#lets go shamelessly indulging in your otp or something

[pikasetism]

theyre playing splatoon

[yukidragon]

Sunny Day Jack - Omegaverse AU Headcanons

Soooo… A/B/O. Alpha/Beta/Omega, also known as the Omegaverse. Let’s see what happens when I mix it with Something’s Wrong with Sunny Day Jack, shall we?

This is going to be a pretty off the wall ramble, since, well, Omegaverse doesn’t have any set rules besides Alphas are strong, territorial, and are thirsty as hell because of the pheromones Omegas give off when they go into heat and are ready to make babies. I’ve found during my idle browsing of various pages on the subject that each storyteller tackles the rules differently, sometimes wildly so.

So I’m just gonna do whatever I want. Sounds good?

I’ll take your inability to respond as a resounding yes.

Content warnings: this post is going to be full of talk about sex, from sexy times to sex organs, and maybe even some smutty snippets if I feel inspired. I mean, Omegaverse is rooted in sex, so it’s a given. There might be mention of the darker sides of sex like SA and sexual harassment, but I’m going to be mostly sticking with shamelessly indulging in my OTP as much as possible. That means I’m going to be using my OC Alice in the main character’s role, but feel free to play around with any of my headcanons for your MCs if you feel like dabbling in this silly crossover of smutty subjects too.

First off, Alice (/MC) is an Omega in this AU, and all the love interests are Alphas. It’s fitting for a protagonist of an erotic romance game with a bunch of suitors, don’t you think?

Yes, even Ian is an Alpha. I’m playing with the tropes a bit, and I think it would be fun to play with the idea of Ian being intimidated by the pressures of being an Alpha. Not to mention I can see his mother coming down even harder in this universe due to his Alpha urges.

The Worldbuilding

It might be good to go into how I’m going to define the basic rules of my dip into this Omegaverse. In this world, genders are sorted first into Alpha, Beta, and Omega. After that they’re divided further into male, female, or any other flavor of non-binary. There’s a hell of a lot more gender variety in this world, and a lot of folks who have both sets of sexy bits to play with.

There’s also a supernatural aspect to these genders that give Alphas and Omegas extra abilities that Betas don’t typically have. Betas are the closest to normal humans and tend to have the same amount of male/female/intersex variety. They’re the largest percentage of the population, and are susceptible to the influence of Alphas. Still, they, like all people in this world, are much more in tune with their instincts than people are here.

Alphas are all capable of insemination, and as such regardless if they have a clit, a dick, or whatever else, they produce sperm. Those who also have a uterus as well tend to be regarded as female or intersex Alphas.

What separates Alphas from Betas are their supernatural abilities. Alphas tend to be bigger and stronger, with sharper senses. They have a commanding presence to them that mildly affects others. It’s not mind control, but it can influence the instincts of Betas to make them feel inclined to submit to their will proportionally to how strong the Alpha’s will is. Because of this, Alphas often are the ones who take commanding roles and other positions of power. They also often clash with other Alphas often because of this instinct to take charge of others.

Alphas often have some slight animal features as well. Sometimes they’re born with harder nails like claws, or fangs. Sometimes they have extra features to their dicks like you’d find in a Bad Dragon toy. Knots and wolfish instincts are the most common features an Alpha can have, but more rarely you get other animal features, like a cat’s ability to purr and have smaller bumps/ridges on their penises that similarly are meant to keep a cock locked in place after cumming. These animal influences can result in very interesting variety in the bedroom for those who want to sample what various Alphas have to offer.

Yes, I was thinking of Shaun when I came up with these alternative animal traits. I just couldn’t picture him acting wolf-like or having a knot like the other guys. I mean, maybe he could pull off the catdog look, but I think it’s more interesting if his features are more on the feline side.

Alphas are more sensitive to the pheromones of others due to their enhanced sense of smell. They also tend to have a much higher libido than Betas, so it’s not uncommon for them to be very sexually promiscuous. There is a supernatural aspect to the pheromones as well that allow Alphas to “mark” others with a unique energy signature that makes it easier to find them and let other Alphas know that someone with that mark is under their protection. These marks can only be made with consent of both parties involved, and are usually temporary depending on the relationship the Alpha has with the person marked.

Mate marks are made when an Alpha wants to mate for life with one person in particular. They’re a very serious commitment that can’t be undone, and it can’t be done if either party is even the slightest bit uncertain about that level of commitment to one another. As such, it’s not something that happens anywhere near as often as marriage.

By mating like this, an Alpha is sharing their life with another person, regardless of gender, and their mate is agreeing to the same. Mates are able to sense things about their mate all the time, no matter how far apart they are, with a strong sense of empathy and the ability to pick up when they’re distressed, in danger, horny, etc. This can lead to mates being clingy and instinctively seeking each other out more than usual relationships. This also has a tendency to make for a lot of sexy fun times between mates.

Those who have gotten these mate marks are called a “fated pair.” Since it’s so difficult to commit so completely to another person and allow them so much access to yourself, these marks are rare enough that the pair are thought of as soulmates. There are even stories of fated pairs who were reborn and found each other again in their next lives. Mate marks are all unique to that fated pair and can be fairly complicated, sometimes even very colorful. This is a magical world after all.

A fated pair are fully committed to one another. The idea of leaving their mate for someone else becomes unthinkable. In a way they’ve become one and feel incomplete without the other. Their strengths and pain are shared. They are no longer able to feel romantic or sexual attraction to anyone else but their mate, but they make each other stronger by being bound together. The natural abilities of Alphas and Omegas increase with the mate mark, making them more powerful, and Betas awaken their own supernatural power - the power to dampen or even neutralize the abilities of other Alphas and Omegas.

An Alpha can have their fated pair be an Omega, Beta, or even another Alpha. Not every Alpha has a fated pair, and polyamory is more common and more accepted in this universe. With so much gender diversity, pansexuality is far more common than heterosexuality in this world. The topic of sex is also less taboo to discuss due to the phenomenon of “heat” and “rut.”

Heat and rut are when a person experiences an increased desire for sex and their instinct to reproduce is heightened. The only difference is whether the person’s desire is to impregnate someone (rut) or be impregnated (heat). This is a side-effect of the supernatural powers of the people of this world, and as such affect Alphas far more strongly than anyone else, but Betas sometimes experience a milder version. It doesn’t seem to be tied to a particular season, but more to the individual. Sometimes a heat/rut can be set off by an Alpha getting too excited while using their powers for a prolonged period of time.

Of course, we can’t talk about heat without going into Omegas. Omegas are the rarest type. If Betas make 90% of the population, Alphas take up 9%, and Omegas only 1%. All Omegas have a uterus and are capable of being impregnated and carrying young. Omegas are empaths, very perceptive to the emotions of others, with the supernatural ability to heal, and are often thought of as nurturing figures.

