#like I knew she'd knock it out of the park most likely but. How would the writing be. And I was pleasantly surprised

[lucienne-thee-librarian]

While my brain is on the topic: I genuinely cannot imagine a show like Quantum Leap being made and being what it was even ten years ago. And that is insane in the best way.

Hell, even five years ago feels possible, but like a stretch. Irl changes in actual rights are one thing:/ but I think it'd hard to overstate just how much the state of trans representation has changed, on every level, throughout the 2010s and early 2020s. Visibility isn't everything, but it truly does matter.

Like, this show has a nonbinary character, played by a nonbinary actor, in the main cast, and it's treated as the utterly normal thing it is. And Ian is not a side character brought in for brownie points with at most one character trait tops besides that. They're a genius and a clotheshorse and they're neurotic about Ziggy and too secretive sometimes and a workaholic and loyal and an alien true believer (apparently which. Honestly why NOT, this is a show where time travel and body swaps are canonically a reality. Aliens feel almost mundane in comparison) Ian is a person, not a PSA.

THAT, to me, is why, by the time the show does get around to its Big Damn Trans Episode it doesn't feel like "okay great time for Ian, or some one note trans character to get hate crimed to wring pity out of a clearly presumed cis audience because clearly nothing else will make you respect this poor unfortunate soul". It's not that feeling at ALL, even if Ian has an entire Moment talking about *spoilers* their past suicide attempt. Partly because they hired a trans writer who knew what she was doing, (that's the thing too!!! The fact that ANY trans writers are making it in should NOT be a big thing but unfortunately it is) and an actor with talent...but also the show itself had worked Ian organically into the cast, and the universe, without clearly resting the audiences entire presumed sympathy on that pain. It let us get to know them alongside the rest of the cast. Ian makes jokes about Ben exploring his gender while being in the body of a woman and nobody bats an eye.

Shows like Euphoria, whatever you want to say about it, just wouldn't have happened back when I was a kid. A trans lead character who's a romantic lead and played by an actress who's actually trans, not a cis man in drag who's praised for his Bravery for a Controversial role? And the show didn't immediately get axed after one season or less, and protested into oblivion?? And there are several others too!! Pose is so fucking good it honestly makes me sick, like we could and should have had shows like this ALL THE TIME. Even cartoons nowadays?? It feels like we're being spoiled even if it's really what should've been normal all the time, because I remember when it was a DESERT. And the tumbleweed would call passersby slurs. Like. I think if you did not grow up or see a lot of media from the 90s and even 2000s you DO NOT UNDERSTAND how bad it was. A nonbinary character much less one being treated seriously but as a human being in a show on NBC???? Most networks would've laughed that idea out of the office upon first pitch. Nevermind the question of if they would've been played by a cis man. Of course they fucking would've. More than likely anyway.

What we have now, even if there's a lot more that there could be, is something I genuinely cannot imagine ever getting greenlit this much even as far back as my childhood or young adulthood. Most trans characters if they even existed thru the 90s and even 2000s, were either playing outright into the Straight Cis Dude Got Trapped by the Eeeeevil Trans Villainess trope (who is not just a villainess for any actual wrong things she does, but specifically for Lying and Being Trans...which is given WAY more cinematic weight of disgust and outrage by the cast than her crimes lbr. Soap Dish, literally every other 90s comedy apparently for some fucking reason I'm looking at you fuckers) ...OR the Mentally Troubled villains of crime shows whose gender was mainly coding. They were well-meaning but poorly written side characters at best. And usually even those, were left unhappy and rejected, traumatized, or dead. Orange is the New Black at least let their trans woman survive and the depiction of her pain feels like it's coming from the right place. But that was still The one type of sympathetic portrayal you were likely to get. And I may not be trans, don't have my own skin in this game, but it's still so heartwarming to see. We've got to look for what good we can right now, and I'm so glad even this much has changed. It's for the best.

[evieismol]

Big Bend - Chapter Three - Roommates

Cw: language

Previous

.

.

.

Zoey

I flopped down on my new bed. It was harder than most probably would have liked, but I'd never been picky. I'd just finished unpacking, and despite it being barely past noon, I already felt exhausted. 

Then again, I'd had an eventful past twenty four hours. I'd spent more than half that time driving through Texas. I'd arrived at an entirely unfamiliar and new place, one where I didn't know anyone. 

Well, I guess I know at least one person now. Technically two. 

I thought back to my meeting with Easton the night before. After he'd gotten John, the IMA agent had gotten in touch with my supervisor, Anne, who gave me directions to the HR office. After that, she'd showed me to the employee housing dorms, informing me that my roommate would be arriving tomorrow. Today, now. I'd never actually had a random roommate before. All I presently knew about my future living partner was that her name was Penelope, and she was a vampire. 

That seemed like it boded well, at least, because while vampires weren’t actually unable to go in the sunlight, they did prefer the night, and I was something of a night owl myself. Hopefully I at least wouldn't be bothering anyone if I stayed up late reading or knitting. 

I continued to stare at my ceiling as I mulled over everything that had happened - and was about to happen. I actually found myself beginning to drift to sleep, and I might have, had it not been for a knock on my door. I sat up, sliding off my bed. Making my way to the door, I pulled it open. 

A girl about my age stood there. She had long, dark brown hair, and tan, flawless skin. Anne stood next to her. 

“Zoey! I hope you've had a chance to get settled. This is Penelope. Penelope, Zoey.” 

I extended my hand. She shook it. Her hand was cold, but not unpleasantly so. 

“It's nice to meet you,” I said. 

“You too! I think this summer is going to be so fun!” She said, excitement sparkling in her eyes. “I love your pants, by the way.” she gestured down to the patchwork pants I was wearing. 

“Well, I'll let you two get to know each other,” Anne said. She gave us both one more smile, then turned to head down the hallway. 

“So, Anne said you're also working at the gift shop?” Penelope asked, pulling her two suitcases into the room. 

I nodded. “Yeah. You too?” 

“Yep! I've never done anything like this before - gotta say, I wasn't expecting it to be so remote out here! How are you liking it so far?” 

I was already getting the impression that Penelope was far more outgoing than me. 

“It's alright,” I said. “Can I help with luggage or anything?” 

“Nah, I'm good. This is everything - I left most of my stuff at my parents for the summer. So, what brought you out here?” 

I shrugged. “Just needed a job, and I saw this one online. You?” 

That was a highly abbreviated version of the events that had led up to me working at the park, but it wasn't technically a lie. 

“My best friend Angie got a job as a park ranger here - she's been working as a ranger at different parks for like, five years now - and I wasn't doing anything this summer, so we thought it would be super fun if I applied to a job at the gift shop! Ooh, speaking of which, would you mind if she came over in a few?” 

I shook my head. “Not at all.” 

“Awesome! She's on her way over!” 

I briefly wondered what she was going to do if I'd said no, given that it seemed she'd already told Angie it was fine. I didn't dwell on it beyond mild amusement, though. Penelope was already continuing. 

“You know, I've never been to Texas before. There's just so much desert out there! Where are you from?” 

“Connecticut, originally. But I've been living in Seattle the past few years.” 

“I’ve only been there like twice, but it seemed like a cool city,” Penelope said. “What brought you over there?” 

“A relationship. It didn't work out.” 

Thankfully, Penelope seemed to pick up the reluctance in my coffee, as she pivoted away from the subject. “That sucks. Angie and I are both from Colorado. Denver. I’ve lived there pretty much my whole life. I'm pretty sure she's lived too many places to count, on the other hand.” 

Another knock on the door interrupted Penelope. She spun around. 

“That's probably her! You'll love her, she's the best!” 

Penelope opened the door. Two people stood there, both about our age. The first was a tall, slim young woman with curly black hair and dark brown skin. The second was a young man with sandy colored hair and a tan that almost matched. 

“Angie!” Penelope exclaimed, pulling the girl into a hug. Angie returned it. When they parted, she gestured to the man. 

“Do you remember Dave? I worked with him a couple years back at Yosemite.” 

“Of course I remember Dave! How have you been?” 

Dave seemed to be more on the reserved side. Especially compared to Penelope. “Can’t complain,” he said. “You?” 

“Pretty good! Oh, this is Zoey! She’s working at the gift shop too! Zoey, this is my best friend Angie, and her friend Dave.” 

“Hi,” I said. I gave what felt like an awkward wave. 

“Do you guys wanna come in?” Penelope asked. 

“Sure!” Angie accepted her invitation enthusiastically. 

“Okay, so, you guys have to tell me everything. What’s the secret mission like? How’s it going? Have you met him yet?” As Dave and Angie entered the room, Penelope asked them a barrage of questions. I, for my part, had taken a seat on my bed. I raised an eyebrow. 

“Secret mission?” 

Angie and Dave exchanged a glance. 

“It’s not really a secret mission,” Angie began. “The Park Service is…taking part in a diplomatic experiment, sorta? Maybe you heard about how they were going to hire someone from Aphiria?”

I nodded. 

“Well, higher ups thought it would be a good idea if there was a core group of humans that mostly work with said Aphirial, to give everyone some stability.” 

“And that’s them!” Penelope interjected. “So, have you met him?” 

“Yeah,” Dave said flatly. 

“What's he like?” 

“He seems nice. Uh, his name's Easton. He was like a botanist on Aphiria I guess?” Angie responded.

“Is he really that giant? Like, bigger than a Tyastron?” Penelope asked. 

“Oh yeah. Very much so,” Angie said. “I'm sure you guys will meet him sooner or later, working here.” 

“...I met him last night, actually,” I said. 

Angie looked surprised. Dave, meanwhile, had unreadable expression. If I had to guess, it was somewhere between disdain and unease. 

“How'd that go?” He asked. 

“It was kind of fortunate, really, because I was super lost when I got here, and he got John to get in touch with Annie for me. He did seem really nice.” 

“So I'm the only one who hasn't met him? Dammit!” Penelope exclaimed. 

Angie laughed. “Seriously, I'm sure you will soon enough. He's kind of hard to miss.” 

 “I didn't realize how giant Aphirials really were,” I said in agreement. “I mean, I guess that's kind of a no shit statement, because they are giants, but-” 

“It's totally different in person?” Angie guessed. 

I nodded. “Yeah.” 

“I thought the same thing,” she replied. “Which I guess is probably to be expected, cus I don't think very many of us have met an Aphirial.” 

That was probably an understatement. Not only had I not met an Aphirial, I'd never even met anyone who'd met one. As far as I knew, at least. In fact, the only times I'd heard of them prior to this were one of three places. 

The first were horror movies and stories; there was pretty much a film genre dedicated to them, and they tended to pop up in urban legends fairly frequently too. I didn't know anyone who had actually met one, but I knew plenty of people who's fourth cousin's ex-wife's disowned sister's mailman (or something of that nature) had been killed or kidnapped by one. I'd always put as much stock in those stories as I did any other urban legends, which was to say, very little. 

The second was the occasional conspiracy video that pulled up in my recommended feeds. I didn't put much stock in those either. 

The third, and probably most boring, were mentions on the news. Usually just some aside about a new political agreement or diplomatic occurrence with their planet. They seemed to mostly keep to themselves across the galaxies, and it was only recently they'd started having more formal and frequent communication with other planet. 

After last night, I was fairly sure the massive size difference played at least some role in that. Humans, and other human sized earth dwellers, had gotten lucky when we'd become space faring - it turned out that we were pretty much average sized amongst other beings. There was some variation, to be sure, but it was usually within a couple of feet. Tyastrons were already considered giants at only a fraction of the height of an Aphirial. That probably meant our resources weren't particularly tempting to them, leaving little motivation to interact with other planets for much of history. Recent various galactic alignments had finally given some motivation in terms of not wanting to be the odd one out, from what I had heard. 

“God, that sounds so cool. I can't wait to meet him.” Penelope interrupted my thoughts. “Do you think he could pick up a car? A bus? Imagine being able to pick up a bus! That would be so freaky.” 

I thought I saw Dave shift slightly at that comment, but I wasn't sure. And even if I had been, I doubted it was my place to question that. 

I did, however, find myself wondering just how he'd ended up part of this “secret mission” if the unease I sensed was related to Easton. 

Next

[punsmaster69]

8/DEC/20XX

a deep breath, and i feel a sense of nostalgia.

weird nostalgia. wouldn't go back, but i still think fondly of what happened.

the crispness of the cold air in snowdin takes me back- and i'm already reminiscing about random memories.

point to almost any rock formation along the walls of this place, and papyrus can probably tell you exactly how he's climbed it.

kicking the snow with my slippers a little bit, i remember how he used to warn me about wearing 'em outside.

—-

"YOU'LL SLIP AND FALL IN THOSE!!"

"naahh. i'll be fine."

"......"

"SEE? EVEN GRILLBY AGREES IT'S A BAD IDEA!!"

—-

for the most part, i always was fine; just had to be careful around the ice.

fortunately, it's not an issue using shortcuts; really only ever slipping a few times.

—-

"I SAID THIS WOULD HAPPEN."

"you've slipped even in your boots."

"THAT WAS A ONE-OFF ACCIDENT!"

"so was this."

sliding me across the ice until we were close enough to the snow to stand again, papyrus lifted me onto my feet once more.

"I TOLD YOU THIS WAS A TERRIBLE IDEA."

"you've gotta admit that over two weeks without slipping in these is pretty good."

"THERE'D HARDLY BE SLIPPING AT ALL IF YOU WOULD JUST PUT ON BETTER FOOTWEAR."

"these are way better."

"OBVIOUSLY NOT?! YOU 𝘑𝘜𝘚𝘛 SLIPPED!"

"but with snow boots, you have to tie 'em and whatnot."

"YOU DO THAT WITH MOST SHOES, SANS."

"not with slippers."

"YOU'RE GOING TO WEAR SLIPPERS ALL THE TIME.."

"JUST SO THAT YOU DON'T HAVE TO TIE THEM?"

"yep."

"that's the plan."

"YOUR ABILITY TO CONSISTENTLY FIND THE LAZIEST ROUTE IN EVERY ASPECT OF LIFE CONFOUNDS ME, BROTHER."

"IT'S ALMOST IMPRESSIVE."

"thanks. that's the one thing i do put effort into."

"...BEING LAZY."

"it's hard work, doing this little."

—-

ahh.

back when new bad habits of mine still surprised him.

...speakin' of bad habits.

grillby's looks like it hasn't been touched since the day we took all the important stuff up.

the most one'll find in there now is a fine layer of dust only disturbed by me brushing against some stuff.

not that the jukebox ever worked before, but i'm pretty sure it wouldn't turn on if you tried at this point.

——

already knew the librarby was empty; they gave away all the books before leaving to the surface.

took the sciencey ones, myself.

wanted the joke book too, but a certain old lady got to it first.

officially, it is hers.

unofficially, the book keeps bouncing between being in either of our possession for months at a time.

it's gained a few pages over the years, a lined-paper section at the end with a lotta skeleton and snail puns.

think paps split the cookbooks with someone, and hoarded the puzzle books.

(not like anyone else was readin' those, anyway.)

there were a couple on monster history i'm almost certain i've seen frisk with a few times, so they must've gotten those.

as charming as this little place was, the new library's got way more selection.

sorry, not library.

still librarby.

they kept the name. too iconic to change it.

even if it had been changed, we'd all continue to call it the librarby anyway.

——

many of the folks who had shops down here have taken up that same role on the surface.

the two bunnies running the inn and shop moved somewhere closer to new home city for better business.

——

in the snow, i did what i'd done a million times in the past.

i parked myself at the foot of the door which separated snowdin from the ruins.

—-

"knock, knock."

"Who's there?"

she'd say.

"cash."

"Cash who?"

"no thanks, i'm more of a walnut guy."

and i'd heard her burst out into laughter from the other side.

"Knock, knock."

"who's there?"

"Hatch."

"hatch who?"

"Oh, bless you."

then she'd laughed at her own joke hard enough to be contagious.

"knock, knock."

"Who's there?"

"canoe."

"Canoe who?"

"canoe come out here? i'm gettin' bonely."

she got a good kick out of that one, but her laughter had a tinge of sadness to it.

"...But, I am afraid not."

didn't expect any different of an answer.

always thinking it better not to ask quite why, i shrugged.

"one day, maybe."

"or not."

"you could just be mysterious door lady forever if you want."

"....."

"Knock, knock."

"who's there?"

"Peas."

"peas who?"

"Peas excuse my secretiveness. I know it can be a bit off-putting."

"everyone's got their secrets, 𝘴𝘯𝘰𝘸 problem to me if you keep a few."

"Ha! I am glad that you are so 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘭 with it."

"It is a joy to hear your 𝘤𝘰𝘰𝘭 jokes every day!"

"nice to have someone with an a-𝘥𝘰𝘰𝘳-able laugh to tell 'em to."

my slight regret about that pun immediately washed away upon hearing the laugh in question follow after it.

—-

....welp.

as fun as reminiscing has been, i've definitely left papyrus alone for far too long.

gotta spend at least a little time in the snow with him.

that's what we came back here for in the first place.

——

"WHEN DO YOU THINK IT'LL SNOW ON THE SURFACE?"

"it's supposed to get pretty cold soon, so probably not too long now."

"besides."

"if your desire for snow gets too awful bad, we'll just come down here again."

"WE SHOULD BRING FRIENDS WITH US NEXT TIME!"

"would be cool to re-visit the whole underground with everyone after all this time."

"OH!"

he sat straight up in the snow, scattering the powder around as he did so.

"YOU KNOW WHAT WE SHOULD DO?"

"what's that?"

"COME, COME! QUICKLY!!"

——

from that very same spot we all first looked in awe at our new future, me and him watched the sun set.

golden light poured over everything; sun beams warm in contrast to the town we've left once again.

"WHEN WE FIRST MOVED OUT FOR GOOD, I REALLY THOUGHT I'D MISS IT MORE."

"THOUGH, I DIDN'T EXACTLY HAVE THAT FEELING OF TRAPPED-NESS ON THE SAME LEVEL EVERYONE ELSE SEEMED TO."

"IT'S HARD TO GET BORED WHEN YOU'RE THE MOST ENTERTAINING SKELETON AROUND!"

"WITH THE COOLEST BROTHER AROUND."

"aww."

"...MAYBE I DID FEEL TRAPPED A LITTLE.. BUT IT DOESN'T MATTER ANYMORE."

"WE'RE ALL ON THE SURFACE TOGETHER, AND THAT 𝗜𝗦 WHAT MATTERS!"

when he turned to look at me, i couldn't tell whether his face was lit up more by the sun or the smile he had.

"I'M REALLY HAPPY HERE."

"me too."

[illarian-rambling]

Thanks for the tag @kaylinalexanderbooks!

