#josephine frost

[manbehindthemask]

Frozen flowers can still bloom, just like frozen hearts can still beat.

Thick soled boots crunched in the mixture of snow and ice that coated the ground. The temperature was brutal and cold, the wind only worsening the chill that came over the small woman trying her best to navigate. She was on a mission, giving up was not an option for her, not until she found what she was looking for.

Azalea Marino was a small, chubby woman who loved nothing more than looking cute- even while essentially hiking around the North Pole. Of course she wore layers of warm furs and plush fabric to try and keep herself warm, but that didn't do much when the cold air struck her cheeks. She hugged her arms around herself, trying to keep somewhat warm.

"Damn it." She muttered to herself. She hadn't expected this quest to be so difficult so quickly! With the blinding whiteness of glittering ice surrounding her, there was no way she could confidently navigate where she was going. Everything was an endless expanse of nothingness. It was incredibly disorienting, and a little depressing.

Azalea stopped, huffing and shivering as she pulled out the piece of paper she'd been given to steer her in the right direction. It was a page out of an old book, worn on the edges with ink slowly fading. Written alongside it was a language unspoken for centuries, so the most she had to go by was the map drawn in. But what use was a map when everything looked the same? She couldn't even go back the way she came because the light snow had already begun to bury her footprints.

She sighed, stuffing the paper back in her pocket and taking a moment to look around. How long had she even been walking? According to her cellphone it had been hours. Evening was quickly approaching and she'd need to find somewhere to set up camp.

Azalea cursed once more, shaking her head. She really deluded herself in thinking that she'd be in and out within a day's time. She knew she may as well start working on finding somewhere to settle in, the sun was growing lower in the sky by each passing moment. She might as well start now before she was left in the absolute darkness of the frozen landscape

@frostcorpsclub

[frostcorpsclub]

The fact I made Frostbitten get periods is funny in part because Jack is the last slasher who I could see handling that in any productive way

January canonically spends the week of her period submerged under water and using herself as bait to gorge on fish

Jack is like “why can’t the rest of you do that?”

It’s not an issue with Suzy bc obviously she’s been pregnant nearly their whole relationship and then she went through menopause but….

Can you imagine Josephine on her period???

[ofangelsanddemigods]

LIKE FOR A STARTER FROM JACK FROST

[chichirid]

ʚ columbina id pack ɞ

(names, pronouns, titles)

names: airelle, alouette, angelica, antionette, aurora, beatrice, charles, charlotte / lotte, coloratura, colette, damselette, dove, elizabeth, estelle, francesca, francis, harlequin, joseph, josephine, juilette, katherine, louise, lovelace, marilyn, marion, persephone, pierrot, priscilla, rosemary, valentina, victoria

pronouns: angel/angels, saint/saints, lyric/lyrics, harm/harmony, symph/symphony, doll/dolls, opera/operas, melan/melancholic, dove/doves, snow/snows, hail/hails

titles: *prn* who turns a blind eye, *prn*’s alluring melodies, *prn*’s pure wings, *prn* with lace over one’s eyes, *prn* with feathers formed from light, *prn* whose blessed voice rings out, *prn* with a melodic requiem, *prn* whose symphony echoes in an empty room / in heaven, the third harbinger, the seraph’s kiss, the delicate seelie, the corrupted angel, the blinded angel, the coloratura of heaven, the snowy angel, the frosted seraph, the angel sculpture carved from ice,

art credits: main image - https://space.bilibili.com/7198052 - reposted main image - https://www.zerochan.net/3704823 - moving gif - https://twitter.com/riruririrurun/status/1589245080485113856

[firefaerie81]

X-Men x Nyahallo part three

Part one

Part two

This time, my quest to draw X-Ladies in @nyahalloshop swimsuits brings me to some eclectic pairs!

Links to the original designs under the cut

Emma Frost - Moon Jellyfish

Monet St. Croix - Red Seraphim

Wolverine (Laura Kinney) - Shark

Scout Honey Badger (Gabby Kinney) - Bee Cute

Blink (Clarice Ferguson) - Lilypad

Nocturne (Talia Josephine Wagner) - Sakura (My favorite of this batch)

Dazzler (Alison Blaire) - Starstruck

[kidd-thundr]

Making a post to remember everyone in the MK RP

MK RP MASTERLIST

@sorceressoflight - MK1 Union of Light Shang Tsung/ Light

@jacqui-da-briggy - MK11 Jacqui Briggs

@kidd-thundr - MK1 Raiden

@lord-raiden - MK11 Lord Raiden

@darklordraiden - MK11 Dark Raiden

@leenakahnums - MK1 Mileena

@fanprincess - MK11(/Titan) Kitana/MK1 Kitana

@firelordliukangofficalaccount - MK1 Lord Liu Kang

@earthrealms-chosen-1 - MK11 Liu Kang/MK11 Fire God Liu Kang

@liukangdefenderofearthrealm - MK2021 Liu Kang

@liukangandkunglaosister - Shi Yong, MK1/MK11 OC

@thekingofsmoke - MK1 Smoke/Tomas Vrbada

@cold-nights-in-fengjian - Zephyr, MK1 OC

@earthly-diva-delovely - Josephine Delovely, MK11/MK2021 OC

@theharbringerofsouls - MK1 Titan Shang Tsung/ Titan

@halfvampiresleepyhead - Akito Valentine, MK2021 OC

@thebetterliukang - MK11 Revenant Liu Kang

@thegreatestkunglao - MK1 Kung Lao

@freaksorcerer - MK1 Quan Chi

@cassiesinacage - MK11 Cassie Cage

@the-cager - MK1 Johnny Cage

@the-razor-hat-man - MK11 Kung Lao

@bloodysakuraflowers - MK1 Vampire Kung Lao

@redstainedivy - MK1 Order of Darkness Kung Lao

@thundergodlraiden - MK11 (Vampire?) Lord Raiden

@officersonya - MK11 Sonya Blade

@vampireraid3n - MK1 Vampire Raiden

@sc0rching-fury - MK11 Hanzo Hasashi

@itswindyhereright - MK11 Lord Fujin

@thespiritscallstous - MK11 Nightwolf

@sobbingfqng - Xiao Yan, MK1 OC

@wanderingsaibot - Sai the Wraith, MK1 OC

@revengeful-lieutenant-reiko - MK1 Lieutenant Reiko

@sakvrasouls - MK2021 Kung Lao

@unclekano - MK11 Kano

@chosenone1960 - MK1995 Liu Kang

@theblackfuckindragon - MK2021 Kano

@shirai-ryu-twink - Xiaoran, MK1 OC

@your-soul-is-m1ne - MK1 Shang Tsung

@kurtis-stryk3r - MK1 Kurtis Stryker

@hydra-of-trygus - Hydra,MK1 OC

@tanya-the-umgadi - MK1 Tanya

@xinye-and-xiu-kang - Xinye Kang and Xiu Kang, MK1 OCS

@wielder-of-sent0 - MK1 Kenshi Takahashi

@not-so-lovely-astra - Astra Delovely, MK1 OC

@thedevilyouforgot - Akari, MK1 OC

@netherrealms-princess-amarantha - Amarantha, MK1 OC

@j03y-the-tr4shb04t - Josephine Delovely, MK1 OC

@chilledtothekore - MK11 Frost

@kooritarkatan-r4y - Esmeray Williams, MK11 OC

If I forgot anyone or if corrections are needed PLEASE let me know!!

[manbehindthemask]

@frostcorpsclub

Azalea certainly hadn't woken up expecting to be shattering ice crystals off of a woman's back, but here she was, doing just that. She blew a loose strand of chestnut hair out of her face before lifting the hammer once more to continue her work. She flinched each time Josephine screamed. Causing others pain, though she was willing to do it, was not something she enjoyed. Plus, Josephine was a sweet girl the more she got to know her. She didn't deserve to be treated this way.

She was thankful, at least that Josephine could assure her that what she was doing was helping her. Azalea continued, at least until Josephine went deathly still and quiet. "Josephine, are you alright? Did I do too much?" She asked, brows furrowing in concern. Before she could pester further, the door swung open. The small human jumped somewhat, then began to process what she saw before herself.

For Azalea in particular, the being in the doorway would be a gorgeous woman. They had an almost uncanny beauty about themselves, like a doll. They were stunning, yet almost too perfect, too flawless. Even with that uncanny feeling in her chest, Azalea didn't find herself unnerved. There was this voice in the back of her mind telling her to tread lightly and that she may be in danger, but it currently wasn't too loud. Then, as she glanced back to Josephine, she realized something. This person wasn't grey at all... No, they had a human skin tone and looked to indeed be completely human. She thought back to the displays of powers she'd seen thus far. Maybe this was related? At this point... Azalea didn't really know what she should be confused by.

Then her eyes fell to the little one being held by the beautiful person. She was still baffled by living snowmen, but seeing a baby one was so cute! The baby was so small and soft looking. She wanted nothing more than to ask to hold the child, but she knew she'd better not.

James? Well, with the name alone Azalea learned two things. One, this being was likely male presenting in some way, and two, with the whole theme of 'J' names, this was likely a sibling of Josephine's.

Then she was struck with that deep voice, further confirming what she thought. Her brows furrowed somewhat as James went off on Josephine about her 'disgusting medical problem'. Azalea didn't have siblings herself and she knew that they could be cruel to one another, but this almost seemed exceptionally cruel. She frowned.

There it was again, the mentioning of her being food. Azalea didn't think Josephine had any intention of eating her, but she also thought maybe it best if she get out of here before she found out the real answer. Josephine did confirm that she didn't see her as her next meal but... Azalea still felt this pit in her stomach.

When she was the one being addressed now, Azalea looked up to James, watching his expressions curiously though they told her nothing. She waited for him to finish his little tirade before she spoke up.

"I was out in the wilderness. I apologize if my manners are currently unsightly I... Have never been asked to do this before." She looked to the hammer still clutched in one hand. "It wasn't my intention to intrude and cause issues. Josephine insisted I come in with her." As the baby now leaned forward to bat at her hair, Azaleas solemn expression became far softer.

"Well aren't you just darling, little one." She cooed, leaning forward just a bit to allow the baby to toy with the large pieces of hair bound with ribbons. A soft smile rested on her lips. "You've got the brightest little eyes." She hummed.

Then she was addressed once more, glancing up to James. The way James spoke of their parents getting dinner, she had a feeling had Josephine not found her first, Azalea could easily be filling that role.

"Oh, I wouldn't want to cause any further intrusions." She shook her head.

[frostcorpsclub]

@manbehindthemask

Josephine blinked, her head kind of bobbing subtly as she tried to take in the question and Azalea's backtracking of it. Etiquette and over complicated social structure was one thing but someone caring about being offensive to her was an entirely new concept.

"I don't know, my sister calls us frostbitten, those of us that look like this-"

She wiggled her fingers in Azalea's face the way a turtle does when they're attempting to attract a mate.

