#light beer is the breakfast of champions

[yetanotherthriftblog]

We as Americans have become this horrible thing.

[mead-iocre]

Pay Attention To Me | Leah Williamson x Reader 

synopsis: do you know what's worse than dating a football player? dating a football fan.

warnings: brief mention of sex

wc: 2.5k words

Sometimes you wonder to yourself what possessed you to date a footballer. You weren’t athletic or sporty, and unlike your athlete brothers, you didn’t enjoy any sport enough to stick to it. Your only means of exercise was pilates and the occasional trip to the beach in your cute bikini. 

So how did you end up dating a professional footballer? 

You found yourself thinking about that question as you sit curled up on one end of the leather sofa browsing the Chanel website on your laptop. On the other end of the sofa, with her legs sprawled out and a beer bottle in one hand, sat your girlfriend. Leah was dressed in a grey hoodie and matching grey joggers; her hair was down, which was a rarity these days due to the heat, streaks of light blonde strands framing her pretty face. From your place on the sofa, you are granted the most breathtaking view of the ocean thanks to the expansive glass walls. The horizon stretches as far as the eye can see; the sky painted in hues of orange, pink, and purple. As the sun begins to set, it casts a golden glow over the water, making the waves glimmer and sparkle.

The villa was gorgeous, and exactly like how the pictures showed it to be. You had chosen the place yourself, tempted by the promises of walking out onto the deck and being able to jump into crystal clear waters. The spacious overwater bungalow features polished wooden floors, high vaulted ceilings with exposed beams, and furnishings in soft, neutral tones complemented by cool-tone vibrant accents. When you showed pictures of the villa to your girlfriend, she took once glance at it and handed you her gold amex card. She didn’t even ask you for the price. 

Back to your own question earlier, the short answer was that Leah was attractive as hell. She was also everything you could ask for in a partner. She's got a cracking sense of humour, she's passionate about her job, family-orientated, and it didn’t hurt that she was the most gorgeous woman you had ever laid eyes on. She made sure to spend as much time with you around her busy schedule. She accepted that you were high-matainance, and gladly indulged you. Leah was the whole package. Sometimes as you lay in bed, when the night is still and quiet, you would take a moment to thank your lucky stars that she walked into your life. 

However, no one in this world is perfect– even someone like Leah Williamson.

Your girlfriend’s biggest flaw was that she is a football player–and by extension– that meant she was a football fan.

And that was the problem. 

Today was the 2024 Euros final. England somehow managed to slither their way to the tournament final and will be facing Spain to compete for the title of Champions of Europe 2024. The original plan was to head over to the Williamson’s house so everyone could watch the game together. However, your birthday happened to fall in the week leading up to the final. As a birthday gift from your very generous girlfriend, Leah had surprised you with a week-long trip to the Maldives. Her only condition was that she gets to watch the Euros final at the villa 

Uninterrupted. 

And being the good girlfriend that you are, you were more than happy to compromise. That is until you realise that Leah has pretty much ignored you the entire day. 

Well– maybe ignore is the wrong term. She was acting the same this morning– ordering a breakfast spread fit for champions by the time you woke up, booking a luxury spa treatment for the both of you at the resort, and even letting you run wild with her card at the nearby mall where there’s a strip of high-end stores with names like Cartier, Vacheron Constantin, and Dior. You came strutting back to the villa in your new pair of Jimmy Choo kitten heels, while Leah trails behind you, her arms full of shopping bags– all of them belonging to you.

However, you were what other people would call clingy. You craved attention and affection more than the usual person. Physical touch was your love language, and most of the time, your girlfriend was more than happy to meet your needs. 

But not today it seems. 

She was far too busy watching a bunch of men on telly chase a ball around a field of freshly cut grass to pay enough attention to you.

Finally getting board of looking at bags and shoes on your laptop, you shut it down and put it aside. Stretching one leg over the length of the cream white sofa, you nudge Leah with your foot. “Lee…”

Without even moving her eyes away from the screen, your girlfriend just hums in reply. Rude.

Another nudge with your freshly manicured toes. “Leah”

Finally he blonde turns to you, grasping your foot with one hand effectively putting an end to your incessant poking. “What, baby?”

“I’m bored” You pout at her. 

“Then watch the game, darling” She tilts her head towards the 85” Samsung TV that is mounted on the wall. Her hand was now lightly massaging your foot and your calves, probably sensing how tense you are. 

You groan in reply, your head falling backwards dramatically. “That's exactly what’s boring me, Lee” 

Leah just smiles, but it’s a bit strained. She just wants to watch the game, and you’re making it hard for her to focus. She’s usually used to your indifference for the sport that she happens to make a career out of. You only "enjoyed" football when your girlfriend was playing. You attended all her matches and would cheer loudly for her when she's on the pitch. Whenever Leah would drag you along with to watch football matches as a spectator with her, you would reluctantly agree– after many kisses and promises of shopping afterwards– and armed with the latest copy of Vogue to pass the time. If she wasn’t on the pitch, you did not care.

You sneak a peek at her, wanting to see if she would indulge you further, but she was already turning her attention back to the TV. Stupid tv. 

You rattle your foot that is still under her hand. You didn’t know where this was coming from but you had enough of being pushed aside for a game of football. “Leah!” 

And that’s when she snaps. 

“Fucking hell– would it kill you to be quiet! Can’t you see I’m trying to watch the match, mate?” She gestures wildly at the tv. Her eye brows were drawn together, the skin between them wrinkled. When she looked at you again, her gaze was intense– piercing almost.

You glare back at her, hoping she can feel your wrath from her peripheral since she has once agin directed her eyes back to the tv. “m’not your mate” 

You huff audibly, snatching your foot back from her grasp. You could feel the annoyance bubbling up inside you. Sure, you had both compromised that Leah gets to spend one day to watch the game uninterrupted. And yes, you did get your girlfriend all to yourself during the last five days, but you couldn’t understand why she was pushing you away like this. You were being selfish, but who wouldn't be when their girlfriend is being uncharacteristically mean about it.

When you were in one of your moods, you had a habit of muttering under your breath when things don't go your way, making scathing, albeit humorous, remarks. It wasn’t long before the sounds of you grumbling under your breath could be heard by your now equally moody girlfriend. 

“bloody football…this was supposed to be a birthday trip yet my girlfriend is spending time watching ugly men kick a ball around…we could’ve been snorkelling and exploring the reefs or having sex on a yacht but nooooooo apparently football is more interesting”

Sometimes Leah found it cute but other times, like today, your grumbling was annoying and it was distracting her from the game. The blonde just wants an hour or two to watch football uninterrupted, yet you can't even give her that. She smacks her hand down hard on the sofa, startling you and putting an end to your angry muttering. Leah turns to you and glares. “If you want to keep grumbling like that go do it somewhere else. You’re actually fucking pissing me off. don't know why I even put up with you” She groans the last bit as she rubs her forehead like you were some sort of nuisance to her.  

That did it. 

You were annoyed at the lack of affection from your girlfriend, and the same person that you wanted attention from was now mad at you. You glare at her right back, but your eyes were starting to water and you were getting the sniffles.

Wrestling the blanket off your lap like you were fighting an alligator, you swing your legs off the sofa, ready to stomp to the room and slam the door like a mature lady when Leah grabs your arm before you can move. “Sorry. I-I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it, baby” 

You angrily wipe away a traitorous tear as it slides down your cheek, trying to shake off the blonde’s grip but she holds firm. She moves to stand on her own two feet until she’s standing in front of you. Leah crouches down slightly, forcing your eyes to meet her blue ones. She frowns when she notices your tear stained cheeks. “Darling…hey, look at me, please”

You meet her eyes, albeit reluctantly. She rewards your effort with a kiss on your wet cheek. “I didn’t mean it. Don’t cry, please. You’re breaking my heart, baby” 

“Oyarzabal…Cucurella! 2-1 SPAIN!! Time is running out and Spain are nearly there. Oyarzabal hooks the ball out left to Cucurella, who beats a flagging Walker with a lovely diagonal ball into the box.The substitute is stretching ahead of Stones, having timed his run to perfection in between England's two centre-backs, and slides to put Spain back in front. This might just be it for England…”

Shit.

You head snapped towards the tv in shock, your annoyance disappearing. While you weren't personally rooting for any of the two teams, your English girlfriend was rooting for England so you automatically were rooting for England too. Not that you would ever admit it out loud.

You were anticipating a slew of cursed words from the Milton Keynes native, but her eyes had not left your face once, far too concerned about making sure you were okay. You were her number one priority, always. 

Taking a step closer to her, you rub the sides of her waist lightly. It was your turn to comfort your girlfriend. You hug her, pressing your head against her chest to listen to the rhythmic beating of her heart. It’s soothing and familiar, and any lingering feelings of frustration have completely disappeared. 

“The lads can pull one back” You say to her, peeking at the time running at the left top corner of the screen. Your girlfriend still hasn't said anything and you assume it's because she's sad about the score. “They’ve still got 10 minutes to equalise– plus additional time to play.” Just because you weren’t the biggest football fan out there did not mean you didn’t understand how the sport works. 

“Quit thinking about the match for a minute, baby, I don’t care about them right now. Are you sure you’re okay?” Leah pulls back slightly, cupping your face gently, and you lean into the warmth of her palms. 

“There’s nothing to forgive, Lee. I was just been silly” You pucker your lips up at her, and she grants your request with a grin. She kisses you once, and then again, pecking your lips repeatedly like she can’t get enough of you. 

You give her one more kiss, giving her a sharp bite on her lower lip before you pull away completely. Leah frowns at that, her eyebrows furrowing in displeasure. 

“I’m going to grab my laptop and watch Desperate Housewives out on the hammock. I’ll leave you to your football–alone– so you can focus.”

“What no. Baby, you can’t leave me when we’re one nil down during a Euros final” Leah gestures animatedly at the TV, the scoreline still showing Spain in the lead. “Stay with me. Watch your show right here with me” 

It wasn’t a question, it was a demand.

Without waiting for you to reply, Leah began pulling you by the hand back to the sofa. She sat down, tugging you onto her lap. You just laugh, not even bothering to reach for your abandoned laptop on the other side of the sofa. You snuggle into her, your chest pressed together, tucking your face into the crook of her neck. Just because you agreed to stay with her, doesn’t mean you were interested in watching the match. 

A buzzing from the inside of your short’s pocket startles you slightly. You glance at the screen, reading the text, and then gasp. 

“love, my Chanel sales associate is asking me if I’d like to book an appointment at their store to see their new collection! There’s actually a cute bag that I've been thinking about…"

Leah hums, distracted slightly, not even looking at the phone screen that you are practically shoving into her face. “Yeah, we can get your bag once we arrive back home” 

You squeal, already texting your sales associate to go ahead and book you in. 

“–only if England win it” The typing stops and your heart drops. Your celebration cut short. 

“w-what…b-but, love…” You look up at her to see if she was serious, and to your dismay there's not a hint of playfulness in her gaze. She's serious. Glancing back at the screen, you see England have only 5 minutes left to equalise if they want to play for additional time, but the seconds are ticking by quickly. 

Scrambling off your girlfriend’s lap, you take your place beside her on the sofa instead. You have never been more motivated to cheer for a team your girlfriend was not playing for. Mustering all the manifestation in the universe, and your desperate need for that Chanel medium 25cm double flap shoulder bag in pink quilted lambskin leather with silver metal trim, you shout from the top of your voice “C’mon, England!!”

Leah just laughs loudly beside you, yelling and whooping too. 

However, sports can be a cruel thing sometimes.

England did not end up winning the Euros, much to the dismay of your girlfriend— and probably an entire nation. However, you got your bag anyway. Leah could never say no to you. She would give you the entire world if you asked for it, but luckily all you wanted is a pink Chanel bag– for now. 

More spoilt!reader x Leah because you all seem to enjoy her.

I wrote this the day after the Euros and then abandoned it because I got stuck and experience a writer's block halfway lol. Hope it still delivered.

-- kisses, butter.

[queenofbaws]

aw snap, here we go again!

just another quick organizational update from ya gurl: my goals for the immediate future are (1) finish CREEPS: MM&BS, (2) get out a chapter or two of like wringing blood before my brainworms eat their way through my skull, (3) work on finishing the tale(s) of the champion. so if you're someone who's been waiting on any of those projects, i promise...they're comin'. hehehe.

i'm really, truly set on tying up the wips i've left gathering dust this year, so i'm trying my haaaaaaaardest to rein my ever-fleeting attention span in to do just that. i'm tossing a snippet of each of those three above-mentioned projects below the cut for anyone who's interested, and, as always, thanks so much for reading and hangin' out with me, y'all :) you guys are the best, and i hope 2024 is treating you kindly so far <3

of mummy men & bathtub soup

He wasn’t sure why he said it. Brotherly antagonism, maybe, or his pathological need to run his mouth at the worst possible time. Both felt like strong contenders. Whatever it was that spurred him on, the result was the same: As Julia sputtered, trying and failing to remember the story that had pissed her off so intensely in the first place, Conrad opened his mouth and finished the sentence for her.

“…bathtub soup guy?”

BANG!

The basement door slammed shut.

Before any of them had time enough to flinch, to jump, to yell at the sudden noise, the lights went out completely, sending the basement into perfect darkness.

Then there was yelling.

“Is…is everyone okay?” Alex asked a moment later, his voice missing the cool and confident mark by a couple notches.

“I, y…yeah,” Julia answered, and wouldn’t you know it, her fury had gone out like a candle in the wind.

“I’m good,” he said, nodding before realizing, whoops, right, no one could see. It was then, in the nervous stillness of the dark, that he noticed someone had grabbed his hand in theirs, no doubt grasping for him in fear and surprise. He couldn’t say it healed it battered ego, not after he’d been treated like a punching bag all night, but it certainly helped. “What about you, Fliss?”

From somewhere behind him, not beside him, she snorted. “I think I’ll live.”

“I…wait, if you’re there, whose hand am I holding?!”

“Uh, sorry, man. I got scared.” “Brad, for the love of—”

like wringing blood from a stone

“JEEED!”

Jack stopped an arm’s length away from her.

“TRAAAVIS!”

He opened the fridge.

“BOBBYYY!”

After a moment of deep contemplation, he pulled a beer out and shut the door again, using his thumb to pop the cap off. He looked her way once more, but instead of attacking her or grabbing her or plain old saying anything to her, he simply brought the bottle to his mouth and drank.

He watched her as he drained the damn thing, his throat bobbing. Just swallowed, swallowed, swallowed…not stopping until the bottle was empty. Not breathing until he’d finished.

“TRAAAVIS!” Constance yelled a second time, willing him to appear with his gun drawn and lather high.

“Give it another go, why don’t you,” drawled Jack. He set the bottle down in the sink, then braced his hands on the countertop behind him. His eyes kept moving across her face in a way she didn’t appreciate. “Third time’s the charm.”

She drew another breath, but didn’t dignify his taunt by shouting. Instead, she brandished the knife. Dared him with her eyes.

The ghoul just kept leaning back against her counter, though; his fingers left brackish smears wherever they touched. “Go on,” he mocked her, “keep hollering. See who comes running. I’d like to see for myself. Awful curious about it.”

the tale(s) of the champion

Josephine’s attention (and eyebrows) shot up from the desk. Her face had taken on the pallid cast of someone who’d had the bad luck to spot an especially large and hairy spider shriveled at the bottom their morning breakfast bowl much too late for anything to be done about it. Had she been speaking to anyone else, the Inquisitor might’ve thought that was the expression of someone staring their own death in the face, and yet all she’d done was present Josephine with the very probable reality that Hawke had simply bunked in Varric’s room for a single night of her stay.

“…I just figured,” she continued carefully, her words made slow as they crept forward on delicate tip-toes, terrified of tripping another unseen trap, “They were probably catching up after all that time apart, and since they were essentially always sharing space in Kirkwall…” Her voice trailed off and she shrugged.

It was logic, wasn’t it? Nothing more, nothing less? If one of her own friends from her life before (before all of this madness, before the Anchor, before Haven, before being pushed out of the Fade) had shown up on her doorstep out of the blue, she would’ve insisted on keeping them close. It only made sense!

Not to Josephine, it seemed. “But Varric’s quarters are so small,” she said in a voice more suited to, perhaps, finding out the crown Prince of Starkhaven had been assassinated. “Oh I certainly hope you’re wrong about that, Inquisitor, I hope she found other lodgings if she did in fact stay the night…I can’t imagine there’d even be room for two people in his quarters…Andraste, they would’ve been right on top of each other the whole time!”

[bokauffmann]

Liga Privada #9

Wondering about the history, construction and taste of the Drew Estate Liga Privada number 9?  You’re in the right place, and watch til the end for a special treat.

Ah, Abby, you're in for a treat today. I see you bought the Drew Estate Liga Privada number 9, a cigar that's as rich in flavor as it is in history.

I've heard you mention Drew Estates before, Andrew. What's the deal with them? Why do you like their cigars so much?

Well, Abby, Drew Estate is like the Willy Wonka of the cigar world. They started out in the '90s in New York City, not with a chocolate factory, but with a dream to shake up the traditional cigar industry. Jonathan Drew and Marvin Samel, the founders, were a couple of kooky guys who had a vision for unique blends and an artistic approach to cigar making. 

The Liga Privada line, which means "private blend" in Spanish, was originally crafted just for their workers. But it was too good to keep secret, so they let the smoke out of the bag, and here we are!

I love a good origin story. So what about this particular stick makes it stand out from the rest?

It's all about the construction. The Liga Privada number 9 is like a supergroup of tobacco leaves, each bringing its own flair to the band. A cigar has 3 distinct parts, a filler, the binder, and the wrapper, which is the outer leaf.  

The filler is a blend of seven different tobaccos from Honduras and Nicaragua, giving it a complexity that's harder to find than a sober thought at Mardi Gras. The binder is a Brazilian Mata Fina, which is like the bass player—often overlooked but essential to the harmony. And the wrapper, oh boy, it's a dark, oily Connecticut Broadleaf that's as smooth as jazz on a Sunday morning.

Sounds like a masterpiece. But what about the flavors? What should I be looking out for?

Strap in, because this cigar is a three-act play on your palate. In the first third, expect a bold entrance of earthy tones and a bit of chocolate—like a bear hug from Mother Nature herself. You'll also get hints of pepper that'll tickle your nose like a feather.

I'm ready for that bear hug.

As you hit the second third, the plot thickens. The spice recedes, and in comes a creamy coffee taste, paired with some nuttiness—it's like a breakfast of champions if your breakfast is a cigar. And don't be surprised if you catch some whispers of leather like you're sneaking into a library full of ancient books.

A breakfast for champions, indeed. And the final act?

The final third is where it all comes together. The flavors intensify, and there's a sweetness that emerges like caramel drizzled over a woodsy campfire. It's a grand finale that'll leave you applauding for an encore.

Has this cigar won any awards or accolades?

 It's not just any stick; it's been crowned as the "Hottest Cigar in America" by the big shots at Cigar Aficionado. That's like winning an Oscar in the cigar world!

But wait, there's more. This Nicaraguan beauty didn't just stop at one title. It's been racking up 90+ ratings left and right from Cigar Aficionado, which just goes to show how top-notch it really is. It landed in the Top twenty-five honors back in 2015, sitting pretty at number 10 overall. 

I can’t wait to light up.  What kind of drink would you recommend with this:

Well, if you’re going to order an alcoholic drink, I’d consider a bourbon with a bit of age to it, like the Elijah Craig Small Batch. The sweet caramel and vanilla notes from the bourbon will complement the Liga Privada number 9's chocolatey undertones, while the spice from the bourbon's rye content will echo the cigar's own spicy kick. It's a duo that brings out the best in each other, especially during the cigar's intense final third.

Another alcoholic option, a robust porter or stout beer would be an excellent choice. The roasted malt flavors and the creamy mouthfeel of a beer like Founders Porter will match the Liga Privada number 9's coffee notes and its velvety smoke. This pairing is perfect for those who enjoy a creamy and rich experience, with the beer's slight bitterness providing a nice counterpoint to the cigar's sweetness.