Writer Questions

What is your absolute all-time favorite idea you’ve ever had?

Honestly? I think I kinda knocked it outta the park with my first short story, conceptwise at least. A wizard selling magic adderall to afford his wizard tuition will never not be funny.

Is there a question you’ve been asked in the past that really stands out to you, and you still think about sometimes?

Not a question, but a critique. My first beta reader ever once commented on a particularly weak metaphor "You started with a symphony, you can do better." Yes, it was critique, but I find it very motivational even now. I have the capacity to be a good writer, no matter how much doubt I have.

What is your favorite part of being a writer? What parts could you take or leave?

For the most part, I love all of it. I love getting to know characters, worldbuilding, watching a plot come together, and doing research. The only thing I could do without is my goldfish-brain focus.

What is your greatest motivation to write/create?

I get sad if I don't. Writing about my favorite characters is like visiting my friends.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever read or been given as a writer?

It's not that serious. Go write some shameless fluff, go write some self-indulgent angst. So long as you're writing, it doesn't have to be a timeless masterpiece. Just have fun!

What do you wish you knew when you were first starting out writing?

Outlines are your friend. You aren't a loser nerd for using outlines.

What is your favorite story you’ve written to completion? Link it if you’d like and can!

Well I have a lot of stories I've written to completion - I'm not sure which is my favorite. However, all the shorter ones are linked here, so you can decide for yourself!

Which of your characters would you say has the most controversial mindset? Why do you say so, and how do you personally feel about their ideals?

Ooo, they'd be Pash. He really, honestly believes that any action taken in the name of personal pleasure is justified. He'd beat you with a hammer to steal your boots - and then be confused at why you wouldn't do the same. In his defense, he's very much a product of his people, and a big part of his arc is outgrowing this mindset. And at least he's not hypocritical.

If you, when you first started writing, met you now, what would younger you think?

She'd be madly impressed, ngl. I've been a reader ever since I was young, and I've always told stories, but I thought writing books was for professionals. Little did I know any weirdo can pick up a pen and make a pretty bang-up book.

I'll tag @the-golden-comet @goldfinchwrites @holfelderwrites124 @saturnine-saturneight @theink-stainedfolk and anyone else who wants in :)

[ggreactionsandscenarios]

hi i really like your writing and so i was wondering if you can do rose liking another idol from a group and she ends up telling blackpink. so then everyone in blackpink teases her and tries to get her closer to reader whenever theres an award show or some kind of interaction. Thank you! plz remember to drink water throughtout the day btw <3

Rosé x Reader

Crush

"No but come on, you have to agree with me on this one: Y/N smash or pass ?"

Rosé didn't answer right away, waiting for her members answers.

None of them agreed with Lisa.

"Chaeyoung are you really going to pass on Y/N ?! I don't care we're not sisters anymore ! You can't just pass THE Y/N !"

Lisa was a bit too loud for Rosé's liking who tried to shut her up with her bare hands.

"Lisa I swear to god, you need to shut up."

Chaeyoung was very well aware that your group was in the waiting room just beside them and that you could probably hear them.

So she whispered her answer.

"Obviously smash but also like ... date, marry, have kids ..?"

Lisa's eyes grew wide, but Rosé kept her hands on her mouth, restraining her from making any noise.

"Well that is one hell of a confession Rosie."

Jennie was equally shocked by the news.

The only member that didn't seem surprised was Jisoo, she kind of already knew. She caught Chaeyoung staring at you a few times during award shows.

Rosé finally let go of Lisa's face only to be flown with questions.

"Did you talk to her ? Does she know ? Can i be your maid of honour?"

"No, no and we'll see."

At this point Rosie's cheeks were bright red just thinking about marrying you.

"Anw our Rosie Posie is blushing."

Her members were teasing her but they were mainly just happy for her. It was pretty rare for Rosé to have a crush and even for it to be worthy enough that she'd talk about it with them. You must be really special.

Their manager sadly interrupted the conversation by knocking on the door.

"Time to go girls !"

As they exited the changing room, Rosé met your eyes. You had just opened the door hoping to have a subtle peek at them before they went on stage.

You exchanged a long glance before one of your members called you.

"Y/N it's not our turn yet close the door, oh hi Rosé sunbaenim."

The girl bowed in respect and you realised you didn't, so you quickly bowed down. Rosé did the same, equally to hide her blushing cheeks than to be polite.

"Rosie ! We have to go. Hi girls sorry it's our turn. See you later."

Jennie caught her arm and pulled her to the direction of the stage.

They weren't even that far that Jennie gave a knowing look to Rosé.

"Wasn't that Y/N by any chance ? Thought you never spoke to her. You better explain."

"I didn't spoke to her so I technically didn't lie."

"Yeah well you better take the occasion when she'll get on stage sweetie".

Chaeyoung didn't even had time to say anything that they were making their entry on stage, standing next to the other groups.

"Next is Y/Gg/N !"

You got on stage still a little dazzled by your meeting with The Roseanne Park.

Your group way too close for her to be at ease, of course the pinks made her stand the nearest to you when they saw you get on stage.

You could sense her tension so you decided to make some small talk to make her at ease.

"Stressed ? I mean I'm pretty sure you're going to win if it's any help."

Lisa nudged her because she actually didn't realise you were talking to her. She was surprised though, most new girl groups are too intimidated to.

It somehow made her comfortable that you weren't treating her differently.

She still gave a panicked look at her members who just made big gestures, mouthing 'go for it !'.

"Shouldn't you be routing for yourself ?"

She blurred out.

"I am, but I'm still a blink I can't just turn that off haha."

Her eyes widened.

"How much of a blink would you say you are ?"

"A pretty big blink, why ?"

She was mortified.

"That means you saw all the memes, how am I supposed to appear cool now ...?"

You let a real laugh escape your lips at her complain.

"Why would you want to impres me ? I'm the one supposed to do that in order to get your number."

Her head snapped.

"Wait what ? You want my number ?"

Her eyes were shining from adoration at this point, you almost had to cover your eyes.

"And the winners are ..."

However the winners were about to be revealed so you had to whisper your answer before having to be quiet.

"Of course I do, I mean you're kind of my bias."

You said that with a wink right before the mcs continued.

"... BlackPink !!"

You got out of stage, letting Rosé completely dumbfounded. She'll find you backstage afterwards, she's not missing that chance.

Hey, your request is here hope you enjoy it. Stay safe 😉-Ael

[eddie-van-munson]

Warnings: Mentions of Smut (no actual), Cursing, Mentions of Blood, Bullying

Eddie's first tattoo was two little bats on his elbow. At this point, Eddie was already the town pariah, endlessly confusing and unnerving to the dull people of Hawkins. Deep down, Eddie was soft hearted. Kind. He'd taught every kid in his trailer park to ride a bike, and widow Halverson down the street knew Eddie was more than happy to mow her lawn anytime she needed. Hell, a slice of apple pie and an hour or two of conversation was payment enough. But, things were different outside of Forrest Hills.

Too many times to count, Wayne had come from work to find Eddie spitting blood into the kitchen sink, a bag of frozen peas held to his cheekbone. The whispered rumors that floated through the town only ever added fuel to the fire. One week, a PTA mom was swearing she'd Eddie seen performing a ritual sacrifice in the parking lot afterschool. Then a member of the track team claimed Eddie had been dealing coke on the playground across from the Kreel house. Next, a cheerleader was advertising that if you snuck behind the school bleachers on a Friday night, Eddie Munson would give you the best head of your life.

Those rumors were the most confusing to Eddie. He'd only ever had actual sex once, and his further experience ran thin at some over the clothes action, but nonetheless, a lot of girls were intrigued by the idea of "fucking the freak." Maybe Eddie should have just been grateful for this, but something about it made him feel like he was the butt of a joke. On the rare occasion that a girl would actually approach him, urged on by a group of her giggling friends, Eddie would ignore her. He had learned the hard way that in all likelihood, they were only trying to fill a stupid dare.

That didn't mean he didn't have fun with the rumors though. He'd always loved messing with people...leaning into the whispers just to see how outrageous they could get. It was endlessly entertaining to scandalize boring people.

The bat tattoo was evidence of this in itself. At first, it was just the two bats on Eddie's elbow. It wasn't anything super noticeable. That is, until Eddie caught wind of a whisper.

"You see the bats on his elbow? I hear he adds another bat everytime he fucks another one of the girls on the cheer team. He's already got two."

Immediately, Eddie's brain started swirling with evil little ideas. This...this would be fun. Eddie had gotten his face beat in multiple times by every one of those cheerleader's boyfriends, and high school romances never lasted long...

The first victim was Tommy Jackson, an old friend of Billy Hargrove's. His girlfriend Sarah dumped him over the weekend at a party, giving Eddie a golden opportunity to begin his fear mongering among the jocks. Monday morning, the students of Hawkins high were shocked to see a third bat etched onto Eddie's arm.

The implications sent the student body spiraling. Rumors flew like it was going out of style, but the consensus was unanimous. Tommy Jackson's girlfriend had dumped him to have a round in the sheets with the freak.

The next was Tony Andrews. Everyone knew Tony and his girlfriend had been on the rocks. The rumor mill would tell you that she had been cheating on him. Eddie's arm would tell you exactly who she was cheating with. The school was in shambles.

Tony slammed Eddie against the lockers the next morning, knocking the air clean from his lungs. "What the hell kind of game do you think you're playing, freak?"

Eddie chuckled, giving a wolfish grin, "Tony...I have no idea what you're talking about."

One by one, Eddie's arm sent every member of the football team spiraling. The best part was, the cheerleaders seemed to enjoy the attention just as much as Eddie did. The majority of them would lean into the implications of the bats, refusing to confirm or deny having had any run ins with the devil of Hawkins himself.

***

[enigmatist17]

Entropy (Part 1)

Part 1 -> Weight of the World

Part 2 -> My Sanctuary

Part 2 3

---

The jingle of a bell alerts Anya that there are customers, and the former demon sighs as she sets down the new willow root she'd just received earlier in the day.

Every time she wanted to organize, there was always someone who needed her attention.

"Greetings, welcome to the Magi—Dawn!" Anya drops her fake cheeriness at the sight of the teen, rushing over to check on the girl in case there are any injuries before giving her a small hug. "I am quite upset with you disappearing on us!"

"I'm sorry." Dawn had the decency to look ashamed, Anya's frown lasting a moment before she sighed, tucking some of Dawn's hair behind her ear.

"At least you were sensible enough to find an appropriate guardian like Angel to—Spike?" Angel she had been expecting, having called his office to reroute their arrival, but Spike she had not been. "You're...back."

"Mostly, sometimes." The normally brash man muttered his response, his coat closed around him and shoulders hunched, as he took in the Magic Box slightly dazedly. "Couldn't stay away, not now."

"Yes, I see." The bite to Anya's words didn't go unnoticed, Angel setting the sign on the door to close before locking up.

"You didn't know." Dawn sucked in a breath, the former demon glaring at nothing in particular as she moved to start counting the register. "I don't..."

"They were wise not to include me. Willow did a very dangerous spell after I kept warning her, and she must have come to the conclusion that I would have stopped them." Anya shrugged, a little forceful with her beloved register as she counted. "But yes, Buffy is back."

"Is she alright?" Angel leaned against some shelving as Dawn took a seat at a round table, Spike wandering off to another part of the shop as he mumbled to himself. Angel knew the younger man was listening in as he slowly prowled around the shop, knowing his sire would get the answers he was too wary to ask himself.

"I don't really know how to answer that, I only saw her for a moment before Rupert and Ethan took charge." Anya placed whatever money was for the bank in its bag before locking up the register, crossing the floor, and heading into the office to lock up the money for tomorrow. "I have instructions to let Dawn sleep at my place, unless you want to go home?"

"No, I don't want to see Willow or the others." Dawn shook her head, hugging her backpack tight as she looked at the floor.

"No witches around the Bit." Spike growled as he appeared behind Dawn, resting a hand on her shoulder as Anya exited her office. It was unnerving to see his eyes completely black as he watched her grab her purse and coat, Dawn reaching over to the hand on her shoulder and gently squeezing it.

"I'll drive, if you need it." Angel cleared his throat, Anya dimming the lights and motioning for Dawn to get up onto her feet, the former vengeance demon pausing before nodding.

"While my usual walk is more than sufficient, a ride tonight would be most welcome. I have banished Xander for the time being and, as such, have lost access to his car."

"I get it." Angel offered his arm with a slightly awkward smile, her arm slipping into his with her own smile. "I'm here as long as you all need me."

"Thank you very much, Angel. That is very kind of you." Dawn and Spike filed out before Angel and Anya, the shopkeeper locking up before they all headed for the parked Plymouth a block over. "I like this car."

"Thanks." Spike and Dawn settled in the backseat as the other two took the front, Anya guiding Angel to her apartment as the four sat in silence.

---

He could hear her heartbeat, as unique as a fingerprint among the several others in Rupert's complex, a sound he never thought he'd ever hear again. The door to the former Watcher's home looks darker than he remembered; Spike finally knocks after he takes a deep unneeded breath, and Giles answers the door after a solid minute.

"Spike..." The Watcher wasn't expecting to see him, clearly, the tea cup in his hand nearly falling if he hadn't reached out to catch it in the blink of an eye. "I wasn't-"

"Wasn't expectin' to come back so soon, wasn't ready." Spike shrugged, the lack of any sarcasm almost enough to knock him off balance. "Is she safe?"

"She's upstairs." Stepping back, the former Watcher motions to his right with a soft look as the vampire enters, Giles' apartment mostly unchanged from when he'd last seen it. Ethan is just rising from his spot on the couch when he looks above where Spike is standing, the warlock giving a short nod before he crosses the room to the door, pulling Giles with him out the door, and shutting it with a soft click. Drawing a slow breath, Spike moves towards the stairs, only making it to the first landing before he looks up, and the world slows to a stop.

"Effulgent..."

The word from another life is all that can define what he's looking at.

"Spike?"

She was right there, her green eyes far more haunted than he remembered focused on his, her sunshine-colored hair done up in a messy bun. He could see the outline of some bandages underneath one of the red button-up shirts he'd left behind, and his heart lurched at the thought of her injured, slowly climbing a step or two before pausing, uncertain if she wanted him closer. Her hands are on his face before he registers her moving, a thumb resting on his lips as tears begin to fall. He feels her warmth seep into his face, and slowly, Spike raises his arms to hug her close, the thumping of her heart almost drowning out everything else in the world.

Spike had memorized the sound after he'd moved into the Summers home. Its cadence was a balm when he would drift off come morning and a delight when he woke in the evening, its strong beat almost battle music when they fought on patrols together.

They stood there for an untold amount of time, Spike holding her as if she were made of glass while Buffy ran one hand through his hair, the other cupping his cheek, her thumb moving back and forth in a slow motion.

"Your hair got longer." Buffy's voice wavers as she smiles, those brilliant blue eyes now rimmed with red, looking up to focus on hers. "It's a good look on you."

"No need to lie, pet." Spike's own voice was scratchy, the vampire sounding like he was barely holding back a sob. "Hideous it is..."

"No, you never could be." Buffy leaned forward to kiss his forehead, the memory of before their fight with Glory flashing through her mind.

"I-When we make it through this, I want to try." Her voice quivers as one thumb gently rests on his lips. "I can't promise anything, but I see you trying, and it's enough for me."

"I missed you pet, so bloody much." Spike draws back with a look of complete adoration, offering a hand once he fully lets her go. She accepts it with a small smile, and he accompanies her down the stairs and to the couch, gently motioning for Buffy to sit.

"Are you going to join me?" Spike shakes his head, running a hand through his hair as he looks into her eyes before kneeling down in front of her and taking her hands into his. He frowns when his thumbs catch on relatively fresh wounds on each of her knuckles, turning her hands to see a sight that is all too familiar.

Buffy makes a weak noise, watching the vampire lean down to kiss the wounds.

"I know these." 120 years ago, the same marks were on his own hands, done from punching and clawing his way out of a box and soil to be reborn in his world of night. They shouldn't be on these hands, Buffy should not know the horror of fighting against the earth to reach the surface, and he wishes so desperately to take the pain away. "Do they hurt?"

"Not as much, Giles helped." Buffy shrugged, able to see the growing anger swirling in Spike's eyes as he studied every scab. "They'll go away soon, promise."

"They shouldn't have to." The vampire sighed as he squeezed her hands, looking up with an expression she couldn't place. "Do you need anything?"

"Just you." Spike all but melts at the words, Buffy smiling as she pulls one hand free to cup the side of his face once again. "You look so tired."

"I am, a bit." He chuckled softly, leaning into her touch with a soft purr, the noise bringing a little shine to Buffy's eyes. "You've been sleeping here?"

"Yea...Giles said Dawn was gone, and I um, I haven't faced the others, yet." Buffy chuckled nervously, dropping her hand to tug at the hem of her shirt. "It was silly, but I went to your crypt when I um, when I realized where I was? Ethan had to pry me out of your chair."

"Can't believe it's still there, been gone a while pet." Spike's lips twitched into a genuine smile at the image that popped into his head; Buffy relaxed at the gesture as she watched Spike finally get onto his feet, sitting beside her on the couch with a soft hum. Buffy found herself leaning against him almost immediately, the vampire embracing her as if reading her mind.

She can breathe for the first time since she'd been brought back.

---

Ethan, Giles, and Angel had let them be, the vampire driving the two to one of two diners in Sunnydale that were open 24/7. None of them said much as they were seated in a booth, Angel sitting across from the duo as they were given some water to start with.

"Didn't know you were back in town, Ethan." Angel didn't really remember the warlock, if he was honest. He knew he had caused a ruckus a few times for clients, but nothing too serious, save the whole Eyghon scare.

"Haven't been here long, but I've settled." The shorter man shrugged as he ordered a coffee, Giles snagging himself a tea while the waitress gave Angel a knowing look before scribbling down an order and retreating to the kitchen. "Help run the Magic Box -"

"More like operates a black market out of the basement," Giles interjected with a slight grumble. "Something I have no knowledge of, obviously."

"Obviously," Angel smirked a bit, already mentally adding Ethan for potential future aid. The three sit in silence when the waitress returns with their drinks, leaning down to whisper something in Angel's ear as she sets an opaque glass in front of him, the vampire chuckling and tucking a twenty into her apron pocket as she leaves.

"Didn't know they served vampires here." Ethan raised an eyebrow, Angel sighing in slight relief when he took a big sip.

"They serve all kinds here, forgot to pay her back for something." Angel shrugged, looking into the red liquid with a pensive look. None of them really wanted to broach the topic that seemed to lurk around their table, but the night wouldn't last forever.

