There were flowers blooming in beds and a huge garden at the side of the house. Beyond the house was an old wooden barn and two metal sheds.  A hay elevator was set up into the hayloft of the wooden barn, an empty wagon sat next to it. Behind the wooden barn stretched pasture and Kaltendecker and her cow buddies were out in the field.  It looked like there were several calves as well. Keith didn't know thing one about baby cows, but they looked cute.  Beside the pasture were the hayfields.  Keith could see two tractors out in the field.  One tractor had a large contraption behind it and as he watched it dropped a huge stack of hay out onto the ground behind it.  The other tractor had a smaller contraption and small rectangular bales of hay were spitting out of it and back to a wagon that was hooked behind it.  Two people were on the wagon picking up and stacking the bales.  Even from this distance Keith was sure one of them was Lance. He was wearing jeans and a long-sleeved blue t-shirt and a straw hat of some kind.  

 Keith smiled and watched them for a little while before parking the bike next to a silver van by the house.  There was a red sports car, a beat-up old truck, and a sedan parked nearby as well. As he was getting off the bike, he heard a voice from the house.

 "Keith!"  Veronica waved from the house.  "Hey, glad you could make it!"  She stepped out of the house wearing a t-shirt that said, "My girlfriend can kick your boyfriend’s ass".  

 "Axca get you that?"  He asked laughing.

 "Maybe." she grinned.  

 "Why aren't you out in the field?" Keith wondered.  She looked dusty and her hair was pulled back and sweaty.

 "Oh, Luis, Papi, Nadia and I just finished unloading a wagon.  We just needed a lemonade break and some air conditioning."  She waved toward the house.   "Lisa is inside with the new baby, or rather she's getting a nap and Mami has little Laura.  Rachel is making stacks, Slyvio is driving the baler and Lance and Marco are on the wagon. They'll be back in a bit with another load.  You might as well come in and get some lemonade."

 "Slyvio is driving?"  Keith turned and shaded his eyes to look at the tractor in question.  "He's gotten tall."

 "Yeah, and he's not doing too bad with the driving either.  I think he's only knocked Lance off the wagon twice." She laughed as Keith frowned. "Don't worry, Keith, a little fall from a hay wagon isn't going to stop Lance."

 "Yeah. I guess not."  Keith shrugged and pretended he hadn't been concerned, but Veronica had spotted the quick frown and tension.  The idea of Lance getting hurt still freaked him out, a lot.

 He went inside and was greeted warmly by the family waiting.  

 "It's nice to see you."  Lance's dad smiled.

 "Keith."  Luis nodded.

 "Keith, hold Laura for a moment, would you dear?"  

 And Keith found himself with his arms full of baby, while Lance's mom got him a glass of lemonade.  He smiled down at the sleeping little face, her skin was as dark as her father, but her hair was a little lighter, more like her mom's.  She looked so sweet that he was completely shocked when she opened her eyes and screeched at him.

 "Um…help?"  Keith looked up with slightly panicked eyes and Luis rescued him, by sweeping the baby into his arms and swinging around with her.

 "It's okay Keith.  She's a little cranky and doesn't like to be still."  Luis explained laughter dancing in his eyes.

 "Pick me up, Tio Keith, I won't scream."  Nadia tugged at his sleeve and he smiled as he lifted her up onto his shoulder and she squealed happily.

 "I thought you said you wouldn't scream?" He teased.

 "Happy screams don't count."  She explained.

 About an hour later he heard the tractor pulling into the barnyard.  He and everyone but Lance's mom, Lisa and Laura made their way outside, and Cosmo, the big traitor laid in the living room and refused to go back into the heat.  Lance was sitting on top of a wagonload of hay that was at least twelve feet from the wagon bed up in the air.  Marco had taken over the tractor and Slyvio was sitting on the big wheel-well next to him.

 "Keith!"  Lance waved from his perch.

 Keith waved back.  