For a non-alcoholic pairing, I’d go with a classic espresso. The concentrated, dark flavors of espresso will not only stand up to the Liga Privada number 9's body but also highlight its espresso-like qualities. The natural oils and crema of the espresso can enhance the smoking experience, offering a palate-cleansing effect between puffs.

Remember, when pairing drinks with cigars, it's all about matching intensity and finding flavors that either complement or interestingly contrast with each other. Enjoy your Drew Estate Liga Privada number 9 with any of these beverages for a truly elevated smoking session

I can't wait to light this up. Thanks for the rundown, Andrew. You always know how to set the stage for a great smoke.

To good friends and great cigars, Abby. Let's fire these up and put some smoke in the air. And enjoy this great lounge and music.

[drakenology]

Operation Deku Day- Izuku Midoriya

author’s note: hiiii! so today’s inspiration is drunk sex. anyone who’s ever had drunk sex before knows that shit hit different. Something about it is soo nasty and hot ugh I’m a sucker. I firmly believe that izuku is an insatiable sex god don’t let that innocent sweetness fool you so he was the perfect candidate for my idea. please enjoy! all characters are aged up 18 +

warnings: cussing, smut!, alcohol use, breeding kink? and sex under the influence. also light degradation

summary: For Izuku’s 21st birthday you and the girls decide to throw him a surprise birthday party. As the night progressed, you and Izuku got real drunk and couldn’t keep your hands off each other... in more ways than one. 

word count: 2.4k

You spent all week preparing for this surprise party for Izuku. It was his birthday and you really wanted him to feel special and appreciated for being a great friend and loving boyfriend. You were pretty good at pretending that all the things you snuck home were just “things for the apartment” instead of decorations and all his favorite foods for the party. Bakugo being Izuku’s childhood friend couldn’t pass up on helping you and everyone from your graduating class of 1-A prep for the party, keeping everything hidden from Izuku. 

“MIND YOUR DAMN BUSINESS DEKU!” He’d yell at him if the green haired pro hero asked one too many questions. Today was finally the day to set up the party. You just had to keep everything hidden for a little while longer. You woke Izuku up with kisses and a plate of his favorite breakfast. He’d always loved pancakes but for whatever reason, he loved your waffles. Izuku could eat them for dinner if you’d let him. He smiled and ate his food, gushing about how he’s finally 21. 

“I can drink with you now, Y/N.” He said with a mouthful of waffles. You grinned and kissed him on the cheek as he ate. “So, what are we doing today?” He asked. Even though today was his birthday, the hero still had to work. 

“Oh.. uhm.. well.” You struggle to tell Midoriya that you had “nothing planned” knowing that he’d be hurt by that. 

“Maybe we could just go out to the bar and have a few drinks?” You lie, wincing at the upcoming disappointment in his voice. He nodded with a weak smile, trying not to seem too disappointed at the lazy plans. But he was grateful anyways and kind of excited to see the bar scene. After eating his birthday breakfast, he stood up from the bed and got ready for the day. While he was in the bathroom you text the mass group chat with the entire class in it named “Operation Deku Day!” Mina had already been messaging you all throughout the morning reminding everyone that the party starts at 9 pm; right when Izuku is expected to be home. 

“So what kind of cake does he like? I’m at the bakery right now.” Todoroki texts followed by an image of the options of cake the menu had. 

“Get him chocolate.” You text, giggling at the plan all coming together nicely. You wait for a response while looking at all the gifs and memes everyone’s sending sharing the same excitement for the party.

“Cool. I’ll have them decorate it and drop it off at your place, Y/N. Just let me know when Midoriya leaves.” Shoto texts back, you responding with an Ok and answering any questions about the party from the others. 

“Your phone’s going off a lot today, Y/N. Who are you talking to?” Izuku asks, his hips adorning a towel as he just got out of the shower. You look his wet body up and down, almost forgetting to respond to the question before he gets too curious.

“OH! Uh, It’s just the girls. Yaoyorozu wished you a happy birthday.” You laugh nervously, clearly awful at keeping secrets. Izuku just smiles and tells you to tell her he said thank you and got dressed in his hero costume. 

“Well, I’m off. I love you Y/N. I’ll see you later tonight.” Izuku says giving you a small peck on the lips as he leaves your shared apartment. You wave goodbye as he shuts the door and jumped up from your bed, texting the group chat

 “THE EAGLE HAS LEFT THE NEST. OPERATION DEKU DAY IS AGO.” 

Momo, Mina and Uraraka spend all day decorating the house and setting the ambiance for the party. Todoroki brought the cake and put it in the fridge and starting making a small ice sculpture in the shape of All Might for the spiked punch he made (He was known for making a good cocktail). Kyoka made a playlist for the party, she was the DJ afterall. She tweaked the stereo so the sound system would be JUMPIN and laughed maniacally as she knew she was gonna rock the fucking house down. Katsuki insisted on cooking since “You can’t cook half as good as he can.” Or at least that’s what Katsuki said. He handed a hot dish of buffalo chicken dip (my favorite) to Mineta, who insisted on helping with... idk something.

“It’s hot on the bottom, idiot. If you drop my dip I’m gonna drop my fucking fist down your throat.” Bakugo shouts, making Mineta nervous as he walks carefully with the dish. Sero and Yaoyorozu were putting the finishing touches on the decorations as you check the clock on your phone. Shit. It was 8:59. You see a text you received from Izuku 30 minutes ago saying he was on his way home and another from just now saying he’s coming upstairs. You squeal and start panicking. He was probably already on your floor. 

“Everybody ready? Izuku’s home!” You yell over everyone’s excited chatter. Everyone replied in a harmonious yes and took their places. You run towards the door and adjust your strapless dress, turning off the lights. You stand behind the houseplant by the door and almost squeal in excitement as you hear the door click unlocked. 

“Y/N?” You hear Izuku say nervously as he turned on the lights. He gasps as everyone jumps out from their hiding places and yell 

“SURPISE!!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY IZUKU!” 

He smiles brightly and grabs you, giving you the biggest hug while lifting you off your feet. 

“Wow, thanks everyone!” He says excitedly, looking around the room to see all his friends. He became a little emotional knowing that you all went through the trouble of planning a surprise birthday party for him. You wipe his tears and give him a big fat kiss, earning an excited spin from him. 

“We love you Izuku. Now, let’s enjoy your party!” You said as you let him to the delicious spread of food to start Izuku off. Kyoko started the music and danced along to the beat to get everyone to join in on the fun. Mina pulled Uraraka towards the living to dance with her as she waved Asui over to join in. Shoto manned the punch bowl, serving everyone with a half smile hoping they like his punch. Midoriya walks over to grab a plate of food from Katsuki.

“Yo, Ka-Chan!” He yelled over the music. Bakugo smirks and gives the birthday boy his plate. They chat over the food and laugh together as they have a good time in each other’s company. Katsuki seemed to cease the usual teasing, just for this one special night. You giggle and run over to the dancefloor with your cup of punch in toe. You drink and dance at the same time, spilling a little bit of punch as it ran down your chin. Mina laughs and takes your hands dancing along to the beat with you. The night was young and the party was a success. You were just glad Midoriya seemed to be having a great time. 

Drink after drink you feel yourself get extremely tipsy, stumbling around with a drunk Mina and Asui. Uraraka had passed out on the couch from all the drinking and dancing. Even Momo was drunk, creating a phone to drunkenly call in some pizza since there was no more of the food Katsuki made. It was 1 am and everyone was still partying like there was no tomorrow. Including Midoriya. You had never seen this shy boy act so boldy and confidently. It was kind of a turn on. He was in a chug contest with Bakugo, seeing who out of them both could drink the most drinks the fastest. Ida, Shoto, Kirishima and Kaminari crowded around the two chanting chug chug chug as they both drank themselves into a drunken stupor. Izuku finished first, erupting into a loud and boisterous burp. Bakugo grunts and raises Izuku’s arm in the air claiming him the victor. When the hell did Katsuki EVER admit to defeat?

“ *hic* IZUKU’S THE FUCKING CHAMPION! *hic* And he’s one of my best fucking friends! I- I love you bro.” Katsuki says, slurring his speech and stuttering over his words. Midoriya winks at you, who was watching the whole thing go down from across the room. 

“L-Love you too, Kaaaachan.” Izuku slurred, stumbling over to you to give you a kiss. He wanted to celebrate his victory the right way; with a kiss from his girlfriend who was looking sexier than usual tonight. Midoriya approached you, smelling like beer and sweat as he pulled you close to him. Without warning he crashed his lips into yours, turning a sweet kiss into an intense and passionate make out session in front of the whole party. Something definitely took over in Midoriya. He was more aggressive with you than usual. You hear encouraging whoos and a jealous aww from Mineta who wished he was the one kissing you. Izuku waved him away as if he was shooing a fly and lifted you up, carrying you away from the party and into your bedroom. He shut the door with a slam, you squealing with excitement as he heatened the kiss. Izuku’s hands were all over you, groping your ass, squeezing your boobs and leaving sloppy kisses all over your neck. He was a beast, hungry for his well deserved prize. 

“Do you know what you do to me, Y/N?” Izuku asked, pulling away from the sloppy kiss as he throws you on the bed. You can’t even answer as you stare at him dumbly, still shocked at your normally sweet and gentle boyfriend turn into a lust stricken beast. He hovers over you on the bed, drinking in your body in that tight little dress you wore. Izuku feels himself stiffen at the sight of you, pulling your panties down under your dress. 

“’M gonna leave this dress on. You look so good right now, ya know that? Your tits are popping out of this little thing” Midoriya hisses, taking his calloused hand and rubbing tight circles on your already sensitive bud. You moan at his dirty words, intoxicated on his touch as you grab a pillow and cover your face with it. Izuku snatched the pillow away and threw it across the room, eager to hear your moans no matter who else was around to hear them. 

“Let everyone know how good I’m making you feel.” He said, easing two fingers inside you wet walls. You moan like a pornstar, grabbing onto Midoriya’s arm for dear life as he fingered you with a steady pace. Izuku’s eyes were glued to your face, watching you make those faces he loved to see pull on your features as he pulled your breasts out of your dress suckling on your swollen nipple. You pant, gasping at the euphoric feeling as the pit of your stomach tightened, threatening to snap as you approach a fast climax. Izuku noticed you body language automatically able to tell you’re about to cum. He quickened his pace as he watched you arch your back as you came undone before him. 

“Good girl.” Izuku coos as he takes his hand and sucked his sweet juices off his fingers. You flutter your eyes open as Izuku pulled his pants and boxers down in one swift movement, his impressive length springing out as you lick your lips at the sight. You wanted him in your mouth so you grab his dick and stroke it with a tight grip earning an eager moan from Midoriya as he grabbed your hair. 

“N-No. As much as I want you to, I have to be inside you.” He stutters, pulling your dress up over your hips. He kissed you sloppily, slipping some tongue in as you moan into the kiss. He motioned for you to bend over and you do so with excitement, wiggling your ass to tease him as he smacked it with fervor. 

“You ready for me?” Izuku asked tapping his dick against you as you nod and back yourself onto him, feeling his dick slide inside you with ease. You both moan at the feeling as Midoriya grabs your hips and thrusts harshly inside you, holding nothing back as he pulled your hair and smacked your ass. The muffled sounds of the music along with the sinful noises coating the walls of your room were all you could hear as you feel his hand reach forward to rub your clit as he brushed up against your g-spot repeatedly. You scream, trying to keep up with his swift and hard strokes as you throw your ass back on him, gripping the sheets for dear life. You’re sure everyone can hear your loud moans over all the music as you approach a second climax. 

“I’m gonna fill that pretty pussy with my cum, baby. You want me to fill you up don’t you, you filthy whore?” Izuku said, earning a frantic yes from you as you whine for him. You’re shocked at his words but more so turned on by them as you clench around him, cumming for him a second time. Izuku hissed as he rode out your orgasm, chasing his own. Soon enough, he’s coating your insides with his hot seed, grunting and moaning as he ruts into you a few more times. You whine at the loss of his dick as he pulled out of you. Izuku watched as his thick sperm dripped out of you, satisfied with the job for now. He grabbed a towel and cleaned you off sloppily, still heavily intoxicated. You giggled and grabbed your underwear and slipped them back on to rejoin the party. Izuku and you were both a visual mess. It looked as if you both just had sex, your hair was an absolute wreck, your dress was disheveled and you were missing a shoe. Izuku was just as bad, sweat glistening on his forehead and he had this big cheesy grin plastered on his face. You hoped you were both inconspicuous enough for you both to just rejoin the party as if nothing happened in your bedroom. But Mina took one look at you two and erupted into laughter. 

“You two just had sex didn’t you?!” 

[outerbankswriting]

Could it be? Chapter 3 (JJ x Reader)

JJ x Reader

CH.1 - CH.2

Description: She has a crush on JJ, but he has always seen her as another one of the “dudes”, or  at least that’s what she thinks so she just doesn’t even try anymore, until things start to shift between the two of them. (A/N: I’M NOT GOOD AT DESCRIPTIONS BUT THESE IS JUST WHAT I WOULD LOVE TO HAPPEN IN OUTER BANKS WITH JJ)

CHAPTER 3

The sound of the birds chirping outside your window woke you up. A classic sound that never failed to make you fall more in love with your mornings.

As you opened your eyes, you saw a pair of of tanned and strong arms wrapped around you, which belonged to the boy with the golden hair you loved so much. He was peacefully asleep, his chest slowly rising up and down while his eyelashes fluttered every now and then. You carefully examined his face and felt a wave of anger fill you up as you stared at the cuts and bruises all over his cheeks.

The bruise on his left eye was turning purple and you don’t know what instinct got into you that made you softly trace your fingers across his face, careful to not hurt him or wake him up, but you failed at it.

His eyes slowly opened up and yours widened up, and you felt yourself starting to blush.

“I’m so sorry I didn’t mean to wake you up,” you covered your mouth, “did I hurt you?”

He smiled lazily and to your surprise, pulled you even closer to him.

“Not really,” his voice was raspy and he closed his eyes again, “it actually feels nice, can you keep doing it?”

You bit your lip to contain the smile that wanted to get out and instead poked his side, making his eyes snap wide open.

“Hey! What was that for?!”

“Get your lazy ass up.”

As much as you wanted to stay in bed with JJ, the two of you were supposed to meet with the Pogues in less than an hour for breakfast and you knew they would get suspicious if neither of you showed up. Even though, no one knew about your feelings for JJ and probably would never even imagine the two of you being something.

“I can skip breakfast,” he groaned, “your bed is too comfy, I want to stay here.”

“No you won’t skip breakfast.”

You got out of bed, pulled your hair into a quick ponytail and headed into your bathroom to brush your teeth and wash your face. JJ was still laying down in bed with his eyes closed and you took the time to admire the sight in front of you. The sunlight making his blonde hair look golden and him looking angelic even with his face all bruised up.

“Come on JJ, get up!”

He groaned again but finally got out of bed after you threatened to poke his sides again. He went to the bathroom to get ready while you were deciding on which swimsuit to wear.

“Why do you have so many lotions here?” He said while brushing his teeth and clearly making a mess all over your sink.

“They’re not only lotions,” you grabbed the expensive cream he was holding and placed it back on the counter, “they’re also creams, toners and liquid soaps all part of my skincare routine.”

“Do you even need all of this?” He dried his face with your pink towel, making you giggle.

“Of course I do,” you grabbed the tiny cream container and tapped some eye cream on your under-eyes, “I’m practically out in the sun all day, I need to take care of my skin alright?”

“I just put sunscreen on and call it a day.” He curiously stared at you as you finished prepping your face.

“At least you put sunscreen on.”

“What happens if you don’t wear all that?” He was still staring at you, the crease between his eyebrows showing up.

“I would get wrinkles pretty fast and the sun could damage my skin a lot,” you put some lip balm on and felt JJ’s eyes staring at your lips, “my face would be an ugly mess.”

“I doubt you could ever look ugly.” He said carelessly and you felt your cheeks turn red.

JJ was never one to compliment your looks directly to you and if he ever did, it would be as a compliment from a nice friend but nothing more.

“Right,” you cleared your throat, “well talking about skincare, how are your bruises doing?”

He sat on your bed as if he were a child waiting for his mother to sit down next to him to check on him while you went to grab your soothing cream.

“They’re alright, I don’t even feel them.”

“Well show me.”

He slowly took his shirt off and you could tell he was still in pain, especially from the bruises on his stomach near his ribcage. The bruises were a deeper red and purple than last night, looking way worse.

“Oh JJ,” you shook your head and were careful to not hurt him as you rubbed the soothing cream over the bruises, “they look so bad.”

“They’re okay, nothing I can’t handle.”

“You know the others are going to ask about this right? It’s going to be impossible to hide them.”

“I’ll just tell them I ran into some Kooks.”

He put his shirt back on after you were done with the soothing cream and raised an eyebrow at you as you were still standing in front of him, looking at him with a worried look on your face.

“Y/N I’m alright, let’s go.”

He stood up from sitting on the bed and stopped right in front of you since you weren’t moving. You noticed how tall he was next to you and cleared your throat after also noticing how close you were again.

“You can’t go back home.” You looked straight into his eyes which went softer.

“Maybe not tonight but eventually I’ll have to,” he placed his hand comfortably on your shoulder, “he is my father and I can’t stay with John B forever.”

“Then stay with me.”

You were quick to say that. You were scared his father would hit him again, you didn’t want him to go back and be unsafe at a place that wasn’t supposed to feel that way.

“Y/N you kn-“

“At least for this week,” you grabbed his hand, “while my parents are away, come on.”

He paused and hesitated for a minute, not breaking eye contact with you.

“Alright then.”

Once he agreed you couldn’t help the smile taking over your face which made JJ smile back at you. He was secretly way too excited to stay with you for a whole week.

You hugged him, careful to not hurt his bruises but he pulled you closer, tightening the hug without caring about the pain coming from his bruised abdomen.

“Well I’ll go get changed.”

You broke the hug and went inside the bathroom to change into a dark blue bikini and some light denim shorts since you were spending the day at the beach with your friends.

Once the two of you were ready, you headed to the beach to meet your friends and while you were walking you argued whether to tell them about JJ staying with you or coming up with a lie.

“I think they’ll eventually find out.” You desperately ran your fingers through your hair.

“It’s only for a week,” JJ grabbed a beer from your beach bag ignoring the slap you gave him on the hand for wanting alcohol so early in the morning, “we can cover it up.”

“Why should we lie about you staying with me? It just makes the whole thing look suspicious when it isn’t.”

“Because if I had to stay somewhere it would be with John B since you know,” he paused and bit his lip awkwardly, “it’s not like I sleep at girls’ houses if I’m not banging them.”

“Excuse me, what are you trying to say?” You felt insulted for some reason.

“That they would assume we are sleeping together and you know about the no Pogue on Pogue mack-“

“Why would they assume that?!” You playfully punched him on the shoulder, “We’re friends JJ, no one’s going to think that.”

“I’m just saying that’s what I’m assuming they would think.” He jokingly raised his arms as if he were a victim.

“No they wouldn’t.”

“Why are you so closed off at the idea of them thinking that we’re banging?”

“First of all, stop saying banging and uh I don’t know it’s just crazy JJ, they would never believe it.”

“So you wouldn’t do it?”

“What are you talking about?” Your voice trembled and you cursed yourself for it.

“You wouldn’t sleep with me?”

His words almost made you choke and stop walking. Your heart was beating faster than ever and you tried your best to not let the nerves get the best of you and the fact that JJ was eagerly waiting for you to respond just made you even more nervous.

“JJ what even are y-“

“I’m just messing with you Y/N,” he chuckled as you were stuttering with your words, “I think we both know it could never happen, you know.. it’s a crazy thing as you said.”

“Okay that hurt.” You thought.

“Right,” you cleared your throat and faked a laugh, “it’s crazy.”

“I just don’t want them to know about my dad you know?” He gulped down his beer, “So I think it’s best if they just think I’m still staying at home.”