"I'm going to start by saying I'm sorry." Giles looked into his rapidly disappearing tea to avoid familiar dark eyes, looking so much older than Angel had last seen him. "I allowed my trust in Willow to blind me from her increasing magic use, something that will be rectified shortly."

"You're not her babysitter." Ethan placed a hand on Rupert's knee, and the small squeeze was a balm.

"I should have seen the signs!" The Watcher hissed at no one in particular, scowling at the aged tabletop. "I was a fool."

"You're not a fool." Angel's voice was almost gentle, something the Watcher never thought he'd hear. "You're going to do something about it, and that's great because she needs your guidance."

"It won't be mine, I've already contacted a most trusted coven in Devon, and they've agreed to take her in."

"Will she go?"

"I don't know, but if she truly cares for any of us, she will."

They all sit in silence once more, sipping their drinks and listening to the late-night patrons and staff move about like the world was normal. Angel sometimes envies normal people who are able to ignore what's around them and carry on without knowing that people fight and die every day to keep them alive and safe. The day with Buffy taught him that that world could never be for him, however, and he knows that he will fight to keep them safe until his final day.

He's alright with that.

"Do you have a place to stay while you're here?" Shaken from his thoughts, Angel blinks and shrugs at Ethan.

"Not really, my main priority was to just get here. I'm assuming Willow and the others are at Buffy's home?"

"I believe so; then again, we didn't check after the screaming had finished." Angel hummed and pulled out his wallet, tossing the money for the bill down plus extra before he gets to his feet.

"They're getting out." Ethan and Rupert exchange a look before getting up to follow him out to the car, only a trembling hand betrayed Angel's thoughts as he got into the driver's seat.

---

Revello Drive was dark when a dark car pulled to a stop along the street, and Xander's car was sitting in the driveway. The curtains to the living room were open, and two people stood as they watched a third pace back and forth, their arms waving in the air in frustration. They didn't notice the trio approaching the house until the door slammed open, noises of surprise greeting Angel as he entered the familiar home with a growl. He never liked letting his demon show much when he'd been in Sunnydale, trying not to scare Buffy and her friends as he had become an ally and more, passing the best he could as a human to be kind.

Right now, he didn't care as he felt his face shift, golden eyes taking in the three nervous humans.

"We need to have a talk."

[kitkatopinions]

New rwby ep dropped V9 ep6, my thoughts, praise, and criticisms (as well as obvious spoilers) beneath the keep reading.

Praise:

I'll give it to rwby, the twist that Alyx had a brother was not expected! I'm proud of them, actually, the two falling lights and the guy in the portrait, and even the footprints in the sand, that was all well done foreshadowing! Good on them.

The blink and you'll miss it reflection of Summer in the water is well done, not a lot of attention drawn to it.

Might hate that Jaune is here, but his line delivery of things like "I was the Rusted Knight" is well done too. Perfectly captures Jaune having wanted to be that, it captured his old feelings of pride that he must've felt, while obviously still bittersweet.

The thing is that I'm half-convinced that Jaune is going to be a secret accidental antagonist, and that his story about Alyx is him being an unreliable narrator, and if that's the case then to me the scene where he talks about Alyx seems - as of right now - pretty good!

The animators are once again knocking themselves out of the park on Blake's facial expressions.

I've already said it in another post, but it deserves repeating that after ten years, rwby confirmed main characters as queer. No matter how it's done (and I talk about my problems with it below) and how badly it's been handled before, it's a point blank period good thing and every bit of rep we see on screen helps normalize it and encourage it as expected for future media.

Again, I have very little praise.... Um, the sound effects remained good? That's all I've got tbh.

Criticism:

Me seeing even a moment of Jaune's POV going through a similar thing to Ruby in the beginning of ep1 was a curse. I am sincerely starting to hate him, and that's such a sad thing because I'm one of the few rwby critics who ever liked him at all (mostly as a concept, he's been used so badly,) but I just get so sick of seeing him and now me at Jaune is like:

Honestly they really just wanted Jaune to get a time-skip and be super old but needed an excuse for why the same thing didn't happen to Team RWBY so they went with special time fruit that he picked that sent Jaune back in time in the Ever After and created himself as the rusted knight he knew from the story in a time-loop worthy of Doctor Who. But I think it's stupid as hell. Sure Jaune jus yank a clock-fruit off of a clock-tree, that sounds like a good idea. /s Sure writers, just make a clock-tree that sends Jaune back in time, that sounds like a good idea. /s

Little is still an annoying intrusion.

Weiss being into Jaune is a bad choice.

I know it's hard for these writers because Jaune fans make up like fifty percent of their most loyal fans (the other fifty are bees shippers,) but if they could stop trying to convince us that Jaune is hot that would be great. Especially because let's not forget that Jaune was a total nice guy to Weiss, bothering her when she'd made it very clear she wasn't interested and I know 'times change' or whatever but it's a bad look to have her thirsting after him now and again it's just gonna feed the more misogynistic Jaune fans.

They cut away from Jaune actually telling Team RWBY what happened of course. Why would the audience want to see characters react to things when we can just understand they had emotions off screen? /s This is just like Yang's story about landing in the Ever After, we just brush it aside, but it makes the emotions so shallow and lacking.

Ruby: "We lost Atlas and the Relic." Blake: "But we got everyone out safely." NOOOoooooo babygirl, you did not do that. Not only were tons of soldiers sacrificed to try and hold her back, but Cinder attacked citizens on that bridge and apparently they were dead in the explosion, and also the Mantle and Atlas citizens were tossed into the middle of a sandstorm and got attacked by Grimm and that last one might not something the girls know, but they know the rest and nobody protests that Blake and Jaune both just think everyone is safe? This is especially weird to me considering that they don't know that Qrow, Robyn, Maria, and Pietro are safe (and they might not be!) And Penny is literally fucking dead. Like no, you guys are just delusional tbh and at this point I legit feel like the writers are trying to manipulate their fans into thinking that what they watched wasn't actually what they watched.

Ruby: "What good is saving anybody if Salem just destroys the world anyway?" Yang: "That's how Ironwood thought." So that's boiling down the volume 7 problem to being incredibly simplistic and tbh in not a very fair way (this is acting like Ironwood didn't want to save anyone in volume 7 and it's acting like Team RWBY had any real plan in volume 7 themselves,) but it's also.... Not wrong. If Salem gets all the Relics, the world could end and kill literally every person alive, Ruby is just saying 'we should've prioritized her not getting a doomsday key because not doing that could lead to Salem KILLING EVERYONE ALIVE ON THE PLANET. Yang is acting like being slightly realistic for two seconds is being on the path of villainy!

Blake's like "Hope the Cat is okay." I understand that the girls are processing a lot, but some of them didn't even think about the Cat risking itself, risking death, after having been freaked out by the Jabberwalker, and now the most they can muster when they remembered it existed at all is "yeah hope it's okay." Shouldn't they be slightly more worried about the life of an ally?

Jaune needs to take a million chill pills. Mr. Trauma he may be but if it's a choice between him or the Cat... I'm taking the cat. And he needs to not pull a "team RWBY" and draw his weapons on people. What was he gonna do, kill the cat? Nice thought, that Jaune might want to be a cold-blooded out-of-anger murderer as well as a it's-what-she-wanted out of kindness murderer.

Weiss: "We've been following this story the whole time and it's not even true?!" Okay, let's review. They arrived in the Ever After and a couple of things that happened to Alyx also happened to them so they assumed that they were going through the story in the same way as her - which is why they played the game with the Red Prince - but then when they beat the Prince's game same as Alyx, they got wildly off track without any of them mentioning it while none of them recognized the Cat right away and encountered a whole character who didn't exist in the book and then said they were off book, and then they went to a market to get a growgurt with none of them even sort of saying Alyx had done the same iirc, And now Weiss is insisting that they have been following the story? No, they stopped doing that like two episodes ago, right? The only thing they've been trying to do in the story is just go to the Tree, and they've been relying on the Cat for that since they ran from the Prince, not the book. So why is Weiss now acting like they've been following in Alyx's footsteps the whole time? They already know the Ever After contains lots of things that weren't in the original book - like the concept of Ascencion and the Caterpillar and other things they act like they don't know about like the loop, so why are they now acting like the story not containing everything in the Ever After is new?

So because of people being mad at the Cat, either the Cat or Ever After itself put everyone in a "punderstorm" (stupid name,) which is a "physical manifestation of a mental or emotional problem" (It's implied the Cat did it, but I'm unsure.) This is another thing that isn't in the Ever After book based on the reactions of the girls, and it immediately punishes Weiss for saying its the pits? Implying that the Ever After itself is an entity with enough consciousness to be offended? Also the gag where Weiss falls through the hole and then reappears falling on her back is very Marvel, very Spongebob. Oddly enough Weiss is just like "yep my bad lol" and doesn't say something like "omg did the Ever After itself just punish me for insulting it?!"

Jaune says the only way out is to fix the problem or 'wait for the storm to pass' before he directs them to keep moving before saying that Blake and Yang must've had 'something bigger' to work out. Here's the thing with that. Yeah, Blake and Yang did have their feelings to talk to each other about, but the Ever After forces them away from the others to talk about their emotional problem, and didn't like, force Jaune and Ruby into a place where he tells her he killed Penny? It doesn't force Ruby to stand across from her teammates and tell them she can't take everything anymore and it isn't fair that she's carrying them on her shoulders? The Ever After doesn't trap Weiss until she works out her clear emotional problems about losing Atlas? The Ever After doesn't put Jaune across from the Cat until they make up again over the situation with Alyx and Lewis? Why is it that Blake and Yang get singled out? Oh yeah, because the writers are singling them out. They might as well have had the RWBY writers appear on screen and shuffle Blake and Yang away from the others while breaking the fourth wall to tell the camera Office-style that they just can't write for characters to do things naturally so please stick with 'em for this brief intermission.

Blake and Yang need to get to the platform in the middle!

It's too bad that they aren't hunters who can launch themselves into the air or have weapons that help them with that!

Yang earlier: "Wasn't Alyx bad? She lied and cheated her way through the whole book." Jaune now: "She wasn't just a little petulant, or inconsiderate. She was selfish, cruel." Either Jaune misread Alyx in the book or Yang did, lol. 'A little petulant' is a minor character flaw (and every character ought to have at least one character flaw,) being a bad example for little kids on what not to do and a liar and a cheat through the whole story is something else entirely! This is hilarious, Jaune and Yang would've been out there accusing the other of being brainless antis who didn't read the same story. XD

So Alyx poisoned Jaune and he died? He says "I was dead" So... how did he come back to life? Is he alive?

Also it's worth noting that Blake and Yang don't even call for Weiss, Ruby, or Jaune and don't act worried about them at all despite the fact that "punderstorms" and their role is clearly also not part of the book. That's not helping the 'no they do care about other people' argument tbh.

Yang: "I like that you've never been intimidated by me." No lie, when I heard this, I burst out laughing. Blake has never been intimidated by Yang? She acted like Yang would hit her because Yang chose to go on a separate mission! Blake has been animated to make worried faces all season long while she tries to patiently coax Yang into not losing her temper like one would talk to a five year old. Blake has acted hesitant to express her worries with Yang - heck, throughout most of season six, Blake was acting like she was waiting for Yang to hit her, and their 'triumphant' moment in volume six was Blake sobbingly trying to assure Yang that she wouldn't ever leave her. Again, these characters are acting like they're delusional. Yang claiming that Blake has never been intimidated by her when Blake as recently as three in-universe days ago at least was ducking her head with a sad face and hunched shoulders while she waited for a scolding looking like she feared being hit because Yang had left her... It just makes Yang look like she doesn't pay any attention to Blake really, and during their love confession, that's a very bad look!

I would so much prefer a love confession where Blake and Yang naturally just told each other how they felt or kissed in the heat of a moment or something rather than having them forced into it, not only is it very fanfic in the worst way but it's also.... Cutting it kind of close to uncomfortable. If I was forced to confess my attraction to another girl, then no matter how sure I felt about my own feelings or how sure I felt that she felt the same way, I'd be pissed off. The fact that Blake and Yang are just like "aww I think we have to tell each other how we feel uwu" and not being like "god the Ever After doesn't even know if we're out and they're forcing this on us?" is weird lol.

Blake and Yang start telepathy communicating with each other?? I think??? And neither of them reacts to it????

Also here's the thing, being completely honest when I don't ship something, the attention and focus the ship gets and the shipping scenes are annoying to me. It's the same thing with Arthur and Gwen in Merlin, it's the same thing with having to watch Aragorn kiss Arwen. It's a complaint that I don't expect or even want to be adhered to because I'm not the only person in the world and I do think Blake and Yang needed the confirmation they got (though with most ships I don't ship my problems usually extend to not thinking they're super well done,) but it did lessen my personal enjoyment of the episode that such a large chunk of it was devoted to this ship that I honestly don't really like. This would be a skip on every watch through tbh.

Jaune: "Feels like I've been waiting forever for that." Buddy, when have you talked to Blake or Yang for more than a minute? Jaune is not only like twenty years removed from this situation but has very little established closeness between either girl involved. I feel like this would be like if I went back to my hometown in ten years and saw two friends of my sister kissing and I was like "I've been waiting forever for that!"

At first I thought I liked the Celtic Women style song that plays when Blake and Yang kiss, but on my second watch of this ep, I feel like I don't.

Anyway, those are my thoughts.... 2/10 episode. Pretty bad generally.

[skboba-stars]

Their Daughters - Part I

[a small series of drabbles I wrote about the Manager Kim - Park Jincheol - Hansu Seong trio and their kids' dynamics]

[Tahoon is female in this. It'll be about Hansu reflecting on how Taehyun is and have some spoilers from the latest chapters.]

Despite Taehyun being how she usually was, Seong Hansu had never truly been worried for his daughter. He'd never had to even consider that she could get hurt. After all, Seong Taehyun was his daughter and he'd taught her well.

Even if the two of them haven't realized it yet, Hansu thought fondly on his friends. Jincheol and Kim were absolute demons to fight against and most likely stronger than the 'pre-generation' that Kim's boss liked to harp on about - he would know, being one of those 'demons' himself.

However, when he'd announced his firstborn had arrived and that the name him and So-hyun ah had picked out was Taehyun, Jincheol had laughed boisterously at how Hansu was the only one out of the three of them to have a son, Hansu had decided it would be fun to keep it a secret.

Taehoon had also decided to keep it up solely because it was incredibly amusing for her.

So-hyun had only laughed at the two of them and Haru had joined his mom in laughing at his big sister and dad.

(Honestly, Hansu was impressed that they'd guessed that Haru was a girl. Haru hadn't minded it so much back then - he only seemed to get offended when others outside of their family misgendered him. However, with how Haru had seemed to act as of late, Hansu suspected his son was trying to figure himself out.)

As Hansu relaxed as he knocked on the door to the Park residency, he chuckled as Sohyun clicked her tongue and fixed his shirt.

"At least try to dress up more neatly - even Haru got dressed well."

"Hey!" his son disagreed. Haru fidgeted with his cropped shirt as leaned back on his heels. "I'm not that badly dressed. Besides - Taehyun isn't even here. Why are you getting on my case?" He grumbled the last part and Hansu sighed and shook his head.

"Your sister's busy right now - so she'll come later. She told me she'd come a bit later." Sohyun turned to him, a question in her eyes, but as the door opened, Hansu motioned that he'd answer her question of where their daughter was later.

(Thinking back on it, he really should have picked up the damned phone.

Son or daughter, it didn't matter - Taehyun had needed his help and he hadn't been there.)

However, all Hansu did was chuckle as little Dabn opened the door and slung an arm around Haru as the family entered, Mrs. Park grinning as she saw her old friend and greeted her, Hansu himself greeting Jincheol and ignoring the vibrating of his phone.

"Shouldn't you pick that up?" Jincheol questioned as Kim came along with Minji, the two of them staring at Haru showing off their capoeira progress to the other two. Hansu sighed and shrugged.

"It's Taehyun - she'll be fine." Jincheol chuckled at that as he put away the dishes and Kim nodded as he approached them.

"Jincheol is right. It's not like Taehyun doesnt know her way through a fight. Speaking of - she called me too," Kim frowned at that and Hansu felt a sense of dread settle on him.

His daughter had called Kim and--.

No. No. She'd be fin. He knew Taehyun. He knew just how strong his daughter was - he'd seen her comfort Haru every time that So-hyun had to leave for work and how she would always assume the responsibility that had fallen on her shoulders.

He remembered how she'd brokenly pieced herself together after Dowoon's death and how he hadn't seen her actual roots in so long.

He renenberd how she'd cried when she'd been reunited with the Taesan Head's twins - how Ravi and Hwa had held onto her as the three of them were on the way to becoming legends in their own right.

And it wasn't that Hansu didn't want to pamper her like he did Haru - it wasn't like he didn't think of Taehyun as his dear daughter - but seeing other girls with their fathers, it never fit for him. It really didn't

As the evening wen't on, dread began to build up in Hansu until finally, he took out his phone to check what had happened.

Hansu's blood ran cold as he took in the multitude of messages that he could see - not from Taehyun, but from Ravi and Hwa. One twin was panicking about Taehyun going undercover (undercover? Since when had Taehyun done that... He really hadn't seen much of her recently, had he?) and the other was angry at him because apparently Hobin and Taehyun were trying to get in contact with him.

There was also a call from the kid that Taehyun had taken under her wing. Seong Yohan, if Hansu remembered properly.

Groaning, he massaged his forehead and was about to call back on one of the missed calls as he heard from near the door,

"Taehyun-ie, I'm surprised you came. And you brought - friends." The way Mrs. Park's voice became stilted, Hansu could tell it was definitely someone Taehyun had either (a) befriended, (b) beat up, (c) done both to, or (d) decided she was a better guardian figure for as compared to their most likely trashy parents - or even all of them. That happened at times as well. Worriedly, he made his way to next to So-hyun, who only stared at their daughter in shock. Well, it was to be expected - the last time she'd seen Taehyun in person was her 12th birthday and the last time she'd seen her online was a few days before Dowoon's death.

Now, Taehyun stood at about a couple of centimeters taller than his wife - whose height was at 186 centimeters herself, so nothing to scoff at. Taehyun's - no, the jacket she'd probably borrowed from Ravi - hooded leather jacket was tied around around her waist. dressed in a half-sleeved white shirt and blue jeans, her musculature on display was easily close to - and maybe even more defined than - Mrs. Park's and So-hyun's.

Pairing all of that with the black nail polish and eyeliner she'd taken to wearing and Converses that seemed to pair with her newly cut hair (it was back to black again, Hansu noted albeit the light brown highlights Taehyun had kept) , she wouldn't have even looked that different.

