#jeez how many more tags can i add? /j

[moonionraccoon]

I DID IT!! I finally updated myself!!

[crowstan]

Sanders Sides post except I haven't seen it before

Ok this post is inspired by an absolute flood of Patton and Logan in a skirt, on my Instagram, which was not anything related to any of the dnd or homestuck tags but whatever. That whole mess that happened yesterday inspired this, because as y'all know: I love analyzing things weirdly and what is blogging but analyzing your own thoughts in an odd way? Anyway, spoilers ahead because this is what I've unfortunately been leaked, which means I got this stuff via spoilers.

What is Sanders Sides? So, I actually have no idea and I want to go in bare bones because. I never get to go in with little info. All i know is that it's by Thomas Sanders (he apparently does have a tumblr, I did not look up what it was because, once again, trying to get the barest and best experience I can and I worry that may taint it in some way). All I know about Thomas is that he did vines that I really like and that he has his pronouns in all of his bio's, which so far makes him very ok in my books because I have not met one person who is in any way harmful to others who has their pronouns in their bio. Then again i don't see it often anyway but regardless. And that's literally all I know about him and Sanders Sides, so. Stuff that I have worked together with the unhealthy amount of spoilers I didn't willing get that made me want to make this. -They are all symbolic or are humanoid versions of like, different parts of someone? They're also color coded which my little color coding heart loves sm! There's morality, creativity, creativity #2: electric boogaloo, logic, anxiety, and deciet which may also be denial? not sure about the last bit. -Morality's (moralities?) name is Patton, and his color is light blue. He is the dad character and is bad with any "negative" feelings, which, mood. He is one of the sides i saw in a skirt and may be my favorite possibly, simply bc I Do Not Have Good Male Figures and he's a dad character. Name a better duo than good dad characters and my lack of any positive guys in my life that aren't my age. He's part of the "core four", whatever that means. Really likes animals? I mean that does make sense bc, morality, but also that's different for each person. overall conclusion: now my dad. (/j) -Next up: Anxiety. Name is Virgil (?), color is a shade of purple. Don't know what one bc purple is one of those colors i can't remember too well. Seems like how I imagine my anxiety but a little less focused on death. I would befriend him were in not for the fact I Cannot approach people unless I'm actually dying and even then I can't. Apparently was a "dark side" at some point but now isn't? Redemption ark ig, idk what a dark side is or if it would be equivalent enough with "evil" to have that be a redemption ark. Final conclusion: wait, is that me but cis and let loose in a hot topic? -Creativity #1. Name is Roman, color is red I think. A prince character, and I'm not sure what else to add. I think he is a theatre fan, amd also I would avoid him at all costs because as friendly as he is, we don't have the same vibes and i would panic. Definitely drinks his "respect women" juice, and it's actually "respect women" juice n not whatever the hecc it is that people who /say/ the drink "respect women" juice drinks. he'd go out of his way to make sure your drink doesn't get spiked. this man is hella good, 10/10, would trust but not talk to. -Creativity #2, apparently the brother of Roman? His name is Remus, color is green, and i say this with my full heart: I love him. he seems like the kind of person who barked at people in middle school bc he thought he was a werewolf. who drank an entire bottle of glue in kindergarten at had to go to the hospital and did it again. he's the kind of person who would offer you up a worm and tell you disturbing facts about animals and then go off and play his little games he made up with twisted scenarios. and you know what? that's amazing and i absolutely love that so much. I know nothing about him except he eats deodorant and is the embodiment of intrusive thoughts and "oh god /why/" scenarios you thought of for some reason. -Logic. Name is Logan, ah, really similar to what he represents but I mean, still a very good name. His color is dark blue, aka my favorite color besides dark grey. Really likes jam? I feel like this man has read the dictionary and has "different vocabularies" he uses for different events and people, which may be a self projection but. Def Ravenclaw vibes bc!! hear me out!! not stereotypes!! I feel this man, the literal *embodiment* of logic, would value learning and knowledge which is part of what makes a ravenclaw! so it is not self projection, it is *knowledge* (/hj). that's it, i would absolutely love to debate him sm but i feel like that would be similar to that time i talked about Quadrants with a friend for an hour and they had no idea what was going on at all.