Omegas also are the only ones that can instinctively make Alphas submit due to their pheromones. When in heat, they can send anyone receptive nearby into rut. Their smell is appealing even to Betas and they have a natural allure to them, though Betas can’t go into heat/rut.

Now, in a lot of Omegaverses, this is where the dubious/non-consent comes in hard. While I can understand the appeal of a character going into heat, desperate for sex, attracting everyone and making them desperate to have sex with them… Consent is king in this house, baby, and that includes my version of Omegaverse.

Heat and rut don’t strip an Alpha/Omega of their ability to consent or affect their judgment. It can be intense like starving for a good meal, but it never goes to the point that they’re willing to choke down rotten food. There’s a limit to the horniness, and consent is taken very seriously.

While an Omega has the power to set off rut in others and be alluring, it only affects those that are receptive to the Omega sexually. Asexuals in this world simply aren’t affected by these supernatural pheromones, or at least not as strongly depending on where they are in the asexual spectrum. Demi-sexuals still need that strong emotional connection before being affected, for example.

An Alpha that is receptive to an Omega and thus affected by their heat has an instinct to submit to the wants of the Omega. If the Alpha wants the Omega and the Omega doesn’t want the Alpha, they won’t be able to bring themselves to do anything except pine for the Omega due to their strong instincts. If an Omega wants an Alpha, but the Alpha doesn’t want the Omega, then the Alpha doesn’t get affected by the Omega at all.

That’s right, I’m leaning in hard on the supernatural angle to ensure that all parties are consenting even when affected by magical horny vibes. While this doesn’t eliminate SA altogether from this world, as scumbags are going to prey on others regardless of their wants, this supernatural horny magic isn’t going to sign off on non-consent in this version of the Omegaverse.

Betas for the most part are immune to these heat/rut pheromone shenanigans and pretty much can just potentially find Alphas, Omegas, or other Betas attractive in a more conventional way. They are also capable of reproduction provided the individual doesn’t have health issues that get in the way of that.

If Alphas have the ability to make Betas instinctively inclined to follow their lead, Omegas have the ability to make Alphas instinctively want to protect them. Even the most feral Alpha has a hard time overcoming their instinct of not wanting to see an Omega harmed.

Going feral is something that only happens to Alphas. Typically this is tied to intense emotions, usually aggression in combat, protectiveness, possessiveness, or even horniness. They might even have more animal/monstrous features as their supernatural nature spikes. Reasoning with an Alpha that’s gone feral is best left to Omegas, a beat down from other Alphas, or heavy dosing of sedatives.

While Alphas are apparent from birth, Omegas are usually only discovered after they have their first heat, or a traumatic event awakens their ability to heal. Since the person’s desires are what cause heat/rut, these states only happen when the person wants to reproduce and in what way they’re capable/wanting to do so. Someone who doesn’t want to produce children won’t experience heat or rut, even if they might experience elevated levels of hormones at times.

What’s the difference between heat/rut and being horny? The desire to make babies. Bo, for example, would be going into rut all the time with how much he wants to make his puppy have his pups. Alphas and Omegas have the potential to be exceedingly horny and affect others through their pheromones without going into rut/heat.

Though rare, Omegas are also capable of siring children and going into rut if they have the right equipment for the job. Likewise, Alphas can birth children if they have a uterus and can go into heat if they want to do so. An individual’s will strongly affects this supernatural state of horniness and their desire to reproduce.

Alpha Joseph Cullman

Now, with the foundation of the Omegaverse we’re working with out of the way, let’s get to the characters we know and love. Many of the broad strokes of the SWWSDJ timeline are the same in this AU, but changing the finer details can craft a very different picture.

Joseph Cullman was born an Alpha, but he struggled with the role. Sure, he could more easily intimidate others, make them submit, but ruling by fear does not earn you love. He was clumsy with his connections with others, showing off his strength and trying to get attention in a desperate bid to be loved.

It’s just fortunate that this troubled Alpha found his fated pair when he was young.

Yes, this AU is mixed with my reincarnation AU, which I talked about in previous posts here and here. Come on, fated pairs? It was practically begging for a reincarnated soulmate storyline!

Mary thought she was a Beta until the trauma of being told that she was going to die before reaching adulthood awakened her healing powers and allowed her to heal her chronic illness, revealing her to be an Omega.

Omegas, being so rare with the power to heal, are exceedingly coveted. Mary’s parents, being narcissists who saw their children as extensions of themselves, were keen to exploit this power for fame, fortune, and acclaim. This made them tighten their grip on Mary, and when they found out an Alpha was sneaking into her bedroom… ho boy they put a stop to that.

Joseph, having Alpha instincts to protect the only person who cared about him, especially since Mary’s Omega nature was affecting them all the more, fought even harder to keep her. This led to an altercation between him and her parents. Instead of something bad happening at Haberdae High, it was his escalating conflict with her parents that led to things breaking down for him.

The fateful incident where everything went wrong involved Joseph losing control of his rage, resulting in him going feral, with Mary being kept from him so he couldn’t calm down until it was too late. This led to a very violent incident that resulted in police involvement. The Phoenix family pressed charges despite Mary’s protests and Joseph, being a minor, was sentenced to juvenile hall.

Joseph wasn’t left unscathed mentally from going feral. He remembered vividly what he did and was horrified by his extreme acts of bloody violence and loss of control. It left him seeing himself in a much more negative light.

It made him feel like a monster.

Unfortunately, things went from bad to worse for Joseph. While he was locked up, the Phoenix family moved away. Whatever reputation he had left in that small town was destroyed, and everyone avoided him. Even his parents grew more distant from him, ashamed and afraid of the monster their Alpha son had become. Teachers and other authority figures scrutinized every move he made, ready to come down at him for any perceived slight, and Haberdae High felt almost as much of a prison as juvenile hall did.

Of course, Joseph ran away when he couldn’t handle it anymore. He also couldn’t let Mary go in spite of everything. He tried living on his own for a while, but loneliness ate away at him more than the hunger he felt while living on the street without a home.

Life for Mary wasn’t sunshine and roses either. Her parents exploited her new healing abilities to line their pockets, having her heal rich investors even when overuse of her powers was damaging to her health. It was almost ironic - her parents used to be so concerned about her health, but now it was like it no longer mattered to them, not when she was finally useful to them. Besides, she would eventually heal herself, so what did it matter that she suffered for a while? She needed to grow up and help out the family, in their opinion, especially after all the trouble she put them through with Joseph.

Ever since Mary’s powers truly awakened, she was increasingly aware of the fact that her parents didn’t truly love her. Being able to detect other peoples’ emotions can let you know when people are faking theirs. Their affectionate displays had strings attached, and their emotional abuse just highlighted the lack of care she could feel so painfully clear with her powers of empathy.