“Alright then, it’ll be our secret.”

He smiled at you and wrapped an arm around your shoulder pulling you closer to him.

“It was about time you showed up!” Kie waved at the two of you while Pope finished drinking an orange juice.

“Literally cannot believe you’re drinking beer so early in the morning.” Pope pointed at JJ’s finished beer.

“Tried to stop him but he’s stubborn.” You said as you sat down next to Kie.

“Oh look the queen of stubbornness is calling me stubborn,” JJ mocked you, “I just had to start the party earlier.”

“Right, at 11 in the morning.” Kie rolled her eyes at him.

“Was the tourist girl you slept with last night into BDSM or why is your face all bruised man?” John B raised an eyebrow at JJ, knowing he had clearly gotten into a fight.

You grabbed an orange juice from Sarah’s bag and tried your best to avoid eye contact with JJ and faked your best “what’s going on?” look.

“Unfortunately I ran into some Kooks and wasn’t even able to bang any girl,” JJ smiled and you felt sick to the stomach realising how good of a liar he was and wondering if he had lied to you before about his fights with the Kooks when it had probably been his father, “but I handled them like a champion.”

“Please tell me it wasn’t my stupid brother.” Sarah sighed.

“I won’t deny anything.” JJ shrugged and Sarah grunted.

“You know ever since you broke up with him, he’s been getting into more fights with us.” Pope shook his head at you.

“It’s not her fault man.” JJ was quick to snap at Pope.

“It’s because he’s still in love with you,” Sarah said to you as she finished her sandwich, “and he can’t stand the fact that you’d rather hang with Pogues.”

“Well I can imagine,” Kie added, “both his sister and his ex-girlfriend being part of this group, which not only consists of Pogues but also Pogues who hate him.”

“Talking about annoying Kooks,” John B joined the conversation again, “I’m afraid they’re coming to the beach party tonight.”

“For hating the Pogues they sure love the parties we throw.” Pope shook his head.

After finishing your breakfast and preparing everything for tonight’s party at the beach, all of you decided to head to your own places to get ready for the party.

“Are we getting ready together Y/N?” Kie asked as she helped you clean the mess everyone had made on the beach.

“Um I don’t know Kie,” you tried to catch JJ’s attention to know if he was heading to your place but he was too busy trying to jump into Pope’s back, “I have to organise some stuff at home.”

“Well if you change your mind you can go to my place, my dad made some delicious lasagna.” She winked at you and made her way home.

You walked towards JJ and Pope to try and figure out JJ’s plan for the night.

“So,” you smiled at your friends, “are y’all hanging out before the party?”

JJ was quick to realise what you were trying to find out.

“Yeah I’m heading over to Pope’s.”

“Wanna come?” Pope asked you.

“No thanks, I have some stuff to do at home before the party.” You smiled at your friend’s offer and he nodded.

“Hey Y/N,” JJ grabbed your arm and pulled you further from Pope so he couldn’t hear, “before heading to the party I’ll quickly go to your place to drop my bag with all my clothes and stuff for the week okay?”

You nodded at him and waved goodbye to your friends.

You took a shower as soon as you got home and decided to clean up your room, not because of JJ or anything right? 

You played some music as you did your makeup and waited for JJ to let you know he was outside so you could let him in and the two of you could make your way to the party, but time went by and he still hadn’t shown up.

Kiara texted you telling you to get earlier to the beach so you could help her organise the recycling bins to accumulate the plastic the party would leave so you figured JJ wouldn’t come any time soon and decided to just leave to the party on your own.

As you were closing the front door of your house, you heard someone moving behind you and figured it would be JJ, but as soon as you turned around, you were met with the one person you wanted to see the least.

Rafe Cameron.

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CH.4

A/N: this one was a pretty long one! sorry for any grammar mistakes, I’ll make sure to fix them tomorrow. thank u so much for everyone letting me know you’re liking the story so far! LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK! sending love.

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taglist: @babygirlizz​ - @atabigail - @poguesrforlife​ - @behappyitsemmalie​ - @jane-dough - @yeeedolan - @dontjinx-it - @sofiaconlaz - @fangirlwithme​ 

[stillchaoticlogic]

Descent: Chapter 3

Pairing: Leon x Reader

Leon only thought he was the most powerful trainer in Galar...

He never battled you though.

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

So I was trying to find a badass gif... there are none our boy is a floof. I gave up and used the most ridiculous one I could find. Enjoy!

Chapter 3: Off with Her Head

The smirk on your lips is almost sinister as you regard the groaning Leon across from you. You delicately sip your coffee while Leon lays face down on the kitchen table. Who would have thought that the Unbeatable Champion Leon is a lightweight? It had only taken a shot and a couple of beers for Leon to be tipsy and yet the moment that Miles bought the whole bar another round ‘in honor of his new friend Leon’ you knew this would be it. That final shot had knocked the former champion out. You had struggled to get him back to your car since he was practically dead weight at that point. Also, very affectionate… Apparently, Leon is a very affectionate drunk and had it been anyone other than Leon latching onto you for hugs and cuddles you would have thought there was a hidden agenda. But honestly, you just believed that Leon enjoyed affection and you weren’t that mad at how his solid body had felt pressed against you last night. You won’t tell him that though. 

His hair is mussed up from the number of times he’s run his fingers through it. Another groan escapes his lips as you push the pain killers and water closer to him, the sound of the glass on the table apparently too much for him to bear. 

“You have a surprisingly low tolerance for someone of your height and build.”

You hear him grumble something incoherent under his breath in annoyance, but you pay him no mind. 

“You need to deal with yourself Ace, we have training to do!” You sing the last part loudly, mostly just to snicker at the groan of pain and the light thud of his head hitting the table again. You laugh outright when the thud is followed by curses. 

“Language, Mr. Former Champ! You wouldn’t want your fan club to hear such profanities come from such a pretty mouth.”

You glance over your shoulder to see the scowl on his lips and his glare. You send him a sly smile in answer before you head out of the room, “Be in the car in twenty minutes!” you call over your shoulder as you do. 

You hear a sigh from the kitchen and repress your giggle as you head to your room to get ready. Having not known where Leon lives, you had just simply brought him home with you and laid him out in your guest bedroom. You would be annoyed at the late start if not for the glee you got from Leon’s hangover. 

At half-past noon with a greasy breakfast sandwich in Leon’s hand and a warning that he will promptly be kicked out of your car if he throws up, you head down the road. Leon is wearing a pair of dark shades to protect his eyes from the bright light and despite your amusement at the situation and desire to torment him more with loud music, you need him to be able to focus, so the car ride to the training ground is mostly silent. Once there Leon seems to be feeling better now that he has eaten and taken some medication. You hand him a bag filled with supplies and a large water bottle. 

“Where are we going?” he asks, clearly not trusting you after the events of the night before. 

“There’s a mountain over there that we will be climbing.” Glancing over at the peak in the distance he groans as he regards it. 

“I’m not sure I’m up for this today…”

“Well I’m very sorry his highness got shit faced last night, but you should have stopped if you didn’t know your limit.”

Leon looks affronted before conceding that you are right. He hangs his head down in defeat before he takes the bag you gave him and puts it on his back. His team is strapped to his belt and once he seems ready you head off down the path towards the mountain.

“Do you have any other Pokemon other than the team you showed in the championships?” The question is innocent in and of itself but he seems suspicious. 

“A few others why?”

“You need some variety in your team. One of the reasons you are at a disadvantage is that everyone already knows your team. You should have a few that you rotate out so there is a surprise every once in a while.”

“What about your team?” he asks suddenly. 

“What about my team?” you ask glancing over your shoulder at him. 

“What Pokemon do you have?” he asks curiously. 

As if waiting for his moment to shine, your Gengar, Akuma, breaks free from his Pokeball and grins deviously at Leon. 

Leon grins as he regards your oldest friend, “Your partner is a Gengar?” he asks happily. 

You smirk as you gaze down at him fondly, “It is, Akuma has been with me for a long time. Isn’t that right Aku?” you ask him in a sweet voice. Akuma giggles but leans happily against you, demanding affection. Resting your hand on the top of his head he happily reaches up and takes your hand. 

The two of you happily make your way down the trail and once you get to an open field you release the rest of your team. Leon’s eyes widen at them and their obvious adoration for you. A Salazzle with a healthy glow to her scales slides up to him first in curiosity, cocking her head from one side to the other. Next, a Toxtricity comes lumbering up behind the Salazzle with a confident smirk on his face followed closely by a curious Nidoqueen. The rest of your team is sticking close to your side and consists of a Toxapex and Dragalge. The Toxapex clearly wants nothing to do with him and the Dragalge looks like it wants to attack him, but doesn’t by wrapping itself around its trainer as a sign of protection. 

Leon looks only mildly uncomfortable as he regards the Pokemon around him, “Don’t worry… they all really are quite dangerous, but very well trained.”

He sends you an unamused look as he watches the group of poison type Pokemon inspect him. When they are happy that he is of no threat to their beloved trainer they leave him alone and meander back to your side. 

“Why don’t you release your team as well? They need the exercise, this is for them after all,” you encourage as you tilt your head with a smirk. 

He nods, suddenly looking very serious before unleashing his team, first Charizard followed by Aegislash, Dragapult, Haxorus, Seismitoad, and Rhyperior. And despite how serious he is about training you can see how he loves and cares for his team. His team regards you and yours curiously if not a little warily. You notice how his Charizard seems to almost hover over him in concern. 

“Let’s go,” you say calmly as you turn to head through the field as you make your way to the mountain in the distance. Glancing over your shoulder you check to make sure they are following you. His Dragapult glides up next to you to tentatively inspect you only to be met with a hiss from Lady, your Salazzle. The Dragapult merely narrows his eyes and hisses right back. There is a roar from Charizard and Dragapult answers by floating back over to his team. 

“So you have a poison type team? Why poison?” he asks as his long strides brought him in line with you. 

“They are underappreciated but dangerous. Honestly, most people shun them because they are scared or intimidated.”

“Isn’t that why you choose them? They are intimidating?” 

“Nope… Aku was my first friend and everyone was always so scared of him when we were younger even though he was the best friend I could have asked for. The other kids wouldn’t let us play with them and when he evolved into a Haunter, it only got worse.”

Leon nods, “I see…so what did you do?”

You shrugged, “I decided that I was going to train and one day I found Sahara and Tsar. They were so cute and tiny at the time.”

“Sahara and Tsar?” he asks in confusion. 

Your Nidoqueen lets out a roar before quieting and you chuckle at her antics, “Tsar is her mate, my Nidoking.”

His eyes widen, “You have one of each?”

You nod as Sahara nuzzles your shoulder. With a giggle, you swat her away and all of a sudden you aren’t the feared High Queen of an underground organization, you’re just a trainer with her team. Leon shakes his head trying to get that image out of his mind. He can’t forget who you really are, but despite his musings, he can’t help but see you in a slightly different light. 

You both battle your way up the mountain and allow Leon to take the lead. He grows stronger with each battle but you can tell he’s holding back. 

“What’s the problem?” you ask as you regard him skeptically. 

“Is this really going to help?” he asks as he turns towards you his own brand of skepticism in his eyes.

“What do you mean?” you square your stance and cross your arms. 

“What makes this training any different than what I do already?”

“It’s probably not,” you answer calmly. 

“Then what’s the point?”

“Precisely. What is the point?” you ask.

He furrows his brows as he regards you, “To get stronger.”

“Nope. You’re already strong, you lack some stamina, but not much really. You’ve lost something though. What is it?”

He scoffs and his fists go to his hips, “You mean my title?”

“Something more important than your title.”

He frowns, “I don’t understand.”

“We are out here to find what you’ve lost,” you tilt your head as you regard him.

He grits his teeth, “The only thing that I’ve lost is my title and I’m not going to get it back out here.”

“Are you angry you’ve lost it?” you ask cooly.

He narrows his eyes, “What I’m feeling is none of your business.”

“So you are…” you murmur softly.

He looks away from you, avoiding your eyes.

“Did you know that Akuma chose me as his trainer? I was pretty isolated when I was kid, I didn’t have friends and my family didn’t really have time for me. It was all about the business,” you begin to pace back and forth in front of him as the memories flood your mind. “I would wander off and be gone for hours and no one would even know I was gone. There was an old cottage on the property and I would play inside and around it. One day there was a Gastly hiding in the shadows. He was scared and alone. No one wanted a creepy ghost type just like no one wanted to have anything to do with the little girl who lived in the house at the end of the road.”

“Why are you telling me this?” he asks in confusion. 

“Because that day a little unwanted Gastly followed a little unwanted girl home and they were never alone again. Akuma has been my partner since I was a child just like I’m sure that Charizard has been there for you. Right now you need to find what you’ve lost and only you know what that is.”

“I told you! I lost my title.”

“Your title isn’t who you are. Try again.”

“Fine! If you’re so smart let’s battle!”

“You won’t win,” you say calmly.

“You don’t know that.”

“I do,” you say simply before you turn and walk away. “You aren’t ready to battle me.”

The ride back to your home is silent as Leon fumes beside you. You roll your eyes before you go into your house and come out with an egg. 

“What’s this?” Leon asks as you hand it to him. 

“It’s an egg and your new means of training,” you say calmly, leaning against the car that Leon has yet to get out of. 

“You want me to raise an egg as training?” he asks incredulously. 

“Yes, you will know soon enough,” you murmur cryptically as you get back into the driver’s seat to take him home.  

“I don’t get it…” he murmurs gazing down at the egg in his lap. 

“You have lost something, Leon, and that egg will help you find it.”

“How?” he snaps, annoyed with you.

“If I simply tell you the lesson you will learn nothing.”

He glares over at you but keeps silent the rest of the way.

“Oh, by the way…” you say as he’s about to get out of the car, “You should pack tonight.”

“Why?”

“We’re going on a bit of an adventure.”

Leon blinks at you in confusion, “Absolutely not.”

He gets out of the car and gathers his things before shutting the door. .

You roll down the window to continue your conversation, slight annoyance in your voice at his behavior, “Be packed tomorrow morning, or be unprepared because we’re going.”

“Where are we going?!” he yells through the window as you roll it up.

“You’ll see,” you say with a Cheshire grin.

The next morning dawns and with a frustrated growl you bang on Leon’s door. You know he keeps denying your calls and quite frankly you are not having it. Walking up to the door you simply pick the lock on the door and walk right in. 

“You would think the Ex-Champion would have a better security system…” you murmur to yourself right as Charizard rounds the corner looking as fierce as ever. The moment he sees it’s just you, his fire dies and looks more tired than anything. Vaguely you wonder how worried he is for his trainer. 

“He’s not ready is he?” you ask the large fire lizard.

He just shakes his head before leading you into the next room. You see a lump under the covers of a king sized bed with long purple hair flowing out of the top. You can’t help but think it looks a bit lonely. Such a large bed, but so empty. 

“Come on, Leon,” you say in annoyance, “we have a plane to catch,”

He rolls over and blinks in annoyance at you, “I’m not getting on a plane with you.”

You roll your eyes, “And why not?”

“Because I don’t trust you. You run an underground ring of illegal Pokemon dealing.”

“Do you know who I sell those illegal Pokemon to? Your friends. I’ve made more deliveries to the people in this very apartment complex than you care to know about. The elite of Galar want what they want.”

“I don’t believe you…” he practically pouts, but you can tell that he knows. 

“Listen Big Boy… You can either accept that you have made this choice, or deny it. I don’t care either way. What I do care about is my team and my reputation. You have put yourself as well as my team in danger and I expect you to do the big boy thing and deal with it. Now get up, we’re going to Kalos.”

You turn and head out the door before you hear his questions. You glance over your shoulder as a singular ‘why’ floats from the room. 

��Because you need to see more of the world.”

“I’ve seen the world!” he pouts as he stumbles out of his bedroom and into the living area. You head towards his kitchen and start rummaging through his cabinets.

“What are you doing?” he asks mildly offended that you are just looking through his things, even if it is just his kitchen. 

“Coffee, I would assume you would like some before we head out, perhaps breakfast as well.”

He looks less offended at your answer, probably because you were going to feed him, and directs you to his coffee and the green protein infused smoothie he usually drinks for breakfast. 

“So much kale…” you murmur as you stuff hand-fulls into the blender and roll your eyes at the noise the high powered contraception makes.

Leon emerges with his bag packed looking far more put together than he did an hour ago. 

“You never answered my question about why we are going to Kalos.”

“I have business and you have training,” you say putting your sunglasses on and heading towards your car. He follows along reluctantly before he throws his duffle bag into your back seat, his team strapped securely to his belt. 

***

The tower in Lumiose city reaches up to the sky and for the first time you watch Leon forget about being a Champion or not being a Champion. He’s just being Leon. 

“You’re welcome to wander the city and explore while I get some work done. Do you want to grab dinner when I’m finished?”

“You don’t want me to go with you?”

“No, you don’t want to go with me,” you say with a smirk, “Just enjoy the day, we’ve got some training to do tomorrow.”

“What training is that?” he asks absentmindedly as he regards the shops and restaurants around him. 

“I’m taking you to a battle mansion, you’ll love it.”

“Really?” he asks, whipping his head around to face you, excitement in his eyes. You just nod with a smirk on your face as you leave him to his devices. 

Walking down the streets of Lumiose city, you come to a cafe where you are to meet your contact. Negotiations are underway to set up a group in Kalos. Certain pokemon were in high demand that are native to this region. You order a coffee and sit down at one of the tables. A few moments later a man sits down across from you, his own beverage in his hand. 

“(Y/N), I presume?” he speaks lowly a confident smirk on his lips. You narrow your eyes.

“Indeed.”

“Follow me, the boss is waiting for you.”

You nod before you get up and follow him into the back room where a man with blonde hair and striking green eyes awaits you. He’s wearing a silvery gray suit with a deep green dress shirt, the buttons around the collar unbuttoned and displaying a toned chest. Just enough to tease you. 

“Jean, I presume?” you ask your hand gripping Aku’s Pokeball in case you need him.

“No need to be so tense! Have a seat, I love lunches with beautiful women,” he says with a smirk and flirtatious wink. 

You don’t relax as you take a seat across from him and cock your head to one side, “you say that like you don’t have them often.”

“Often enough, but none quite as exquisite as you,” he purrs, offering you a bit of the food that was prepared beforehand. You know better than to eat what is before you though. 

You smile sweetly before you fix him with a look, “Down to business.”

“I was hoping for a chance to get to know you.”

“There will be plenty of time for that after I’ve heard your proposal,” your tone is light and airy, amicable, but you know how the game works. 

The male before you narrows his eyes minutely before he smirks, “Of course, business before pleasure, a lady after my own heart. I propose we open trade routes specifically for Litleos and Flabebe. My team will gather them in exchange for Dreepy and Applin.”

You cock your head to the side, “I don’t believe that’s a fair trade, Dreepy and Applin are significantly harder to find, especially Dreepy whereas both Litleo and Flabebe are almost common.”

“The heart wants what the heart wants and the hearts of Kalos want Applin and Dreepy,” he says with a shrug, as if it is entirely out of his hands.

“It sounds to me as if I would be getting the short end of the stick, Applin and Rookidee are moreso on par with your request.”

“And of Dreepy?”

“If you want Dreepys you will need to give me something better than Flabebe. I am already able to source them Alola.”

He scowls before his tone lightens, “What about Mega Evolutions?”

“What about them?” you ask flatly, acting far more bored than you actually are. 

“You can Mega Evolve your Pokemon anytime and anywhere, there are no restrictions unlike your region’s Dynamax….”

“Go on…”

“With my help you could be uncontested.”

“Are you saying you will outfit me and my team with Mega evolution equipement?”

“Your partner is a Gengar correct? Think of the power he could have…” You do consider it. You’ve heard of the power that Pokemon that have the ability to mega evolve have. Such power...

“How many Dreepy do you want for this power?”

“One hundred,” he says without flinching. 

“I will consider your proposition and get back to you within the week. I need to take it to my associates.”

“Of course!”