"-she's so smart maybe she could get you back home!"

As these words came out of Josephine's mouth she had a thought. Shit, Azalea wasn't a ghost so she was probably SO cold! Layering could only help a warm blooded creature for so long and she had stopped being a bitch, so Josie had ought to warm her up. She grabbed Azalea by the wrist and dragged her up the stairs of the big house. The large doors creaked open loudly and slammed shut with a force that shook the ground. 

Somehow it was colder inside than out.

The main foyer they entered had a tall ceiling, dotted with a grand ice crystal chandelier in its center yet still seemed to stretch up ad infinitum. Right when the girls walked in there was a grand spiral staircase leading up to a second floor, on each side of the top of the staircase there was a string of white double doors. On the ground floor where Jopsehine and Azalea stood they were flanked by archways that lead into two different rooms. 

"You're gonna wanna wait in here." 

Azalea was barely given time before she was lead to a broom closet and urged inside, but it wasn't going to be long. It was for her safety. 

After only a few minutes the door was opened again and Jospehine was joined by a child who seemed to be about middle school age. The same purple affliction as Josephine but with greasy ginger hair. 

"Step out and bend down to Juno, this is Juno by the way!" 

"C'mere!" 

The young one tugged at Azaleas hair, placing their purple hands on her temples and intertwining with her locks. Soon Juno would begin to envelop her in a tingling sensation. Cold crept up her arms and legs and neck, cramping at her core before being ripped out of her. 

Leaving only…warmth? Not searing heat. Luke, room temperature, warmth. 

"Are you feeling OK? Juno let go of her!"

"Why are you makin' me defrost our meat anyway!" 

Josephine pulled her younger sibling off of Azalea.

"She's not meat this is-"

She stopped to let Azalea fill in the blank, smiling as she found it quite pretty.

"Juno here has a special power, you should feel like..well like you're just in a regular place." 

"I could make you drop from hypothermia right n-YEOUCH!" 

Juno exclaimed as Josephine stepped on their foot. 

[bucketsofmonsters]

Where the Light Enters - Part 4

cw: unreliable narrator, hurt/comfort, slow burn, eventual sex, enemies to lovers, past childhood sexual assault, past sex trafficking, referenced noncon, panic attacks, happy ending, the tags look scary but this is mainly a story about recovery

Cole/Female Inquisitor

word count: 3k

ao3 link

Masterlist

The place they were currently staying was called Haven. 

She hadn’t understood the first few times, had thought they were saying that this place was a haven for them in this fight. 

It didn’t feel like a haven to her. 

Haven was a lot of things. 

She was told there had been important things here, years ago. Some sort of religious symbol. She’d been told about it like it would mean something to her. Very little that they said meant anything to her, but at least usually it was about things in current times that might actually affect her, not just legends of some artifact long gone. 

It was also allegedly a home, a place where they could seek refuge. If that was what it was, she thought she would probably hate it less than she did. 

The cold was the first thing she took grievance with. She’d had to pull strings and call in favors to get enough furs to be able to survive the cold, let alone feel anything close to alright in it. 

Everything was so far apart too, insisting you go out in the cold in order to get anywhere. 

There was also the matter of how open it was. She was accustomed to squirreling herself away, letting her existence fade into the back of people’s mind when she did not need anything from them. 

Even as an important figure for this group she’d stumbled into, she thought she’d be able to hide on occasion if it weren’t for the fact that there was no way to move in the open space against stark, white snow without drawing the attention of everyone within a mile radius. 

Haven was a lot of things. Easily defensible was not one of them. So when the enemy came, seeking the power that had embedded itself into her palm, there was little they could do. 

When the first chance to flee presented itself, she took it, running through old paths half remembered by some chantry member who’d been there far longer than they had. 

She’d immediately taken the side of abandoning it all. This place was worth nothing to her, less than nothing even. 

And so they fled. 

They were out before the army could even really draw close. 

Cole was nowhere to be found as Haven was taken, as their sanctuary was razed to the ground. 

They escaped into the mountains, where it was somehow impossibly colder than Haven was. She was glad she’d been layered in her furs, half convinced she’d have frozen to death by now if she hadn’t. Every time she saw one of the chantry folk in their robes she would wonder how they could be standing and moving around like they were. Even in as many layers as she had, her hands were frozen solid, planted firmly between her thighs trying to sap some heat from the rest of her. 

She saw a layer of frost developing on Cullen’s armor and shivered sympathetically. She hadn’t even considered how cold the metal would get in temperatures far below freezing. 

Him and Cassandra seemed completely unphased by this, instead bickering about something in the corner. Josephine and Leliana quickly joined them, all fighting about something.

They kept trying to draw her into the conversation and get her to make choices. She steadfastly refused, bundled up on a crate under a hastily constructed overhang, trying to avoid the snow that lay in both directions. 

She did a silent head count as she sat there. Bull came over and ruffled her hair affectionately, leaving her another blanket before heading off to help his Chargers. 

She saw Solas stomping around and groaned internally, wishing that he’d been left behind somehow. 

Varric smiled at her in the distance, off helping some stragglers alongside Blackwall.

Some new mage was there, and Cullen came over to inform her that his name was Dorian and he’d warned them of the coming attack. 

She gave him a polite wave and then went back to ignoring him. 

The only person she recognized who was missing was Cole. 

It was too much to hope that he was permanently gone. It was not unheard of for him to disappear for long stretches of time. She was sure he would be back, sooner rather than later. 

But still, she couldn’t help but wonder if he’d be able to find them, out there in the mountains, where even the monster that had come to hunt them couldn’t seem to find any trace of their army. 

She wondered even more so when they found this new home. 

Skyhold, someone had called it, she was fairly certain.

She shouldn’t have wanted to see him there. He was a nuisance more than anything. 

And yet she found herself looking in dark corners and seeing if that vacant look would show up in anyone’s eyes as they got that nagging feeling that they’d forgotten something after Cole left them a little better off.

She wondered if maybe she’d begun forgetting him. 

She wasn’t sure why Cole hadn’t made her forget it all already. It would make things easier for him.

But then again, he seemed a lot less concerned with ease than she was.

No, making things easy and safe was never something Cole wanted. 

Part of her thought that he did it very intentionally. That one of two things was happening. That either he wanted her to remember all the threats, to make her careful, or worse, he thought remembering him might help her. 

But she didn’t want to think about that so she stamped it down deep inside her. 

And then, one day, a week into moving into Skyhold, she saw him. He was up on the battlements that lay on the edge of their new castle. He was perched on an overhang with no one else looking up at him. 

She could see him. She wondered if she was the only one who could or if it was simply that no one had bothered to check. 

Either was acceptable, so long as no one questioned him too much. With the secrets he’d gathered, she’d prefer if no one but her ever noticed him again. 

Because that was the problem. He needed her alive, but somehow he hadn’t seemed to realize that he didn’t need her safe and happy, didn’t need her in a position of power. 

Just alive.

She wondered why he hadn’t plucked the thought right out of her head the way he had so many others. 

She didn’t expect to see him again for a while after that. He seemed more than content to lurk in the shadows on his own, far less friendly than he used to be. She stopped looking for him at all after she saw that he’d found his way to Skyhold. 

It was unbecoming to look for him like this. 

The next time she saw signs of him, he wasn’t actually present. There was a small pastry on her bed with a little nineteen piped atop it, one she recognized instantly. She’d been given one just like it on her birthday years ago, a lower number written across the top then, though she could barely remember what it was. The years all blended together. She’d been given it by someone who’d thought they were doing something nice. She supposed in that way it was a perfect mimicry.  

It probably meant it was her birthday. 

It turned her stomach to look at it. Even if it hadn’t been tied to a wretched man, it reminded her of her march towards undesirability, closer to losing the only thing protecting her.

She picked it up and disposed of it immediately, trying to purge the thought of it from her mind. 

Cole graced her presence a few hours later. “I didn’t mean it to hurt,” he said, her heart skipping a beat as he appeared out of nowhere. “It was your birthday and I saw it. I thought it might help. It’s hard to tell with you, everything is so tangled in the hurt.”

“Fine,” she spat. “Next time you’re not sure, just leave it alone.”

“I don’t know how to help.”

“That’s why you should leave it. Since when do you try to help me anyway? What happened to me causing the hurt and you wishing you could kill me.”

“I can’t kill you. I should still do something.”

“There is nothing you can do for me,” she said, not even angry at him. It was simply true, a fact that she was informing him of. She was beyond helping. “Focus on people who might actually appreciate it, alright?”

She didn’t wait for a response before storming off. 

Two weeks passed before she saw him again. He’d taken her advice and left her alone and she was better for it. 

And then, in two weeks, Bull’s eyes got vacant in that familiar way that she’d come to understand meant Cole had helped him and she got mad. 

It usually didn’t matter, when anger overtook her. It wasn’t like she was allowed to let anyone see. 

But Cole had caused this, and she could be angry at Cole all she liked. Nothing she could do would make him buy into the meek girl everyone else saw so she could be as mad at him as she wanted. 

So she went to see Cole. 

She didn’t know where to look but it was like he knew she was looking. He showed up for her so quickly and she wondered if maybe he didn’t realize how upset she was.

“You helped him,” she shouted, accusationally. “You helped Bull. You know what he’s done! How could you do that?”

“He doesn’t know he’s done anything. It’s a mistake. You could tell him and he would stop.”

She was fully aware that she was being unfair and it did nothing to stop her. “You know it’s not that simple.”

“You hurt people,” he said softly. “And you deserve help.”

“It’s not the same,” she insisted.

“No, it’s not. You know you’re hurting them.”

Her breath came in stuttery and she hated that this was affecting her, that she couldn’t even be angry properly. “I’m doing what I have to. I don’t have another choice.”

“There’s always a choice,” he said, irritatingly and never-endingly inexpressive. She couldn’t read him, not even a little, and yet he could peer directly into her head like it was nothing. 

It just wasn’t fair.

“Shut up,” she hissed. 

“You can be mad if it dims the hurt,”

It made her ten times as angry to be given permission to be mad. 

She picked up the thing nearest to her, some dusty book someone had forgotten about, and threw it at him. 

He dodged it easily, without even thinking. 

She stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind her as hard as she could. The sound of it echoed through the stone hall. It didn’t make her feel any better. 

She left without Cole the next day. 

They were heading to a desert somewhere to go close rifts. Solas had begged her to look for elven artifacts and she’d promised him they would and then immediately disposed of the request mentally. 

She’d brought that new mage with her, Dorian she was pretty sure his name was. 

He seemed lovely by nature of his greatest virtue, not being Solas. 

Bull offered to tag along. He never seemed to stop offering lately and she didn’t have the energy to shut him down, so he came too. 

Blackwall also went with them, just by nature of being in the armory when they were suiting up to head out. She didn’t mind. He was a good shield and endlessly noble, set on ensuring she didn’t get hurt. 

