#late for me right now I need to go beddy bye

[areggo]

🦀💕🦋 !!

HIII omg thank youu!!!

🦀 How did they handle realizing they were in love? Embarrassed? Nervous? Mad? copypaste since I answered already! Big melting pot of all three, I'd say! They had so much bad blood at first, growing together was very reluctant for both parties. Sun was convinced it was just a weird phase of confusion, while Cicero was just conflicted in every possible way. But, their mutual respect grew alongside their affections, and as time went on they eventually came to terms with the pining!

💕 Who confessed first and how? Did it go as planned or did shenanigans ensue? To be honest I don't have the entire thing planned out- But, both of them would hold their feelings in forever until something tips it over the edge, probably dramatically. Cicero would be the one to spill the beans first, I imagine during an argument or some other heated discussion just because the feels are so unbearable for him in the moment. A very difficult hurdle to get over but something they needed <3

🦋 How long did it take them to get out of the awkward early relationship stage? Have they gotten more confident around each other? It was absolutely awkward! They already went through the awkward transition from hating each other to actually being chill, so nothing they weren't already used to! Cicero is a huge ball of nerves about being with the highly esteemed Listener, and it takes him a while to not freak out over the smallest affections. Sun is simply experienced and still confused as to how he ended up here, but he learns eventually <3

[resowrites]

Terror By Night - drabble.

Summary: Crate training proves a difficult task all round…

Pairings: AU!Henry Cavill x Girlfriend!OC

Warnings: fluff, banter/British humour, dialogue heavy, language, pet names, nondescript OC body type/appearance, hastily written/lightly proofread.

WC: 665

A/N: My work must not be copied, reposted, or translated elsewhere. Likes, follows, reblogs and comments are thoroughly welcome and appreciated! Gifs/pics not my own. I hope you all enjoy and thanks for visiting!

Terror By Night - drabble.

"Do you know how handsome you are?" She smoothed the side of Henry's head, her fingers sliding through his curls.

"Yes. And I'm not bringing her up here." She harrumphed and turned over in bed. Less than a minute later she threw off the covers. "Where you off to missy?"

"… Nowhere. Just the bathroom." Henry sighed.

"Darling come back to bed…"

"But she's whining!"

"Who is?" She lobbed her pillow at him. "She's fine, I promise you. Come on, beddy-byes." Henry pulled her back onto the bed and into his arms.

"But what if she's not? What if she's snagged her collar or something?"

"Then she'd be making a lot more noise. Now go to sleep."

"Can't I just go check on her quickly?"

"Darling, I checked on her twenty minutes ago. She just wants attention because she's bored and doesn't want to go to sleep. I can't imagine where she picked that up…"

"Why can't we just move the crate in here?"

"Because Kal already sleeps in here and--"

"So she gets left whimpering in the living room? Do I have that correct?"

"Ollie, for the love of God, go to sleep."

"No. This isn't just cruel to Copper, it's cruel to me. Well balls to it, I'm not leaving her in distress all night…" She wriggled free and turned to switch on the bedside light.

"Darling, she can't learn that every time she whines-- sorry whimpers," she shot Henry a death stare, "you come running!"

"Well, I'm not having her think that if she cries, no one's coming because nobody loves her!" He chuckled.

"So she's crying now?!"

"Henry, she's only little, sometimes babies need--"

"She's a puppy--"

"So?! Imagine if that was poor little Kal! Shivering away in a big scary crate… separated from his mother and siblings-- Henry? Henry, are you listening?" She swatted him awake.

"Mmm w-what? Is it morning already?"

"Right, fuck this. I'm coming Copper, don't worry, no one's abandoned you--"

"Ollie, she's not thinking that! If anything she'll be thinking 'oh good, here comes the muppet with big tits to play tug of war with me the rest of the night…'"

"And is that how you see me? A muppet with big tits?"

"I was speaking purely from Copper’s perspective…"

"Henry, please. She needs comforting--"

"There's a difference between comforting and coddling--"

"You coddle me!"

"Yeah well you're beyond help," Henry kissed her between the eyes, "but it's not too late for Copper." He switched off the light and tried to nestle her back into his arms.

"… Why are you doing this to me?" Henry sighed.

"I could ask the same thing…"

"You know a lack of empathy towards animals is a sign of psychopathy?"

"Mhmm. Go to sleep."

"Do you think her snuggle buddy needs new batteries?"

"No."

What about another blanket?"

"No."

"… Did you give her long enough outside?"

"Yes! I did everything short of burping her now will you please go to sleep?!" A minute or two passed.

"… Well maybe it's gas then?"

"Lullaby and good night, with pink roses bedight--"

"Henry, you're not funny--"

"With lilies o'er spread is my baby's sweet head--"

"You know I could have just checked on her by now--"

"Lay thee down now and rest, may thy slumber be blessed--"

"Will you stop?! You can't even sing--"

"Lay thee down now and rest, may thy slumber be blessed," he kissed her again, "night-night muppet." She sighed and after a little while, snuck her phone off the nightstand. "What are you doing now?!" Henry squinted at the slideshow of puppy pictures playing on loop.

"Nothing, I was just--" but it was too late, he'd chucked back the covers and was already thumping down the stairs.

Several minutes passed before Henry reappeared with a triumphant puppy underarm and a dour look on his face. Ollie squealed in delight. "Not one word!" She nodded as Copper raced towards her the minute she was plonked on the bed.

To be updated on when I post please follow @resowrites and turn on post notifications.

@elizabetharegina @luclittlepond @fanfictionaddiction99 @caffeinatedfestivalsheep @summersong69

[script-nef]

Busted | Tsukishima Kei

Request: Hello!! Can I please request a scenario/short fic where Tsukishima has to go pick up his girlfriend from “Girl’s Night” at the karaoke bar? When he gets there his gf is drunk, dur, BUT turns out she can sing like really really good. For a moment he’s utterly speechless but he takes really good care of her and asks about her singing the next day? Maybe she can play dumb about it saying she really can’t but too late he knows the power she holds. Sorry if that was a weird req but tysm in advance!!

Okay so first things first, this is a very cute request and not weird at all! Second thing is that I actually have no idea what a karaoke bar is so I searched it up. And it turns out to be a regular bar with like a little stage so people to sing on? Like that scene from The Good Place? I don’t know if you meant that one but I wrote it based on that, hope that’s fine! :) Third, uhhhh you asked for a short fic and I uh well it’s not really all that short so sorry about that.

Category: crack, fluff

1.4k words; Tsukishima never knew you could sing so well

Tsukishima doesn’t really like it when you go out for “Girls’ Night”s all that much. He’s glad you have quality time with your friends and burn off the stress from your work, but he often wonders if bars are the best place. 

It’s probably because of his aversion to alcohol. And drunk people. If you also add in the fact that your favourite venue just so happens to be a karaoke bar, of all things, he would never fathom the idea of stepping a foot into it unless his life was on the line.

And yet, here he is, slipping into the godforsaken place at 11:30 pm on a work night.

His brows immediately crease as a drunk couple makes out right next to the entrance and expertly swerves past them. The place is filled with groups and couples in similar positions, just climbing over each other in their inebriated states without a care for others’ gazes. It’s amazing what alcohol can do and he sincerely hopes you’re being smart about your intake for the night.

That hope is swiftly crushed as you teeter onto the small karaoke stage with the melody of your favourite song blaring in the background. Your face is what could only be described as crimson to the point he can’t tell where your dress ends and your skin starts. You sway a bit on stage like you’re trying to balance yourself on a ship while there’s a tidal wave happening and Tsukishima can practically predict what’s going to happen next.

So he makes his way to you as fast as he can so that you won’t have an embarrassing memory to wake up to tomorrow morning. He doesn’t even understand why you insist on this karaoke bar when there’s a very high chance of you getting drunk and singing in front of literal strangers—and some friends—when you don’t even like singing in front of him. You occasionally hum while lazing around the house but never sang, claiming that your voice was horrible and also unfortunately tone-deaf. There was a stare-down when you said that because if you were actually tone-deaf, then you wouldn’t be nailing every note in your hums. But he let it go because you turned red and pattered off. 

He’s just about there when you finally open your mouth to start singing, and he can’t help to freeze completely on the spot.

Your voice is beyond amazing. 

It rings out loud and clear throughout the room, forcing everyone to direct their attention to you. It’s like they’re entranced at the performance, and they have a very good reason to. It sounds like you’re pouring your heart and soul into this one song, determined to broadcast it to the best of your abilities. And the quality of it means you’ve practised this before. A lot. 

He stands there, speechless and dumbstruck, eyes trained on you until the song slowly fades away. The room explodes with cheers and applauds, and someone chants for an encore. You give a shaky bow with a bright smile and stumble off the stage right into Tsukishima’s awaiting arms. You mutter an apology and try to free yourself from his grasp, but stop struggling as soon as you see his face.

“Tsukki! Wha… watchu you doin’ here? You have the—the thing with the weird bones tomorrow!”

“Yes, I have my work with my museum tomorrow and yet I’m here for you. Come on, let’s go home.”

“Home! Yes, yes, fwoof. Pushy bed. It’s going to eat me!”

“I have literally no idea what you’re saying but I hope you remember this tomorrow so I can have something to embarrass you with. Say goodbye to your friends.” Your arms sway pathetically in the air as you mumble out something which sounds like but is dubiously related to “Bye now! The beddie are waiting me!” You never make sense when you’re drunk.

He holds you steady while you walk back home, careful of your stumbling steps. Just as he’s about to question you about the singing and why you’ve never sung in front of him, you slump onto his side, eyes closed and off to dreamland. Tsukishima sighs in soft exasperation and carries you home, glad that the venue is relatively close to your shared house.

Regaining some semblance of consciousness when he’s unlocking the house, you flail out of his grip and stomp into the house. It seems like you’re going straight to bed but he stops you to remind you of your shoes, makeup, clothes, brushing your teeth and drinking at least five cups of water to avoid a hangover. Thankfully you finish the first four, not without pouting and whispering nonsense the entire time, but tap out after 2 glasses.

Once in bed, you poke your head out from the blanket burrito you constructed yourself and give him a peck on the lips. “Thank you… pointy-nose. I have the bestest giraffe in the world. Nighty night Mr Moon.”

“Yes well, I wish I can say the same if my girlfriend wasn’t drunk half out of her mind, calling me weird nicknames and keeping things from me. Why didn’t you tell me you could sing so well?” You would normally have blushed and squeaked out an explanation, but you’re knocked out again. Tsukishima sighs once more and cages you in his arm, filing the interrogation away in his head for tomorrow morning. He assumes the headache of combined with the embarrassing memories of this night will make it easy for you to tell the truth.

“My head hurts…” This is the first thing that greets Tsukishima when he wakes up. A small whining voice from his chest squiggling around and complaining. “Tsukki… ‘m dying…”

“Humans don’t die that easily. You’re annoyingly tenacious.” That earns a weak slap on the arm. “Fine, let’s wake up. You need to drink some more water and eat something.” You don’t budge at all, so he has to carry you again to the kitchen while you whine about being stolen from warmth and comfort.

After forcing two cups of water and a banana down your throat, Tsukishima focuses on making himself a breakfast at the ungodly time of 5 am. Another annoying habit you have is waking up early after a drink-fest even though literally every other drunk sleeps in.

“Mmm… Thanks. You’re the best…” You mumble out while chewing on another banana, eyes drooping down like you’re about to fall asleep again. “I won’t ever drink that much again, I promise…”

“Oh no, but then how will you gain the confidence to sing in front of strangers when you haven’t ever sung in front of me, your boyfriend? Under the pretence of a ‘bad voice’?” You’re the one that freezes now, like a deer caught in headlights. Your eyes are wide and quaking slightly, to his intense amusement, no doubt trying to remember the events of last night. 

He stares right back, an eyebrow raised as if to say “what kind of an excuse are you going to give?” but in the most unimpressed way possible. Your eyes bounce around to corners of the house while expertly avoiding him, until you finally settle on a decision.

Silence takes over the house. The chair you were sitting on makes a horrible screeching noise as you bolt out of it, hightailing to the bedroom in order to find a hole to crawl into and die in. Just as you’re about to enter, an arm slams right in front of you and effectively cuts you off from escaping this situation. 

Tsukishima traps you in his arms, head leaning down to lightly bump his forehead against yours. “Why didn’t you tell me you could sing so well?” This position is the best when trying to pry information out of you because apparently, being surrounded by his form makes you weak and susceptible. Sure enough, red takes over your face again and stutters spill out.

“I just— I’m just really embarrassed singing in front of you because you told me you don’t like it when people sing along to songs and I— I thought it would bother you! It’s not like I was hiding the fact, it’s more li—” Your further ramblings are cut off as Tsukishima presses his lips to yours for a quick peck.

“It’s fine if it’s you. At least you don’t sound like a monkey howling in the dead of the night, unlike some people.” That earns a laugh out of you and he pulls you back into the kitchen. “Now, let’s see what else you’ve been keeping a secret from me.”