“I will be off then,” you say as you move to get up.

“What of your lunch?” he asks good naturedly. 

“I have someone waiting for me so I really must be off.”

“Well he is very lucky then…”

You regard the man in front of you for a moment, vaguely wondering his intentions. With a single line he has made you suspicious. 

“Indeed,” you say with a saccharine smile.

Leaving the cafe you can’t shake the feeling that something is wrong and when you are cornered in an alleyway by the lackeys of the very man you had just spoken with you aren’t surprised. There are five of them each with their pokemon at the ready to take you on. You regard the lackeys with boredom rather than fear. As if you haven’t been ambushed before, such amateurs. 

“It’s nothing personal,” comes a voice from the rooftop, “your associates are merely more cooperative.” 

Glancing up you see Jean standing there gazing down at you with a wicked smirk.

“Oh? You’ve spoken to my associates?”

“Our agreement was as many Dreepy as I would like if I could get rid of their boss. I fully expected you to be dead by now my dear.”

You roll your eyes and with a flash, Akuma is standing by your side looking all the more menacing as he regards his opponents. 

“You know what to do,” you say without even blinking. 

Akuma giggles before he seemingly vanishes into thin air, the sound of yelps and cries of pain assault your ears as Akuma in a single blow takes out his opponents.

“I didn’t become who I am by being easy to kill, you’ll have to do better.”

“How is this for better?” he unleashes a Houndoom and with a glow of the jewel around his neck he mega evolves. 

You curse under your breath as you regard the fiery dog before you. 

“Akuma! Destiny Bond!” Akuma nods before he glows a deep purple. 

“Crunch!” 

Houndoom rushes forward landing a solid hit on Akuma who just grins and bears the pain. You grit your teeth as the Houndoom effortlessly throws Akuma away. He hits the wall before he falls to the ground. He weakly stands up before hypnotizing the Pokemon before him. Houndoom shakes his head trying to rid himself of the drowsiness, but fails and falls into a deep sleep. 

“Nightmare then Hex,” you say glaring up at Jean. 

He smirks at you as Akuma unleashes the attacks unto the dark type pokemon. It doesn’t do much damage but the moment that Houndoom wakes up you know it’s over. He unleashes one more attack that sends Akuma to the ground and due to the bond forged between the two of them, Houndoom falls as well. 

“Very good…” purrs Jean, “You do live up to your reputation. Let’s see how well you do with my Garchomp.”

Garchomp roars as he lands before you, you pull your Dragalge, Silette, and ready her for battle. 

“Do you think your little barnacle can defeat me?”

“You made a mistake siding against me,” you say calmly, ”I’m going to show you how.”

The battle is over before it’s even really begun and you know for a fact that Jean relies entirely on Mega Evolution. Once his mega evolved Pokemon has been defeated the rest of his team crumble like cake. You climb the stairs on the fire escape to reach the top of the building where Jean is standing, still shocked at what just happened. You hold out your hand and he glares at you in defiance. 

“I want the band.”

“How dare you-”

A deep growl from Moxy, your Salazzle, has him handing over the band and you look at it curiously before you tuck it away. 

“Who are you working with? Who wanted me dead?” you more so in annoyance than fear. 

He smirks before he shrugs carelessly, “They called themselves Diamond and Clubs, they intended to pay me handsomely to take you out when they found out that you were coming for a meeting in Kalos with me.”

“I’m keeping the band as your payment for losing to me. I will give you fifty Dreepy each for Gengarite, Beedrillite and Venusaurite.”

“Your allies have turned against you, how do I know you can hold up your end of the bargain?”

“I have two hundred Dreepy waiting to be moved as we speak. I am the only one with access to the system housing them and my personal team is loyal. Whatever they hoped to pay you, I can pay more.”

“They said you were lethal, I didn’t think you would be this ruthless as well…”

“If I wasn’t dangerous, they wouldn't be trying to kill me…”

“Touché,” he says with a smirk, “I need an hour then we meet at the tower for the exchange.”

“Perfect.”

Once you are alone in a small department store you quickly head to the changing room and change your clothes and shoes. You heal your pokemon in preparation for what is to come and quickly make your way to where you are to meet Leon. 

You see his long purple hair and head towards him, grabbing his arm you pull him along beside you, “Change of plan.”

“What?!”

“Clubs and Diamond are trying to kill me so we have a short amount of time to gather supplies and get to a safe house.”

“Kill you!?” he exclaims. 

“Keep your voice down! I have an exchange to make, then we get out of here.”

“How are you so calm?!” 

“Panicking will do nothing. We have to get to safety, they know about you so we need to stick together and get somewhere safe. I just need you to trust me on this.”

He looks serious as he nods at you.

At the base of the tower, Jean is leaning casually against it as you walk up to him. Leon is about a hundred feet away watching the whole exchange in fear. You hold out your hand and he places the bag in it with the Mega stones you asked for. You nod in acceptance as you hand him the code to the storage unit. He checks it before he nods at you. 

“I hope we can do business in the future,” he says, pulling you hand up to his lips for a kiss. 

“You tried to kill me…”

“Business,” he says with a shrug, “And a grave mistake obviously…” 

“Obviously,” your voice gives nothing away as you gaze at him coldly. 

He merely smiles pleasantly at you before you turn on your heel and walk away. A shout from Leon has you casually snapping your fingers. Hemlock, your Vileplume which was happily hiding amongst the flowers unleashes a stun spore into the air as you casually put on a gas mask. Several people, including Jean fall to the ground paralyzed. 

“Thanks for the Mega Stones, your treachery will not be forgotten.”

You hear a wait leave his lips as you just roll your eyes, “In fact,” you say as you casually walk up to him ignoring the screams of the people around you, “I’ll take these.” You flip him over and pull another mega band from his wrist and upon further inspection pull a bag of mega stones out, “for payment.”

His eyes widen as you show him what you have taken before you quickly pull out a Pokeball and release a Weezing. 

“Smokescreen,” you say as you step into the fog. 

The entirety of the park has been thrown into chaos and if it wasn’t for the Pokemon dealers being arrested for theft then you would have had more problems to deal with. 

“What happened?!” Leon asks as he dutifully looks away as you change from the clothes you had been wearing before you hand them Moxy so she can burn them. They are ashes in the wind in a moment. You put on a charming sundress and glasses as well as a bright blonde wig. Leon stops when he turns to look at you in the cheery yellow dress as you smirk at him. 

“Close your mouth, Leon, you’ll attract Cutiefly,” you tilt your head to the side, “Unless that’s your intention?”

He glares half heartedly at you before he crosses his arms with a huff.

“Oh stop will you? Everything is fine!”

“He had a gun, he tried to kill you.”

You fix him with a steady look, “I knew what his intentions were the entire time, but we needed these,” you say holding up the bag of mega stones. 

“What are they?” he asks, taking the bag from you. 

“Mega stones, there is one for Charizard and Garchomp.”

“Huh? I don’t want these! They are stolen!”

You tilt your head, “You’re going to need them for protection and we need to get out of Kalos as fast as possible.”

He clenches his teeth as he thinks over the situation, the stress clear on his handsome face, “fine…” he concedes finally. 

You hand him the band and dig out the stones before you hand them to him. 

“You better buckle up Ace, it’s going to be a bumpy ride.”

Notes: I hope you enjoyed this! It turned out much longer than expected but I doubt anyone's complaining! Please drop some love and tell me your thoughts! A thank you to my Betas Pluto and Serene!

[erics-meep-morps]

One Lonely Weekend

A self-ship fic with Lapis and Peridot

Friday morning started out like any other. I got up, made breakfast, took a shower, and headed for work as I looked forward to the weekend. Lapis, Peridot, and I were planning to head into the city and visit a few bars. Peridot didn’t drink, but Lapis did occasionally. We’re definitely not heavy drinkers, just enough to get a little loose or buzzed at most. 

While I was at work, Peridot was working in the garden. She had gotten up before Lapis, which was normal since Lapis typically slept in. However, usually Lapis would be around by late morning. A few hours of gardening later and there was no sign of Lapis. Curious, she took a break and went inside to find her. 

Peridot looked in every room where Lapis would usually be, and checked our bedroom last. Surprisingly there was Lapis, still laying in bed with all but her hair covered by a blanket. 

“Lapis,” Peridot said quietly. 

“Yeah,” Lapis responded in a somewhat groggy voice. 

“Have you been laying in bed this whole time?”

“Mhm.”

“Are you planning to lay in bed all day or...?”

“I don’t know. I’m having difficulty motivating myself to get out of bed.”

Peridot sat on the edge of the bed and stroked Lapis’s hair. “Are you feeling okay? Do you need something?”

Lapis thought for a moment and then shrugged. “I don’t know.”

“Okay, well, I’ll let you rest,” Peridot said and got up after softly patting Lapis on the head.

Meanwhile at work I was trying to stay busy to make the day go faster since Fridays tend to feel longer than the other weekdays. My busyness paid off as the day was over before I realized it. I excitedly headed to the train station and didn’t have to wait long for the next train to home. 

After gardening, Peridot went inside and browsed the internet to pass the time. She became interested in chess and quickly became an expert at it. She checked in on Lapis periodically, and Lapis was still laying in bed, having barely moved. 

When I came home Peridot was in the living room on the laptop.

“I’m going to have a quick snack and then we can head out,” I said. 

“Well... there’s a problem,” Peridot said.

She brought me to our bedroom where Lapis was laying in bed. 

“She hasn’t gotten up the entire day as far as I know,” Peridot said quietly as we went in.

Peridot and I sat on the edge of the bed. “How are you feeling Lapis,” I asked quietly. 

“Right now my mind is asking me what’s the point in doing anything. I just... don’t have any motivation. Not even to get out of bed.”

“So I’m guessing you don’t want to go to the city tonight?”

“Oh shoot, I forgot about that. I- I’m sorry, I’m just not in the right mood for it, or for doing anything.”

I gently stroked her hair. “It’s okay. I’ve been in that mood plenty of times before.”

“You two go ahead and enjoy the night.”

“You sure you don’t want us to stay here and keep you company,” Peridot asked.

“I’ll be fine. I just need to rest.”

“Okay, if you need anything don’t hesitate to call or text me,” I said.

Lapis nodded and moved her hand out of the blanket to give a thumbs up.

“See you later Lapis. We love you,” Peridot said softly.

Lapis waved and then tucked her hand back under the blanket. 

Originally we were planning to take the train, but we decided Peridot would fly us to the city and we would just go to a couple bars. Both bars we went to had a relaxed atmosphere, which I liked. They also served hard cider, which I really liked since I never developed a taste for beer. 

After a couple drinks at both bars we walked around the city, which was surprisingly quiet for a Friday night. 

“You think Lapis is doing okay,” Peridot asked.

“Well, no and yes. Right now she’s not since she’s having a depressive episode, but I’ve had those too and it just takes time to recover from them. We’ll be there to support her and do our best to help her feel better, but if she wants to be alone that’s okay too.”

“How long does it take to get out of these depressive episodes?”

“It varies widely. Sometimes it only takes a few hours, or a few days, or... months.”

Peridot had a nervous expression on her face. 

“But as long as we’re there for her she’ll be okay, though I should see if she would be interested in coming with me to a therapy appointment.”

“Is that what you do when you have a depressive episode?”

“Not every time, but if I feel like I need some assistance getting out of it then I do, but also there are times when I’m feeling okay but see my therapist anyways. Sometimes it’s good to talk stuff out with a professional.”

“Interesting. Well we’ll see how she’s feeling for the next few days. Obviously no pressure on her to feel better.”

“Right. Positivity and support from us is what will help her.”

Peridot nodded. “So, anything else you want to do before we head back?”

“Want to sit at the park that overlooks the tracks and watch trains for awhile?”

Peridot smiled and wrapped her arm around mine. “I’d love to.”

After a little over an hour we headed back. Lights were on in the house, but there was no sign of Lapis. We checked our bedroom and surprisingly she wasn’t there, so we checked her private room and sure enough it was closed. We were kind of disappointed since we wanted to see how she was doing, but we respected her choice of wanting to be alone. 

For the rest of the night Peridot and I played chess. Although I had longer experience with chess she was able to beat me quite easily. 

“Not gonna lie, the fact you’re already an expert with this makes me kind of jealous,” I said with a chuckle. 

Peridot giggled. “I should challenge Pearl sometime. I have a feeling she would get close to beating me, but I would still be champion.”

We laid in bed and cuddled, though still thinking about Lapis. She had a bed in her private room though, so we took comfort in the fact she was probably just sleeping in there.

On Saturday Peridot and I went on a bike ride around our area. She didn’t quite understand the purpose of biking, especially when it didn’t involve going to a destination, but she did enjoy the breeze and the ability to move faster than on foot. Lapis was in her private room when we left, and it appeared she had been in there all day since her door was still closed when we got back. 

Although there were times Peridot and I got nervous enough that we wanted to knock on Lapis’s door, we knew we shouldn’t. We had all agreed that when someone was in their private room we were not allowed to disturb them. Lapis likes her alone time and we respected that. However, occasionally we would walk by her door to see if it was open. 

While I made myself dinner, Peridot tended to her garden. After finishing my meal and watching the sun start to set I could see Peridot standing with her feet in the water at the lake. 

I went outside to check up on her. “A little chilly isn’t it,” I asked.

Peridot turned and gave a soft smile. “It’s not that bad.”

I dipped a finger in the water and just that gave me a shiver. “Well maybe to you, but for a human that’s way too cold.”

“How about some warm water then?”

I grinned. “Jacuzzi?”

Peridot nodded. 

“Sounds good to me.”

We rested and cuddled in the jacuzzi for a couple hours. The warm water and Peridot’s soft body felt quite comforting. 

“What should we do tomorrow,” I asked as I nestled my face in Peridot’s hair.

“Hmm, well first let’s see if Lapis leaves her room, and then we’ll go from there,” she replied and intertwined her fingers with mine. 

“Alrighty,” I said and kissed her on the cheek before nestling my face back into her hair. 

After we dried off we went to bed. In the middle of the night I woke up and couldn’t help but walk to Lapis’s room. The door was still closed, and I quietly sighed. Just being out in the dark and silent hallway for a few minutes felt lonely, so I was quite worried about Lapis. Even though I really wanted to see her, I would just have to wait. When she was eventually going to come out of her room there was going to be a lot of hugs and kisses for her. Hopefully she wouldn’t mind. 

I tiptoed back to bed and fell asleep shortly after. 

Sunday arrived, and still no sign of activity from Lapis. Peridot and I decided to go out and get brunch. Peridot didn’t eat, but she was always a nice presence to have while I ate. 

“Did the server give me a weird look when I said I wasn’t getting anything,” Peridot asked.

“Yeah, I noticed that. I guess they prefer everyone who’s in here buys something, but whatever. With the amount of food I’m eating they’ll get enough money to look like we both ordered food.”

“Human culture can be quite weird sometimes.”

“Trust me, having lived with human culture my whole life, I can say that it’s weird all the time.”

Peridot giggled. “So, anything else you want to do today?”

“Part of me wants to stay occupied with other stuff so I don’t worry about Lapis, and part of me wants to stay home just in case Lapis wants to see us.”

“Well, what if I stayed home and then you can do whatever you want to do?”

“You sure? If you wanted to do something I could stay home.”

“Nah, it’s fine. I’m exhausted from the weekend we had.”

“If Lapis comes out of her room can you text me?”

“Of course.”

After finishing my brunch, Peridot and I hugged and kissed before parting ways. While she headed home I decided to go for a hike in an area I haven’t seen much of. I ended up at an amazing viewing spot with rolling green hills and meadows surrounding a small lake. I knew I had to bring Peridot and Lapis here sometime. Even though I tried not to, I occasionally checked my phone to see if Peridot sent anything. By the afternoon as the sun began its descent towards the horizon I decided to head home. However I took a long and scenic route back both to kill time and see more picturesque views. 

After getting back I assumed Lapis was still in her room since Peridot hadn’t sent a text. I sighed and went inside. 

The rest of the day was uneventful. Peridot went to her private room to work on projects that required a lot of concentration. Meanwhile I browsed the internet, and as quickly as the weekend started it was now coming to an end. Even though I didn’t have to get up early for work I decided to try to get to sleep early. 

When I woke up my nose was pressed against Peridot’s gem. I giggled and gently kissed it before getting up. As I walked to the kitchen I passed by Lapis’s room. For a moment I kept walking but then stopped and turned around. The door was open. My heart started racing and I ran into the kitchen. With her sitting on the couch, almost immediately Lapis and I made eye contact.

“Hey,” she said with her beautiful smile. 

I ran to her and nearly knocked the couch over as I threw myself at her for a hug. 

She snort laughed and held me tight. “How are you?”

“I should be asking you that!”

“I’m feeling better, especially after I realized my motivation for getting out of bed and living life.”

“And what was that?”

“Seeing my two wonderful partners and being with them,” she said and kissed me on the cheek. 

“I’m really glad you’re feeling better, and that Peridot and I indirectly helped you through this.”

“Me too, and I’m sorry I wasn’t around this weekend.”

“It’s alright. I know how you felt and sometimes it’s best to take a mental health break. Also, if you’re ever interested, my therapist may be able to help with depression episodes. She’s helped with mine and other issues I’ve had, so if you ever want to give her a chance let me know. No pressure of course.”

“Yeah, I’ll definitely keep it in mind, though for me I think it just simply helps to be alone for a little bit to think things through. But now that I’m better all I want to do is spend the day with you and Peridot.”

“Well... I have to go to work since it’s Monday.”

“Oh yeah, that’s right,” Lapis said with a slight frown.

“Hmm, I do have paid time off though,” I said with a grin.

“Is- is that a good thing?”

“It means I can take today off and still get paid.”

She became starry eyed. “Do that!”

I chuckled. “Alright, the three of us are going to spend the day together, and we’ll do whatever you want to do.”

“I would love that very much.”

As we continued embracing each other we heard footsteps quickly coming down the hallway. Peridot rushed in and practically attacked us with a hug, and it was enough to knock over the couch. 

For a moment we were shocked but then laughed as we laid on the floor hugging Lapis. For awhile we just laid there and cuddled together before eventually getting up and starting our day. 

[ryuuug]

for @ugsohee, a kinda-sorta-prelude

It begins at a bar, as most great stories do.

He’s downing shots by the dozen, old men cheering all around, the way they would in a cockpit. More, more, more! their roars fill every nook and cranny, swollen to the brim, near overflowing. It’s an effective way to goad him on; he likes the attention.

Somebody taps him on the shoulder. A firm and gentle hand. He raises his head to look at what he assumes is a person, but he’s not entirely sure. They could have been an animal for all he knew; he sees only a faint blob with one...limb stretched toward him. Could very well be an octopus. He tries for a smile. “I’m not drunk,” the words ring clear in his head but they are liquid in his mouth. He thinks of guzzling them down along with the soju. “I swear I’m not drunk.”

“I think you’ve had enough, sir,” he thinks they say, vaguely concerned. He guffaws.

“Look, Mister—or Miss? Whatever—Octopus, I’m sober as a judge. So you can crawl back to the sea, or something, I don’t know. Just let me drink in peace.”

“Sir, I really think you should—”

Sickness rises fast as a flood. His lips have barely wrapped around a syllable when the vomit escapes, a great stream of broken-down rice and curry spouting out of his half-open mouth. The men are roaring still, this time with laughter, but he doesn’t feel bad. He’s right along with them despite the sting in his eyes and the burn in his throat, and he goes until his belly aches.

#

His morning starts in an apartment that isn’t his. Ryuu’s head aches with the force of a thousand beating drums, pounding all at once; he tries not to scream.

-

hello,

i’m sohee, the bartender from last night (though mr./ms. octopus might ring more bells).

there’s Advil and a glass of water on the table + my signature hangover cure in the fridge. you should try it! boss says hospitality is what keeps the customers coming—hopefully next time you don’t barf all over the counter.

have a nice day!