Fortunately, since Joseph is an Alpha, he left a mark on Mary, which allowed him to eventually track her down. It was a shock when she heard a familiar rapping at her window in a place states away from her old home, and then saw a familiar face that she had been aching to see for so long.

Though Mary was aware of the violence Joseph committed while going feral, even being the one who had to heal the damage he left behind with her powers, she still loved him, and she could keenly feel his love for her in a way she didn’t feel from her parents.

Joseph didn’t feel worthy of being with Mary, feeling himself unclean, monstrous, but when he found her, he couldn’t leave her again. He just couldn’t live without his sunshine. He gave in to his weakness once again and asked her to run away with him. They could leave their toxic families behind and just be together. All the adults in their life failed them, and their bond was too strong to want to be separated, even if it meant that they would be struggling on the streets.

Despite the guilt Mary felt for abandoning her family, she agreed to run away with Joseph. However, while Joseph ran away without a plan and only the clothes on his back, Mary didn’t want to be quite so reckless if she could help it. In the middle of the night, she stole money and her parents’ car keys so they could get some distance before selling the car so that the police wouldn’t be able to track them that way. They traveled quite a while even after that, taking on new names to make sure no one would track them down. It was easier for them to disappear in the age before the internet.

Joseph made sure to protect Mary from dangers that come from being homeless and on the run. He was a strong Alpha who was no stranger to getting into fights, and sometimes he had to do things he regretted in order to make sure they were both safe and stayed together. They had enough money to last them while they traveled and put distance between them and anyone who knew them.

Eventually, the two managed to find a place to make a new home. Joseph took the moniker of James, and Mary changed her name to Maria. (Yes, I had to get that Silent Hill 2 reference in.) When introducing themselves to other people, they claimed to already be married, even if they couldn’t be legally. Joseph James got the part of Sunny Day Jack, and things were looking up as the show took off.

It was when James finally felt like he made himself into someone truly worthy of someone as kind and loving as Mary Maria that he wanted to take things further, for them to be a fated pair. Maria had actually been the one to bring up the idea first, and they had attempted it before, but it never successfully formed. It was only when James felt less haunted by the mistakes of his past and happier with the person he had become that he was able to feel worthy enough to become one with his sunshine at last.

The pair were happy. Things weren’t easy, and they had plenty of challenges to face, but they loved each other. They promised each other forever.

Then the Incident of ‘84 happened.

A fated pair has many benefits of their mating, being stronger together and feeling each other’s pain and joys, but unfortunately the downside is that when one dies, the other is quick to follow.

Joseph, James, Sunny Day Jack, [Redacted]... the man known as all these things was sent to a hellish afterlife, deprived of the chance to reincarnate thanks to the wicked machinations of LambsWork Productions and what they did to him. Yes, I’m going with my headcanons that Jack’s fate of being trapped in the tape was by design and not an accident. I mean, I’ve had fun playing with that in other AUs, so why not here too?

Since Mary/Maria wasn’t part of the ritual, she was spared the hellish fate. She was reborn as Alice and the King family made her far happier and feel more loved than the Phoenix family ever did. Still… she felt like something was missing, a longing she could never quite explain. She was born with an unusual intricate birthmark. Some thought that it looked like a mate mark, but that couldn’t be. It was already there on her neck since the day she was born.

Besides, fated pairs are just people who bond for life and entwine their energies together. Soulmates and reincarnation are just silly superstitions made up by romantics…

Right?

A Fated Pair

Alice had a similar childhood as she did in the main universe, meeting Ian in the 1st grade and befriending him. Over time he started having romantic feelings for her, but, unfortunately, she never reciprocated them.

It didn’t feel right to Alice. She loved Ian like a brother, but the idea of romance with him felt… wrong. It almost felt like a betrayal… but of who?

Ian’s upbringing was strict. His absent father was an Alpha who paid child support and wasn’t loyal to his mother, making his mother come down harder on him, especially after learning he was an Alpha too. Even as a child, he was shamed for his desires or standing on his own. She shredded his pride to ribbons, and he could never fully use his powers as an Alpha while living under her roof.

His mother went after him for any relationship Ian had, so it was difficult for him to make friends. Alice stuck with him when others were chased away, and more than once his mother warned Alice to watch out for Ian and his predatory Alpha desires. This was made worse when Ian’s mother found out Alice was an Omega. Ian’s mother immediately branded Alice as a whore who was wired to entice all Alphas into rutting for her all the time.

Needless to say, Ian was a lot happier when he grew up and could go no contact with his mother.

Despite the accusations and harassment, Alice helped Ian break free of his mother’s grip. They eventually moved in together in college, but they weren’t in a relationship, no matter how much Ian wished otherwise. Eventually, she helped encourage him to pursue his dream to become an actor, and he left for a fancy college to help him along the way.

In California, now completely on his own, Ian learned to spread his wings. He was surprised by how many people found him appealing now, both sexually and as a romantic partner, especially as he learned how to assert himself. He started exploring his sexuality for the first time. He had wonderful experiences with multiple partners, but he longed for the security he felt with Alice and held out hope that someday, maybe, she might return his feelings.

Ian wasn’t the only one pining for Alice, even when off at college seeking out his dreams. Shaun fell for Alice when they went to college together. Without a boyfriend to scare him off, he tried to shoot his shot with her… eventually. Poor guy was flustered and fumbling over himself for quite a while, blurting out embarrassing things and accidentally self-sabotaging more than once. Unfortunately, with Alice not feeling that way towards him and his miscommunications, he never even got the chance to be turned down like Ian was before he had to go off to another college as well.

It was after her friends were gone that Alice really started feeling lonely, especially in an apartment meant for two people. She still remained connected to Ian, Shaun, and other friends through phone calls and online communication, but something was missing.

When Alice was around her friends and family every day, she could forget about the strange longing she always felt. When she was alone, it was so pronounced. She took to wandering when not at work, trying to find… something. She didn’t know what. She just… needed to find it. She had to. The world wouldn’t be right until she did.

That was what drew her to the thrift store and a certain video tape. It was compelling in a way that it was almost confusing for her. It was as if this strange old tape filled her with a longing that wouldn’t be satisfied until she took it home with her and watched it.

When Alice played the tape, she found what she was missing for so long.

Sadly, Jack forgot who he was entirely in his 40 years of hell, but a part of him recognized her right away. He didn’t even remember her name, but Alice was his sunshine, he knew it. He knew that he loved her with his whole heart instantly, and longed for her touch in a way that left him weak.

