#like yeah there's the fun aspect of the question but then you wonder if it would also give him room for growth & end up examining all

[cburambles]

Depending the timeline, degree of closeness & knowing how he goes re-assure Pamela & Judd in the caves while showing confusion & not knowing that he's feeling empathy, has his first line in TKAA being about how Elena feels & catering to her need ( while standing around despite his leg pain before going back to sit in his wheelchair) & how he gets angry at Evan for not looking strong & confident in front of Kyrie ( which is I think is a mix of toxic masculinity/projection)

One of Rufus main problem is how his suppressed empathy is also linked to the way he walks to the beat of his own drums & how insensitive he can be in gen. He doesn't pay attention how Tseng feels when he talks about Aerith in 7R & TKAA, he almost get killed in CoS by one of Kylegate's men as he made him feel belittled. However you also see a caring & more respectful side slowly him resurging too when he start to get attached or when the problem is put in front of him or someone is willing to stand up to him.

So with someone like Elena, who doesn't have a filter & is rather strong-willed & vocal about how she feels or the situation they end up?

I guess he would panic a bit while trying to act confident but fumble a bit due to years of isolation, problem solving side & how he usually tend to behave in a rather buisness like manner. But that's also what he might need to grow. Sometime people need to be sad for the sake to feel better & you can only just be there for them while they go thru that. I also imagine the goofiness resulting of his first awkward attempts to be there for her.

Heck I can even see him admiring her for it because yo, you let yourself show that vulnerable side of you without fear to be belittled for it or yelled at for it & you just bounce back from it?It would also mean a lot to Elena too, knowing how her own emotionnally neglectful family tend to behave toward her for any flaws she might show.

Added to that Rufus was never shown rejecting his own emotions or those of people around him too & a part of him seemingly knows people have to be comforted. It would be fun to see him putting in the work to learn to be & how to be emotionnally avalaible on a personnal level.

I'm using Elena for this example because it seems most fitting but how does Rufus deal with a woman who suddenly starts crying? Like, Elena seems like the type who just goes and goes and pushes herself until she's so tired she bursts out crying. But is completely fine five minutes later and ready to kick ass again (learning ur limits comes with age, its ok).

Does he panic? Leave? Get disgusted and demand she stop?

[corroded-hellfire]

Okay this is random but I work at a daycare and this little boy who’s about two years old looks exactly like his dad and their eyes are just so blue and distinctive but he has his mom’s hair and I was just wondering if you could write something like that with Eddie x reader, I just think it would be so cute to see their little mini me ! I love your work so sos much no pressure if you don’t want to of course:) 

Eddie as a father? If only I had some experience writing that 😜 I hope you enjoy your and Eddie’s little mini me!

Words: 900

“Can you believe it?”

“No. I mean, it’s been two years and no.”

Max and Dustin sit on the floor of your living room, watching your son rummage through the toy box on the other side of the deep brown coffee table until he finds something suitable to play with his babysitters.

Bret settles on his Fisher Price Rescue Hero action figures and tries to collect as many of them in his tiny arms as he can. A few curly strands of hair fall into his eyes which he shakes out of the way as well as he can manage in this position. Satisfied with the haul he’s gathered, he lugs himself out of the toy box and toddles back over to his favorite aunt and uncle. At least that’s what Max and Dustin tell themselves. 

“He’s like their clone,” Max speaks softly as Bret sits down and spreads the toys around his small body to get a better look. “Dad’s hair curls. Mom’s hair color.”

“Dad’s eye color, Mom’s skin tone. Jesus, I’d swear Eddie grew him in a lab if he knew the first thing about science.”

“Technically, Bret is here because of biology,” Max teases as the two-year-old in question hands the redhead a construction worker action figure.

“The one aspect of science Eddie’s willing to experiment with time and time again,” Dustin says. 

“Hmm?” the little boy asks Max, having heard her say his name.

“Huh?” Max asks, looking down at the youngest Munson. “Oh. Um, what game are we playing?”

“We playin’ heroes!” Bret announces, having the firefighting action figure he’s holding fly in an arc over his head. 

“Are they superheroes?” Dustin asks. He lays flat on his stomach to be more on an equal level with the toddler. Action figures of every occupation are spread out in front of him on the plush navy blue carpet. 

“Not all,” Bret says with a shrug, which is the spitting image of one of your usual quirks. 

“Which one do you want to be?” Max asks. 

Bret’s eyes scan the variety of toys laid out around him, his small tongue peeking out from between his lips as he thinks about it. Max can’t help but chuckle at the familiar image in front of her, just on a smaller scale. 

“I don’t know!” Bret pouts, his lower lip jutting out. He slumps down on the carpet, his head coming to rest on his Uncle Dusty’s shoulder. 

“Aw, come on, Mini Munson.” Dustin rolls onto his back and lifts Bret over his head. The two-year-old giggles wildly and starts to kick his feet as if he’s trying to swim away. The laughter is so loud and piercing that none of the three hear the front door opening.

“Careful,” Eddie says as he walks into the room, you trailing just behind him. “He had a few waffles for breakfast, and I don’t want to see them come back up over Uncle Dusty’s face.”

Bret giggles—slightly evilly—as if this would be hilarious.

You set your purse down and slip your shoes off, throwing Max a smile.

“How was the troublemaker?”

“The usual amount of trouble,” she tells you.

“So, nowhere near as much as his father. Got it.” 

Your husband walks towards Dustin, ready to scoop your son up out of his grip, but the little boy squeals and dodges his hands.

“Hey,” Eddie pouts, which only makes Bret giggle. “Bret Michael Munson. Are you trying to escape your old man?”

“Yeah!” he replies cheerfully, making Dustin laugh. 

Eddie softly kicks his best friend’s shoulder with his socked foot. 

Across the room, Max accepts the glass of water you hand her.

“How was your afternoon date?” she asks.

“It was fun. The weather’s really nice and I beat Eddie by three points because he couldn’t hit his ball through the little windmill,” you say with a giggle.

“You’re definitely going to have to be the one to teach Bret to play mini golf,” Max says. 

The two of you look over to your son, where he seems to be the object of a game of keep away between Eddie and Dustin. Bret giggles wildly, his face scrunching up in a way that makes the tip of his nose wiggle.

“It’s so crazy how much he looks like you when he scrunches his face like that,” Max says, shaking her head in amazement. 

Bret must’ve caught his aunt’s words because he looks over at the two of you, a tiny furrow between his brows.

“But Mommy’s a girl!” he protests. 

You blow him a kiss and he’s quickly sucked back into whatever game he’s playing with the guys. 

Once Bret is tuckered out from the roughhousing, he plops down on Dustin’s chest and Eddie makes his way over to you. He catches wind of your and Max’s conversation of how your son looks just like the two of you. When Max slips away to grab her things, Eddie places his hands on your hips from behind and rests his chin on your shoulder. 

“Wanna make another one and see if they look more like you or me?”

Just the thought sends a pleasant tingle down your spine.

“You’re on, Munson. Meet me in our room. Nap time.”

“Bret’s or mine?”

A snort of laughter bursts out of you, causing Eddie to smile and only hold onto you tighter. 

[tarotmundomonde]

Love reading 18+ , astrology themed

So this is actually a Venus conjunct Rahu aspect based love reading. The cycle lasts about 10 months and this time it began in April 2024. So keep in mind, this is not an overall next 10 months PAC reading, but it's about what that aspect will add, what lessons it will bring to your love life for the next 10 months. I also added to it an 18+ part. It's my first time doing so, so let me know, what you think about it.

pick a number 1-5 OR an emoji 👰‍♀️ 😛 🎡 🤷‍♀️ 💥

PS: The messages are really long, so I had to replace texts with screenshots. Thank you for your understanding~

(ps. this reading is for practice and for fun)

1.👰‍♀️

And you know, what's so great about that? Because that's then, what you attract. Someone, who glows, someone magnificent, someone super attractive aka to your taste, someone you'll have a heart to heart connection with. And then you will have a very blossoming sacred union with a lot of embraces and affection expressed to one another. They will reach out to you. Like said, maybe this sacred union is with someone you already know, but it's like they can't come forth, before you are in your power first. But the cards say that miracles will happen and to remember to be playful! Then 18+ messages. The shifts shows. It's the same message as before. For example in intimacy, at first your energy makes it difficult for anyone to approach you. There is intimidation and fears and awkwardness. And if you learn your lessons, then there is this quick shift and the rest is history. Like the intimacy will reach the stars! This pile actually shows that you will have a s*x life. Most definitely. The attraction is going to be very intense, but it looks like you will both try at first to hold back till you just can't. Like the energy will be very heavy and intense. And then you find each other in each other's embrace going at it 🤣 It seems you will discuss your preferences and a lot of tease can be seen from the cards. You are gonna love your person's body! This person, they know how to enjoy the pleasures of sx. They know their pace and their speed. This person will be like their body is a present. Kinda like they are the cake and you should come and… enjoy. Yeah, this person has some real stamina, just saying. And you know what's great? Reciprocity, equal give and take. This person knows, how to be generous and make sure you both equally enjoy it. And it's gonna feel very natural to be with them. No wonder the cards talked about a sacred union. So pile number 1, you've got nothing to worry about. It looks great!

2.😛

possibilities. And that it seems there will be new love coming in. Very deep emotions and feelings, happiness and love. So that's great news for you pile 2! But especially, if you have multiple options, those are things to really pay attention to. Like, can the person make you laugh? Then 18+ messages. What comes to intimacy, it looks like it will take some time for someone to melt, to open up to it in the connection, whether it's you or them. It's also possible you could be dealing with someone at a distance. There is also a more intuitive approach to intimacy with this pile. Someone here doesn't want to open up, unless they think this is love. Whether this cycle adds to your s*x life or not is 50/50. For some of you, it could be due to physical distance. It looks like this pile will attract some flings or hook-ups, friends with benefits. So in more details, this is how it's coming through. If you are at a distance, you will must likely only dream about each other. If you meet, you'll have questions like will you meet again, when will you be able to be together again, etc. If it's a fling, random hook-up, friends with benefits, it looks good, but it's lacking something. Maybe it's just uncomfortable, for example doing it in a tiny car with very little space. Or simply the fact that it's lacking a foundation, so there is no real bonding, no sparks. It looks like you will be thinking, who is next and is there someone better out there and such. It seems like you'll be left thinking that in general it could be even better. Like said, it's good, but if you'd have a real connection, if they were your partner, then it could be fantastic. Something like that.

3.🎡

give it to you, same in bed. Now, what comes to the hot stuff, there could be quite a lesson there for you. I'll tell you, what it literally looks like. That you think the size will do it. That the key is the size of their D. And you will be shown that it's far from enough. Basically, it looks like you'll do your best, you'll put on your best performance for your partner, but it's one-sided. Only you put in the effort. And they'll just use their body once and that's it. It looks like you'll feel left out hanging. You will feel robbed. And based on the cards, this is explained in the most nice way possible. So your dreams of a big D being the magic wand that will give you all you need will be shattered into pieces. The key is going to be to understand that chemistry is really important and that your partner knows how to use their magic wand and that they want to use it. Basically if they have the hots for you, they should embody it and want to show you their passion for you, if you catch the drift. But like the cards show, you can always bring it up and talk about it with them and see then, how they react to it. If they care about you, it would show. If they don't wanna even hear it, don't wanna change, etc, then think about it, think if that person really is for you.

4.🤷‍♀️

fleeting chemistry or true bond. And it turns out to be true bond with fiery chemistry. It looks like you are saying no to temptation and no to just lust. You demand love, and patience, time will show you what the person is about. And they are patient and they respect you. It's like they are literally saying that you are gorgeous and so hot and they want you, but you decide. Like they are leaving an offer on the table, saying they want you so if you want them, call them -type of message. Hope it makes sense. So if you need someone's touch, this person is willing to give you it all. And interestingly, the cards are showing that you focusing on yourself and on your solar plexus chakra healing and in general focusing on yourself and being true to yourself in regards to s*x and love, it's bringing you good karma. Just so you know.

5.💥

possibility that you are trying to manifest someone in particular and of course, if you are not into manifestation rituals, it seems someone is manifesting you. But the cards talk also about love messages coming in. And about a long-term commitment coming in. Perhaps even engagement. Then 18+ messages. It seems you are more open to intimacy than your possible partners. So you could feel like they lack vulnerability. Physically they do want to touch you, but it feels like you are more gentle than them and they might be more rough. Like they offer you the temptation and the D, but it's like what they do comes with the intention of doing the deed, whereas you seem to want more intimacy and closeness and hugs. It looks like a lot of temptation, doing things to make you do what they want you to do, to make you do the things they want to get from you. For this pile, everything is possible, you may have or not have an active sx life, at least based on the cards there isn't really any additional energy adding to it. The same theme of lack of vulnerability is strongly present in the cards. It feels more like friends with benefits or a rebound. But the person here is not vulnerable and not open to open their heart. It just like sx that is agreed on, it looks even like your person would be absent-minded. And they only want it when it's convenient for them. And definitely the cards show someone, who'd want to have a rebound, as all they want is the healing and that's it. So yeah, friends with benefits or a rebound. If you meet someone, who is serious about you, then it seems this person does not want to rush things with you and want to first take their time to enjoy the romance with you.

[0nlythrowharrybeaux]

A Chance - Part 5**

Here it is! The final part of this series! I hope you guys like it!

Read the full series here

Warnings: mentions of a break-ins and the police. Sex (oral & p in v), fingering, dirty talk, slight dom/sub dynamic and degradation, choking, overstimulation, forced orgasms

WC: 6.6k

You were absolutely smitten with Harry, you were an absolute goner for him. After he’d stuck up for you and your budding romance you didn’t have the heart to hold back. You really were giving it your best effort to put aside your fears and let yourself show him just how much you cared for him.

The past two months had been wonderful and so much fun with him. You’d gone and done some touristy things in Hollywood, you’d been to see the L.A. Phil, you’d gone to the beach, and were now on your sixth date at The Highlight Room. The sunset was breathtaking and you couldn’t help but reach over to his free hand. He glanced up from setting his beer down and smiled at you.

“What?”

“Nothing. Just…admiring you.” You shrugged simply. “Do you like the pizza?” You asked and he nodded immediately.

“Hell yes. This is delicious.” He emphasized and you smiled.

“Good.” You hummed in contentment. 

You had planned this date and you wanted to do something a little more special for him because he always did the most thoughtful things for you. And well…you were kind of hoping that you guys could progress a little bit more in the physical aspect of things at the end of the night. You’d truly been taking it so slow because of all of the things you felt for him, it was the first time in a while that you’d felt this way. Harry was great though, never expecting something more than just your typical steamy make outs and handjobs. You guys were going to go to the Griffith Observatory after dinner. He had never been before and they were going to have a star party that night. People from local astronomy clubs were able to bring their equipment as well and set up on the lawn so that others can also get a chance to see the night skies. Harry was loving it, as were you! You’d gotten the chance to see a couple planets and the moon in so much detail. You’d learned to locate some summertime constellations in the sky and also got to walk around inside the building. Harry did not miss his chance to ask if you could dance like in “LaLa Land”, to which you blushed madly before declining anxiously.

“I know, m’ just messing with you, baby.” He assured you softly before kissing the highpoint of your cheek.

You eventually made it out onto one of the ledges and looked out to the millions of little lights from the city down the hill. You now had his jacket draped over your shoulders as you curled into his side.

“Thank you so much for planning this. It’s been a really wonderful evening.” He hummed with gratitude, “I mean…this is just…spectacular.” He said softly and you smiled.

“I’m glad you’ve had a nice time.” You hummed  before kissing his chest and then resting your head against it again as you hugged him a little closer as a cool breeze started to blow softly.