No, what looked odd was the tattooed boy who came up to Hansu's height that looked at Taehyun with confusion in his eyes as he supported her subtly (if anyone recognized the supporting your injured, crazy friend who somehow could fake being fine very well, it would be him and Kim).

On the other side, stood Yohan, who wore that admittedly well-designed God Dog hoodie he'd made and bent down to take off his shoes. Behind the three of them was a relatively tall young woman who seemed to be around that Yoo Hobin's height with red lip gloss and a black wolf cut, dressed in a white hoodie and black cargo pants. Hansu ignored the hint of Yamazaki tattoos on her arms as he turned to Taehyun.

Hansu didn't notice how Yohan quickly loosened the laces on Tahyun's shoes, but he definitely noticed the slight wince she did as she made her way to the couch.

With a grin, Taehyun was about to greet them as she transferred the bags she held to another hand, saying,

"Sorry I'm late, Abba - there were some things I needed to take care of. I picked up Haru's capoiera uniform on the way and that cake you asked me to pick up and-." She froze as she looked down and met her mother's eyes - So-hyun ah frozen as she stared at her daughter.

Well, this really wasn't the way Hansu had planned on breaking the news, but -.

"Taehyun, your mom will be in Korea for a few months."

[euphoriabled]

@juviepunk said: " How could you think, darlin', I'd scare so easily? " for gwen!!

The leaves, entering their alt phase, turn to vibrant reds and yellows; running far from their homes among the branches to kiss the ground and welcome Autumn back to this corner of the city. Gwen finds herself yet again in the company of her second favorite punk. (Unless she suddenly found out that he put out the album Milo Goes to College, Duncan would stay at silver for a while -- she had Suburban Home on repeat these days.) The park was quiet now that most schools had gone back in session -- and Thursday afternoons didn't typically invite most adults to the park either. The park was empty, save for a couple skaters -- and Gwen was putting up posters for a band she knew that'd be playing at a Halloween Rager. She'd already gone to her first Halloween party of the season, having asked Duncan to tag along since she only knew the host (and their cat, Gary). It wasn't that she thought he was gonna be a total coward, but she also hadn't expected Gary's owner's roommate to be a die-hard Céline Dion fan. That chick had like eight cardboard cutouts -- and that was Duncan's weird-ass-phobia, last time she checked. So, she'd spent the first hour of the house party making sure he didn't see them -- but after he teased her about something stupid, she figured she'd just let the night unfold naturally -- and if he saw them, he saw them. ❝ To be honest with you? I half-expected you to jump in my arms after seeing that. ❞  Gwen grins, ❝ But I guess it's been a while since we talked about our fears. ❞ Eight years, to be exact. It'd been eight years since they'd been sixteen -- and eight years since she was buried alive. She shivers. It isn't exactly a fond memory. ❝ I mean, hell, I nearly jumped in yours when she came out of the kitchen wearing that costume. What was it that happened-? Gary knocked fake blood off the countertop and soaked her? Haunted houses don't even scare me that bad. [...] Yeah, "Undead Dion" is one costume I never need to see again. ❞ 

[treatian]

The Chronicles of the Dark One: Domestic Battles

Chapter 80: Risky Impersonations

Belle was at home when they located the door. And she was still at home when he returned both of them to his shop after finding the door. Where she would be for the rest of the day? It was about to be inconsequential. Or at least less consequential than it had before. No, he still didn't particularly want her running off and finding Emma or driving up to the convent, but even if she learned of his lies about what had happened, he was fairly confident he could explain it all away. He could simply tell her that he knew how much it had meant to her, and he wanted her to be proud of herself and proud of him. He'd apologize, and because she believed in the good man that he wanted to be after tonight, she'd forgive him. But running into Anna and learning about tonight on the other hand, that was something far less easily explainable.

Besides, if she didn't forgive him, he still had that memory potion lying around.

"Well, Captain…off you go. You have a message to deliver."

"What I'd give to punch you in the-"

"Oh, there's no need for that," he chortled, willing him into silence. "You are about to be a hero. Is that what a hero would say?"

He willed him not to answer and therefore he didn't. He did, however, allow him to glare with a stare he was certain Hook probably thought burned him. Pity it did nothing but make him smile.

"Off you go," he urged.

At his bidding, Hook moved quickly and wordlessly out of his shop and down the street. He watched out the window as Hook looked around and spotted a yellow bug parked outside of Granny's and began to make his way towards it. Good. That meant this would be quick. Quick was something he desperately wanted because he had absolutely no intention of allowing Hook to go through this without supervision. Desperate and angry as he was, he didn't trust him not to attempt to find a loophole. And though Hook was, in his opinion, a dull, desperate man, dull and desperate men were capable of far more than it seemed sometimes.

In the back room, he found a suitcase that it would be safe to pack in just a few moments, turned it on its side, and sat down. He held the heart of Killian Jones in his hand, tight but not so tight that he squeezed. Instead, he held it just tight enough to channel his magic into it so that he could once more see through Hook's eyes and hear with his ears. He hated doing this; being inside the head of his enemy was never going to be the most pleasant of experiences, but with everything on the line like this, it gave him the peace of mind that he craved.

He watched as Hook approached Granny's dinner and shuffled in. The space was now cleaned from the mess it had been yesterday. That woman always did work fast.

"Swan!" Hook exclaimed when he spotted her in a booth with their Arendellian visitors. "Come celebrate, for I may not be the Savior, but I've just saved the day."

Emma turned to say something to the others as Hook moved to the counter for something to drink.

He sneered as he eavesdropped. This was why he didn't trust the Captain to deliver this news without supervision. It was good news for Emma and the others, joyful news! And Hook delivered it like he was on his way to a funeral.

"Okay. What, exactly, are we celebrating?" Emma asked as she moved up next to him. He poured some of the whiskey from his flask into a pair of teacups.

"The portal to Arendelle…I found it," he commented, offering Emma the cup. "So…bottoms up!"

Emma balked at him as he grabbed the other teacup, knocked the pair of them together, and then tossed it back. Emma's surprise turned suspicious.

Fuck.

"You…found a portal?" Emma questioned skeptically.

He couldn't blame her. instead of sounding haughty he just sounded irritated and angry. He was going to have to save this. Which was risky because Emma had senses that rivaled his own. She might get the feeling that he was off. But hell, he was already off! How much worse could he do?

"Well, I found Gold, and he told me where to locate one," he spoke into the heart, making the Captain's lips and voice mimic his own words. "A door in the ballroom of that lakeside mansion."

Dammit. Emma's expression didn't ease, not when Hook had brought him into the picture. He should have realized how ridiculous that sounded coming from his mouth.

"Yes," he urged quickly. "It appears that our Rumpelstiltskin has turned over a new leaf."

He made sure to say the words with a roll of the eyes and a twinge of irritation. That reaction should have been believed, at least.

"Apparently, dozens of leaves. You sure we can trust him?"

"Positive. The Crocodile truly has changed. He gave me a long-winded explanation about a portal. About how it brought the uh…Snow Queen into this land…which I don't recall, but the important thing is it works. All they have to do is walk through it."

"Then we should go!" Emma stated with sudden certainty that nearly made him sigh in relief. That was a statement of determination, of belief. She'd bought it. And now she'd get the sisters out of the way, and he wouldn't have to keep making sure to keep Belle from them. Keeping Hook from Emma though…

"Brilliant. You do that, I, alas…bruised myself during the curse. Really need to get it seen to."

He couldn't risk him going with Emma, risk his odd reluctant behavior throwing her off anymore than it already had. He couldn't babysit him all day with packing to do.

"Hey, Killian," Emma suddenly took a step closer and put her hand over his cheek so that he had no choice but to look her in the eye. He loved it when Belle did that sort of thing. At the moment, given what was at stake and Emma's abilities, it was just plain terrifying. "What's wrong? You're acting strange."

"Nothing," he whispered into the heart, forcing a smile onto his face. "I'm fine." He willed him to lean in and kiss her once. "See you around, Love."

He willed his feet to move, to leave the diner.

But he felt resistance through the bond, an understanding of what was coming for him at nightfall, and an urge to hold Emma's hand, hold her one last time, and tell her all the things he hadn't yet.

He squashed that urge; forced him to let go and retreat to somewhere he could wait for his fate in isolation.

[okaydoll1301]

10. Lost

Still continued with my favorite pair, WRU au. There's not very many female whumpees, but I definitely do like them.

In the future I'd like to show them in their normal world setting. Miles really isn't so bad there, but this kind of world really lets things go more "naturally".

TW: electric shock, dehumanization, drugging

(I'm still pretty bad at tw, so if anything is missed apologies!)

----------------------------------------------

"Not lost." Catherine said it in such a ghost of a whisper it was a wonder handler Ivan heard her at all. Her strength was returning to her, possibly because of the spite the intake papers mentioned or maybe because she knew things would only get so much worse. Her breath was deep, ragged, uneven. Her eyes were roaming and unfocused just before she closed them.  She was clinging to the edges of the pits of the darkest parts of her mind, trying so hard not to fall in, evident by the way her fingers dug so deep her fingernails were leaving indentations in the leather. He made a mental note to cut her nails the next chance he got. When she opened her eyes again, she gazed above her, the look of a dejected soul who had lost a fight that hadn’t even started. Her shoulders sank to the table with reddened lips that shook even as she brought them closed in a small pout. Ivan made another note how they’d look begging, and he wondered what array of sounds she would make. The customer had wanted an honest pet, someone who could never deny what they were ever again. It seemed this one had a history of denial. Their task was to stamp that out.

Ivan saw her eyes flickering as Glen gestured to hand him a needle, knocking Ivan out of his observation. In just a few smooth strides Glen returned to her and she balled her hands into fists and caused the table to lurch just a centimeter. The leather strained as she used every bit of her strength to pull against them, "Miles wouldn't do this to me." Her conviction didn't quite ring out, but the glare she gave Ivan was deadly.

Ivan remained passive as he watched her. How many times had he seen reactions like hers anyways? He didn't see a point in keeping count anymore.

Handler Ivan was a Senior Handler and employees weren't given a seniority title easily at WRU for good reason. Since they had expected her to be a particularly easy one he'd been sent to retrieve her from the hall and was assigned her case until his next assignment. It was a four-week training, a fraction of the time of most pets. He'd overheard the bosses stating they wanted to get her in and out quickly for the customer. Either the customer was impatient or there was some other reason, not that he was really looking to know. Based on the murderous look he was getting from her he was sure he'd eventually find out just from spending time training her. It had been clear this one was an open book the moment he had asked her for her designation in the hallway. He'd read her preliminary file. He knew she wasn't officially a pet, but the way she'd gotten flustered and reached for her master's collar like a comfort had made it so obvious she was a natural. This was going to be a walk in the park.

Squeals and exasperated grunts came from the woman fighting the leather. She was starting to sweat from her efforts and her eyes were red from tears she was futilely fighting back. Her lips were shaking, whispering words he couldn’t make out now. Glen merely smiled, the same faux expression he'd had when he'd greeted her. This time there was nothing to stop the man, usually holed away in his office, as he walked over to the table. She flinched and turned away as his fingers toyed with the bell on her collar. "She has a bit of a tolerance already. Double her dose. And prep another just in case we need to administer again." The smile faded as he regarded Catherine again. "Miles told me what a mess you were growing up." He tutted with his tongue, scolding as he accepted the stainless-steel scissors from Ivan. The grating sound of metal cutting the fabric of her clothing made her twitch. "You've been lost so long. If only we had been in your area so much earlier…you could have been spared so much confusion, Cat."

His word seemed to affect her, not the way he exposed her skin to the air like a feast laden before a ravenous beast, a hypocritical pastor claiming to guide a wayward lamb. It earned a flush of red on Catherine's face as she tensed under Glen's analyzing gaze. Ivan held Catherine's head still as Glen nearly caressed her skin with his eyes as he took the cut strips of clothing from her body. Goosebumps rose on her skin, her nipples perked to the cold of the room, leaving her to swallow the saliva that had built up in her guilt-ridden daze. Ivan lifted the needle with expertise before slamming it into her chest and causing her to scream more in alarm than pain as he plunged its contents straight into her system. In minutes her eyes were unfocused and Glen gestured for the straps to be undone. He quickly obliged, working efficiently as Catherine put up no fight and he was able to fold her in a fetal position on her side. The last of her clothing was removed until all that remained were her underwear, and of course the collar she had come in with.  All the while each move of her body the bell on the collar rang out softly, giving a soft chime in the fairly quiet room.

Catherine seemed to be trying with everything she had to turn and look at Glen, but he knew her body was too heavy and sluggish with the patented cocktail of drugs WRU had. These were fairly standard in keeping new intakes controlled. There were many ways of processing new pets and they had specific instructions for restraints to be held off until later. His eyes roved over the way she seemed to pull into herself just a little more. She had no idea how unusual her case was. Spoiled animal, to have a master so involved with a hand tailored training regimen. It resembled more of tune up even though she had never once been through their training program, never once been a pet, never once gone through the Drip. The customer had been vehemently against the Drip.

Glen continued. "Here's how it's going to go, sweetheart. You're going to take to the training like a good girl. Don’t fret though. I expect you're going to resist some of it, but only because we know you're scared. Or you can fight us and we’ll have the inevitable bend until you break. But- “, Glen took a disappointed tone, clicking his tongue, “I think you want to be a good girl for us, don’t you? We all know this is exactly where you’re meant to be, Catherine. Some training and some polish for the pet you always were. No more pretending.” There was a stillness to the room, all except for a long, drawn-out whimper from her. She shook under Ivan’s hand, like this was torment. Ivan pressed his palm firm on her collar and she shuddered, going still.

“Either way you will be such a well-behaved thing." Glen’s last words were icy as his fingers traced over the skin over hips and their eyes caught for just a moment. She avoided Glen’s gaze with a sharp aversion of her eyes, leaving Ivan to wonder if the customer had lied on the forms. Once upon a time, this woman must have known exactly what a collar meant. She must have had a designation she had never recalled, a memory wipe she wasn't aware of. There were many prone to being pets, and occasionally it seemed some came along that were born for it. It became this building’s inside joke to make it all seem more humane, something he believed watching this young woman squirm with only words and a bit of nudging.

Glen’s hand slipped down her thigh eliciting a puff of air and a cry, but she seemed unable to move away from him. The muscles in her jaw tightened and her eyes shut tight while her head shook back and forth. The tiniest no’s came from her in protest, trying to deny everything he was saying. “Ssss….st….sto-mmm. Ssssto-“ Her tongue wouldn’t work right as he lay her on her back. “Mmmm…Mii…mmass…p-p….mmss” The half sob cracked through as her tears rolled down and cascaded into her ears when her words were so slurred she couldn’t even say his name much anything else. Both Glen and he worked to lay her arms above her head and her legs straight.

Now Ivan’s hands moved solo and quickly as he blocked her view until all she could see was his face, forcing her to refocus on reality. Her eyes darted to his hands and then to his eyes, blacker than black. She tried shaking her head as he showed her a phallic gag. It wasn’t exceptionally large, but it would be girthy enough to make anything over an hour or so on strain her jaw and the length wouldn’t let her swallow without a struggle. There was no chance to protest as he thrust it with some force between her lips, stretching her jaw and the straps were locked into place with a neat little click. Her slurring no longer mattered and the drugs pumping straight into her continued to make her limbs useless as her eyesight was taken with a blindfold. With an efficiency that belied just how many he had trained he slipped an IV line into her arm and set her in for a steady line to keep her dosed on the drip system. Words were said, but with her mind spinning it would be impossible for her to make out what they were saying. “No drip, Ivan. He wants her intact. They have history.”

“It’s going to be harder that way-“ Ivan began to argue. He had thought maybe somehow Glen had convinced the customer to change his mind on the drip despite what the file said.

“He’s assured me…”

The words began to become nonsensical, heard clearly but made no sense to her. It’s like they were speaking in a foreign language, and she desperately wanted to understand. “…like to come in for…permanently …” They faded again as Catherine strained to listen, but the darkness felt all consuming. She turned her head both ways, but firm fingers made her look straight up and she heard unintelligible words in a tone that told her it would be better to stay still. She did her best, despite the tremors she couldn’t help vibrating up her entire body from fear. Her thoughts were spiraling. Had Miles left her here? Had he planned this all out? He couldn’t have. She had noticed the small things, less smiles, more demands, more motions without warmth. But there’s no way he had abandoned her here. Any moment he’d find her not outside in the hall and demand to know where she was. She was good for him. Was she not good enough?

The chime of a bell made her whimper and whine. Even with the drugs she managed to roll onto her side and inch to the edge of the table. It was the sound of it, so soft and soothing that made her misery all the more heightened. It felt so out of place in this darkness, away from home, away from everything that made her felt safe. Her breath was forced through her nose as the tears began to soak her blindfold and she sniffled to keep the snot from suffocating her. She wished she could do anything to stop them from shaking it over her, anything at all. When hands reached for her wrists, she only cried more, trying so hard to move away until she felt coolness hit her veins and her movements turned sluggish again. Her teeth bit into the gag, filling her with immediate regret when the metal sent a spark of electricity through her. Her jaw went slack immediately, but she gagged in pain and sputtered over herself losing control of her functions for a few moments as her body quaked in aftershocks.

Ivan chuckled as she recoiled from the special surprise loaded in the gag. He wasted no time putting her on her back again as she sniveled and gagged, caused spit to push through. Her knees drew up slowly only for him to push them straight again. She barely shook her uncooperative head, every move labored and pathetic with the IV in her veins. He wasted no time in putting clamps set their tightest on her nipples making her whine in alarm, but it was brief as she seemed to be trying to breathe through it.  He grinned just ever so slightly, knowing she was already familiar with these sensations -except electricity. The customer had been right. It would come in handy. What a delightful bastard.

[xaviernottheprofessor]

Meet the Family Who: Xavier and @fletchervanhall Where: Fletcher's home. When: January 25th, 2024 A/N: Xavier sees Fletcher for the first time after the gala and return from the UK. So of course, they catch up and he meets the family and they catch up some more. lots of cute things and fluff but also NSFW lol

XAVIER

Xavier had a great morning so far. Winter and Henry had made him laugh until he couldn't breathe at drop-off. He had picked up his favorite breakfast sandwich and had made time to tidy up. The cleaning crew would come by next week as scheduled but Xavier worked better in a less cluttered environment. Henry usually stuck to the play area and theater but Winter had quickly become the owner of the entire place. Everywhere he went, Xavier found makeup. Why does a 15-year-old need so much? He got her a giant makeup organizer and set it up in her bedroom. Before he knew it, it was time to meet with Fletcher. Xavier tried not to make a big deal of it because he didn't want to scare the other man with his feelings but admittedly, he was beyond excited to see him again. After showering and changing into an outfit that would hopefully catch Flether's attention. He sprayed some cologne on and then took one last look in the mirror before getting his car to drive to the address Fletcher had given him. He tried to ignore the butterflies forming in his stomach or the way he couldn't stop smiling just thinking about the tattoo artist. When he arrived, he parked his car and walked up to the entrance to ring the bell. Xavier straightened his jacket and took in a deep breath as he wondered how he'd greet him. Should he kiss him? What was the protocol? All he knew was that the moment he'd lay eyes on Fletcher, he'd probably forget it all anyway.