#

For lack of better word, Sohee’s cure tastes like shit. It takes all his willpower not to retch as he chugs it down, but by the time he finishes all traces of his hangover are gone and he feels like a goddamn champion. He wonders if that was the intended effect.

-

Hi,

My deepest apologies for imposing on you like this. I woke up smelling a bit like vomit, so I imagine it must have been a hard night for you. Again, my deepest apologies.

Please accept this token as a sign of my regret. I sincerely hope I never cause you so much trouble again.

Aoyama Ryuu

#

Ryuu swings by the bar a few weeks later.

The winter season warrants warm, heavily padded clothing, but he takes it up a notch, wearing enough layers to turn his walk into half-striding, half-waddling steps, looking more mascot than human. (He even wears black in an attempt to be less conspicuous; needless to say it doesn’t work as he’d hoped.) It’s no surprise Sohee looks about ready to call for help when she sees him approaching her in the back alley: a strange, slow-paced killer out to get her.

“Wait—no—it’s me!” He gasps as he emerges from the coats. Her face goes through a myriad of expressions: first surprise, then confusion, then recognition and relief. “Aoyama Ryuu?”

“You asking me?” She says, amused, and his ears flush with embarrassment. “What are you doing here?”

“I was hoping to make it up to you—I left some food last time, I didn’t know what you liked so I went with what I thought were safe choices—but I think that’s hardly enough, y’know, considering—”

“—Okay,” he could hear the laughter in her voice. “My shift’s over in ten. You mind waiting for a bit?”

He shakes his head. No, I don’t mind.

#

Their friendship comes all at once after that: late-night trips to the convenience store, warming hands and filling stomachs with steaming bowls of spicy ramyeon. Beer or soju or both after work, drinking themselves stupid, but not so much as to mistake her for a sea creature again. There’s a lot of that, too, the inside jokes, the meaningful glances (take-a-look-at-this-guy gets used nearly every night he hangs by the bar); a secret language shared between kindred spirits.

#

He’s drunken himself into a stupor once again; this time he comes down with a fever, and Sohee has him confined to her bed, worrying about like a mother hen.

“It’s because I drank too much,” he explains, and she glares in response. “Don’t look at me like that—it’s you I’m always drinking with!”

“But I know my limits,” she forces the spoon a little too hard, clinking against his teeth. She mutters an apology as he groans.

“You shouldn’t frown so much. You want to get wrinkles at twenty-three?” She snarls. I’m the same age as you! “I’m joking, I’m joking!”

Sohee whispers under her breath—something about him being an ungrateful bastard, it’s not like she tries to keep him from hearing—and he laughs around the next spoonful.

He does try to look sincere when he speaks. “I’m grateful, Sohee-yah.”

Her lips curl into the slightest smile, but it’s gone in the blink of an eye. “Open up and eat, stupid.”

#

Omurice becomes a breakfast staple. He cooks it so often he worries she might get sick of all the damn eggs. But every time he asks—and he always, always asks—her eyes light up at the suggestion.

“You don’t get tired of omurice, Sohee-yah?” She shakes her head no, too busy inhaling the meal in front of her. Ryuu watches her eat the plate clean; not one grain of rice left unconsumed.

“What can I say, you’re a great cook,” Sohee brings a hand down to his head, but he dodges just in time, clicking his tongue. “You gonna finish that or what?”

“I will, I’m just—I can’t believe you like it that much.”

She snorts, as if the answer should come easy, obvious to anyone. “I like it because it’s from you,” she has her back turned to him as she speaks, but he can feel the gravity of her words, pressing down on his heart. (He likes the weight of it.) “I like it because you made it for me.”

[torannosaurusrexy]

Champagne & Pools

Chapter 1/?: “Commando”

➝ Genre: Fic

➝ Pairing: Jeon Jungkook | Reader

WARNING: This AU contains language, recreational drug usage, and sexual themes that some readers may find unsettling, please take caution when reading.

➝ Word Count: 5.2k

➝ Summary: After a night full of red solo cups, gyrating bodies, and too many hot frat boys to count ends, you wake without a memory of it. Jungkook however, remembers all of it, and will do whatever he has to to convince you that it was the greatest night of his existence.

➝ Chapter Song: < LISTEN HERE >

Pain floods your head when you wake this morning. Bounds of bad decisions coalesce and force the pain to get even worse when you open your eyes. Whatever happened last night was more than you originally signed up for. Flashes of colorful lights, jello shots, and cannon balls assault your hungover memory. You press the heel of your palm into your sore sockets, pining for a relief that never comes. When removed you examine the room around you. It’s not yours that’s for damn sure, unless of course you forgot how to clean and own a bong. Not Yoongi’s either, he’d never live in a room that wasn’t a shade of gray. 

You must still be at the frat house. Its the only true way to explain your hangover and the fuzzy memories you have of vibrating bass and—oh shit, where is your phone and your…panties? With your mind bombarded and worrisome tendencies you hadn’t even come to realize that astride your body, with an arm holding you firm at the waist is a slumbering young man. His hair is a deep cocoa color. His lips are parted by incoming air, and his other hand is tucked neatly behind his head. Slowly, you try to peel yourself away from him but of course, his bed creaks more than your sore bones. 

You manage to escape, finding the jeans you wore last night. Thankfully, your bra is still on and a shirt remains flush against your body. Fuck your panties, leaving before he wakes up is more important right now. Besides, they were not your favorite pair anyway. Creeping over discarded socks, questionable pizza boxes, and condom wrappers, you enter the hallway. 

You jump upon spotting your best friend, fingers toying with the button to your jeans.

“You look like shit.” Yoongi chimes, brushing his teeth.

“Morning to you too.” You whisper, trying to keep your pain at an all time low. 

He chuckles, pausing his teeth brushing to point at you. “Fly’s down.”

“Huh?”

He points again, shrugging, “Your shutters are open. Y’know, I can see bikini bottom…are you commando?” He spits into the bathroom sink, filled with crushed beer cans.

“Shhhhh, I’ll explain later, please tell me your bed is open; I can’t possibly walk home right now.” Yoongi smirks, a knowing look.

“That good huh?” He rinses the toothbrush.

You scratch your head, suddenly worried about your hair and the clown mask smeared across your face. “Nothing memorable that’s for sure.”

“You don’t remember last night?”

“Just the couple hundred jello shots I downed.”

Yoongi sucks air through gritted teeth, “Yikes.”

“Yeah…now, bed?” You point at his door, across the hall and ajar from him coming out of it. 

“Sorry Captain Commando, unlike someone…I scored last night.”

“Who’s to say I didn’t?”

Yoongi crosses his arms, amused. “You didn’t, I handed you off to Jungkook when you tried to strip near the pool. I figured if you were going to be naked I’d rather you do it behind closed doors.” So that’s who’s bedroom you woke up in. You should’ve recognized him, it must’ve been your rush to leave that kept you from realizing.

You clear your throat, “I’ll repeat my question, who’s to say I didn’t score?” You cross your arms.

Yoongi continues his assault, smiling wide. “I. Handed. You. Off. To. Jungkook.”

You nod, still confused. You have just emerged panty-less from a rather attractive college frat boys bedroom. To many, that’s enough to say you got laid. Then again…you don’t remember getting dick, and you have a feeling Jeon Jungkook’s would be rather memorable.  “Yeah…Jungkook is the designated panty dropper of BTS, and clearly he snatched mine.”

“Nah, he knows you’re off limits.”

You cluck your tongue, “Which only makes me more desirable.”

Yoongi sighs, rolling his eyes. “None of the guys will touch you because you’re friends with me. Get used to being dry sweetheart.”

“Ugh, cock block.” You sigh, smiling because you know he’s right.

“Trust me, Jungkook would be just as surprised as you were this morning to find you half naked. He was clothed wasn’t he?”

“Yeah…”

“That should be enough to prove me right. Now if you’ll excuse me…morning head is calling.” He walks towards his door.

“Fuck you Yoongi." You call after him.

He whispers back, sending you a kiss. “Love you too babe, there’s food downstairs if you wanna make some breakfast. Jin might have a spare pair of panties too if you’re interested.”

“Hard pass.” Jin’s collection of hoe’s lingerie is enticing, but equably disgusting.

What Yoongi called food was leftover chicken stir-fry, a questionable jar of mayonnaise…and whipped cream which you have a sneaking suspicion is Taehyung’s and isn’t meant for regular consumption. Thankfully, they own a box of just add water pancake mix, and you count that as a major score. You try not to make too much noise, considering you’re probably not the only one around here with a pounding headache. You’d already searched for some sort of over the counter relief only to come up empty. So you settle for a glass of water instead. Using your phone to play some light music, you flip the pancakes with ease. While doing so you can’t help but let your mind wander back to the night before. 

What could have possibly led to you falling asleep in Jungkook’s arms? To be fair, you are a rather flirtatious drunk and think that could have led to Jungkook being fished in by Yoongi. Yoongi would have enjoyed watching you make a fool of yourself all over Jungkook. He definitely saw more than he bargained for. Then again…knowing Yoongi, he would’ve pushed for Jimin instead. Its possible that Jimin was…preoccupied and Jungkook was a last stitch resort. 

Poor Jungkook, the kid has only been part of the frat for a couple months now and he’s already been subjected to assault via drunk you. You figured he would’ve gone at least a year without that happening. Now that you’re thinking about it, you probably cost him a hookup last night. 

“Crap!” You yelp, inhaling smoke from a now charred pancake, hacking it back up. 

“Having trouble?”

You turn, finding Jimin shirtless and leaning against the countertop. 

“Clearly.” You choke, drinking him in. “I’ll blame it on the hangover.”

Jimin laughs, gleaming under his faded orange locks. His roots are darker now, smothering the orange in an inky hue. It has definitely been a few months since the initial dyeing. Curse the fact that he makes it look so fucking good. “After last night I figured you would have one. I’ll make you a protein shake, god knows I need one.”

“Thank you, I’ll return the favor in pancakes.” You clear your throat, trying to sound less squeaky. “What do you mean by ‘after last night’?”

Jimin licks yogurt off a spoon, pointing it at you after he does so. “Right…Yoongi mentioned that your memory might be a little fuzzy.”

“You saw him this morning?”

Jimin grins, eyes on what he’s preparing. “Nah, heard him though.” You shiver. “I caught him kissing some girl late last night, dragged him by the ear to find out if you were alright, he mentioned it then. Considering the unholyness I heard when I passed his door, I think he found her again after we talked.”

You blush, clearing your throat. “And..?”

“He said that your liver couldn’t handle Jin’s jello shots and that he called time of death just a few minutes before I found him.”

“That bastard.”

You both chuckle lightly at Yoongi’s dark humor. “Yeah well, thank god that wasn’t the truth.”

“Maybe not, but this pounding in my head is making me re-think the whole living thing.”

You hear something rattling behind you, and turn to see Jimin shaking a small pill bottle. Advil no doubt. “Breakfast of champions.” He smiles, tossing it to you.

“Balanced as all things should be.” Jimin laughs, watching as you place two on the counter before pushing the bottle back to him. “Thanks.”

“Don’t mention it.” Jimin turns the blender on. You flinch. “Sorry.” He says once that step is complete. “I should have warned you.”

“No it’s okay, I deserved that.”

“And this.” Jimin winks, sliding a freshly blended protein monstrosity towards you.

You shut off the stove, serving your pancakes on a large plate next to the drinks. The sound of their preparation may have ripped your mental state to shreds, but the taste of protein pumped berry goodness was well worth it.

You end up moaning out loud when the shake hits your tongue, a soothing hint of mint serenading the thumping of your skull. You swallow the Advil with it. When you open your eyes Jimin is watching you closely, taking a hefty swig from his own shake. “Good?” He asks after swallowing, a knowing grin smeared across his pillow lips.

“If my moan wasn’t clarification enough, then yes.” He nods, pleased with your answer. You pick up a pancake, dousing it in the syrup you found in one of the cabinets that wasn’t dedicated to hot Cheetos or peanut butter.

“So, I heard about the pool.”

“Oh god don’t remind me. All I know is Yoongi handed me off to Jungkook at some point…I’m assuming it was after my thirty-second jello shot, but before my walk of shame.”

“Yikes.”

You hum an affirmation, “Yeah, I think Jin cut me off at some point. So maybe doing a strip-tease by the pool was my form of rebellion.”

“It definitely was something.”

“Oh great, you saw it too?”

“Everyone saw it love. I hate to say it but…you were the highlight of the party.”

“That doesn’t make me feel any better.”

“Don’t worry your pretty little head too much, Namjoon ended up slipping in some puke last night, landed in Tae’s lap. Everyone forgot about your debut into stripperhood by then.”

“Phew, good thing Jungkook was there when he was. There could be a viral video of me naked by your pool if he wasn’t.”

“Would that be such a shame?” Jimin smiles, wiggling his eyebrows. You punch his shoulder. 

“Trust me, it would have been.” 

Jimin pauses his sipping, “I’m kind of surprised Jungkook was by the pool at all. I figured he of all people would’ve been drowning in some freshman pussy.” 

You chuckle, but deep down you’re worried that pussy may have been yours in the end.

“Yeah I woke up next to him this morning, it seems like he took watching me pretty seriously.”

“If he took advantage I swear I’ll--”

You laugh, “I don’t think you need to worry. Yoongi laughed when I mentioned that possibility. He said I’m off limits.”

“Shame.”

“Hm?”

“I just feel bad. I would have gladly given you my bed instead beautiful.”

You blush, licking remnants of syrup from your fingertips. The plate of pancakes now finds itself empty, syrup littering the expanse. “I’ll remember that for next time.” You manage to say, a finger brushing your lower lip. Jimin gleams. “I should probably meet up with Raegan, she’ll want to know if I lived.” Gulping the last bit of shake, you grab the last strand of dignity you have and start for the door.

“You sure you don’t need a ride or anything? I don’t have class today.”

“Thanks Chim, but my dorm is only a block or so away, I’ll manage.” Jimin follows you into the foyer, ripped streamers and empty solo cups littering its usually pristine landing. “Thanks for the shake. I feel a lot better.”

“Anything for my favorite girl.”

You roll your eyes, “I thought that was Tae’s spot, don’t let him catch you slipping.”

Jimin laughs, “Tell that to Namjoon. I’ll text you.”

“Okay, bye Chim.”

You close the front door behind you, finding the sun to be more bearable now that your stomach is happy and your liver doesn’t want to kill you. “Holy shit, Jimin wasn’t wearing a shirt. And I was able to talk…this has been a strange twenty-four hours.” 

“Strange isn’t the word I would use.” Hoseok emerges from the bushes below the front steps, his shirt is half unbuttoned and he has leaves in his hair. “What time is it?” He rubs his eyes subconsciously.

“My god Hoseok! What the fuck!” You hold your heart, coming down from the scare you just received. 

“Ow! Don’t fucking yell dipshit!” He screams back, squinting at you under messy red locks.

“What in the sam hell are you doing sleeping with the worms?”

“I must have blacked out here, that rager really was something.” He points to the mulch he used as a mattress, an assprint pushed into it. “Leaving so soon princess? The party isn’t over yet.” 

“Funny, but it’s noon and I have an iced coffee with my name on it. You need to eat something solid, and find a breath mint.”

“I can give you something solid.”

“Goodbye Hoseok~” You say as you continue down the frat house walkway, giving him a cute little wave as you do so. You can hear him laughing, and it makes you smile. Hoseok may be gross, and he passes out in bushes…but as Yoongi said before, he and the others know you can’t be touched. It sure is funny watching him try though.

“And the jello shot junky returns!”

You do a sarcastic pageant queen spin, complete with an ending pose. “I prefer pong princess. Here.” You hand Reagan her usual order from the Starbucks down the street. 

“Thank you, slave.” She smiles through whipped cream dusted lips. You chuckle, plopping yourself into the corner of your shared L-shaped couch next to her. Stained with remnants of Italian Nights and Taco Tuesdays. “So…did you ever find your panties?”

“Fuck, I forgot about those.”

“How could you forget you’re nakey when denim is all up in the Cock Kingdom?” 

You exhale a laugh out of your nose, “First of all, please never refer to my place of business as the Cock Kingdom ever again.”

“Would you prefer Pussy Palace? Dick Dungeon? Phallus Fort?”

“No I- Dick Dungeon? That’s not bad actually…but still a hard no.” You shake your head, both equably disappointed and proud of Rae for having the braincells to come up with such a cacophony of nick-names after the mental beatdown both of you surely took last night. “I forgot to look for them before I left.”

Raegan huffs an affirmation. “My money’s on the pool pavement. It’s definitely out there just waiting to be found by an unsuspecting frat boy. Maybe Jin will add them to his collection…he does have one right?”

“A collection of conquests panties? Sadly yes. And let’s just agree to forget that whole strip tease ever happened.”

“It was more than a strip tease Honey. I will be sure to play the video on your wedding day!” Raegan sips her peppermint monstrosity unphased, mint on her tongue.

“What?” You turn your head violently to face her, sitting up in a rush.

Raegan continues to describe the horror of a maid-of-honor speech you need to start preparing for, its bound to be a whopper at this rate. “It can be part of my maid of honor speech. Be all sentimental and crap, then just when moms in tears…BAM, stripping at a frat party.”

Grabbing her by the shoulders, you shake your best friend and recorder of all embarrassing moments in your life, “Rae, did you say you have it on video?!”

She breaks free, steading herself with another sip. “Well obviously, drunk me still has her priorities straight.”

“Can I see it?!” You yell.

“Alright alright! Don’t get your panties in a—oh wait…”

“Shut up.”

She laughs, pulling out her phone and scrolling through what must be hundreds of selfies and videos from last nights mistake. Raegan has always been the social drunk. She’s constantly throwing herself in the arms of strangers and chanting the words ‘Lets take a picture!’ through alcohol slurred lips. You are honestly shocked she didn’t wake up alongside Hobi in the bushes this morning.

“Holy shit, Rae is that Taehyung?” You point at her screen, a blurred mess of a snapshot smeared across it.

“Nope, Namjoon.” She beams.

“What is he—“

Raegan swipes twice, “Here wait I have a better picture of it.”

“Oh my god! Raegan Louise!” You yelp, clarity making you look away.

“What?! I saw an opportunity…and I took it!” 

“Never in my life would I picture Namjoon as a human shot glass!”

“His belly-button was the perfect size. Carpe Diem my love.” Raegan shrugs, acting nonchalant about slurping a mouthful of tequila from the frat presidents belly button.

“Fair enough, now where is this life-ruining video of yours.” 

She scrolls further, finding a couple from just after the incident along with a zoom in of your panties.

“If I knew this was going to happen I would’ve worn a cuter pair.” 

“Oh cmon, the giant panda face on the back is so innocent~”

“I’m burning my wardrobe.”

“Here, I found it.”

Raegan presses play. The video shakes for a second and there’s far too much yelling to make out any coherent words. At first, she’s recording the inside of the house. In the background Taehyung is seen doing a keg-stand. If you weren’t so concerned with the upcoming turn of events you would’ve glanced at the way his shirt is gathered around his neck. Instead, you see what Jimin meant by Yoongi kissing some girl. More like swallowing her. 

That’s when you hear it, a cheer so loud it turns heads. Someone runs into the room, informing all of those in it that you’re about to turn the heat up a notch. Yoongi bolts from the girl, no apology leaving his lips when he separates from hers. She follows, wounded and confused. You can hear Rae muttering a profanity under her breath. The camera fumbles in her hands, she pushes past the crowd to reveal you, half-dressed with your arms behind your back about to unclasp your bra. 

You watch in horror, hands over your agape mouth. “Oh god no.”

“Oh honey yes…”

She fast forwards a few seconds, revealing a starstruck Jimin who rushes forward with Yoongi in tow. Before you know it Jimins shirt is off and thrown towards your face. You catch it with a giggle, shimmying your panties off before Jungkook suddenly appears from behind you. He grabs both your legs and throws you over his shoulder. Your ass is completely exposed to all those watching. The cameras final frame shows the slammed back door before it cuts out and all else is left to the imagination. 

“Welp, there you have it.” Raegan says, shrugging.