“It’s always have a nice time with you.” He said lowly before kissing the top of your head.

“Harry?”

“Yeah, baby?” 

“D-do you want to have sex? Like…with me?” You asked with a slight stutter and you felt his body start to tremble a bit as his chuckle worked his way up his belly and out his mouth. You playfully smacked his chest and sniggered.

“What kind of question is that?!” He asked and you shrugged in his arms.

“I just…I don’t know, like you’re so respectful that while I’m certain that it’s because you know that I just…need to take things a little slow, a little, insecure part of me likes to believe that it’s because you’re not so much in a rush to get there with me either.” You confessed.

“Oh baby, I want to! So. Fucking. Bad.” He assured you, “But like you said first, I just want to make sure that I’m not pushing you too much. And well, what we’re doing now for each other, that’s alright with me too. I quite…like that we don’t get too far. I love the longing.” He confessed and you slightly loosened your grip to glance up at him and he looked down at you at the same time and you both smiled at each other.

“Oh…okay.” You hummed timidly and he smirked.

“Do you like…want to do that soon?” He asked.

“I was thinking tonight…I mean, we’ve been on six dates now…”

“Is that the magic number?” He teased.

“Stop…” you giggled, “I’ve been thinking about this a lot.” You confessed timidly. He pulled you closer and kissed you gently. 

“We can go if you’re ready.” He mumbled against your lips and you giggled.

“Are you done looking at everything?” You asked and he nodded.

“Definitely.” He hummed and you grinned before grabbing his hand and pulling him along.

You were driving a little over the legal limit. And yes, you had driven, you had given him the full “princess” treatment that you had come to discover he liked. He didn’t really make a big deal of it, he acted very casual when you’d do something that was particularly thoughtful to him, but you knew that inside he was giddy about it. You liked how he was practically leaning over the center console to be closer to you. He kept kissing your shoulder and whispering things about how pretty you looked and how badly he wanted to taste your pussy. Your skin was tingling all over as he worked you up. He was very playful and teasing, it was making you even more impatient than you already were. 

“H, I’m driving.” You giggled as he suddenly nipped at your earlobe.

“Sorry, baby.” He hummed. It made you feel on fire from the inside when he called you “baby”. It made your heart flutter in ways that you didn’t know it could. When you finally pulled into your parking spot your muscles relaxed in relief. Harry immediately leaned in to kiss you and your lips met in a heated kiss.

“We should go inside.” You mumbled against his lips.

“Kay.” He responded and you both hurried out of the car and locked it. 

Next thing you knew, you were riding up the elevator, nestled in the corner as you continued to make out. When it came to a stop you hurried down the hall while rifling through your bag to grab your keys. His hands landed on your on your hips and squeezed gently as the impatience got the best of him. Finally, you were stumbling into your dim apartment with his body still draped over yours. One of his hands was sliding up your front and groping your boob under your top. You sighed in relief when he dragged down the cup of your bra and gently tugged at your nipple. You were loving this more domineering side of him, you wanted to see what he’d do if you gave him no direction.

“Where do you want to do this?” He asked as your hand reached back and scratched at the nape of his neck soothingly.

“We can go to my room.”

“Okay.” He whispered and grabbed your hips again as he guided you through your apartment and into your bedroom.

“Can I…have a couple minutes? Just to, you know…freshen up a little bit?” You asked him when you both stopped at the foot of your bed.

“Oh, of course, baby. Take your time.” He assured you before kissing your shoulder again. “Want water or wine?” He asked.

“Some water would be good.”

“Okay, I’ll go get the water.” He smiled and you nodded and turned around to kiss him gently. “You know…” he mumbled against your lips and you pulled back, “If you’re not ready we don’t have to.” He reminded you and you smiled.

“I know. I just ummm…if we did end up doing this I…had bought something t-to wear for you.” You said and his smile widened before his eyes narrowed as if your words were hurting him.

“Baby…” he groaned as his fingers squeezed into your hips and you giggled.

“Go on.” You whispered as you playfully nuzzled your nose into his and he kissed you again before hurrying off. 

You were soon just wiping down your bits quickly before slipping into the baby blue tie-front teddy. The bottom was a little long to allow some flounce to the fabric, so it made your ass look a bit more voluptuous. And well, the cut-out in the center of the piece exposed your mid back and from under your breasts to right below your navel. You moisturized a bit and then headed out of the bathroom to see Harry walking into the bedroom. He stopped and just bit down on his lip to suppress his smile a bit.

“Fuck…look at you.” He complimented you. 

“Like it?”

“Yeah, love. So fucking pretty.” He said before dipping down to kiss your lips. 

In moments you were helping to undress him. You couldn’t help but feel over his muscles over and over again, they were so firm. Your urge got the best of you and you dipped down and sunk your teeth into his pec and started to suck. His big hands grabbed your ass and kneaded your plush skin as you sucked your mark into his chest. Your need for him was making you feel like you were burning up from the inside out. 

“Are you ever going to undress me?” You asked as you smiled up at him and he smirked.

“Of course, but patience, baby-”

He was interrupted by your doorbell ringing and then some knocks on your door. You groaned but decided to leave it be until there it was again. You huffed in irritation and pulled back.

“Let me check who that is.” You said and hurriedly shrugged on your robe as you made your way to your front door. You peeked through the peephole and saw a familiar face, you’d seen the woman in the mail room before. She was looking a little anxious, you were a bit worried since it was nearing 10pm.

“Can I help you?” You called through the door.

“Hi! Oh my god, I’m Willa. I live around the corner, down the hall? Unit 412?” She said, “Someone broke into my apartment while I was gone.” She explained and you gasped and quickly opened the door.

“Oh my god, I’m so sorry. Are you alright?” You asked the woman and while it was evident that she had been crying, she wasn’t right now.

“Yeah, just a little shaken up.” She said and you nodded.

“How can I help?”

“Ummm, I noticed you have a ring camera and since you’re near the elevators I figured maybe you have footage of who it was since they took quite some big items.” She explained.

“Oh, yeah of course. Ummm, I can take down your contact info and look through it.” You said and she nodded.

“The cops will be here soon, d-do you think you can get the footage if there is any before they go?” She asked and you nodded.

“Yeah, of course! Did it happen today?”

“I honestly don’t know, I’m sorry. I’ve been gone since Wednesday so it could’ve been any time in the last four days.” She explained.

“No need to apologize. My boyfriend is here so he can help.” You assured her and she smiled slightly.

“Thank you so much!” She sniffled. You gave her your phone number and she texted you her contact info before heading off to wait for the police. When you turned around you saw Harry leaning on the counter, it startled you.

“Geez! When did you get in here?” You asked with a small smile.

“After I heard you opening up the door.” He said and you bit your lip because that meant he’d heard you call him your boyfriend. You hadn’t talked about that yet but that’s how you viewed what you two had. Even if he hadn’t asked officially, it was the best thing to describe what he was to you.

“So you heard what happened?”

“You mean the boyfriend thing?” He asked and you felt your stomach flip with anxiety. 

“N-no the break in.” You shook your head nervously.

“Are you sure?” He asked with a small smile.

“Look, I’m sorry. It’s just the best thing t-to describe what you are to me.” You explained. 

“Oh, I’m not upset. I actually wanted to talk to you about that.” He said.

“Yeah, we’ve been dating a while now, huh?”

“Yeah, I think about two months…and 10 days.” He added with a little grin and your cheeks flushed at his precision and attention to detail.

“Technically nine days, s’only 10pm.” You said and he grinned, “I really like you, Harry. I want to be with you. I would be so happy if you wanted to be my boyfriend.” You said and he smiled wide.

“Yeah, baby?” You nodded with certainty as your face started to grow warm as the blood rushed up to it as your happiness and excitement swelled within you.

“Yeah, I want to take that step with you.” You assured him.

“Me too.” He said before pulling you into a hug and you relaxed in his arms.

“My boyfriend…” you hummed.

“My girlfriend.” He whispered before giving you a firm squeeze. 

You soon broke apart to sift through your Ring footage from the last week. Harry had the the great idea that maybe the person who’d broken in had visited before, so he started from the week prior and you worked your way from today back. Luckily for you, you’d seen that the break-in had occurred the day before, in the afternoon. There were three men, two had been dressed as movers and one in pretty plain clothes. You only saw them leaving with things, so they had to have come up to the apartment another way, probably the staircase where there weren’t any cameras. 

“Did you find anything?” You asked as you glanced over to him who was looking at the footage from your laptop. 

“Not really…yet.” He said.

“I just found them leaving with her things. They’re dressed as movers.” You explained, “They must’ve come up the staircase because they didn’t come down this way.”

“Jeez…” he frowned as he glanced at you and you nodded.

“I know…at least we can see their faces on the way out. Do you want anything?”

“Do you still have those little Trader Joe’s ice cream cones?” He asked and you smiled.

“Yeah, baby.” You said and stood to go bring him one. You were just about to open the freezer when he gasped.

“I found something! Well, I think. The only person who has come by with Willa is a guy, maybe a hook up. He doesn’t come out this way though…” he said at the end. You rushed over and pulled up your down loaded footage.

“It’s the same guy! The one behind the fake movers.” You said pointing to your phone and Harry nodded.

“Yeah, that’s him. Let me download this and you can send it over to her.” He said and you nodded. 

After a couple of moments you were sending over the information to Willa. While the sensual mood of the evening had sort of melted away with Willa’s unfortunate circumstance, the romantic feeling between you and Harry were still brewing. You’d opted to curl up on your couch and watch a show together, Bridgerton, when you admitted that you had not actually attempted to watch it yet. But just when things started to get saucy between you two there were knocks on your door again, this time there was an officer with Willa. He wanted to ask a few questions but that you were at work at the time of the break in so weren’t much more help than providing the video from your Ring camera.

“Is it a sign or something?” You huffed as you plopped beside him in the couch again and he smiled at you.

“Coincidences. There’s only been two interruptions. If there’s a third interruption I’ll take it personally.” He said and you chuckled. “But I promise you, I’m not in a rush, baby. I’m not disappointed.” He assured you.

“I am!” You said with a pout, “I wasted this perfectly adorable lingerie for nothing!” You reminded him, “Well…at least you got to see me in it, but the mood is gone.” You mumbled.

“I do agree that the moment has passed but I would like to see you in it a little more.” Harry said with a soft smile and spread his legs just a bit before patting his thigh and you smirked before taking off your robe and scooting up against him. You draped your bare legs over his lap and let him smooth his warm, soft palms up and down your smooth legs. He smiled at you before he dipped down to kiss you.

“Do you want to stay?” You asked him as he pulled back a bit to allow you both to breathe for a second.

“I’d love to but-”

“But what?” You grumbled before pecking his lips again.

“I don’t have a tooth brush.” He said and you kissed his lips again, “Or my skin care…” he said and you smiled. “Don’t you say a word. Self-care is important.”

“Okay.” You giggled before smooching his lips again.

“Or clothes.” He finished with slightly raised eyebrows.

“Arguably, clothes are non essentials.” You said and he smirked.

“They are if we’re going to brunch tomorrow.” He added and you pouted.

“Right…” 

“But…if you pack a bag we can go to mine?” He suggested and your lips quirked up quickly. You were excited because you actually had only been to Harry’s apartment three times in all this time, including when you picked him for your date earlier. Your place was closer to work and downtown so you usually ended up here, but now he was asking you to stay over with him. It would be your first time spending the night with each other. With him. And it made you feel so fucking giddy. “You could stay tomorrow night too. We could drive to work together?” He added optimistically.

“Yes! I’ll go pack right away!” You said with excitement and hurried off to your room. 

You had an outfit in mind for brunch already so Harry helped pick your outfit for work on Monday while you gathered your toiletries and makeup. He had a great sense of style so you trusted his selection and on top of that, it was absolutely endearing that he put your clothes on a hanger instead of stuffing them into the large tote you had set out for the rest of your belongings. You picked your shoes, a pair you could wear Sunday and Monday, and then your phone charger before you both headed out of your bedroom.

“Have everything?” He asked you before you left.

“Oh, a pillow!” 

“I’m a grown up, baby. I have pillows. Four of them to be exact…” he chuckled.

“It’s a thing for me, it has to be my pillow.” You explained, “I’m particular.” You grinned.

“Of course you are…” he muttered as you headed back to your room.

“Heard that!” You called back with a grin. 

Soon enough you were locking up and riding down to your car before heading off to his place. You were really excited at this opportunity to be in his space overnight. From what you’d seen of Harry’s place it was pretty tidy and looked cohesive and aesthetic. Because his building was a bit older it had elements that made it feel more cozy, which you appreciated and were excited to see in more detail. As soon as he let you both inside you were taken over by a faint warm, woodsy scent…perhaps bergamot and sandalwood? Regardless, you were obsessed. You loved that as soon as you came in you could see the kitchen. The light hanging over the slate-gray granite top counter was on and casting a lovely golden glow to the entrance  of his apartment. It was a whole vibe.

“Sorry for the mess.” He said lowly as he held the door open for you.

“Are you one of those people who just says that and has an immaculate home?” You inquired as you slipped out of your shoes.

“Not necessarily.” He chuckled as he locked up behind you before doing the same, “I think a bit of mess is healthy.” He continued saying and you giggled.

“Give me an example…” you said as you set your pillow down on the counter and he hummed as you draped your hanger of clothes over a stool then set down you tote on top of it.

“Like…having a laundry chair. Or…a decent pile of junk mail…maybe some ketchup or soy sauce packets on the coffee table from your weekend, munchies-induced takeaway…” You laughed at his nonsense and turned around to look at him. There were literal hearts in your eyes right now. “What?” He chuckled boyishly and you smirked.

“Oh, I am so fond of you.” You hummed and Harry grabbed your face and angled you up to kiss your lips so tenderly. It made your heart leap in your chest and your hugged around him. “Take me to your room.” You rushed out and he nodded before pecking your lips a few times and then pulling away to guide you past the kitchen and living room and down the short hallway that led to his bedroom. There was a little bedside lamp on that gave his room some dim light. His room was tidy despite his previous comment about laundry chairs. You liked his bed, it looked so fluffy and inviting. Beside the small bedside table, there were four, rather stall stacks of books and you grinned.

“S’that your mess?” You mumbled against his lips and he chuckled.

“A bit, it’s more like my shame on display. I bought some shelves but I haven’t put ‘em up yet.” He explained and you hummed in acknowledgement before your lips met again. It was all quiet besides your increasingly ragged breaths and the sounds of your lips smacking together. Your hands where sliding down his chest and you got even more wet than you were from feeling over his sturdy pecs. 

“Can you get this off of you?” You asked quietly and he nodded and you pulled away so that he could slide out of his cardigan and then tear off his t-shirt. 

Harry just let the clothes fall to the ground and you immediately dug your nails into the tops of his pecs before scratching down them a bit. He groaned softly before grabbing around your throat and holding you still as he kissed you deeply. Your lips smeared feverishly as your lust started to seep from the two of you, making the atmosphere feel a bit hotter. You reached for his other hand that was on your hip and guided it to the hem of your shirt. He got the hint and pulled away to help you get out of your top. As he dropped it on the ground you reached around and undid your bra. As soon as you started to slide it off Harry was reaching for it and helping you out of it. 

“Fuck…look at you.” He groaned before grabbing at your breasts and attaching your lips again. You were kind of laughing because the way he was squeezing and groping at your boobs was almost juvenile. “They’re so fucking soft and warm and pretty.” He said to you and you sniggered.

“Such a boy…” you teased and he grinned.

“Can’t help it.” He mumbled and you smiled as you started to trail your hands down his abs.

“No, baby?” You asked and he shook his head, “Do you already have a boner for me?” You whispered and he groaned before kissing you deeply.