[alwaysgcld]

i wish you love || ben & perri playlist

listen here // songs & explanations below

i. tongue tied - grouplove

don't leave me tongue-tied / let's stay up all night / i'll get real high / slumber party, pillow fight / my eyes on your eyes / like peter pan up in the sky / my best friend's house tonight / let's bump the beats 'til beddy-bye

There was something about her that left Ben a nervous mess. He’s not sure what it was about Perri that made him like this; stumbling over words, second guessing everything when it came to her. A feeling that was familiar and foreign at the same time. As per usual for the two of them at parties, they were taking a break from the heart of the event, chattering quietly in a separate room. It was then that he realized why she made him like that. That his feelings for her were more than a friend. And she felt the same way. She was confessing it to him and all he could do was sit there with a dumbfounded face as he fumbled for a response. Her smile was falling, he was panicking even more. Just as she started to move back from her he surged forward, pressing his lips against hers. 

ii. i like me better - lauv

to be young and in love in new york city / to not know who i am but still know that i'm good long as you're here with me / to be drunk and in love in new york city / midnight into morning coffee, burning through the hours talking

That one night had led to the beginning of a beautiful relationship. One filled with coffee shop dates at any time of the day they could manage, late night talks in their rooms, sneaking away at parties still to take small breaks that often led to them kissing instead of actually talking, impromptu photo shoots initiated by her, impromptu slow dancing initiated by him, every day turning into an adventure when they spent it together. He had lost sight of lots of things he once had a grasp in his life, he was still trying to figure out how to get back to the person he was. It wasn’t easy, but Perri made him feel like he could do anything with her by his side.

iii. slow hands - niall horan

fingertips puttin' on a show / got me now and i can't say no / wanna be with you all alone / take me home, take me home

Saying no to her was almost impossible. Especially when she looked at him like, coy smile with a twinkle in her eye as she pulled him away for a private moment. There came a point when he began to match that energy with her, coy smile and all with an arm wrapped around her waist. Always pulling her closer to him.

iv. ilysb (stripped) -  lany

my heart hurts so good / i love you, baby, so bad, so bad

The nights he found it hard to fall asleep, he would lay in their bed with Perri in his arms, finding comfort in her even breathing as he stared at the ceiling. His heart would do flips whenever she snuggled in closer to him. He wanted to spend all of his nights like this. Wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. He couldn’t imagine falling asleep, or trying to fall asleep, without her by his side.

v. photograph - boyce avenue & bea miller

we keep this love in a photograph / we made these memories for ourselves / where our eyes are never closing / our hearts were never broken / and time's forever frozen, still

As Perri’s career began to take off, Ben often found himself alone in their shared apartment. They tried to talk on the phone as often as they could, but with each trip she had less and less time to reach out. This was fine, their love was not so fragile that this made a dent in the relationship. At least, that was what they had thought.

vi. two ghosts - harry styles

tongue-tied like we've never known / telling those stories we already told / 'cause we don't say what we really mean / we're not who we used to be / we're not who we used to be / we're just two ghosts standing in the place of you and me

Ben wasn’t sure how they had reached this point in their relationship. When he could barely recognize who she was now. Who he was. He couldn’t even pinpoint when they had begun to change. Nor when they stopped communicating like they used to. He used to get tongue-tied around her for an entirely different reason. Now it was simply because he didn’t know how to talk to her anymore. Not without addressing the issues that neither of them wanted to admit were there. What had happened to them?

vii. say something - joe brooks & tammin sursok

say something, i'm giving up on you / and i'm sorry that i couldn't get to you / and anywhere, i would've followed you / say something, i'm giving up on you / and i will swallow my pride / you're the one that i love / and i'm saying goodbye

There came a point when things had made a turn down a road they couldn’t turn back from. The one where they realized that their dreams weren’t the same any longer. It had become clear long before that they were no longer the people they had been in the beginning. He never expected them to stay that. They were young, they were bound to grow into different people eventually. But there was a point when they stopped growing together. She didn’t want the life that they had once dreamed of together now. He wanted to be wrong about that. So badly he wanted to be wrong. Wanted her to just say that he was wrong. To just stop and talk to him about what they were doing, where they were doing. That moment never came. Instead it was him saying: “We need to talk, Perri.”

viii. old eden - honeywater

why'd it go wrong when it should've gone right / why do we run when there's no need to fight / i can't go on if i'm not alone or talking to you / you never knew all the mountains i've climbed / when i'm with you there's no passing of time / all of my dreams have been realized and taken away

The last goodbye had been shared in their apartment. She left him with one last kiss lingering on his lips and her engagement ring in his hand. At first he tried to blink away the tears, looking around their apartment recalling all of the memories they had shared within the walls. The grief he felt was too much, it was all too much.

ix. ghost of you - 5 seconds of summer

so i drown it out like i always do / dancing through our house with the ghost of you / and i'll chase it down, with a shot of truth / that my feet don't dance like they did with you

It felt like he was just going backwards once again his life. He was right back in the apartment he had been when he had first fallen in love with her. Still surrounded with reminders of her everywhere he went. Reminders of their love that in the end was not as strong as they had once thought it was. How could he move on when he was faced with the ghost of her, the ghost of them, everywhere he went?

x. i wish you love - coffv & hyorin kim

and in july a lemonade / to cool you in some leafy glade / i wish you health, and more than wealth / i wish you love

Ben had wished the best for her when she had initially left. He had meant in then, and he still meant it now. The only difference really was it didn’t hurt anymore to think about her falling in love with someone else. It didn’t hurt to talk on the phone and hear how much happier she was now. There was no ache in his heart from still being in love with her. He’s not sure when it had exactly stopped hurting. That didn’t really matter. All that matter was he had finally reached that point where he was free from the heartbreak. That he could finally move on.

[multifandom-stranger]

4 . 10 . 16

The Broken Few Pt. 2

Pt 1, Pt 2, Pt 3

Genre: Angst, but like more light-hearted because my heart needed a break

Word Count: 3.5k

Warnings: Some swearing here and there

That night Mark came back to the apartment he could barely keep his shit together. He wasn’t depressed by any means. He was pissed off to no end. Mark had this sudden wake up call as he ran back to the new place he called home. Why did he ever listen to that foster dad of his? He held no power over him, had no real connection to him, and Mark could care less what that shit parental figure thought of him. This epiphany had him sitting on a big bean bag in the corner of the eclectic room completely zoned. For the other boys it was even weirder to see the poor kid up at 1 AM staring off into space. Taeyong had left to go do something and so did Ten. Doyoung was the only one conscious in the room since Jaehyin passed out around 10:30. “Kid, you good? Where did you run off to anyway?” Doyoung got up from his spot where he had been sitting with his knees tucked under his arms as he hunched over his phone. The older boy shuffled his way over till he was now lying on the floor, his head propped up by the same beanbag Mark placed himself upon hours ago.  “Go ahead. Speak.”  Doyoung said in a sarcastic tone that drew out a small laugh from the two of them.

“I’m just amazed at how much I’ve let other people control me. For the dumbest reasons as well. It makes no sense why I let myself suffer for so long when I could do something the whole time.” Mark finally let his gaze fall to Doyoung who looked up at him with thoughtful eyes. 

“Maybe we were the push you needed. Something to prove there’s a way out and a place of belonging.” He gave Mark a small nudge to his leg before seeing if he could push a bit further without getting too deep. “Still didn’t answer my last question.” Mark took a deep breath before nudging him back with his knee.

 “Maybe another time. It’s really late so we should get some sleep.” Doyoung chuckled and started to saunter off to his little cot in the corner of the room. “Beddy-bye for the little one.” He teased before plopping down with a smile. “Night hyung.” Mark said with a hint of his laughter carrying over into his words. 

The next morning when he woke up their tiny room was rather full. Ten and Taeyong had come back at some point in the night and now were asleep in their beds. Well, not beds. Taeyong had the other extra large bean bag and Ten had this cool hammock setup where he hung it from these really sketchy makeshift hooks. He shifted as quietly as he could to not wake anyone as he headed to the outside area at the rooftop surrounding their little home. Mark was simply trying to get some fresh air so the last thing he expected was another person to be sleeping outside on the large wooden table out there. Some dude with short grey hair and sharp eyes was lying on his stomach and holding his phone in front of him. Once Mark let the door close a bit louder than expected, though it wasn’t loud enough to wake the others, the man looked over at Mark. “Uh, hey?” He said as awkwardly as he normally would when meeting strangers.

“Sup kid. I heard you're the newbie.” The unknown man shifted till he was sat criss-cross on the platform. He patted the spot next to him casually but Mark was very curious and hesitant to sit. As far as he knew this was just some dude who snuck up to catch some z’s somewhere. Then again, he had a feeling new faces were gonna come at him left and right. “I’m Taeil. Also a part of the family so no need to… look at me like that.” 

“Huh? Oh uh, sorry. Didn’t mean to stare.” Mark rubbed at the back of his neck as he apologized for the accidental unnecessarily long stare. What was he supposed to do? He just bumped into some new dude in a new place. He was beginning to worry about fitting in. How many people were there anyways? What did they really do? He still had too many questions and concerns about something he already swore a blood oath to. A hand waved in front of his face to catch his attention after another hardcore zoning out session.

“Hello?~ Earth to new kid. Wanna introduce yourself or will I have to just call you newbie forever?” Taeil was already taken by the poor kid. Taeyong had texted him about a new member to their little family last night. He could see he was probably still trying to figure out what the hell was even going on in his life. It was just so sad to see kids like him join though. Mark was young looking, probably not even eighteen yet and here he was living with them now. The only upside that lessened the pull at Taeil’s heartstrings was the idea that at least with the family these poor kids off the street may have a chance in this world. Something slightly better than before at the very least.

Mark snapped his head to Taeil and apologized again under his breath before another shy introduction. Before he could finish a thud was heard from behind them.”Yah! You fucks woke me up with the-”  Mark jumped a bit and whipped his head over to the source of the voice yelling at them. Taeil lulled his head over to the small shack that was outside the actual apartment to see Kun peeked out the door to it. 

“Meet Kun. Our local Chinese nagging mom.” Taeil said with much amusement in his voice. Mark was really thrown off at this point. First a man sleeping outside, not an angry man in the shed. What next, someone popping out from the roof? Kun was flustered as well. He hadn't even said hi to the kid before screaming at him. Not really his style. Not at all. 

“Ha, good morning. Your name's Mark, right? I’m sorry I yelled. I just really like my sleep.” Kun slumped his way over, seemingly still half asleep. He stuck a hand out to Mark, which was taken and shook by the younger boy. “I claimed the shed because I was promised quiet anyways.” An awkward slightly ticked laugh followed. Man, what a character.

“Thanks for waking the whole family fatso.” Taeyong chirped in, his head peeking from behind the door to the apartment. “What are you doing with the baby? Mother’s should treat their kiddos nice after all.” He stuck his tongue out at Kun before ducking back into the home for safety. Taeyong was well aware of the nagging he’d receive, even at eight AM, from Kun and he was not having any of it. Not this damn early. 

The three on the rooftop were left to stare at the door in silence before Taeyong peeked around it once more in a rush. “Oh, and all three of you get in here. Time to break in down for said baby.” He pointed to Mark with a big grin before leaving once again in a flash. 

“Best not to fight it. Come on guys.” Taeil said as he got up with a stretch and quick yawn. Kun followed suit without a word and he patted Mark’s shoulder gently. Mark got up as well and followed the other two into the small building. It was two rooms, and yet they found a way to fit all seven of them in the small space. Mark and Doyoung sat upon his big bean bag, Ten and Kun were on the hammock, Jaehyun and Taeil on the cot, and Taeyong sat on the other bean bag. The gang's all here.

“Alright Mark, you’ve already met Kun and Taeil I see. There’s still more people to come though. Yuta’s off with Winwin trying to ease up some conflict we’ve been having on the streets.” Jaehyin scoffed at the mention of the fights. It was so dumb. Recently a gang on the streets of Seoul had been giving them shit for running activities in their area. They called themselves Got7, and they were known for their wide and vast network of connections. Jaehyun had only met them once to discuss the very topic of who got which parts of the city to roam around. He was rather upset to hear that they had told Taeyong that their family was breaking the agreement even though they had not once had anyone cross any lines. His best bet was that those bastards were trying to cheat them out of land simply because they could. They were bigger, better, and more powerful so they easily could corner their rag tag group of kids. He was pissed. 

“So, today is the day we go over what we do and then send you off to do it. So far we do work for hire and take fees from local businesses as well. That’s our main income. It used to be a lot of petty crime like pickpocketing and breaking into cars, but we’ve made somewhat of a name for ourselves. No more of that shit.” Taeyong was hoping the kid wouldn’t freak out and bail. Most of the time they were hesitant, which was understandable. Some people, like Kun who patches them up, just aren’t meant for the life they lead. “Also, how old are you exactly? Not that it particularly matters.”

Mark gave a confused look before responding with “Seventeen. Why?” He was kind of lost as to how this related to anything they were talking about. What could Taeyong be getting at? Taeyong smiled and clapped his hands once for emphasis. He looked oddly satisfied.

“You also gotta get one of these. Can you show him Doyoung?” Douyoung nodded before pulling up his sleeve and revealing a small tattoo. Mark looked over to see the long and thin letters that spelled out NCT. He tilted his head and furrowed his brows. He had no clue what was going on or what that even meant. 

“Wait a sec. You’re saying I’m gonna get that tattooed on me? What’s it mean and why?” 

“Where you from kid?” Jaehyun asked out of the blue. Once again, Mark hardly saw any relation to the current subject. What’s with these random questions to answer his own questions?

“Canada originally. Could you please just answer one damn question I’ve asked” 

“It stands for Neo Culture Tech. It means we want to spread our family’s ideals to the world in our own way. So, for example,  you came all the way from Canada and now are a part of it. Ten’s from Thailand, Kun and Winwin are from China, Yuta is from Japan.” Jaehyun sighed seeing that Mark was still a bit lost. He could see in the unchanged look on his face that was true. “You get the fucking tattoo to rep the family. It’s like an ID to prove your one of us if you run into trouble. God.” All Jaehyun could think was that Mark was just dense enough to be slightly annoying. He’d have to prove himself useful in his own waay at some point.