-Last one, deceit/denial. I don't know if he's denial as i got that from a little comic that i thought was funny because it had a pun. His name is Janus (don't know how to pronounce it, been saying it like Jay-Nuhss), and his color is yellow. apparently part snake or something and!! I love snakes. Apparently was in a courtroom at one point, and we all know those are fae territory, so possibly a fae (hj). apparently has multiple arms!! which does not fit in with the snake bit, as snakes have zero arms, but regardless still cool! I know the least about him, and I'm definitely looking forward to watching him!! i love snakes sm.-

moving on from the sides slightly, apparently there's another one, who's color is orange! from someone who vaguely knows about colors but knows enough that each side more or less relates to their color, i have no idea what this side could be! best guess is it's just Thomas in a top hat. I never learned about orange because orange, yellow, some reds, and some blues are very stabby to my eyes and i will get a headache so I just. never learned it. why would i learn about a color i literally can't look at without my eyes hurting? I do know orange is a caution color, and in nature it cam be found on dangerous stuff as a "stay away!" color, and pared with black it doesn't kill my eyes and those are the Halloween colors. So maybe caution? Or some dangerous thing? It doesn't make sense, as those aren't really "sides" in the traditional sense, nor with anxiety being a sort of "caution" thing. Anyway, I would need more info on orange and, depending on how the orange color is, i may react more negatively. Like with blue Christmas lights.

-there are lots of puns!! i love puns!! i don't take the opportunity to make many, but i love them sm. just like snakes! and cats! in fact i actually know a lot about cat behavior

lmao that's literally all i have, I'll go watch the whole series and also talk about that later in smaller posts, each post being one or two episodes depending on how long it is

(ah jeez it got all messed up again, under maintenance!! sorry about that!! the tags got all mixed around too!!)

(update #2: still messed up but I'll need to not use my tablet to fix it, which i can't do rn! sorry y'all :(!! )

[rwbyremnants]

WARNINGS: Aftercare, near-fight. Also this chapter is pretty short.

So... I made an oops and posted chapter 9 as chapter 8 haha (on AO3). But I figure hey, it was already online so I'll just scramble around and add both chapters at once. Early Christmas gift or something!

=Chapter 9

The first to move was Glynda, who backed away from them both to sit back into her knees. Bowing her head slightly, she couldn't help but smile. "I hope I was to Master and Princess's liking."

"YES!" Winter burst out with a weak chuckle. "You… yes, that was… yes." A weak hand reached up to wipe the sweat from her forehead. "It's… I don't know what I was expecting coming up here tonight, but this definitely exceeded those expectations!"

Giving a light tap on her hip, Qrow chuckled to himself as he said, "You're telling me! Jeez, you're so fuckin' tight back here…" Although he took a moment to lean to one side so he could spy Glynda for himself, and gave a nod in her direction. "And thanks for helping out there. Didn't think you would with it being me, and the close quarters and all."

"Oh hush." She smiled back, hopping back to her feet again instead to find her robe. "You stuck to your word in that I didn't have to touch you, I appreciate that. And we both agreed, the point was for Winter to have a good time."

"And I did," the woman in question sighed contentedly, reaching over her shoulder to tousle Qrow's hair. "How long have you two been planning this, this… sandwich with a Wintry centre?"

"About two weeks." Qrow continued to pant, moving his hands to her hip for a moment to prepare for his exit. He wasn't about to start until she was good and ready though.

"Yes, not long after you told me of… what happened." There wasn't an easy way to say it, but Glynda sensed it was the best way. Donning her robe again, she claimed a seat to one side of them. "I took the liberty of messaging Qrow to see how you were, as well, and we both came up with the idea. We thought it might help."