“Course I do.” He responded. You loved how reactive he was to you, it turned you on to extents you weren’t familiar with. “Please touch me, m’so fucking hard.” He confessed and you slid your hand further down until you were palming over the bulge in his slacks. Feeling it straining against his pants made your pussy clench and you gave him a little squeeze as you rubbed the heel of your palm under his tip. He moaned and you grinned at his reaction. 

“Like that?” 

“Yes, baby…fuck, keep going, making me so fucking hard.” He encouraged you. You added a bit more pressure to your rubbing until his hips were grinding into your hand. “Can I eat your pussy?” He asked breathlessly and you nodded quickly.

“Yes. Please.” You responded and he grinned and started to help you out of your skirt and underwear. In just a few moments you were on his bed, propped up on your elbows while he was getting on his knees. He held your legs open and kissed up your left leg, from your knee and about halfway up your thigh. He looked up at you with a small smile, it made your heart beat in your chest erratically. He glanced down again and smooched a kiss against your right inner thigh. 

“C’mon, baby…” you encouraged him softly and he kissed his way further up until he reached the apex of your thighs and kissed over your lips softly. He then nuzzled in a bit further and let his tongue roll out over your center before dragging it up to your clit and swirling around it a few times. You sighed in relief and let your head fall back when his lips wrapped around it and sucked gently, “Yes, that’s so good…it feels so good.” You muttered breathily. 

Harry’s soft groans against you every time you pulled on his hair made you squirm just a bit more underneath him. When you felt his finger sliding down and rubbing over your entrance your legs dropped open a bit further. Finally, he pushed it inside, to the knuckle before drawing it out and then pressing his middle finger in beside it. His long fingers rubbed against your front wall deliciously. And next thing you knew you were groaning in relief as his fingers pressed in as deep as they could and he pressed up against you g-spot. That, in combination with his tongue flicking at your clit had stars in your eyes and your slick dripping from you. You were going to come so hard. It was building inside of you and making your muscles start to tighten one by one. You were trying to take a proper breath, but then he started to finger-fuck you faster and you gasped as it started to bring you to the edge.

“Oh my god, Harry!” You gasped, “You-you’re gonna make me come!” You announced and he moaned against you and kept going exactly as he was. Your abs were so tense that you felt them start to quiver. You were right there. “Oh…I’m coming!” You whimpered before everything went white. Your mind went blank as your hips rolled in time with the thrusting of his fingers. His encouragement and moans being mumbled against your sensitive clit were driving you insane. Especially when his mustache would tickle over your swollen and throbbing little bundle. God…and the heavy petting at your g-spot was about to make you drool. The orgasm was lasting longer than you were accustomed to and you were running out of air.

“Fuck, you squeeze so tight…” he groaned as your walls pulsed around his digits. How he wished that was his cock getting strangled by your tight little cunt. “Gonna give me another one? Hmmm?” He asked you inhaled sharply and nodded.

“Yeah, fuck! A little harder…yes, just like that!” You gasped until you were withering in his hands again. You were a little lightheaded and when your eyes opened you saw colorful spots on the ceiling from how out of it you were. A soft chuckle bubbled out of your mouth and he kissed your inner thigh as he slowed his finger down.

“Fuck, you’re dripping down my hand.” He hummed as he pulled his fingers out slowly and you grinned as you propped yourself up again to see him reaching down and groaning. His fist started to slide up and down as he stroked over his stiff cock. “Fuck…” 

You bit your lip as you sat up further to watch it happen. He was a fucking sight…his face card was always on point. And well, his body was fitter than fit. 

“You’re so fucking hard.” You mused and he glanced up at you and nodded, “Squeeze a little tighter, right on your tip.” You instructed and he started to do just that. He started to thumb over his tip.

“Shit…”

“Do you have a condom?” You asked and he nodded quickly. He got up and grabbed one out of his bedside drawer. You knelt up and waited for him to get on the bed. 

Finally, he was settling in and you hurriedly straddled him. You kissed him deeply, holding onto his face for a few seconds before kneeling up and reaching between your legs to hold him up against your entrance. Just feeling his thick head prodding at your entrance was enough to make your walls flutter. You needed to feel him stretching you open so badly. You wanted him to be so deep it made your breath hitch. You teased at him, letting him in just a bit before rolling your hips until he slid between your lips. He groaned as he watched his cock slipping between your swollen and sticky folds, just desperate to feel the heat of your pussy engulfing his achey cock. His balls ached too, he wanted to come so fucking bad but he also knew that he wanted to keep fucking you for as long as he could. 

“Please, baby. Get me inside.” He beseeched and you smiled up at him teasingly.

“Yeah? Can’t wait anymore?” you hummed playfully and he shook his head as he slightly glanced up at you. 

“Please, baby. Want you so bad. Need to feel your tight little pussy taking my cock.” He mumbled as you started to tease him at your entrance again. “Please.” He begged, holding perfectly still.

“You’re being a little pathetic.” You hummed and he groaned lowly.

“I don’t care.” He chuckled as he squeezed your hips hard. “Fuck, I’ve wanted you for so long.” He confessed and you bit your lip.

“Oh yeah?” You smirked inquisitively.

“Yeah…”

“Even when I was snappy with you?” You asked and he bit his lip for a moment.

“Especially then.” He admitted and you smirked and without warming you sunk down on his cock until he was sheathed inside of you completely. He moaned as his nails dug into your ass as you squeezed around his erection. “Fuuuuck…” he moaned with need.

“You’re so big.” You whimpered as you rolled your pelvis into his.

“Yeah, baby? Am I good enough for you?” He asked and you nodded.

“So good…you feel so fucking good!” You praised him as you ground over his lap. One of his hands came to your breast and grabbed it before sucking your nipping into his mouth. You yelped as he bit down for a second before sucking it eagerly again. 

When Harry started thrusting up slightly you became covered in goosebumps. He was filling you in such satisfying ways. He was doing so good for you and you loved that he had been lusting after you for so long. He was doing incredible things to your body, your brain was going fuzzy. You wanted to come so bad, you needed it.

“Lay back.” You panted and he settled back against the pillows behind him and you ran your hand up his abs and his gorgeous pecs. He was already slightly sweaty and it made you even hotter for him. Your hand slight up his sternum and then right beneath his throat.

“Do it. Choke me while you make me come.” He said and you smirked and slid your hand a little further up before squeezing a little bit as you started to bounce a bit.

The limited amount of oxygen he was able to breathe in was aiding in that floaty feeling he knew would make his orgasm come soon. You were a smug fit around his cock. So wet and warm. How he wished he could just blow his load deep inside your exquisite little pussy. 

“Oh you feel so good right there!” You whined as you tried your hardest to keep the same pace that was getting the both you there.

“Fuck, I’m gonna come…fuck, fuck…” he gasped before you felt him start to thrust up against you. His jaw was slightly slack as the pleasure coursed through him. You were getting so close… it was right within your reach. “Oh shit…” he gasped as he tried to slow your pace. 

“Just give me a little more!” 

“It’s…fuck, it’s too much!” He whined as he started to squirm beneath you from the overstimulation. He tried to sit up but you pressed him down by the chest.

“Please, just let me come! You can do it, baby.” You encouraged him. You could feel his chest rising and falling quickly and his thighs trembling beneath you. He was letting out the most desperate moans, it was pushing you to edge. You were so close! You started to bounce on his cock a bit harder, you could feel your walls fluttering around his cock so hard as he rammed into that soft spot in you that had you creaming around his girth. 

He hissed and his eyes squeezed tight because every time you dropped down his cock was colliding with such a warm and squishy part of you that he was making Harry lose his mind. He was the one seeing spots now. He was twitching and tense and the slight smack of his balls up against your butt added a delicious tingle to everything else that was going on. He was going to come again, he couldn’t help it.

“You’re going to make me come again…oh fuck!” He warned.

Before you knew it, Harry hugged around your waist and started to thrust up against you hard. You grunted with every sharp thrust, he delivered until that coil that had been pulled taut deep in your core finally exploded. You moaned in relied and hugged around his shoulders as your started to grind freely over him as your orgasm took you out like a tidal wave. You were covered in goosebumps as you shivered in his arms as you came undone. And then Harry was rolling you on your back and delivered three merciless thrusts until he was coming again. 

His body was shivering and his ears ringing as the pleasure peaked and courses through his veins. He lost all strength and dropped over you, kissing your neck and chest sloppily as you two shivered in each other’s arms as you came down from it all. It was a few moments before he had come down enough that he pressed himself up and kissed you lovingly. 

The tender kisses you were sharing started to deepen as the minutes passed. There was this feeling in your chest that was bubbling up and making it feel like you couldn’t breathe. It was making your fingers prick. You hugged him closer to you as your lips smacked softly. He was so warm against you. You hummed happily as he parted your legs and settled himself between them again, he wasn’t hard again, but he just wanted to be as close as possible and you did too.

“M’so lucky you’re mine.” He hummed against your lips and you smiled, breaking the kiss.

“I think I’m the lucky one.” You whispered and he pulled back a bit to properly get a look at you. 

“Oh, I don’t know, baby…” he smiled warmly. The way he took you in and the adoration you could see in his gaze, it made it hard to contain the feelings that were swirling in the pit of your tummy. You knew what it was…and well, you wanted to say it. You wanted to tell him that you loved him. You loved him so fucking much.

“Harry?” You asked softly.

“What is it, love?” He asked before pecking your lips quickly and looking into your eyes.

“I ummm… I…love you.” You said in a small and nervous voice. His eyebrows arched up and his lips parted in surprised before he laughed in relief and kissed you ardently for a second.

“Oh I’m so fucking in love with you.” He mumbled before kissing you again and you smiled.

“Yeah?”

“Hell yeah.” He mumbled before your lips met again for a few seconds.

“Good. I’m so fucking gone for you.” You confessed breathily before he moaned and kissed you hotly for a few more minutes before the kiss naturally started to slow down.

After another few minutes of kissing you were just cuddled close, basking in the love-filled atmosphere of the bubble you were in. It had been so long since you’d felt this way and it was even better to feel it and know that your heart was safe with Harry. 

“What’re you thinking?” He asked quietly as he fiddled with your fingers.

“Just that…” you giggled as he started to kiss your fingertips, “I feel really happy and safe with you.” You said and he smiled.

“Good.” He responded, “I feel the same with you. I haven’t had so much fun with anyone in such a long time.”

“Me either.” You smiled and then leaned up to kiss him again. As your lips met slowly you raised your leg a bit and gently skimmed your thigh over his cock. His lips twitched up in a grin and it instantly interrupted the kiss,

“You can’t do that to me.” He chuckled, “You made me come twice! I need a minute.” He laughed and you giggled.

“I was just playing.” You whispered and he smirked.

“No you weren’t…” he said knowingly and you giggled.

“Sorry, not sorry. That was really good.” You said and he hummed.

“A little fast but I mean, it was our first time. I’ll make it up to you during round two.” He assured before kissing you deeply again before he rolled over you, “We’ll see who’s being a little pathetic when I’m charge later…” He smirked. 

And well, if there was anything you could expect from Harry it was to do precisely as he said. In that moment you felt so relieved knowing that being vulnerable with him was alright. He was your safe space. He loved you, he had been showing you the entire time and you were thrilled to have let him in when you did. You were looking at him with so much endearment, he melted your heart. 

“What?” He asked with a smile.

“C-can you just hold me while we wait for later to come?” You asked and he smiled.

“Of course, baby.” He smiled and pulled you close to him for the time being. 

His warmth, his scent, the rhythm of his rising and falling chest…all of him, all of this was everything you had been so afraid to try for. But now you had it, you had him and you were so happy that you had just given him a chance because it had been so. Fucking. Worth it. 

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[justawritterwithideas]

Boy Wonder and the Rockstar | s.r

✩ previous part | next part ✩

summary: The BAU rushes to Washington after discovering that the lead singer of a famous band may be in danger, causing Spencer to come face to face with his past after 15 years.

general warnings: this series contains topics such as mentions of death, alcohol, drugs, strong vocabulary, as well as talk of heartbreak, disappointment and arguments. It also contains content regarding CM season 13, so it clearly contains spoilers.

chapter warnings: this chapter contains mentions of murder, vomiting, mistreatment, as well as the use of strong vocabulary. this is a spencer reid x famous!reader story.

words: 4,269 words.

a/n: hello! here i come with the second chapter of "boy wonder and the rockstar", i had fun writing this chapter as i also suffered from lack of creativity ( T T ), but finally inspiration touched me. I hope you like it. Remember to read the chapter cautions and have a good read.! English is not first language, so I may have mistakes, if so, I'm sorry. :(

𝟎.𝟐: 𝐌𝐲 𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫.

For many people, memories that are related to times in their lives relate to certain aspects of the five senses, whether it's certain sounds or textures, music that brings them back to that exact memory, or simply tastes of foods that remind them of what their loved ones used to make.

For Spencer, it was smells.

Despite possessing a memory that makes him remember even the smallest detail of what happened the day before, his olfactory memory was much more developed than other senses.

During his childhood, or what he considers childhood, his memories smelled of the pages of old books that his mother read to him and her perfume, impregnated in the bed sheets when they sat together to read some classic of literature. When he was in his youth, sometimes the smells reminded him of the charcoal in his pencil, writing mathematical exercises on white sheets, or sometimes the smell of chlorine, because of the thousand times bullies forced him to go to the bathroom.

But during his college days, he always thought that the smell that would be his favorite was the soft smell of the library, of wood and humidity; but no, those memories had the smell of freshly brewed coffee, cherries and menthol cigarettes.

His good memories always brought smiles to his face in the middle of nowhere, as if he was remembering one of those old bad jokes they used to tell him and he couldn't find the humor in them, or maybe the less thought out answers to such logical questions. His good memories caused his stomach to clench tightly and his chest to feel heavy, as if a stone was replacing his heart.

Spencer knew why. Why his body felt that way.

But he didn't want to admit why.

Because if he admitted it, he knew the only reason he did would make him regret it, he would have to give reason to his sentimental side than the rational side.

And he hated not being right.

"Spence."

J.J.'s voice brought the boy back to his desk, taking his eyes off the nearly iced coffee with a pound of sugar to keep him awake.

He'd been daydreaming about Y/N's laughter in his ear for nights now, just like when they had sleepovers at her apartment. He couldn't get her out of his head, let alone get the smell out of her hair when she was the small spoon.

"What, what's going on?" the opposite replied, looking at the blonde. She seemed to be trying to decipher what was going on in her friend's head.

"I'm asking you, is something wrong, are you sleeping well?"

"Yes." Bullshit.

"Are you sure? Your eyes say otherwise." The black circles under his eyes gave him away.

"I've been sleepless for a few days, but it's because my neighbors won't let me sleep." Another bullshit.

"You should talk to them, you know." The boy nodded, giving the blonde an elongated smile and returning to his paperwork.

"Really all right?"

"Yeah, J.J. It's fine."

"'S okay, you know what you can tell me."

"Yes J.J., thank you."

The answer didn't leave the blonde satisfied, but she made an extraordinary effort to ignore his attitude and return to the desk with Luke and Matt, who had been staring at him for a couple of minutes.

"He's rambling again." Commented J.J as she returned, who kept her eyes on her best friend and tried to figure out what was wrong with him.

It was usual at this time of year, when the leaves were beginning to turn their last summer colors, that Spencer would go blank staring at a spot in the room more than once.

No one quite understood why that happened to him, the only one who knew was Gideon. But he never shared any of Spencer's secrets, not even if a gun was held to his chest.

"Guess whateee, my dear friends!" The conversation was interrupted by a cheerful and enthusiastic Penelope, who commanded everyone's attention with her sonorous voice.