Mark could clearly tell he was not on Jaehyun’s good side. He came off as very blunt and result oriented to Mark. A man who just wants to get shit done as soon as possible but still does it right. Probably made him very good at whatever he did. Mark made it a point to especially work hard around him and be on his game.

“Ease up on him Jaehyun.” Taeyong butted in after Jaehyun had stopped. He knew how Jaeyhun could get with these newer boys sometimes and it seemed to be worse than usual with Mark. The reason why was something he’d never know but he wasn’t having any hatred. Not in his family. “Know what, you and Ten can take him on the day's errands as well as getting tatted up! Isn’t that just lovely?” He gave a shit-eating grin as he leaned over just enough to lay an arm over Jaehyun’s shoulder and make eye contact quite obviously. Jaehyun closed his eyes and sighed knowing full why he chose the three. 

“Got it. Let’s head out guys.” Jaehyun said flatly as he rose to his feet, brushing Taeyong off. Ten got up with a smile and made his way to Mark in quick, eager steps. He pushed him playfully from behind to tease.

“Let’s go newb! Time to learn the ropes!” Mark went along with it easily and walked out the door with Ten following right behind. Jaehyun left last, rolling his eyes at the duo’s antics. All three of them were certain this was gonna be one hell of a day, for different reasons obviously.

The trio headed for the streets with Jaehyun leading the way as Ten and Mark held a light conversation the whole way. He would rarely add in his thoughts or remark on their silly topics. Mark was slowly learning to like Jaehyun. He certainly could throw in his own sarcastic remarks on a whim and end up cracking the other two up. It was surprising to Mark and welcome to Ten.  Ten and Mark hadn’t talked much till now and boy did they seem to get along. Both were childish in nature and liked to have fun. It was like talking with an old friend, yet this was their first real chat. All in all, the three of them were slowly growing on each other.

Mark and Ten were lucky to have Jaehyun around since they could barely tell any time had passed at all. Their seemingly short journey had already led them to a small tattoo shop lit up by neon lights that spelled out open even though it was a bright and sunny morning in the city. Mark peered into the shop windows to see that not much was going on in the small building. There were empty chairs he could see from the back and one girl at the counter with all the artbooks of designs on display. All three of them entered the tattoo parlor to be greeted by the rather pretty girl.

“Hiya boys. ‘Nother new face, huh?” Jaehyun and Ten struck up a bit of small talk with the girl for a while before she leaned over to a quiet and curious Mark. “Alright cutie, head to the back and I’ll take care of you real nice.~” She added a wink just to tease the young boy to which Mark could only blush a bit and remain silently flustered. 

“Thanks again Sunmi. We owe you.” Ten sang out as Mark followed said girl to the back. She gestured for him to sit with grace before getting inks and her machine ready. 

“Okay hun, you know where you want it?” Mark though on it a bit. He’d obviously never had a tattoo before since he was still underage. Wait… It was just now occurring to him this was kinda illegal. He had a feeling this would be far on the tame side of things to come so fuck it. If he wanted to commit to this shit, he was gonna really commit. “Can I get it here?” He places a hand over his heart. Why he did so was a simple reason. He already felt like he got along with these boys better than anyone else who had come into his life beforehand. Taeyong instantly empathized with his pains and struggles. Not in a patronizing way, but as someone understanding; Someone who lived it. Him and Ten were already friends as far as he was concerned. All the others opened right up to him with full honesty. Even Jaehyun was nice to Mark in his own way. He was family now and he meant it with all his heart to stick together. Especially if Taeyong planned to help others like him get to a better place in life. 

Sunmi smiled at him before nodding. “You got it. Now off with the shirt.” 

“Huh?” Mark huffed out a little louder than intended. “Oh uh- Yeah.” Sunmi could only giggle at the young boy’s antics. The boy was just too shy, sweet, and awkward. She hoped he had what it took to live the life of a Neo Tech member. Mark pulled his t shirt over his head and continued to sit there looking like a fucking dope. He shifted back and forth before Sunmi came back over to transfer the stencil to his chest with ease. From then on Mark made no eye contact, even when spoken to by the sweet girl. He also noticed the stifled laughter from not only Ten but Jaehyun as well. He leaned over to see them both doubled over and laughing to themselves. Or so they thought. “Hey!” He hollered at the two with a new subtle blush forming on his cheeks. That only caused the two of them to continue their laughter freely and stumble around a bit. 

After Mark leaned back to a comfortable place again Sunmi held up her tattoo machine with a half smile. “Wanna know what it feels like first?”

“Sure.” A small hum was heard as she switched it on and pulled Mark by the hand. She placed the machine to the skin of his forearm causing Mark to jump just a little bit at the unfamiliar feeling. He scoffed with amusement due to the fact that it wasn’t that bad at all. “Not as bad as I thought it’d be.”

“I’m surprised, kid. Just doing this has made some people back out.” She pulled back and dipped into her ink. “Ready for the real deal”

“Go ahead.”

After a not so bad session of tattooing with small talk between Sunmi and Mark he finished up like a champ according to her. She covered the tattoo and told him how to care for it. Mark put his shirt back on. He thanked her with a smile before heading back to the front of the building again. Sat there was Tan and Jaehyun who both smiled and smirked respectively once he entered.

“What?” He asked flat out. Jaehyun shook his head and both him and Ten ros to their feet. 

“Tell ya in a bit.” He said with much amusement, something rare for Jaehyun. He headed to the door, the other boys joining him as they all waved and said their goodbyes. “Thanks again Sunmi. You’re the best.” 

She smiled and leaned over the counter with a coy smile. “Bye guys,” She made direct eye contact with Mark before adding “Hope to see you soon.~” with a quick wink. Mark was once again left a blushing awkward little kid. He gave her a shy wave once more before leaving with the others. Once they had left the beauty alone at the small counter of the shop she sighed. “If only he was older.” 

The moment the boys were past the building and on the streets again he was met with a swift slap to the back from Jaehyun. “Damn dude.” He chuckled at Mark’s obvious confusion before Ten joined him just like before.

“What?! I don’t get it. Tell me what’s so damn funny to you two!” 

“Poor thing doesn't even know!” Ten managed to choke out in between wheezes and fits of laughter. The youngest was looking back and forth at them, as if that would give him an answer quicker.

“First of all, you are soooo fucking awkward.” He patted a hand on Mark’s shoulder for emphasis. “Second, your one lucky kid.” 

Mark persisted to question them over and over as to what the hell they were talking about only to be met with more chuckles and grins but never an answer until finally Jaehyun gave in. “Did she kiss the stencil?” 

Mark thought back to sitting there in the chair and staring off into space. He did see Sunmi raise it to her face at one point. He thought it was to look at or something. He didn’t really put much thought into it till now because why would he? “Yeah, I think she did.”

Ten elbowed Jaehyun harshly, almost pushing him into a passerby. “See! Called that shit. You owe me.”

“Ohmygodcouldyoujusttellmealready!” Mark groaned out, highly frustrated. Why was he always left out of the loop?

“Means you're gonna do well. That and she likes you. The only time she does that is when she gets a good feeling about someone so we consider it a lucky sign.” Jaehyun finally explained.

Mark tilted his head a bit. “Who else did she do that for?” 

“Taeyong, Kun, Yuta, and you so far. And me of course.” He nudged Ten back just as hard, almost sending him into the side of a building. “One of these things isn’t like the other.” He teased.

Ten rolled his eyes after recovering his balance and shot back with, “Whatever man, not like it matters too much. Let’s just go get to work already.” 

Once again Jaehyun led the trio to their destination. Though Mark had no idea where it was or what they’d do he was surprised at how good he felt. He was oddly excited to see what his future with the family truly held.

Author’s note: Hiiii! I feel like I wanna explain a bit of my story so that they have a bit more meaning so expect a post dedicated to that soon. Also, I’m SO HYPE FOR MANDATORY JACKSON CAMEO. You know I had to. Aaaaanyways, thanks for reading! The next chapter will finally get into the serious stuff so if that’s what your waiting for then stuck around! Also, low key messing with format and stuff so let me know if it’s still okay. Love ya all! ❤️

[keelywolfe]

FIC: Hickory Dick-ory Dock (baon)

Summary: A prequel to the series, a glimpse at how Sans and Red's relationship got started.

Tags:  Kustard, Angst, Ecto-Genitalia, Sex, Antagonism, Brats to Lovers, Lemony Goodness

Notes:  Okay, this is the last kustard one, I swear, Edge and Stretch just needed a little break after everything that happened. Besides, with all this Sans and Red stuff coming up, I thought it might be interesting to see how they started out. 

It's swell! Watch out for that lemony goodness!

Part of the ‘by any other name’ series.

~~*~~

Read it on AO3

or

Read it here!

~~*~~

It was either too early or way too fucking late to be awake, and Sans’s body hadn’t decided on which one yet. The only chair in the room was as shitty as the rest of the furniture, stiff-backed and with the kinds of stains it didn’t pay to think too deeply about. Not really worth sitting in except for those moments where someone shouldn’t be having a cigarette but still was. Supposed to be no smoking anywhere indoors, but in a motel that prided itself on a cash-only, Sans didn’t think anyone would be chasing them down for a cleaning fee.

Of the two vending machines by the elderly ice maker, only one of them worked and it reluctantly parted with a can of Pepsi for the rip-off price of two bucks. Not even an honest swindle, it was piss-warm and unsatisfying, even for someone without a proper throat.

The tiny bottle of whiskey he’d nabbed earlier on the plane was of a decent sort, though, helped smooth the path down, and by their powers combined, it was teetering on the edge of acceptable. Not like they were going to be here for long, anyway. Sulking about it would be petty waste of precious little time.

“you gonna offer me some of that or keep it for your private party?”

Sans glanced at the bed, but Red didn’t bother opening his sockets, still sprawled out in the wreck of the sagging mattress. A corner of the sheet was draped over his pelvis in a parody of modesty and the colorful splatter on his femurs made Sans idly think of the modern art at the museum Blue dragged all of them to a few weeks back.

Sans took a deliberate sip from the can, then a drag from the cigarette, holding in the smoke long enough for it to start seeping from his sockets before he exhaled it. “dunno, haven’t decided. maybe i like a solo act better.”

That got him a single socket opened, a thin rim of crimson showing. “yeah? was getting the idea earlier you preferred a duet. i spent the better part of an hour sucking you off, and this is the thanks i get?”

“isn’t it supposed to be the thought that counts when it comes to gifts?”

“uh huh, and what i’m thinking is it should be your turn to make your way downtown,” Red shifted, drawing his knees up and letting them fall to either side. The tangle of the sheet gave tantalizing glimpses of pelvis and the beginnings of a swirl of magic within it. “c’mere, little boy blue, come blow my horn.”

Sans snorted and crushed out the cigarette on the scarred old desk, leaving a blackened mark that matched a dozen others. “like i’ve never heard that before.”

“i know you haven’t,” Red gave him a sly, sulking look and rolled to his side, giving Sans his back, and yeah, he got the unspoken insult there. “you’ve never fucked anyone with my crushing wit.”

“mother goose ain’t exactly phd material and you might be crushing, but i’m the one pounding tonight.”

Sans hopped down from the chair and snagged the can, carrying it with him to the bed. He sat on the side of the mattress, trailing an idly finger down the intricate curves of Red’s spine. That was worth a faint sigh, exhaled through a jagged-tooth smile. Fondling the sensitive cartilage between each vertebra was better, Red arching into the touch with a hissed groan, undulating between that generously stroking hand and the stained sheets.

It added to the novelty of the occasion, could tack that sight right in with all the other scenery Sans never expected to see. Lovely bones, gleaming palely in the neon light creeping in through the slatted blinds covering the windows. The scars littering Red’s bones were predicable, but discovering the slimness of them beneath that ever-present jacket wasn’t, smaller even than Sans, all bulked up and hidden beneath heavy layers.

None of that made Red any less dangerous, but then, that was part of the fun, now wasn’t it.

His hand got lazy while Sans was taking in the sights and Red made a complaining sort of sound, rolling onto his back and stretching. The sheet, already doing a poor job at an attempt at modesty gave up even that, sliding completely loose. That left nothing covering Red but the remnants of come, still tacky yet, smearing as Red ran a pin-sharp fingertip up the inside of his femur. Sans watched, rapt, as red and blue mingled, sullied into purple.

“give me that.”

For a split second, Sans lurched obediently forward, ready to crawl between those femurs. Then he saw that wickedly sharp smirk curling up and noticed Red was reaching out towards the can that was starting to crumple in Sans’s too-tight grip.

It didn’t pay well to show Red any weakness and Sans swallowed down his flusterment, handing it over. Watched as Red tipped it back and swallowed down half the can in a single gulp. There was probably a pun to be made there, getting hit hard with a soft drink, but instead he only watched, tried not to think of what his eye lights were revealing as he stared at Red licking his teeth, the tips tinging to crimson as he nicked his own tongue against them.

“you gonna come down here or just enjoy the show?”

“i was about to leave,” Sans said, slowly. Like it wasn’t a lie and he wasn’t sitting here without even his shorts on. “paps will be wondering where i am.”

All the ambassadors were tucked away in their own five-star hotel, none of them suspecting their head of security and his second had skulked off, leaving them with the rest of the bodyguards. They were safe as houses, had to be or Red never would’ve been coaxed off, but Paps might come to his room, might ask for a bedtime story or just a chat.