FLETCHER

Fletcher had a long night, mostly with Phoebe, but with Drew too. Phoebe had been fussy and at one point, Fletcher didn't know what to do. He'd changed her diaper, fed her, and held her until she'd fallen asleep, but she hadn't stayed asleep for more than twenty minutes or so before she was fussing. He'd cuddled her to his chest and shoulder, lightly bounced her and even tried softly singing to her but nothing worked. It led to him waking Drew for help, which he'd felt guilty about. Drew showed him a different position to hold Phoebe in and when Fletcher tried it, he ended up relieving Phoebe of some gas. The two men had a bit of a laugh about it but the relief helped the little girl get some sleep, allowing them to also sleep. It wasn't for very long though, before Fletcher had to get up and get her fed again--this time making sure that she was thoroughly burped. He'd fixed a late breakfast for Drew and himself, and then showered in his boxer briefs with Phoebe snuggled to his chest, knees tucked up in the fetal position. He dresses them both and helped Drew get ready for the day, all the while steadily thinking about Xavier's visit. He could admit that he liked Xavier. He liked thinking about him, talking with him, kissing him and fooling around with him. And he suspected he would like chilling with him while they watched, or didn't watch a movie. Drew had decided to make up for the lost sleep by napping, so when the doorbell rang, it was just likely to be him, Xavier and a fast-fading Phoebe. He shifted his hold on the tiny babe while padding across the floor in his socks to answer the door. One arm securely held Phoebe to his chest and shoulder where she enjoyed being the most, while his other hand turned the lock and opened the door. He smiled and softly said, "She'll be knocked out soon but if I put her down now, she'll start fussing."

XAVIER

Xavier's smile grew the moment Fletcher's opened the door and he set his sight on Phoebe. She was so tiny and beautiful that he was at a loss for words. Xavier loved kids, always spoiling his nieces and nephews, and now his foster kids. He nodded at Fletcher's words and walked right inside the home so that no cold air would run inside. "Oh, she's a beautiful little darling." He walked around Fletcher so that he could get a good glimpse of Phoebe and then waved at the half-asleep infant. She looked so comfortable and content in her dad's arms and it brought a smile to his face. Xavier then pressed a gentle kiss to Fletcher's shoulder before shrugging off his jacket and placing it on one of the couches. Xavier took a good look at Fletcher. He looked tired. "Do you need any help with anything? While you get the baby down?"

FLETCHER

Fletcher's lips lazily tugged up on one side at Xavier's reaction to the sight of Phoebe. The month-old girl really was tiny. He'd shut the door behind Xavier, keeping the warmth inside the house while Phoebe's backside was draped in a soft, fleece blanket. "She's my little tree frog," Fletcher murmured, watching the younger man peer around to Fletcher's shoulder where Phoebe's head was resting, cherub cheek squashed against a burp cloth. She had straight, dark brown wisps of hair on her head, the same color as Fletcher's. Her barely-there eyebrows were rested above her closed eyes, and her lips and tiny tongue worked in a suckling gesture despite having nothing there. Fletcher smiled softly at Xavier's kiss and then he ked the way over to the living room. "No. I've been washing some of my shirts in the baby detergent so Phoebe doesn’t get a rash or something. So I've got some clothes to fold and put up but I'll get them done later. And you're here to spend time with me, not do maid service for me." He gave Xavier a warning look and then leaned down a bit to peck his lips. There was a single basket of clean clothes--mostly Phoebe's, along with some of Fletcher's thermals and graphic tees. The TV was already on with the Roku screensaver on display. "You thirsty or hungry?" he asked, still keeping his voice low as he tugged the mobile bassinet closer to the couch.

XAVIER

Xavier kicked off his sneakers and placed them to the side, close to the entrance of the house. "Little tree frog. That's adorable." He grinned, making his way back to Fletcher and the baby so that he could admire her a bit more. He wouldn't dare touch her or anything not until he washed his hands and not while her father was trying to get her to fall asleep. He watched the two thinking about the love that was shared between the two. Fletcher was a natural. "Gosh, to think they start off so small...a tiny little princess." He whispered and watched as Phoebe rested. He followed Fletcher into the living room. "I can help with those perhaps?" But his words were cut short by Fletcher's words. Xavier could not help but chuckle softly at that only for the laugh to be cut short by Fletcher's kiss. A smile appeared on Xavier's face and he shook his head at the question. "Oh no, I'm alright. But thank you for offering." He moved to sit on the couch. "How long does she go down for at this hour?

FLETCHER

Fletcher smiled a little at Xavier's reaction to his nickname for Phoebe. "Yeah, it's wild. When she was I'm the NICU I couldn't get over how fuckin' small she was. She's still small but growing." He shifted his hold on Phoebe to better lay her down when the time came, but the more he eyed the bassinet, the more he thought she wouldn't sleep as long. He wanted her to get a good nap in and knew she slept best either in his arms or in her cosleeper upstairs. Since he was also trying to spend time with Xavier, Fletcher changed his mind on them hanging out in the living room. Following the kiss, he reiterated, "Yeah, you're not helping with that so put that outta your mind." Bending his knees slightly, he picked up the remote from the armrest and turned the TV off. "Slight change of plans. C'mon," he said, still keep his voice low as he led the way to the stairs and down the hallway to his bedroom. He glanced over to Xavier and answered, "If we stayed down there and she slept in that bassinet? Maybe forty-five minutes. But if she sleeps on me or in her cosleeper, she'll sleep a good two hours before waking up wet and hungry." He pushed his partially open bedroom door wider with his free shoulder, revealing his room to Xavier. His queen-sized bed was covered in black and dark gray bedding with the comforter pushed to one side from Fletcher getting up earlier that day. Phoebe's cosleeper was secured on one side near Fletcher's night stand. The room's only window had gray blackout curtains draped over them and were partially open. Beneath the window sat a low dresser, atop sat a TV, a PS4, and various care items for Phoebe.

His closet took up the width of the wall space next to his door; one sliding door was drawn back but the bulk of the clothes that could be seen hanging from within were Phoebe's, suspended from small baby hangers. The floor of the closet had various styles of shoes thar belonged to Fletcher, and in front of the closed half of the closet stood Dumbo's cage, currently empty due to him being at The Ink Tank. "Make yourself comfortable," Fletcher encouraged, padding around the front of the bed to the far side so that he could lay Phoebe in her cosleeper.

XAVIER

Xavier listened to Fletcher talk about his daughter. It was endearing how smitten he was with his child but who could blame him? Phoebe was a doll. "It's so scary when they're so teeny, yeah? Afraid of doing the wrong thing, holding them the wrong way. My brother has twins and they were born early so they were tiny as well. I remember holding them both and it felt like I was holding paper." He smiled. She looks like you. Has your hair. Your features" He watched them both and then held his hands up in surrender. He wouldn't be folding laundry today. At the change of plans, he nodded, leaving his jacket on the couch and following Fletcher. Xavier held the door for Fletcher as he pushed it open with his shoulder and waited for the new dad to walk in with the baby. Once in the room, he looked around, a smile on his face as he took in the space. Xavier moved to sit on the foot of the bed and watched Fletcher place Phoebe in her co-sleeper. "She's so perfect, Fletcher. Congratulations. Truly." Xavier kept his voice down, not wanting to wake her up. He glanced over to them and smiled as the little one snuggled up in her sleeping area. He thought about how quickly Fletcher had to adapt to fatherhood and how that already made him better than most parents. In that vein of thought, Xavier mused over how much of a big deal this probably was to the older man. He was allowing Xavier to meet his daughter and that in itself made Xavier feel lucky. "You know, seeing you as a dad is very sweet. She adores you and you, her."

FLETCHER

"Mhm. They're strong in a lot of ways, but so damn helpless and vulnerable at the same time." He appreciated Xavier ceding to letting the laundry be while he was there. Sure, Fletcher was tired but he would get it done and knew he hadn't invited Xavier to do anything of the sort. "How old are your brother's kids?" he asked. Once in his room, Fletcher situated Phoebe in her cosleeper, tugging a pink and purple receiving blanket off his pillow to swaddle the little girl in. He wasn't the best at swaddling despite watching the NICU nurses several times, but ultimately, he got the blanket tucked around his little girl. As soon as she was secured, he stretched out onto the bed, reaching for the TV remote off his nightstand. "Thanks," he said with a sleepy smile, rubbing an eye with the heel of his palm. Sitting up, he tugged on Xavier's arm indicating for him to join him near the pillows instead of the foot of the bed. "It’s still new to me, but I'm doing my best and loving the hell out of her along the way." He turned the TV on and another Roku screensaver appeared. "What do you feel like watching, or not watching?"

XAVIER

"Clayton's twins are three and a half now. They're amazing. Kind and special like their parents. Super intelligent too." He grinned thinking about his nephew and niece. "Proper little children. They throw one helluva tea party." Xavier chuckled softly. He adored those kids just as much as he adored his own. "Oh, I can see that." Xavier glanced over his shoulder as he felt himself being pulled in Fletcher's direction. He moved back and closer to the other, lifting his arm to place it around Fletcher's shoulder. This felt nice. Right. "I'm down for whatever. Something dumb we don't need to pay any attention to. I'd much rather give that to you." Perhaps it came off flirtatious but he meant that whole-heartedly. Talking to Fletcher every night and any time they had a chance had left him with wanting to learn more if not everything he could learn about the other man. He pulled him as close as possible and smiled, letting his socked foot tap Fletcher's. "Surprise me."

FLETCHER

"And like their uncle," Fletcher added, hearing how old Xavier's niece and nephew were and what they were like. "And they're all back in the UK?" he asked, knowing Xavier mentioned visiting family while he was there recently.

Fletcher shifted a bit when Xavier joined him by the pillows. He rested his head on Xavier's chest and looked to the TV, lifting the remote to get to the home page. After hearing Xavier's answer, he gave a thoughtful grunt and then began searching through the different streaming channels until he landed on Hulu. He'd gone to his own profile and then searched through until he found what he was looking for. In no time, Fletcher was hitting "Watch Now" to Hook. And then he reached across Xavier's middle, dropping the remote and leaving his arm draped across Xavier's torso. "Surprise," he joked in a low, even tone.

XAVIER

He ducked his head at the comment and grinned. "Yes, I suppose. They are. I have no family here. I try to see them as much as I can and they come here too. Clayton and Athena, my sister-in-law enjoy coming out to the states." Xavier rested his chin gently on top of Fletcher's head, a small smile appearing on his face as they cuddled up together. He watched the television as Fletcher browsed for a program but his mind was mostly blank. At that moment, he could only think about how nice this all felt and how easy it felt too. When Hook was chosen, Xavier chuckled a bit, his chest rising and falling underneath Fletcher. "I should have known. I've seen Hook a few times and it never gets old." He slowly massaged Fletcher's back with the palm of his hand before his fingers began to trace circles there. The fingers on his other hand, teased Fletcher's fingertips, grazing them softly but not interlocking. "Robin Williams...what a gift..." It was good that he knew the movie well enough to make shit up as he went because he needed to say anything to not look overly consumed by their light and intentional touches.

FLETCHER

"Is that hard, or is it alright since you all still visit each other?" Fletcher asked. It sounded like Xavier was very close to his family despite being on 2 different continents. Outside of his uncle, and Emiliana and Rodrigo who were extended family for him, he couldn't relate. Still, he admired Xavier having that kind of relationship with his family. Fletcher was enjoying the closeness and gentle caresses from Xavier as well as listening to the vibrations of his voice when he spoke. "It's one of my favorite movies. I could recite it line for line." He smiled lazily at the movements of Xavier's fingers. "Yeah, we sure as hell didn't deserve him." Carefully, he moved to sit up a little, just enough for him to turn his head and kiss Xavier's lips for a little while. He'd cupped a hand to Xaiver's cheek and relished in the feeling of their lips on each other's, and when it seemed like they both could use some air, he reluctantly pulled away, snagging a few pecks and then the corner of Xavier's lips before slipping back down a little in the bed to rest against his chest. His fingers found Xavier's as he draped his arm across the younger man's fit body and wove his fingers between Xavier's. As he'd done this, he was half-heartedly humming along to the school play music coming from the movie.

XAVIER

"It can be hard. My mum. Well, she's sick." He smiled softly. "Let me rephrase. She's better now. If I were in London I'd be taking care of her. We're very close all of us. My last trip was because she got to ring her bell at the hospital. Remission. I wanted to be there with her." Xavier cleared his throat softly and then sighed. He hasn't told anyone about his mother. She'd kill him if she knew. She hated pity and she hated that her kids were sad at all over it but he'd told her many times before that it was impossible not to be sad. "So, it's very nice seeing you take on this giant responsibility and act of love for your uncle. It's lovely." When Fletcher spoke about his love for the movie, Xavier couldn't help but find that piece of information endearing. "That's cute." He smiled and nodded in agreement. "Agreed." The comedian kissed the top of Fletcher's hair only for the older man to shift slightly to face him. Xavier brushed Fletcher's hair with his fingers and for a few seconds, he admired the other's face. He returned the kiss, allowing himself to get lost in the moment just like the last time and the time before. He laughed softly when Fletcher pecked the corner of his mouth and he stole a few kisses of his own before the other was back to resting on Xavier's chest. His heart was racing, full of desire to stay wrapped up this way for as long as possible. When their fingers finally laced together, Xavier brought Fletcher's hand to his lips so that he could kiss his knuckles. He smiled to himself, listening to Fletcher's humming.

FLETCHER

Fletcher listened to Xavier and made sure his eyes were on the Brit particularly after Xavier told him that his mother had been ill. "Well shit. I'm glad she's in remission. I bet she was really happy having you home for a little while." Hearing Xavier, he then said, "Thanks. There's no way I would've left my uncle high and dry or fully trusted his care to someone else. Oh, and yeah, I guess I love the guy too." He added that last part with a few light twitches at his lips. Fletcher hadn't minded partially tuning out from the movie for a little while and instead making out with Xavier for a little bit. He was tired, sure, but he was also very distracted by the smell of Xavier's cologne and the feel of his soft, full lips. Xavier's fingers in his hair had quickly become a favorite gesture that made his heart rate pick up slightly. He was enjoying all the reactions his body would have to the Xavier, even when he was sleep-deprived. After their bit of making out and the extra kisses they'd given each other, he was content being cuddled up to the younger man's side. Shutting his eyes, he was telling himself not to fall asleep but had a feeling he might lose that internal battle. Without opening said eyes, he murmured, "Do me a favor. If I fall asleep, don't let me sleep longer than the baby, okay?" Fletcher was a light sleeper so if Phoebe woke up crying, he would wake in an instant.

XAVIER

Xavier smiled listening to Fletcher. It really was such a huge green flag that he took care of Drew and Phoebe. It meant that he knew and kept his priorities straight. Xavier continued playing with Fletcher’s hair as the other seemed to get quieter. He wasn’t really focusing on the movie. His thoughts were elsewhere, mostly on the fact that he wouldn’t mind being more than just “lovers” someday and hopeful that that is where they were going. The idea that maybe it may never go there did arise in his mind and while he didn’t want to dwell on that. Xavier looked down at the other when he spoke again and nodded. “You got it.” He wasn’t sleepy so he wouldn’t be joining Fletcher on his nap but Xavier was glad that the older man was going to rest. He kissed the top of his hair and then continued massaging him there. “Hey…” he whispered once he felt that Fletcher was completely silent. When he didn’t move, Xavier glanced down and caught a glimpse of the sleeping man. A soft smile pulled at his lips. Xavier remained cuddled up with Fletcher, reaching for the controller to lower the volume a bit. He looked over to Phoebe to make sure she was still asleep and whispered. “Sleep well, princess.” He remembered that Fletcher needed to be at work in a couple of hours and subtracted an hour for him to get ready, look after the baby, and feed her or whatever he needed to do. He reached for his phone in his pocket and set up an alarm in case neither of them woke up in time. After about twenty minutes of Xavier waiting for Fletcher to be deeply asleep, he gently shifted so the man was comfortable on a pillow and Xavier was able to get up. He placed the black sheet over him and smiled, taking one more look at Phoebe. “Just getting some water.” Xavier whisperers before he’s off to the kitchen but he ran into another man which startled him. “Oh my, I’m so sorry.” Xavier chuckled softly. “Hello, sir. I’m Xavier. Fletcher’s friend. You must be his uncle Drew?” He extended his hand

FLETCHER

Fletcher felt oddly soothed by the way Xavier was playing with his dark locks. It momentarily reminded Fletcher that he needed to pay Kendra a visit for a haircut but for the time being, he was enjoying all the sweet caresses near his scalp. Eyes still shut, he was listening to the movie and was able to visualize what was happening as he heard it progress. But at some point, before Tinkerbell had taken Peter back to Neverland, Fletcher had fallen asleep. His chest rose and fell in slow, even breaths and once he was in a deep enough sleep, he'd begun lightly snoring. Xavier's shift out of the bed made him stir a little but he settled back into his sleep, arm draped across the cool pillow that now replaced the warmth of his lover's body. Meanwhile, across the hall from Fletcher's room, right next to the upstairs bathroom, Drew emerged from his own nap, feeling more rested and contemplating some work in his garden before the rain returned later on. He'd checked the time on his watch and knew Emiliana would be coming over in another hour or 2 before Fletcher left for the shop. With his cane in hand, he carefully made his way downstairs to the kitchen to help himself to some tea. On his good days, he could manage well enough with the electric kettle. But as he stood in the kitchen, he heard footsteps coming down the stairs and heading his way, assuming it to be Fletcher. But when he looked up, it most certainly wasn't his nephew. For a split second, Drew was prepared to use his cane as a weapon but before the idea could go beyond thought, he remembered Fletcher telling him about his "friend" coming by. He hadn’t expected the accent and raised his brows a little bit but shifted his cane from his right hand to his left to shake his hand--his eyes looking up at Xavier. "I am. Just Drew's fine though. And you must be more than his friend if you're coming from upstairs. Fletcher's bedroom if I had to guess." The expression on his face said, 'I dare you to tell me I'm wrong.'