You are absolutely starstruck, embarrassed and shocked. On the bright side, you now know exactly what happened. Also, that Raegan seemed to be the only one sober enough to record. That’s the hope. “Delete it.”

“What? But I just said—“

“Raegan please. I can never see that video again.”

“Okay, just know that doing so brings me great pain.”

“I apologize.”

Raegan deletes the video with just a few taps, the first frame disappearing from view in lieu of a conversational meme she’s uses over text. “There, goodbye sweet sweet memory.”

“And hello sweet sweet relief.”

The days following seem to be for the most part normal, you attend your classes normally, pumped full of caffeine and dreading finals week. The only ones who spoke of The Incident were Raegan and the BTS boys. Yoongi in particular, just couldn’t let the story go.

“I still can’t believe you made Raegan delete the video. That shit was comedy gold and could have had you going down in BTS rager history.”

“As invigorating as that would have been, I really don’t think I need my portrait framed above the words ‘Pool Panty Princess.’”

“I beg to differ.” Yoongi looks away, swirling a finger around the spoon he submerged in liquid energy. “He told me that he’s been looking for you.”

“What? Who has?” You take a jab at the plate of disco fries ahead of you, doused in gravy and snug beneath layers of cheese. Yoongi watches you do so, content with his black coffee and dark intentions. 

“Jungkook; he’s been acting strange since the party.” You pause your eating, mouth full of the one dish you wish to be buried beneath. “You swear nothing happened between you two?”

“Why are you asking me when you were so sure I would be left high and dry?” You fall back against the booth, worn with previous diners butts. “Besides, I can’t remember anything after darts with Jimin. Everything is a messed up blur.”

“I know. Its just really weird, I’m so used to seeing Kook as the kid who never shuts the fuck up. Lately, he’s been the opposite.”

“Elaborate.”

“Alright well, I was in the kitchen with Jimin the day after the party. Kook came down from his room in the middle of the conversation we were having. Your name happened to come up and he froze.”

“Half the guys have been like that, the party was crazy. Also, what kind of conversation were you having with Jimin where my name was involved?”

“Irrelevant, have you even seen Jungkook?”

You roll your eyes, “No, why?”

“My point exactly. He’s avoiding you.”

“You just said he was looking for me.”

“I’m just saying, it seems like he’s conflicted. Confront him, clearly he remembers something you don’t.”

“How the hell would I do that, Jungkook is like a baby bird. Flightless, skittish, and far too innocent.” 

“Geez, and here I was thinking you always had eyes for Jimin.”

“Besides the point, Jungkook’s in my psychology class, I’ll see him then. I’m sure everything is fine.”

Yoongi laughs, taking another sip from his mug. You blush, suddenly losing your appetite. “You’re not very good at hiding things.”

“And you’re not very good at giving head, so shut up.”

“Oh honey, now you’re just grabbing at straws.”

“Yeah even I knew that was wrong before I said it.”

“How would you know? I’ve never given you head—is this your way of asking?”

“God no! I’ll pass.”

“I’m sure Jimin would oblige, and given the way he’s been acting I’m sure Kook would be down too.”

“Relationship advice from Mr. One Night Stand himself? I’m honored.”

“Eat your fries.”

“Hey.” You try to say the word with some power behind it, however it falls flat against the tile of the stingy classroom floor. Jungkook slips into the seat next to you, looking your way when you speak. 

“Hey.” He copies, slipping his red backpack off and tossing it to the floor. 

You bite your lip, hearing Yoongi’s voice like a mantra in your head.

When you look up from the face of your desk Jungkook’s eyes are on yours and the class is silent. He looks away almost as fast as you looked up, brushing a hand through his fluffy hair. It’s now or never and you can’t possibly let Yoongi berate you about putting this conversation off any longer.

“Jungkook, I need to ask you something.” You watch him lift his head, promptly scanning the class before answering. 

“Okay?” He whispers, displaying a slightly crooked tooth through an agape set of lips. “If this is about finding an old childhood photo of you dressed as a milk man in Yoongi’s wallet then I swear I didn’t tell a soul.”

“No Kook!” The class shushes you. “I’ll explain that another time, this is about last weekend.” Jungkook raises an eyebrow, confused. You explain further, “I woke up in your bed…I didn’t have pants on…ringing any bells?”

Jungkook smiles, on the verge of laughing. “I think I’d remember sleeping with you ______.”

“I beg to differ, you sleep with a lot of girls Jungkook.”

“You calling me a tramp?”

“Maybe, just tell me please. Did we have sex?”

“Why? Do you want to?”

“Kook!” Another shush from the class. 

“I have fifteen before my next class, there’s a janitors closet down the hall, meet there?”

“Jungkook, no. I just want to know if we did anything.”

Jungkook looks away, searching his memories for something helpful. “Tell you what, come to the BTS house tonight, maybe Jin’s jello shots will spur your memory.” 

You roll your eyes. “Just what I need, more vodka.”

“I’d love to help; except there’s still some parts i’m trying to remember myself. So, sorry sweetheart, my lips are sealed…tight.” He puts emphasis on the word tight and it makes you shiver with some kind of foreign anticipation.

“What if I said please?”

“Get on your knees and i’ll consider it.”

You roll your eyes, “You’re starting to sound like Yoongi.”

“Ouch.” Jungkook stands, fellow students rising to rush off to their next lecture. “See you later.” He winks, leaving promptly.

“And how dare you assume a lady like myself would do it in a janitors closet!” You yell after him, but he’s already gone.

“He said he was still trying to figure it out himself, and then he tried to seduce me into a janitors closet.”

“I admire his boldness, but the fuck?” Yoongi licks peanut butter off the knife he’s holding, gingerly using it to cut his sandwich into four little triangles.

“You sound like my inner monologue right now.” You lean against the countertop in the BTS Frathouse kitchen. To your surprise, it looks very nice when the counters aren’t covered in solo cups, horny sorority princesses and stale chips. 

“What happened afterwards?” Yoongi continues, pouring himself a glass of OJ with enough pulp to scare oranges into hiding.

“Nothing, he invited me to the house party tonight—which you happened to not tell me about.”

“Must’ve slipped my mind.” He slurs through the first bite of PB&J.

“I sense sarcasm.”

“At least now you know he wants you here. Maybe stay away from the jello shots this time?”

“I know that much, thanks.” You steal a triangle.

“And if you’re going to do anything with anyone tonight…maybe shoot for Jimin.”

You pause, placing your hands on your hips. “I guess the whole ‘off limits’ thing is shot to hell now.”

“That was before I thought you had a shot with not one, but two of the guys currently drooling at your feet.”

“Oh please…they’re not drooling.”

“You’re right, the word slobbering fits better.”

“Maybe I shouldn’t go, people are going to laugh and say stupid shit about the last party.”

“So what, you have me and the other guys here to back you up. There’s nothing to worry about. Besides, everyone was wasted that night.”

You hear heavy footsteps cascading the staircase as Yoongi speaks, its obvious that they belong to a focused Namjoon even before he slips into the room. “’Sup guys?”

“Hey Joonie.”

“Hey Hyung.” Yoongi barely takes a breath before continuing to bombard you with reasons to attend tonight. “I’ll tell you what, the second your social meter runs out I’ll give you my room key and you can hide in there all night if you want.”

You fake a sniffle, “You’d give up the chance at some random freshman pussy for me?”

Yoongi rolls his eyes, “Just say yes before I change my mind.”

“I would’ve gone anyway but you just kept going.”

“Fuck you.” Yoongi laughs.

“What’s this I hear about pussy?” Taehyung says, bouncing into the kitchen with a suspicious glass of clear liquid in his hand.

Sadly, you’re the one to catch a whiff of his breath as he passes. “Taehyung its not even noon yet what in the holy mother of hell are you doing with that?” You point to the glass, and he smirks.

“Five o’clock somewhere.” He shrugs, sipping generously. “I’m kidding, its sparkling water, here.” He slides it towards you before walking next to Namjoon who’s absorbed into the grilled cheese he’s trying not to burn. You scrunch your eyebrows, lifting the glass and taking an experimental sip. Immediately, you gag as the raw tequila touches your tongue. You jump up and spit it into the nearby sink, drawing laughter from everyone in the room. 

“Sparkling water my ass!”

“I’m sorry, you made it too easy!”

“Fuck!” You turn the tap on, sticking your head underneath to rinse your tongue and gargle water.

Due to your luck, both Jimin and Hoseok walk into the room as you turn the water on and they get to watch as you stand head back and tongue in the wind. “Ah fuck, this situation looks vaguely familiar.” Jimin chuckles, picking up the glass you hastily sipped from. He sniffs it, ripping his head away the second his nose hairs are disintegrated. “Jesus Tae.”

“Oh cmon, I saw an opportunity!”

“You okay?” Jimin slips past the crowd and slowly rubs your back as you wipe your mouth and nod. You catch a glimpse of Yoongi smiling into his orange juice, his eyes suggestive. 

“Hm? Oh yeah, psh, fine…thanks.”

“Want a grilled cheese?”

Yoongi nods furiously, dropping not so subtle hints.

“No; its okay, I think I’m gonna go for a swim. Thirty minute rule…you know.”

“Good call, I guess I should skip the grilled cheese too.”

“What? No!” Your hands land of Jimin’s stomach as you reflexively move to stop him from following. He looks down, confused until you revoke them, “You should eat, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Join me after?”

Jimin grins. “Okay.” He says in short, a smile still on his face even after you’re moving towards the patio. You look over his shoulder one last time to see Yoongi slam his face into the countertop, awash with disappointment. 

The sound of their distant talking fades once you escape to the back patio, however you aren’t alone for long as Yoongi and his orange juice joins you.

“That was painful to watch.” He says, walking towards you.

“Leave me alone pulp boy.” You sulk, sitting on the edge of the pool and putting your feet in the heated water.

“Woah, my pulp never did anything to you.” Yoongi frowns, a short-lived sarcastic feature. He joins you.

You sigh, leaning your head on his shoulder. “Ugh, did he say anything after I left?”

“Babe, Jimin’s a guy. The second you left he asked Joon to make him a grilled cheese and snorted a line of pre-workout.” He slurps more of his juice.

“Really?” You look up at him, a worried lip.

Yoongi suddenly feels bad for playing with you’re feelings…but can’t stop himself. Taehyung’s right, you make it too easy. “No, first he looked at your ass.”

“You’re lying.” You swallow, turning red.

Yoongi smiles, suggesting he’s joking. “Thats what you get for insulting my pulp.”

“Asshat.” You grumble, slightly disappointed. You couldn’t help but hope Jimin looked, or at least glanced.

“Cocksleeve.” He gibs back, finishing off his orange juice as you once again lay your head on his shoulder with a smile.

[bensakindofmagic]

Chapter Seventeen

A/N: here we go again, enjoy :)

Warning: pure, unadulterated fluff

w/c: 2.3k+

Chapter Seventeen

“So he said he loves you?” Savannah asked. You were sat in the middle of a bustling, hipster coffee shop in West London, nursing your mismatching mugs with stupidly small handles. You nodded. 

“Have you talked about it since?” 

You winced, “I tried to bring it up the other day but I chickened out. I knew he’d ask me if I loved him too.”

“And you don’t?”

“I definitely don’t not love him,” you pondered. 

She scoffed, “That sounds promising. You two are so shit at communicating.” You began to protest but she just laughed, “You know I’m right! Look at how long it took for you two to get together ‘cause you couldn’t bloody talk to each other.” 

Your face was heavy as you frowned, “This isn’t helping.” 

“I’m sorry,” she conceded, “Tell me what you’re worried about.”

“I don’t know. I keep thinking about how I thought I was in love with Matteo, but when things got tough we fell apart, how do I know the same won’t happen with Ben? The shoot’s about to end, we’ve only got a week left and then everything’s going to change. I’ll be off on another project and Ben’s going to be back and forth to LA for a little while.” You sighed, “It’s just been so easy up ’til now, since we got together I mean. Even when it came out we were dating everyone was fine with it.”

“Apart from that arsehole Josh, right?”

“Yeah, well he’s shut right up now. I don’t know what Graham said but it worked. Anyway, I feel like we’re getting to the hard bit now. It’s gonna make it so much harder if I decide I love him.”

“That’s not exactly how it works, I don’t think you get to decide.” 

You rolled your eyes, “You know what I mean.”

“You’ve got commitment jitters, that’s all.”

“How can I be scared of committing to Ben when I basically fell in love with him the second I saw him?”

She placed a comforting hand on yours, “You just need to give yourself time. It sounds like once you two finally got going everything moved pretty fast. It’s been a while since you did the whole ‘serious relationship’ thing, cut yourself some slack.”

“Ugh Savvy, how do you always know what to say? You’re so wise.”

“I know,” she smiled kindly, “Besides, you think you’ve got commitment problems, Chris keeps talking about having babies!”

The last week of filming went by frighteningly quickly, and all too soon it was the last day and you were at the wrap party, drink in hand and talking far too loudly. Ben had his arm around your waist, announcing to everyone that you were his. He had been delighted since it had come out that you were dating and despite your nerves, it had been a relief to you too. A few people had been skeptical at first, throwing judging looks at you, but as soon as they’d seen you together they could tell you were serious about each other. You were grateful that you didn’t have to hide, and even more so that Josh ignored you apart from throwing you the odd bitter stare. 

“Can you believe that only four months ago we were playing ‘Never Have I Ever’ to get to know each other?”

“I know, it’s been the longest four months of my life,”  you said with a grin. “I can’t wait to get rid of you lot,”

“No way, you’re gonna miss us. I bet you’ll wake up every morning and cry at the thought of me being on the other side of the Atlantic,” Joe protested.

You sighed dreamily, “There’ll be a whole ocean between me and your dad jokes.”

“I’m gonna text you one every morning.”

“Then I’ll definitely cry,” you scoffed. 

As much as you joked and bantered with the guys, your heart was heavy. In fact, the teasing was mostly to keep the mood light because you sensed that you were in danger of getting far too emotional about the whole thing and breaking down into tears at the thought of not coming into work every day and seeing their idiot faces. 

“Well it’s fine for you and Ben,” Gwil interjected, “You guys will see each other all the time.” 

“Actually I’ve only got three weeks until I’m off to Scotland for nearly four months for a film I’m doing up there. And then we have just over a month before Ben goes to Italy to start on his next film.”

“Ouch, I don’t envy you guys. It’s hard enough being in a relationship when one of you travels, but both is going to be tough!”

You didn’t need the reminder. “Plenty of couples do it.”

“You guys are basically going to be long distance for most of the year.”

You muttered under your breath, “Yeah, and who knows for how long after that.”

From the way Ben’s arm tightened around you you guessed he had heard, but made no mention of it.  

“I’m more worried about me and you, buddy,” Ben interjected. “How’re we going to continue our bromance across continents?”

“It isn’t a bromance, it’s a full-on love affair,” you laughed. 

“You’re the lucky one Y/N/N, at least you’ll be in the same country for a while.”

You challenged, “Babe, Scotland is a different country.”

“What?” cried Joe, “I thought it was like different states.”

“Christ, I hope you’ve never said that to a Scot.”

Through the course of the evening you danced a little and drank a lot, and cheered with your whole body when Rami and Joe dueted ‘Under Pressure’, but mostly you soaked up every second of all being together. The job had been such a joy and you could hardly bear the thought of it being over, so mostly you drank and joked to distract yourself, but you couldn’t help getting a bit contemplative as you and Lucy watched the guys play beer pong — Brits versus Americans. 

You leant against a counter, glass in hand, as Lucy sighed, “God they’re idiots, the lot of them, but I am going to miss them.”

Joe had just performed a particularly distressing celebration after getting the ball in Ben’s cup.

“Are you worried?” you said suddenly, turning to face her. “Rami’s going back to the States, you’ll be in London…”

“No,” she said lightly, “I’ll be over there a lot for work anyway and Rami’s going to visit me here when he can. Anyway, We care so much about each other, we’ll find a way to make it work.” 

“God, I wish I was that confident.” You turned back to see Gwil miss.

“You’ve got nothing to worry about, darling. If both of you want to be together, which you do, then you will. Ben adores you, we can all see it. You just need to have a little faith.”

You smiled and nodded, conceding that she was probably right and that fifth glass of prosecco was making you paranoid. 

Once the game finished Ben came up to you and pulled you close, linking his fingers behind your back and pressing a firm kiss to your lips.

“Congratulations on winning,” you grinned.

“Thank god, hey? Otherwise Joe would have been insufferable.”

“Oi Y/N,” Joe shouted, “Stop hogging my boyfriend!” 

You laughed loudly, “I could say the same to you!”

Ben nudged his nose against yours before nuzzling into your neck. “You’ll always be my number one, angel.” 

By the end of the night you were all singing ‘I’ll Never Forget You’ by the Noisettes at the top of your lungs, holding back tears (some of you more successfully than others), and finished on ‘We Are the Champions’ just in case there was still a dry eye in the room. It was with great reluctance that you parted in the small hours of the morning and when you got into bed with Ben you held onto him tightly, determined to make the most of him while he was still at your fingertips.

———

Those three weeks you had together were bliss: with neither of you having too much work — just a few bits of research and the occasional meeting between you — you seemed to have the world at your feet. Days passed in lazy contentment, waking up late, spending an hour or two in bed (morning sex was usually involved, it being a new practice since the early starts had not previously allowed for it), taking Frankie for a walk in the crisp winter air, then cuddles, tea, Netflix, often more sex. Dinner dates, coffee dates, cultural dates dragging Ben around art galleries (despite his being an actor, you didn’t believe him for a second when he assured you that he loved it). You spent most of your time at Ben’s, only going home when you needed clean clothes and to wash your hair. You took it in turns to make dinner, and occasionally Ben would walk to the nearest bakery to buy you fresh pastries for breakfast before you woke up. You wasted time watching Ben play with Frankie, your heart swelling as you saw how much he loved her, and daydreamed about what a great dad he would make. It felt like bliss, like your life was a movie with every detail perfectly executed; you were in heaven. 

As excited as you were to start your new job, by the time you were due to leave the next morning, the thought of tearing yourself away from Ben all but broke your heart.

“Can’t you stay?” he whined, ignoring the old rom-com that was playing on the telly, mostly just serving as background noise by then. “I’m sure they’ll manage without you.”

You scoffed, “What a rousing indictment of the value of my work.”

He glanced at you from where he lay on the sofa, Frankie curled up on his chest, snoring softly.

“Come on, it’ll break Frankie’s little heart if you go,” he whispered, covering her ears to shield her from the truth.

“When. Not if,” you said firmly. “She’ll be sad for a day and then forget all about me.”

He became distant as he whispered, “It’ll break mine.”

You snuggled down the sofa, squeeing yourself between him and the cushions and cooed, “No, it won’t. I’ll text you everyday and we’ll FaceTime and send each other dumb memes. And I’ll come home whenever I can.”

He cocked his eyebrow, “Home? Does that mean here?”

You smiled, “I guess it does.”

You turned back to the film but could tell Ben was distracted by the way his eyes roamed about the room, and he kept taking a deep breath in as if to speak, only to release it and retain his silence. Eventually you reached over to the remote and pressed pause.

“What’s up, Benny?”

For a while he was silent, composing his thoughts, and when he spoke he didn’t meet your eye. 

“You know that thing I said a while ago,” he ventured, “when we were talking to Graham…”

You knew exactly what he was talking about and instantly felt your heart rise to your throat. You were nervous, partly because you feared he would be upset that you hadn’t said it back, and partly to hear him say it again. But mostly you felt adrenaline rushing through your veins; the rush of love. “Yeah,” you hesitated, your chest swelling like a ballon, full of anticipation.

“I meant it.” He distracted himself scratching behind Frankie’s ear. “I’ve been trying to bring it up over the last few weeks but it never felt like the right time. You always seemed so happy and I didn’t want to ruin it in case you weren’t ready to say it back. And don’t feel like you have to, I don’t want to rush you but I just need to say it, you know-”

You interrupted his rambling by placing you hand gently on his cheek. 