Needless to say, Alice was very confused when she woke up and saw a giant clown in her apartment. However, unlike in Sunshine in Hell, her shock wasn’t as strong. She didn’t retreat from him. There was such a sense of relief and completeness he brought her that reassured her in spite of the surreal situation. It was so strange that she was certain she had to be dreaming. There’s no way this feeling and this beautiful man who made her heart flutter like no one else could was real…

Jack greeted her, all smiles. He was her new best friend forever, and she was the reason why he was there. When he held her hand, he could’ve melted from her warmth, and she never felt so warm and safe from someone’s touch before.

It was just so absurd to Alice. She magically summoned a children’s show clown as her best friend forever? Definitely a dream. Besides, she was sure that she dreamed about this man before. His touch was so familiar, and being with him felt so right. These warm fluttery feelings felt too good and a part of her had been aching for this for so long…

Alice decided to just enjoy the dream for as long as possible.

Jack was startled when Alice suddenly kissed him, but definitely anything but displeased. He returned the kiss with a passion she didn’t expect. She had never actually kissed anyone before, so she was caught off guard when his tongue slipped so easily into her mouth. Still, it was almost the most natural thing in the world to let him in, to twine together with him so intimately and feel their heat and taste meld together. His scent was heady, delicious, familiar…

It wasn’t outright heat and rut since neither of them were thinking of making babies, but their instincts and hormones kicked in. The connection between them made them share and amplify each other’s arousal. Alice never felt this with anyone before and was almost overwhelmed, but there was this familiar security with him that kept urging her along. Jack was almost overwhelmed by all the sensations after going without for so long, but he drank them all in greedily, and her most of all.

There was no phone call to interrupt them. Instincts kicked in and clothes started coming off. The motions were so familiar to both of them, these hot kisses on equally hot skin that tasted so sweet and nostalgic. Consciously they forgot one another when death separated them, but their souls did not forget, and their bodies ached to reconnect after being apart and missing each other for so long.

It was only the discomfort of the lumpy couch that prevented them from having their first time then and there. Alice barely had the sense to direct Jack to her bedroom, and he carried her the entire way, their hearts hammering hard.

In the bedroom, it all suddenly became so much more real to Alice, and she started feeling fears, doubts. Even in this world she experienced a traumatic SA incident as a teen, and she was aware that she was alone and naked, with a half-naked giant looming over her.

Jack was so gentle though, so familiar. He slowed down when he noticed her trepidation. He confessed his love for her, how he was sure that he was waiting for her for so long… and he could feel she felt the same.

…

“You felt it too, didn’t you?” Jack said, his voice a whisper low and husky from the heat churning between them. “You’ve felt like something… someone was missing for so long… It felt like a piece of you was missing, like you could never be complete without that special someone.”

Alice swallowed hard in a futile attempt to alleviate her dry throat. She stared up into those beautiful dark eyes that ached with a longing that she felt deep down in her soul. He was right… she felt this way for so long…

“Don’t worry,” Jack said soothingly as he leaned in closer, inching them both back towards the pillows. “I’m here now. I’m right here… and now we won’t ever have to feel alone ever again.”

“Jack…,” Alice whispered, rolling his name on her tongue and it tasted so sweet, just like his kisses. She never knew kisses could taste as sweet as the ones Jack gave her. She wanted more, a part of her ached for more, more of this mysterious man who seemed too good to be true.

Jack reached out to touch her cheek, but hesitated as Alice jumped a little. “Is this okay?”

For a moment Alice hesitated, her heart pounding hard enough it echoed in her ears. Then she tentatively reached up to tug off the glove so she could feel his palm against her cheek directly. The touch of his skin was like fire, and it melted away so much of her fear, leaving her once again aching for more. She turned into his hand and lightly pressed her lips against his palm before whispering against his skin. “Yes.”

Was this a mistake? Logic would say so, but Alice had never felt anything so right before. Jack felt like a missing puzzle piece. His lips fit so perfectly slotted with hers, their bodies melded as if they were always meant to be one. She was tentative and uncertain, but she let her instincts guide her to touch him and lean into his touches and kisses that set her skin on fire.

Jack was so gentle, and he took care not to rush her. He savored every touch, every kiss, every moan. He memorized every inch of her body, wanting to etch Alice so deeply into his mind that he would never forget any part of his sunshine ever again. It felt like practically a sin to forget even a second with her, but at least his soul remembered. His hands moved with familiar purpose, finding all the sweet spots that he instinctively knew would make her arch into him and cry out his name so beautifully.

At some point Alice went from reluctant to impatient. She felt so good, and she loved the way Jack moaned when she touched him, how he could whisper such beautiful words of love and praise into her skin. She felt loved in a way that she never experienced before, yet at the same time was all too familiar… and a part of her eagerly anticipated that connection that would allow her to feel him fully, to experience all of his love.

This time it was Jack hesitating, not because he didn’t want to keep going - far from it - but a few exploring fingers between her legs made it quickly apparent that Alice wouldn’t be able to take his cock, and definitely not his knot unless he fully prepared her first. This body of hers had never experienced anything so big inside before, and he had to take extra care to stretch her out and get her ready.

Those big, thick fingers of his brought Alice to orgasm more than once, and eventually her frustration was too much. She needed Jack inside her, her body practically screaming for it. “Please,” she begged, flushed and embarrassed but her own neediness. “Please, Jack… I need you.”

Jack felt his heart squeeze at that plea and the desperate look in his sunshine’s unforgettable blue eyes. “Alice…” He removed his fingers, coated in her slick, and couldn’t help but taste her. Sweet and sticky, and the way she blushed at the sight made him feel a little greedy. “Alice… I love you so much.” A part of him was fit to burst, aching for her, but he needed just one more thing. “Can I ask you for something first?”

“What?” Alice asked between breathless pants. She spread her legs open wide for him, more than ready. She felt practically ready to do anything for him in that moment.

“Can you say it?” Jack whispered, desperation of his own creeping into his voice. “Can you tell me that you love me, just so I know for sure?”

Alice felt her pulse spike at the request, and that little voice at the back of her mind reminded her that what she was doing was crazy, but it lacked any fire and soon was lost under the fluttering warmth that filled her, that Jack gave her.

It was crazy, but so right. Her instincts were absolutely certain of that fact, and in that moment all Alice could think about was how much she needed Jack.

“I… I love you, Jack,” Alice whispered, the words coming out soft but far more easily than she ever expected. Once the words left her lips, the more right they felt. The next time she spoke her words came out more clearly, more certain. “I love you, Jack.”

Jack practically melted, those words setting him free in a way he had been denied for 40 long years. He couldn’t hold back any longer. His lips found hers again, and his hips moved with purpose. She moaned what sounded like his name against his lips, which acted as a muffler as he eased himself inside her nice and slow.