"What's going on, Garcia?" Luke turned to see her, who was coming with an envelope in her hand.

"Your genius did it again, rub the wishing lamp and I got tickets to the best concert of the year - Paradox in Virginia! Can you believe it?"

"You got them!?" J.J. was the first to startle, coming closer to see the tickets for the most anticipated concert of the year.

"That's right, my dear friend! A girls' night out to see Paradox. You, me, Emily and Tara."

"No way, god. I'll talk to Will and rest assured I'll be ready for that night." J.J smiled hugging her friend's arm.

"What's Paradox...?" muttered Luke, causing Matt to turn to look at him. The poor Luke was trying to comprehend what his friends were talking about.

Was he too out of date on pop culture or were they speaking in some kind of secret code?

"Oh Luke, why did you ask that?" Matt shook his head, earning a glare from the blonde couple.

"What did you say, newbie, don't you know what Paradox is? Oh god, no way. I'll have to bring you up to date with a course on what today's music is right now, follow me." Penelope motioned to the boy, who turned to see Matt who was lifting his shoulders laughing.

"No Penelope, you're not going anywhere. We have a case, and it's urgent. There's no time, meeting room now."

The rest of the people turned to look at each other, abiding by their boss's orders as they saw her so anxious and serious about a case.

That didn't look good at all.

The adrenaline and euphoria of last night's show, plus the last two dates, had been enough of a stimulant for Y/N to fall asleep in bed once they arrived at the hotel. Her whole body was exhausted, and at that moment all she wanted was some chamomile tea and a thousand hours of sleep.

She loved her job, of course she did! But she was mentally and physically exhausted from giving almost 15 concerts without a break, from one state to another, with more cups of coffee and energizers in her body than times where her eyes closed to sleep.

And the only time she found peace and quiet was when her body was being moved from one location to another, so, at that moment, her body was resting in the comfortable seat of the SUV after being driven to an interview and returned to the hotel to rest.

She felt her limbs meld with the seat, feeling like she was in heaven itself where her muscles all over her body were relaxing after days.

Her peace didn't last long when she heard a soft call.

"Psss, Y/N."

The, now, blonde heard the call from Felix, also known as the band's drummer and her best friend.

"What? You ruin my beauty nap."

"What did one wall say to the other?"

Y/N could hang him right then and there.

More the tiredness in her body made her think, trying to devise the best answer to get him to leave her alone.

"What?"

"I'll meet you at the corner."

"I'm having the biggest self-control to not kill you because you just interrupted the only moment of peace I've had these past three months, asshole."

"You haven't been able to sleep?"

Y/N denied with her eyes closed, desperate to get back to her attempt at sleep.

"Not a single moment, I woke up three times last night and that was the best attempt at sleep I've ever had."

"Your pills aren't working?"

"They're placebos, they won't make my body calm down just like that and go back to my eight hour sleep cycle that I'd had for the last two years without touring." The young woman opened one eye, looking at her friend. "I just have to get used to it, I have to get back to the cycle of excitement I used to have when it was tour after tour."

"Maybe if we talk about that thing that bothers you-"

"No way."

Y/N knew what he meant, knew it was talking about a certain doctor who gave her goosebumps every time she thought about him and took her back to her college days.

Why was she still thinking about him? It had been almost 15 years since they last spoke.

Y/N looked at the date on her phone.

No, she was wrong.

It had been 15 years since they last spoke.

Today was 15 years since she had received the last letter from Spencer with her name written on it.

The last time she felt the smell of his perfume on the sheets and his ugly doctor's handwriting on a sheet of paper.

The last time she saw written "wherever you are, whatever you do or whoever you are with, you are always on my mind and in my heart, Y/N."

Last time she saw written "Love from Quantico, dr. Spencer Reid. I'm also known as your #1 fan, but only you know that."

Was that the reason she hadn't slept well that night? Yes.

Was that the reason she hadn't slept well for that last week? Yes.

Was that the reason why, every time she closed her eyes, she saw him smile? Yes.

Was she going to admit it? No.

Never.

"Y/N..."

"I don't want to talk about it, Felix. Don't insist."

"But, Y/N-"

"Let it go, Felix. Really, don't insist." Tyler's voice made Felix turn to look at him angrily.

Tyler and Shawn, the guitarist and bassist respectively, shook their heads and made an "X" symbol with their fingers, muttering at the same time "don't do it, don't be stupid."

"Enough kids, let it go. In two days we have a very important concert to give in Seattle, so I don't want any fights."

"You heard him, Felix." Y/N smiled opening her eyes, looking in the direction of Gerald, her manager.

Thank you, Y/N murmured in the man's direction.

Gerald just raised his shoulders, noticing how the van parked.

"Okay, down."

Tyler and Shawn were the first to get out, followed by Y/N and then Felix.

Felix hated to come off as meddling in Y/N's life, so whenever he meddled too much in the girl's life, he simply knew that seeking forgiveness from her was his best option.

"Sorry Y/N, I didn't mean to insist."

"It's okay, Felix. I know you meant no harm, but I don't want to talk about it."

"And when will you?"

"I don't know, I guess when I'm ready."

"It's been 15 years, Y/N."

"I know, but I'm still not read-"

"Miss Autumn?"

Y/N turned to see the receptionist, who was holding a package.

"A package has arrived for you."

"Thank you, do you know who brought it?"

"No miss, I'm sorry."

"No worries, thanks again."

Y/N received it, walking to the elevator along with Felix after seeing how the package had a sticker on it that said "express delivery."

"What did you order, compulsive shopper?" Gerald turned to look at her, causing Y/N to deny in confusion.

"Nothing that I know of, I promise."

"Maybe it's a collaboration, Tiffany's already started putting the ads with your face all over it." Shawn smiled, elbowing the arm of the store's new ambassador.

"A gift for you to occupy at the next gig." Gerald replied, nodding softly as he looked down at his phone.

The box was small and covered in the typical plastic they place around it. Compact enough to drop a set of jewelry on behalf of the brand, but it seemed odd that it came directly and without warning.

The group made their way to the small meeting room where they had set up everything they needed, ready to hear the itinerary Gerald had prepared for them about their upcoming events.

Y/N's fingers went to open the package once it was placed on the table, watching as  the "Tiffany & Co." logo on its little sky blue box.

"Okay guys, tomorrow you have rehearsal from noon until three in the afternoon, then you'll have an interview on a radio station near the sta-"

A beautiful gold ring with a navy blue gem in the middle was the first thing that caught the young woman's eye, perfect for the occasion. But it was heavier than usual.

"Then you can go eat and rest, we'll still have dress rehearsal, so you can get ready-"

A shout coming from Y/N deafened the group of people, causing them all to look in her direction.

Her skin was as white as paper, her eyes fixed on the box she had just opened and her face with an expression of pure terror from an experimental horror movie.

All eyes went in the direction of the box, which Y/N felt like everything she had eaten that morning was going to spew out of her mouth right then and there.

"Shit."

The beautiful ring encircled something.

A human finger.

A human finger that stained the bottom of the box.

A human finger that was accompanied by a note.

"I hope you enjoy my gift, my sweet star. I made it just for you, good luck at the concert."

"This morning at the Queen Elizabeth Hotel in Washington, the lead singer of the band Paradox received a package. Inside was a human finger with a ring on it." Emily was passing around the photographs that had been sent by the Washington police, it showed just what she had just described above. "According to the receptionist it was dropped off by someone from a package store. The police questioned him and he said it had arrived with yesterday's load of packages."

"From where?" Luke asked.

"They don't know, they collect packages from all over the country so they don't know where it came from. They're looking for the tracking code of the branch they sent it from."

"How grotesque, who would send such a thing to an artist like her?" Tara looked at Emily, who sighed.

"But what do we have to do with this case?" Rossi looked at his tablet, zooming in on the picture of the ring.

"The DNA results came back to find out whose finger it is." A photograph of a stranger appeared on the TV screen. "He is Bruno Colombo, an Italian artist and the owner of that finger. We just got word that his lifeless body was found in his art studio."

"He's Autumn's ex-fiancé." Penelope commented, surprised at all that was going on. "In 2016, he and Autumn got engaged after dating for two years, but after a few months it was discovered that the engagement ended after Autumn discovered him and an art gallery owner having sex in his studio. According to him he did it because he wanted to make an exhibition that would portray Autumn's true feelings, and this way he could see her feeling of anger and sadness. There are still people who idolize him for that."

"What a jerk." Matt muttered.

"And how come no one noticed his absence?"

" According to this, he was isolating himself when he was setting up exhibits so it wasn't out of the ordinary for him to suddenly disappear."

Spencer felt his heart pounding, why would he get like this over a clear case of a stalker obsessing over a music star?

It's not like he even knew her.

"Apparently, this relates to a series of related cases over ten years that the only common element is this band, Paradox. No one has ever linked them before as none of the modes of operation are the same, the only factor that unites them is the viciousness with which they are carried out and the band, of course." Emily sighed, showing the various faces and deaths that surrounded them.

"Race or religion has nothing to do with it, it seems neither does gender." Spencer commented, quickly reading each of the bodies found. "But it looks like they all had an encounter with the band or one of the members. From 2008 when the first body was found until now."

"The director asked us to take on this case, the level of this band is insane and it seems to be going against the vocalist, Autumn. They are currently on a world tour after two years of no activity, plus not much is known about her in general." Emily turned to look at Penelope. "Garcia, you're joining us on this trip. You serve us better back in Washington than you do here at Quantico. Reid and Lewis will go meet the M.E., the rest of us will go to the station and then we'll all go to the Queen Elizabeth Hotel, we'll meet the band and their manager." The whole group was surprised, especially Penelope who held a surprised expression. "Wheels up in 30."

Y/N always thought that the whole thing about having human parts shipped to you in a box was part of fiction. At best, news fiction.

But what she had just experienced was surreal.

Her body was shaking with a cup of tea in her hands, feeling her hands stinging around the cup.

"Who the fuck would send something like that to Y/N? No one we know is capable of doing anything to her, they would fuck up their careers if they were exposed like that." Tyler turned, annoyed, in the direction of Y/N. "Who did this to you, are you hiding something from us?"

"No, Tyler. I'm not hiding anything, why would I hide the fact that someone sent me a fucking human part on my name to a hotel in the middle of our comeback tour? You're blaming me for something, huh? Tell me to my fucking face, Tyler."

Y/N stood up in exasperation, letting the hot water spill onto the floor.

"I don't know, you tell me, Y/N. If you got sent a finger."

"Go straight to hell, Tyler. Right straight up." Commented the girl raising her middle finger.

"Enough! Both of you." Gerald's loud voice interrupted them, separating the band's strong personalities. "Right now we can't fight. They just sent a fucking human finger to Y/N, we can't get mad about that, we should be worried."

"Finally someone with sense." Y/N sat back down, setting the cup aside.

"What are they seeing so much of us, why aren't they doing anything? They should be looking for the person responsible." Felix got up walking towards the officers, being stopped by Shawn.

"Hey, they're doing the best they can. If we go in there and raise our voices, we're going to hinder the investigation, don't be a dickhead."

"Damn it, this can't be happening." Y/N stood up, starting to walk over to her purse to pull out a cigarette and place it between her teeth.

"You can't smoke in here, Y/N." Gerald's warning went in one ear to the girl and out the other, flicking her lighter. "Y/N."

"What, look at the shit we're in, I just got sent a fucking human finger from who-knows-who and you're asking me to keep my cool!? I can't! There's a crazy person out there sending me that shit with 'nice words'." The girl threw the lighter at who-knows-where, finding herself on the verge of an anxiety attack. "Don't fuck around and leave me alone to have a smoke, Gerald."

The group fell back into the same silence that surrounded them four hours ago, letting the cigarette smoke flood their nostrils.

They were desperate, they needed to get to the root of this.

Y/N knew it. Right now she was the eye of the hurricane, who that box and message were addressed to; the same person who had sent her that, had taken it upon himself to send her flowers and letters with the same nickname, "my sweet star."

At first she thought it was nice, of course it's nice when you get your favorite flowers along with letters of good cheer and best wishes, but it's not nice when you get a gift like today's.

But her attitude would get her nowhere, she was annoyed and exasperated, but they didn't deserve that kind of treatment.

"I'm sorry, but this is too much for me, I can't handle this alone and my attitude isn't helping anything. " Y/N commented, taking her eyes off her cigarette and looking at the people closest to her. "We should be in this together."

"I'm sorry, kid. I got upset that I couldn't help you, that you didn't know who sent you that." Tyler sighed, giving the girl a rueful smile.

"Don't worry about it, Ty. I'm really sorry, everyone."

The girl took another puff on her cigarette, letting the minty flavor cool her lungs.

"The FBI is here."

The announcement made everyone look at each other, taking their last breaths and letting Y/N finish what she was doing, the only thing keeping her sane at that moment.

"I'll see you downstairs, okay?" Felix left a kiss on the young woman's forehead, taking his leave to get on the elevator.

Y/N found herself alone in the room, again feeling disgust rise in her throat. She couldn't get the image of that package out of her mind, how was someone capable of writing those sweet words and sending something as grotesque as that.

The girl's hands gently stroked her cheeks, waking up and she shook her head. She would make one last stop to the bathroom before heading downstairs, so she could go more consciously for who-knows-what things would make her talk.

The BAU met up with a group of people who, thanks to the way Penelope was getting excited, could be sure it was Paradox.

All along the way, Spencer had listened to Garcia's theories and who it could have been. He loved listening to her talk, but his head was somewhere else, somewhere else but there.

Something inside him sensed something, something he wasn't sure what it was. Maybe it was the lack of sleep, or maybe it was his thoughts of the past that had been running through him since morning.

"Agent Prentiss, I'm Gerald Murphy, the manager of Paradox." The man shook hands with the woman, who was looking over his shoulder at three people. "These are the members of the band: Tyler, Shawn and Felix."

The three let out a wave into the air, giving them a smile of sorts.

Spencer knew they weren't entirely happy they were there, he read it in their body language.

"I understand there are four of you in the band, here I see three." Emily looked directly into Gerald's eyes.

"Yeah, Autumn, the vocalist, is upstairs finishing something. But she's coming down now, right?" Felix nodded, watching the FBI agents.

Felix crossed glances with Spencer, feeling that familiar air from somewhere.

Spencer felt that familiar air too, but maybe he thought his mind was playing tricks on him.

"Please, let's go somewhere more private. That way we can talk more quietly."

Gerald motioned to the three men, who plunged inside the room, followed by everyone else.

The BAU settled down in front of the four people seated on the couches.

"If you like, we can wait for Miss Autumn." Emily glanced at the group, all of whom nodded.

"It's for the best, she's the most affected." Felix looked in the direction of Tyler and Shawn, who simply nodded in unison.

"You've never received anything like this before?" Luke directed his question at the group of people, causing Tyler to let out a sarcastic laugh.

"You think that's a normal thing to receive, a human finger? Please, be realistic."

"Tyler, shut up." Shawn motioned, slapping the young man's knee.

"That's a stupid question of his, since when is getting shit like that going to be normal?"

"Tyler!" Shawn gave him a stern look, turning his gaze back to Luke. "I'm sorry, we're touchy about this that just happened."

"My question was out of line, it's my fault." Luke admitted, turning to look at the rest.

"When is Autumn getting here?" Felix's question seemed to work magic, smelling her best friend's signature scent.

A strong smell of cherries and menthol tobacco made Spencer shake his head.

It wasn't time to remember Y/N, it wasn't time to focus on something like that.

It felt like his head was playing a joke on him, as if she was suddenly here. But the smell didn't go away, in fact, it intensified to the point that Spencer could feel his head hurting.

"Sorry I'm late."