He sighed, finally meeting your gaze. “I’m in love with you.”

His eyes were so round, so wide, so full of innocence and fear and hope. You could see the whole world in those eyes.

And all of a sudden it felt like you were floating, a balloon carrying you high above yourself. You smiled, a laugh bubbling sweetly from you. “I love you, too.”

Then you were both grinning like naughty children and he kissed you with absolute certainty.

He dropped you off at the airport the next morning and you were close to tears as you said goodbye. 

“Text me when you land, okay?” he asserted and you assured him you would. In return he promised to give Frankie a kiss for you. 

You thought you saw a watery hue in the green of Ben’s eyes but you blinked and it was gone. He held you closely, resting your cheek on his chest and his face buried in your hair. He kissed the top of your head, then your forehead, and you sighed heavily. You tried to take in every detail of his face — you almost felt silly, really, because it wasn’t like you were off to war and might never see him again. In fact you had already arranged to come back in six week’s time and you knew you’d FaceTime him almost everyday. Still, you absorbed the curve of his jaw, the roundness of his nose, his big lips, dimpled on each end, green eyes so pale in the morning light, the few golden curls peeking out from below his beanie. You memorised every detail as best you could.

“I’ll see you soon. I love you,” he purred, his tone soft but strong.

You smiled; it felt right hearing those words. It felt right to say them. “I love you, Ben.”

With one last kiss you turned away from him, stealing a glance before you headed to security only to see him watching you leave. You waved, and he raised his hand in reply, subdued, resigned. And you rounded the corner and he was gone.

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[outdoorshenanigans]

Camping Trip #1: Potts Preserve: Southwest Florida Water Management District

September 21-22, 2019

This was our first foray into the forest, and it definitely shows. Looking back at our big wonky tent, makeshift rain guard, and little as far as amenities, I’m surprised we decided to make this a regular thing. We spent only one night out there, but it was enough to inspire us to keep working and get better.

Pictured you can see our former hand-me-down tent, with our very dingy mat out front. We didn’t have much in the way of lighting or seating. We also underestimated how primitive the camp was going to be, and should have accounted for more water for hand washing etc.

We didn’t go in very well prepared with food or water, but we had plenty of snacks and alcohol 😂 last photo shows our Sunday breakfast of champions.

Since this trip we have made a lot of updates. @stonedoesnature and I have really turned this into a therapeutic art form. I’m hoping that this blog inspires others to start from somewhere. Just get out there and do the thing. Take some beer and sit in the woods for a few hours and tell me you don’t feel a bit better about life.

Get out there and enjoy everything the world has to offer.

-Jenna

[clubdolan]

boxer!noah - ASK

I typed too much to make this an ASK so I just screen shot the ask.

GIRL GIRL GIRL I’ve been preparing for this since you sent it to me! Let me remind everyone that AU = Alternate Universe, as in Noah wouldn’t be an actor in this other ‘universe’ and he’s a boxer. So I will avoid acting stuff and pretend he’s a boxer. I will also give the girl a name because I’m getting really tired of typing you.

Note after I’m done writing: This isn’t really like cocky fighter turning on his girlfriend, I went kind of a whole different way.

ATTN/WARNINGS: There’s like a mention or lead into some smut but nothing more than that.

ANYWAYS! Here we go.

“Quinn, how are you feeling about tonight’s fight?”

“Quinn, do you relate his career to your families?

“Quinn, do you enjoy watching the fights?”

“Quinn, do you take any of the threats seriously that opponents have made against you?

Lights flashed. People followed her. She didn’t flinch.

The security guard at the door quickly moved out of the way for her and her personal guard to walk through.

She led the way down the halls only smiling at one person who spoke to her. This arena felt like a second home to her, since she was little. Turning down an empty hall she saw pictures of her father, Professional Boxer Kevin Tharone, winning multiple fights.

But that’s not who she was here to see.

Boxer Noah Centineo. Undefeated for two years. Trained since he was fifteen by Kevin Tharone and his team. Currently set to fight tonight in front of 20,000 people, live on television.

Quinn waited at a door with her guard until it opened. A lady put a pass around her neck and handed on to her security. Holly, she was Noah’s agent, currently tracking the betting odds on him winning.

She made her way back through the venue, past crowds yelling her name, more cameras in her face, “I just put $10,000 on Centineo!” A guy yelled, practically spilling his beer on the floor. “I put $15,000 on him getting a KO!”

A quiet hall led to an open area, she saw Noah pacing around a bag, his usual pre-fight rituals.

“Clear the room.” A deep voice said as the ten or so people scattered down the halls and behind doors.

Quinn pulled her glasses off and put them in her hoodie pocket, “Hey babe.”

He rolled his neck around and shook his arms out before stretching his fingers out and grabbing her hand. “Q”, he smiled, a rare sight on fight night but Quinn was his one weakness.

. . . .

At fifteen when he was invited to train with Kevin Tharone and his team at their private gym he never expected to see a tiny blonde sparring against Kevin as he walked inside.

The first words ever spoken to him by Kevin? “That’s my daughter and you’ll be leaving her alone.”

He lived at that gym for years; practicing, conditioning, fighting, sometimes even sleeping. That’s when at twenty, he was in for early conditioning and saw Quinn asleep in the office.

Noah didn’t dare wake her. The few words they had spoken were in passing and he still received a dirty work out from Kevin afterwards.

Half way into his normal warm up he heard the office door open and Quinn walked out, “Sorry, I must have crashed here when I was only planning to sober up.” Noah looked at her odd, she was only eighteen, just in college. “Frat parties.” She shrugged, “Want any breakfast? I’m going across the street to get coffee and something greasy.”

That was it.

That was the day she begged her dad to let them speak.

After a week of that she begged her dad for permission for one date.

It continued happening, asking for an eighth date, asking if he could go to the next fight with her, all the asking until her dad finally spoke to him and they were able to say they were dating.

Quinn was at his first professional fight and every single fight since then. The highs of parties after wins and the lows of split open lips and eyebrows, bruised ribs and black eyes.

. . . .

“I’ve gotta shower, let’s go.” He kept hold of her hand and led her down the hall. The hall emptied as they entered it, her security left them alone. As he was only hired to be with her when Noah or her father wasn’t.

Quinn checked his fight clothes, all plain black, nothing flashy. His pre-fight drinks were made and being chilled, her request of fresh fruit and Sprite were on a separate table.

Noah found Quinn sitting on the couch, playing with her necklace and watching a live-feed of the outside and inside of the venue.

“Here” he handed over his two rings off the table in front of them and by habit she slipped them on her necklace and let them fall between her chest until he needed them back after the fight.

An hour later Holly knocked on the door before peeking her head in, “Press starts in forty minutes.” Quinn smiled to her in acknowledgement as Noah stayed asleep on her chest.

Her fingers trailed up and down his arm as he took steady breaths in his sleep, still in just a towel from the shower. “No, babe. Time for press.” She whispered, tapping on his chest, “You’ve gotta get up and go kick some ass.”

Without opening his eyes he smiled and wrapped his arms around her. “Five more minutes.”

The crowd’s cheering echoed down the halls, the bass from the music playing seemed to shake the building and the halls were filled with three times the amount of people than earlier.

His trainers surrounded him, prepping his body for the fight. Taping his hands, last minute hair cut, steaming his robe...

Quinn grabbed his taped hands and kissed his palms, leaving a pink lip mark. Her dad finally entered the room, giving Noah a stern nod and nothing else. He hugged Quinn and asked her about her day before leaving them to their normal pre-fight routine.

Noah was getting his gloves tied on as she went back to him, “This is number twenty-six.” She informed him, resting her hands on his exposed hips.

“Do I get a present or something?” He joked, shoving his hand into a glove. “Or do you get a present?”

“How about both?” She suggested, her finger  gliding along his shorts towards his belly button, “But I don’t reward losers.”

Noah laughed as he shook his hands around, seeing if his gloves felt right. She loved the few minutes before he walked out because he had no use of his hands or fingers.

Quinn held a black, silk robe up and he slid his arms in. CENTINEO embroidered on the back in white. She pulled the hood up and situated it on top of his head while he jumped in place with his trainer yelling in his ear.

She stepped back and let them take over getting him psyched up for the fight.

Random roars from the crowd, music blasting through the entire place, men yelling about beer they had for sale and one ring lit up in the middle of the place.

Quinn waited at the door, checking her phone, sliding her glasses on and touching up her lipstick. The doors opened and she waited for Noah; his curls falling in his eyes and his scruffy face made him look like a dream.

She walked out with his entire team of people, right next to him where he wanted her to be.

This is where she seemed to black out. She never remembers watching fights or what happens; she watches them on TV the day after. Since she was little she attended many fights but never remembered being there. They had told her it was adrenaline and a coping mechanism to watching someone she loved being beaten in front her.

The fight ended earlier than expected, not even seven rounds were needed until the referee raised Noah’s arm in the air and announced he had won by “knock out” making him a twenty-six and zero champion.

A belt was wrapped around his waist and his boxing gloves were pulled off his hands. His team hugged him, media tried to get to him and Quinn’s security lifted her over the side of the ring to get to him.

A worker of his put his arm out to stop a photographer from getting to Noah and to allow Quinn to jump and hug him. He sat her down, grabbed her cheeks and kissed her for a few seconds before hugging her into his chest.

“Let’s go” He said to his team leader, who made a way for them to leave back to his room.

Quinn gripped onto his arm that he held the belt up with. She didn’t flinch at the sweat dripping down his arm or the blood that was on his knuckles. He high-fived fans and waved at the camera, he pointed out a sign with his name on it and showed off the belt to another camera.

“Hey” Quinn tugged his arm, pointing to a little boy pushed up to the gate with a boxing glove in his hand and a marker in the other. His face lit up when Noah looked at him and he screamed, “Can you sign my glove?”

Quinn let go of his arm and let him grab the glove, ask the boy for his name and quickly sign it with a 26-0 at the end. “Thanks, Centineo!” The little boy squealed, jumping up and down with the glove.

He grabbed for Quinn to hold onto his arm again and she grabbed hold of it with both hands and kissed his sweaty shoulder.

“Press conference in an hour.” Holly said, unlocking the door to his room. “Dolce and Gabbana suit is hanging in the closet, freshly steamed. After party arrival is in three hours, Quinn, your dress is also in the closet as well as two from Balmain they sent as a gift.”

As soon as the door closed she was off to the closet to check the dresses. “Ho-ly shit.” She looked at the dresses, “These are insane.”

“The all black one with your tall black Louboutin boots.” Noah said, tearing tape off his hands and dabbing a washcloth against the cuts on his face.

“I don’t have Louboutin boots, I brought my black Steve Madden booties or YSL heels.” She held one of each up, holding them near the dresses.

“Check on the shelf above the dresses.” He grinned, not even turning back.

Quinn reached on her tip toes and pulled down a brown box with a red bow on it. “Nooooahhhh” She whined, “Are you kidding me?”

He made his way over to her, watching her open the box to a brand new pair of boots: leather, a red bottom and a silver zipper up the back.

“You’ll look so sexy in those.” He whispered behind her, sending chills up her spine.

“I can’t believe you--

“I love you.”

“You didn’t have to--

“No returns.”

Quinn sat the box down, turned around and hugged him. His sweaty body and familiar after-fight smell was some how one of her favorite things. She checked the cut on his eyebrow and the bruise already forming on his ribs, “You should have noticed his left hook after two right hooks and a dodge.” She pushed on his bruise and made him wince but laugh.

He backed away from her, “You be ready for me when I get out of the shower...” He turned back around and paused once he entered the door, peeking his head back out, “You better have those boots on.”

Twenty minutes later he came out of the bathroom in nothing but his sweatpants, hair still dripping, more bruises forming.

Quinn was leaned against the counter, fixing her makeup. His shirt from this morning just covered her bottom and the Louboutin boots were zipped up the back of her tan legs.

“Whoa, whoa, whoaaa.” He groaned, meeting eyes with her in the mirror. “First you kill me in my shirt, then you kill me in the boots.” He took a step back to look her up and down again. “I can’t wait for our after-after party.” He sighed in her ear, pushing his front to her back, trapping her against the counter.

“We have thirty minutes.”

“I only need ten.” “You still need to change--

“I only...” She could feel his breath on her neck, she clenched onto the blush brush in her hand, “need”, his lips attached to the side of her neck, “ten minutes.”

Quinn shivered the more he kissed her neck, grabbing his damp curls and squeezing as his hands roamed her body. “Babe, we can’t. You try this every fight.”

“You always stop me every fight.” He spoke against her shoulder, his hands sneaking beneath the shirt. “Just let me this one time.”

She spun around quickly and put her hand on his chest, “You cannot, whatsoever, mess up my hair or makeup.”

“I don’t need to be near your hair or makeup.” He grinned, pushing her up on the counter and against the mirror.

“Noah Gregory Centineo there is no time for any of THIS--

She squeaked, stopped talking and grabbed a hand full of his hair once he started doing what he wanted to do.

Right on time as Holly knocked on the door Quinn was adjusting a few curls a top Noah’s head. His burgundy suit complimented her completely black outfit, Holly snapped a quick picture at Quinn’s request before leading them to the car.

“It’s cheat day, Taco Bell.” Quinn begged, “A chicken quesadilla, nachos, cinnamon twists, a Baja Blast freeeeeeeze.”

Noah opened the car door for her as they left the after party. “Do they still have the thing I like?”

“’Quesarito!” She clapped, immediately unzipping the boots as she sat in the back of the SUV.

“Can we swing by Taco Bell before we go to the hotel?”

“Yes we can Mr. Centineo.” The driver nodded before pulling away.

As they entered the hotel Quinn placed her shoes on a counter and grabbed the first shirt she could find. It took a few tries but she wiggled out of the dress and swapped it for the t-shirt before digging in her bag for a ponytail holder and tossing her hair on top of her head in a bun.

“All I do is take a piss and you’re already in pajamas?” Noah joked, leaving his pants undone as he exited the bathroom.

Quinn couldn’t answer as she ate a bite of quesadilla.

He opened the door of the mini fridge, “What are you drinking?”

“I found a beer.” She grinned, taking a sip. “In my bag.”

He shook his head at her drunk antics, knowing his probably weren’t much better. “Why do you have beer in here?” He dug in her suitcase and found the rest of a six pack at the bottom. “Don’t answer, I don’t even care.”

Noah took a long drink before falling on the bed next to her, digging in one of the three bags for something that looked good. “Gimme a bite of quesadilla.”

Quinn held it to his face and let him take a bite before grabbing it back for herself.

“Feed me.”

“No thanks.” She mumbled, chewing on a cinnamon twist. “I am a very hungry person right now.”

“I’m a very tired person right now.” He bit at the cinnamon twist in her hand and managed to get half of it. “Pleeeaseee feed me, you owe me.” He laid his head on her thigh and turned to bite it.

“I can feed you and I don’t owe you for earlier? Solid. I’m ready for bed.”

“I have thought about all the ways I could fuck you tonight, every time I saw you in those boots and that dress, the pictures online of us on the arrival carpet, the little grin you do when you look up at me...” He groaned, “But I’m really, really exhausted.”

“I got to see you box tonight and win which is honestly the biggest turn-on ever.”

“Oh is it?” He asked, lifting his head up. “You said watching me work out was the biggest---

“Any time you’re sweaty, shirtless, in boxing gloves, or in gray sweat pants.” She moaned to herself, “You working out in gray sweatpants messes me up.”

He laughed at her reactions to what she said, “You sweating in gray sweatpants on the day of a fight? The best.”

“Um, did you know.” She sat the bag of food to the side and he rolled onto her lap, “You made, just you, after team earnings, you, Noah, made eight point six million dollars.”

“I can’t wait to fuck you in your new, all white, Tesla Model X.”

“You’re getting a Tesla?”

“You’re getting a Tesla.”

“I’m getting a Tesla? I have a Jeep.”

“I ordered you a Tesla.” He told her, “Custom purple interior. All white outsides.”

“You ordered me a Tesla?”

“Quinn, when you get home tomorrow there’s a Tesla already waiting for you, in your garage.”

“Noah, seriously--

“You deserve it.” He stopped her from saying anything else. “It’s my money, I can do what I want with it.”

“But you don’t have to--

“Shhhhh..” He pushed his finger against her lips, “You must not want these either?” He pulled two small boxes from his pocket.

“I can’t, Noah. You have to stop.” He put the boxes in her hands, “You always tell me to do stuff that makes me happy and it makes me happy to give you gifts.”

In one box was a necklace, a silver choker, the letters Q-U-I-N-N on one level and N-O-A-H on the next. “You had it designed on some Elsty or Testy site but I had my jeweler make one.”

“Etsy.” She laughed, immediately pulling it around her neck and connecting it. “Thank you, babe.” “One more.” He sat the next box in her hand, grinning like a little kid.

She untied the ribbon and sat it to the side, opening the box to reveal a key. “My Tesla key? Teslas don’t have keys.” She held it up, a normal silver key on a small key ring.

“What if I say, I already put the gate access sticker in your Tesla?”

“A key to your house? I know the code for the door.”

“Think of it as more of a symbol.” He suggested. “Like as in me asking you to finally move in?”

“You’re joking.” “Not at all. My house is big and I hate being there alone. I made my friends move out and had a designer come decorate. There’s a brand new closet just for you, a brand new vanity, an updated wine cellar and I added a hot tub on the patio that you suggested the day I moved in.... so if you don’t move in, I just have that all to myself.”

“Of course I’ll move in.” She almost cried, wrapping her hands around his neck and falling onto the bed with him.

“Good. Your Tesla is at my house.” He kissed her, “Well I guess I should say, our house.”

Quinn shook around a little in excitement, “Our house.”

Noah flipped on top of her and kissed her hard, “I don’t think you understand how much I love you”, he kissed her again, “and appreciate you”, he kissed her a little longer, “and every day I think about being with you for the rest of my life.”

Quinn didn’t even speak. She grabbed his neck and pulled him back down to kiss her and soon they fell into a lazy kiss that seemed to last forever, until she made him stop and fall asleep on the premises that they would ‘finish tomorrow’.

“I love you, No-ie.”

“I love you too, Quinny.”

[sofreakinmanyfandoms]

November 21 - First Date (Sequel to “Haiku...”)

I couldn’t resist. There needed to be more of this universe.

Word count: 1946

Warnings: Fluff. Bad luck. A bit of self-depreciation on Clint’s part, but the reader sets him straight.

Pairing: Clint Barton X Reader (Modern!AU)

“How do you always look like such a mess?” Natasha chided as she fruitlessly attempted to smooth the wrinkles in Clint’s shirt. He swore it had been freshly pressed when he’d put on two minutes ago.

“Wish I knew,” he sighed ruefully as he studied his reflection in the mirror, giving up on his untamable hair. “Then maybe I could figure out how to fix it.”

“Hey,” she told him seriously, and if he hadn’t known her as long as he had he might have missed the note of affection in her voice. “There’s nothing to fix. It’s just your own brand of charm, and anyone who doesn’t agree –”

“Can shove off,” he finished with a little grin. “So you’ve told me. I’m really hoping this one doesn’t shove off, though.”

Nat laughed, giving him a little shove towards the door. “You’re gonna be late if you don’t get out there. Go enjoy your evening. Have some fun, live a little. Tell me all about it when you get back.”

Clint waved without looking back as he made his way out the door and across the hallway. Less than ten seconds after he knocked you were opening the door.

Wow. You looked… Wow. Both your dress and your leggings looked so soft he bit his tongue to keep from reaching out to touch them. The colors looked fantastic on you, the fabric falling in a way that perfectly accented your figure and the faint pinstripes doing things that were definitely good for you and made everything difficult for Clint.

“Hi,” he breathed. “You look incredible.”

“Thanks,” you replied with a faint blush before your tone turned teasing. “You don’t look so bad yourself.”

Clint shook his head. “I look like a dumpster fire. You look gorgeous. I feel underdressed. Aw, I don’t even know where we’re going, I totally underdressed, didn’t I?”