Alice was expecting Jack to be big - his cock had been so hard, hard, and heavy in her hands - but he felt even larger inside of her, filling her more than she thought possible. Vaguely she remembered her first time should be painful, but there was only a delicious stretch that bordered on pain, but was a glorious ache that left her feeling so full. She clung to her mate, digging her fingers into his back as he bottomed out inside her, and they finally became one after being incomplete for so, so long.

“Oh… oh God,” Jack shuddered. Memories flickered back of moments like these - from a clumsy but sweet first time to countless unions that came so expertly - and all the love and pleasure crashed into him. It was so much after an eternity without any sensation but a numb coldness. It took all his willpower to keep still and make sure that Alice was comfortable. He would never forgive himself if he made her feel any pain.  “Oh my God…” He had to take a moment to look into her eyes again, finally feeling truly whole again.  “Alice… You feel so amazing from just this.”

“J-Jack…” Alice panted. She fumbled for words, overcome with sensations and emotions that felt more powerful than anything else in the world. Despite his size, Jack just fit just right. Everything was so intense and overwhelming, yet nothing else in the world ever felt as right as this. She needed more. “Ple-please…”

Jack bent down to kiss her forehead, gently smoothing out the slight ridges there. “I’m going to move now.” He showed her a smile as dazzling as the sun. “I’m going to fill you with my love.”

Alice let out a shuddering cry as she felt Jack start to move his hips. He drew back so far that a part of her felt an irrational panic that he was going to pull out, but those fears were quickly alleviated as he brought their hips together again.

It was a slow and steady rhythm to start. Jack was determined to make sure that Alice never experienced even a second of pain, and the noises she made let him know just how good a job he was doing. He could feel the pleasure he brought her echo through his body, and his body’s pleasure resonated into hers the same way. They were one, moving together with practiced ease that came so naturally to the fated pair.

It was Alice who urged Jack to go faster by digging her heels into his backside, her legs wrapped around his hips. She couldn’t control the tempo from this position, but she could cling to him tight and make her needs known. “Mmm… more please! Jack please!”

“As you wish, sunshine,” Jack cooed before capturing that begging mouth of hers in another hot kiss. “I’ll give it all to you, all of my love.” He relished the cry she let out as he started to go faster, harder, and the pleasure made his head spin. His eyes rolled upwards, and for a moment he was sure he had gone to heaven as these powerful feelings of love washed over him. “Oh Alice!”

His praise and words of love were addicting, and Alice couldn’t get enough. She could feel his love surrounding her, inside her. The way Jack kept cooing and encouraging her drove her crazy, and words of love spilled from her lips in return, broken up by ragged breaths and cries of pleasure as he drove himself into her harder, faster.

Alice barely registered when their position changed, her legs bent back in his firm grip, but she felt just how much deeper he could thrust himself inside her, making her see stars.

The world disappeared, and nothing mattered but this desperate hunger they had for each other that bordered on animalistic. Their instincts howled for one another and the love they shared. Their bodies collided and meshed together, hot and sweaty. The air was thick and heavy with heat and the perfume of pheromones that left them both lightheaded and aching with need.

Jack managed to keep his senses enough to keep whispering words of love and praise for his irreplaceable mate, but Alice could barely do more than call out his name between animal cries of pleasure.

The pleasure continued to build, and before they reached that glorious crest, Jack bent down, his mouth seeking out her neck. His fangs grazed across that familiar mark he created a lifetime ago then sank in, renewing their sacred vow that they would love each other forever.

The world went completely white and Alice could only scream his name as she clung to Jack, her body convulsing around him with pleasure she didn’t think possible. She didn’t even notice when she was able to take his knot, but she could feel it pulsing inside her along with the rest of his cock as he came. He flooded her insides with warmth, and she relished in the heat pooling in her belly.

As the tide of pleasure slowly started to recede, Jack drew away from her neck and licked his lips. His sunshine’s blood was just as sweet as he remembered, and the mark glowed with a gentle, familiar light, just like the day he first made it. Alice moved in closer as he drew back, her instincts crying out for him, and he moaned as she sunk her teeth into the mark she left on him so long ago, a mate mark identical to hers.

The marking ritual wasn’t necessary to repeat, but it was like a renewal of their vows, of the promise that nothing, not even death, would keep them apart. Now, as the pair slid into a gentle afterglow, they brought their red stained lips together in a kiss that sealed them together forever.

…

After the Afterglow

Of course, eventually Alice is going to be aware that what she just did with Jack is very serious. There’s going to be fears and uncertainty even if a part of her is feeling so content with him. When it’s just the two of them, it’s so easy to fall into him, to give in to her instincts and love him just as completely as he loves her. His love is so addicting, so familiar and safe. It’s hard to have to face reality when this dream come true is so wonderful. A part of her is no longer missing anymore, and she can’t imagine living without him.

Since I suspect that MC’s love and closeness with Jack will allow him to be more real the more strongly they feel it, he’s going to be a lot more real in this AU a lot more quickly. Being a fated pair is a magical bond that can’t be broken. Add it and the general supernatural nature of this world, and Jack has a much stronger hold on reality thanks to Alice, especially after they share so much love as soon as he appears.

This means Jack doesn’t just appear in mirrors and in cameras, but also in front of other people. He doesn’t experience the world as a ghost, though he still has to contend with just suddenly appearing out of nowhere with no ID and all the other issues that come with suddenly existing in the world again.

However, just because Jack is more real doesn’t mean that he’s human again. He’s still a very supernatural being in a world full of people who have sharp animal instincts. Alphas like Ian, Shaun, and Nick can sense that something is wrong with Sunny Day Jack despite his bright and shiny smile. This is something these three are more sensitive to due to their attraction towards Alice and their Alpha instincts telling them to protect the Omega they care for.

Since Alphas have better senses to a supernatural degree, maybe they smell something… off about Jack, see something unnatural about him. Perhaps he’s a bit… staticy? He’s not simply another Alpha to them, he’s something not right. He’s uncanny… and dangerous.

And, much to these Alphas’ concern, Alice doesn’t see that at all. She has no sense of the danger Jack poses. All she sees when she looks at Jack is the man who she loves with all her heart, who loves her just as much.

Will Shaun, Nick, or Ian manage to shine a light on this shady clown and expose what’s wrong with him, or will their fears be proven to be unfounded? Will these Alphas clash with claws and fangs or worse? Will Jack have to go to extremes to make sure no one takes his sunshine away from him ever again? He’s gone feral before because of the fear of losing her, and it’s pretty common for Alphas to clash in this world after all, especially when it’s to protect someone they love.

Good thing Omegas have the power to heal when Alphas are ready and willing to tear into each other, but hopefully Alice won’t have to heal the wounds left behind from her lover’s feral frenzy like she did back when her name was Mary. Jack certainly doesn’t need more sins weighing down his soul when he’s finally clean now. Fortunately Omegas have a knack of keeping Alphas from losing control when they’re around… at least, unless they want them to lose control during sexy times.