“yeah, can’t let your little brother know you’re sneaking out to fuck around with me, now can you?” Poisonously sweet and okay, Red could, and did, get away with murder all the fucking time, but Sans wasn’t gonna let that slide.

“that how you want to play it?” Sans let a smirk of his own work its way loose. Like this lovely secrecy was for his benefit? “oh, miss mary, quite contrary, you want me to call him? i can give him the room number, see if he wants to stop in and verify. probably some paperwork that needs done, ain’t there, the bossman fucking his subordinate, bet he’d volunteer to help, he likes filling out forms.”

“you’d need form 109b, you’re the one who fucked me,” Red’s eye lights glittered with unnamed emotion. “hoping i’ll call you on that?”

“go ahead, if you think i’m joking, i could use a few chuckles."

“bet you could. i’m all about the jokes, but 3 am is a tough crowd.”

Sans ran his tongue along the even line of his teeth, considering. And then he went for blood. “we aren’t meeting up at roach motels to keep secrets from my brother. tell you what, wanna give the edgelord a call, instead? bet he and stretch are already done banging for the night, all curled up together for beddy-bye.”

“it’s 11am back in the states, i’m more likely to interrupt some meeting.” Oh, but there was blood in the water now, and fucking shark that he was, Red could smell it.

“great, then asgore can listen to our first ever porn podcast.”

Sans reached for his shorts and dug out his phone, humming as he pulled up Papyrus’s contact. “i don’t worry about my bro. let me give him a call, then you can call yours—”

His phone clattered to the floor as Red slapped it out of his hands. Sans kinda hoped it wasn’t broken, he wasn’t gonna have time to get a new one in the morning before all the meetings started and sitting there without candy crush to keep him entertained would be an endless nightmare.

“you gonna fuck me or not.” The words caught on a snarl, Red’s eye lights shading into a deep, harsher crimson, his mouth twisted into a grimace.

Sans hummed thoughtfully. “you gonna give me something to fuck?”

He did one better, rolling onto his front and forming ectoflesh from just beneath his ribcage to the tops of his femurs. The generously rounded globes of his ass were a bribe, but Sans wasn’t too proud to be cheap. He cupped them in both hands, firm flesh but with comfortable give.

But he wasn’t quite ready to be bought. “needed a nice cushion for some pushin?”

“you’re bitching at me for mother goose when you’re putting out that shit? fuck me, already, before i die of boredom—hnn!”

Seemed polite to wait until he was at the end of a sentence to push two fingers into his cunt. So slick inside, already practically dripping with want and Red whimpered as Sans worked to coax out a little more, pressed in another finger just to feel the hot stretch around his knuckles.

“huh. think i like your mouth better when you aren’t speaking,” Sans teased. He worked another finger in, all that slippery wetness making it easy. Yeah, much better like this, gasping and whining, mangling obscenities while Sans scissored his fingers inside him.

"yeah? think this is gonna shut me up?” Red managed to gasp, "gonna have to try harder than that, i could take your fucking fi—gah!!”

"what was that? seemed like you had something to say, sweetheart." Red gave it another try at the same moment Sans gave a little thrust with his fingers, letting them glide in and out, riding that silky wetness as Red’s curses tangled in between whines. In the interest of both their orgasms, it seemed best to reach up and push two fingers into his mouth, forcing him to suck on them and hoping Red didn’t take the opportunity to bite them off.

Instead, a moan vibrated through his phalanges, the slick little tongue between his fingers made him think of other places that mouth had been. Tight, hot little mouth almost as good as his tight little pussy and yeah, it was kinda vulgar to pull his fingers free, slip them still wet between Red's legs to rub his clit but the lovely little writhe he did excused it.

"oh,” Red groaned out, “that's…oh, fuck, you – yeah, just –"

Might be better if he took the continuing effort at speech as a compliment. Not difficult to do with the way Red was pushing back at him, wriggling and rolling his hips in a way that could never be taught, could only be known. He felt the sudden clench around his fingers as Red started to come and quickly pulled them out, left his cunt clenching on nothingness while he scooted back away.

Even as Red spat out curses in the ruins of his orgasm, Sans caught hold of his hips and dragged him up to his knees, hastily forming his cock. He rubbed it along the wet slit, but Red was squirming so much beneath him he slipped away on the first try.

“hold still!” Sans slapped one asscheek, and Red howled…and did it, spreading his knees wider to let him line up. Then he had to catch his own breath, that long, easy slide inside, surrounded by wet, clenching pussy. Easy, too easy to dig his fingers bruisingly into the giving ectoflesh of Red’s hips, lifting him to make the angle that much deeper. His rhythm was shitty and desperate, no finesse left to him. Sans could only drive in as hard as he could, his hips slapping against that generous, crimson backside.

Didn't matter, Red was along for the ride, both hands braced against the headboard and wood shavings curling around his razor fingertips as he dug them into the cheap particleboard. The room was a cacophony of conflicting sounds, flesh and bone striking, the bed frame creaking, and both of them breathing like they were about to dodge a blow. The sudden feeling of Red tightening around him in a sweet, constricting ripple made Sans gasp and listening to his choked, desperate cry as Red convulsed and came again was almost as good as coming himself.

Almost.

The air around them was thick with the scent of their sex, sourly spicy and nothing sweeter to soften it. Sans sagged down on top of Red, ignored his grunt as he let him take all of his weight, and breathed it in.

~~*~~

The sky was only graying with dawn when Sans woke up again. The bed was empty next to him, only the stained blankets and sheets to keep him company. Sans managed to crawl out of bed and headed towards the bathroom, gathering up his wrinkled t-shirt and shorts along the way.

Shitty as this little hotel managed to be, the mildewed shower still had plenty of hot water and Sans basked in it, scrubbing away the night before with the sliver of complimentary soap.

The cab ride would only take fifteen or so, but he still wouldn’t have time to get changed when he got back to the hotel where the ambassadors were staying. Paps would scold him for wearing the same thing as yesterday, loudly and with vigor, and groan at whatever puns Sans offered before slyly offering back one of his own.

But he wouldn’t say anything about Sans being gone all night in front of the others, those questions would only show in his worried glances, and soft, secret questions about whether Sans was being safe.

Damn shame Sans didn’t know the answer.

For now, it didn’t matter. Time to head back and play nice in front of the Ambassadors, and put on some sunglasses so no one could see if he fell asleep. Maybe tonight he could persuade Red out again and they’d give Humpty Dumpty a try or even Peter Peter Pumpkin Eater. Worth a shot.

He hummed as he stepped into his rumpled shorts and slipped on his t-shirt. If he hurried, he’d have time to grab coffee. Maybe this time he’d bring one for Red, too, the way he liked it for once, hot and bitter black.

Maybe. It wouldn’t hurt to be a little kind, just this once.

-finis-

[griffinxwoods]

stuck 

clarke and lexa are snowed in at raven and anya’s holiday/housewarming party

i wanted to finish this for clexa week but, life happens, and i wasn’t able to so here’s a snippet, the beginning really, and if you guys like it, i’ll wrap it up soon and post it to ao3. but i figured something is better than nothing, even if i think it’s pretty rough so, here you go. also, a rough attempt at a moodboard. nevertheless, enjoy! 

_____________________________________________________________________

It’s almost over. Technically she’s halfway to the finish line. But it’s almost over.

Finals week is upon them.

Clarke has a few sketches to finish for her portfolio, her finals project only has a few tweaks to be done, and then she can finally relax for winter break. She can worry about her last official university semester once the new year rolls around.

Tonight, though, Raven wanted to have a group study session at Clarke and Lexa’s apartment. it’s a nice change from the stuffy Arkadia library, at least Clarke can sketch on her couch instead of those hard, wooden chairs, oddly always warm.

The crew’s scattered around her apartment, Octavia and Lincoln are sitting at the kitchen island, going through flashcards for Lincoln’s psych exam. Bellamy has taken to the recliner, flipping through the pages of his latest history read. He graduated years ago yet, he still hangs around. Nerd. Jasper and Maya are sat at one end of the dining table, there’s less studying and more of Jasper goofing around, but poor Maya has a highlighter in her mouth and about 3 other different colored highlighters in each hand, going through her bio notes. Pre-med is rough and Clarke feels for her. Monty is next to them, fiddling with a broken car radio he’s trying to fix for Miller. Raven and Anya are at the opposite end, Raven seemed to have wrapped up her studies early and somehow dug out Clarke’s old toaster and opened it up, rewiring it. Anya’s just eating some nuggets.

Clarke’s stomach grumbles. Hmm, not a bad idea. She moves to get up from the coach when Lexa appears, plate of nuggets in hand.

Clarke beams up at her, “how’d you know?”

Lexa shrugs, “You’ve been sketching for a while, figured you’d want some fuel.” She flops down next to Clarke and pulls up the Twitter app on her phone.

Clarke pulls her in for a kiss, slow and tender. She caresses Lexa’s face and Lexa pulls back, rubs her nose against Clarke’s, moving her head to the other side. It’s sweet and slow, perfect.

Clarke leans back and looks at Lexa through her eyelashes, “Thanks, baby.”

Lexa’s lips curl up a bit on one side, that sweet smile reserved only for Clarke. She reaches for Clarke’s hand and rubs her thumb over Clarke’s.

BANG.

“Attention, everyone!” Raven yells. “Hear ye, hear ye, I have an announcement before we wrap up this lovely hellish study session.”

Everyone jumped in their places at the crash, but they gather closer nonetheless. Raven smashed Clarke’s old toaster on the ground. Sigh, typical. Dramatic, as usual.

“Anya and I are throwing a housewarming party,” Raven beams.

“Does that mean we have to buy you gifts for being an adult,” Lexa scrunches her face, she grabs a nugget and pops it into her mouth.

Raven tilts her head to the side and feigns a smile, “Yes. Why ever the fuck else would I be hosting a party when you and Clarke have a perfectly furnished apartment.” she waves her hand in the general direction of everything they have, then points at the kitchen, “a fucking Nespresso machine, Clarke. You guys are boujee and I want in on it.”

“Raven,” Clarke sighs.

“Help me, I’m poor,” Raven pouts and bats her eyelashes.

Lexa stifles a laugh, “Might as well make a, like, baby registry for your apartment, ya know”. She pauses and looks at Clarke, “Is that a thing? Did we do that?”

She pats Lexa’s arm and sighs, “Yeah babe, it’s a thing. Technically.”

“Lexa, you beautiful dumbass, te quiero tanto” she practically launches herself across the table to grab Lexa’s face and plant a quick rough kiss on her lips. “I’m gonna sign up for that and send you all the link. I want a blender. And a microwave. And those smart light bulbs. God, they’re so fucking expensive, I don’t understand why. Gonna need Ms. Amazon Alexa too so I can connect that. I wanna speak to her. Our own smart house, how zesty of us. Oh! A fridge, need that too but the one you tweet on! That’s so boujee, I love it- ”

Lexa’s stunned, really didn’t expect that one. Clarke plopped back against her seat and lets out an exhausted breath. She’s used to Raven’s antics, of course, but tonight she just wants to finish her sketch and cuddle with Lexa. They’ve been here for hours, she’s tired and she has an early class in the morning. She picks up a pencil and continues to work, letting the conversation idle into background noise.

Her peace only lasts a few seconds.

Jasper mischievously snatches a sheet of paper and crumples it up, throws the ball at Lexa, and laughs, “She won’t shut up and it’s your fault, Woods.”

Lexa snatches a fat eraser out of Clarke’s hand and launches it at Jasper’s face, pure reflex.

Clarke gives up, her efforts futile, she snaps her sketchbook closed and groans.

“Fuck! Ow, what the fuck, Lex?”

“If you so much as look at me wrong, I will Spartan kick you off my balcony, you failed abortion. Capice?”

Clarke snaps her head towards Lexa, trying and failing to controller her laughter, and smacks Lexa lightly on the arm, “Lexa, no.”

“What? He’s annoying.”

“He’s our friend, remember. Be nice.”

“I’ve never claimed him. He’s your friend.”

“Everything that’s mine is yours, sweetheart,” Clarke singsongs and boops her on the nose.

Lexa tries to bite Clarke’s finger and falls short, her eyes narrow on her girlfriend, “Pick your battles, Griffin”

“HELLOOOO!” Raven bangs on the table abruptly. Everyone stops. “We were talking about me.”

Anya’s exasperated at this point. She only decided to come over for the free food and now she has to deal with this? She checks her watch, wondering when would be a good time to drag Raven out of her before she rips someone’s head off for suggesting teal accents when her apartment theme is planned to be black and gold. Seems trivial to Anya but, she knows Raven well enough by now.

Lexa blinks, “Oh? I-”

“Can you not? Thanks. Anyway, back to me now.”

Lexa throws her hands up, defeated, “Why am I in trouble when that sorry excuse for a man physically attacked me. In my own home! I’m a victim.” Lexa narrows at him, “the white man wins again.”

“Hey!” Jasper protests.”I was just-”

Raven lowers her voice and glares at Jasper, he gulps. “I will tie you to a chair and set your three mustache hairs on fire one by one. I know how long you’ve tried to grow that out, you’ve gotten attached to them, little man. Do not test me.”

Octavia grins, “This is getting good. Shall I make popcorn?”

Jasper slouches back into himself. Maya gives him a soft kiss on his cheek and a soft smile, and Monty puts him in a headlock and tousles his hair playfully, “You’ll be fine, buddy.”

Anya pinches the bridge of her nose, her eyes closed. She checks her watch again, looks around the room. Good enough. She raises herself out of her seat and steps towards Raven, an arm snaking around Raven’s neck.