XAVIER

“Drew. Got it.” Xavier smiled at the man shaking his hand and feeling slightly nervous. He withdrew his hand and then chuckled as he scratched his brow. “Well, I suppose we’re figuring that part out. More than friends is a fair assumption.” He grinned at the man. “He fell asleep, didn’t have the heart to wake him and the baby is asleep too. He looked tired. I have an alarm on my phone since he has to be up to get ready for work in about an hour. “ Xavier then added, “You have a lovely home, Drew.” He noticed the electric kettle and wondered if Drew would join him for a light lunch. He’d make sure to get enough for everyone. “I was going to order lunch for all of us. Please say you’ll join?”

FLETCHER

Drew listened to Xavier and nodded, not prying further at the moment into his nephew's relationship with the man before him. "Thanks for letting him sleep. This is all new for him and he's doing great but that need for sleep's important." Drew had no idea if Fletcher had told Xavier about their night and Phoebe's tummy troubles but he was grateful to the young man for allowing Fletcher to get sleep. "Thanks. Fletcher already show you around?" he replied to the compliment about his home. "I do love it here." While the kettle was heating water, Drew reached for the container of tea bags on the counter and started looking through the different kinds. "Depends on what you're ordering," he joked dryly, turning his gaze back to Xavier with a slow-forming smile. "I'd be happy to. Besides, we can get to know each other more while Fletcher's sleeping." His gaze went back to the container, fingering through the packets slowly until he plucked a chamomile one and started to tear it open. "So tell me about yourself, Xavier."

XAVIER

"Oh absolutely! Whenever he can get it, he definitely should." Xavier shook his head at Drew's question. "Well, no not quite but I like what I have seen! As soon as I walked in it was my first thought." He pulled out his phone and searched for the Postmates app. "Well, there are plenty of options and I'm sure we will agree on something!" He grinned. "I know Fletcher is a fan of Mexican. What do you think, Drew?" Xavier nodded his agreement. "That's exactly what I was thinking!" The comedian leaned against the wall, placing his phone on the counter until they decided. "Well, I'm originally from New York but was raised in London so I have a double nationality. I live here in San Francisco. Currently fostering two children. I enjoy long walks on the beach..naw just kidding." He chuckled. "I studied in London and eventually moved to California with my best friend. Fletcher is a friend of a lot of my friends so we ran in the same circles just never quite spoke to one another. Until recently. What about you? And you're welcome to ask me any questions you'd like.

FLETCHER

"Glad you understand that." Drew asked. He put his newly open tea bag on the counter and carefully poured the hot water from the electric kettle into his mug. He was slow so not to make a mess with his somewhat unsteady hand. "Mexican's not bad. He likes barbecue too, so if you're going with one of his favorites, either of those'll do. But he's a goddamn Hoover vacuum so if you dont go with one of those, he's bound to eat it anyway." Drew shrugged, setting the kettle back down and dropping the tea bag inside the nearly full mug. He left it on the counter so the drink could become nice and strong. Turning his back to the counter, Drew listened to Xavier and leaned on the cane. He listened to Xavier share a little about himself. Xavier answered one of the questions Drew was going to ask, which was if he'd had any kids. But he appreciated that he was fostering. The joke made him faintly chuckle once and roll his eyes. And when Xavier finished, Drew nodded. He turned a little, enough for him to dip and plunge the tea bag in and out of the surface of browning water. "I dunno if there's much to tell about me. Served in the Air Force and moved around a few times before settling in San Francisco after I was discharged. Worked some odd jobs while getting into the tattoo business. Eventually took a gamble and opened my own shop--The Ink Tank. Ran it up until about ten years ago when I got my diagnosis. I'm guessing Fletcher told you about that." He hadn't asked but merely assumed given Xavier's presence in his home. Shoulders shrugging once, he then said, "Now my life's gardening, physical therapy and enjoying my home and early retirement as much as I can." He picked up the mug around its now warm body and made his way to the kitchen table to sit. "I've got two kids--other than Fletcher. But we're not close." He'd left it at that, not being much of a fan of discussing his children's estrangement.

XAVIER

Xavier flashed the older man a smile and nodded. He wanted Fletcher to be well-rested and he wouldn't get in the way of that. "Ohh barbecue sounds nice. What are some of your favorite dishes from both?" Xavier figured if he ordered something of everything, everyone could pig in. He chuckled a the mention of Fletcher being a Hoover. "Well that's good, I like someone that can eat. Am I right?" He looked up at the man after beginning orders at two different locations, waiting for Drew to tell him some of his favorites. Xavier listened intently to Drew as he spoke about his life and gave away some details. This was nice. Xavier could see why Fletcher cared so much about his uncle Even hearing how he included Fletcher as one of his children made him happy. It reminded him of how quickly his parents took in him and Clayton. "Yeah, Fletcher has told me. I tell him that he's lucky to have you and you him." He offered the man a smile. "Gardening is nice though! I have a friend who's an expert in flowers and botany. They've helped me appreciate it. When the weather is nicer, I'd love to see it." Xavier walked over to the table with Drew and pulled the chair for the other man, waiting for him to sit to join him. "Am I ordering for four right? I think Fletcher mentioned Emiliana coming to help with Phoebe while he worked?"

FLETCHER

"I'll tell you on the condition that the next time you're in my house, you let us be the ones to feed you and not the other way around. And by us, I mean Fletcher," Drew said with a light smile despite his naturally gruff voice. "If that's a big qualifier then you've got a good eye with my nephew." Thinking about what he liked though, he said, "Sopas for Mexican. Brisket for barbecue." He accepted the chair pulled out for him with a, "Thanks," and after telling a little about himself to Xavier, he said, "Yeah, I was gonna go out there today but I guess Mother Nature had other plans." It was just as well, considering how much he ended up trying to catch up on sleep earlier. As he brought his mug to his lips, he focused on being careful but heard Xavier's question and looked overhead at the clock on the wall. "Yeah. She'll probably be here soon. Might even have some food with her since she's notorious for feeding us too." Leaning in a little he asked, "Did somebody tattoo 'helpless' or 'invalid' on mine and Fletcher's foreheads when we weren't looking?" He took a beat and then smiled a little behind his sip at his own joke.

XAVIER

"That sounds like a solid little pact there. Let's see if I continue falling in your nephew's good graces." He chuckled. and added a few more things to each cart for both choices including some vegetarian choices for himself. "It is! I love to cook and eat as well so I need someone who could keep up." He grinned at Drew. "Sopas, yum. Alright, I see you, Drew. Good choices." "I joke that every time I visit family in the UK, I bring the weather with me. Too bad." he chuckled at the mention of Rodrigo's mother feeding them both. "That just means she loves you both. It's a love language of its own." He leaned in as well as if he was about to listen to some giant secret and then chuckled at the words that had come out of Drew's mouth. "Nah, you just happen to find two people in the world that don't mind feeding you. but next time, Fletcher better be ready to cook up something good for yours truly." He smirked and then sent off the orders. "20 minutes."

FLETCHER

"If you're here at the house, then you're in his good graces," Drew assured, taking a sip of his hot tea. He listened and said, "Tell me what you like to cook." He nodded with a light smile at Xavier's reaction about his favorite Mexican dish, and went on to explain how Emiliana's cooking has spoiled him over the years. He waved off the explanation about Emiliana's love language with an, "I know." He sipped some more tea after posing his question to Xavier and then lightly chuckled a couple times. "Don't worry, he's actually decent in the kitchen and hasn't let me go hungry. Yet." ----

Fletcher woke to the sound of light stirring coos coming from his right. He was familiar now with the way that Phoebe would gear up for a good cry and would sometimes try to beat her to it. Rubbing the bleary vision from his eyes, he sat up and leaned over the cosleeper, bringing his daughter close. "Hey, tree frog. You're okay. You're okay," he softly croaked--the sleep sounding in his voice as he stood with the little girl in his arms. He'd reached over for the remote to shut the TV off, thinking about Xavier and wondering where he was. Did he end up leaving since Fletcher had fallen asleep? He would reach out to the younger man before going to work. For the time being, he changed Phoebe's diaper, and then changed his own clothes to an outfit mor efitting for work. With Phoebe more settled, he decided to take her downstairs and prepare a bottle for her so that she would be plenty content by the time Emiliana arrived. When he got near the kitchen though, he'd been surprised by the scene he'd ended up silently peering in on.

XAVIER

Xavier nodded silently at Drew's response, not wanting to think too much of it but also not being able to help the fluttering his body felt learning that being invited over was probably a big deal for Fletcher. Still, he needed to be careful with those feelings especially since it was so early on in his relationship with Fletcher and he didn't want to make matters weird between them. "I love to grill which is funny because I'm a vegetarian but I do love to have people over for a good cook-out. I also like to cook Italian and I've been learning a lot of Korean cuisine for my kids." He grinned. "Still a little rusty but they seem to like it." He chuckled again. "Well, I can't wait to try his food someday." After the food had arrived and Xavier had set out the different dishes, he passed Drew's orders to him along with some utensils, a Mexican cola, and some hot sauce. He had been enjoying the company, laughing at Drew's quips. He hoped Fletcher would enjoy what Xavier chose for him and looked at his watch to make sure the timer wasn't close to being up. He realized Fletcher still had time and fell right back into the conversation, not noticing that Fletcher had been watching for a few minutes. That is until Phoebe cooed. Xavier looked over his shoulder with a smile. "Hey, you. Sleep well?"

FLETCHER

Fletcher was listening to the conversation between his uncle and his lover, all while soothing Phoebe with gentle rocking by shifting his weight from one foot to the other without them leaving the ground. It was a sight that truly warmed Fletcher's heart. He'd momentarily zeroed in on the good they were exchanging and eating but his main focus had been on the two of them seeming to behave as though they had known each other for more than an hour or so. His uncle was like that with people though; he was beloved in their community and he suspected Xavier was similar. The man had charmed him after all, and continued to do so. When Phoebe cooed into his shoulder, he knew he'd be spotted. His uncle glanced up mid-bite and gave him a nod in greeting and then went back to eating. Fletcher tipped his chin once in response and then looked to Xavier as he entered the room, "Hey. Yeah, I did, thanks. But this rugrat was hungry. And wet. And she rules the roost now, so here we are." He rubbed an eye absent-mindedly while going over to the electric kettle and finding there was already some water in it--enough for a bottle."Did Emiliana call or text?" As he began to warm the water a little more, he took down the formula container and a clean bottle from the small dish rack next to the sink, going through the familiar motions one-handed. He picked up the kettle off the base before the water could get too hot and tested the temp while asking Xavier with his back still to the other two men, "What'd you get us?" in reference to the spread on the table.

XAVIER

"She's the princess of this castle now." Xavier smiled, still looking up at Fletcher. He wondered if he had the same adoring eyes he had when they were upstairs and if it was obvious how happy he was to see him even though they were under the same roof. "I've got a little bit of everything. Some tacos, flautas, elote, and tres leches from Gallardos and pulled pork, brisket, Louisiana hot links, some sides ...err let me look here. Oh okay, coleslaw, baked beans, mac and cheese, collard greens, and candied sweet potato from City Smoke House. Also some vegetarian mains if you're interested." Xavier then added some sweet potatoes to his dish. "How's the sopa, Drew?" He raised his Mexican cola to tap it against the older man's. "Oh, and cola too. Do you want me to take the baby for a little so you can eat. I can help with her bottle?" Xavier looked over his shoulder when he heard the door in the distance. That was probably Emiliana. "Honey, I'm home!" He heard a laugh following the announcement and the shuffling of shoes. "Remind me again, never to wear these darn rain boots. They're heavier than I am, I swear. Ah yes, I can feel my toes, again. I went to the store, got some ice cream, and picked up more groceries since the food here lasts a day here max. I also made fried platanos for a snack later. Am I talking to the wall? Is anyone ho--oh!" She walked into the kitchen, cheeks now red as her top. "I apologize, I completely forgot we'd have a guest. How are my boys and my beautiful pumpkin?" She placed the groceries on the counter before she tied her dark hair into a bun and then leaned to kiss Drew on the cheek, smiling at Xavier. Emiliana then kissed Fletcher's cheek and quickly washed her hands so she can help him when he was ready. "I saw you on television last week. Xavier, right? The sketch with the Latina mom was funny! Relatable. Fletcher, introduce me to your friend." She hip-checked the man she saw as a son and smiled.

FLETCHER

Fletcher's mouth slowly fell open, not initially realizing just how much food was spread out on the table until Xavier continued naming off more and more items. Referring back to Hook, when Xavier finished, Fletcher said, "All my favorite Never-foods." He threw a smirk over his shoulder and then scooped some formula and poured the heated water into the bottle. "Nah, keep enjoying yourself. I got her. But thanks." "Your friend here's good people," Drew said to his nephew, gathering some more of the sopes on his fork. "I know," replied Fletcher, finger pressed on the bottle nipple while he turned around and shook it. He set it down long enough to adjust his hold on Phoebe, cradling her in one arm and holding the bottle to her small lips to take it in her mouth. As she got going, Fletcher heard Emiliana enter the house and looked in the direction of the kitchen entrance. He chuckled at the abrupt stop to her introductory comments and then said, "Hey. We're good. Pheebs and I just got up from a nap a little while ago." He'd leaned into Emiliana's kiss to the cheek and then opened his mouth to speak again but Emiliana beat him to it. "You've gotta let me get a word in to do that," he quipped with a smirk and then nodded to Xavier. "Xavier, this is Emiliana--Rodrigo's mom and the closest thing I've had to one for practically a decade now. Emiliana, this is Xavier, which you've already figured out by now." He moved to take a seat beside Xavier, pulling his own chair out with his foot while one arm held Phoebe and his other hand held her bottle. He sat down beside the younger man and said, "Emiliana owns her own food truck here in town and makes the best Mexican food in The Bay." "I gotta say, this place Xavier ordered from is a good second though," Drew chimed in, giving Emiliana a wink.

XAVIER

Xavier continued enjoying his smoked portobello mushrooms. He'd remember to order it again sometime. "This is divine." He chuckled at Fletcher's reference to Hook, nodding when the new father told him he was okay. "No problem." Xavier took another sip of his drink and then reached for a napkin to clean his hands. "Here, I'll make you a plate. A little bit of everything?" At Drew's words, Xavier smiled as he made a plate for Fletcher. "Thanks, Drew! That means a lot coming for you. You're pretty cool yourself." Xavier chuckled at the animated woman's entrance and stood up to shake her hand when Fletcher introduced them. "Senora, mucho gusto." He took her hand and shook it. "Rodrigo is great. You did a good job there. This one is nice too." He moved his head to the side and chuckled before sitting beside Fletcher again and pushing his plate closer to him. "Oh is that right? I think I've heard of it! The best empanadas or so I her. I'll have to come by. " He chuckled at Drew's addition and reached for some more mac and cheese. "Gallardo's, right? Don't tell my brother. He likes to rival with every Mexican restaurant out there." Emiliana smirked and opened the fridge to reach for the pitcher of cold water. "Xavier, I'm a huge fan. You've really saved the show because it was going down the tube, for real." Her thick accent came through as she praised the comedian. "I keep saying it, you and Marcello are the best thing to happen to SNL. I had no idea you and Fletcher were friends! This is exciting." She poured herself some water and leaned against the counter to drink. It was nice to see a guest in the house. "Fletcher, honey how much time do you have before work? You better eat something!" She winked at the younger man. "How long have you two been...amigos?

FLETCHER

Fletcher watched Xavier pick up a plate to prepare for him, "I..yeah, that sounds great." He smiled a little and then looked down at Phoebe suckling down on her bottle. He hadn't caught Drew give Xaiver an approving wink before eating some more brisket. Fletcher had looked up and watched the exchange between Emiliana and Xavier. There wasn’t a doubt in his mind, but itnwas nice to see his family getting to know the person he was currently interested in. As Phoebe finished the last of her bottle, Fletcher plucked it from her lips so she wouldn't start sucking in air. Drew and the NICU nurses warned against that early on. He adjusted his hold on her, lightly patting her back to burp her and then paused to pick up his fork to eat. "Yeah, yeah, I'm getting to it. I've got about an hour but my first appointment isnt for another hour after that. I'm gonna work on payroll when i get there." The food was right at his lips when he heard Emiliana's question and gave a playful roll of his eyes. "We've known of each other for a while now. Mutual friends. But it's been a little less than a month now. A few weeks that we've been actually getting to know each other." He'd tucked into the food, occasionally pausing to coax another burp from Phoebe who was resting her cherub cheeks on his shoulder and staring calmly over his shoulder at nothing in particular. And when he had practically cleared everything off his plate, he stood up licking his lips and set his plate in the sink. "That was great. Thanks for the food, Xavier, it really hit the spot." He wiped his mouth on a paper towel and tossed it in the trash can under the sink. He turned and pressed a kiss to the top of Phoebe's hooded head. "Did Drew tell you about the barbecue?"

XAVIER

In between giving everyone his undivided attention, Xavier stole as many glances as possible of Flether tending to his baby girl. He didn't realize just how attractive that was to him. Fletcher was a great father and it warmed Xavier to the core. He felt his lips curl upwards into a smile and caught Emiliana smiling into her cup. He hoped that she wouldn't tell Fletcher and then resorted to ducking his head and smiling, reaching for his cola to sip the last of it. "I like this better than not knowing each other. For the record." He grinned and then finished off his plate. As Fletcher ate, Xavier smiled at little Phoebe, whispering Twinkle twinkle little star followed by I just can't wait to be King from Lion King. He thought she was so adorable. Xavier stood up, gathering all the garbage and his plate so that he could set the latter into the sink and trash where it belonged. "Sure. It was my pleasure." Xavier turned on the faucet to wash his hands and rinse his plate so it could sit in soap before cleaning his mouth. "Drew did!" He closed the faucet, letting the two plates sit in soapy water. "I wanted to get something we could all enjoy. Emiliana, that means you too." He smiled at the woman who moved to sit across from Drew. "Ah, thank you, Xavier. I'll have some in a moment. I was about to fight with you if you were going to wash those dishes!" She smirked and shook her head at Xavier. How's that brisket, Drew?" She smiled softly at the man, taking one of the paper towels to wipe the table down."