Spencer felt his entire body freeze, as if he were turning into an ice cube.

The voice he thought he would never hear again.

The voice that escaped so much in his dreams.

He could hear it there, like an echo in his head.

His head turned, catching the figure that had just entered with some haste.

"Nice to meet you, I'm Autu-"

"Y/N."

The girl looked up, meeting Spencer's hazel eyes.

No way, Y/N thought.

Her heart stopped, as did the time around her.

Standing in front of her was a much older and mature Spencer Reid, but with that same lotion that made her dizzy.

The woman's mouth opened slightly, feeling the air in her lungs catch and no words came out of her mouth.

Her lip quivered, her pulse altered.

"Spencer."

Oh fate, how cruel did you have to be?

@alexa-33 | @ahhhhyesk | @imthefuckingleader | @narmothewraith | @kneelforloki | @niyahwhoreworld | @lexie0037 | @deadunicorn159 | @corpsebridenightamare | @preciousbabypeter | @sakuramadae | @zzz000eee | @runefirestarter | @sebastiansstanswhore | @whateverrrrrrrrs | @xsarcasticwriterx | @chris-seb-marvel | @bellaramseygfsblog | @lillysbigwilly | @dezibou | @astrophileous | @ily2lia | @sophiario | @valenftcrush | @oxace-of-heartsxo | @spencerrxids | @w31rdg1rl | @ineedsomezzz | @yeehawbitchs | @coolstories66 | @baku-hoes-blog

If you like it, don't forget to like and repost it.

a lot of love, alme. ❀

[peachhcs]

Hiii!!

I was wondering if you could write something for samy and will based on this article: https://www.nhl.com/canadiens/news/my-man-mireille-boutin-on-michael-pezzetta?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=CHCcontent&utm_content=EN-0514-MyMan

Basically the nhl team’s media people asking the players’ significant other questions about them. Thanks so much :))

my girl: will smith on samy hughes

hughes!sister x will smith au (samy + will)

nhl elite prospects interviews will about samy & their relationship!

1k words

this was suppperr cute to write. i swear will’s a yapper when it comes to talking about samy. i switched it from the article so it was will talking about samy, hope u don’t mind, but i loved this request!!

au masterlist

"we've been best friends since we were kids. everything just makes more sense when i'm around her."

UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN — samy hughes is known for her tough offense on the soccer field.

but off the field, she's the "best person i've ever known," according to her boyfriend, will smith, a boston college forward.

while in san jose for a development camp, the nhl elite prospects were able to catch up with smith to ask him how he's been doing, including how his new relationship's been treating him.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR DYNAMIC GROWING UP.

it's funny because we never hung out by ourselves a lot when we were kids. i was pretty attached to her older brothers [quinn, jack, and luke] and she was attached to my sister [grace smith], so we never really hung out that much until we were older. although, we always got along. when we did hang out we enjoyed talking to one another and poking fun as if we were siblings. we really didn't get closer until i moved up to plymouth for the usntdp.

WHAT CHANGED YOUR RELATIONSHIP FROM FAMILIAL TO ROMANTIC?

at least for me, as i got older, my feelings started changing towards her. i started seeing her as an annoying sister less and less and the more we hung out when i was in michigan, the more attached i grew i guess. we started just..doing stupid stuff together and i just really liked hanging out with her. all the times where i thought the things we did together was just a sibling dynamic, i slowly realized it was a lot more than that.

WHAT DID YOU GUYS DO ON YOUR FIRST DATE?

i took her out to dinner in ann arbor and then we walked around for a bit before sitting on a bench and just talking for hours. it was definitely weird at first, but we eased into one another and it was fun getting to know her on a different level than what i've always known her as.

WHAT ATTRACTED YOU MOST TO HER?

her personality for sure. she's super outgoing, always knows what she wants, very independent, super caring. we're very similar in many aspects, hence why we're best friends. she looks up to her brothers a lot which i admire because i also look up to them. i also enjoy her extensive knowledge of hockey because of her family, so it's easy talking about the game with her. she's just always been someone i go to when i need a shoulder to lean on and it's just so easy with her, you know? i love getting to call her so we can talk about our days together.

OF COURSE, HOCKEY'S IN SAMY'S ROOTS. DO YOU GET HER ON THE ICE WITH YOU EVER?

oh yeah, 100%. whenever we're back at michigan or in boston, we're on the ice. she's the one dragging me outside sometimes so we can play 1v1 or something. she's always had that love for hockey even if she doesn't play competitively anymore. i also love seeing her out there because it's what bonded us when we were kids, so it's nice still getting to go out and do it with her. somehow she still beats me too. she doesn't play for 4 months and then we're back on the ice together she scores 3 goals before i can even get the puck in my possession. the guys chirp at me whenever that happens if they're around.

HOW OFTEN DO YOU WATCH HER SOCCER GAMES?

every single one of them are on my computer. it doesn't matter what i'm doing. as soon as the live stream starts, i'm booting it up to watch. the guys love watching her play, so i always get to turn it on the tv and then we scream at the stream for two hours together.

SPEAKING OF THE GUYS, WE HEARD SHE HAS A GREAT RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR LINEMATES AS WELL.

leno and perreault absolutely adore her which i think is really sweet. i was a little worried when i first introduced all of them back when we moved to mich, but the three of them grew close really quickly. sometimes i think they're more excited to see her than i am and that's saying a lot.

WE HEARD HUGHES IS A GREAT COOK. HAS SHE COOKED ANYTHING FOR YOU?

when we're at the lake house she loves cooking all of us breakfast. she makes a great omelette and french toast, like, the best i've ever had. we all go crazy for her breakfast in the mornings.

DO YOU GUYS EVER TRAIN TOGETHER DURING THE SUMMER LIKE RUNNING OR WORKING OUT?

i'm not a huge runner, but sometimes i will run with her when she goes out, or i'd bike along side her. our training schedules are pretty different, but when we're in the offseason we'd occasionally hit the gym together or do some casual workouts that won't kill us. she knows what the hockey training is like so it's no stranger to her when she does follow my lead. soccer, on the other hand, is a lot more sprints and footwork which is sometimes helpful for me.

CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT SOME OF SAMY'S BEST QUALITIES?

shes a huge team player. she's always looking out for those girls on her soccer team, helping them run drills, being someone to talk to—i really admire her for that. she's got a real big heart too. her love is so contagious. she's dependable, trustworthy, kind, beautiful—the list could go on coming from me.

ANY LAST WORDS YOU WANT US TO ADD?

i love her, haha. our parents knew way before us that we would end up together before we even knew. we've been best friends since we were kids. everything just makes more sense when i'm around her. this is probably corny, but i wanna spend the rest of my life with her. she's my rock.

[coloursflyaway]

hi this is ouija board anon ☺️ so glad to hear that my prompt will get two different interpretations! how fun!! feel free to use this ask to answer with the second fic if you’d like 💘 thanks for sharing!!

Hi and thank you so much for reaching out! I'll use this ask now, just so I can keep the original prompt until the other one is written 😊 And thank you so much for sending it in in the first place, I had a lot of fun with it!

“Charles”, Edwin starts, and there is something in his voice, something in between bewilderment and quiet displeasure, but still fond somehow. It’s one of the things that Charles likes about him most, that no matter how annoyed Edwin might get with him, there’s always an undercurrent of affection when he talks to him.

Charles might have had to question most relationships in his life, but he’s never had to question this one. Edwin likes him, has liked him for over ten years now, and Charles has vowed to himself never to take that for granted.

“Yeah, what’s up?”, he asks, sitting up straighter, just in case whatever is bothering Edwin will need more attention than a quip and a smile. It seldom does, especially when they are between cases, but one never knows.

“Why is there a ouija board in our office?” Edwin demands to know, holding the box up like it has personally offended him. It’s kind of cute, in a very Edwin kind of way.

“Oh!” Charles gets up, suddenly excited, because even if Edwin is the clever one between them, he’s actually proud of this one. “Isn’t that mint? I picked it up in one of the shops around the corner – and yes, I did leave some money behind, don’t worry – because I thought it might come in handy in future cases. You know, we could talk to someone who’s alive with it?”

“Why would you want to talk to someone who is alive?”, Edwin asks, prim in a way that means he hates the words coming out of his mouth, and usually, Charles can read him like an open book, but there is something strange about him now. A bit frantic, maybe, a bit unmoored.

“They might have something interesting to say?”, Charles offers, confused, and gets up so he can walk over to Edwin, pluck the ouija board from his hand. “See, they have this little planchette thing, we could move that around to ask a question-“

“But why would you want to ask a living person anything in the first place?” There is something slightly shrill tinting Edwin’s voice, and Charles wants nothing more than to soothe it, even if he doesn’t know how to.

“To find out if they know something for a case?”, he tries, but it’s obviously not the right thing to say, because Edwin’s thick brows knit together, his lips thin from how tight they are pressed. Charles frantically rifles through explanations in his head, because there has to be one, but he’s coming up short.

“But are we not the Dead Boy Detectives?”, Edwin challenges, and the shrillness is still in his tone, masking something else, something Charles has the feeling might hurt.

“Yeah, sure”, Charles agrees, and looks down at the ouija board for a second. It’s nothing special, just pressed wood and paint, nothing that should upset the most brilliant boy in the world like this. “What’s really going on, Eds? It’s just a toy, and if you hate it so much, it’s not like we have to use it or anything.”

“I’ve told you not to call me that”, Edwin starts, but there is no actual heat behind it, and now that is proper worrying. “It’s just…”

His voice trails off and he deflates; Charles has to force himself not to rush in and gather Edwin up in his arms, hold him close.

“…you have, in the past few weeks, occasionally referred to the fact that you miss aspects of living”, Edwin eventually says, after far too much time, soft and almost defeated, still saying the last word like it has personally offended him. “I was wondering if the acquisition of this… thing is part of that general displeasure with being dead.”

General displeasure with being dead is what he says, but when Edwin looks up at him, that’s not what is written on his face, and suddenly, Charles can read him again, as clearly as if Edwin had spelt his thoughts out to him, letter by letter.

“Edwin”, he answers, as softly, as warmly as he can, and there is so much worry, so much hope in Edwin’s eyes that Charles’ chest aches with it, both with affection and the pain of Edwin having to be hopeful in the first place. “There’s nothing about being dead with you that I would want to change.”

And it takes a moment, but then a smile blossoms on Edwin’s lips, and Charles needs to bite his own to stop himself from thanking every deity that might want to answer for it, for Edwin believing him.

“Truly?”, Edwin asks still, but there is no hope left in his voice, because it is not necessary anymore, just a need for reassurance. There is nothing Charles would rather offer.

“Absolutely”, he responds and the word comes easy as breathing, as easy as a heartbeat would for a living person, a breath.

And Edwin nods, looking brave and calmer and happy, and when the affection Charles feels for him threatens to overwhelm him this time, he just gives into it, pulls Edwin close and against his chest and holds him tight.

And this time, unlike most others, Edwin goes willingly.

[midnight-mourning]

Hiii! I saw your post and just couldn’t resist sending in a request XD

The part where Y/N tells Moon he could have been a good lawyer kinda stuck with me. I'd love to see a conversation between Y/N and Moon/Sun about what they would have liked to do if they weren't tied to Fazbear Entertainment. I feel like there's so much potential there!

Or also! It would be really cool to see Moon and Y/N building something together :)

Thanks so much for considering my request, and I hope you have fun with it if it sparks any ideas!

Another Path.

Requested By: @phantasmaghostic

Word Count: 499

Summary: Were things not like they were, you wonder what the Attendants may have done instead of their current line of work. So you ask.

Note: Kind of combined both ideas because i thought it would be interesting, also this was super fun! I love writing scenes like this :) Can be taken as canon or non-canon to CS

============================================

"Patent law?" You ask, "Surely you jest."

You'd been stuck working on map-bots for a few hours, and had invited Moon to join you. Mainly in the hopes of deterring him from doing ‘upgrades’ on himself. Though honestly you think you may just end up making the problem worse.

To pass the time you’d been chatting back and forth on a variety of topics, and landed on this one soon enough.

"Not this time," Moon chuckles. 

You shake your head. 

"I take it you're not a fan?"

You fake a gag, "Patent law is so gross. Just hours upon hours of reading. Pays good, yeah. Pays great, even. But god," You shiver, "So boring."

You realize yourself, "But that's just me! Sorry, that was harsh, I understand the appeal don't get me wrong. But um, why that of all things?"

Moon clips a couple of wires before removing them from the map bot’s chest, "Despite my, inclinations, to machinery and the likes, I find myself ever more curious about the ideas behind it," He reaches for a handful of new wires, beginning to install them, "The concepts, I feel, allow insight to how people think."

"Huh, guess that’s true."

He nods, "The additional aspect of assisting others in the protection of their craft also appeals to me."

"Wow," You say.

"Hm?"

You solder the replacement wires into place, "You just completely changed my perspective on patent law. Not enough to want to do it myself, but damn. That’s really sweet, Moon."

"It’s simply my honest thoughts, Pandora," He chuckles, handing you the back panel to the bot, "Were I given such an opportunity I may find myself to be more inclined to your way of thinking on the matter."

"Maybe, but still," You put the panel in place, then use your Faz wrench to reboot the machine.

It’s a few repairs later that you broach the subject again.

"What would Sun do?" You ask.

There’s a rift of binary before Moon answers, "Kindergarten teacher."

"Really? Huh."

The naptime attendant seems to know what you’re thinking, "He has a tendency to not think beyond his own limitations."

"What do you think he would do then?" You wrinkle your nose as you discard another paper towel covered in burnt hot sauce.

"Why would you ask me?"

You scoff, smirk on your lips, "Because you know him better than I do. Better than I ever want to, as well."

"Only to a point," Moon’s faceplate twists to the side, eyes crinkling into crescents.

You wait for your answer. It doesn’t take long.

"University librarian," He drawls, "Or a Classics professor."

You chuckle, "Aren’t you the one with the passion for myths?"

"Where do you think it originated from?" Moon counters, plucking Hot Sauce’s new amplifier from your fingers.

You stew on that for a few minutes, that response not being what you expected in the slightest.

Then, you ask your last burning question.

"And his thoughts on you?"

Moon chuckles, "Mechanical engineer."

============================================

And that's all, folks! Had a lot of fun with these requests, hope everyone enjoyed them as well. Again, if you'd like to see more of this kind of thing, you can vote here for such. Thanks for reading!!

[fujii-draws]

Hi I just wanted to say that I love Ribbons and Aimilios so much, they're so cute and sweet!!!

May I make a humble request for Ribbons and Amilios fluff,,,

I must know these dweebs are happy and would love to hear how they eventually fell for eachother!!!

AAA!! I’ve thought about this ask so much. And I’m happy to finally deliver!!!

——————

Ironically enough, Ribbons and Aimilios didn’t start out as ‘great friends’ from the jump.

Unlike main game. After Aimilios convinces her to join Wigglytuff’s guild on a whim, their relationship is… well.

Firstly, Aimilios tends to get slightly annoyed by Ribbon’s lack of preparation. Laziness. And hasty behavior. Feeling like she isn’t taking his dream as seriously as he thought she would.

And Ribbons— doesn’t like Aimilios for his stick-in-the-butt, teacher’s pet attitude. And how he never trusts her with things like the treasure bag/map. Constantly putting the load on himself, leaving her with nothing to do.

They still are on good terms! They do enjoy certain aspects of eachother! It’s just that they also dislike other aspects of their partner. Which; results in Ribbon’s teasing of the Riolu. (Playing ‘keep-away’, hiding certain items to get on his nerves.) Which was in good fun in hopes to lighten him up more. That isn’t to say it wasn’t mean-spirited at times.