Wow, this ramble went on a lot longer than I expected. I guess that’s what happens when I need to go into full-blown world building, huh? Anyway, I hope you enjoy my take on Omegaverse with the SDJ cast, and my spicy bit of writing between Jack and Alice! Maybe I’ll dip into this AU again sometime.

@channydraws @earthgirlaesthetic @sai-of-the-7-stars @cheriihoney @illary-kore @okamiliqueur

[the-iceni-bitch]

Strike Dear Mistress

Pairing: Ransom Drysdale x fem!Reader (OTP)

Words: ~2.6k

Summary: Ransom has a very special housewarming present for you.

Warnings: explicit language, explicit sexual content (anal play, pegging, bondage, dom/sub dynamic, nipple play, sex toys, dirty talk, praise kink, mommy kink, it’s a sex dungeon guys), sub!Ransom, dom!Reader, SMUT!!! 18+ ONLY!!!!

A/N: So, @sweeterthanthis and I have been shamelessly hoeing together for the past couple days and this beauty was born! Love you so much Lau and how you indulge my filthiest ideas!! (Also, the dungeon design was majorly inspired by the very chic Dungeon East in LA which is just, so pretty!)

Check out my masterlist and join my taglist if you want!

Dividers by @firefly-graphics

Ransom looked so damn pleased with himself, it was pissing you off.

Right after you moved in, and after your 72 hour housebreaking fuck-a-thon, he’d locked the door to the second guest bedroom and hidden the key from you. You had seen construction crews leaving a few times when you got home from work, and you hated not knowing what was happening in your own house.

That fucking key had to be somewhere, but no matter where you looked you couldn’t find it. When he came back from a walk with the dog and found you trying to take the door off he almost caved and let you see what was going on in there, but knowing he was finally going to win one of your little games was too good.

“It’s been 3 fucking months, Hugh.” You were glaring at the door to the second guest bedroom with seething fury from the kitchen as you ate your breakfast. “What the fuck are you doing in there?”

“I told you, it’s a surprise.” That cocky smirk was making your fingers twitch, and you just stopped yourself from reaching out and slapping him. “It’s almost done though.”

“But it’s killing me!” You were openly whining now, very close to actually throwing a temper tantrum. “Baby, just fucking tell me and I’ll suck that pretty cock of yours dry.”

“As tempting as that is, I think I’m gonna wait.” He grinned at your pathetic whimper, wrapping his arms around you and scraping his teeth over your cheekbone. “Cuz you’re definitely gonna give me whatever the fuck I want once you see your surprise.”

“Ran, goddamn it!” Your voice was a low growl when he dodged your attempt to wrap around him and sauntered off to the bedroom with a chuckle. “Oh, you bratty fucking tease, if I didn’t have to go to work I’d tie you to that fucking bed and take it out on your ass until you were crying.”

“Oh, you better quit sweet talking me, honey.” He called as you started to head out the front door. “See you tonight!”

All you could think about the entire day was what he could possibly be doing in that fucking room. Every time you tried to get it out of him he found some way to distract you, usually by fucking you stupid until you forgot your question. But you needed to figure it out or it was going to drive you crazy.

You mulled over the possibilities all day, barely getting any work done as you stared at your computer screen blankly. The only thing you could come up with was maybe something for the dog? He and that idiot loved each other so much, and he knew how much it turned you on whenever he did something sweet for that goofball.

The end of your day couldn’t come fast enough, and you managed to dodge your assistant so you could actually get out on time for once. Traffic laws didn’t really seem that important as you made your way home, determined to finally figure out what your asshole boyfriend was up to.

There was soft candlelight filling the windows when you pulled up, and your steeled yourself for whatever new game Ransom had thought up to torture you. 

“Hey there beautiful.” Oh shit, he looked so fucking good. He had on those grey wool pants that looked like they were tailored by a god, and that maroon sweater that he knew was your favorite. “How was your day?”

“What the fuck is going on, Hugh?” You could see smoked mussels and smørrebrød from your favorite Scandinavian restaurant, and that looked an awful lot like a skyr cake in the middle of the table. Something was definitely up, he hated that place. 

“Just wanted to make tonight extra special for my best girl.” He was prowling towards you like a cat and you felt your hackles rising. 

“Why?” This felt like some sort of trap, but you still let him curl his body around yours and nip at your lips as he guided you towards the table.

“Would you believe it’s because I love you?” His hands moved to your shoulders and he pushed you into your seat.

“No. But I’m so fucking hungry.” You grabbed a skewer of mussels and tucked in, moaning at the taste. “Are you just gonna watch me eat?” 

“Yeah, I’m saving room for later.” He ran his tongue over his bottom lip and you felt yourself clench. 

“You need to quit fucking teasing me, Hugh.” You purred as you looked at him, grabbing some smørrebrød once you finished your mussels. “Unless you want me to make you scream once I finish my dinner.”

“Oh, I’m fucking counting on it sweetheart.” Even in the dim light you could see how lust blown his eyes were. 

“That right, baby?” God you wanted to jump him. “Tell me what’s in that damn room and I’ll do it.”

“What if I show you?” He scooted closer to you and rubbed his hand over your thigh.

“Shit, really?” You tried not to look too excited. “Lemme put the food away.”

“Fucking hurry.” His cock was already starting to get hard, and the thought of how exactly you were going to thank him was killing him.

You scurried to gather everything and shove it in the fridge, not bothering to wrap anything up. He was waiting for you as soon as you finished, winding his hands through your hair and devouring your mouth with his as he dragged you down the hall.

“Close your eyes, sweetheart.” Ransom barred his arm across the door when you arrived at the mystery room, keeping you from entering and grinning when you pouted at him. “C’mon, I want the full good boyfriend experience.”

Your grumble was too cute as you slid your lids closed, and you felt his chest rumble with mirth against your back as he unlocked the door. Obviously, he didn’t trust you, so he curled a massive palm over your eyes to keep you from peeking.

“This better be fucking good Hugh.”

“Oh, it’s so good, honey.” He pressed his lips to your hair gently. “I felt a little bad when you got me that housewarming gift and I didn’t have anything for you. So, welcome home, gorgeous.”

The reaction you gave him was everything he wanted, your face splitting into a massive grin as you took in everything he had done over the past few months.

He’d stripped the back wall so it was all exposed brick, the other walls painted brilliant white and contrasting with the hardwood floors. There was an enormous, beautiful white canopy bed against the far wall, matching all the other furniture.

And the other furniture was the best part.

A white St Andrew’s Cross was leaning against one mirrored wall with a bell cage right next to it. Everything was white, from the spanking horse to the stockade to the hand crank winch. The wall opposite the mirror was covered with toys: hoods, blindfolds, clamps, chastity belts, floggers, paddles, crops, collars, gags, it was like he bought the whole fucking kink store.