 Marco stopped and Lance shimmied down the front of the bales and hopped down from the wagon.  He disappeared for a moment and the popped back up waving at Marco, who pulled the tractor and baler away leaving the wagon behind.

 "Come help me push?"  Lance asked and Keith walked over to the empty wagon.  Lance had picked up the wagon tongue and was using it to steer as he tried to push it and get it moving.

 "Where?"  Keith asked unsure what he was doing.

 "Just step up to the wagon and push till it gets rolling, then help if it slows or anything.  It's just hard to get them started, then it will roll pretty good, just don't go too fast, it's been years since I ran one of these into the barn, but I don't want to repeat."  Lance laughed.  Keith nodded and pushed.  It did take some effort to get it started, but it was easy after that.  Lance parked it next to the barn, letting the tongue down to stop it from moving.

 "Lance, your turn in the hay-mow!"  Veronica yelled.  She was already unhooking the full wagon from a four-wheeler she'd used to pull it up next to the elevator.  Nadia had scampered up to the top of the hay bales like a little monkey and sat there smiling.  Marco had climbed down from the tractor.

 "I gotta go!  I have class tonight!"  He waved to everyone and Lance groaned.

 Luis laughed as he climbed onto the tractor.  "You haven't had a turn yet, take Keith."

 "Sure, take Keith."  Lance grumbled.  "Hey Keith, did you want to get super sweaty and exhausted on your vacation?"

 Keith laughed and possibly blushed, it was hard to tell in the sun, "Tell me what to do and I can help."

 "Well first, do you like that shirt?  Cause it make get a hole or something."  Lance raised an eyebrow and pointed to a couple of holes in his own t-shirt.  "Second, never mind, I'm not letting you do this in short sleeves.  I'll get you a shirt and gloves to wear."  

 "Okay."  Keith shrugged.  "Why long sleeves?  It's hot."  He wondered.

 Lance chuckled darkly, "You think this is hot, just wait until we get up in the hay-mow, it's downright cozy.  The long sleeves are so your arms don't get too scratched up."  He pulled his sleeves up to reveal several red marks on his wrists and a few up his arm.  "They aren't armor, but they help."

 Lance returned shortly with a long-sleeved red shirt and a pair of soft leather gloves.

 "I have gloves."  Keith objected.

 "And if you want to have pieces of hay shoved under your nails until they bleed, please feel free to wear them."  Lance snarked.

 "Fine."  Keith muttered changing gloves and following Lance up the wooden stairs of the old barn. The metal roof let some light in around the edges and old light fixtures dimly lit the interior.  

 Lance flipped a switch and a rattling sound came from above them as a conveyer began spinning.  Lance climbed up a stack of bales against a wall and stuck his head out the window where the elevator came in.  He waved and then climbed back down.  

 "Okay, they're starting.  We just need to stack the bales here.  They'll drop down off the conveyor here, see where it kicks them off?"  Keith nodded there was some sort of metal thing up where Lance pointed.  "Make sure it doesn't fall on your head."  Lance smirked and then watched as the first bale dropped from the elevator onto the conveyor and then plopped with a heavy thunk onto the floor.  He grabbed it and lifted it by the strings and carried it over to the stack, slotting it neatly into place.  

 Keith watched as the next one fell.  He quickly moved to pick it up and was a little shocked by the weight.  It was well over a hundred pounds.  Still he could lift that without issue.  He moved over to the stack and place the bale.

 "Oops, sorry, need to change direction on each layer or it will just fall over." Lance corrected.  

 Keith adjusted his bale as Lance brought another over and he heard his next bale fall. He hurried over to grab it and just was out of the way as the next one fell.  He huffed as Lance laughed and managed to get this one in the right place.

 Some hundred or so bales later, Keith was panting.  It was like a furnace up there, the heat collected under the metal roof and it had to have been over a hundred and ten degrees.  His hair was soaked, sweat dripped in his eyes, his shirt was soaked, even his pants were soaked with sweat.  On top of that the dust from the dried grass stuck to him everywhere. He felt like he was coated in it. It was in a word gross.