He seemed distressed over how young she looked, not enticed by her like some of the other men in the Inquisition were. It didn’t matter to her, as long as he kept her safe. 

It was a quiet affair. Dorian was a chatty one, trying endlessly to strike up conversation, but neither she nor Blackwall would take the bait, just stomping through the desert. 

Bull tried to engage him in conversation but Dorian was not fond of Qunari so that devolved quickly. She didn’t pay too much attention, more than content just kicking up sand as she walked. 

A few hours into wandering the hot desert, they found a rift. It was hard to hide from the chaos of the battle in a desert, with far too few things to cower behind until it was all over. She just hunkered down as best she could and trusted her companions. 

She was looking away when a stray spell from that new mage hit her, the bolt of light embedding itself into her shoulder, searing pain shooting through her. 

She yelped, curling in further on herself in an attempt to make herself small. 

It felt like an eternity before it was over. 

Dorian rushed over, apologies spilling out of his mouth as his hand pressed into the wound. 

She flinched away from his touch as it made the wound sting worse. Blackwall went to lift her up before Bull pushed past him, hauling her into his arms. 

She wished Blackwall had been allowed to do it. 

She barely paid attention to anything but the pain as they made their way back to Skyhold. 

It did occur to her that with anyone else, they’d just push through this injury, take a health potion, bandage it up, and keep on going. She wouldn’t even have thought twice about it, except for when she had to feign sympathy. 

She was dropped off at the medical tent at Skyhold and the three men were shooed away, the woman there insisting that they really did not have enough space for three grown men, one of them a Qunari at that, to be loitering. 

They got her fixed up pretty quickly. It wasn’t too severe an injury, all things considered, necromantic spells just tended to leave a lingering bone-deep ache that other types of magic didn’t. 

It would last a long time, she was told. She might feel it when it was about to rain, told like it was a joke that she’d be stuck with this pain, rolling in with the thunder. 

She was given something for the pain when she asked, and she was sure she only got it because she was the Inquisitor overreacting to something that wouldn’t have phased any other soldier. 

And then she was sent back to her room, the tent too busy with actual injuries to deal with her any longer, even if she was a girl who’d stumbled into a leadership position.

Any other leader would have given up their cot immediately, insisted that the medical care go to people who really, truly needed it. She just grabbed her pain medicine and left. 

She should have gone to see Bull and milked this injury for all it was worth. Maybe stop by Blackwall if she couldn’t stomach that, or guilt trip Dorian a little without letting him realize that was what she was doing. 

She returned to her room instead, set on doing it in the morning, knowing she couldn’t avoid it forever. 

But for tonight, at least, she could rest. 

Cole was standing beside her bed when she reached her room and she considered throwing something at him again, like he was a wild animal she could scare off. 

He whipped around, eyes darting down to her bandaged shoulder and then back up to her face. 

“You don’t mind it,” he said. “It means they’ll leave you alone and it means they think you’re small so you don’t mind.”

“I don’t like getting hurt,” she responded. “I don’t know where you got that from.”

“You don’t like it, but it’s easier. You like it when it’s easy. And you don’t mind this hurt quite as much.”

She shrugged, opening her little bottle of pain medication. “Can I just go to bed please?”

“Can I have some,” he asked, staring the bottle down.

“Why?” she asked, already knowing the answer the endlessly selfless spirit would give. “Are you hurt?”

“The pain claws at them, years gone but still in them, like shards of swords lingered. Some nights they want to claw it out but there’s nothing there to take.”

“So what, you’re going to drug people? I’m sure that will go over well, a bunch of soldiers who don’t know their inhibitions are off.”

He paused, seeming to really consider that. “I’ll make sure they know. Remember the medicine, don’t remember me.”

“Fine,” she said, emptying half of it out. “Take some. You just can’t give it to Bull.”

She knew exactly what she was doing. She was picking a fight. 

He just looked sad. 

“I won’t stop helping,” he said. “But I don’t want you to feel sick.”

“I always feel sick,” she said, verging dangerously close to honesty. She couldn’t afford that, not even with Cole. Anything else had been a lapse in judgment. 

His face fell. “Not because of me. Never because of me.”

“Whatever you need to tell yourself.”

“I won’t give them to Bull,” he declared. “I will help him away from you, do my best to soothe the hurt where you can’t see.”

It didn’t matter. None of it mattered. She shouldn’t even be mad. “Whatever,” she said with a huff.

“It does matter,” he said. “All of it matters. I didn’t think it did, but you’re a person alongside the bad and the hurt burrows in you. It’s not inside you, not fully. The rot can be cut out.”

“You won’t be cutting anything out of me.”

“I didn’t think I would, but it matters that you could. The rot is a part, not the whole.”

And she couldn’t stay mad, her already flimsy reasons collapsing in on themselves. He was wrong, but it meant something to her that he believed. Maybe just for tonight that could be enough. 

She didn’t have to say as much. He was gone as soon as the thought crossed her mind, leaving her to finally get some sleep.

[sweetlittlegingy]

I Couldn't Ask For Anything Better

✦ Previous Chapter | Next Chapter | Better Man Universe

✦Pairing: Jake "Hangman" Seresin x Single!Mother

✦Word Count: 9.3k

✦Warnings: Smut (finally), Daddy kink, unprotected sex, Pure fluff, Dad!Jake, Dagger squad fluff, just adorableness, miscarriage mentioned, angsty ending

✦A/n: Holy Crap! this took forever to write, I hope you guys love it!

✦Library (Follow for updates! I no longer have a taglist.)

You had been working on getting Jake’s cake ready, you and Mathew decorated it last night and now you were just getting it in a portable cake container. It was Jake’s 35th birthday and the whole gang was celebrating on the beach in front of the Hard Deck.

Penny had a grill set up on the deck, which the guys planned on doing a bbq on, while Nat, Penny, and Lacey planned on bringing sides. You had been put in charge of the cake, and thought they hadn’t told you; you took it upon yourself to get the drinks. You’d made sure that every possible drink request and type had been met, an array of sodas and alcohol stay in a cooler, already out in the back of Jake’s truck.

Your parents got called away on a conference, and even with your father retired, the Navy still asked him to make appearances. You had all gone to your parent’s house last week for a small birthday dinner, knowing that they would be missed today, your mother and father were insistent on it. They loved Jake and wanted to still have a special day for him. Plus, the kids were more than happy about getting to celebrate and have cake twice. Even though Josephine was only 13 months, she already had a sweet tooth like her father and Mathew loved anything chocolate in general.

You situate the cake in the container, making sure not to mess up the happy birthday candies that Mathew had placed on it. The brightly colored candies, stick out against the white frosting covering the chocolate cake and spell out Happy Birthday Daddy. Per Jake's request, it was a recipe that his momma had given you the last time you visited and with them not being able to make the trip this year, Jake had specifically asked for this cake. You knew that he hated not seeing them, although you had gone and visited last month for Josephine’s first birthday and celebrated Jake’s as well, it wasn’t the same.

Your attention is quickly taken away from the task at hand, by the high-pitched squeal and sound of tiny feet running down the hallway. Making sure that the cake is stable on the counter, you glance back and see Josephine running towards your legs.

Duck towel on her head, and still wet from the bath, she clutches at your leg and her eyes stay focused on the hallway she’d just ran from. Tiny strawberry blonde curls peek out from beneath the towel, as her body shakes in excitement against your leg.

“Josephine Elizabeth Seresin, I wasn’t done drying you.” 

Moments later Jake appears, T-shirt soaked and slightly panting. The laugh that falls from your lips doesn't help the situation at all. As your daughter glances up at you and sees you laughing, then looks at her father and laughs even more.

“You alright there, Daddy?” Your tone is teasing and has Jake not only coming for Josephine, but for you as well.

His hands make quick work, at grabbing Josephine and wrapping her in the towel, before grasping onto your waist and pinching at your hips. You jump back slightly against the counter, laughing until you hit the cake and it almost falls. Your laugh ceases immediately as you glare at Jake slightly, then turn to push the cake farther on the counter.

 “Don't tickle me around the cake, we worked hard on it.” Your tone is still light and airy, even as you try and put on a hard reprimanding facade for the birthday boy.

Josephine clearly agrees with you, as her little fists pat on Jake’s chest.

“Dada, da da da”

Jake’s gaze casts down at Jos, and his eyes watch her with the most lovesick, heart-wrenching stare, that makes your toes curl. Jake has always been great with Maty, but seeing him with Jos from birth to now, set off a deep need to have at least 10 more babies with the man.

“Yes, baby! You're such a smart girl.”

His finger comes to bop her on the nose as he says it, a gummy smile giggles back at him from the action. You stare at the pair, so happy and in love with the family you've created. The matching green eyes and shade of red hair she got from Jake’s mother, was a telltale sign that she was overwhelmingly an all-around Seresin.

The quietness of the house pauses the sweet moment and has your eyes glancing around in search of Maty. Though you find nothing amiss, and the strange silence can only mean one thing, your 8-year-old was up to something and trying to hide it.

“Honey did you see Maty, when you were taming the monster?”

You bring your hand up and tickle Jos’ belly when you say it. Her little form wiggles in Jake’s arms, as she climbs farther up his torso and wraps her arms tightly around his neck. Jake’s hands find her waist and bring her back down to settle on his hip, completely unfazed by the wiggly toddler.

“Yeah, he's in his room packing a bag, something about him and Amelia playing a trick Mav.”

You eye each other cautiously, waiting for the other to decide whether you're gonna let them have their fun, or if you need to stop the prank. Your head slips side to side, and you bite your bottom lip as you weigh the possible outcomes.

“I mean they're kids, come on, we should just let them have their fun. Right?”

Jake maintains a straight face, not once cracking a smirk while nodding his head along with the plan. Josephine looks between the both of you and starts copying Jake, rigorously nodding her head too.

“Yeah, but if anyone questions us later whether we knew, the answer is no, baby. It's always no.”

The stern facade cracks sightly, Jake no longer being able to hold his laughter and you both end up laughing. Slightly excited about the possible outcome, that an 8-year-old and a 13-year-old were going to pull on the 58-year-old man.

You reach over to grab Josephine from Jake and lean in to give him a quick kiss. Your lips remain resting against his for a minute, though it's long enough for Josephine to start smacking your cheeks. You pull away eyeing the little girl, before over exaggeratingly leaning in, to kiss at her cheeks.

“I shall get the Princess ready in her party dress.” The soft raspberry you blow on her belly, has her laughing incessantly. “While Daddy goes and handles his mini-me.” Your eyebrows raise at Jake, and a teasing smirk rests on your lips.

“I can't help it if he wants to take after his father, who might I add is the best.”

Jake casts a wink your way, with a shake of the head and a laugh, you're walking off down the hallway. Though before you can get far, you feel a harsh smack land on your ass cheek.