“Oh my god, puppy!” You felt his breath hitch at the pet name. “You got me a sex dungeon.”

“You like it, mommy?” Fuck, he was going sub, oh you were going to completely ruin him.

“Baby, I love it.” You turned and yanked his mouth to yours, sucking on his lips and stroking his tongue with your own until he was whimpering into your mouth. “My good fucking boy, mommy’s gonna show you how thankful she is. Strip, and do it nice and slow for me puppy, I wanna watch.”

He did as you asked, peeling his sweater over his head at a lazy pace as you moved to the toy wall, trying to pick things that weren’t going to overwhelm him. You turned back to watch him undo his fly, biting your lip as you watched the beautiful muscles of his torso flex before he slid his trousers down his legs and kicked them aside.

Once he was finally naked, his skin flushed pink with anticipation and the swollen red tip of his cock leaking pearly beads of precum, you ordered him to the bed. He did as you commanded quickly, kneeling in the center of the mattress with his hands resting on his thighs as he waited for you to join him.

You took your time, slowly peeling out of your clothes until you were wearing nothing but your lacy bra and stockings. Ransom’s breath caught when he saw you grab the harness, plucking the double sided vibrator from the wall and pushing it into your pussy with a low moan before doing up the straps.

“Fuck, I’m gonna fucking ruin that pretty hole baby.” You grabbed some nipple clamps and a posture bar and made your way to him, tutting when he started to move to his normal position. “Just stay where you are, pretty boy. You get a special treat tonight.”

Ransom whined when you fastened the bar’s collar around his neck before drawing his hands back towards the cuffs and fastening them at the small of his back, peppering gentle kisses over his shoulders and murmuring soft praises in his ears as you bound him. His breath hitched when you slid around to his front, your hands skimming over his chest until you could tweak his nipples, and you couldn’t stop yourself from moaning when he whimpered as you fastened the clamps around them.

“Mm, you look so pretty like this.” Looking at him all trussed up was making you so wet, you could feel slick leaking out around the vibrator and running down your thighs. “Such a good boy, spoiling me.” You wrenched his head back and skimmed your teeth over his throat, groaning at the pathetic noises he was giving you. “You wanna ride mommy’s cock, baby?”

“Yes, please mommy.” 

He was panting with need as you reached to grab the lube before laying back on the bed and lathering the strap with it. You reached between his legs and smeared some over his asshole, beaming when he bit his lip and keened.

“C’mon baby.” You teased the tip against his entrance and yanked on the chain that connected his nipples until he gave you a sharp cry. “Mommy wants to watch you fuck yourself until you come all on your own.”

Your hips jutted up slightly to breach him and he started slowly sinking down to meet you, every single sweet sound that came from those perfect lips making you clench. This position was so new for him, and you could see the strain in his face as the strap stretched him out.

“Can’t, fuck, ‘s too big.” Those pouty little huffs were doing things to you, tears leaking down down his cheeks as he struggled to bring his hips to meet yours. 

“Oh, yes you can, baby. You’re already doing so good.” You rolled your hips underneath him and he cried softly at the sensation. “That pretty little hole was made for my cock, sweetie. If you want mommy to touch you, you need to take the whole thing.”

“Shit, I need you, mommy.” He started sinking further, his breath leaving him in a thin hiss when you were finally fully sheathed in him. “Just wanna be your good boy.”

“Oh, you’re such a good boy, honey.” You bit your lip when he rose up slightly and sank down again at a deliciously slow pace. “Mommy loves you so much. Look so fucking pretty taking my cock. I’m gonna turn the vibration on, ok? You tell me if it’s too much.”

The sound he let out was heavenly, halfway between a whine and a moan as he started riding you faster. You rolled your hips to meet him, purring with content as whimpers and mewls fell from his lips like a filthy prayer. His back arched as you brought him closer, the tip of the strap hitting his prostate over and over until pearly rivers of precum started running over your stomach where his cock was resting.

“Mommy, please!” He looked dreamy, his cheeks flushed pink and his sweat damp hair falling into his eyes as his cock twitched against your abdomen. “Need you to touch me.”

“Yeah, you close baby?” You tugged on the chain and he groaned, making your pussy flutter as a warm coil started gathering in your core. “Fuck, those sweet noises you make are too much.” The whine he let out when you ran your fingers over the underside of his cock to pin it to his stomach was everything. “My perfect, pretty boy.”

You slapped his swollen tip and he screamed, his cock bouncing off his perfect abs and landing on your stomach with a wet smack. His eyes rolled back in his head and wailed when you bent your knees and sat up to nuzzle into his throat, your teeth nipping at his pulse point as you took over the rhythm.

“You sing so pretty for me, puppy.” You cooed, grinning into his neck at his wanton cry when you slapped his cock again as your cunt clamped down on your side of the strap. “Mommy’s so close, baby, but I wanna watch you make a mess first. Can you do that for me, sweetie?”

“Fuck, yes, hngh.” He arched into you as he whined, his cock throbbing where it was pinned between the two of you as his muscles fought against the restraints. “Oh, god, I’m coming.”

His entire body rolled as his voice rose in a thin wail, warm ropes of cum spurting all over your stomachs as his muscles vibrated with pleasure. You came behind him with a moan, your pussy fluttering wildly as your release flowed down your thighs and puddled on the silk sheets.

Ransom’s muscles were still twitching as he collapsed back against the bed, his breath sawing through his chest while you pulled the strap out of him slowly. A low moan left your lips at the sight of his pretty hole gaping and fluttering at the emptiness. You slid the vibrator out of your sopping pussy with a soft squelch as you beamed down at him, crawling up his body slowly and kissing him softly.

“You did so good, pretty boy.” You rested your forehead against his, humming happily at the pleased smile he gave you. “Clean this up for me, puppy.”

He opened his mouth and moaned when you slid your side of the strap between his lips, swirling his tongue around it and collecting all of the sweet taste of you until you were satisfied. You pulled it away from him with a pop and rolled him over to undo the posture bar, rubbing his wrists when you undid the cuffs as he sighed with content.

Once the collar was undone you laid down over his back, pressing your body against his and burying your face in his hair.

“You ok there, Ran?” You wound your fingers through his and started peppering soft kisses over his shoulders.

“Mmhm.” He stretched underneath you like a cat, purring happily when you nibbled on his ear.

“Good.” You pressed a soft kiss to his cheek before rising off the bed with a sigh. “I’m gonna run us a hot bath. This was such a good present baby, I’m gonna have to come up with something epic for your birthday.”

Tags!! (if your name is scored it won’t let me tag you, check your privacy settings!)