For a moment, Winter merely lay in Qrow's lap and processed what they had done, and why. She found it touching in a way that not much touched her anymore. Then she cleared her throat and whispered behind her shoulder, "I… am ready to get you out of me when you are, Master."

This last was said a bit teasingly, as their play had clearly ended. With a small smirk, he gripped her hips properly, slowly pushing her upward and off his length. Finally, he felt his member slide free, flopping to one side as it exited her body. Only then could he worry about removing the latex covering.

A shuddering groan floated out of her as she grew used to having nothing holding her sensitive ring of muscle open, the sensation of air upon her insides. "Ohhh… that was intense, wasn't it?" Grinning wryly over at Glynda, she said, "Thank you, by the way. For all of this. You didn't have to agree to another session with Qrow just for my sake, but you did, and I acknowledge your sacrifice."

"Oh hush," she dismissed, collecting Winter's robe as well to pass over to her once she was stood again. "You deserved a good session after the incredible one you gave me, and he seems to make you rather happy." Although, when looking back over to their master whilst he tucked his member away and tossed the condom, she smirked. "Well, a part of him does, at least."

"More than just that part," Winter countered with a chuckle. Then she told him more directly, "Don't forget there are wipes in the bag. In fact, I'd like one, if you don't mind."

Nodding, he pulled out the wipes and handed a couple over to Winter right away, then grabbed one for himself. As he cleaned himself up, he asked, "So, what did we wanna do with the rest of the evening? Thought about sticking around to watch some more of the scenes myself."

"Works for me," Winter said amiably as she took care of herself, as neatly and without mess as she could manage. "Unless you wanted to go somewhere else, Glynda?"

"Oh, I'm happy to tag along if you'll have me. I could collect a few more Dom cards while we're on the floor for myself. Perhaps one day I'll have my own personal arrangement with one Dom in particular."

It was clear what she meant. She had noticed both Qrow and Winter growing rather close in their time together, more than what was usual for a Dom/sub partnership. Establishing a steady routine. Even if they never mentioned it or brought it to attention, it must be something more intense for someone outside the relationship to notice it. But deciding not to bring it up, Qrow only picked up the last of his clothes, shoving them on as quick as he could so as to avoid delaying the two any further. Once ready, he held the door open for them.

"Ladies."

"Thank you, gentleman," Winter answered in kind, forcing down a giggle. Then she made a grand, sweeping bow and gestured forward. "Lady Snowmane, after you."

"Why thank you, Your Highness." Glynda played along, smiling back toward her as she followed out of the room as well, followed by Qrow once he'd collected their bag and turned off the lights.

A quick stair journey later, past a Cheshire who was wearing a grin that befitted her name, and they were back to the main scene room. There hadn't been too many additions, other than a few switched places and a few new viewers. Now that he knew what to look for, he noticed there were a few people wearing the lanyards in the area. How long ago that now seemed to him.

"A lot of new faces tonight," Winter remarked, apparently on the same mental wavelength. "Must be doing some kind of promotion… or maybe there's an event we weren't told about."

"Feels kinda good to know I'm not the new guy." Qrow grinned to himself. However, he found his attentions looking to one of the acts in the corner. A woman in leather, holding the leash for her pet wearing a choke collar around her neck. Just the ticket for him, exactly what was on his magazine that Winter found on their first meeting. Turning slightly, he said, "Be right back; gonna try my luck with some people in that corner."

As Winter's eyes were entirely focused on two men splayed out below a dripping candelabra, being toyed with by two women in spiky leather outfits, she could barely spare enough attention to say, "Hmm? Oh yes, fine. You do that."

"Sweet."

Wandering away from the group, Qrow headed straight over to the area of interest to him. It didn't take too long at all for him to strike up a conversation with one of the Doms, and even with the sub wearing the collar. In fact, she was more than willing to let him take the leash and lead her in a circle a couple of times. Certainly something to get him thinking of such activities in the future.