“He's got good taste like his Mama.”

You only shake your head, used to his antics, and lean into pepper kisses across Jos’ face.

“Your Daddy is crazy, baby.” your voice raises to a higher octave as you say it, and Josephine pats your cheeks while humming. “Yes, he is. Absolutely crazy!”

…

You glance at the watch on your wrist, before putting in your earrings and take one final glance in the mirror. Josephine sits on the bathroom counter, clapping while watching you and babbling absolute gibberish. You smile at her, then grab her and sit her on your hip. The both of you glance in the mirror, and the high-pitch shrike she does makes you laugh. Adorning your frames were matching yellow sundresses and white cardigans, that Jake had picked out and requested you wore for his birthday. The matching bows you had placed in Josephine’s hair with her space buns, completed the look and you could help but to snap a few pictures of her.

“Come on my darling, let’s see if daddy and bubba are ready.”

Moving through the master bedroom, you can hear Mathew and Jake talking while in the bathroom.

“– it has to be to the left.”

“I know bud, but mom usually does your hair.”

Your eyebrow quirks at the conversation, and a laugh falls from your lips when you see the duo standing in front of the mirror. The hair gel sits open on the counter and Jake has a comb in his mouth while trying to style Mathew’s hair. His difficulty is clearly on display, as he stares at the massive cowlick in Maty’s hair, making it harder to style.

“Everything okay in here?

Jake huffs at you in reply, his back still turned to you as he works on Maty, clearly not finding the situation as funny as you did. You move closer to the pair, Jos settled in one arm while you reach out for the comb. It only takes a second for you to sweep Mathew’s hair to the left, and tame the few pieces of hair.

“I thought you were the best?” Your tone is teasing as you place the comb back into Jake’s open hand, though the pout resting on his lips has you giving him a kiss.

“Don’t worry baby, I won’t tell anyone.”

“Yeah, you better not, I’m the birthday boy.”

You laugh at the statement and pat Jake's chest, calling out to the pair that it was time to go as you leave the bathroom. You grab the cake, though it is quickly taken from you as Jake sends you out to the truck, to get the kids buckled. You situate Jos in her car seat, while Mathew buckles himself across from her.

“All set?”

You glance back at Jake as he rounds the truck, and Mathew gives him a thumbs up while Josephine giggles as your hands dance across her belly. Jake’s hand settles on your lower back, which slowly starts to dip down and grab your butt, as he places the cake underneath Jos’ car seat.

With a spin, you push the door close and are met with a smirking Jake, whose hand has now moved to clutch at the material flowing over your hips. Though one hand raises slowly, tracing up your torso and across the sweetheart neckline.

“Aren’t you the prettiest little present, I can’t wait to unwrap you.”

The finger tracing your neck plucks at your dress teasingly, and your breath hitches as Jake ghosts his lips across your neck. Though he pulls away just before his lips meet your skin, and gives you a sly wink.

“Come on Sweets. The sooner we get there, the soon I get you home and in bed.”

…

Before you can even get Josephine out of her car seat, Mathew is out of the car and running for Bradley. The echo of laughter lets you know that he has in fact reached his uncle and that Bradley is already riling him up.

You unfasten the straps of Jos’ car seat and pull her out onto your chest.

“Where’s my babygirl?”

You laugh as you glance over your shoulder and find Lacey making her way to you. Her hands remain facing out, making grabby gestures at Jos. Who in turn starts laughing and reaches for her Auntie.

“What are you gonna do if yours is a girl?” Your tone is teasing as Lacey grabs Josephine, and rests her on her hip. Her small bump peeks out from under the sundress she wears, and you can’t help but smile at how your best friend is glowing. She was officially 4 months last week and the morning sickness had finally subsided.

“I think it’s a boy, but if it’s a girl, who says I can’t have two babygirls.”

“I’m not sure what I think the munchkin is. Though I do think that Bobby as a girl dad, would be adorable.” 

You turn to grab the cake, though before you can even start for the beach Javy is at your side taking it from you. You huff slightly in annoyance and both he and Lacey give to small glares.

“I’m not broken.”

Javy releases a heavy sigh at your comment, before wrapping his free hand around and pulling you into his chest.

“We know that, but the doctor still wants you to take it easy.” You go to interrupt him, though you're quickly shushed. “Don’t even say he didn’t, Jake keeps us updated and we all worry. You don’t know how scared we all were.”

You melt into Javy’s chest as he places a kiss on the top of your head, silent tears roll down your face and Lacey grasps onto to the both of you for a group hug. Planted right in the middle of you three sits Jos, who has now climbed into Javy’s arms.

The hug is broken up when you feel hands wrap around your waist and tug you slightly. Jake's cologne clouds your senses, and you fall back into his arms, as Javy and Lacey head to the group. You turn in Jake's arms and nuzzle into his chest. One hand stays wrapped around your waist, as the other moves to stroke the back of your head. His hand moves slowly, before it’s under your chin and making you look at him. The tears lining your eyes are hard to hide and you feel horrible as you see a silver lining forming on Jake’s water line.

“I wasn’t supposed to cry today, it’s your birthday.”

You try to hide the pain with a small laugh, though it does nothing to cover up the quiver in your lip.

“Sweets, there is no rule that states that you can only mourn at certain times and that you have to hide your emotions at other times.” The hand stroking your cheek brushes the falling tears away, as you nod in answer, and a lone hand brushes against your stomach.

“I just wanted today to be happy, but it feels like a part of us is missing.”

Jake wraps his arms around you tighter as the last word falls from your lips and a choked sob releases from your chest. You can feel the multiple kisses that Jake lays on the crown of your head, and you can’t help but to feel bad. Today was Jake's birthday, it was supposed to be full of celebration. Though seeing Lacey’s sweet little bump and Javy wanting to help was just too much.

It had been two months since you had lost your little angel. The small blip in time from the moment you found out you were pregnant, to losing them at four and half months felt so far away, but also like it was yesterday at the same time. It wasn’t just the pain of losing them that consumed you, but you were terrified of forgetting them. Of your memory faltering and forgetting the small butterfly flutter in your stomach, and how their heartbeat sounded.

The past eight weeks had been hell on you and Jake. You had tried to be there for him whenever he broke down, but it always seemed to trigger your own tears and left him to comfort you. The doctor had put you on an anti-depressant right after the miscarriage, given that you had a history of depression. They helped slightly, but it wasn’t only a chemical imbalance, the loss had taken a piece of your heart.

“It’s going to be okay, Sweets. I promise.”

The statement comforts you and a small smile graces your lips. Jake had never broken a promise to you, in the beginning of your friendship it had been silly promises, but as time went on bigger promises were made. To you, to the kids, and not one of them had ever been broken. Jacob Grant Seresin was nothing if not a man of his word.

With a deep breath you nod, his words on repeat in your head, and when you smile at Jake, it’s not fake or forced. No, this smile was one of love and thankfulness that you had found such an amazing man to father your children and to spend eternity with. Your left-hand rises to rest on Jake’s cheek, the light sparkles off of your wedding ring, as you pull his lips down to meet yours. It’s simple and sweet, but oh so meaningful, and when you pull away your foreheads rest together.

“I love you. Thank you for always healing my heart.”

A delicate kiss is placed once more on your lips, just a peck, before he pulls away. Both of his hands rest on your cheeks, lifting your face to meet his eyes. They stare into your soul, sharing every little piece of pain, depression, love, and joy that has made up your world together. Your hands rise to grasp onto his, a silent gesture that it would always be you and him against to world.

“I love you; I will always love you. Don’t ever forget that baby.”

Jake’s hand slips from your face and creases your arms before linking your fingers together.

“Now come on, I’ve been thinking about that cake since yesterday.”

Your laugh is light and causes Jake to smile as well. His hands tug gently on yours as he turns and pulls you down to the beach.

You wait for the stares of pity from your friends, though find none. Not one of them mentions your tear-stained cheeks, and you're thankful when Penny makes her way over to you and sweeps you away.

“Go man the grill, I don’t trust Bradley to not burn everything.” The demand is thrown over her shoulder at Jake, who only winks at you and lets out a ‘yes ma’am.”

“The cake looks great, and Phoenix has continually been on cake watch. Considering each of the boys has tried to swipe frosting from it.”

You laugh at Penny’s words, though you full-on belly laugh when you see Nat standing, practically on top, of the cake with her arms crossed. Her eyes are set in a glare towards Bradley, though moves to you, and a smile instantly forms.

“I hear you’ve got a pretty tough job.”

She slips at her drink while shrugging her shoulders to you. It’s rare to see Nat in dresses, though the sun dress she wears now fits her perfectly.

“It gave me a reason to smack Roo, so it was a win for me.”

“I’m kind of sad that I missed it.”

You feel a body brush passed you, as little hands reach out to you. Josephine grabs onto you easily and nuzzles into your chest. Your hand moves up and down her back, and the motion brings comfort to the both of you.

“Oh, don’t worry, they’ve been plotting.”

Lacey nods behind you and when you turn, you’re met with the group of seven pilots looking toward the sky, trying to hide the fact that you had just caught them staring. A laugh falls from your chest, though it ceases quickly when a whine comes from a now-sleeping Jos. Your hand gently rubs at the back of her head, while you mutter sweet nothing into her ear. The growing toddler falls back to sleep easily as you sway with her.

“Wanna make a bet?”

Nat and Lacey, both give you questioning looks, though Penny only laughs at your antics. You had always been up for a challenge or bet, especially when you were positive that you would win. You glance back to the pilots one last time, thinking for a moment.

“Give it 20 minutes and it’s gonna be Javy.”

“Why are you so sure?”

The pair of them watch you, trying to figure out what exactly you’re picking up on that they aren’t.

“Bradley already knows you’re on full alert, Bobby is too scared of pregnant Lace,” the comment earns you a small ‘hey’ in protest, though she ends up laughing. “And Jake, well he knows better. Mav, Mick, and Rueben are all bystanders, which leaves Javy.”

All three of you turn to face the boys fully, giving them a smile and wave, with the hand not holding Jos. It’s a small taunt and their reactions only prove that you know how to get under their skin.

“Javy is unofficially my third child, and I know him like the back of my hand, but he also knows me. Meaning that he might tell the boys he’s going to do something, but if he knows somethings going to upset me, he won’t to do.”

The girl's hum as they listen to you, all three sets of eyes never leaving the boys. You wave one last time, then turn back towards Pen, she has Josephine’s baby beach tent set up and ready to go. The soft snores that emit from Jos' signal that she is passed out and that she wouldn’t stir when you laid her down.

Lacey and Nat continue chatting, while you settle on the beach towel with Penny. She wraps an arm around you and lays a kiss on your temple, then clasps your hand in hers and gives you a gentle squeeze. Your sister had always been someone that you leaned on when you were younger, and over the years you had slowly stopped telling her all the traumatic details in fear, that she would see you as a burden.