“Alright Reyes, that’s enough. We get it, we’re poor, we need house stuff, and you’re becoming a dictator.”

“The Castros are shaking right now,” Lexa smirks.

Raven snorts, “Ha, noice.” They high five and Clarke and Anya share a look, both rolling their eyes.

“Okaaaay” Anya drawls, she detaches from Raven and grabs her hand as they make their way to the door, “So we’re gonna go. This was nice until crackhead Martha Stewart here took over.”

Raven pauses, a little insulted but nonetheless, she continues, “I want the fridge that can tweet, Anya.”

“I know baby,” Anya sighs, dragging Raven along.

“It’s essential. It’s the future. Technology, it revolves around us, you know.”

“I really don’t even know what you’re saying anymore.”

Lexa waves from her seat, grinning, and turns to Clarke, “We’re not getting the fridge.”

Clarke hums absentmindedly, “Absolutely not.” She really doesn’t care anymore, though. She just wants to go to bed with Lexa. She rubs her hands down her face, crosses her arms and yawns.

Lexa watches her, noticing the drooping eyelids, sketchbook closed in front of her. She stands and clasps her hands together.

“Okay putas, time to go. Pick up your shit and get outta here, it’s beddy-bye. Clarke looks like she’s going to knock out on this couch and I’d rather not carry her to bed so, let’s move on out.” She ushers everyone up and out, herds them towards the door like a shepherd gathering stray sheep into a barn. Or out, rather.

They all protest on their way out, but appreciate the eviction considering how late it’s gotten and no one noticed.

“Thanks for the food, Lex. I’ll see you on the field tomorrow, right?” Lincoln hugs her and gives her a sharp look. She’s on her vacation and he knows how quickly she can fall into a lazy spiral if she lets herself.

Lexa grunts, “But it’s supposed to snow.”

Lincoln gives her a sharp look and she concedes, nodding in agreement.

They all file out, waving goodbye, and piling into their cars. Lexa closes the door, locks it and leans against it, letting out a sigh of relief.

“It’s quiet,” Lexa breathes.

“Lex. Bed,” Clarke whispers. She’s waiting in the bedroom doorway, hand reaching out towards Lexa. She strides over and slips her hand into Clarke’s, placing a tender kiss to her lips. Clarke hums and her lips curl into a smile on one side, similar to one of Lexa’s.

They fall into bed, a tangle of limbs, soft kisses on smooth skin, breaths evening out.

Clarke curls deeper into Lexa’s warmth and not a minute later, drifts off.

[lockdownuk]

Lockdown Diary Part 11

A personal account during the lockdown in the UK due to the Covid-19 outbreak.

23/03/2020 8:30pm Boris Johnson, UK Prime Minister, gives a live address to the nation to, effectively, put the country on lockdown to stem the spread of the deadly coronavirus strain, Covid-19.Many of us have been self-isolating for days but this latest development within the UK in reaction to the pandemic feels very serious and very scary. I decided to keep a simple diary and where better but online.

Day 301: Up at 1pm after a good few bevvies last night. usual Saturday stuff but my walk was astop/start affair due to yet more flooding. 

Facebook today informed me that Karen Wyles died suddenly. It really shocked me. I saw Guy and Gail while out walking (nice to bump into them and chat) and they told me it was a heart attack! I sent K a WhatsApp just in case she’d not heard. I put a few words on FB. I had known Karen for a long time and, while I took the piss a lot, she was a friend (that I often didn’t deserve) and a good person....I felt a responsibility to say something nice as a small homage.

During the week I ordered new boots (since my Merrells are fucked after only  few months but I am getting my money back) and, today, I also ordered McKenzie Attwood trainers (£20 cheap as fuck from JD Sports sale), slippers and jogging bottoms from Amazon. 

Now I am going to have pizza, drink, smoke and watch The Equalizer 2 (for the umpteenth time - I watched the first one last night). I could watch Tenet - Miles has given me his Amazon login details, which is pretty fucking cool of him, but I’m not in the mood.

Posh beat MK 3-0 at home. I fucking love beating them. It’s extremely satisfying.

Right, it’s Saturday, it’s nearly 9pm, time I got on it.

Day 302: Not the most mental night last night but still 4am-ish when I went to bed, so I am very pleased to type that I was up before my alarm this morning. But, also, as I type, at gone 10pm, I am fucking knackered. Just about to tuck into spicy-as-fuck sauasage casserole, wtach MotD2 and then bed!

Day 303: Slippers arrived today but they’re going back. Too tight in the left foot. I’m not wearing slippers in FFS!

Day 304: New trainers (McKenzie Attwoods) arrived. Now, this footwear I shall keep. £20, bargain.

Posh came from a goal down to beat Charlton at home 2-1. Nice.

I made some veg soup today and, quite frankly, it’s fucking stupidly chilli-fied. Barely edible.

Day 305: New trainers are sweet - wore them for my morning exercise routine. Pretty comfy - after a few wears, they’ll be ace, I think.

Got served notice on the house on Monday (why I didn’t enter that on day 303, I do not know). Lynda, from Woodfords, says a semi-detached place in Havelock Cottages is coming up that looks promising. I contacted Emily at Aspire today, there’s a two bed terrace in Basset Place coming up so i am looking at that on Monday. Choice of 2 I do hope! First is £700 pm, second £725.

Day 306: Flipping frustrating “nothing works” day at work, It’s been like it all year so far. Tbf, Sueanne gets it and is quite supportive, even though she dives in when I’ve been dealing with problems that drag on! It’s Thursday, I can’t wait for tomorrow and, I am all to aware, I am wishing what little life I have left away.

Spoke with dad, he had his first vaccination jab on Tuesday in Spalding - he said it was a very efficient process (he was full of praise) and that the jab itself was no bother, with no after effects apart from a slightly sore arm. Excellent!

Day 307: Not even one beer (Saporro) in, and I feel wasted. A toke has helped.

Day 308: New Scarpa boots arrived today and, while they will need some wearing in, I did the stair climb and a 45min walk in them. I think they are going to be ace. Just as well as the Merrells are falling apart.

I have decided to listen to the Rush back catalogue, 2112 (4th) is playing as I type. It’s been a trip down memory lane and a bloody good one!

I had a few beers last night, as yesterday’s entry confirms, which included a video catch up with Fog, Ham and Andy P. Gonna chat with Fog later tonight as well.

I watched King of Statten Island last night. I liked it but, in some parts, it was smultzy as hell, rendering it a 6/10. Later, I’m watching Outside the Wire and eating pizza. Can’t wait!

I reset my mobile yesterday ‘cos it’s been playing up. What a fucking ball ache, logging on to all the different apps, all the little settings you get so used to, only to miss them when set back to defaults. Things like the camera settings - photo size and watermark....ooooh, just realised, ‘first world problems’! Get a grip, Tim!

Day 309: SNOW! Thick and crisp and uneven. I walked 11.9km in it today and it fucking well knackered me out. The old Merrells held their own in the snow as well, totally waterproof and, for such a light boot, remarkably warm. I will actually be sorry to see them go.

Danny sent me a link to a free week’s worth of receipes from Hello Fresh (he’s nuts for it) so I and ordered one, worth nearly £40! 

Posh won away from home yesterday at Ipswich. Now, get this: the stats on the BBC’s report showed Posh had no shots on target but still won 0-1. How, might one ask? Own goal, that’s how. Piss funny!

Day 310: I am aching today. Walking in the snow yesterday certainly exercised different muscles than walking in mud. And, today, I walked less than normal, usual lunchtime but only 4km (instead of 8) in the evening. 

‘Cos of the snow, the woman from Aspire cried off showing me around 3 Bassett Place. At first I was well pissed off but, looking at the roads and traffic situation around Oundle, it was the right decision (she’d have had to get here from Nassington - a bit treacherous),

It’s just gone 8pm. I am going to eat and go to bed. It’s too fucking cold even with the heating on!

Day 311: Rearranged the viewing of Bassett Place tomorrow - I rang them ‘cos I saw it advertised on Facebook, FFS! My walk tonight was mad...melting snow, rain/sleet, ice made for fucking hard work. Plus, since I am wearing in the new Scarpas, I wore the Merrells. The right boot is now, most definitely not waterproof! Got home about 8pm, changed bed sheets, showered and made diner...bloody knackered. It’s now 11pm and I am off to beddy byes.

Day 312: Viewed Bassett Place and I really like it. It is advertised at £750pm but Emily (from Aspire) said it was £725. Sarah, who showed me round said there may be some leeway for the right tenant so i’ve asked if it could be done for £700. If so, I’ll take it. It’s a large two bed mid terrace, bigger than here (36, East Road), similar type place, just what I want. Fingers crossed.

Day 313: Having slept on it, I do believe I definitely want 3 Bassett Place. I phone Sarah at Apsire to say as much. She told me she’d forwarded my details and offer to the landlord and is waiting to hear. As yesterday, fingers crossed.

I couldn’t take the pic of the field for the Morning Walk album, too flooded due to melting snow. On that note, my new boots are getting worn in both by wear and by superficial looks, it’s that filthy out there. I need to clean them. I wonder that, if I’d cleaned the Merrells, they might have lasted a bit longer. That being said, no amount of cleaning would have save the soles from wearing as thin as quickly as they did.

Day 314: Typing on Day 315. I didn’t get Bassett Place, the landlord gave it to a couple who offerred full asking price. To say I was fucked off is an understatement. I phoned Emily to let her know as much. Tbf, she explained that the snow (delaying my original viewing) wasn’t her fault and that she is at the mercy of the landlord. Fair enough, when I heard her POV. But, I am still gutted. I should have gone for the full £750!

Glad the working week is over (I am really wishing my life away so far this year).

Long walk to Cotterstock - amazing light behind the clouds with a wolf moon (which I just looked up - full moon, basically) - I just wish I was a bit better at night photography, or at least the camera on the Mi9 was. However, once I tweak them a bit and post them, the feed back is usually good. In fact, I posted one on the move last night and someone on FB has asked if they can paint it!

Meatballs for tea and beers.

I have decided, when the year of this log is up, that I’ll end it (the diary, not my life, though that dark thought is never far away!). I have reached this decision because, while this diary is really only for me, it is as boring as fuck, really. I’ll continue to write a log but randomly, when the day’s events warrant it. It’ll be on the main Tumblr.

Day 315: Typing this on day 316. Up at 1pm-ish. Morning exercise routine, long walk curtailed by flooding (again!) more beers, smokes and trash food. Posh lost 2-0 away to Shrewsbury (a bit of a bogey team).

Day 316: Up at 1pm yet again. I really didn't feel like any exercise but I did the usual regardless. Google Fit isn’t fucking working!

I have got to start stopping these ridiculously late Friday and Saturday nights. My weekend is over before it’s begun. This coming Friday, I am not going to do the really long walk in the evening that i have become accustomed to - just a 8km one that I do most evening, and then start drinking earlier so as to go to bed early. If I can get out of bed in the Saturday morning, perhaps do a couple of long walks so as to get the weekly steps up.

Day 317: My left foot, during my lunchtime walk, killed. I must have sopped and undone & redone my laces 6 times. Dunno wtf is going on with the Scarpas. I wore my Merrells for the evening walk. I tried to got to Cotterstock but it was too flooded on the road just before the bridge!

Ordered new joggers, a boot brush and some new wireless earbuds (Mifo 05 plus Gen 2 - bought them off eBay -I hope they are the real deal, it’s the very latest spec and £74.99 instead of £89.99 from the Mifo website).

Day 318: I went shopping at 10.15pm mainly for pizza and party food since I have booked Monday off because it’s the Superbowl (Tampa vs Kansas) and booze! No fucking Sapporo. It was eerie shopping that late at the superstore in Corby. Boots still hurting (Merrells in the evening). Day 319: New ear buds arrived. Well impressed. So did the boot brush (BootBuddy) - on that note, boots weren’t so bad at lunchtime. I didn’t wear them in the evening but I think it’s just a ‘wearing them in’ thing, hopefully.

Day 320: Hello Fresh delivery day. I had pork and chipotle black bean tacos with pickled red onion, chipotle tomatoes and lettuce. It’s a good set up, decent ingredients and nice recipe sheets...but I don't need it, I’m good enough in the kitchen. And, I am no fan of minced pork. I am not being a fair judge though. Today, my sugars have been all over the place over 21 and under 2 mmol/L. I nearly fell asleep trying to recover from a low before my evening walk. When I got back (soaked - it was pissing down), I was over 21 by the time I had cooked it all....puts me off actually eating, even though I have to! Rang Barry Haddon today, to see how he is. I think he’s OK but, strangely, told me, during conversation, that he’s 77 years old. I don't think so! I also texted Posh Dave. I think he’s struggling being on his own (he lost mum and dad last year, I think). I must make more contact with him. I might call him over the weekend.