But despite collecting a few cards and being in a good mood, when Qrow turned back around to find the others again, such a happy mood vanished instantly. There was a sight in one of the other areas he didn't want to see again. That same well-dressed, ginger-haired menace was casually leaning against one of the walls, talking to a new attendant who was wearing a lanyard. For some reason – probably just a general dislike of the thoughtless Dom – he felt strangely protective over the newcomer, and so kept back for a moment to continue watching their conversation.

Which seemed to be going frighteningly well, considering he'd just laughed. "Well, lemme tell you now, Li’l Red. Your partner's in their right mind to let you experiment with this stuff here if it’s not exactly her bag. There's no better way to finish the day than with a release."

"W-well, I'm still not sure about all this," she was saying nervously, pressed right up against the wall. "I mean, it's kinda… out there, huh? So, um, I think I'll j-just keep watching a little longer, if that's okay?"

"Oh absolutely. But I can assure you, you won't find a better Dom if petplay's what you're into. Lemme give you one of my cards and you can consider it."

But the instant he did just that, pulled a crisp business card out of his pocket and went to hand it over to her, it was knocked away. Qrow had seen quite enough and marched over to the two, and was now grabbing the scalawag by his shirt and slamming him back against the wall with a great force. A slam that was certainly loud enough to distract a few of the club members.

"Wh-what-?!" was all the girl he had been talking to could get out, wide-eyed and alarmed by the sudden violence.

"You shouldn't be handing your cards out to anyone in here, pal!" Qrow was growling through his teeth, near enough holding the other up off the floor with how tight a grip he had on his shirt. All eyes were on him and the scene before them, something far different to all the others in the room.

But his victim only let out a breath before smirking. "Pal, hey, you're interrupting everybody’s scenes. Don't wanna scare the newcomers, do we?"

The girl's voice finally spoke again, but it was soft and completely incensed. "U-uncle?!"

The words seemed to fall on deaf ears. Qrow was far too distracted with the man he was pinning, growling loudly, "I'll show you a fucking scene!"

"HEY!" came a call from one of the other members of the club. One of two women that were experimenting with the candelabra had noticed the scuffle, and left her position to immediately walk toward them. As did a few others, Doms and subs alike. Folding her arms, the girl asked, "Is here a problem here, boys?"

"N-no, no problem," the short, red-haired girl told them, raising both hands to ward the Dom off. "This guy was being kinda pushy, and my- um… the guy here was trying to protect me, I think." But the way she said "guy" made it sound as if she knew who he was, very personally; she simply didn't want to let on to anyone else.

It took a long while for Qrow to calm down. Even when he could feel the eyes on him from all around the room, he still wanted to do nothing more than pummel the man within an inch of his life. For both scaring a newcomer, and for how he treated Winter. But he resisted.

That didn't mean he was going to hide his reasons from the group.

"You don't want this scumbag to be your Dom, newbie." He still hadn't noticed just who he was talking to. Was still far too distracted glaring into the other man's eyes. "Guy's been ignoring safe words, shaming people for using them. My friend was in tears for the shit he pulled."

"Those are some strong accusations there!" Roman Candle laughed nervously, placing his hands on the top of Qrow's to try and pull them off his shirt. But it wasn't working. "With all due respect, I'm not the one threatening someone right now. Why should she believe a newbie Dom and his fake story over me, an attendee to this fine establishment for years?"

"Because he has a witness."

At last, Winter had walked over to join them where they stood, arms crossed over her chest. Her face was set and grim, not at all the nervous mess it had been the day Qrow had to pick her up. Glynda was at her side, though she had elected to keep silent for the time being.

"A-and a second instance." From the back, one of the other members raised her hands. Another of the somewhat newer faces that wasn't around that first time they came here. “He spit on me when I tried to tell him I had enough - and we hadn’t discussed spitting at all!”

But she wasn't the only one. There were a couple of other women who raised their hands, stepping forward in addition to Winter. Enough to certainly get the people who were initially there to stop Qrow to think twice. And the would-be cocky ginger knew it. He was growing more and more nervous by the second, having to fake arrogance to get anywhere.