 "This is cozy?"  Keith huffed.

 Lance grinned at him.  His face darkened from the dirt and just as sweat soaked and filthy as Keith.  He climbed down and grabbed a water jug, pushing it at Keith.

 "Drink. I'll see where we are at with the next load."  Lance laughed at Keith's groan as he made his way down the steps.

 Keith swigged the water.  He was sure it wasn't completely clean, the jug had been sitting up here after all, but the ice-cold water tasted divine in his dry throat and he drank almost all of it. Only stopping when a guilty thought that Lance might want some too passed through his brain.

 "Okay, good news and bad."  Lance shouted as he pounded up the stairs.  

 "Good first."  Keith requested.

 "Only one more load."  Lance gave him the finger guns.

 "Bad news." Keith sighed.

 "It's already here."  Lance took a quick swig from the jug as the first bale appeared and Keith groaned.

 The second load went faster, and Keith was glad to see he seemed to be getting the hang of it.  When Lance turned off the conveyor, Keith was shocked by the stillness.

 "Mom says be sure to get cleaned up before dinner!"  Veronica yelled.  "It'll probably be awhile for the shower!"  She laughed.  "There are like six people in front of you in line."

 Lance sighed and sat back on a bale, drinking some of the water.

 "Isn't that gone?"  Keith frowned, worried he'd drank too much earlier.

 "Nah, more of it melted."  Lance passed him the jug as he peeled off his shirt.  

 Keith found himself missing his mouth as Lance's defined abs appeared in front of his face, glistening with sweat.

 "In your mouth is better,” Lance chuckled.

 "Yeah, guess I'm tired."  Keith managed to get the next mouthful down as Lance used his shirt to wipe his face.

 "You okay?"  Lance questioned.

 "Sure. Fine."  Keith managed to squeak.

 Lance sat next to him so that his bare shoulder touched Keith.  He turned and smiled slowly.  The Altean marks on his face were nearly glowing in the dim barn.

 "Thanks for helping."  Lance smiled as his eyes met Keith's.

 "No problem."  Keith found he couldn't look away.  "You okay?"

 "Sure."  Lance answered easily.

 "You okay if I kiss you?"  Keith asked breathlessly.

 "I'm like gross and sweaty,” Lance frowned.

 "Sweaty yes, gross no."  Keith murmured a hand reaching to brush Lance's sweaty bangs from his face.

 "Oh."  Lance's face got even redder than it had been from the heat.

 "So, okay?" Keith asked again.

 "Um, yeah, okay."  Lance blinked as Keith pressed their lips together, his hand gently cupping Lance's chin.

 Keith leaned into the kiss, his other arm reaching around Lance and pulling him closer. Their bodies were sticky with sweat and heat and the contact almost burned.  Lance leaned into Keith and they overbalanced falling backwards onto the hay bale.  Keith rolled slightly propped up on an elbow and pressed Lance into the hay deepening the kiss.  Eventually Keith had to stop to breath.

 "So cozy?"  Keith smiled.

  "Yeah, cozy."  Lance reached up and pulled Keith back down into another kiss. 

[bimbelygimbly]

They're both literally like, my blorbos or something :3

[bimbelygimbly]

Oh yeah, by the way, I recently got into Nadia: Secret of the Blue Water while I was away. Jean and Nadia are equally so dear to me, but each for different reasons.

[hi-im-secretly-satan]

The Sharpest Lives

Fandom: Banana Fish Pairing: Shorter x Ash Word count: 2154 Warnings: Explicit underage, dubcon Tags: post Angel eyes, pre Banana Fish Ao3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/18279836 Summary: The first time Ash came to Chang Dai, it was pouring. He stood in the entryway with a scowl on his face, wiping his bloody nose.

He sniffed and dropped his hand. He avoided Shorter’s gaze as he replied, “Fucker kicked me out.”