Day 321: Typing on Day 322 (well, 1am on day 323 actually). It was nice finishing work knowing I have Monday off. I also din’t do an extra long walk this evening as with most Fridays. Cooked the send Hello fresk meal, Mango chicken tacos -diced chicken thighs - it was alright. Rog video called so had a good chat with him and I invited Foggy to it (he was at his cousin John’s funeral today), so the three of us chewed the cud for a bit. I then went onto get fucking shitfaced. I couldn’t make it to bed with low sugars, lying on the runner rug, fell asleep, got up and could only make it top the living room rug..I felt so dodgy but I was too fucked and too full to even take more than a swig of coke. I think I’m going to fall asleep one drunken night, slip into a coma and then die. I can think of worse ways to go. Day 322: Typing  very late, it’s actually Sunday morning, 1.07am. I got out of bed at gone 2.30pm today. I managed my morning routine and a 8km walk (in the Scarpas, they are getting more comfortable since my episode of pain a few days ago; definitely a wearing in process). No booze after last night’s debacle. I am going to hit it during the Superbowl tomorrow though. The Hello fresh meal tonight was pasta chicken bake with pepper and courgette. Fucking lovely and I coudln’t eat it all. I’ve lerant that adding creme fresh to pasta, whacking it on top of meat and sauce on a casserole bowl and baking it for 15 minutes is the way to go. I watched The Dig tonight. It’s a good film but fucking glum. Posh won at home to Crewe today, 2-0. They are now 4th. Day 323:Bright as a button today, up at around 11:00am despite switch in the bedroom light off at just before 3am. Today’s walk was fucking hard work. It’s wintry, the wind was keen, strong and full of icy particles just not quite sleet. The fields between Park Wood and Monson Way were bloody tough. One wrong foot and you’d slip over. I did about 10 km; it took over 2 hours and felt like twice the distance.  I’ve just eaten Hello Fresk teryaki mince. It was good. One beer in, a film (probably One Night in Miami) and then Superbowl time. Day 324: The Superbowl was good. Tampa beat Kansas 31-9. The second half was a damp squib since Kansas never made a go of it. Tom Brady won his 7th ring. He is to American football what Federer is to tennis. The Weeknd half time show was excellent. So, it was about 4am I went to bed, nicely pissed. Up at just after 1pm. Exercise, omelette, long walk, done some washing. About to make the last Hello Fresh meal and watch One Night in Miami which I didn’t manage last night.   Richard sent me a message (screen shot of a) house up for shared ownership in Oundle (Sharmann & Quinney) - I need to look into what that is all about.

Day 325: Shared ownership isn’t straightforward and, actually, I have discovered that I need to look at something call ‘older persons shared ownership’ when I hit 55. Jon at work wants me to get involved in two additional pieces of work, he told me at the SUMO today (Sueanne is off) - he did say that “that’s what happens if you have a day off! Finished the last of the Hello Fresh (last night’s sausage bolognese including homemade garlic bread using a Tiger loaf from Co-Op which was reduced to 28p. I didn’t watch One Night in Miami last night. Shock. Day 326: I spoke with Lynda from Woodfords yesterday, viewing 13 Havelock Cottages tomorrow. Also, yesterday, Posh beat Ipswich 2-1 at home. They came from behind. Ipswich have never beaten Posh away. Simon Banwell posted on FB berating some new legislation whereby potentially people who travel and lie about it (the destination) are liable for 10 years in prison. His gripe is people get less for murder. I am beyond words...the potential for mass deaths of such actions! I tried to argue that case but it is, as always on social media, flogging a dead horse. Rachel Harris jumped on Simon’s bandwagon whereas Tim Francis posted a ‘well said’ to me (I think it’s genuine). Day 327: Carrying on directly from above; Candice Bellingsea, Rachel’s niece, Carla’s daughter, was also ‘vocal’ in defence of Simon’s post, joining in with the clamour for relaxation of lockdown (at the expense of safety) - citing more people commit suicide because of the mental pressure than die of covid. Well, today, I investigated and posted a FB status to poo-poo such claims. It felt good (and right) to address Candice’s ridiculous post albeit, I didn’t call her out directly but did have part of her comment on Simon’s post directly quoted in my status. I went to see 13 Havelock today. It’s OK. Not perfect but more than alright. When I left there I was very much in two minds but now, at 10:30pm, the place is growing on me. Still part of me thinks to hold out - I have got around 5 month’s notice left - but, if I let it go (and Lynda from Woodford’s has already said the landlord is happy for me to move in), I might regret it. I keep thinking of 3 Bassett Place though...if only I had said yes to £750 straightaway. That place would be perfect, I reckon. One major concern with 13 is the neighbours. There’s no way I could have my usual Friday and Saturday night revelry. But...I’ll sleep on it. I have only just finished doing some work - pissing about with Smartview Essbase (with Simon Welch’s help - he’s a bloody good bloke - no need to be so helpful, but he’s more than happy to be) - I sent him a Teams message to arrange a catch up tomorrow with some questions I have regarding the installation - he only bloody answered - working as late as I am! I have managed to watch some of One Night in Miami. Going to finish it now with a dirty, microwave hamburger for tea.

Day 328: Typing on day 329. Usual Friday but not so mad in the evening. One Night in Miami was good. For Friday’s viewing I chose Greenland. Not so good. Only 4 beers and two spliffs. I’m getting old! Day329: Up at 1pm, usual exercise including a long old walk. It included walking along the river (Oundle Mill bridge to the marina) for the fist time this year. The floods are in evidence but, obviously, receded enough to get through - that, or the resulting water, mud and boginess is frozen. I really enjoyed it today but it was freezing - the wind was evil at certain points. Tea’s on the go, beer in hand and I am going to watch War Dogs.  Posh’s game was off today due to a frozen pitch. Day 330: Typing on day 331. It wasn’t a mad Saturday night but mad enough to not be up until gone midday. Another nice long walk, Walk and eat is all I really do nowadays. I can’t even muster any enthusiasm to do housework since I am going to be out of here soon. I called Posh Dave in the evening. It was good to chat and I think he appreciated the call. He’s on his own and struggling, I get the impression. He told me both Matt Baxter (bowel) and Adi Mowles (neck) are undergoing treatment for cancer.

[mirkwoodshewolf]

Night training; Owen Grady x teen reader

This was actually the start of my requests on my wattpad account. Now this request contains a certain person to play the bf so if any of you know a Chandler Riggs then you’ll definately be happy about this, if not then just replace it with whoever u want. I hope you all enjoy this little sequel to Alpha’s pup beware of swearing and raptor squad viciousness.

____________________________________________________

"But daddy come on!"  

"No (y/n)".  

"But daddy!"  

"No mean no (y/n)! And that's final!" He snapped at me. In case you're wondering what this is all about let me explain. I'm trying to convince my now over-protective father to let me train the girls at night. I've been told a night training every now and then is good for them because it helps them with their nocturnal instincts to hunt and to catch food.  

My boyfriend Chandler's brother does that with the wolves that he trains up at Yellowstone, so he gave me the idea that we should run it by my father and have me be the one to train them since I'm the Alpha's pup.  

"Give me one good reason why it can't happen? I'm not even asking for an all nighter here daddy, just a couple hours to help them adjust hunting and training at night".  

"Okay, One; it's super dangerous. Two, they can easily hide better in the enclosure at night than in the day, and Three, I won't risk losing you, not after—" he paused and looked away from me as he sat down on the couch.  

I sighed deeply. 

It had been seven years ago since my accident in the pin and even though I'm now 14 years old my dad still blames himself for what had happened that day. And ever since then he's been really over protective.  

I mean really over protective.  

Like just recently a week ago he wouldn't allow me up on the catwalk without two helmets, knee and elbow padding and my whole body wrapped up in bubble wrap. 

I am NOT kidding, this were his exactly words.  

I walked up towards him and sat beside him on the couch and wrapped my arms around his arm and nuzzled into him.  

"Daddy, how many times do I have to tell you that it wasn't your fault that happened? You beat the intern that knocked me over into the pin, got him fired for endangerment to co-workers and nearly got yourself fired along with him for abusing one of the workers, I'll be fine".  

"I just don't wanna lose my little pup". He turned and held me securely in his arms with my head resting against his heart. "You are my whole world (y/n), I never want to lose you again".  

"You'll never lose me daddy, I promise. Now could you at least think about it, please?" I bat him the puppy dog eyes then he said as he gently stroked down my (h/l) (h/c) and said.  

"Maybe, but for now it's late, time for beddy-bye". As I stood up he playfully smacked my butt and chased me towards my room the two of us laughing. He caught up to me and took me in his arms twirling me around before dropping me onto my bed. I giggled softly before he plopped down on my bed and gently pinned himself on top of me yawning. "You know what I think I may just crash here for the night?" He teased as he got himself comfy. I grunted tried pushing him to get off of me but he wasn't budging.  

"Papa get off! You're heavy!"  

"Oh what was that missy? Did you just call me fat?"  

"No but you're heavy!"  

"You called me fat. And I think it's time for your punishment". He rolled off of me but then pulled me into his arms tightly securing me to his chest. His right hand was extended outward and his fingers began wiggling.  

"No".  

"Oh yes baby girl, it's the CLAW!" At that moment he began tickling me with his famous "the Claw" move right on my stomach making me shriek and laugh begging for mercy. After a few minutes of claw tickling, he finally let up. "Okay sweetheart, time for bed". He unfolded my bed sheets allowing me to get in as he tucked me in. "You get some rest now Alpha pup". He kissed my forehead and walked toward my door.  

"Goodnight Alpha daddy".  

"Goodnight my little Alpha pup, love you". He said as he turned off my lights.  "Love you". I said as he shut my door and I laid there for a little while before sleep finally took over me.

*FF to 11:45pm*  

I woke up to the text tone of my phone. I reached out for it to see it was Chandler. I slid my phone and read the text.   

Chandler: You awake, babe? 

Me: I am now, what is it? 

Chandler: I'm sorry baby, meet me at the raptor pin in 10 minutes. 

Me: Okay, but why? 

Chandler: Just come okay. 

Me: I'll be there in 10.  

I got up and got dressed then quietly snuck out of my room but I had to get pass my dad's room which was right next door to mine. With his time in the Navy dad is pretty much a light sleeper now and with out bungalow the wood sometimes squeak.  

One squeak and I'm screwed.  

So quick and as light as I could, I tip-toed over my dad's door and snuck out towards the door and ran towards my bike. I got on the seat and peddled off down the trail towards the raptor enclosure.  

When I got there, Chandler was already there by the enclosure. I got off my bike and ran up to him calling out his name. He called out mine and we both ran into each other's arms and kissed each other.  

"So what's this about and why call me now in the middle of the night?"  

"I missed you babe".  

"Ha-ha very cute sweetie, but really Chandler why did you call me here?"  

"I wanted to know if you talked to your dad about the night training?"  

"And you couldn't wait until morning?" I teased.  

"Well I'd thought you'd miss me to much" he teased back. I giggled softly and pecked his cheek and then stated in a serious tone.  

"I did talk to him, but he was totally against it, and he won't allow me to even train them, he still blames himself because of the accident".  

"(Y/n) that was 7 years ago, he still can't be upset about that".  

"Well he is, and I can understand that but I just wish that he wasn't always so over-protective, he knows the girls listen to me as much as him, hell maybe even better than him". Chandler thought about it then said probably the most stupidest thing I've heard him say.  

"Well if he won't allow us to train them, we'll just do it ourselves in secret".  Okay now he's really gone off the stupid train.  

"Now Chandler hang on,"  

"Come on (y/n) you know this is a good idea, all we need to do is just freeze the cameras so that we won't be seen, set the raptors loose and you can train them from the catwalk".  

"Chandler you don't understand not only am I not allowed on the catwalk but I'm afraid of it. I don't want to fall from there again, I got lucky last time".  

"Which is why I'm gonna be there right by your side so you won't fall off. (Y/n) please trust me when I say that I won't let anything happen to you". He took my hand into his and gently kissed my knuckle looking up at me with those beautiful blue eyes of his that always made me feel weak at the knees. 

Then I agreed.  

"Okay let's get this over with". He smiled and kissed me passionately then he ran up towards the control to hack into the camera's and freeze them to make it look like no one had entered the pin. He then opened up the girl's pin allowing them to awake and run around the enclosure. I then walked up towards the catwalk but froze as I remembered the day I fell into the pin and nearly died from my head trauma.  

"(Y/n) come on babe" Chandler called out from the middle of the catwalk as the lights were now shining down on the enclosure. I took a deep breath then walked up the three steps and entered on the catwalk and slowly walked towards Chandler.  

He wrapped his arms around me to keep me calm then I took out my raptor whistle given to me by Barry on my 10th birthday and I called the girls over. Soon they appeared in formation and looked up at me.  

I set my whistle aside and took out my clicker and proclaimed in my Alpha voice.  

"Okay girls. Eyes on me!" I clicked at them to focus their attention on me and all eight eyes were on me. I told them some basic commands like 'eyes up', 'hold', and 'follow the Alpha pup'. Once I felt that they deserved their treat, I told Chandler to grab the bucket hanging over one of the corner rails. I kept the girls attention so that they wouldn't attack Chandler in case something did happen.  

What I didn't know was that the corner of the catwalk where I asked Chandler to grab the bucket of mice, had a lose rail.  

As Chandler went to reach the bucket, his left hand where he had held the railing to balance himself fell and down he fell screaming until I heard a thump.  The girls all roared and shrieked their attention now on a midnight snack.  

My body froze with fear as I ran down towards the gate to help my boyfriend.  

Not aware that I would be in so much trouble of what was coming up.  

Back at the house, Owen's phone rang. He moaned and tiredly reached out for it and answered with a tired and husky.  

"Hello?" He shot up like a torpedo as he screamed out, "SHE'S WHAT!?!?" Owen quickly got dressed and phone Barry to quickly get to the enclosure. 

By the time he had gotten there guards were starting to pile in and there stood Claire and Barry coming in around the same time he did. Owen ran towards the cage to see his baby girl in there with the girls circling around her.  

"(Y/N)!! GET OUT OF THERE!!!!"  