"Oh this is bullshit! So I might have a hearing problem and didn't quite catch that safeword – so what? People make mistakes!"

"This is a mistake you can't make, Roman. Not more than once… yet it looks like you have." Winter gestured around to all the hands. "You don't seem to be learning your lesson."

"Oh god," the younger girl was breathing, trying to edge along the wall away from the man who apparently would have provided a less-than-ideal first experience with petplay.

“What’s so bad about what he did?” asked a voice. As it turned out, it belonged to Cinderella, who was standing at the edge of the crowd with her arms folded across her leather-and-lace-clad chest. “From the sounds of it, he did stop when the safeword was used. There’s nothing saying you have to like being asked to end a scene that was showing promise until that point.”

“You’re already on thin enough ice,” Winter snapped at the brunette, who glared back. “Stay out of this.”

Finally, Qrow released Roman's shirt from his grasp. What was at first glared teeth had vanished to a sly smirk instead. While he hadn't done the satisfying act of knocking his lights out, he had achieved a similar enough goal. No one was about to play with Roman again after all this.

And when he looked around to the hands and the angry faces, he rolled his eyes. "Are you serious? After how long I've been here, you're all pulling this shit now? Unbelievable."

"Too long, apparently," Glynda grumbled under her breath. Not that she had a personal stake in the outcome, since she preferred female Doms, but a single friend being made to feel less than happy by his hand was more than enough reason to put in her two cents.

"Maybe you should leave for tonight," Winter told him firmly. "Think about your choices, and how you should probably change the way you operate. Or else things might get… unpleasant."

"Perhaps you should… or do I have to ask Candy to get security?" that Dom who had first approached asked, folding her own arms as she nodded in the bouncer’s direction. The forming crowd already had their attention, though they weren’t approaching just yet.

Finally, Roman let out an annoyed sigh. Straightening his hat, he glared once more at Qrow, then to everyone else who'd stood up against him, before calling up, "Neo, get our stuff. We'll continue our fun at home, away from all these… party poopers!"

And within a few moments, once his flustered sub had collected hers and his belongings and got dressed, they made their exit down the stairs. The small crowd that had formed disbanded, up to and including Cinderella, and everyone got back to their previous scenes they'd been playing out. Qrow had taken a moment to look in Winter's direction, but from how she had been simply smiling at Glynda, he could tell she was alright.

"Sorry about that, newbie," he spoke up at last, finally turning toward her. "Saw you looked a little uncomfortable so I figured- …Ruby?!"

All his young, apple-cheeked niece could do in response was smile awkwardly, rubbing at the back of her head. Luckily for both of their peace of mind, she was simply dressed in what Eastern cultures affectionately dubbed "gothic lolita" garb; a bit kinky with all the black-and-red lace, but her body was quite well-covered.

"Ummmmm… hey, Uncle Qrow! Wh-what's up?"

"You- I- the f… What are you doing here?!" He looked around for a moment to make sure no one was listening. The last thing he needed was someone pointing out relations between them to humiliate them both.

"W-well, I- thing is, I'm not really… like I'm not about to do all this stuff! I was just curious about-"

"Oh my God," Winter said, now that the danger had passed and she was finally focusing on who was talking to her Dom. Too bad Qrow’s hopes were dashed by her noticing. "You're… Yang's younger sister, aren't you?"

Ruby's smile was most definitely forced as her eyes flicked between the two of them. "O-oh, yay! Weiss's sister! Just… all the sisters, all over the place! This is… great! So great."

"How did you even find out about The Clamp? Penny knows you're here, right?" There were so many questions Qrow had for his niece. After all, this wasn't exactly the place he expected to see someone so young, and especially not someone who he thought had no interest in any sexual activities, period!

"W-well, yeah, we discussed this first," she went on, cheeks growing redder the longer she had to stand there discussing such things with her own uncle. "Um… Winter, you have very nice, uh, leather…"

"What? OH!" Looking down, Winter realized how uncovered she was; though thankfully, her own outfit for the evening did not have open areas over strategic spots, as Glynda's did. Wrapping her arms around herself slightly, she cleared her throat. "I, um… well, this is… a very interesting situation."