-

After Dino kicks him out for a few days, Ash seeks refuge at Chang Dai. Shorter is willing to take him in, but doesn't expect Ash thanking him the only way he knows how. **Notes:** Written for my dear friend AJ for their birthday! Please note this contains dubcon so please read this at your own risk

The first time Ash came to Chang Dai, it was pouring. He stood in the entryway with a scowl on his face, wiping his bloody nose.

“Sorry, we’re closed for…”

Nadia trailed off when she saw the state of the unexpected customer, her hand wiping down the counter coming to a halt. Shorter looked at the entrance to see what had shocked her and almost dropped the stack of bowls he was carrying. He haphazardly dumped it on a table, teetering closely to the edge.

“Ash? What are you doing here?”

Ash sniffed and dropped his hand. He avoided Shorter’s gaze as he replied, “Fucker kicked me out.”

Shorter took in Ash’s appearance. His shoulders were tense, ready to fight. Water, blood—maybe even tears—dripped onto the doormat. He reminded Shorter of a stray cat, driven into a corner, hissing and crouching, ready to attack anything that threatened to harm it. “You got a place to stay?”

Ash shook his head. Water droplets hit the freshly cleaned glass door behind him and slowly trickled down, but Shorter couldn’t find it in him to care. He shared a look with his sister. She seemed to understand, nodding before she turned toward the apartment and left them alone.

He turned back to Ash and jerked his head. “Come on in. You hungry?”

This seemed to catch him off guard, like he hadn’t expected Shorter to accept him so easily. Hesitantly, he walked into the shop, finally letting his curiosity show as he looked around. Shorter picked up the bowls again and nodded at the bar stools. “Sit down. We should still have some mutton stew left.” He watched from the corner of his eye as Ash cautiously sat down on a bar stool and reached for some napkins in an attempt to stop his bleeding nose. With more questions than answers and the feeling something was very wrong, he shouldered open the door to the kitchen.

-

When he returned, Ash sharply looked up. When he saw it was just Shorter, he slumped in his seat. A bunch of crumpled, bloody napkins lay on the bar in front of him and there were small puddles of rain water on the floor under him.

Shorter slid a bowl of stew and a plate of roasted meat on sticks under his nose and dropped himself on the stool next to him. “You’re in luck. We still had some barbecue meat left. It’s a little spicy though, I don’t know if your white ass can handle it.”

“Don’t take me for a coward,” Ash spat back, but Shorter didn’t miss him staring at the food like he was offered a meal fit for royalty. When Ash didn't make any attempts at touching it, he nudged him with his elbow.

“Eat up, it's gonna get cold. Don't worry, it's not poisoned and it tastes a hell lot better than the crap they served in juvie.”

Ash shot him another glare, but then reached for a set of chopsticks, broke them apart and took a hesitant first bite of the stew. Shorter grinned when he saw his eyes light up and dive at the food like his life depended on it.

The realisation that it probably did was a like a stab to the side.

To distract himself from that distressing thought and to fill the silence as Ash chomped down on the food, he started talking. He told him about the annoying customers of today, the process of making the stew he was eating, and run-ins he had recently had on the streets, hands gesturing wildly and pushing up his sunglasses. He hadn't even noticed Ash had finished until he pushed the plate away and tried to hide a yawn.

“Right, you must be tired.” A little embarrassed he had let the conversation run away from him, he pushed himself up and stacked the dishes to bring them to the kitchen later. “I’ll show you to your room.”

From the corner of his eye he saw Ash tense up again before rising from his own seat but he didn’t comment on it. He locked the entrance and flipped the “Closed” sign before gesturing Ash to follow him upstairs.

-

The door to the guest room was ajar. Shorter pushed it further open and stepped inside. Nadia had just finished making the bed and was fluffing up the pillow when she heard the two come in and looked up.

“You can sleep here,” she said. “There’s a towel in the dresser in case you want to shower. Bathroom is down the hall to the right.”

Shorter smiled. “Thanks, sis.”