And Aimilios in turn; rats on her whenever she becomes too troublesome to deal with. His clean-freak nature also causes him to misplace a lot of her items— (Which, Ribbons looked almost ready to bite Aimilios when her brown Patsy bow went missing.)(Until he told her where he put it, deciding to nip him another day.) And in-general their relationship starts on a rocky start. And why they fail so many jobs in the beginning due to their lack of coordination and teamwork.

They like eachother enough to work together… but not to see eye-to-eye. Aimilios starts to wonder if asking Ribbons to join him was a mistake… and that her heroism at Beach Cave was a major fluke.

…until Drowzee kidnaps Azurill.

Aimilios was Frozen when confronted with the hypnosis Pokémon. An outlaw? And not only that— a Psychic type? The Riolu was nothing short of terrified. That is, until Ribbons piped up. Barking towards the criminal with not a single drop of fear in her voice. This, in turn give the Aura Pokémon the confidence to fight back aswell.

(…This is also When their first really positive interaction happens, Aimilios being the one to reciprocate Ribbons joking-tendency with a jab of his own. Stating how starving she must be for her stomach to growl like an Ursaring. Till his stomach does aswell, making both young Pokémon’s laugh.) (And later that night when they’re in their haybeds, he whispers how brave/cool she was today.)

(Which makes Ribbons face light up, before trying to play it off like ‘Yeah that’s cool.’ Until her tail betrays her—giving away how happy that compliment made her. Just from the sheer velocity alone.) (She tells Aimilios to shut up when he laughs at the endearing display.)

After that… they start to trust eachother a little more. Aimilios shares more items with her. Lets her lead more Job Requests, snitching on her less. Actually even aiding her in mischievous/morally questionable activities, like steal A/S Rank jobs.

Chatot is super strict about what Jobs they take as junior Explorers—Aimilios only agreeing because he wants to prove himself. He feels the rush of adrenaline when they escape the Guild with their newfound jobs, Ribbons patting him on the back and ‘welcoming him to the dark side’.

“If Chatot catches us, we’ll never hear the end of it.” The breathless riolu stated. Looking over to his partner, who had a toothy grin plastered on her face.

“Then we won’t get caught.” Ribbons responded with confidence. Playfully placing her paw on his snout.

“Cmooon—That birdbrain won’t know what hit him! As long as you don’t tattle!~”

“…You’re a horrible influence.” The Riolu huffed out, smiling despite his backhanded comment.

On the flip side, Ribbons stops stealing items away from the Aura Pokémon as much like she used to. (She’s still teasing the ballocks out of him. Only difference being that she knows when to stop when it actually starts to upset him.) (The Riolu is still sticking his tongue out in retribution to the Eevee’s crimes. >:<.) (She blows a raspberry back >:3)

And… they start to notice certain things they really like about the other.

Ribbons loves how intelligent Aimilios is. The reason she was so butthurt towards him the first time…was because she was jealous. He was clearly the brains of their little rag-tag duo. She still doesn’t know why Aimilios chose her as his partner. He could do so much better. She also adores how he’s able to be gutless and quick-witted despite his fears. In Ribbons eyes—That’s bravery. Not the dumb, ‘Fuck-it-we-Ball’ mentality she has.

Something else she likes but can’t wrap her head around with the type of Pokémon they meet, is his kindness. She doesn’t know how he does it. Or why he’s able to tolerate so many of their clients. Ribbons… also views that as another strength he had, but she lacked— Arcues knows how short-tempered the Eevee was. And certain Pokémon began to take advantage of Aimilios . Which makes Ribbons extremely protective of him—standing protectively infront of the riolu during fights despite her size. (Around this time; Team skull.) She hates those punks so much. Ohhh do they make her blood boil.

She feels her heart twisting into knots when she sees Aimilios lost all sparkle in his eye. Only dejectedly laying on his haybed with sunken pupils as he lost the opportunity to join the expedition. The Eevee secretly wishes him a goodnight, brushing his fur with her tounge. Before returning to her bed. Praying that he’ll get picked—even if it meant giving up her spot if she got in.

And Aimilios… hoo boy.

Much like in-game, he’s enamored by how fearless she is. How she’s able to speak her mind to the largest and strongest of Pokémon. (You should’ve seen his face when she insulted The Great Dusknoir straight to his face.) He draws a ton of strength from her. He wouldn’t even be accomplishing his dream if it wasn’t for her.

Something else he loves about her… is her jokes. She has some of the most cornball humor to grace the Grass-continents. You can hear the entire guild groaning whenever she makes one.

So imagine to Ribbon’s surprise when she turns to face her Riolu partner one day— covering his mouth with his paws with tears in his eyes. Trying so desperately not to laugh. (She makes it her mission to make his ass laugh and admit to her face that she’s funny.)(It’s an on-going gag even after evolution.) And overall just how infectious her silly, carefree attitude is.

(She’s also the reason why he stops being so much of a people-pleaser. Aimilios didn’t notice it at first, but squabbling and being frustrated with her at times in the beginning… it helped him grow a bit of a spine.)

And that’s when the seeds of their friendship and other feelings begin to sprout.

During their first Expedition with Bidoof, Ribbons sees first hand just how much Aimilios is growing— taking more of the lead and being in charge. Not because he doesn’t trust her— but because he’s gaining confidence for himself. (Her cheeks do not become tinted with pink when she witnesses this.)

And when Aimilios is mere moments away from fleeing from the Groudon-illusion. He sees Ribbons start to grin. Exclaiming how she’s been itching for a real fight. (Which also doesn’t make him fluster up like a Red Gummi. Nope. Natta.)(That’s his hubris-filled maniac and no one else’s.)

And… they mutually get flustered watching the Volbeat Geyser. Aimilios exclaiming just how beautiful it is while Ribbon’s eyes lock on him—Before she laying her head on his shoulder. Making the startled Riolu look her way. Before carefully closing the distance, wrapping his arm around her.

(The guild members absolutely tease those two mercilessly for that display when trecking back to the Guild, and a few more days afterwards.) (Aimilios covers his face in embarrassment while Ribbons tells them to screw off.)

After the expedition to Fogbound Lake— their teamwork and rapport improve drastically. Being able to take on a number of jobs like that hadn’t before. Thanks to their newfound coordination and ability to be on the same wavelength. Complimenting eachother on a job well done.

They do little gestures for eachother to show the other how much they care. (Aimilios helps organize her Treasure bag with permission. Studying Unown runes/Gatekeeping duty. Patching her up from bad jobs.) (Very adamant about the last one.) (Scolding her for barely taking care of herself. Not noticing her staring at him adoringly.)

While Ribbons tends to spare him from particularly mean jokes. Getting actively frustrated towards Pokémon who treat Aimilios slightly wrong. Grooming him with her tongue during nights at the Guild. (He’s so focused on guild work that he forgets to take care of himself.)

The flaws they once detested about the other become things they now love about one another.

Ribbon’s laziness evolves into her teaching Aimilios to relax. Aimilios’s judgmental views are now more worrisome things he notices; asking Ribbons to exercise caution whenever she takes a job alone.

Ribbons listens to the riolu go on and on about a certain book he’s reading with stars in his eyes, gazing softly towards the aura pup. Aimilios listens to all of her bad jokes, barely stifling his laughter around her.

Aimilios watching lovingly at her ability to make connections with other Pokémon effortlessly, even with how dumb she feels.(He wishes he wouldn’t call herself such things.) While Ribbons loves just how intellectual he is, not minding his trouble with looking Pokémon in the eye.

They enjoy eachothers company so much. Becoming nearly nigh inseparable. Going from two, squabbling kids. To being attached to the other’s hip. Substituting for their partner’s weaknesses with their strength. Almost in a Yin-Yang fashion. (Opposites attract afterall ;3)They become co-dependent. (Which is very much a flaw… but it’s the one they never grow out of.)

And After that…! Aimilios is the first one the catch feelings! Mainly bc Ribbons is denser than the Relic Fragment tied around the Aura Pokémon’s neck. Wondering if some divine intervention was punishing him. That and Ribbons just thought she saw Aimilios as a really good friend as the explanation for why she felt fuzzy around him. (I’m not joking.)(You underestimate her singular braincell.)

The aura pup goes to Dusknoir for advice. Trying to be as VAUGE as possible towards the ghost-type when referring to certain ‘Pokémon A’ that ‘Pokémon B’ (which is NOT Aimilios.) would like to get to know better.

Dusknoir immediately catches on, finding this literal case of ‘puppy love’ to be endearing. (And absolutely entertaining.)(He promises to not tell a soul, with Aimilios responding ‘I-I didn’t mean anything by it!! Why are you swearing secrecy on something totally not connected to me—!’)

Although Ribbons is oblivious— her watching Aimilios nearly get murdered by Grovyle made her feel upset. Really upset. Watching him barely breathe while Dusknoir carried the two of them… Ribbons with the last on her strength crawled over to him (Much to the wraith’s dismay, imploring her to not hurt herself.) …Before she curls into him, sniffling a little.

No one else but Dusknoir is able to detach the tearful Eevee from her partner. The cloaked specter only having done so to make sure the Riolu was healed and patched up properly. (That didn’t stop the Eevee from crying out for her partner in her sleep.)(…The ghost-type gently brings the Riolu to her haybed—Ribbons immediately curling into and purring.)

And then they’re dragged into the Paralyzed future. Where their friendship is heavily tested.

The two don’t say anything at first, but hold slight resentment towards one another, mainly towards Ribbons not using her D.Scream, and Aimilios not using his aura sensing/sharing so much information with that damned ghost.

So when looking at the stockade lights, an argument breaks out. Just a screaming match between two terrified kids that want nothing more than to escape the hell they’ve been forced into.

They go back and forth, back and forth on who’s to blame. Until Aimilios’s angry screams slowly transform into uncontrollable sobs. Telling Ribbons that she was right and it was his fault. Ribbon’s heart nearly shatters as she watches Aimilios fall to the ground holding himself.

She immediately rushes to now, sobbing riolu. Telling Aimilios that she was being stupid and she only snapped in anger— begging for him to stop crying. Because if he does, then sh-she’ll…

She pulls him into a hug. Aimilios clings onto her like his life depended on it— with the Eevee embracing her partner so tightly. Muttering apologies like a broken record. The scene goes about the same, the only other change being how Ribbons looks back towards the way they ran from. Staring at the abyss-like cavern in fear of the ghost-type pursuing them. (She shakes it off. She can’t afford to be scared. She has to be strong. For him.)

So Ribbons continues to protect Aimilios during their run from the revenant they trusted. Constantly picking him up, getting infront of him to take hits during dungeons, etc. and it helps Aimilios… continuing to draw strength from his partner. (Even when he’s begging her to stop nearly getting herself maimed in the dungeon. Which falls on deaf ears; Both Pokémon exchanging somewhat bitter glances.)

So how hilarious is it when Aimilios watches Ribbon’s back away in fear for the first time. Being completely frozen just like the time in the future. Unable to retort anything Dusknoir said. Being reduced to tears. Her ears pinning back as her pupils dilated to cat-slits. Breathing heavily as the open clearing spun from vertigo.

Oh how hysterical! Oh how simply entertaining it was to the ghost-type!!

But Aimilios wasn’t laughing.

Not one bit.

He gets infront of his now, trembling Eevee partner; angrily baring his fangs about how they weren’t Dusknoir’s puppets— before yelling loud enough that his scream emenanted an aura. An Aura large enough that made Dusknoir flinch, and even Primal Dialga react—squinting annoyedly towards the pup.

(If Aimilios took a quick glimpse from behind—he would’ve seen a glossy-eyed Eevee, staring up at him in complete awe.)

That same night when they returned to the present— Ribbon’s had a nightmare about Dusknoir. Waking up in a cold sweat as a voice called out so desperately for her. She opens her eyes, only to be greeted with a very worried-looking Riolu.

She takes a moment to process why Aimilios looked so worried, before it all came back to her, every horrible word she spouted towards her precious partner. And how he was still trying to see if she was okay after everything she said. Ribbons cries her heart out—Aimilios now being the one to hold his tearful partner.

When she’s finally shed her tears… the Riolu offers to let her sleep in his haybed for the night. Ribbons hesitates, before nodding silently. Not wanting to use her voice in fear of blubbering again.

Sharing the haybed was a good idea from the way Ribbon’s clung to Aimilios— almost immediately sleeping in the comfort and safety of her partner’s arms. While Aimilios is looking at her… it hits him all at once. How small she is. How fragile she is. Even with how brave the sleeping fox was. He saw her terrified for the first time.

Just how many times did she help him? How many nights had Ribbons listened to him. Comforted him. Gave him confidence. And exactly how many times did he repay the favor…?

This epiphany only makes the Riolu hold onto the frail Eevee even tighter.

Ribbons senses this change when she feels Aimilios is the one starting to take as many hits and she does for him. Confidently asking to lead the party at times as to make the load easier on her. And… it nearly clicks. Ribbons nearly figures out her weird, fuzzy emotions. But keeps suppressing them; save the world first— then weird butterflies in tummy!

And it’s When Ribbons is disappearing— it’s in that moment she finally realizes her feelings towards the aura pup. But…

Rather than making the grand gesture of revealing how she truly felt— she bites her tongue. Hard. Was she really going to make her goodbye even harder on Aimilios? After what she pulled? After lying to him?

…even after she returns. She never tells him. In Ribbons eye’s? She lost her opportunity the second she hurt Aimilios. So much. with her stupid sacrifice. With her stupid words towards the stressed pup in the future. Not feeling worthy of being anything more with the Riolu out of guilt.

(That, plus Future Trio returning adds a bunch more to their plate before they can figure it out.)

Speaking of Which, they act as wing-Pokémon for the two, the three older mons almost playing a game of Cupid with Ribbons and Aimilios. (With Ribbons gaining help from the two grass-types, and Aimilios from the ghost.)(Those three see how much those two are holding back from one another and by the legends they are going to help these kids.)

It takes an absurd amount of time. But…

Ironically enough? The one who’s braver enough to take the first step… is Aimilios.

He asks Ribbons to walk with him towards the Beach, the same one where their journey began. Aimilios also no-so-subtly waited to make his confession when the Krabby blew bubbles. (Ribbons stares at him knowingly and smugly.)(He tells her to ‘B-be quiet—!’ and listen to what he has to say.)

And it’s just… the most corniest love confession. Everything about it. The setting. The bubbles… it’s so overly cheesy and sentimental. Just like Aimilios.

And Ribbons feels her smile faltering more and more when he goes on— before she starts crying unexpectedly. Aimilios asks what’s wrong— hoping for them to be happy tears rather than sad ones. And unfortunately; It’s the latter.

Ribbons tells Aimilios to not waste his time on her. To find someone better—someone who won’t hurt him. She spills her guts about why she was so hesitant to confess for so long.

“…You’re afraid.”

“E-eh..?! I-I mean…” Ribbons looks away, her tail coyly rubbing the side of her shoulder. “I guess…”

“T-then don’t be..!” The Riolu declared— hovering his fists infront of his chest. “I-I want you to be brave..! Be—“

“The bravest ever.” It was astonishing how the two Pokémon read eachother’s mind— finishing the sentence Aimilios begun in unison.

After that I have a little animatic idea in the tune of ‘Best Worst Mistake’ with those two. Which near the end of it… ends with the Aura Pokémon picking up Ribbons and spinning her— to then connect foreheads.

Only for a cyan light to wrap around the two Pokémon… what emerges from it, being a Sylveon and Lucario.

Seeing themselves evolve at the same time… they laugh with tears in their eyes. Ribbons tackles the hell out of Aimilios as their limbs are entangled on the same beach they met. Tails wildly wagging as they embrace eachother. Not minding the sand getting stuck to their fur.