Taking a moment to step back away from Ruby, Qrow ran a hand through his hair. This really was the most awkward thing that could have happened during their outing to the club. Not only was it someone he was related to, but it was someone who could relay the information about them both to more people they cared about. And he knew in Winter's case, that was even less acceptable.

"Alright, well uhhhhh, you probably know the rules of this place; what happens here stays here. But I need you to promise you can keep that. Especially with me and Winter being here. That means no telling anybody – especially Weiss or Yang, no matter what. Got it?"

Ruby nodded, wide-eyed and completely ashamed of herself. Then she suddenly looked up, as if realizing something a bit late. Which she was. "Wait a second… what are you doing here?! And with Winter! Is…" Then she gasped and pressed both of her hands against her mouth. Even with it being muffled, the "Oh my GOD" was still just barely understandable.

She had clocked on. As much as Qrow didn't want her to, his niece realised what was going on between him and Winter. If anything, that was the part he was more concerned about, rather than just the kinkier side of it. Pinching the bridge of his nose, he laughed nervously. "Look, this is just as weird for you as it is for me, kiddo. How did you even find out about this place, anyway?"

"Well… that's my fault, I'm afraid."

Winter was the first to say, "Blake!" when she spotted the raven-haired woman coming up behind them. She was wearing a red leather outfit that left little to the imagination, with studs everywhere. Crawling along the floor behind her was Sun, on a leash and looking happy as could be about it. With the small crowd of them that had gathered, Qrow could barely believe how bad his luck had gotten. And to think initially his goal was to do something nice for Winter, and it had turned into protecting his niece from a not-so-trustworthy Dom. Throwing his hands up into the air, he resigned himself to the fact.

"Great! Everybody’s here, including my family. Kinky as hell. Just great. Maybe we oughtta move to Alabama."

"Well, I'm only curious about it," Ruby tried to remind him, but her words got lost in all the shuffle.

"She’s been asking us about this kind of thing for a while," Blake explained, not looking the least bit guilty compared to everyone else. "And she's old enough to drink now, so she's old enough to make this decision herself. Nobody had to 'make' her tell Penny; they talked it over all on their own."

Qrow scoffed loudly. "Oh, yeah, she's old enough. That makes it so much better! That makes seeing my niece in a sex club way easier to handle, totally! Are Yang and Weiss here too? Hiding in the hot tub? I wouldn't even be surprised at this point!"

Up until that point, Blake's pet had kept from speaking up. Not any longer. "Don't be dumb, man! They wouldn't do any shit in public, they’re famous. Obviously they have a room upstairs."

"They do not," Blake said in exasperation, but she did smile slightly at Sun’s joke. To Qrow, she said, "I'm sorry, I honestly didn't think you'd be back to the club when I saw you here weeks ago, and I haven't seen you since, so… I thought it wouldn't hurt anything to bring Ruby along, let her satisfy her curiosity."

"And that's all it was, Uncle! I swear, I just wanted to have a look around, see what I was missing out on! Not that, um, I'll be doing any of this stuff…" Wincing at something she spotted between the bodies surrounding her, she added in a lower voice, "That is not where candles are supposed to go."

Finally sighing in defeat, he knew things couldn't get any worse than they were. The main thing was Roman had left, which meant that Ruby had no risk of getting an untrustworthy Dom if she did ever want to try. And she was surrounded by friends.

"Look, do what you want, but just stay safe… and don't mention I'm here. Or any of us. I won't tell if you won't."

"Oh, I, um…" Glancing over at Blake and Sun, then at Winter, she sighed deeply. "I don't think I'll be coming back. Don't get me wrong, I'm still curious, but, like…" Her face squirmed a little as she looked up at him. "I… think maybe coming to the same sexy theme park as your uncle is… kinda weird?"