She nodded at him, returning Ash’s unsure nod as well, before leaving them alone again.

“You can stay here as long as you need to.” Shorter stuffed his hands in his pockets and watched as Ash stepped further into the room and took it all in. “If you want I can get you one of my shirts to sleep in too.”

Ash came to a halt in the middle of the room. He stood there for a moment, before turning around and smiling. “Thanks, Shorter.”

He shrugged and grinned back. “Of course. No problem, bud.”

Then, something inside Ash seemed to shift. The tension flew out of his shoulders and his smile morphed into a more relaxed smirk. “Close the door,” he said.

Shorter frowned. The unexpected change in behaviour set him on edge, but he wasn’t quite sure why. “Why?” “Just close it.” He regarded him for another moment. When it was clear Ash was unwavering, he sighed and complied. He shut the door and when he looked back, Ash was suddenly a lot closer than he had been before. Surprised, Shorter took a step back and felt his back hit the wood behind him. Ash trailed his fingertips over his chest before flattening his palms, rubbing them up and down.

Panic set in. He recognised this behaviour now. He had seen this before, when Ash was seducing Riccardo. “Ash, what are you doing?”

“I’m thanking you, of course.”

Shorter reached up to push him away, but instead his hands landed on his sides.

“I know you’ve jerked off to me after you left juvie. There’s no need to hide it. You like me, don’t you?” Ash batted his eyelashes and let his hands slide down to tug on the loops on the waistband of his jeans.

Shorter groaned in frustration. Ash was right and he hated it. It was true that he liked him, and more than once he had wondered what it would be like to fool around with Ash. What it would be like to kiss those venomous lips, to touch and admire the scars he had caught glimpses of in the showers in juvie. What it would be like to have those lips around his cock, feel that sharp tongue work in gentler ways. He had thought about fucking him. Pounding him into the mattress or watching him as Ash rode him, his ever present façade replaced with closed eyes and open mouth, slack with ecstacy.

With Ash’s expertise, it was sure to be truly extraordinary. But this was not how he had expected it to go.

“Ash, please…” He lightly pushed him away, but Ash only seemed to take this as encouragement and sank down to his knees. He unbuckled Shorter’s belt with the skill of someone who had done it countless times, and palmed his rapidly hardening member through his boxers.

Shorter couldn’t suppress the shiver that ran down his spine. He called out his name again, but before he could say any more, the words died in his throat. Ash had taken his dick into his mouth and the sudden wave of heat and pleasure made almost all coherent thoughts vaporize into thin air. His hands found their way to Ash’s head and he tangled his fingers in his hair. Vaguely he noticed just how easily Ash took all of him in, seemingly without any effort at all. He watched as Ash bobbed up and down, mesmerised by the sight he up to that point had only dreamed about. It was better than any fantasy he had ever come up with.

Then, Ash swallowed around his dick and with a cry he threw his head back against the door, the pain hardly registering in his foggy mind. His grip on Ash’s hair tightened. Sure, he had gotten head before, but it had mostly been fumbling around in a dirty bathroom, a back alley or in juvie. Never before had it been with someone who knew what he was doing as well as Ash did. Ash swallowed again and Shorter keened. There was no way he was going to hold out long with the way Ash was working his dick and he felt the telltale heat of his oncoming release pool in his abdomen.

“Ash, I’m close,” Shorter panted, tugging on Ash's hair to pull him away so he could finish himself with his hand, but Ash refused to let himself be moved. If anything, he only seemed to be more determined to push him over the edge, tonguing his slit before taking him fully in again and hollowing his cheeks.

Shorter moaned and with Ash’s name on his lips he came, shuddering as Ash guided him through his orgasm. His grip on Ash’s hair went slack and he felt his hands slip away when Ash stood up, wiping his mouth with his sleeve. As he slowly came down from his high, he looked back at his friend and was startled to see just how cold his eyes were. That coy behaviour from before was gone and instead there was just emptiness.