Though in the last two months, besides Jake, Penny had been your rock and had experienced a good number of your breakdowns. Your parents had been wonderful, helping with Maty and Jos, and being there for both you and Jake. But it wasn’t the same, you had always been the golden girl in their eyes, even when you got pregnant with Mathew and had to leave flight school. Your father had been sad, but never held it against you, and the thought of them seeing you like this. They wouldn’t ever look at you the same if they knew how damaged you were.

“Your one-year anniversary is coming up soon,” She nudges your shoulder as she says it, and a small smile forms on your lips. “I meant it when I said I would watch the kids. I think it would be good for the both of you to get away for the weekend.”

“I know, thank you, you really are the best big sister. We both need a weekend of just us, it's just been hard.”

Penny nods in understanding though doesn’t say anything. She knew that if you talked about it the both of you would cry and she wanted nothing more than for you to have a great day.

“Though speaking of anniversaries, Maty’s adoption one is coming up. Right?”

At the mention of Jake finally adopting Mathew, a full smile breaks out across your face. “Yeah, the first week in July. Which is so weird, because Jake has been his dad since he was two, but he is finally getting to change his name. It felt like all the pieces finally fit together.” You laugh slightly, thinking about Mathew’s request in the whole ordeal. “Jake always knew that Mathew loved him, I mean look at them.” You gesture over to the guys again, though this time a game of dogfight football had broken out. Jake had Mathew thrown over his shoulder and was booking it across the sand to the endzone, while Maty clutched onto the football in his arms. “I think that Mathew asking to have Grant as his middle name, really solidified it for Jake. We named Josephine after mom and Jake’s mother, so to have Mathew asked to be named after Jake, was a full circle moment.”

Your head leans over to rest against Penny, the pair of you content in watching your family. It’s not long before Nat and Lacey find a home on the towel next to you.

“I don’t want to ruin the day,” you glance back towards Penny, who looks apprehensive about whatever she wants to say “But, have you even heard from Adam, you know after you sent the papers off.”

A harsh sigh leaves your mouth, not at Pen but at the mention of your ex. You hated talking about him, but you knew that Penny was just asking out of worry. She had seen you have breakdowns at the thought of Adam, and she never wanted you to feel alone again. Another sigh falls from your lips, and you lay down on the towel. You relax against the sand and tug on both Penny’s and Lacey’s hands, who in turn tugs on Nat’s, and the four of you lie on the sand. Silently waiting for the metaphorical ball to drop.

“I wouldn’t have sent him the papers if the lawyer hadn’t strongly suggested it. Adam didn’t want to be on Mathew’s birth certificate, and his status with Mathew was deemed as abandonment.” Another sigh leaves your lips, both of your hands getting gently squeezed in support. “I guess it’s good that we have all of our bases covered, but I feel like I’m just waiting for him to show up. Like now that I’ve made this big step, he’s going to come back just to tear me down.”

“He’ll be getting his ass kicked if he shows up,” Nat had risen up on her elbows and was now staring at you. “And that’s just me. If the boys get ahold of him, he’s going to be lucky if he doesn’t leave in a body bag.”

Her eyes hold yours; it was her way of promising that you would be protected. That they would never let him put his hands on you again, and if he tried, he would instantly regret it.

“That’s the only fact, that lets me sleep soundly at night.”

…

The loud gasp, followed by the two high pitch squeals has your head turning from setting up the picnic table. You miss the prank, but you watch as the aftermath unfolds. A soaking-wet Maverick has taken off running after Amelia and Mathew, who both have taken off down the beach. You laugh as Mav comes to a slow jog and then walks, the two kids still running off in the distance. Next to you, Penny is in a fit of laughter, and the glare Mav gives her only makes it worse. His walk lands him in front of the two of you, pointing a figure at the both of you before reaching for a water.

“Both of them are trouble, just like their mothers.”

You stop laughing, really trying to feel bad for the man, though you’re laughing is set off again as Lacey reappears after using the restroom.

“What happened to you?” The question is so innocent, but it’s the icing on the cake. Mav only shakes his head at Lacey, and mutters quietly about the “hooligans.”

“What’d I say?”

“Don’t worry,” Your laughing slows as you motion Lacey over to you, “the kids decided to prank him.” 

An ahh sound of understanding with a nod of the head is only there momentary, as she starts laughing with you. The both of you work hand in hand to set up the tableware, placing the finishing touches as Jake comes over to you.

His sneaky hands wrap around your waist, and he places soft kisses along your neck. You lean back at the motion, resting your head on his shoulder, as he gently sways your bodies side to side.

“How is my birthday boy?”

The question only gets a hum in answer, as a string of kisses up your neck and onto your pulse point makes you giggle slightly. Your eyes had fallen shut, enjoying to small moment with your husband.

“How’s Jos doing?”  The question is whispered against your ear, and it has your eyes opening to glance at the beach tent.

“She perfect, like always. Napping soundly, though we are going to have to wake her up soon to eat.”

“Yeah, I saw that Penny brought some of that jello she ate at your parent's. She seems to do really good with it.”

This time it’s you that hums in acknowledgment, your eyes scanning the surrounding beach noticing the lack of your friends. You glance to the cake quickly, though find that it’s still there in perfect condition.

You turn in Jake's arms, and your eyes squint in questioning of the man, who remains calm and collected. You glance around the beach further and find Nat with Bradley at the grill, Pen and Mav up on the deck, while you see Lacey and Bobby down by the water with the kids. Your eyes fall back on Jake and the small smirk that he gives you is all you need to know that their plan was underway.

“Baby, where’s Javy?” The slight lift of your eyebrow does nothing to unsettle your husband. A small shrug is all you get, followed by a wink and a gentle squeeze on your hips.

“Jacob, I know you’re up to something and I’d suggest you think about this plan and the repercussions it may have.”

His hands only tighten on your hips even more, as his head drops back into a full laugh. “and what might those repercussions be my sweet girl.”

He’s teasing you, poking at that little button, because he knows you won’t really get mad at him on his birthday. Jake pulls you in slightly so that you're pressed near chest to chest and one of your hands rises to tap lightly on his chest. While your other hand comes to trace lightly along the sweetheart's neckline and causes Jake's eyes to drop immediately to your breasts.

“If anything happens to that cake before I get pictures of you blowing out the candles,” The hand resting on his chest slowly rises and tips Jake’s head back so that he is looking at you directly in the eyes. “There will be no unwrapping of your special present.”

Jake’s lips set in a hard line at your declaration and a small pout, forms on his lips. “Swee–”

“Nope, me and Maty worked hard on that cake, and by God, I will watch you blow out 35 candles. Don’t test me, Jacob.”

The harsh tone in your voice has a small sheepish look settling on his face, as his eyes move from the cake resting on the table and back to your breasts multiple times. With a heavy sigh, Jake’s hands fall farther to grab your ass, and his face comes to rest along the top of your breasts. His face nuzzles in and his teeth nip at your chest, as you bring your hands to the back of Jake’s head to stroke his hair and laugh at his antics.  

“I’m supposed to signal when I get you away,” The sentence is mumbled but you still understand.

“What were you planning to do with the cake Jacob.”

The sound of his full name has him pulling away from your chest and staring up into your eyes. His hands tighten on your ass and you normally would chastise him for groping you so freely out in public, though there aren’t any people close enough that you’re worried.

“Sweets, I don’t know. The boys just wanted the cake, and well –”

“You were peer pressured”

Jake scoffs at the words, and his hold has tightened even more. A small squeal leaves your lips, as you jump slightly in his hold and glare at the now-smirking man.

“Baby, I don’t get pressured into things.”

The small smirk you give Jake as he struggles for the correct words doesn’t go unnoticed. The small glare he gives you is adorable something you had expected. What you hadn’t expected was Jake to grab your waist and throw you over his shoulder, like he had been with Maty earlier today.

A shrill scream lips your lips, as your world spins upside down and the only thing you see is Jake’s tan back. Your hands grasp onto his sides, to stable yourself, and stop the sway of your body with every step he takes.

“Jacob Grant Seresin, you put me down right now.”

This laugh rings through the air and the shaking of his chest slightly shakes your body with it.

“No can do, darlin’.”

If only he could see the glare, you were giving him right now, he might change his mind. Though as a harsh smack lands on your ass and causes you to jump, you also think that the glare might have only egged him on even more.

“Your panties seem to be on just a little tight,” His hand ghosts just under the hem of your dress, grabbing at your inner thigh and lightly traces your heat. “don’t worry Sweets, daddy’s gonna fix that problem real quick.”

The sublet heat ignites in your core, and you shift slightly in Jake's hold, causing the hand on your thigh to brush up against your clothed cunt again. The moan that releases from your chest should embarrass you, though the laugh that Jake releases only has your panties damping further. You watch as the sand turns into the wooden deck of the bar, and you caught sight of a laughing Bradley and Natasha.

“Nix, you’re on baby duty. Jos is still sleeping, but me and the Mrs. have some business to attend to.” You hear the door open, the harsh light of the day disappearing, and shifts into the dim light seeping through the window blinds.

“Also, don’t touch that cake, Rooster. No one touches that damn cake while I’m gone.”

You just barely catch the yup from Bradley and the loud laugh that Nat releases, though you can’t help but to smile at Jake’s words. Your hands pinch at his side, grabbing Jake’s attention, before telling him thank you.

Just as quickly as you were thrown over his shoulder, Jake has you back on stable ground. His hands settle on your waist and push you back slightly. Your back bumps back against a wall, and as your chest heaves, you glance around to see where exactly you are.

You’re both tucked in one of the back corners of the Hard Deck, hidden away and out of sight right next to a spare pool table. The heaving of your chest slows, as you look back up at Jake and find his emerald, green eyes, replaced by a dark green with blown pupils that watch every move you make.

“You’re welcome darlin’, you should know that I’d never let anyone mess up something you worked so hard on, especially if it’s for me.” A cheeky wink and smirk grace Jake’s face, and they make you smile, as you nuzzle into his palm that had come to rest against your cheek.

“But since I am the birthday boy,” A finger traces along your cleavage, and brushes gently against the shell of your neck, causing you to tip your head back. “I want to open one of my presents early.”

“Jake –”

Your protest is cut off completely when Jake dips his head down and bites at your neck, smoothing over the nip with a lick of the tongue. A high-pitched whine releases from your lips as Jake slots his leg in between your thighs and brushes up against your pantie-clad heat. The hand tracing your chest moves up your frame and settles under your cardigan. Pushing it slightly off your shoulder, before his lips go back to work on you.

It’s too hot, and with every little movement that Jake makes he presses up again you, catching your clit against the lace of your panties. Your brain is no longer processing, as you pull off the light cardigan and throw it behind Jake. Your hands find purchase on Jake’s shoulders, grabbing on the tan skin as you keen with every nip he places on your neck.