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[sieben9]

“the bear and the bow” impressions

{Quick request to anyone reading: I'm watching OUaT for the first time, and I want to avoid spoilers. So, if you want to discuss something spoilery, I'd be grateful if you could start a new post for that. Thank you!}

So…

!!!

Okay. Okay, okay, okay. One thing at a time. Other plots first, so I can gush about this in peace. ...oh, come on, you knew I was gonna.

Under the cut, obviously. Sorry, this is a bit more “recappy” than usual, because my OTP hasn’t had a decent conversation in ages, and I was determined to indulge myself.

how people kept a straight face around that thing, i will never know

Look, guys, you know that I love you, but I wish you'd put down the plot ball for a moment. You were great about realising that Arthur was up to no good back in Camelot--how is it that nobody had even the slightest clue until now? At least they weren't the only ones. Seriously, Arthur, you couldn't stick that mushroom in your pocket? Down your pants? Anything? I get that mushrooms are supposed to burn, but it was a goddamn magic mushroom, you bonehead!

Anyway, the jig's up now, and they might have bigger problems than Arthur, anyway.

...doesn't look good, does it?

Emma. Buddy. Pal. I know you're the Dark One and that comes with its own problems, but if you killed Merlin, we absolutely cannot be friends anymore. Also, I will hunt you down and smack you with the biggest cactus I can find.

::sigh:: Please, just let him be a tree again or something...

And on that cheerful note...

what the hell, merida?

You know, I was going to joke about how calm Belle took being kidnapped by this complete stranger, but let's be honest, this is a "But for me, it was Tuesday" situation for her.

The whole Merida-plot was a bit weaker than I would have liked. Though I'm not going to lie: when she started telling the story of that battle, I was completely convinced that she'd accidentally shot Fergus, and I was ready to fight every single writer on this show with my bare fists. Really glad it didn't come to that, but it does tell me something about the degree of Drama™ this show has conditioned me to expect. And is it just me or is that a kind of... lame reason for the clans to withdraw their support? I get why Merida would lose confidence after that incident, but I think it may have been more believable to say "the clans weren't ready to accept me as queen, yet" rather than make it seem like they were totally on-board with that idea until she failed to make a near-impossible shot on the battlefield. Just saying.

At least she and Belle had phenomenal chemistry in that flashback. Less so in the present-day plot, for obvious reasons, but outside of attempted murder, I'd love to see some more scenes from them.

“belle saying goodbye to her girl of the week at the water’s edge” may not be a pattern, but it’s a weird thing to happen twice

Another thing the flashback set up/echoed very nicely was the concept of "remember what you are fighting for" and that people are often at their bravest when it's for somebody else.

Complaining aside, the climax of flashback!Merida’s subplot was so jawdroppingly awesome that I’m willing to overlook the other nonsense. Yes, yes, I know. Cheap. Look at me not caring.

yes, i know it's physically impossible to do this. and i also do NOT care

This actually made for a relaxing counterpoint to present-day!Merida, who’s… really not in a good place, poor woman. At least we know that after everything is over, she can go back home to her brothers and her kingdom.

Now, before I get into my favourite plot (yes, I am shamelessly playing favourites this episode; sue me), I wanted one dishonourable mention to the one bit in there that I heartily disliked. Namely: was it in any way necessary to retcon Rumple's reason for leaving the war? That's a rhetorical question, by the way, because I can tell you right now that it wasn't. It doesn't add anything to the character or to that story--quite the opposite, in fact--and it messes with character motivations all through the established canon.

I'll just let Nick take this one.

OK, that said, on to the good bits!

::high-pitched whine::

I probably shouldn't be worried, this thing has been through worse, but… he smashed it! I cannot believe he smashed the cup! Yes, yes, I know. It's not the object that's important it's about Belle and what he's willing to do for her, but still. The poor cup. It didn't deserve that.

And then finally, finally, we got the reunion.

Please pardon my language, but about fucking time! I mean, I knew I’d missed seeing them together, but this scene brought it all into focus. And while we’re on it, how dare you use that elevator against me, show? I call foul play!

And oh, the whole “I only came back for you” bit? Yeah, just… rip out my heart and leave it here, I guess. Didn’t really need it, anyway. (Also, this is the point where I got misty-eyed and I kind of cried on and off throughout the rest of that plot. I’m not just built near water, I live in a goddamn houseboat.)

OK, let me put on my analytical hat for a moment, and say that this was such a good story for them both. It shows their relationship dynamic at its best, and after so much time spent separated and/or lying to each other (OK, mostly Rumple lying to Belle, but you get my point), it's just balm for my poor shipper heart.

...now where did that analytical hat go?

Anyway, as I was saying: relationship at its best. They're both protective of each other, but rely on each other, and when Rumple is about to fall into bad habits again, Belle stops him, for his own sake as much as other's.

Though I will say, Belle, that you may have slightly overestimated Rumple's attachment to the people in this town. He may have felt bad about leaving Henry behind, but he probably assumed that if anyone was safe from Emma it was him. All in all, not much of a reason to stay, is what I'm saying.

And then there was the whole scene in the woods.

Before I get to anything else, I want to mention the possibly most hilarious bit of this episode:

Just. Belle. Running in the woods. In heels. At night.

Yeah, don't try this at home, kids.

Oh, but this entire scene was perfect. I want to frame the whole thing and put it up on my wall, so I can look at it when I'm feeling down. The two of them being protective of each other. Both clearly terrified and both refusing to back down while the other is still in danger.

The setup for this scene was excellent, too. Everything they talked about before, everything they did—from hiding in the shop, to Rumple's escape attempt in the car— built towards the emotional payoff in this moment, when Rumple turns up with that ridiculous sword. Which, I might add, he didn't need in the end, because that's not how his kind of courage works. Also, I must be losing my touch, because that anti-transformation dust could not have been set up more bluntly, and yet I didn't realise what it was for until he used it.

though from what i gather, he wasn’t too sure about it, either

Can we please have more of this? Not just the happy post-debearing (yes, that’s a word now) moments, but the whole package of affection, honesty, and benign arguments. You know–character growth.

Speaking of which…

Nice little finish to that particular subplot, although we all know the real “hero moment” happened in the woods. This felt important, but it really wasn’t dramatically emphasised. It was more like a footnote of “oh, yeah, of course he can pull out the sword”.

And Rumple’s threat to Emma? Hellll, yes. He’s right, too–nobody else knows how the Dark One works the way he does. Like he said earlier, in some ways, he knows Emma better than she knows herself right now. Six weeks experience of carrying that curse vs. 200+? Yeah, I wouldn’t exactly put my money on Emma in this scenario.

(Very) long story short: this episode was amazing and I’m excited to see where this goes.

(Also, yes, I am aware that Status Quo Is God on this show and that the current situation won’t last forever, but damnit, I’m determined to enjoy the ride.)