"NO DADDY I CAN DO THIS!!!" I screamed at him. "If any of you guards put 20 amps into these animals they'll never trust me or papa again. Just let me take care of this". I stood in front of Chandler to make sure none of my girls ate my boyfriend. "Blue, stand down. Don't you dare even think about it". She snapped at me and I cried back. "Hey! Hey! What did I just say?! You harm a hair on my mate and I'll make sure you never forget it!"  I was going to do whatever it took to make sure none of the girls got to Chandler's pretty face.  "Echo! Delta! I see you both! Back up!" Delta and Echo roared and hissed at me. 

I narrowed my eyes at them then took out my whistle and blew on it roughly to make sure they knew by their tongue I was on defense about my 'mate'. I kept my eyes on them as they flinched their heads backward and snarl. I huffed and blew into the whistle telling them to back off and don't even think about touching him. 

Blue then looked at me as I kept glaring at her then following the Alpha pup's order she chirped and barked at the others to stand down and soon they disappeared into the bush. 

"Chandler, back away slowly towards the cage. Don't turn your back for even a second" I ordered him as I kept my eyes locked on the bush they disappeared behind. Chandler crawled back with the help of Barry who helped pull him out of the enclosure. I kept a watchful eye out then I ordered.  "Close the gate".  

"But (y/n)—" Chandler begged.  

"JUST DO IT!!" I exclaimed. It was then Barry closed the gate then at the last second I sprint towards the cage and managed to get out just as it was closing up. 

Finally everyone could breathe. 

As medical staff looked over at Chandler to find out if he had broken anything, I nervously turned to my dad and let me just say.  He did not look happy at all.  I bet even Rexy the veteran T-Rex would be scared at the look my dad was giving me right now.  

"Look dad I know that you're mad,"  

"Oh you're damn right I am!" He started venomously. "You deliberately disobeyed me, you not only put your own life at risk but Chandler's as well and FOR WHAT!?!? To perform some silly night training. (Y/f/n) I have the right to ground you for the rest of your life. I could keep you under lock and key, maybe even send you away from the island to make sure you never do something this stupid again!" I kept my eyes downward not wanting to look into his eyes because I knew what I had done was stupid and yet I still did it anyway.  "But—I won't". 

 What?  Did I just hear my dad say no? I looked up at him and said.  

"Huh?"  

"You heard me, I won't send you off the island. And seeing what you had just done, I must admit was impressive. Dangerous but brave, just like what I did for you that day seven years ago". He walked up to me and gently stroked away some of the strands of my hair away from my face as he continued, "maybe I was being a little bit too over-protective, and seeing what you had just done proved to me that you can train the girls especially at night so.....my answer to your Night training request is—yes". I squealed and repeatedly said thank you daddy with glee as I wrapped my arms around his neck and he hugged me back. 

As we separated he then stated in his Alpha voice,  

"But there are conditions,"  

"I knew this was coming, better sit down for this one huh?"  

"Come here" he took me over to his bike and allowed me to sit down on it as he stood in front of me and said the conditions. 

"First, I will be there to observe the training sessions with you". I nodded in agreement as he continued, "second, if I don't think this is safe, if even one more accident happens this session is done, and number three; no PDA with Chandler during training, or otherwise I will allow him to go overboard into the pin with the girls".  

"Daddy!" I whined. He smirked then he said as he ruffled my hair gingerly.  

"Alright come on you, lets head back home". He got behind me on the motorbike and we drove off back to the bungalow together. He tucked me back into bed and I said. "Daddy, I'm sorry about tonight".  

"Ehh it's okay sweetheart, as long as you didn't get hurt, I forgive you". He kissed me on the forehead before continuing, "oh and by the way you're grounded for 10 years for doing this love you!" He then left my room but not before I whined out.  

"DADDY!!!!!!!!!"

[sophia-reed-rp-blog]

8 Track Playlist || Ela & Sophie

Drumming Song – Florence and the Machine

There's a drumming noise inside my head That starts when you're around I swear that you could hear it It makes such an all mighty sound

There's a drumming noise inside my head That throws me to the ground I swear that you should hear it It makes such an all mighty sound

Louder than sirens Louder than bells Sweeter than heaven And hotter than hell

Tongue Tied - Grouplove

Take me to your best friend's house Normally we're making out Oh yeah

I'll get real high Slumber party; pillow fight My eyes and your eyes Like Peter Pan up in the sky

My best friend's house tonight Let's bump the beats till beddy-bye Don't take me tongue tied Don't wave no goodbye

Fire and Flood – Vance Joy

You’re the fire and the flood And I’ll always feel you in my blood Everything is fine When your hand is resting next to mine Next to mine You’re the fire and the flood

Since we met I feel a lightness in my step You’re miles away but I still feel you Anywhere I go there you are (anywhere) Anywhere I go there you are Late at night when you can’t fall asleep I’ll be lying right beside you counting sheep Anywhere I go there you are (anywhere) Anywhere I go there you are (anywhere)

Something to Believe In – Young the Giant

 I'll give you something to believe in Burn up the basement full of demons Realize you're a slave to your mind, break free Now give me something to believe in Just give me Just give me something to believe in

Everyday when I speak to the moon Pale as a ghost in the afternoon Tragedy has a hold of my mind But I can see the lie between the lines

And I say, you've got to listen  I'm a songbird with a brand new track  You underestimate

Cocoon – Catfish and the Bottlemen

I remember when we Swapped names and I thought maybe You’d stay and try to out-drink me Your friends, all hate it

But fuck it if they talk Fuck it if they try and get to us 'Cause I'd rather go blind Than let you down.

And if you wanna track down and pose as positive Hide smoking from relatives Rest on me, Honey, that’s all right! And if you wanna act more drunk than usual To help you get away with more than Rest on me, Honey, that’s alright! Honey, that’s alright!

Our cocoon Shrug your shoulders And I’m good Yeah that's good.

She Lays Down – The 1975

And she lays down on her bedroom floor The chemicals that make her laugh Don't seem to be working anymore She tries her best, but it hurts her chest And even though her sun is gone She lights like a child nevertheless

My hair is brown, she's scared to touch And she just wants to feel something And I don't think that's asking for too much And when I go to sleep it's when she begins to weep 

Shameless – The Weeknd

Say it louder, say it louder Who's gonna love you like me, like me? Say it louder, say it louder Who's gonna touch you like me, like me?

Ooh, said you wanna be good but you couldn't keep your composure Ooh, said you wanna be good but you're begging me to come over Ooh, come over Ooh, saying who's gonna fuck you like me? Yeah

But I'll always be there for you, I'll always be there for you I'll always be there for you, girl I have no shame I'll always be there for you, I'll always be there for you I'll always be there for you, girl I have no shame 

Wild Things – Alessia Cara

So hey, we brought our drum and this is how we dance No mistakin', we make our breaks, if you don't like our 808s Then leave us alone, 'cause we don't need your policies

We have no apologies for being Find me where the wild things are (oh my, we'll be alright, don't mind us) Find me where the wild things are (oh my, we'll be just fine, don't mind us, yeah) Find me where the wild things are

@gabrielarhodes 

[ashnadir]

xxtuaharjunaxx:

“You need to rest,” he answered simply, flickering his gaze towards the other before focusing back onto the road up ahead. “We’ll meet up with your contact once you’ve rested. Freshen up a little bit and all that.” Tuah had planned to leave the man at the motel and for him to just go straight into the town without meeting this Milo. Besides, if this Milo was to be trusted, someone might have already known that he was coming, and he would be fine with that. But he thought better of it, reasoning that Iann would probably do something idiotic like following him to Mercy and become and easy target. He was right about hunters protecting humans from monsters like him, but he could still be used as leverage to threaten him further, and he was not about to take that chance. If Iann wanted to do something foolish, it would be better with him by his side so he’d be able to watch over him.

Tuah shook his head. “I want to be there. There are questions that needed to be answered, and I’m hoping that Milo can give me those answers. Besides, I want to know what’s happening in that town, so it’ll be faster for me to be there instead of waiting for you to come back.” He arched his brow when the other spoke, wondering what sort of trouble that Iann got into in the past. He could understand her surprise, assuming that Iann was one to keep in touch with someone once their relevance had expired – he was sure Iann would find him irrelevant once his curiosity had been satiated – and how the man was always seemed to be looking for trouble, or how trouble seemed to find its way towards the man’s door.

The sound of the quiet rumbling of the engine was the only thing could be heard as he mulled ove Iann’s question. Tuah cracked a ghost of a smile when the other decided to be quiet, wondering how long would he able to hold his silence. “They’re not my target. They never were,” he said quietly, letting his arm rested on the window sill with his fingers curled in front of his lips, his other hand on the steering wheel. “I shouldn’t have gotten them involved in the first place, and all this wouldn’t have happened. But it’s too late now to have regrets, I suppose.” He let out a huff of breath, passing it as a chuckle. “No, no more. There have been too many deaths already, and I don’t want to leave another pile of – well, I don’t want to come to that.” Let Molly be the last death for this long endeavour. Whatever happens, it ends in that town. For good or for worse.

He was talking in circles, he knew. He had said that he was willing to kill the whole town if they ever hurt Iann in any way. And now he was saying something contradictory. In truth, he was torn, indecisive between two extreme measures; to become a hurricane of hurling emotions or to be a steady mountain standing tall in turning the other cheek. Tuah pressed his lips together into a thin line. “If I ever come to that,” he continued, his voice merely above a whisper, “I want you to stop me, whatever means necessary.” He turned his attention towards the man, watching him at the corner of his eyes. “Promise me.”

They drove on for the better part of the night, and he watched the dark sky filled with hues of orange and blue and purple as the sun chased away the night sky. It was well into the day once they arrived in Nevada, and Tuah drove towards the canyon, stopping to see the condition of the town from above.  

“Once I’ve rested....” Iann said, eyeing Tuah suspiciously.  He knew when he was being treated like a kid.  Pat on the head and off to beddy-bye while the big bad vamp goes and does bid bag vamp business.  The thing was, Iann didn’t even blame Tuah.  It was annoying, but not unexpected.  Tuah was just that type - or at least, he’d become that type, after whatever regrets and disasters he’d felt at fault for, over the years.  ‘How big is your cross, Arjuna?’  Iann almost asked, but realized it would come off more insulting than cynical.  Iann’s cynicism was a coating over his respect. He admired Tuah’s stalwart determination; but for all its sacrificial nobility, Iann resented it too.  He resented duty and obligation that propelled people like Tuah Arjuna dangerously close to the face of death.

But this was Tuah’s life and his choice. And Iann was left powerless in the face of a person’s choice.  He would watch Tuah make the choice to kill, or to die, and be unable to stop either.

Iann agreed that Tuah should be there to talk with Milo, and was glad for it.  So he just said “Okay” and let that as it was.

Tuah’s answer to Iann’s question about the Vermonts was a good one.  “Your Sire was,” Iann finished off the sentence, just to make sure he understood.  “The Vermonts were just a means to an end?”  No regrets, but not more deaths.  A contradiction, considering Tuah’s bravado earlier.  Iann didn’t disbelieve either aspect of Tuah - he would try not to kill, but he also would kill.  His judgement call.  Maybe it was frustrating, but Iann just grinned.  “You know, I’m starting to like you a lot better now.  No more plain muffin Tuah Arjuna.  Now you’re full of...sunflower seeds and dried cranberries.  And bran.  You’re a morning glory muffin, Tuah.”

Trust Iann to stand in the eye of Tuah’s gathering hurricane, and call the man a muffin.

But he held up his hands and shook his head.  “Nooope nope nope nope.  Believe it or not, Arjuna, but you’re not the first extraordinarily powerful and extremely attractive supernatural who’s tried to make me promise grand and grim things.  No.  I’m not going to promise you that.  I’ll make the choices when things get heated up, believe me.  But the last thing I want are those soulful dark eyes of yours staring at me while all hell breaks loose and saying ‘You promised!’.  So no - I’m not promising anything.  There are no guarantees in hell, bonito. We’ll get through this.  Neither of us wants to die.”

Iann looked out over the town when they parked at the overlook, and it looked so peaceful and sleepy from this distance.  Except --

“There’s a fire there, in the northwest,” Iann pointed out quietly.  “Could be a tire fire or could be...”  He shook his head.  “Let’s keep driving.”

By the time they arrived at the motel, Iann had to admit that he was tired, needed a pee and to brush his teeth.  “Why do road trips always make your mouth taste like shit?” Iann asked, once they got into the room.  A glance at the space and then Iann said, “Tuah, didn’t you ask for twin beds?  We only got a queen, so let’s get this clear - I’m the big spoon.”