Your chest is heaving as you tug on the back of Jake’s hair and slot your lips against his. It’s hot and needy, tugging and pulling more so than soft and loving. Jake only slightly licks at your lips and has you groaning in need. The moment of needy has Jake’s tongue slipping through your lips, as a soft battle ensues between the two of you.

You pull away gasping for a breath as Jake continues down your jawline, his hand working the skirt of your dress up and over your hips. Giving you the freedom to grind down on his thigh. The motion has you pulling back with a whimper, clit overly sensitive and pulsing. 

“No, no Sweets. Take what you need.”

Jake’s hands fall to your waist, pressing you down against his thigh as another whine slips from your lips. You can’t avoid the pressure though, as Jake moves your hips to his own accord. Pushing and pulling you, forcing you to ride his thigh as you hide away in his neck, nipping on his collarbone.

“Daddy–” your sentence is cut off when Jake sends a particularly hard thrust up, to jut against your weeping cunt.

“There’s my girl, such a pretty baby.”

You can only nod in answer, as one of Jake's hands slips up to cradle your face, and the thumb resting on your cheek slips between your lips. You nip and suck at his thumb, doe eyes focused up on Jake ready to be his good girl in any way that he asks. The look in your eyes sends him spiraling, before you know it his thumb has slipped from your mouth and he’s lifting you in the air.

Your heads dazed and foggy, consumed completely by the man holding you as he lays you on top of the pool table. You go to protest; you were at the Hard Deck and supposed to be celebrating Jake’s birthday of god’s sake. Though the words escape you when Jake’s fingers trace along your slit and rips the cloth from your aching heat.

The gentle trace of his fingers is everything and nothing all at once. Your back arches off the table and your head falls back as a low moan echoes from your chest, as Jake rolls your swollen clit between his fingers.

His laugh pulls you from the momentary bliss, as Jake looks down upon you strung out before him. Small babbles fall from your lips as you beg Jake for anything more, how you had gone from thinking with a clear mind to one that was completely hazy and your only focus was having Jake screw your brains out.

“Tell me what you want darlin’, use your words.”

He’s mocking you, with every shift of your hips trying to push down on the hand that is no longer tracing at your slit but resting heavily against your clit.

“Need you, Jakey.”

“Darlin’” His thumb moves in tight circles as he draws the word out, only pausing when you cry out. “You. Know. That’s. Not. My. Name.” Each word ends in a tap against your clit, that has your hands grasping out on the table looking for anything to hold on to.

“Daa– Daddy, Pleassseee.”

The name is just passed your lips and without any warning, Jake’s fingers fuck into you. Just barely easing in, before plunging knuckle deep and hitting the soft spongy spot that makes you keen.

“You gonna let me fuck you, Sweetheart? With all of our friends just outside.”

You can only nod in response, too focused on the way Jake’s fingers scissor in your heat. A chuckle leaves Jake’s lips again, though this time before you can react, Jake's free hand comes to wrap around the back of your neck and pulls you up to meet his chest. A low moan falls from your lips as Jake’s fingers reach even deeper in the new position and the palm of his hand brushes back and forth over your clit.

“Please” The plea falls from your lips in a mantra, and your hands wrap up around Jake’s neck to pull his lips down to your own. You melt into his touch, as his tongue slides into your mouth, coaxing your mouth in a dance of need and want.

He tastes like whiskey and malt, the crown and coke you made earlier is still potentate on his lips and you wonder if it’s your husband you’re getting drunk on, or the crown coating his tongue. Jake’s free hand cradles the back of your neck, woven into your hair and guiding you exactly how he wants. Your hips rock on their own accord, chasing a high that Jake is content to tease you with.

You lick into his mouth and your breath hitches in despair, as Jake pulls his hand from your weeping cunt. You watch, breathless as Jake brings his slick cover fingers to his mouth, moaning at the taste of your arousal and never breaking eye contact.

Jake had always been cheeky in the bedroom, how could he not, when he knew that just the sight of him shirtless had you panting like a bitch in heat. Though the wink that he gives you now, begging for him to touch you.

To fuck you, in any way that he wants. You would take anything from the man, so long as he touched you. Jake’s eyes fall from your blown ones and fall to your heaving chest. His hand trails down from your neck, to grip onto the top of your dress and yanks it down. The stitching of the fabric sounds like it has torn slightly, and it leaves the material to fall below your breast.

“Jake we still hav–”

Your words are stopped, as Jake’s hand grasps your cheeks and forces you to look up at him.

“Baby, shut up for me.”

The hand that’s not grasping your face works at your bra, pulling the cups down to expose your nipples. You squirm on the green of the pool table, as Jake ducks his head down and licks at one of your nipples, before biting it. His free hand works at your other nipple, and he plays your body like his own personal instrument. Coaxing every whine, moan, and hiss from you of his own accord.

The wanton moan you release as Jake tugs on the pebbled bead has his lips unlatching from your breast.

“Those are the only sounds I want to hear from you, darlin’.” Your eyes are clouded over, hanging on to every word that Jake tells you. “Though I’m not gonna stop you from begging, you always look so pretty when you get whiny and beg for me.”

The sound of the screen door slamming against the side of the wall has both of your eyes snapping in the direction of the bar. You're hidden back enough that you can’t see who comes in, though you hear Bradley’s voice ring out. He’s yelling at someone to get the extra ice from the back, it only takes a moment before the screen door is slamming again and the tension in your shoulders releases.

You were sure that the whole group knew you were fucking, and trusted that they would take care of the kids just fine. If they needed you, they would have already been yelling at you. Though the image of Bradley, Nat, Bob, and Lacey walking in on you and Jake fucking isn’t something you want to do again. It had been just after Jake had gotten home from a deployment when Penny and Maverick at offered to watch Maty for you. You hadn’t gotten pregnant with Jos yet, though you’re suspicious that she was conceived over the long weekend.

Your thoughts are quickly brought back to Jake, as you hear the zipper of his pants being pulled down. The sight of Jake's length has you drooling, the red tip leaks precum and you can help the whine that falls from you. A deep need to feel the weight of him on your tongue, to lick the salty tang off of him and relish in the way he fills your mouth. Your gaze is lethal, never wavering from Jake’s length not even when Jake chuckles. Though the tip of your chin up forces your eyes to leave it and look at into Jake lust filled, emerald eyes.

“Sweets, as much as I would love to have you on your knees, we don’t have the time.”

“Later?” Your hand grazes his cock, and you grasp the length. Your cloudy eyes drop from Jake’s, as you lean forward and spit onto the head. You use the precum and you spit as you stroke him, your grip tightening just slightly as you work around his girth.

“Whatever want baby.” His breath sounds ragged, fucked out by his own need for you. Your hand slips for his cock, as Jake grabs your thighs and yanks you to the edge of the pool table. Wrapping your legs around his waist, as your back falls to meet the green felt.

Your eyes catch sight of the swinging light fixture above you, and you watch it as it moves side to side. The harsh smack of Jake's cock against your clit makes you keen and has your back bowing in need. The arch pushes your cunt down towards Jake's cock, though he teases you, slipping the head along your slit and pushing into you before pulling back out.

“Daddy please need your cock, need you to fuck me.”

“I know baby, daddy’s got you.”

Your eyes roll to the back of your head, as Jake pushes his length into your aching cunt. Small whines and whimper roll off your lips as Jake bottom out, his hips coming flush with your ass. Your heat aches in need, and your hips rock to gain any type of friction.

“Nope baby,” Jake's hands grasp at your hips and stills your hips. “Feel me, Sweets. How well this pretty little pussy takes me, how you clench around me like a fucking vice.”

Jake’s breath turns ragged, as you clench down on him and the hands resting at your hips grasp at you, knuckles turning white and surly leaving fingerprints. The quick pull back from you makes you gasp, followed by a harsh thrust that you swear is in your stomach.

Jake's thrusts are harsh and uncontrolled, the both of you chasing a high, and as you lower one hand to work over your clit, needing the added pressure. Your hand is smacked away before it even touches the bundle of nerves, a protest ready to fall from your lips. Though in its place falls a deep moan, as Jake's thumb comes to rest on you, tight circles with the perfect pressure coaxing you to ecstasy.

“Baby… Daddyyyy”

His hips never falter as your hands grasp at the pool table, finding nothing to ground you. Your head tips back, your body moving against the green, with each of Jake's thrusts. He’s unrelenting as he works you over, a silent demand and need for you to find yours before he ever does.

“I know baby, let go. Come for daddy, like the good girl you are.”

His words send you spiraling and if you cared you might have stopped the moan that bursts from you. You should care as it echoes through the Hard Deck, surely alerting everyone of your pending climax. Though you don’t. The only thing you care about now was the burning heat in your core and the way Jake’s hands feel over your body.

Your eyes open and find Jake’s as a soft hand creases your cheek, the need, and lust ever present, but also a deep love that shines through as your husband watches you. With one final flick across your clit, your tumbling, begging and whining as you finally reach the peak before crashing into the abyss. Jake's hips only stutter slightly, as he works your through, his own release within reach.

“Where do you want it, Sweets?”

“In me Jake, please need to feel you.” The small plea as you clench around him has Jake peaking. His hips slow and he coats your walls, a deep moan falling from the both of you at the feeling of Jake’s cock pulsing within you. Pushing and pulling his cum back into you, fucking it into you, before he pulls out.

Jake's chest heaves as he looks down and your pulsing cunt, clenching around nothing and pushing his cum from your heat. Without a thought, Jake’s fingers scope at the mix of you both and pushes it back into your aching cunt. You’re sensitive and with every drag of his fingers you whine, you lift up onto your elbows so you both can watch as he fucks his cum back into you.

You bite your bottom lip, from not only how sensitive you now are, but also from how much you need Jake again. You could never tire of the man, though when he gets like this, it makes you practically insatiable. 

Though with one last push of the hand, Jake is pulling back from you and wrapping his lips around his cum cover fingers, winking at you before placing a peek against your lips. His hands find a home at your waist, as he pulls you from the pool table. He holds you steady as your legs shake, and places a gentle kiss against your temple.

“Still as sweet as ever, darlin’.”

The words are whispered into your ear and have you blushing. You push up on your toes to kiss Jake, hoping to avoid his gaze. Though the movement causes his cum to drip from your unclothed cunt, and the small squeak your release has Jake smiling in victory.

“You ripped my panties and my dress, Jacob. Everyone is gonna know.”

A harsh laugh falls from his lips before Jake grabs your cardigan and situates it back on your shoulders.

“Darlin’, people back home in Texas know. You’re not the quietest, especially when you climax.”

His words earn him a smack on the shoulder, as you move past him to go to the bathroom and right yourself before seeing everyone again. You glance back at the man, his eyes never leave your backside and the wide smile creasing his face is more than enough for you to not care if the whole world heard the two of you.

“Happy birthday, baby.”