FLETCHER

Fletcher smirked softly at Xavier and then continued eating while Phoebe rested her head and occasionally gurgled a small, content, chipmunk-like noise for no discernable reason. Fletcher caught himself smiling again when he heard Xavier quietly serenading her. "I dunno if it's too soon to tell but she seems to love music. We usually put one of those little musical night light things on when she sleeps in her crib. Or if she's on her cosleeper with me, I'll throw on something lowkey on Spotify. He was right to suspect his uncle for the barbecue tip and smiled a little at the older man. "Thanks. I don't think I've had Mexican and American barbecue all at once but I'm not complaining in the least." "You better not," Drew quipped, carefully lifting a forkful of brisket to his mouth for another bite. When Xaiver asked him about the meat, Drew cleared his mouth enough to reply, "Like butter. But tastier. Thanks again for getting this. I know brisket's not a cheap meat so if Fletch or I have made it, it's usually been on special occasions. You know. Birthdays or something like that." Pointing his fork at Xavier, he said, "You seem to know some of the best spots around town." Fletcher chuckled a bit and went to Emiliana, offering to trade the paper towels for Phoebe. He didn't want her cleaning up after them when she'd only just arrived. Fletcher consolidated the food in the takeout containers, returned them to their bags and then set them on the kitchen counter to wipe down the rest of the table. "Do your kids like Mexican and barbecue?" He asked Xavier, figuring the leftovers Emiliana didn't help herself to could go home with Xavier.

XAVIER

“Mm mm no. It’s not too early to tell. They’ve got these little headphones and mics you can put on a mama’s belly, right ? And they can hear the music in the room or voices. She definitely loves music. It’s soothing.” Xavier was grateful he’s learned so much watching Clayton and Athena and his friends with their children. It was something he always wanted for himself. It was a happiness he never felt he could have especially when things never quite worked out for him in that department. So when Winter and Henry entered his life, he’d felt blessed he found a different kind of love first. It was as if the story was rewritten differently to fit his personal narrative. Phoebe was Fletcher’s story and she was perfect. “Oh truly it’s not problem. I love feeding my friends. My mum would cook giant pots of food because my brother would bring the entire soccer team over for dinner. It was always a table full of people. My dad would make sure we put together all the tables so we could fit. It was a riot.” He smiled at Drew. “And I’m a huge foodie. I like to try new things and new places. So yeah, always ask me for a rec.” he chuckled and then turned to see if Fletcher needed any help. Emiliana took the baby into her arms and Xavier placed a hand on the small of Fletcher’s back. “Yeah they love anything. Thank you.”

FLETCHER

Fletcher raised his brows a little listening to Xavier share knowledgably about babies and music. Fletcher highly doubted April had done that while pregnant but his lips still tugged up on one side at the affirmation from Xavier. "Thanks, that's good to know." He was happy that Phoebe loved music like he did, and privately wondered if it was genetic at all. He listened to Xavier while straightening up and felt a warmth inside. Xavier had such a good relationship with his family and Fletcher felt genuine happiness for him having that. But he was drawn out of his internal thoughts and feelings as Drew leaned purposely toward Emiliana and loudly whispered, "Both of them are parents. Both of them are foodies. Both of them love and take good care of their families. Would you look at that." He winked at Emiliana and Fletcher rolled his eyes. "Sutble," he sarcastically commented, leaving a plate and fork on the counter for Emiliana. "Since you two have the urge to gossip like a couple of old bitties, we'll give you your privacy." He went to Emiliana's shoulder to drop a kiss on the top of Phoebe's head and loudly whispered, "Do me a favor and don't take after them in that, Tree Frog." He shook his head and wordlessly invited Xavier to follow him back upstairs for the bit of time they had left. On their way up the stairs, he said, "Sorry about them. I think they're both convinced I've been lonely or some shit. And they really like you already, so... just consider this my apology and warning."

XAVIER

“I’m looking and I’m liking what I’m seeing.” Emiliana smiled, leaning into the conversation as if she and Drew were the only ones in the room. Fletcher’s response made her laugh and she rubbed the baby’s back lovingly. Xavier felt the warmth in his cheeks at the exchange and chuckled softly. He couldn’t help but laugh at Fletcher calling them a couple of old bitches and then waved goodbye so that he could follow Fletcher up the stairs. He listened to what the older man had to say and stopped at the top of the stairs. “Is there any truth to that? The loneliness part?” He was curious as he had been lonely. A little after Jeremy and a lot after he had worked through things in therapy. Content but still lonely. “And don’t apologize. I love them. They’re funny and they have a great dynamic. It’s easy to talk to them both. And besides, if they like me…that’s more brownie points and why wouldn’t I want to stock up on those?” A smug little smirk pulled at his lips. “And if I get brownie points with them…” he wrapped his arms around Fletcher’s waist. “Where does that leave me with you?”

FLETCHER

Fletcher had been two steps away from the second story landing when he heard Xavier's question and looked back, noticing he'd stopped there. "Not really. There'd been moments but not strong enough that I went actively looking for anything other than the occasional hookup. And I don't have to tell you that being busy a lot doesn't leave a lot of time to think about that most of the time. But sure, there's moments. When I'm getting in bed and don't have anyone to share that with or talk about the day with. Having to rely so much on Emiliana when it comes to Drew. I know she would never complain and because she started as a live-in caregiver, she and Rodrigo became family to us. But still. And now with Phoebe. I know I'm fucking lucky to have them and Drew to help me but ultimately, she's mine. And only mine. I sure as shit want nothing to do with her incubator and frankly, I don't ever want Phoebe to have anything to do with her because she didn't want Phoebe. But when she does something cute or starts getting to those milestones..." He trailed off and then shrugged. "Anyway. That was a long-ass answer. I'm glad you like Statler and Waldorf down there," he jerked a hand towards the stairs and then draped his arms around Xavier's shoulders. "I won't stop you from racking up those points. But trust me when I say you don't need to try. Just being yourself is enough." At the question, Fletcher said, "I thought we talked about that already, the other day." He leaned in to kiss Xavier's forehead and the middle of his nose. "I am comfortable with us being lovers. And since we already agreed we're monogamous, I'd say we're dating. But I'd like to be able to take you on an actual goddamn date. Not me falling asleep within an hour of you being here."

XAVIER

Xavier freed one arm so that he could cup Fletcher’s cheek with that hand. He listened intently to everything the older man had to say. It was obvious there was a lot on his chest. “It was an honest answer and that’s all that matters. You’re doing a great job with her. I couldn’t help but admire you just watching you with her. You’re a natural born father and she’s going to have the best life because of you and in turn, you’ll have the best life because of her. I am so proud of you. I mean that.” Xavier then chuckled at the nicknames for Emiliana and Drew. His nose crinkled slightly at the kiss and he chuckled softly. “I was merely teasing but thank you. I am comfortable with us just being us.” He laughed softly. “Well, just let me know when and where and I will be there. For the record, I liked you falling asleep on me.” Xavier kissed Fletcher’s lips and then he gently pressed his forehead against the other’s. “How much time do we have left?”

FLETCHER

"That's what I know how best to give," Fletcher assured and turned his head to kiss the inside of Xavier's hand. "Thank you," he murmured there. He was sure Drew knew this without him saying aloud but he was constantly questioning himself when it came to parenting Phoebe. Sure, he had wanted to be a parent but as he neared and then reached 40, he figured it wouldn't happen. And then Phoebe was the surprise to enter his life that he couldn't be happier to have. And now, though everything was brand new, he wondered if that might be the case with Xavier someday. It was more than just a physical draw. He hadn't let his hook-ups of the past get to know so much about him and his family or have dinner in his house. And he was actually interested in knowing more about Xavier, taking in all of the info he shared with him in person and through their texts. The way Xavier's nose was a little wrinkled when he drew back made Fletcher smile. "I'll figure something out." His smile turned crooked as his lips raised a little more on one side, "I liked it too. You're hot as hell, but also very comfortable to lay on." He met Xavier's lips and then bent his head so their foreheads could rest together. "Enough time," he assured, taking Xavier's hand and backing from the landing to lead them to his bedroom. Even all they did was make out, or if he was able to return the wonderful blow job Xavier had given him at The Ink Tank, he would take it. He closed the bedroom door once they were both inside and lowered his head enough to kiss Xavier's lips, a little fervently. Within seconds, his hands were roaming over Xavier's body, enjoying the feel of him from back to torso, to hips and ass--all the while remaining lip-locked.

XAVIER

"I appreciate it. Really. I'm all about it." He smiled at the kiss against his hand before dropping it back to his side. Xavier liked Fletcher and that's as much as his brain was able to absorb these last couple of days. Was there more there? Yeah, without a doubt but Xavier was learning more and in doing so, he knew Phoebe came first and would always come first for Fletcher just like Xavier's new life came first. "You're welcome." In reality, he was just getting to know the man, and maybe his words didn't have as much weight as say Emiliana or Drew or Rodrigo but if there was something Xavier was good at it was making sure he reassured the people he cared about. It was as important to him to tell Fletcher how good of a father he was as it was to see it happen in real-time. The funny thing about all of that is he would have never thought about that until meeting a man like him. Exploring all of that was proving to be exciting and terrifying all at once. He could only imagine what they felt like for the new father. "Alright. I'll be waiting." He chuckled, shaking his head some. "hot as hell." Xavier murmured, gaze slowly flickering up to catch Fletcher's dark eyes. He followed the other to his bedroom, that familiar, almost deafening beat of his heart picking up its pace the more Fletcher paid attention to his lips and Xavier wasn't one to miss out on the things that gave him gratification. As selfless as he was, he had a self-serving side, the side that couldn't get enough of a good thing. He let go of the well-mannered, soft persona and welcomed those lips, letting both hands spread against the back of Fletcher's head, his fingers buried in the dark tresses. He'd be breathless soon and they'd come up for air at some point but at least he'd have a grip on the other. It was his way of letting Fletcher know he'd enjoy anything and everything for as long as they had left that afternoon.

Giving his hair a gentle but intentional tug, Xavier returned the energy, kissing him as if it were the first and last time.

FLETCHER

"Yes, hot as hell. Has no one told you that before?" Fletcher asked, lifting a brow in genuine wonder. "And I'm not talking about the thirst posts you undoubtedly have all over the internet. I'm talking about someone you've been with in any kind of romantic sense." He couldn't imagine that was the case at all but maybe it just wasn't something Xavier was used to hearing? Either way, he wanted him to know he was very attractive, yes, hot. And he was expressing it as much as possible while indulging his addition to the man's extremely kissable lips. He moaned when his hair was pulled and bowed his back in a slight crouch before lifting Xavier to bring him to the bed. "I'd like to give you what you gave me in my office. Think I've got time for that." Caging his hands around the man, he continued to kiss him and pushed his tongue out to seek entry into the Brit's mouth.

XAVIER

The question left him somewhat speechless. Xavier had to really think about it. "In a romantic sense? No." It wasn't the easiest admission to make. In fact, it made him feel a little sad, confused, even. Jeremy wasn't the nicest person and his relationships before him never went anywhere. "It's just different. Something different to hear. Flattering as hell but different.. Thank you." He laughed softly, thinking about how he probably sounded like some schoolboy. Some super sad, confused school boy who felt disarmed by the flattery and attention of this really great man...and before his thoughts could form any cohesive thought, Xavier felt himself being lifted, a little laugh escaping his lips only to be silenced by Fletcher's mouth and tongue. He kissed him with the same urgency he had kissed him earlier. As if he didn't, he'd run out of Fletcher. Xavier moaned in response, unable to actually verbalize any words. His body hit the mattress but as soon as their mouths were no longer attached, Xavier brought the tattoo artist right back where he belonged. "Okay..." He whispered, trying to unbutton his jeans as quickly as possible, some laughter pouring out of him. "Fuck, there we go..." He lifted his ass, pulling down his pants and boxers enough so that Fletcher could help the rest of the way, Xavier's arousal more than obvious now. He reached for Fletcher's lips, his thumb grazing over the bottom one before releasing and propping himself up by his elbows.

FLETCHER

Fletcher had to fight not to stare. He wasn't good at masking his shock in that moment though. "That's fucking unbelievable. Were the people you dated before blind? I mean even if they were, they'd have to know that anyway..." He shook his head while making a mental note that he was going to make sure Xavier knew this about himself. It was so incredibly hard for him to fathom. There were plenty of things Fletcher was already finding hot about him in his personality and actions but physically? That was a given even when they were just at the same functions with mutual friends. But he tried not to dwell on it, especially when he was graced with Xavier's time and attention right at that very moment. He let Xavier undo his own plants but when he lifted his hips and his front ground to Fletcher's, the older man groaned and broke away from their kiss. "Already hard for me, hm?" he asked, shifting his weight to knees so that he could guide a hand between them and lift the hem of Xavier's shirt up a bit, just enjoying the feel of his bare skin before coming in contact with his firm target. He shifted down the bed a bit and bent his head to kiss low on Xavier's abs, past his belly button and to his pelvis before coming to the base of his cock, pressing his lips there. He swiped his tongue slow there and then took Xavier's balls in his mouth, one side and then the other, back and forth with slow caresses of his tongue.

XAVIER

"I don't know. What's wrong with them, right?" He tried to make light of the conversation that seemed to genuinely bother Fletcher and Xavier too. They'd table the talk for now. Xavier didn't mind diving into his history but this was definitely not the time. Not when he was enjoying himself so much and not when time was such a thief to them. It was easy to get lost in all of this. Fletcher was going to drive him a bit mad at this rate. At Fletcher's words, he smirked and replied, "Please, don't act surprised." He rolled his eyes playfully, a soft grin pulling at his lips but that was quickly wiped off his face as Flether left his trail of kisses. He chewed the corner of the inside of his lip, his body shivering slightly at the touch. His dick was sensitive to the kiss and Xavier let out a soft groan as Fletcher went to work. He kept himself propped, his gaze fixed on his lover, making a full mental picture of it all. Her brought his hand to his face, stopping to bite down on his index finger. "That's--that's nice, baby..." Baby It was the first time he had used that pet name.

FLETCHER

Fletcher chuckled huskily, "If you insist, but...Jesus, I'm a lucky sonofabitch right now." He was enjoying himself trailing kisses down to Xavier's cock and after some attention to his balls, he glided his tongue up the underside of Xavier's dick from base to tip, circling it a few times beXavier smiled, cheesing at Fletcher’s words. There was something about the way he talked and the things he said that made Xavier always want to hear him talk. He tried to restrain from bucking his hips in response to the Fletcher wrapping his mouth around him. “Fuck that feels good…” Xavier breathed, choosing to caress the shell of Fletcher’s ear before letting his hand massage the older man’s hair. His hips rocked gently but he tried his best not to throw off Fletcher’s rhythm.fore taking him into his mouth. He started with some shallow sucking, just a couple of inches and letting out some soft moans as he went on. One hand rested on Xavier's inner thigh while his other hand held his length as he steadily took more of him into his mouth.

XAVIER

Xavier smiled, cheesing at Fletcher’s words. There was something about the way he talked and the things he said that made Xavier always want to hear him talk. He tried to restrain from bucking his hips in response to the Fletcher wrapping his mouth around him. “Fuck that feels good…” Xavier breathed, choosing to caress the shell of Fletcher’s ear before letting his hand massage the older man’s hair. His hips rocked gently but he tried his best not to throw off Fletcher’s rhythm.

FLETCHER

Fletcher found an easy pace and his head began to bob as he went deeper, hollowing his cheeks and taking Xavier in more, simultaneously sucking a little harder as he went. He dug his fingers into the tender flesh of Xavier's inner thigh and momentarily withdrew his lips in exchange for his hand cuffing Xavier's length and running his hand up and down for a bit. "God you're so big. I love it." He soon alternated back to his mouth taking Xavier, letting the other man's dick feel the vibrations of his throat as he moaned again.

XAVIER

Fletcher was obviously experienced which Xavier found to be a turn-on. He found himself caught up in the moment, unable to think past Fletcher. His fingers gripped the sheets on the bed and he closed his eyes so that he could enjoy Fletcher's mouth. "It's all for you..." Xavier managed to muster up a few words but it was all futile. There was no sense left in him. His brain was mush. "I'm so close..." His dick twitched at the vibrations and he moaned Fletcher's name. He was mindful that there were other people around, keeping his voice as low as possible. Xavier felt his climax build and the shivers run down his spine. "Shit, Fletcher!" His lips formed a small "O" as Xavier shot his load into that beautiful mouth. "Oh shit...oh my God..." He panted, letting himself come down from the high. "come here..." He picked up Fletcher's chin. "Come here..."

FLETCHER

Hearing Xavier tell him that his cock--in all its erect glory--was all for him had been such a turn-on for Fletcher. He surged on with sucking the younger man off and the moment his seed spilled into Fletcher's mouth, Fletcher swallowed and sucked him clean, flicking the tip of his tongue on Xavier's tip. He was steadying his own breath while trying not to think about having to leave for work soon, or leaving for work with a tent pitched in his jeans. He kissed the side of Xavier's dick and then rose from his knees, looming over Xavier with a hand on either side of his head. He kissed the corner of his lips and then kissed him full on his lips so he could taste himself.

XAVIER

He was out of breath and still dizzy from the euphoric sensation in his brain. Xavier could do that again and he’d return the favor and they’d continue this cycle of pleasure until they grew tired of each other. Saying goodbye to him was slowly becoming his least favorite thing. He sat up to meet Fletcher’s kiss, tasting himself as he did. “You’re amazing. Thank you…” Xavier then pressed his forehead on Fletcher’s shoulder and chuckled softly. “Don’t want you to gooo” he smirked and began pulling up his pants and boxers.

FLETCHER

"Funny, you literally took the words right outta my mouth." He smirked and kissed Xavier again, and then shifted out of the way so Xavier could situate himself again. Fletcher had to slip a hand in his own boxer briefs to adjust himself a little but he was quietly thankful he wasn't gonna have to go downstairs or drive to work with a painful hard-on. "I don't wanna go either. Trust me, the temptation to call out is so goddamn strong right now." He stood between Xavier's knees and cupped both sides of his face. "Maybe one day." He bent his head to kiss Xavier on his lips, savoring the moment for as long as possible to draw out their goodbye a little longer.

XAVIER

Still, trying to recover, Xavier felt lighter. He'd sum it up to it being a long time since he'd had any sort of physical connection of this type and not to the fact that he really was starting to catch feelings for the tattoo artist. His smile never wavered especially when Fletcher spoke. He loved how witty and smart the older man was. The entire experience of being here with him from cuddling to talking to and spending time with his family was great. He wrapped his arms around Fletcher's waist, looking up at him with pleading but playful eyes. "It's okay...to be continued, right?" He brought back the words he had used when they first kissed and Xavier closed his eyes to relish in their closeness

FLETCHER

Fletcher stayed standing in front of Xavier and glided his fingers along the comedians shoulders. "Yeah. To be continued." His voice lscked gusto innthose words but he knew it was what had to happen. Bringing his hands to settle in Xavier's, he asked, "Can I walk you out to your car?"