In that moment Shorter was thankful that he was still wearing his sunglasses. The last thing he wanted was for him to see how much that discovery terrified him. He had already known something was seriously wrong with Ash—no, that wasn’t right. It was more like his perception of the world was wrong—but he had never realised just how bad it was. And despite knowing that, he had still let Ash do this. Had hardly tried to stop him.

He tore his eyes away from Ash’s red and swollen lips and cleared his throat, tucking himself back into his pants. “I’ll get you a shirt to sleep in.”

Ash nodded. “Thanks,” he replied hoarsely.

The sound both infuriated and oddly satisfied him. Angry with Ash and angry with himself, he turned to open the door. “I’ll be back in a sec.”

-

When he returned, Ash was standing right where Shorter had left him. Although his clothes weren’t dripping anymore, they were still damp and he was shivering. Shorter held up the bundle of clothes he had brought.

“Got you some. Also got you some pants I don’t really use anymore. They might be a little big on you though.”

Ash didn’t move to take them from him, nor did he answer. It was like he hadn’t noticed Shorter come in at all. The silence hung thick and heavy between them. Shorter shifted his weight to his other foot and eventually tossed the clothes on the bed.

“You’re shivering,” he said.

“I’m not.”

Shorter sighed. “Yes, you are. Go take a shower, man. You’re gonna catch a cold. I’ll uh, I’ll be in the room across the hallway if you need me.” He scratched the back of his head. “If you’re hungry, you can grab some food from the kitchen downstairs. I’ll be up late tomorrow since it’s kinda 2am and I’m exhausted.” The lie tasted bitter on his tongue. He knew damn well he wasn’t going to be able to sleep tonight after what just had happened between them.

Ash nodded. He finally turned to Shorter and he smiled again, but it was hollow. “Thanks. If you had hair, I’d be out of it early tomorrow.”

Shorter chuckled humorlessly. “Yeah. Good night, Ash.”

“Good night, Shorter.”

-

Back in his own room, Shorter shut the door behind him and leaned back against it. He dragged his hands down his face as the events that just transpired slowly started sinking in. He had expected their first time - if it ever even happened - to be mutual and enthusiastic. Not… whatever this had been.

He peeked down through his fingers and the image of Ash between his legs, taking his dick deeper than anyone had ever done before, seemed to be burnt onto his retinae. It caused a flutter of excitement in his abdomen and he groaned. He was torn with both disgust and exhilaration. Although Ash had initiated it, he couldn’t help but feel like he just violated him. And despite all that, there was a part of him that hungered for more. It had tasted the sweetness that was Ash Lynx and it craved to ravish him again.

It scared more than anything ever had before.

[wp-yahoo-style-1042-yahoopa-blog]

Curvy shoppers grill retail execs: 'Plus-size' applies to body shapes other than 'hourglass'

Nicolette Mason, Malissa Akay, Nadia Boujarwah, Lynne J. Coleman, Griselangel Paula, and Sara Westbrook at theCURVYcon on Sept. 8, 2018, in New York City.

Plus-size shoppers want clothing that fits their diverse figures, athletic wear that actually performs, and better styles for men.

Those were just a few of the issues that came up at theCURVYcon on Sept. 8 when five of the biggest retailers in the plus-size fashion industry joined together for a lively discussion on the state of plus-size retail, current style solutions for their customers, and challenges that lay ahead. Representatives from Lane Bryant, J.C. Penney, Rebdolls, Old Navy, and Dia&Co were all present for the panel, moderated by plus-size model and designer Nicolette Mason.

There’s a common misconception that the term plus-size applies to only one group of people; however, it’s quite the opposite.

“For a lot of companies looking at our community from the outside, it feels often like plus is kind of envisioned as this one monolithic group of women and everything within plus is the same,” said Nadia Boujarwah, CEO and co-founder of Dia&Co. “And the truth is, there are a hundred million women in this community, and so you should expect every possible uniqueness to be true within the community that we serve.”