“You best believe, I’m unwrapping the rest of my present when we get home. I still need to get my mouth on that sweet little cunt.”

You hum in response and smirk crossing your own lips as you shake your head that Jake’s words, before continuing to the bathroom.

“Hey Sweets,” the call has you pausing once again, spinning to face Jake and finding nothing but love in his eyes. “I love you.”

“I love you too, honey.”

…

The pair of you reemerge from the Hard Deck as if nothing happened, though both Nat and Lace give you teasing smiles as you make your way over. A small smirk makes its way to your lips, causing both girls to laugh and a deep blush to cover your cheeks.

Jake had gone over to check on Amelia and Maty when you came out, both Penny and Mav stationed close enough to watch the pair, but also giving them the space to goof off. You glance over to Josephine’s beach tent and find her just waking up. The movement of her little arms has you making your way to her, and as you cloud over her line of sight has a gummy smile marring her features.

“Hello, my beautiful girl.” You pick her up easily and cradle her against your chest, enjoying the way her little hands grab at you. “Did you have a wonderful nap?”

Mumbles fall from her lips and bubbles of spit dribble down her chin, as she answers you.

“Ma ma ma ma.”

You bounce her on your hip lightly as you walk back over to Lace and Nat. Everyone had gathered as Bradley showed up with the food and placed it in the middle of the table. Maty finds you easily and clasps onto your hip to give you a hug. Your free hand brushes the hair from his face before you move down to kiss the crown of his head. 

“Momma I couldn’t find dad’s candles. Auntie Nix helped me look, but they weren’t in the bag.”

Your brows crease in thought, trying to remember where you placed them. You were sure that you put them in the bag, though they could have fallen out in the truck.

“Don’t you worry, my love. I’m sure they are just in the truck.” The three of you make your way back over to Jake, who is now chatting with Javy about the plane they were restoring. Catching sight of her father, Jos starts trying to reach out for him. The high-pitch squeal of your daughter gains Jake’s attention immediately and he’s grasping for her to toss her in the air. You smile at the duo, and overwhelming pride and love fills your chest for your small family.

Javy is quick to grab Maty, flipping him upside down and tickling him. Jake looks at you as you settle at his side and places a kiss on your cheek.

“I’m going to run to the pickup, love. I think your candles feel under the seat.”

“I can go look, Sweets.”

“Nope, you’re the birthday boy and I’ll be quick.”

Jake hums in agreement, before placing a sweet kiss on your lips. You pull away, only to be met with another kiss on the nose.

“I’ll be right back, then we can start eating.”

…

Jake watches as you make your way to the parking lot, quietly wondering how he had gotten so lucky. Josephine grabbles in his lap, patting at his chest as Javy talks to her in a high-pitched over.

Jake laughs at the pair, Javy and Jos were the best of buddies, the two were on the same wavelength. The number of times that Jake had come back, after asking Javy to watch her for a bit, and they were both asleep was astounding.

Though he couldn’t be more thankful for the extended family, that his own little family had in the Dagger Squad. Jacob Seresin might have been a hard ass, but seeing how much any one of his teammates cared for his children, turned him into a puddle.

“Dad, momma’s still not back.”

Mathew had been patiently waiting, though as time passed, he couldn’t help but grow impatient.

“I’ll go check on her bubba.”

Though before he can hand Jos to Javy, Mathew is protesting. Telling both Jake and Javy that he was a big boy and could help. Jake chuckled at his son, hand ranking through his unruly hair before nodding in answer.

“Go on then.”

A smile broke out across Mathew’s face before he was taking off up the sand to the parking lot.

“Watch for cars.” Jake's voice echoed across the beach, gaining everyone’s attention as Mathew signaled back with a thumbs up, then disappeared.

Jake and Javy both went back to talking with Jos, as Jake bounced her lightly on his hip. The setting California sun casts a warm hue over the beach, and Jake couldn’t help but think of you and how much you loved the beach.

Especially at sunset.

Jake had grown to love it just as much as you had, the comfort from the waves and sea breeze had become a constant in your lives. The four of you were constantly at the beach whenever the family had downtime.

Though that constant sense of safety and calm was ripped right from his chest as a bone-chilling scream echoed out across the beach.

“Daddy!”

Jake was passing Josephine off to Javy without a second thought, and sprinting towards the edge of the beach. Nearly collapsing at the sight of Mathew's tear-stained face, barreling toward him.

[pupsmailbox]

WINTER ID PACK

NAMES ⌇　alaska. alba. alban. amara. andri. aneira. angel. angelina. apricity. aquila. aquilo. arctic. aspen. aster. aurora. ayden. balthasar. beir. beira. beiron. bell. belle. bianca. blanc. blanca. blanch. blanche. blanchesse. blanchette. blaze. blizzard. blizzardette. blu. blue. borea. boreas. boris. brea. bree. bylur. carol. caspar. cedar. chione. chióni. chris. christina. christmas. clara. claudia. cloud. cloude. coco. cocoa. colden. cole. cozy. crimson. crystal. december. dew. dewdrop. dewey. dewy. diamond. douglas. edur. eira. eirlys. eirwan. eirwen. elitsa. ella. elsa. ember. emmanuel. emmanuelle. eryi eryi. estelle. euria. everest. everett. everette. evergreen. fannar. fionn. fir. fjolla. flake. frediano. freeze. fritz. fros. frost. frostette. frostine. frosty. fuyu. fuyuko. gale. garland. ginger. gloria. gwyneira. hazel. hika. holly. ice. icee. icelyn. icicle. icidia. icie. iclyn. isarr. isbert. ivy. jack. jack.. jaki. january. janus. jolly. joseph. josephine. joy. juniper. kari. khione. kirsi. kit. ledi. ledia. lucas. lucina. lumi. mafuyu. mafuyuko. mary. melchior. merry. miyuki. natalia. natalie. natasha. nevada. neve. nicholas. nick. nieves. noel. noella. noelle. north. november. oak. oakley. olwen. pepper. peppermint. permafrost. pine. poinsettia. polaris. rain. raina. raine. rainer. reign. reyner. robin. rudolf. rudolph. rudy. sally. scarlett. scrooge. sioc. snow. snowdrop. snowesse. snowette. snowine. snowstorm. snowy. solstice. spruce. star. stella. storm. stormy. tundra. vega. viola. vixen. warrin. weiss. whittaker. whyte. willow. winny. winter. wren. wynn. wynter. wyntr. yuki. yukio. yule. yulia. yves. yvette. zane.

PRONOUNS ⌇　arc/arctic. arctic/arctic. aura/aura. bleak/bleak. bli/blizzard. bliz/blizzard. blizz/blizzard. blizzard/blizzard. blue/blue. chill/chill. chilly/chilly. clou/cloud. cloud/cloud. co/cold. coat/coat. cold/cold. cool/cool. cry/cryo. cry/crystal. crystal/crystal. drip/drip. drop/drop. fir/fir. flake/flake. flu/flurry. flur/flurry. flurry/flurrie. fre/freeze. freeze/freeze. fro/frost. fros/frost. frost/frost. frostbite/frostbite. froze/frozen. glacier/glacier. glove/glove. hail/hail. ice/ice. ice/icicle. icicle/icicle. mitten/mitten. rain/rain. rain/rainy. scarf/scarf. shiver/shiver. sky/sky. sle/sleet. slush/slush. snow/flake. snow/snow. snow/snowflake. so/snow. sto/storm. storm/storm. storm/stormy. stormy/stormy. tundra/tundra. water/water. wi/winter. win/ter. win/winter. winter/winter . ❄️ . 🌌 . 🌨 . 🌨️ . 🌲 . 🗻 . 🧊 .

[glowing-blue-feathermage]

Happy friday! For some Hawke/Lavellan this week, “It’s… different. With them, I spent most of my time longing for something that wasn’t even accessible. With you, I simply feel alive.” (from the Moth to the Flame prompts)

Ty for the prompt!! I got so many amazing ones last week I'm going to work through! Some incredibly indulgent Hawkevellan this evening for @dadrunkwriting !

for folks who are reading my fic Vertigo, this is Vertigo Hawke!

Herald’s Rest had been Hawke’s choice tonight, and the longer the evening went on, the better an idea it had become. 

No one had expected the cloaked, hooded elf that had appeared at dusk the evening before, greatsword strapped to his back, bearing a message for no one but Hawke and the Inquisitor. Anders was at Vigil’s Keep, had information about the possibility of a cure for the Warden taint, and needed two things. A blood mage, and someone with enough power to protect him.

Fenris was infamous, his attempts at a clandestine meeting lasting only as long as it took Josephine to start planning a formal dinner. Hawke was the sort of man who made deals in dark alleys, but the Inquisitor negotiated everything over three courses and free-flowing wine. 

Fenris had seen enough of court functions and catered meals with aristocrats for a lifetime. Hawke missed the Hanged Man. 

The evening could have been worse. There was plenty of alcohol of all kinds flowing freely, stories about Kirkwall, and a delightful—if heated—debate between Iron Bull and Fenris that had finally carried out of the tavern and into the courtyard. If Jos hadn’t been glaring at the door they’d just left through like he wanted to set it on fire, Hawke might have followed them.

Instead, he leaned casually against Jos, all but flattening him into the corner of the booth, finally earning his attention with a disgruntled huff. 

“You know,” Hawke said, picking up his tankard of ale and taking a drink. “It’s peak irony that the most unhappy person in this bar is the one it’s named after.” 

He felt Jos’s eyes on him. “What makes you think I’m unhappy?” he snapped.

Hawke chuckled. “You spent half the night looking at Fenris like you want to drink his blood with your morning meal.” 

“Mmm,” Jos hummed, affecting a sharp smile and sipping his red wine. “Lovely image.”

Hawke shifted, draping his arm around Jos’s shoulders. The Inquisitor was far slighter than him, but not shaped so differently from Fenris. He had the same dusky bronze skin, dark brows, vivid green eyes, tattoos. 

“You do realize that we appear related,” Jos said darkly, essentially reading Hawke’s mind. 

“Because you’re both elves?” Hawke pretended to have never considered it, taking a drink of his beer to keep the smile off his lips.

“So amusing,” Jos sniped, squeezing his leg under the table and curling his fingernails in. “Tell me—am I a fitting replacement?”

Outside, snow had started to fall, the windows frosted, and he could no longer see Fenris and Bull. “The two of you are nothing alike,” he told Jos. 

“You described him to me not long after we met,” Jos recalled, setting his wine on the table and dragging a fingertip around the rim slowly like a cat deciding whether to shove it off the edge. “Brilliant. Witty. Resourceful. Deadly. Beautiful. I am not these things?”

Hawke opened his mouth to reply, and then shut it. He drank some more beer.

Jos allowed the silence, but Hawke could feel him simmering. Someone entered the tavern, letting in a gust of wet, cold air that felt good on his face. 