…Future Trio is witnessing all of this happen in real time. With Celebi nearly chuckling as she watches the grass and ghost-types be on the verge of tears.

The two Pokémon go to the trio hours later— telling them how it’s official. Grovyle puts his hands in the Sylveon’s shoulder’s—kneeling as he exclaims just how proud he is. On the other side of the bluff— Dusknoir is telling Aimilios the same thing— cupping the Lucario’s face in near tears. Bellowing out just how far the Lucario has come. (Ribbons and Aimilios Are NOT choked up by their gestures. They both have leftover sand in their eyes. That’s why they’re crying.)

Their relationship is still relatively the same. Ribbons being the same, playful and gutsy girl she is. Playing harmless pranks on her partner. Being overly protective of him, etc. While Aimilios remains the clever pup that he is. Letting Ribbons gnaw on him arm whenever she gets bite-y, keeping track of their shared items. Cleaning her matted tail and adding Garcedia flowers from Shaymin peak… That isn’t to say that their relationship is perfect— still finding themselves hitting bumps along the road and arguing. The main difference being that they’re more mature— and aren’t kids anymore. (It’s us vs the problem, not me vs you) type growth. (Even if it takes awhile to get there with the Lucario’s self-loathing issues.)

That being said, Ribbons loves PDA w/ Aimilios. Even when the poor Lucario flusters. (She stops when he’s about to turn as red as a Cherri Berry.)(That isn’t to say he’s being spared when they return to the bluff >:3)

Yet ironically enough, whenever they’re behind closed doors; it’s the reverse with Aimilios flustering her right back. He’s been able to do so at the start of Post-Game—The only difference being that he’s gotten much more consistent in finding the Sylveon’s weak points. (Ribbons hates him for it.)(How dare he use her own powers against her. She isn’t supposed to be the blubbering mess.)

(Also they begin to share their haybed in the beginning of post-game—Constantly waking the other up to protect them from their nightmare lest they have one.)(They never separated it since.)(…Well okay maybe ONE TIME but THATS FOR ANOTHER DAY >:3)

[Tl;dr: They squabble and get annoyed by eachother. Before they become overly codependent/protective of the other. A silly, unkept, mischievous Eevee/Sylveon—with her stressed-out, lanky, goody-two shoes Riolu/Lucario partner.]

(+ some old art I never shared for y’all’s troubles)

[pheavampire]

Astarion, Cazador and D&D vampire lore

Let’s talk about D&D vampires and some lore inconsistencies in Baldur’s Gate 3.

BG3 is not a game about vampires. It was obvious we won’t get a playable character who will be 100% vampire spawn from the handbooks - the mechanical balance would be disturbed in comparison with other characters. But we can list some weird stuff and missing aspects. For fun, for fanfiction, for nerdiness.

I still wonder why Cazador even asked Astarion if he wants to be turned. Sure, he could do that, so he could say later „ha ha you asked for it!” but still - weird. Anyway, a vampire lord doesn’t need to ask - he just bites his victim, kills it by drinking its blood and boom, a vampire spawn is made. Almost made…

… because at first the victim needs to be buried and layed in the ground before it rises. That’s the next question - how the hell did Cazador make 7000 spawns? Theoretically he needed to bury them all, dig them back/wait until they dig themselves out or something and transport them to his dungeon without being noticed. His servants could do that for him, but it still is a pretty big thing to cover. Besides…

… accordng to D&D 3.5 edition: "At any given time a vampire may have enslaved spawn totaling no more than twice its own Hit Dice" which means it was impossible for Cazador to create 7000 spawns. Sure, Baldur's Gate 3 uses 5 ed rules, but I'm sure they didn't change this one that much. (BUT! We can interpret this rule as: a vampire lord can create as many spawns as he wants, but the number of enslaved ones is limited. That's all right in this case).

That being said, Astarion is surprised when he discovers that all Cazador’s victims are spawns now. One of his dialogue options is „I thought Cazador was feeding on you”. Well yes, he had to feed on them to make them spawns Astarion, I thought you noticed that yourself 200 years ago. But let's say I understand your confusion, 7000 spawns mean Cazador's hit dice is 3500. Lol.

As a vampire spawn, Astarion should be able to regenerate even without biting someone. To be precise, he should get 10 health points at the start of every turn until he gets killed. But ok, this one doesn’t work in the sun, so let’s say it’s justified… unless the party is in the underdark, shadowlands or other dark place. But yeah, that would be too OP.

Astarion should be afraid of holy symbols, mirrors and garlic. That would be quite irritating, as he wouldn’t be able to even get near Selune's stuff or Lathander’s temple (Lathander HATES the undead, just ask poor Jander Sunstar). But let’s say the tadpole gave him immunity.

Spider climb. Imagine Astarion climbing walls or even ceilings like a damn Spiderman - this is what a regular vampire spawn can do. If the tadpole took away this ability, that’s not very nice of it.

Claws. Astarion should be able to transform his fingers into claws at will. That’s right, it works like another melee weapon.

Coffins, graves et cetera - bunk beds in Cazador's palace are a very anti-canon idea. Because D&D vampires have really traditional weaknesses, they always have to „sleep” in the ground they were buried in to recover - just like Cazador. Jander I mentioned earlier invented an un-lifehack, as he was traveling through Faerun by keeping some of the dirt from his grave in his pocket. He was scattering it in the place he wanted to rest for some time.

A vampire spawn can be controlled or banished by clerics like any other undead. That's right, when Shadowheart casts this one, Astarion should roll the dice, or else he will have to run away from her like those zombies you banished during your playthrough.

Last but not least, vampires get damage if they are in the flowing water, for example river, but you already know this one from the early access Astarion. Shame they removed it, in was a bit irritating but I loved it. It reminded me Astarion is a vampire not only in the dialogues.

That's all I can think of now. My knowledge is a mix of 3.5 and 5 ed, do with it what you want. I wouldn't mind more lore accuarte Astarion fanfics though.

Shocked Astarion reading D&D Monster Manual. Or Libris Mortis.

[hunieday]

Nikaido Yamato - Drama Collection vol.2 Rabbit Chat

Please note that I am not a professional translator and I'm only doing this to share the side materials to those who cannot access them, if you notice any mistakes please let me know nicely. Enjoy!

Natsume Minami: Good evening, Nikaido-san.

Natsume Minami: I heard that we'll be appearing together on a variety show next time to promote the drama. I look forward to working with you.

Nikaido Yamato: Hey there, Natsume-chan. Thanks for your courtesy.

Nikaido Yamato: So about that show... they said the theme this time is "youth" in relation to the drama, and they sent a bunch of surveys about it

Nikaido Yamato: What did you answer, Natsume-chan...?

Natsume Minami: Oh. Aren't you looking forward to the talk on the show?

Nikaido Yamato: Well yes, but I'm just wondering about the direction you’re gonna be taking

Natsume Minami: Direction?

Nikaido Yamato: Are you gonna answer it lightheartedly or seriously?

Natsume Minami: Well, I think we need to be serious.

Natsume Minami: That's why I even answered the 5th "Please describe your flavor of youth" question seriously.

Natsume Minami: I wrote that it “tasted like milk tea."

Nikaido Yamato: Oh, so that's what "flavor of youth" means, as in what you drank the most back then.

Nikaido Yamato: Well, ŹOOĻ sells the tough-guy image well so you should be fine with that answer.

Natsume Minami: What do you mean back then? I was talking about when I was in school, I was really into drinking black tea.

Nikaido Yamato: Oh, I see!?!?

Natsume Minami: Oh my. What did you think I was talking about?

Nikaido Yamato: No, my bad. It's nothing.

Natsume Minami: 

Natsume Minami: So, what's your flavor of youth, Nikaido-san?

Nikaido Yamato: Uhhhhhhhhh...

Nikaido Yamato: Maybe melon...

Natsume Minami: How adorable. You like it, don't you?

Nikaido Yamato: Well, yeah...

Natsume Minami: Did you also eat it during those "back then"s you mentioned?

Nikaido Yamato: Forget about that LMAO

Nikaido Yamato: But maybe we’re too young to be calling it "youth", I just liked it as a kid and used to eat it a lot.

Natsume Minami: I’m guessing “youth" refers to teenage years, but it's complicated to define. There were other questions about what we did after school.

Nikaido Yamato: I see. You were busy with work, Natsume-chan.

Natsume Minami: Yes. Unfortunately, I was always so busy with work that I don't remember much of my school days.

Natsume Minami: If anything, I think now feels more like youth for me.

Nikaido Yamato: I get that.

Nikaido Yamato: Hanging out with those guys feels like I’m back in junior high.

Nikaido Yamato: We do things like chugging soda in the middle of summer, having snowball fights in winter, it’s like I’m doing kid-like stuff all year round.

Natsume Minami: Sounds fun. It's like having a little family.

Nikaido Yamato: Maybe LMAO

Nikaido Yamato: ŹOOĻ kinda feel like siblings too

Natsume Minami: Wait a moment. Who's the oldest?

Nikaido Yamato: That’s what you’re concerned about?

Natsume Minami: It's extremely crucial.

Nikaido Yamato: If we ignore the age, the oldest would be Inumaru, then you, then Mido, and the youngest would be Isumi I guess...?

Natsume Minami: I see. Our interpretations aren’t too off, but Mido-san and Isumi-san could probably be reversed.

Nikaido Yamato: Huh? Mido’s the youngest?

Natsume Minami: Since he’s a cute guy.

Nikaido Yamato: Maybe Natsume-chan is the oldest son after all...

Natsume Minami: You're also quite cute, Nikaido-san.

Nikaido Yamato: Where though!?!?!? I'm three years older than you, I’m a grown man who loves beer!

Natsume Minami: During skateboard practice you asked, "Natsume-chan, if I fall, will you help me?" 

Natsume Minami: I thought the way you were trying to tug at my heartstrings by acting like a spoiled child on purpose was cute.

Nikaido Yamato: Don't say it was on purpose LMAO

Natsume Minami: Your character this time resembles you in that aspect quite a bit.

Nikaido Yamato: Oh, he was pretty spoiled wasn’t he?

Nikaido Yamato: He couldn't accept his best friend leaving, so he blamed everyone around him for his problems and vented his bad days to his friends so they would comfort him

Nikaido Yamato: Wait... I kinda feel like I’m having déjà vu...

Natsume Minami: Oh?

Natsume Minami: In reality, all he wanted was to skate with his best friend again, but he couldn't say that one word, so he struggled with despair all the while.

Natsume Minami: He was unable to be fully emotionless, so he couldn’t help but show vulnerability and kindness to those who loved him, which resonates with you deeply.

Nikaido Yamato: Damn. You really went into details 

Natsume Minami: It's fun. I enjoy discussing acting with you.

Nikaido Yamato: I feel the same thing. I feel like we fit each other’s style more every time we’re acting together, Natsume-chan.

Natsume Minami: Are you flirting with me?

Nikaido Yamato: So wanting to work with you more is the same as flirting with you now?

Natsume Minami: You're making me blush.

Nikaido Yamato: Liar LMAO

Natsume Minami: It's true. You said "I just wanted to laugh and skate again. It’s enough for me that I was able to do it today." in the script. Your expression at that moment was just like that.

Nikaido Yamato: That’s the one thing you praised me for on the spot, it's embarrassing to hear it again in text

Natsume Minami:

Natsume Minami: Being able to discuss our work like this feels like youth to us, doesn't it?

Nikaido Yamato: Maybe you’re right! I'll write that the coffee I'm drinking now is the flavor of youth.

Natsume Minami: Can I match your answer? I was just drinking some too.

Nikaido Yamato: Oh, what a coincidence. Though the flavor of youth turned out quite bitter.

Natsume Minami: It's a special flavor, just like us.

[iridescentmirrorsgenshin]

HI HELLO I LOVE YOUR STUFF

i was wondering, for a person who has obviously thought abt them extremely in depth and drawn wonderful conclusions, how would you describe haikaveh in 3 songs?

Hiya!!!! AHHH thank you so much!! :''') I'm glad you enjoy my brainrot omg <3 ohhhh that's such an interesting question?? i've been thinking about this ask for the past few days so i'm sorry this has taken some time to get to! 3 songs is EVIL!!! i feel every song i listen to i try to relate it to Them, but i can give you my most listened to! plus an extra one (IM CHEATING!!!!)

mitski - the star (the idea of love changing with time, them acting like 'fools' when they first met because of this nonreplicable connection, them falling apart but that light still burning? them travelling very far, further apart, and then back together, always connected by what they share?? and IM CHEATING IDC!! the frost by mitski is also incredibly relevant here??? there's an incredible art of it that makes me lose my mind. mitski is haikaveh coded fr)

2. bad omens - just pretend (very evidently alhaitham's pov, the miscommunication and the misunderstandings between them wearing away at him on the inside, the idea of not being ready at first, being too different, but having the knowledge that they'll come together once more when these differences are accepted, the willingness to wait (for YEARS!!), and the slight insecurity that comes from this, it's just such a lovely song, an experience to listen to, and it really makes me think about the emotional aspect of alhaitham when he and and kaveh were apart)

3. the stiff dylans - ultraviolet (i didn't just want to offer angst, and since this is meant to describe haikaveh i wanted to at least give one upbeat option! this song is so v fun, i see this from both perspectives, just them being perpetually intrigued by the other, constantly drawn into each other's orbit, being a necessary light to each other, just yeah <3)

+1 the devil wears prada - the thread (this is my personal ult haikaveh song <333 when i first got into haikaveh, this song was on repeat, for those who like heavier music i really recommend it! i was so invested that i broke the lyrics down to relate it to haikaveh (which i did here), this song really has a chokehold on me so it's the song i'm cheating with hehe)

[intheticklecloset]

Test Subject (Bungo Stray Dogs)

One Shot

Summary: When Sigma expresses an interest in getting Dazai back for tickling him all the time, Atsushi takes it upon himself to help him learn how to go about it.