Nadia Boujarwah speaks on the “Dear Retailer” panel during theCURVYcon. (Photo: Getty Images)

The “Dear Retailer” panelists discuss issues for plus-size retailers and consumers. (Photo: Getty Images)

This misconception is echoed by the consumer standpoint as well. During the question-and-answer period, one audience member voiced her exasperation with this issue. “As a plus-size customer, I find it incredibly frustrating that clothes are designed for hourglass figures most of the time — hugging, hugging, hugging,” she said. “I couldn’t wear jeans in high school because I didn’t find a pair that could fit me. … I’m wondering if there’s anything being done regarding … doing something for apple shapes, or different shapes in particular, not just the mostly represented hourglass figure?”

To address this, Lane Bryant’s senior vice president and general merchandising manager, Malissa Akay, said, “We do a ton of work with real customers. We have hundreds of thousands of women in our database [who] engage with us weekly and monthly on different fits.” In one example that Akay cited, the popular Allie pant was actually crowdsourced. The pants feature special fit technology, and the line includes four stretch levels as well as a no-gap waistband.

Malissa Akay talked about Lane Bryant’s approach to fit during the “Dear Retailer” panel. (Photo: Getty Images)

The audience asked questions about plus-size men too. According to Sara Westbrook, head of plus merchandising at Old Navy, men “face the same challenges as plus-size women.” She noted that plus-size males may feel a sense of disenfranchisement that’s similar to the way many females feel. “That’s a really important part of our men’s business at Old Navy,” Westbrook says, “and we have a really broad size range as well as lengths, so he can definitely find himself within our collection.”

When it comes to activewear, there are misconceptions about what plus-size women actually need or want from it, the panelists said. “We don’t have to be a ‘before’ photo,” said Nicolette Mason. “We don’t have to be active just because we’re trying to lose weight. We can love our bodies exactly as we are and still want to participate in fitness and activities.” On this topic, an audience member asked the panelists, “What are your feelings on activewear in the plus-size community, because it’s something I think everyone’s attempted and everyone really wants, but … we still want plus-size to function at the right support that we need.”

Dia&Co’s CEO and co-founder, Nadia Boujarwah, addressed the question, saying: “I think there’s a big misconception that the plus-size woman is looking for athleisure and not performance wear, and that’s just not true.” In fact, Dia&Co launched activewear for the first time earlier this year, and it’s now the largest retailer in the world to sell plus-size activewear.

Tennis champion and designer Venus Williams, who spoke at theCURVYcon on Friday night, recently revealed that she’s expanding her activewear line, EleVen, into plus sizes (exclusively with Dia&Co) to cater to curvy women who care about both fit and performance.

The panelists embarked on a wide range of discussions on issues ranging from diversity to representation, both internally and externally. Interestingly, Mason brought up a valid point that the blame shouldn’t rest solely on the brands. “As much criticism as brands get for not casting diversely, there are so few [modeling] agencies that are actually representing women above a size 14,” she said.

It’s refreshing to know that representation is being taken seriously from these brands from an internal standpoint, including people who are behind design decisions and creation. At Lane Bryant, 95 percent of its workforce are women. At Dia&Co, more than half of its staff are women of color. At J.C. Penney, “It’s just a part of our culture,” said Lynne J. Coleman, senior divisional brand management director. “It’s just the backbone of collaborative innovation, getting different opinions from all different types of people.”

Yes, there are still challenges for plus-size retailers, but there are many strides to applaud as well. Events like theCURVYcon that bring together a diverse group of women — including models, celebrities, influencers, and retailers — continue to push the envelope on plus-size fashion.

Yahoo Lifestyle live-streamed theCURVYcon 2018. Check out our full coverage and catch another great moment below: 

Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle:

• Beyoncé gave Gabourey Sidibe a compliment she could not accept. Here’s why.  • ‘Hey girl, you look good’: Curvy influencer reveals little-known trick to feeling confident  • Fashion insider reveals the secret reason brands don’t use more plus-size models 

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