XAVIER

Xavier smiled softly, catching the tone in Fletcher's voice, turning slightly to kiss his arm. "Of course you can. Come on, baby." he stood up and took Fletcher's hand in his before walking toward the door and down the stairs. When they reached the living area, Xavier made sure to say goodbye to everyone, stopping to whisper to Phoebe as well. "Thank you, everyone. I had a lovely time meeting you all. Next time, Fletcher cooks." He chuckled and gave his lover's hand a squeeze. He stepped into his sneakers and grabbed his letterman jacket so they could leave. Xavier put his jacket on and then pressed the button on his key fob to open the suicide doors of his Mclaren. "I loved spending time with you today."

FLETCHER

Fletcher walked out of the room and down the stairs with Xavier, pausing for him to say his goodbyes to the family. He caught Drew wink to him behind Xavier's back and Fletcher rolled his eyes before escorting Xavier out to the driveway. "I did t-" The car parked beside his Mustang made him come to an abrupt stop. "That's your car?" He pushed a set of fingers into his chair while slowly approaching it. "Holy shit, what a beauty."

XAVIER

Xavier smiled, walking after Fletcher toward his care. "Thank you. I like your Mustang. that's also a beauty." He stepped to the side. "Climb in. You know, when we have more time, you should take her for a spin. 0 to 60 in 2.8 seconds. I feel like you'd appreciate that." He chuckled. "You're a car guy, huh?We have that in common."

FLETCHER

"Thank you." Fletcher shook his head while his eyes were still on the car, "If I get in right now, I won't wanna get out." He smirked a bit at himself and then brought his gaze to Xavier, folding his arms across his chest. "Yeah, I've heard some great things about McLarens. But, wow. Yeah, I bet it'd be amazing to get to really open her up." He chuckled once, amazed and then said, "Let me let you go before I take you up on that offer against my better judgment." He turned to Xavier and dropped a quick kiss on his lips before backing up, "Talk to you soon, yeah?"

XAVIER

Xavier twirled his keys on his fingers as he listened to Fletcher, finding his enthusiasm incredibly adorable. "I got you. Trust me, I understand." He grinned, looking over his shoulder at his car and then back at Fletcher. "Next time, then." He smiled at the kiss, already missing the other man. "Yeah, talk to you soon." He climbed into his car and closed the doors, his gaze on the other for a few seconds before he started his engine. He waved before making his way out of the driveway. Xavier looked back once and then shook his head before chuckling. He could get used to that.

[gnattyplayssims]

1954 Pt1 - Escape

TW//Violence

After the day with Magnus, Sofia did her best to get things back to some kind of normal. She spent her days with Ava and her nights with Don and tried not to think of Jamal. He'd forget about her eventually, he'd move on.

She'd try to do the same.

One day Sofia and Ava were at the park playing in the sand. "Ma, look!"

Ava held out a shell for her mom to see. "Look at that! You found a conch. Why don't you put it in your pocket so we can take it home."

Ava tucked the shell safetly in her overalls and went back to playing.

Sofia did most of the work but Ava's excited little face made it all worth it. "So you really are avoiding me."

"Jamal."

"I thought our date went well."

"It...did."

"Then why did you disappear. Did I come on too strong?"

"Please, let's not do this in front of Ava."

He took her hand and pulled her out of hearing distance. "Sofia, please talk to me. I know there's something going on. Ava can't be your only reason."

"Jamal, you're just making this harder."

"It wouldn't be hard if you didn't feel the same way, so why are you fighting it?"

He stroked his hand down her neck comfortingly then stopped, his gaze settling on her collarbone. "What is that?"

"What's what?" But she already knew. Her body was full of them. There was only so much clothing and makeup could hide.

"You're seeing someone else."

"Were you playing me this entire time?"

"No, Jamal it's not like that."

"Then what's it like Sofia cause from where I'm standing it sure looks a lot like I've been played. You could have just told me you were in love with another man. You didn't have to lead me on."

All at once the dam she'd barely been holding together for the last 5 years burst. "I'm not in love with him! I hate him with every pixel in my body. I'm doing everything I can for Ava, making sacrifices for her that are literally killing me and all I get is judgement"

Jamal was in shock but Sofia wasn't done. "My life is literal hell Jamal. You want to know about her father? He took my first woohoo and dumped me with Ava. My parents? Shamed me for being pregnant. I made a deal with Don to make sure she didn't end up in an orphanage like I did"

She suddenly ran out of words when she noticed the look on his face. "What the plumb, Sofia, you've been carrying all that alone?"

"I'm sorry I shouldn't have dumped that on you."

"No, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have pushed you."

"It doesn't matter. I have to go."

"Where have you been."

"I took Ava to the park, we lost track of time. But I'm here now."

"I'm not a fool Little Dove, I can smell his cologne all over you."

Sofia's heart dropped "I...h-he showed up. I told him to get lost. He's persistent that's not my fault."

Don had no intention of woohoo this time. "I've been nothing but generous to you, Sofia." He spat and the sound of her name on his lips made her stomach turn. "And this is how you return that generousity? I've had quite enough of your attitude. Hope you said goodbye to the brat"

The next 15 minutes were a bit of a blur for Sofia. She remembered Don on top of her, pain everywhere, then his weight getting pulled off her and the sound of someone being punched, a body falling against a table. Her vision swam but she was able to make out Don on the ground.

After a moment it finally registered who it was that had Don pinned. "Jamal?" He turned toward her with fierce eyes but immediately calmed when he saw she was concious.

He gave Don one final kick to knock him out and gathered her in his arms. "Come on let's get you out of here."

Jamal checked on Ava as soon as they got to the trailer, knowing that would be Sofia's first concern. He made sure the blankets were tucked firmly around her and gave her a kiss on the forehead assuring that she was really asleep. "Sleep well, little one. Your mommy's safe now."’

Sofia was crumpled on the couch when he came out. "She's okay, sleeping soundly." He knelt in front of her. "Now let me take a look?" he caressed her ear gently but she didn't move. "Sofia, please. Let me take care of you." "

That's what he always says. I don't need your care."

He tilted her head up and grimaced. "I'm sorry I didn't get there sooner."

"Did you follow me?"

"I...yes...I was worried and I was right to be. If he'd had his way it would have been Grim coming for you not me."

She winced as he touched her lip. "Sorry, I'll get you some ice."

"No, please don't go."

"I wasn't going to go far."

"It's okay, I don't need the ice. Just hold my hand please. Tell me about working in the restaraunt."

He wiped the blood from a cut on her hand, "It's mundane and painfully normal. You'd love it."

"Sounds like heaven."

A tear fell from his eye and she reached up to brush it away. "Why are you crying?"

"I just can't believe someone could do this to...anyone...especially you. I feel like my hearts being torn out. I mean it's kind of silly right we barely know each other."

"Let's change that."

He pulled her into a hug and she cried out. "Oh damn I'm sorry." He pulled her closer just a little slower, "I promise I won't let Don come near you again. I'll get you out of this trailer, so you won't owe him anything. I won't let him touch you."

"Promise?"

"I promise."

She wrapped her arms around him. "Please don't let me go Jamal."

"Don't worry. After tonight, I'm never letting you out of my sight. You're safe now. You and Ava are both safe now." He held her until she believed it, then he packed a bag of her few possessions and got her out.

1954 Pt2 - Recovery

[ultraericthered]

Anime Update V2 61

Vinland Saga S2 - Pretty on the nose for this episode to be titled "We Need A Horse", which is a dilemma that Einar vocalizes early in, but for the most part it's spent on Einar and Thorfinn's developing bond of friendship that gives us some amusing and sweet moments, also introducing us to Sverkel, Ketil's elderly father, who now has an odd relationship with Snake as he frequently crashes at the old man's farmhouse. Snake states that the farm is poorly defended against any enemy that might be more formidable more than local thieves, should any such enemy arise and want to conquer the land. Sounds like foreshadowing for what's going to be going on later...

Hunter x Hunter - Gon and Killua are still training and taking on Knuckles (with Shoot lying in wait but having not done anything yet), Bisky is still around and a delight to have on screen, Netero is trapping and killing many of the Chimera Ant forces, and the third and final of the Royal Guards came out of his cocoon to join the other two, as the Queen giving birth to the King becomes more imminent.

Fruits Basket - Akito being a sympathetic figure who doesn't make me want to retch is such an astonishing thing; was not expecting Saki to easily figure out her gender upon their meeting, or Arisa to hug her, and I was glad to her Arisa admit to herself she'd handled the whole Kureno thing poorly from the offset, being now willing to start over with him as a friend and companion, and I wish it would stick in terms of being definitively platonic. The scene between Yuki and Kyo was so cathartic and so overdue since the very earliest episodes of the show, and just as I'd praised Jerry Jewell's voice acting last time, Eric Vale knocked it out of the park here - why can't he do that sort of voice acting as Trunks these days? Kyo then going to settle his baggage with his hideously spiteful and pathetic biological father was appropriately tense, particularly when intercut at one point with the Sohma Family head maid confessing to Akito how much things have come apart for her and how, at her age, she'll having nothing left once the curse is no more. I sort of wish we could've seen Kyo's father's reaction to Akito telling him that Kyo's not getting locked up for life after all, but part of me would also dread what I'd have to see and hear there given all the shouting he does...

This story goes on into the next episode where Tohru and Kyo mutually consummate their love for each other, Kyo embraces Tohru and does not transform into the cat, prompting him to finally break off his beads and embrace a life of freedom, and we're told via Tohru's narration the real story behind the Zodiac animals and the lonely celestial person they called "God", why the cat (who was present at the banquet with all the rest, not tricked by the rat into missing it) was really shunned, and how "the bonds" based upon the promise between God and his animal friends got carried forward by the spirits who reincarnated repeatedly into what would become the Sohma family, before this eroded into the curse that the cat knew it would inevitably become should it be stuck to into perpetuity. And then, one by one, all of the Zodiac Sohmas curses break, and it's such a beautiful moment of pure catharsis that it sucks you in just enough to forgive how Akito's internal monologue gets a liiiitle over-indulgent and almost too direct (even as enthralled as I was, when she was repeatedly telling me to cry, I couldn't help but find it a little silly.)

Fate/Stay Night: Unlimited Blade Works: Sorry, none this week!

Re:ZERO - W...ha....wha....what do I even say? It was all going in a direction I'd consider natural and expected coming off from last time, but when Garfiel transformed into a ginormous tiger and started slaughtering everyone in his path, including Otto and a bunch of the villagers aiding in Subaru's escape, it started to go off the rails. But I still was not prepared for what I was about to see: Subaru gets thrown into some place covered in snow and gets very painfully torn apart and eaten into by a bunch of killer rabbits with unicorn horns. THE ACTUAL FUCK WAS THAT ABOUT? It was so gruesome and so over-the-top horrifying with the music and visuals and then ended so abruptly as Subaru re-spawned that it crossed the line into being downright hysterical - not since Blood-C have I seen such a bloody rabbit massacre! This moment stands out so much to me that it's amazing that I was still attentive to what followed; Subaru meets with Echidna at her tea party garden and is able to tell her, free of any repercussion to himself, about the Return By Death ability, leading to him breaking down sobbing as Echidna offers him comfort. Awww.

Symphogear AXZ - Forgot to mention the alchemically created big snake creature last time, but it sure is a thing and not a thing you want the enemy summoning when you're facing off against them. Shit also got heavy when in a fight in a village taken hostage by enemy forces, Chris had to shoot the leg off of a boy caught by an AlcaNoise in order to save him from disintegration. To make this worse for poor Chris, the boy's big sister is a woman Chris used to be friendly with prior to her parents death, so now the rift between them have widened. The alchemist servants of the Illuminati seem like interesting adversaries at the very least, Team Dango (Maria, Kirika, and Shirabe) are as badass as ever, and the ending was the most metal thing - Hibiki breaks through the serpent and declares herself to be the truly invincible foe that the baddies ain't ready for.

Eureka Seven - It'd be hard for me to even talk about this one - half of it was an Evengelion-esque mindfuck in some Coralian-made illusionary world Renton, Eureka, and Anemone found themselves in following things going awry in their fight, and the other half was an intense dogfight between Gecko State and the Military forces.

[more-than-a-princess]

They were friends, or so their mutual teasing indicated. She wouldn't have pressed her luck with a nickname he despised if she didn't trust him not to turn his gang on her family, and he wouldn't have reciprocated in kind if he still found her to be a danger to his own. Formalities didn't suit him, of that much Sonia was sure: but how would he fare in the yakuza otherwise? There were only three paths out of street gangs, or so she'd observed: joining the rest of society and obtaining a real job or education, joining the yakuza, or the third option she didn't want to think about. The option that had led him to Hope's Peak and her company in the first place, his friend's demise. Unless he sought employment and set his gang aside, she felt he'd have to face formalities one day. And Mikey, Sonia thought, did not make for a suitable foot soldier in any family: he'd have to lead or, she felt, he'd be discontent. She'd known the boy for only hours and yet that was enough to discern that leadership was natural to him and anything else would leave him unsettled.

More unsettled than a haunted ride, to be sure. Though Sonia preferred the haunts. "A few of them, yes," She confirmed with a smile, far more dreamy and content than most would be when meeting ghosts. She was hardly ever allowed to be so whimsical, or even so cheerful in public. Soft and knowing smiles were allowed under the right circumstances, but showing her passions and therefore her weaknesses...her mother worked so hard to shut them away. It made the entire Borghese Family vulnerable, her passions. And yet she clenched her fists around them and refused to let them go, like a child with a favored blanket. Comfortable yes, but also what she needed to keep a hold of her sanity most of the time. "They possess fascinating stories paired with the ability to make you so very aware of your limited mortality. But that is a benefit of traveling, I think: finding more places that give you inspiration, and people who understand you when you feel alone. Though when you are dancing, you are never alone."

Something Mikey hadn't appreciated, at least where her comfort where the clowns were concerned. Sonia frowned: she'd only been trying to help. If his gang likely didn't fear his feet knocking out several of their permanent teeth, she assumed a bit of teasing around his fear would be warranted. "I imagine a spiteful, vengeful ghost abandoned her," She suggested, half-listening to the story in order to carry on their conversation. Strangely enough, it was more interesting than the ride's lore and she could always ride it again. She likely would, if the clowns wouldn't faze him a second time. "Maybe it is simply too romantic to fathom, if the ghost in question never loved her in the first place and only wanted her for power and control. I see enough of that in real life, who is to say it would not carry into the undead? Nevertheless, it still looks like fun, heartbreak aside. Spending my years haunting somewhere or someone sounds far more preferable than crossing over into the afterlife!"

If only because the afterlife, as she knew it in her family's Catholicism, seemed rather dull in comparison to Limbo, or even Hell itself. She'd read The Divine Comedy as soon as she was able to get her hands on it as a child, alongside plenty of other reading material inappropriate for children.

She followed Mikey off the ride: she'd been first to get on and therefore last to disembark. The walk back out into the sunlight was jarring, both in brightness and heat. "Sure, let us try the...what is it," Sonia paused to glance at the map. "Splash Mountain! A depiction of 19th Century Rural America apparently, based on a 20th Century film. Well, it shall cool us off at least." That, and the drop looked fun. The American West area of the park wasn't too far away and she could see the tan-colored mountain in the distance, and the riders who cried out as their logs began their descent.

But Sonia's smile faded at his suggestion, noticing the costumed character before shaking her head. "I really should not," She sighed, turning towards the mountain instead. "If I am caught here in a photograph by anyone, I imagine my family's security will converge quickly and our day out will end earlier than I think either of us intended. It is probably for the best that I refrain from photography whilst here."

Still, she gave the Mouse a wistful look. She would not have minded meeting him, personally: it was better than meeting princesses, with their overly cheery expressions and espousing of true love. Mostly, Sonia felt sure Mikey would never let her live it down if she posed next to a heavily made up woman in a ballgown and tiara. "So, the Splash Mountain, then?"

He visibly cringed as she called him 'Sano San', vaguely aware that this was likely payback for his little nickname for her that she disliked so much. "Wow and here i thought we were friends. Fine then.. princess. Whatever suits you." He shrugged, playing it off so she couldn't tell how much the formality irked him. Two could play at that game.

It was nice, teasing this mafia boss to be who he'd just met, and having her tease him in return. He couldn't say many people tried to poke fun at him, and if they attempted, it usually ended up with him punching them. Instead, he enjoyed the familiarity of the bantering with her, not able to quite hide his grin as they moved into the line for the ride. "So.. you've actually met these wrathful spirits that your family offed?" Manjiro asked dubiously, not too concerned with the families that surrounded them. They were at the haunted house, and people would likely assume they were roleplaying, or retelling spooky stories. "Nah, I've never left Japan. Might be cool to visit elsewhere sometimes though." If his gang would be okay long enough for him to ever take a vacation... Gods knew he needed one though, and he was still only a teen.

He almost laughed as they watched the ghosts spin around. "Yeah I'm a leader.. but I don't know any dance moves. So I don't think I could lead someone around like that. It's not so easy for me at least. I've never even tried to dance." What good was dancing when he led a gang, that spoke with their fists? He knew that it was something a lot of couples did, but he'd never really even talked to many girls. Yet, the way the ghosts moved around made his eyes sparkle a bit. "It does look kind of fun though."

The ride wasn't fun for long as they entered the room with the clowns. Mikey tried not to give his companion a total death grip, as the juggling clowns grew closer. He would kill whoever thought that clowns or ghosts weren't scary enough, and that they should be combined. He shot a quick glare at Sonia, when she said she wouldn't tell anyone. "I don't need your pity... I won't be scared anymore dammit." He grumbled, forcing himself to stare right at one who was drifting much too close to their car.

Soon enough they were out of the room and onto the next, luckily. He eyed the bride left behind on the altar, and frowned. All the ghosts had seemed to be having fun, until this room, with this sole, lonely ghost. "What kind of deadbeat ghost left her here like this? That's pretty messed up. Makes me want to kick his pasty ass." As much as he'd never thought much about romance, let alone marriage, he knew it wasn't something to be taken lightly.

Then they were on to what seemed to be the finale, as there was a whole cemetery full of ghosts. "Well.. they do seem to be having fun, but would being dead really be like this? Partying all the time?" He had his doubts, although he hoped Satori and Baji had joined a choir and learned some dance routines. The car finally went to the end of the ride, and they pulled up where they started. The workers ushered them to get off.

Originally, he'd wanted to go to the roller coaster next. They were his favorite kind of rides. Now that she mentioned it though.. it was a rather hot and humid day, and the inside of the haunted house had been a bit warm and stuffy. "How about the water ride? It's a good way to cool off. We can do the roller coaster after if you want. We should have time for both."

He checked the map and headed for the log ride, as long as she agreed. There were more games on the way, a giant statue of mushu, an enormous castle seemingly made of ice, and.. "Oh hey it's Micky Mouse." Mikey pointed over to the guy in the costume, walking around. He was surrounded by children, taking photos as he went. "You can get a picture if you want, since you've never been here before."