Ghost of the Past, part 2 || Tuah & Iann

[readbookywooks]

THE HOUSE OF HARFANG

"Go on, Pole, do your stuff," whispered Scrubb. Jill found that her mouth was so dry that she couldn't speak a word. She nodded savagely at Scrubb. Thinking to himself that he would never forgive her (or Puddleglum either), Scrubb licked his lips and shouted up to the King giant. "If you please, Sire, the Lady of the Green Kirtle salutes you by us and said you'd like to have us for your Autumn Feast." The giant King and Queen looked at each other, nodded to each other, and smiled in a way that Jill didn't exactly like. She liked the King better than the Queen. He had a fine, curled beard and a straight eagle-like nose, and was really rather good-looking as giants go. The Queen was dreadfully fat and had a double chin and a fat, powdered face - which isn't a very nice thing at the best of times, and of course looks much worse when it is ten times too big. Then the King put out his tongue and licked his lips. Anyone might do that: but his tongue was so very large and red, and came out so unexpectedly, that it gave Jill quite a shock. "Oh, what good children!" said the Queen. ("Perhaps she's the nice one after all," thought Jill.) "Yes indeed," said the King. "Quite excellent children. We welcome you to our court. Give me your hands." He stretched down his great right hand - very clean and with any number of rings on the fingers, but also with terrible pointed nails. He was much too big to shake the hands which the children, in turn, held up to him; but he shook the arms. "And what's that?" asked the King, pointing to Puddleglum. "Reshpeckobiggle," said Puddleglum. "Oh!" screamed the Queen, gathering her skirts close about her ankles. "The horrid thing! It's alive." "He's quite all right, your Majesty, really, he is," said Scrubb hastily. "You'll like him much better when you get to know him. I'm sure you will." I hope you won't lose all interest in Jill for the rest of the book if I tell you that at this moment she began to cry. There was a good deal of excuse for her. Her feet and hands and ears and nose were still only just beginning to thaw; melted snow was trickling off her clothes; she had had hardly anything to eat or drink that day; and her legs were aching so that she felt she could not go on standing much longer. Anyway, it did more good at the moment than anything else would have done, for the Queen said: "Ah, the poor child! My lord, we do wrong to keep our guests standing. Quick, some of you! Take them away. Give them food and wine and baths. Comfort the little girl. Give her lollipops, give her dolls, give her physics, give her all you can think of - possets and comfits and caraways and lullabies and toys. Don't cry, little girl, or you won't be good for anything when the feast comes." Jill was just as indignant as you and I would have been at the mention of toys and dolls; and, though lollipops and comfits might be all very well in their way, she very much hoped that something more solid would be provided. The Queen's foolish speech, however, produced excellent results, for Puddleglum and Scrubb were at once picked up by gigantic gentlemen-in-waiting, and Jill by a gigantic maid of honour, and carried off to their rooms. Jill's room was about the size of a church, and would have been rather grim if it had not had a roaring fire on the hearth and a very thick crimson carpet on the floor. And here delightful things began to happen to her. She was handed over to the Queen's old Nurse, who was, from the giants' point of view, a little old woman almost bent double with age, and, from the human point of view, a giantess small enough to go about an ordinary room without knocking her head on the ceiling. She was very capable, though Jill did wish she wouldn't keep on clicking her tongue and saying things like "Oh la, la! Ups-adaisy" and "There's a duck" and "Now we'll be all right, my poppet". She filled a giant foot-bath with hot water and helped Jill into it. If you can swim (as Jill could) a giant bath is a lovely thing. And giant towels, though a bit rough and coarse, are lovely too, because there are acres of them. In fact you don't need to dry at all, you just roll about on them in front of the fire and enjoy yourself. And when that was over, clean, fresh, warmed clothes were put on Jill: very splendid clothes and a little too big for her, but clearly made for humans not giantesses. "I suppose if that woman in the green kirtle comes here, they must be used to guests of our size," thought Jill. She soon saw that she was right about this, for a table and chair of the right height for an ordinary grown-up human were placed for her, and the knives and forks and spoons were the proper size too. It was delightful to sit down, feeling warm and clean at last. Her feet were still bare and it was lovely to tread on the giant carpet. She sank in it well over her ankles and it was just the thing for sore feet. The meal - which I suppose we must call dinner, though it was nearer tea time - was cock-a-leekie soup, and hot roast turkey, and a steamed pudding, and roast chestnuts, and as much fruit as you could eat. The only annoying thing was that the Nurse kept coming in and out, and every time she came in, she brought a gigantic toy with her - a huge doll, bigger than Jill herself, a wooden horse on wheels, about the size of an elephant, a drum that looked like a young gasometer, and a woolly lamb. They were crude, badly made things, painted in very bright colours, and Jill hated the sight of them. She kept on telling the Nurse she didn't want them, but the Nurse said: "Tut-tut-tut-tut. You'll want 'em all right when you've had a bit of a rest, I know! Te-he-he! Beddy bye, now. A precious poppet!" The bed was not a giant bed but only a big four-poster, like what you might see in an old-fashioned hotel; and very small it looked in that enormous room. She was very glad to tumble into it. "Is it still snowing, Nurse?" she asked sleepily. "No. Raining now, ducky!" said the giantess. "Rain'll wash away all the nasty snow. Precious poppet will be able to go out and play tomorrow!" And she tucked Jill up and said good night. I know nothing so disagreeable as being kissed by a giantess. Jill thought the same, but was asleep in five minutes. The rain fell steadily all the evening and all the night, dashing against the windows of the castle, and Jill never heard it but slept deeply, past supper time and past midnight. And then came the deadest hour of the night and nothing stirred but mice in the house of the giants. At that hour there came to Jill a dream. It seemed to her that she awoke in the same room and saw the fire, sunk low and red, and in the firelight the great wooden horse. And the horse came of its own will, rolling on its wheels across the carpet, and stood at her head. And now it was no longer a horse, but a lion as big as the horse. And then it was not a toy lion, but a real lion, The Real Lion, just as she had seen him on the mountain beyond the world's end. And a smell of all sweet-smelling things there are filled the room. But there was some trouble in Jill's mind, though she could not think what it was, and the tears streamed down her face and wet the pillow. The Lion told her to repeat the signs, and she found that she had forgotten them all. At that, a great horror came over her. And Aslan took her up in his jaws (she could feel his lips and his breath but not his teeth) and carried her to the window and made her look out. The moon shone bright; and written in great letters across the world or the sky (she did not know which) were the words UNDER ME. After that, the dream faded away, and when she woke, very late next morning, she did not remember that she had dreamed at all. She was up and dressed and had finished breakfast in front of the fire when the Nurse opened the door and said: "Here's pretty poppet's little friends come to play with her." In came Scrubb and the Marsh-wiggle. "Hullo! Good morning," said Jill. "Isn't this fun? I've slept about fifteen hours, I believe. I do feel better, don't you?" "1 do," said Scrubb, "but Puddleglum says he has a headache. Hullo! - your window has a window seat. If we got up on that, we could see out." And at once they all did so: and at the first glance Jill said, "Oh, how perfectly dreadful!" The sun was shining and, except for a few drifts, the snow had been almost completely washed away by the rain. Down below them, spread out like a map, lay the flat hill-top which they had struggled over yesterday afternoon; seen from the castle, it could not be mistaken for anything but the ruins of a gigantic city. It had been flat, as Jill now saw, because it was still, on the whole, paved, though in places the pavement was broken. The criss-cross banks were what was left of the walls of huge buildings which might once have been giants' palaces and temples. One bit of wall, about five hundred feet high, was still standing; it was that which she had thought was a cliff. The things that had looked like factory chimneys were enormous pillars, broken off at unequal heights; their fragments lay at their bases like felled trees of monstrous stone. The ledges which they had climbed down on the north side of the hill - and also, no doubt the other ledges which they had climbed up on the south side - were the remaining steps of giant stairs. To crown all, in large, dark lettering across the centre of the pavement, ran the words UNDER ME. The three travellers looked at each other in dismay, and, after a short whistle, Scrubb said what they were all thinking, "The second and third signs muffed." And at that moment Jill's dream rushed back into her mind. "It's my fault," she said in despairing tones. "I - I'd given up repeating the signs every night. If I'd been thinking about them I could have seen it was the city, even in all that snow." "I'm worse," said Puddleglum. "I did see, or nearly. I thought it looked uncommonly like a ruined city." "You're the only one who isn't to blame," said Scrubb. "You did try to make us stop." "Didn't try hard enough, though," said the Marshwiggle. "And I'd no call to be trying. I ought to have done it. As if I couldn't have stopped you two with one hand each!" "The truth is," said Scrubb, "we were so jolly keen on getting to this place that we weren't bothering about anything else. At least I know I was. Ever since we met that woman with the knight who didn't talk, we've been thinking of nothing else. We'd nearly forgotten about Prince Rilian." "I shouldn't wonder," said Puddleglum, "if that wasn't exactly what she intended." "What I don't quite understand," said Jill, "is how we didn't see the lettering? Or could it have come there since last night. Could he - Aslan - have put it there in the night? I had such a queer dream." And she told them all about it. "Why, you chump!" said Scrubb. "We did see it. We got into the lettering. Don't you see? We got into the letter E in ME. That was your sunk lane. We walked along the bottom stroke of the E, due north - turned to our right along the upright - came to another turn to the right - that's the middle stroke - and then went on to the top left-hand corner, or (if you like) the north-eastern corner of the letter, and came back. Like the bally idiots we are." He kicked the window seat savagely, and went on, "So it's no good, Pole. I know what you were thinking because I was thinking the same. You were thinking how nice it would have been if Aslan hadn't put the instructions on the stones of the ruined city till after we'd passed it. And then it would have been his fault, not ours. So likely, isn't it? No. We must just own up. We've only four signs to go by, and we've muffed the first three." "You mean I have," said Jill. "It's quite true. I've spoiled everything ever since you brought me here. All the same - I'm frightfully sorry and all that - all the same, what are the instructions? UNDER ME doesn't seem to make much sense." "Yes it does, though," said Puddleglum. "It means we've got to look for the Prince under that city." "But how can we?" asked Jill. "That's the question," said Puddleglum, rubbing his big, frog-like hands together. "How can we now? No doubt, if we'd had our minds on our job when we were at the Ruinous City, we'd have been shown how - found a little door, or a cave, or a tunnel, met someone to help us. Might have been (you never know) Aslan himself. We'd have got down under those paving-stones somehow or other. Aslan's instructions always work: there are no exceptions. But how to do it now - that's another matter." "Well, we shall just have to go back, I suppose," said Jill. "Easy, isn't it?" said Puddleglum. "We might try opening that door to begin with." And they all looked at the door and saw that none of them could reach the handle, and that almost certainly no one could turn it if they did. "Do you think they won't let us out if we ask?" said Jill. And nobody said, but everyone thought, "Supposing they don't." It was not a pleasant idea. Puddleglum was dead against any idea of telling the giants their real business and simply asking to be let out; and of course the children couldn't tell without his permission, because they had promised. And all three felt pretty sure that there would be no chance of escaping from the castle by night. Once they were in their rooms with the doors shut, they would be prisoners till morning. They might, of course, ask to have their doors left open, but that would rouse suspicions. "Our only chance," said Scrubb, "is to try to sneak away by daylight. Mightn't there be an hour in the afternoon when most of the giants are asleep? - and if we could steal down into the kitchen, mightn't there be a back door open?" "It's hardly what I call a Chance," said the Marshwiggle. "But it's all the chance we're likely to get." As a matter of fact, Scrubb's plan was not quite so hopeless as you might think. If you want to get out of a house without being seen, the middle of the afternoon is in some ways a better time to try it than the middle of the night. Doors and windows are more likely to be open; and if you are caught, you can always pretend you weren't meaning to go far and had no particular plans. (It is very hard to make either giants or grown-ups believe this if you're found climbing out of a bedroom window at one o'clock in the morning.) "We must put them off their guard, though," said Scrubb. "We must pretend we love being here and are longing for this Autumn Feast." "That's tomorrow night," said Puddleglum. "I heard one of them say so." "I see," said Jill. "We must pretend to be awfully excited about it, and keep on asking questions. They think we're absolute infants anyway, which will make it easier." "Gay," said Puddleglum with a deep sigh. "That's what we've got to be. Gay. As if we hadn't a care in the world. Frolicsome. You two youngsters haven't always got very high spirits, I've noticed. You must watch me, and do as I do. I'll be gay. Like this" - and he assumed a ghastly grin. "And frolicsome" - here he cut a most mournful caper. "You'll soon get into it, if you keep your eyes on me. They think I'm a funny fellow already, you see. I dare say you two thought I was a trifle tipsy last night, but I do assure you it was - well, most of it was - put on. I had an idea it would come in useful, somehow." The children, when they talked over their adventures afterwards, could never feel sure whether this last statement was quite strictly true; but they were sure that Puddleglum thought it was true when he made it. "All right. Gay's the word," said Scrubb. "Now, if we could only get someone to open this door. While we're fooling about and being gay, we've got to find out all we can about this castle." Luckily, at that very moment the door opened, and the giant Nurse bustled in saying, "Now, my poppets. Like to come and see the King and all the court setting out on the hunting? Such a pretty sight!" They lost no time in rushing out past her and climbing down the first staircase they came to. The noise of hounds and horns and giant voices guided them, so that in a few minutes they reached the courtyard. The giants were all on foot, for there are no giant horses in that part of the world, and the giants' hunting is done on foot; like beagling in England. The hounds were also of normal size. When Jill saw that there were no horses she was at first dreadfully disappointed, for she felt sure that the great fat Queen would never go after hounds on foot; and it would never do to have her about the house all day. But then she saw the Queen in a kind of litter supported on the shoulders of six young giants. The silly old creature was all got up in green and had a horn at her side. Twenty or thirty giants, including the King, were assembled, ready for the sport, all talking and laughing fit to deafen you: and down below, nearer Jill's level, there were wagging tails, and barking, and loose, slobbery mouths and noses of dogs thrust into your hand. Puddleglum was just beginning to strike what he thought a gay and gamesome attitude (which might have spoiled everything if it had been noticed) when Jill put on her most attractively childish smile, rushed across to the Queen's litter and shouted up to the Queen. "Oh, please! You're not going away, are you? You will come back?" "Yes, my dear," said the Queen. "I'll be back tonight." "Oh, good. How lovely!" said Jill. "And we may come to the feast tomorrow night, mayn't we? We're so longing for tomorrow night! And we do love being here. And while you're out, we may run over the whole castle and see everything, mayn't we? Do say yes." The Queen did say yes, but the laughter of all the courtiers nearly drowned her voice.