Blake couldn't help it; she had to laugh. "Sorry, sorry. I should have realized. I mean, I wouldn't mind texting you guys to make sure you never come at the same time, if that's any better."

"Hmm…" The girl was mulling it over, thumb and forefinger on either side of her chin as she tapped her black-booted foot. "Well… I was thinking about coming back before this happened… I just don’t wanna cross the streams. Y’know?" Nobody spoke for a moment. "Ghostbusters? Really, nothing?"

"If it helps, this was just sort of a… special occasion kinda deal. Last time we came was midweek." It was somewhat embarrassing they had to make this form of compromise with a family member, but it needed to be done. Scratching his head, Qrow looked over to Winter. "I guess we could do Wednesdays if we did wanna come regularly."

Ruby dipped her head lower. "Sorry! I mean, Blake and Sun never told me you came here… but, I mean, that's probably because you're not supposed to tell who comes… but if I knew, I wouldn't try to invade your territory!"

At that, Winter had to chuckle, laying a comforting hand on Ruby's shoulder. She was adorable. When the younger girl flinched very slightly in discomfort, she patted it a couple of times and let her hand fall. "This isn't really Qrow's 'territory', either; he's only been a few times, so it's no more his than yours."

"In all honesty, I'm good whether we keep coming or not. I've only really got my eyes on one sub, anyways." And he meant it. Even if this was one of the stranger, and probably less ideal situations to bring it up, he really did mean every word: he only wanted Winter on his leash and nobody else. His curiosity about other scenes was solely with the intention of learning about the BDSM community, getting pointers.

While Ruby wasn't looking, he spared a quick glance toward Winter just to check her reaction, smiling. And of course, Winter returned the smile, softly but without reservation. What she said, however, was, "Perhaps I won't bring you on a regular basis, then. However… Blake, would you mind if I had your number so we can make sure there isn't any conflict?"

"Oh! Um, sure, here." Retrieving her cell from the bra of her kinky red number, she pulled up her number and held it out for Winter, who had to reach down into their "bag of tricks" for her own.

"You could just ask for mine," Ruby sighed. "I don't bite."

"Well, yes, but…" Winter had clearly been about to say something about her being Yang's little sister, but decided against it. Instead, she finished inputting Blake's number and held out her hand for the younger girl's phone. "Very well, I guess that would be wisest."

Yet again Qrow continued to scratch his head as they awkwardly stood together, trying to look away from both Ruby and Blake's outfits for the sake of his own sanity. Although, there was a small laugh that was distracting him from that. "What are you snickering at, butt boy?"

"Oh nothing." Blake's 'pet' was continuing to laugh to himself, shrugging his shoulders. "Just that you've definitely got the most out there story to tell if anyone ever says their life is the weirdest."

"No, he doesn't!" Ruby put in immediately as she took back her phone, waving her arms at him. "Nobody's telling anybody about this! Ever!" As Winter and Qrow both nodded their agreement with her, she glanced down. "Um, your name autocorrected to 'Princess'. Hang on, I'll change it."

Winter cleared her throat. "No, that's… well, whatever will help you remember."

In the awkward silence that passed as everyone exchanged numbers, Qrow continued to try and look around anywhere but in anyone's eyes, scratching his head nervously. Everyone else was no better, all wondering what to say. Finally, Sun perked up again, saying, "So… how about the cocktails here?"

He may have meant well, but all Qrow could do in response was roll eyes. "Go fetch some then, Fido."

[pilotbillytheskull]

The Thrill of the Chase

Guys, guys!!! I am outside! Can you believe it?

London! Oh, my beautiful London. I’d almost forgotten how much I love the crisp air and hotchpotch of smells at every corner. The buses and honking taxis whizzing by, the mumbling of countless voices and so many different faces of people going their merry ways. I can’t tell you how I’ve missed this.

Sherlock and John came back home to add some yellow symbol they found at the library to the collection of evidence and clues on the mirror. And when they left I just sort of…followed? I guess my tooth is still in John’s jacket. Otherwise I might have a post-mortem heart attack at the endless possibilities of where I could go now.