“It’s…different,” Hawke said after a moment. “With him…I spent most of my time longing for something that wasn’t even accessible. It never was.”

“What do they call this in Orlais…” Jos mused, picking up his wine glass again. “A prix de consolation.” 

Hawke laughed. “You are not a consolation prize, you big baby.”

“I can show you how deadly I can be if you like.”

“I’m aware. Yes. I have a thing for mean magic elves. But I only want one.” 

Jos sipped his wine. “If you loved him, why did you not fight for him?”

Hawke sighed, turning to glance at the bar and catch the eye of the tavernkeeper. He got a nod in return and saw the man start to fill another tankard. When he glanced at Jos again, he found the Inquisitor watching him and tried not to think about how similar to Fenris he looked with that line between his black eyebrows.

“There was no part of who I am that he wanted,” he finally told Jos, fidgeting with a napkin on the table. “Not the mage, and especially not the magic I practice. Not the aristocrat. Not the man.”

Again, there was silence, and Hawke could sense Jos biting his tongue. The answer wasn’t enough, so Hawke went on. 

“With him, I felt inadequate. Incomplete. Flawed. With you…I simply feel alive.” 

Another moment passed and then Jos made a small sound—a low hum that Hawke had learned meant approval. Gradually, by the time Hawke’s new beer had arrived, Jos relaxed against him, the hand on Hawke’s thigh sliding just a bit higher.

[blakelysco-pilot]

Hey bestie!!! For the oc asks (for both Val & Jo my beloveds), 👪 🎂 🎁 ☄️?

bestie thank youuuu 🥰from this emoji ask list

FAMILY - what is their family like? what is your ocs relationship to them? does your oc have any siblings?

Both Jo and Val are only children. Jo's parents stopped after her, because her mother barely made it when giving birth to Josephine. So, she's their only child- not spoiled, grew up knowing the value of hard work and a dollar. She's very close to both of her parents; her mother likes to spend time in the kitchen with her, baking cookies and cakes, and catching up over tea once. When she was little, she would make up gossip for her dolls, telling her mother just how Mister Snuffles and Lady Darling were arguing because the Lord of the manor wanted her to be all his, and didn't want to share him with Snuffles. When she's older, the gossip changes, naturally, but the sentiment never fades. Being an only child is something that she thinks about a lot, and I think sways her decision on how many children her and Rosie have. Val grew up under the watchful eye of her mother, and Nonna DiRosano- her late father's mother- after he passes away. She's young when he dies, which is why she clings so hard to Curt when they're children, and ultimately adults. He's not just a brother to her, but he's the man in her lift to protect her, the way her father would have if he was still alive. She's extremely close to both her mother and Nonna, and from an early age is brought up to be a lady (Lady Schmady, Curt would scoff, come play ball with me) and a good housewife. She learns to cook, clean her home, and bake sweets, so that when she's married one day she can do all of that for her husband. A good Italian housewife. Her signing up with the Red Cross leaves both mom and Nonna very cross with her for some time, even after they learn she'll be stationed with Curt in England, because a housewife does not go to war. But when they see her in her uniform for the first time, the pride sets in for them, and they know she's paving the way, a strong woman like they are, just in a different way.

BIRTHDAY CAKE - when is their birthday? do they like celebrating it?

Jo is a summer baby, born under the Cancer star sign on June 13th. As a child she always loved celebrating her birthday. She would get cake, and a trinket from her parents, and Rosie would always be allowed to come over to have cake too, which was her favorite part of the whole day. During the war, she enjoys it less so, because he's not there to have cake with her, or now that they're older, go dancing at a club. She finds the magic in it again after they're married, and he wakes her with breakfast in bed, and then a night at Minton's for dinner and dancing with their friends. When they have children, it's spending the day with them that makes her heart swell. Val is fall right down to the color of her eyes. Born under the Scorpio star sign on November 8th. Children's birthdays aren't celebrated in big parties in (traditional) Italian culture, but Val always shared a meal with her mother, Nonna and the Biddick's- and she would always request Sunday Sauce, no matter the day of the week. Cake's were either homemade or if they could stretch their change, from the Italian bakery in town, and more often than not, it was a casatta cake- no fudge and frosting in their house. During the war, Everett tries to make her birthday special, even if it's a night at the pub in town, or getting the fella who plays the piano in the Officer's Club to play happy birthday while Olive holds a lighter next to a leftover donut from the truck. She cherishes those birthdays in East Anglia because they're her own traditions that she made- so much so that even when they're home, he will go out to the store early in the morning before she wakes up, and buy a single donut, and wake her up with it.

PRESENT - what types of presents would they be most happy to receive? are they good at gift giving?

Both girls are excellent gift givers, and can often be found shopping together for someone's birthday. They will suss out the most special gifts for that special someone, sometimes needing to stretch their penny's a bit too far (sorry Rosie & Ev). The boys, while not the best at giving gifts, will always try, and most usually resort to a weekend away or dinner and dancing. When their children are born, both Jo and Val find that the homemade presents and drawings from their babies rank amongst their favorite presents ever received.

COMET - what do people assume about them? are they right?

Jo comes off as shy at first, but she's fiercely protective of those around her. Emotions run high with her, which is seen a lot in her letters to Rosie during the war, and her reactions to some of his letters back to her. When she learns that he's reupped (thanks Pappy) she's immediately fearing the absolute worst, calling Jean for moral support. The hours that pass see her cry, wring her hands together, and finally, she lands on stupid, stupid boy. The quiet ones are rarely ever, and Jo Harris is a prime example of that. Val comes off as the muscle, and hot headed, and you'd be fair to assume that about her. We see it when Olive and Dougie are at odds, which causes her and Ev to be at odds. But, in that hot headed, stubborn by nature Italian behavior, she's devastated and she just wants it all to stop. She wants the good back, and when she breaks down first in the arms of Benny DeMarco, and then Curt, we start to see the cracks. When we learn more of her past, and the man who truly broke her heart, we see why she's tough. Val is 5'3" with a 6'1" attitude, and she makes sure everyone knows it.

[ofangelsanddemigods]

Like for a starter from Jack frost

[dollgirlvoid]

Smuggling trip.

Josephine stopped dads pickup. we were in the middle of the mountains. Deeply remote. We walked out of the car, and began to set up camp for the night. The border was 6km away, and we didn't want to get caught crossing the border until late in the night. The plan was to sleep from 9 to 3, then cross the border in the dead of night. We set up the tent. nothing fancy, just hooking up a tarp to the side of dads pickup, with our sleeping pads below. It would keep the rain out, just about. this was the last smuggling trip of the season. the frost would set in soon, and crossing the Tharsis range during the winter would be suicidal. Josephine began to make a campfire, as I set up our bedding arrangements. We decided that a campfire is worth the risk, it gives us plausible deniability, just saying we are on a hunting trip. We wouldnt light it until later though. With the tent set up, and the fire prepared, Josephine asked me to follow her. I do so. We walk for about half an hour. The earth opens up below. there is a cliff. Massive. The truck couldnt make it here. "Cosette, we need to talk." My heart sank. "nono, im not mad at you. i can see your worried." she cracked a smile. I was still nervous. Josephine sat next to the cliff, close enough to feel the updraft. I sat a little behind her. "This might be our last run. War is coming. The queendom wants war, and war it shall have. Tensions are rising. You've noticed how its become harder and harder to get past the border. theirs more guards, more checkpoints. The queendom wants its resources to itself." I nod. In the distance, we see two small specks in the sky. I immediately recognize them as combat dolls. They are Arenadoran. They dont dare cross the border, not now, not yet. Josephine sees them too. she sees me see them. "Exactly, dolls havent patroled this border for decades. This is why I want to talk to you. We cant smuggle anymore with the war. We would be smuggling through an active combat zone. Without the smuggling money, were screwed. we can't pay for food. However, war can make livings, and thats what I want to talk to you. I'm going to join the military. I filled out an application for a position in communications on a doll carrier. The pay wont be much, but I wont see combat, and it will be safer than DNA running." "your going to need to take care of mom. You were too young to remember, but when dad died, she wasnt ever able to move on." I begin to tear up. Josephine puts her arm around me. "listen, you are stronger than you think you are. You remind me of a combat doll. the way you talk, you think, you move. If I didnt know better, i would say you are one." "I will be safe, no matter what"

[dark-elf-writes]

Horrific thought: the hate all spiders have for Athena children still occurs in Thedas because its a curse on Athena’s line.

But this would just make them angrier. Cassandra wondering if its a good thing the Maker leaves them alone if gods are like this. Iron Bull having to be hit with the stick multiple times to calm down. Varric writing stories to get his anger out of gods falling to the little people. Sera imagining filling the houses of gods with Bees. Vivienne clenching her hands and thinking of nobles who dont deserve the title. Cole trying to calm the others but his own emotions twisting and making him angry. Dorian muttering about what best spells to usec and aggressively making sure Nico is eating, that Annabeth has a study partner, Grover gets the best metal, Will rests, Thalia has all the things she needs, that Percy has a shoulder to lean on. Blackwell hacking wood and carving gifts. A horse, a owl, a little skull, a star, a goat, a sun- gifts that keep coming as he gets to know them. Cullen drilling his willing soldiers in combating magic more, imagining leading an army into the city of a god himself. Josephine making sure these children have the best of the best, sobbing at night at their pain.

Leliana wondering much like Cassandra if the Maker being away was good, while also wondering how the demigods got to Thedas anyway. (and fearing the answer)

No matter what has happened none of them see the kids get angry. Annoyed? Irritated? Frustrated? Yes but enraged and terrified? Never.

Not until they are out and what seems to be every giant spider in all of Thedas turns on Annabeth and Annabeth alone.

Of course they fight for her. Of course they all throw themselves into battle to protect her. Of course they cut through the hoards of spiders with blade and bow and magic until nothing but ash and ichor remain.

And then Annabeth, streaked with blood and venom and gods know what else after being dragged by a giant spider before Cole sunk a dagger into it, lets out a scream of frustration and kicks one of the carcasses hard enough to send it flying.

“Even here?!” She screams at the sky through tears. Percy is there in a heartbeat, wrapping her in his arms just as tears of fury start to fall. “Haven’t I don’t enough!?”

He doesn’t have an answer. None of them do.

Not when they see Thalia’s face white with fury and the electricity cracking around her. Not when Nico stabs that odd sword of his into the body of a spider over and over again, not quite able to hide his own shaking. Not when Grover moves to the other two like he can’t stand not to touch them, not to feel them there and alive under his hands. Not when Will looks on the edge of sobbing one second then leaps into motion the next, bandaging up Cassandra’s arm then Bull’s chest then and then and then until all of them are taken care of.

It’s eye opening. It’s horrifying. It’s like taking a frost spell to the face as they are forced to realize these children were made into soldiers and this is not their first war. Not when they all carry the scars of battle so clearly.