You stopped him before he could work himself into a panic. “Clint, relax.” Your hand came up and tried to smooth out the collar of his purple button-up. (Really, he swore it had been pressed when he put it on.) “Your clothing is actually dressier than mine. Dresses just tend to add an appearance of being dressed up while secretly being as comfy as sweatpants. You won’t look out of place at all tonight.”

“I really hope you’re not just saying that,” Clint said, reaching a hand up to rub the back of his neck. “I… I really like you, and I want tonight to go well.”

“And it will,” you assured him, tucking your hand through his arm and leading the way towards the stairs. “Honestly, if you’re half as nice as I think you are, everything could go wrong tonight and I’d still want a second date.”

----------

You probably shouldn’t have said that. Jinxing and all that.

----------

“Aw, diner, no,” Clint said as the two of you stood outside the flaming inferno that had been where you’d made dinner reservations. “That wasn’t quite to plan.”

Your laughter surprised him. “No, no it wasn’t. I didn’t realize Philippe worked so hard.”

The man in question had been the main cook at the classic diner that was now up in flames. He was being checked out by paramedics after falling asleep in the kitchen and getting the oil in one of the pans too hot, starting a fire which sparked and spread shortly after you’d arrived. The diner’s owner had managed to get him out before the fire completely took over, but he’d inhaled a lot of smoke. Apparently working double shifts for two weeks had left the single father too exhausted to function. The owner Mr. Francis was blaming himself for not seeing how run-down his chef was becoming, while Philippe merely clung to his little girl Madeline and breathed from the oxygen mask one of the paramedics had thrust into his hands.

“So obviously Margie’s is out,” you said, surveying the barely-contained damage. “Know anywhere that’ll feed two slightly singed people who reek of smoke?”

“Well,” Clint paused, shuffling uncomfortably, “I do, but it’s probably not your scene.”

“Try me.”

----------

It really wasn’t your scene, but you were having too much fun to care. You’d been halfway through your second beer and third hotdog when one of the other regulars at the hole-in-the-wall bar that Clint had brought you to had challenged your date to a game of darts. Apparently Clint had never lost, and it was a tradition among the regulars for them to each try to beat him whenever he came in.

“Sorry, kid,” a guy who introduced himself as Wade had told you. “Date or no date, it’s about time someone beat your boyfriend at his own game.”

“Not my game,” Clint had insisted with a smirk, electing to ignore the boyfriend part. “Archery’s my game. You pathetic lot can’t even beat me at my hobby.”

With much laughter and teasing all around, he’d had beaten five different patrons before you’d decided it was your turn. Maybe it was the alcohol in your bloodstream or maybe it was the fun you were having, but either way, as you told Wade, “If none of you can beat him it’s time to get some fresh blood in the mix.”

“I can’t take you on,” Clint whined, “competition ruins dates.”

You leaned in, pulling your bottom lip between your teeth while giving him your best puppy eyes, internally cheering when his breath hitched.

“You sure it won’t just get us fired up for later?” you asked, dropping your voice low and making it a little breathy. The group of regulars hooted and slapped Clint on the back as he blushed a deep red.

“Come on, Hawkeye,” a big guy named Luke called out, using the nickname you’d learned they’d long ago given your date. “What, are you afraid your pretty date will wipe the floor with you?”

He paused for a moment. “Do you want to throw first or shall I?” Your reply was nearly drowned out by the cheers and whistles of the crowd, but Clint picked up his darts and stepped up to make his first throw.

A red-fletched dart hit the center of the bullseye and Clint stepped back, bowing and waving you to the official throwing mark. You gave him your best curtsy and batted your eyelashes as you stepped forward.

Thunk.

A green-fletched dart wedged aside the red one, embedding itself in the same hole in the dartboard.

The group was surprisingly quiet, Clint included, every one wide-eyed and slack-jawed. You couldn’t help but smirk a little as you stepped aside and motioned for Clint to take his spot again.

“I may have idolized a certain archer in my teens,” you whispered in his ear, “and since I didn’t have a bow I practiced my aim with darts.”

“New rule,” Clint said with a grin. “I’ll put the dart wherever I like and you have to hit the same spot I did.”

“Challenge accepted.”

Four more rounds, Clint spaced out his darts evenly. Three more rounds, you landed your dart against his on the other three sides. For the fourth round, you smirked, altered the angle of your throw, and placed your dart so it knocked his out of the board entirely, taking over its spot.

“Well,” Wade said after a moment of silence, “I think we have a new champion.”

“You were right,” Clint whispered in your ear as his arms wrapped around you, “I am feeling particularly fired up.”

----------

The two of you stood outside the door to your apartment, your back against the wall as Clint pressed into you and your mouths devoured each other.

“I can’t believe,” Clint mumbled between kisses, “that I had a date literally go up in flames and it wasn’t a deal breaker.”

You cupped your hand to his jaw, pausing for a moment and looking deep in his eyes.

“Anyone who’d give you up is an idiot.” Your jaw clenched at his self-deprecating laugh. “I’m serious, Clint. You’re kind and sweet and funny and so damn real, I can’t imagine how anyone could keep from falling for you.” You placed a much lighter kiss to his nose. “I’m already well on my way, so if you don’t think this will work out I need to know before I’m too far gone.”

No one had ever talked to him like that before, like they were a sure thing and it was actually his choice if the relationship would continue or not. Clint had already liked you, but that feeling he got when you locked eyes with him was definitely edging closer to love than he was expecting.

“I wanna see where this goes,” he finally replied, placing a soft kiss to your forehead. “I wanna do this right, because you deserve it. You deserve the world, so much more than I can give you, but if you’re willing to take a chance on me I’m not going anywhere.” He shot you a wry smile. “Other than back to my apartment, anyway. I’m gonna go shower and pretend to sleep and text you in the morning to arrange another date.”

“Or,” you offered, “you could just show up at my apartment whenever you wake up and I could feed you breakfast.”

“And if you’re still asleep?”

“Natasha has a key. I gave it to her a week ago in case I ever lock myself out. You can just come on in and make yourself at home.”

His breath caught in his throat and yup, that feeling was definitely a lot closer to love than it should be at this stage. “All right. I’ll see you tomorrow then.”

“Goodnight,” you whispered, giving him one last (hungrier than it probably should have been) kiss before slipping into your apartment.

Clint found himself whistling as he made his way across the hall and into his place, jumping when Natasha’s voice came out of the dark living room.

“You smell like smoke and beer and hotdogs. How was your date?”

“Geez, Nat,” he hissed, reaching for the light switch and bathing the room in the glow of the lone incandescent bulb. “Don’t scare me like that.”

She took in his slightly scorched and definitely sweaty appearance. “You look like you were near a fire.”

“Uh, yeah, the first place we went ended up in flames, so we went to Logan’s.”

“You took a date to Logan’s?” The censure in Natasha’s voice was unmistakable.

Clint sank into the couch with a dreamy look on his face. “Yeah, I took her to Logan’s. Nat, she beat me at darts.”

There was a moment of silence, then, “Wow. When’s the wedding?”

“Maybe next year,” Clint mused, “in the early autumn. You know, that point when leaves are turning but it hasn’t gotten too cold yet? She likes that time of year best.” He blinked. “She invited me over for breakfast tomorrow. Said you have a key?”

“Yeah, it’s the pink one in the junk drawer,” Nat said, lifting herself out of the armchair and heading down the hall towards her bedroom. “Since I now know you’re home and not in need of medical attention, I’ll be off to bed. Try to sleep sometime tonight so you don’t look like a zombie for your second date.”

The dreamy smile floated back onto Clint’s face. “Second date…”

----------

The next morning, Natasha awoke to the sound of fabric ripping and an exasperated yell of, “Aw, pants, no!” She snorted, rolled over, and went back to sleep. Clint could deal with his own mess.

Man, you were in for a wild ride with that one.

[rixxy8173571m3w1p3]

Sweater Thief

This little, platonic fic is based off @dorklyevil comic of the same name, which could be found here.

I love their comics, and they are so lovely. Please check out their art is you haven’t already. Hope you like this Dorklyevil.

____________

Today was going to be a good day. The birds were singing, the cherry blossom tree was set to bloom in a few days, and he was going to try out a couple of new recipes. Funny, Zeta-7 never thought he’d have days like this again, where he’d have plans, a reason to get out of bed, and keep busy taking care of his family; it was wonderful. As he would, he laid out his outfit of the day on the bed, which consisted of the usual brown dockers, white t-shirt, underwear, socks, and knitted sweater. And with the small ache in his back, he grabbed his towel, and went to take a shower in hopes to alleviate it.

Evil Morty waited until he heard the groan of old pipes, and running water before he moved. Full of mischievous intent, he thought of the drawers first, which were bound to hold what he was looking for. Certainly, it wasn’t necessarily evil to sneak into his adoptive grandfathers room, let alone to search through his things which he could use if need be, but it was what he did to survive. It was by some miracle he hadn’t killed Zeta-7 already, but then again, he hadn’t reason to. At least not yet.

If it ever happened that guilt dare creep up on him, then he’d push it away, and remind himself that Ricks didn’t care about Morty’s, and even if Zeta-7 cared now, it didn’t mean it would last forever. So for now, nothing mattered, and he’d have to find ways to last another day. Then, instead of finding a weapon he saw it, the sweater. Damn it, it just sat there, unassuming, simple, and innocently folded.

From afar, there was nothing so readily obvious about his wardrobe, but unlike most Rick’s, Zeta-7 made a great deal of his own sweaters; all lovingly stitched, knitted, and sewn. They were all a little bit of him, and in his mind’s eye, he wondered what they’d look like if they burned. Why, if the whole house were engulfed in flames, and no traces were left behind, then he could move on to more familiar territory. Yet, as he heard Rick singing We Are The Champions, he frowned. Maybe, there really wasn’t anything of interest here.

Though to be sure, he checked anyway. Initially, he hadn’t noticed the low temperatures of the morning, having only portaled in a few minutes before, from a dimension whose heat was hot enough to sear the flesh of any unprepared creature. Yet, when his search was inconclusive, his eyes settled on the blue sweater again. Nicely folded, smelling of lavender, it felt light to the touch, and soft in his hands. Pulling it over his head, he made off with it; forgetting his original intention due to being so terribly human

_______________

Something wasn’t right. Zeta-7 was sure he had left his sweater with the rest of the clothes, unless he had forgotten again. He was old, it wouldn’t have been extraordinary if he had left it somewhere without thinking. He searched through the drawers, closet, and about the house, but found it nowhere. He thought of asking Evil Rick, but he was busy smoking on the balcony.

Perhaps Morty would know.

__________

He could detect the movements of all those in the house. Zeta-7 wasn’t too far off, and it would be embarrassing if he had to explain himself. Then again, knowing Zeta-7, he’d easily let it go and put on another one. Yet, he was too tired for this. Evil Morty skulked, searching for an open door.

Inside the office, there was a massive chair which was only used in occasions.

It seemed that just as soon as he settled onto the chair, he heard the creak of floorboards, and the whine of an opened door; Zeta-7 was only a few feet away. Evil Morty sat deathly still, he waited for the impending doom; expecting the worst. However, most Rick’s didn’t get a chance to say two words before he blew their brains out, or could even lay a finger on him before they disintegrated, but a small part of him would regret the loss of this Rick; at least for a moment. And he breathed a sigh of relief once Zeta-7 was gone. In the quiet of the room, when he was sure no one else was coming, he relinquished to the exhaustion which had been magnified by this brief crime.

____________

“Goodmorning R-Rick.”

With raised brow, he put away his cigarettes. “Sup?”

“Have you - y-you wouldn’t have happened t-t-to see my sweater?”

Opening the fridge, he searched until he found the last light beer. “JZ, you ugh - you’ve got to be more specific.”

“The b-b-blue one.”

“I don’t - don’t know, you have one for ugh - for everyday right? It’s not like I give a crap, but ask Morty, he might know, or whatever.”

Patting Evil Ricks back, Zeta-7 made his way upstairs, knocked on Mortys door, but heard no answer. Maybe he was still sleeping, but then he heard a door close down the hall. It wasn’t Evil Ricks room since his door was always locked, which left the attic, and the office. Now in the office, there wasn’t anywhere to hide except the large chair. He thought of entering, until it dawned on him that he forgot to preheat the oven.

Later, when he noticed Morty didn’t show up for breakfast, he checked the attic, and then went back into the empty office, and just as he hoped, there was Morty, curled up, wearing his sweater, fast asleep. Like this, he didn’t seem so exasperated, and Zeta-7 could tell by the bags under his eyes, that Morty hadn’t been sleeping. Retrieving a duvet from the hallway closet, he covered up his adoptive grandson, and let him be; there was always another sweater in the closet.

[legionnaireslover]

Lots of Iceland...

Day 5: Sunday, September 16/ 18

We got a chance to see the Northern Lights tonight from a boat called the Andrea which took us out in to the North Atlantic about a half an hour outside of Reykjavík harbour.  

They gave us an opportunity to put on overall jumpsuits, which we gladly took and once kitted out properly we made our way to the upper decks to find a seat.  We met a mother and daughter couple from Manchester and chatted with them a bit until we set sail.  

Once out on the sea, we were introduced to our guide who explained about the cameras and BEGGED people not to use the flash on their cameras (but still there were some forgetting about the warning and flashes would go off every now and then!!).

About an half an hour later our guide spotted some very faint lights and the boat slowed down considerably.  He explained that there was a chance the activity would pick up in a little while and sure enough the lights began to dance a bit all around the sky to our left.  They were kind of a dull green/yellow colour and moving like a curtain sort of in waves.

The “show” calmed down after about 15 minutes and our guide explained that it could come back if we were lucky.  And sure enough it did come back - not quite as intense as the first time, but it was visible.  After that we headed back to the harbour - getting back to the apartment around 12:30 in the morning.

We decided to got right to bed because we had to get up fairly early the next morning to go on our tour of the south coast.

Day 6: Monday, September 17/18

We got up rather early and had a quick breakfast of hard boiled eggs and toast with some cheese and milk (that I had planned the day before).  Down to the pick up bus stop in record time and soon we were on our way to the BSI bus terminal to board the highway bus for our tour of the Southern coast of Iceland.  

First interesting thing was the steam outlets from the energy pumps that sends hot steam and water out to heat the homes of Iceland.  The whole area southeast of Reykjavík is VERY active in a geothermal sense.  It is covered in Lava fields that are incredibly active.  

Then it was onto a little town that is also the grave site of Bobby Fisher the chess champion.  He requested that he be buried in Iceland - the site of his victory over the Russian champ. We didn’t stop there but just caught a glimpse of the churchyard that is the location of Fisher’s grave.  

Our first stop was at a beautiful waterfall called Skogafoss.  It is abut 25 meters wide and 60 meters deep.  We were able to see a double rainbow in front of the falls and walk up VERY close to it.  We got a lot of pix of it and then it was back on the bus and on to the little village of Vik.  It was our lunch stop and the food was excellent and quick.  We had plenty of time to go exploring the beach at Vik (black sand and really rugged surf (on the grim North Atlantic).  I got a shot of some pony riders going along the beach.  Lovely.

Back on the bus and onto the famous Black Beach with its rock columns, caves and black diamond like sand.  There are some VERY huge “caves” that look like medieval cathedrals... extremely impressive and HUGE (but very shallow in a cave sense).  The basalt columns are unbelieve!  We couldn’t get enough pictures of the weird patterns they formed in the cliffsides!  The forty minute stop went by WAY too quickly and then it was onto the Eyjafjallajokull Glacier.  The volcano under the ice there is the one that caused havoc in 2010 when it erupted and cut off air travel in the area (and Europe) for a time.  Our guide knew people who were directed effected by it and gave some really interesting stories of how horribly the people’s lives were impacted by the eruption.

The hike to the glacier was very arduous and we only went about 3/4 of the way (it was very slippery and steep).  I think if we had a lot more time we could have gone all the way but we just couldn’t keep up with the younger ones.  :-))

However we did get really close to it and got some wonderful pictures as a result!  And our hiking boots really got a work out!!  It was tiring and very rewarding.  

The last place we went to was another waterfall called Seljalandsfoss.  Technically you were able to walk behind it but it was like walking through a terrific wind storm (and out guide told us it was extremely slippery) so we opted for just going up part way and then backtracking and going up a ways the other way.  Our guide also recommended that we fill out water bottle right from the waterfall’s stream.  The water quality from these glacier waterfalls is exceptionally high and safe to drink so we did fill our bottle and it was remarkably COLD and clean!  

By that time we were more than happy to rest and just bus it back to Reykjavík. It also had started to rain by then so the warm bus was very inviting!  On the way back the temperature dropped sharply and the rain turned into SNOW!!!  I got a pix of the snow on the highway!  It was thee first snow of the Icelandic winter in the Reykjavík area.  Lucky us!!

We were VERY weary when we reached Reykjavík so we got off at the Number 6 bus stop and headed to the nearest pub.  It was called Mikkeller and Friends and had some of the best craft beer in Reykjavik!  

We ordered what the server recommended and also got two of the special pizza with leeks on them.  The beer was almost sweet with a heavy citrus taste - both of us loved it (we aren’t really beer people) and the pizza was wonderful!!  

While we were sitting there a gentleman sat down at the table next to us and was just sitting alone.  He overheard me raving about how good the beer was so he ordered it too.  I leaned over and said “I hope you like the beer!  I’ll feel bad if you don’t!”  As it turned out he was an extremely interesting man, traveling alone and eager for friendly conversation.  He was widely travelled - in fact it seemed that was all he did!  He was in Iceland for the first time and staying for 4 months.  It was his first night in Iceland.  We had a wonderful time talking with him during dinner. He was from Finland and was pretty easy to understand (although he explained he had suffered some brain damage from an operation so he had trouble remembering words to use sometimes).  He loved that we were from Canada.  It made for a really interesting dinner!!  The restaurant/pub was fantastic.  Very casual but so unique!!

After we had said our goodbyes to our new dinner companion, we walked back home and prepared for our departure from Reykjavík the next morning.

Day 7: Tuesday, September 18/18

I thought I was all prepared but when it came to phoning the taxi the number didn’t work and it was a little anxiety producing.  I spotted a worker out on the street and I got on my boots and dashed out to ask him to help us.   He was GREAT!!  (And tall and “Nordic God” looking  ;-). ).  He called a cab company for me and gave me the number and instructed thee cab where to pick us up!  Minutes later the cab was there and we were on our way to the small domestic airport.  It was about a 5 minute ride and the airport is very small and compact.

Security was VERY lax.  No one checked our bags, we didn’t go through any inspection and we just wandered out to the boarding area without any one questioning us.  One guy scanned our boarding passes and then we got on the plane.  It was a turbo prop plane built by Bombardier.  I took a picture of us flying over a glacier in the central part of the country.  Thirty five minutes later we were in Akureyri where it was poring rain and quite cold.  

We got a taxi to the hotel but were WAY too early to check in.  They let us stow our luggage and that gave us a chance to explore the town a bit.  It is only about 18000 people in the village so it was pretty easy to figure things out (and the points of interest are very well marked).  Our hotel is right next door to the public swimming pool (it is HUGE!!) - so later today we are planning to go for a swim there.  We walked down to the town centre and had a great lunch in a bright little restaurant.  I had a tasting dish that included Minke whale (which isn’t on the endangered list).  My favourite was the Whale and the salted cod with capers (I love capers).  Dan had a tomato soup and a salad.  Of course we shared each other plates so both of us had a taste of everything.  

It was a very leisurely time and afterward the rain was letting up, so we headed around the downtown area and then up to the church on the hill.  When we entered there was an organ practice going on so the church was filled with beautiful music!  

About that time we decided to head back to check into our room.  We found out that our Northern Lights tour was cancelled for the night and rescheduled for tomorrow night.  Right now we are resting and then we will go over to the swimming pool and then come back and clean up to go out for dinner.  

Tomorrow we are scheduled to go on the pony ride for the afternoon (and if the weather holds we will go out Lights hunting!!  Fingers crossed!!).  Talk to you later...