We are currently on our way to consult an expert, as Sherlock put it much to John’s delight.

Seriously though, John. You are living together with a man, who didn’t know the earth revolves around the sun. How can him not knowing everything still come as a surprise to you? I guess he just enjoyed hearing Sherlock admit to needing help. God knows, it’s not one of his strengths.

And that’s where Raz comes into play. A couple of years ago he witnessed a murder while tagging a building down by the docks. Sherlock was able to help out and ever since then he’s been a reliable help. John doesn’t seem too impressed by the young chap, but Raz has always been an acquired taste. Much like Sherlock himself, now that I think about it.

They’ve just come to an agreement, when there is a shout from the corner.

Police: Oi!

They startle and turn. Sherlock, who has been facing towards the police man reacts first. He rips his phone from Raz’s hand and starts sprinting. Raz is not far behind, but John just keeps standing there, spray bottle still in his hand. I’d have thought an army veteran to be quicker to react, but John is clearly not used to listening to his flight instinct.

Before the officer has time to reach him, a hand grabs John’s collar and spins him around.

S: What are you doing? Come on!

Sherlock shouts and starts to drag him away. It doesn’t take John longer than a blink to catch on, drop the spray can and sprint after him.

They swerve around the first corner they can find and give it their all. Feet pounding against the pavement, they dash around a few bins and into another alley. Sherlock is slightly ahead, his coat billowing behind him like a dark cloud, curls bouncing in the wind. The footsteps chasing after them have long since faded away, but they zig-zag through a few more alleyways anyway.

By the time they come to a halt, both of them are wheezing from exertion and laughter. They’ve wound up in the ratty old backyard of what smells like a cheap Chinese restaurant, eyes sparkling with euphoria from the adrenaline of the chase. John is leaning against the brick wall and can barely stand upright. His entire frame is vibrating, shoulders shaking with his giggles.

J: That… was… ridiculous.

He wheezes out, head lolling against the wall to look at Sherlock, who is in a similar state next to him.

J: That was… the most… ridiculous thing… I have ever done.

Sherlock snorts and glances over with mischief in his eyes.

S: And you invaded Afghanistan.

Another burst of hysteric giggles shakes through them, as they try to catch their breath.

J: I can’t believe, that barely two months ago I was walking around with a cane.

S: I wouldn’t call it walking, exactly. It was more of a cluttering hobble, wouldn’t you say?

J: Oh, shut up, you.

John cackles and knocks his shoulder against Sherlock, who is still giggling like a five-year-old himself. It takes them a few minutes to regain the minimum of composure, that is required for talking, let alone walking. So they just stay where they are, shoulders touching with their backs against the cold wall.

J: Jeeze.

John finally mutters. He grabs his side with a pained grimace and bends over to rest part of his weight on his upper thighs.

J: We don’t happen to have a tank of pure oxygen lying around the flat, do we? I think I could really use a pull of that right about now.

S: Oh, you don’t want to do that. It might help with the breathing, but the laughing only gets worse. Believe me, I’ve tried.

J: Of course you have.

When he straightens back up, Sherlock is regarding him with a funny, yet thoughtful expression.

S: Thank you.

John sobers at his tone of voice, brow scrunching up in confusion. The air between them is still alight with the thrill of their little adventure, but it’s calmer now. More subdued.

J: For what?

Sherlock swallows and averts his gaze. John stays quiet as he shifts slightly forward to not lose sight of his face and waits.

S: For staying.

He raises his head and meets John’s searching gaze with a timid smile.

S: Just… thank you.

Now it’s John’s turn to gulp. Even though the words might seem small, they carry a lot of meaning.

Thank you for not running away screaming the first day we met. Thank you for never calling me a freak. Thank you for having my back. Thank you for staying, even when I push you away.

John presses his lips together and grabs Sherlock’s shoulder to give it a tight squeeze.

J: Yeah. Anytime.