A/N: So, this started out as a Lemonade request from an anon, but as I was writing it the words just kind of kept coming, and the next thing I knew I had almost an entire fic on my hands, so I just committed and turned it into a complete story. Congrats on the upgraded request, anon! I hope you enjoy it. It was a lot of fun to write! 💖

Disclaimer: The original ask was for the setting/theme to be camping, but as you'll read, that particular aspect didn't make it into story. Sorry about that. 😅

Word Count: 1560

~~~

“Hey, um…Atsushi?”

The weretiger turned at the sound of his name, offering a smile to the newest member of their organization. “What’s up?”

Sigma seemed to consider his words before saying, “I have a question…about Dazai.”

“Oh boy.” Atsushi chuckled. The two of them were going through some essential records at the office, with the younger man showing the newbie what needed to be done and where to file things. Sigma was clearly unused to teamwork, but he was putting in the effort to learn, and Atsushi appreciated that. He gestured for him to continue. “We all have questions about Dazai, but I’ll try my best.”

Sigma nodded, seeming to consider his words again. “Does he…um, he seems to…I don’t know exactly how to say it, but…” He sighed, impatient with himself, then muttered, “Does he have a thing for tickling?”

Atsushi blinked, taken aback for a moment, then grinned. “If by ‘a thing’ you mean a unique liking of it, then yes, he does.”

“It’s just…he seems to find excuses to tickle me, and I’ve noticed he does it with you and a couple of others as well, so I just wondered…”

“It’s just how he is, really.” Atsushi turned to give him his full attention, leaning against his desk and smiling. “He’s a weird goofball, but he doesn’t mean anything bad by seeking you out all the time. And if you’re uncomfortable—”

“It’s not that,” Sigma replied quickly, then seemed to realize what he’d said and glanced away with a blush. “It’s just…I want to…get him back?”

The detective’s smile was so wide it could have rivaled the Grand Canyon. “You want to tickle him, too?”

“Y-Yes, but…I’ve never…” The dual-haired man hesitated. “It’s all so new to me, I don’t know how to…”

Atsushi understood at once. “You don’t know how to tickle anyone, let alone Dazai.”

Sigma nodded.

The weretiger hummed, all too familiar with that feeling. “Well, the good news for you is that Dazai loves being tickled, so you won’t be making him upset by giving it a try,” he replied. “As for how to do it, just mimic what he does to you. You’ll find a spot that gets him going, trust me.”

Sigma nodded again, though the way his eyes darted around the room made Atsushi realize he still wasn’t confident about the idea. He considered for a moment. Hadn’t he been in this exact position just recently? Gradually learning about how ticklish he was and how it could be fun, and wanting to return the favor to his mentor? Wouldn’t it be decent of him to now share his findings with the newest member of the Agency who was clearly in the same boat?

He cleared his throat and – after  moment’s hesitation –  murmured, “You can…try it on me first, if you want.”

Sigma looked startled. “Oh, I…! I don’t want to impose…I know we aren’t close.”

Atsushi shrugged, feeling a slight blush even has he plowed bravely onward. “Dazai trusted you enough to bring you into the ADA, and that’s good enough for me. Besides, I wouldn’t mind getting to know you better. And tickling kind of is a bonding thing, so…”

Sigma hesitated a moment longer, clearly interested but also nervous about the idea. “Are you…are you sure?”

“Yeah,” the weretiger replied, strangely at ease now that he knew the other man was feeling just as self-conscious. “I’ll stop you if I feel uncomfortable.”

It was understandably awkward at first – Atsushi eventually decided it would probably be best to lay on the ground with his arms up, giving Sigma full access, despite how his nerves sang with anticipation at the vulnerability. For his part, Sigma knelt beside him and hovered uncertainly over his torso, as if trying to decide where to begin. He only finally made contact when Atsushi specifically guided him to start with the ribs – as good a place to start as any, and not his worst spot, so they could both ease into the situation.

After a few minutes, Sigma seemed to be getting the hang of drawing squeaks and giggles out of the weretiger, who fought to keep his arms above his head. The more Atsushi reacted, the more the dual-haired man seemed to relax. It was oddly satisfying to witness.

“You knohohohohow,” Atsushi dared to attempt speaking through his light giggles, “tihihihihickling is p-prehehehehetty new to mehehehehe, too.”

“It is?” Sigma seemed surprised. He dug a bit more firmly into his ribs, making the weretiger squirm instinctively.

“It’s ohohohohohonly since johohohohoining the ADA that I r-reheheheheheally started experiehehehencing either side of it,” the younger man continued, letting out an involuntary gasp when Sigma’s fingers grazed his belly. “Ehehehehehehehe!”

“Sorry!” Sigma retracted his hands, looking concerned. “I didn’t mean—”

Atsushi couldn’t help but laugh at the whole situation at this point, grinning genuinely up at the newcomer. “No, no, it’s all right. You, ah…you have good instincts.”

For a moment his companion seemed confused. Then he broke into a hesitant grin and asked, “Was it a good spot?”

Atsushi nodded. The taller man reached for him again.

The weretiger tossed his head back and squealed when Sigma focused his efforts on his tummy, scribbling and scratching all over. Through it all, he caught glimpses of their newest member’s face, which was lit up with joy at this newfound discovery and his growing confidence in being able to make someone else laugh like Dazai made him laugh.

“Ahahahahaha! Seehehehehehehee? G-Goohohohohohohood instihihihihincts!”

“Is it especially ticklish here?”

The innocent question flustered Atsushi out of his mind, but he managed a whiny, “Yeheheheheheheah!” all the same.

“You said earlier that I’ll definitely find a spot that gets Dazai going,” Sigma mused, seeming much more natural about this whole tickling thing now, as he was able to hold a conversation while drawing helpless giggles out of the smaller man. “Does everyone have a spot like that?”

“Mohohohohohostly!”

“Do you?”

Atsushi whimpered and covered up his blushing face, trying not to roll over and protect himself as his new friend continued to experiment. “Hohohohohohow are you sohohohohohoho good at teheheheheheasing already?!”

Sigma sounded genuinely confused when he said, “Teasing? I’m just asking a question.”

At that exact moment the dual-haired man slid his fingers even further downward, one of them catching the weretiger’s navel as he went, making Atsushi spasm and bark out a laugh, arms flying down to push him away instinctively. “Ehehehehehehe, wahahahahahahait!”

For a moment an easy silence descended between the two. Atsushi took a moment to regain his bearings before looking back up at Sigma, who was grinning openly at him now. “Another good spot?”

Atsushi smirked and shoved him playfully. “Shut up.”

“May I…? That is, if you’re still comfortable…” Sigma looked flustered now, too, even as he asked, “Can I see how much it gets you going?”

The question – while again innocent – made Atsushi blush bright pink. He let out a groan and flopped back down on the floor, putting his hands behind his head. “Better be intentional about it. I can’t promise I won’t try and kick you off.”

Sigma frowned, concerned. “If you’d rather not—”

“Hurry before I change my mind,” the detective shot back with a laugh.

The taller man’s fingers purposely sought that tiny spot on the weretiger’s tummy this time. As soon as one found it and slipped inside to wiggle, Atsushi burst into louder cackles and held on for an impressive three seconds before shooting his arms back down to cover up protectively, rolling onto his side as he gasped, “Ahahahahahahaha, okahahahahahahay, that’s enohohohohough! Plehehehease!”

Sigma stopped immediately, but his smile never left his face this time. He waited for the weretiger to catch his breath before saying, “Thank you for that, Atsushi. That was…surprisingly fun.”

Atsushi giggled for another moment or two and then sat up, grinning right back. “See? Tickling isn’t so hard once you get into it.”

“I suppose not. Thank you for…offering to teach me.” Sigma’s cheeks turned slightly pink as he averted his gaze, the reality of what they’d just done seeming to catch up to him. “I hope it wasn’t uncomfortable.”

“Nah. Once I got used to it, I learned I actually kind of like being tickled. It can be fun as long as both parties are respectful about it.”

The dual-haired man nodded. “I understand. I must admit, I look forward to trying this out on Dazai. Which spot should I go for first?”

Atsushi laughed. “Trust me, it will be much more fun if you find his weak spot for yourself. But, if I can offer a word of advice?”

Sigma nodded eagerly.

“Remember how I reacted when you teased me?”

“I…was not trying to tease you, but yes, I remember.”

The younger man smirked. “Definitely give that a try on Dazai. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.”

Sigma nodded in consideration, getting back to his feet and helping the younger man back to his as well. “All right. I’ll keep it in mind.”

“Oh, and Sigma?”

For a moment, they both looked at each other in surprise, realizing it was the first time Atsushi had called him by name. Then the weretiger grinned again.

“Let me know how it goes when you get him. I want to know everything.”

Sigma agreed with a grin of his own.

[wachtelspinat]

Hey ! I’ve been seeing your art going around since your midnight crew stuff and I just recently stubble across your tumblr, thank to your beautiful overwatch art for our beloveds junkers ! I’ve been scrolling through your account and read about your experience of being a former graphic designer who is a doctor now. And damn. I can’t emphasize how much I admire you, especially as someone who is struggling really hard to choose between 2 careers paths ( with one of them being art related ). This is why I was wondering if you would be open to talk about how and why you switched from art to medecine ? Especially because most of the time I feel it happens more the other way around ? ( If it’s too personal just ignore this ask + sorry if you already talked about it before )

hey ! no worries, i don't expect ppl to scroll through my tumblr to find an answer for a question they might have. first of all thanks for your nice words, means a lot <3

i switched from art to medicine because my early 20-something-self was even more anxiety-ridden than my present-self, and being in art school and having to "perform" regularly was a nightmare. i'm talking about a time in which i was so scared of being perceived that i often skipped grocery shopping, just so i could avoid being around people. so like, pitching art related projects to peers and profs was eeh... especially because art is so personal oh my god. i still hate it when someone tries to sneak a peek while i'm drawing, makes me wanna throw my sketchbook and myself off the bridge. anyways so i always felt a 110% inadequate (plus i got a gf during that time who was so good to me and tried to get me out of my funk on multiple occasions (she was and still is an artist and has now a career as a freelancer and i'm rly proud of her) but i couldn't see that because i just compared the two of us all the time and sabotaged any attempt she made for having fun with drawing with her) that i sat down at some point and asked myself if i could do this any longer, and i came to the conclusion that no, it really kills me rn.

what made me go into the health sector? i don't even know anymore, i think it was a mixture of "i loved biology, esp. the human body in school" and "my mum is an icu nurse and talks a lot about hospitals, maybe i should check it out"... it was not a well thought through decision, which is so funny because studying medicine was a hell of a meatgrinder ride (also my anxiety and self hatred? still there, but now i wasn't judged anymore because of my art but instead being called a dumb idiot collectively with all the other students because nobody likes med students) and for some reason i was able to get through that despite it not being my passion at all, but i couldn't stand up for myself in art school. i don't even know if i could work through it nowadays, but the good thing is i don't have to ask myself this question anymore, because being a doctor pays the bills, and ever since i left art school i was able to just draw without consequence. which is nice to a degree, my artistic output is not tied to the means of generating money. on the other hand... idk, in another life with more confidence and less worries, i'd love to be some sort of character designer T_T

so yeah that's basically it. at some times i cherished my career decisions, at other times i regretted them deeply, worst thing is i know it has a lot to do with personality, but the fact that we can't change who we are with a blink of an eye gives me the framework to think that the path i took was ok. as in. things happened for a reason and maybe i'm just not cut out for that kind of work. you have to be aware of the conditions of a job to decide if you are up for it. because being an artist doesn't end with "just draw". i myself had an unrealistic view of the job back then too. and the fact that i could not seperate between personal aspects and "doing a job here" was crucial.

yeah, idk if this is helpful at all. i think the one thing that is super important here is to have a realistic view on the conditions of work you are about to head into, and i know this is mostly very difficult to aquire. because unless you really work in a sector there is often no way to fully grasp the situations you can find yourself in (this applied for me also in the health sector, which made me fall into a depression a year ago, but what do you do after you spent 6 years of studying :') ). doing internships and just trying to get to know a lot of things really helps. and - idk how old you are, but if you're really young: it's ok to switch careers at some point. it's even ok to do so when you are older (trying to end on a positive note here because it feels like i just said a lot of depressing things... like don't get me wrong i like my job, the conditions are just fucked up, and again my personality prevents me from switching again but it's also not that easy in germany, BUT it's a valid thing to do, being versatile is good! just... make sure you don't end up with a job that you absolutely hate because that kills it all)

[writeforfandoms]

Fall Into Me 4

Find the series masterlist

Remember I told you we are going to switch POVs? Yeah. We’re switching it up again, and every other chapter will be Rose (odds) or one of the guys (evens). 

This time, we get a chance to see what Price thinks of all this!

Warnings: Swearing, razzing each other, poking fun. Little bit of Spanish. 

Word count: 1.4k

Price leaned back in his chair, pressing his fingers into his eyes until stars burst in the darkness of his vision. Then he sighed, rolling his neck to a few very satisfying pops. 

There were certain aspects of this new life that he didn’t like. Not that he’d give up on it, not now. Not after everything. 

Soft laughter caught his attention and he lifted his head, frowning. That was very much not one of his team, and he hadn’t been expecting any visitors. So who–?

“Cap! We’ve got goodies!” Gaz called.

With a sigh, Price got to his feet, stepping out of his office. And then he paused. 

Gaz and Soap were flanking Rose, who was carrying a pastry box. Soap had a tray of drinks, while Gaz carried the last two. Rose was a little pink still, from whatever someone had said to her, but her smile was as sweet as always. 

“They’re just leftovers,” she demurred, setting the box down on the nearest desk. Soap’s, of course. “They were going to get donated anyway.” 

“Kind of you.” Price smiled a little, leaning his hip against the doorway. Now that he was paying attention, he could see Ghost watching her from his spot. Ale and Rudy, who had been in Ale’s office, had both popped their heads out to look as well. 

“It’s nothing.” She waved off the compliment. 

“I’m surprised you could step away from the shop.” Price was careful to keep his observation neutral. 

“Oh, I closed early today.” Her gaze slid to the side. “I have a couple personal things to get done.” 

Price was absolutely not going to question that. “Then it is extra sweet of you to bring these up to us before you go.”

That got her to blush. Gaz met his eyes, and Price was pretty sure they were both thinking the same thing: she was too damn pretty when she blushed like that. 

“Well! The cookies are there, you all get to wrestle your drinks from Soap and Gaz, I’m not getting involved in that.” She took a step back, hands up. “Have a good night.”

“You too,” Price murmured, hearing a few of the others echo the sentiment. Her hair was loose now, dark curls bouncing slightly as she turned and left, a little spring in her step. And Price wasn’t the only one who noticed - Ghost was still watching her, and Soap had half-turned to watch her go. 

This could be very interesting indeed. 

Price sauntered over to Gaz, quite confident in who had his drink. Sure enough, Gaz handed it over without complaint. 

“What prompted this?” he asked softly, curling his fingers around the cup. The handwriting on his cup was messy and curly, but still clear. He was not endeared. Not at all. 

“Soap and I just went down to get a drink, take a break,” Gaz murmured. “She brought up the cookies. Of course Soap said yes immediately.” 

Price snorted. “Course.”

“Then she suggested drinks and was making them up before we even responded.” Gaz shrugged, looking thoughtful. 

Price nodded slowly. That was curious. He’d noticed a little shift in her behavior towards them. Nothing bad, but there were times she tried to keep a professional distance, and times like this when she utterly failed and treated them more as friends. It made him wonder. 

Then again, they were warming up to her, too. Soap and Gaz already spent time in the shop chatting with her by their own admission, and Price knew he’d seen Ghost go down there voluntarily on his own a few times. 

There were a lot of things to consider. Price had an idea of what was going on. Just a little one. And he didn’t quite have the time to test this theory yet. But he would. 

And if he didn’t, Gaz would. The only one close to reading the team as accurately as Price was Gaz. 

The two exchanged one more look, the familiarity of running ops together still putting them on the same track, nodded once, and retreated to their own work spaces. For now. 

Price arranged the Friday meeting to be held at a bar. After the work day, of course. He mainly roped the others into it by saying he’d buy the first round and would then no longer be responsible for them. 

But really, he wanted to get them all in one place, out of the office, to discuss a potential problem. 

Fortunately, Gaz was in on the agenda. 

After ordering and chattering for a few minutes, Price sat back and watched as Gaz brought the topic around.

“Did you see Rose’s hair today?” The question was innocent enough. Price really couldn’t help but be proud of him. 

“Who didn’t?” Soap asked, grinning. “Looks good straight, too.” 

“Unlike you,” Ale drawled, so dry and easy that for a moment there was silence. Then the table erupted in laughter at Soap’s expense, making the Scot pout. 

“I know where you live, hermano,” Soap grumbled without any real heat to his words. 

“I wonder why she straightened it.” Rudy shrugged when Ale shot him a questioning look. “My little sister used to complain all the time about how long it took, and her hair was not so…” He twirled one finger to imitate the tight curls. 

Ale shrugged. “She didn’t need to,” he said, leaning back in his own seat. “Always looks good, no?” 

Soap looked around the table with dawning understanding, while Gaz smirked into his drink. 

“It’s the smile,” Rudy added with a tiny smile of his own. 

“Wait.” Soap held up one hand, looking around the table. “All of you…?” 

Price smirked, raising his glass to take a leisurely sip. This was going to be good. 

“What?” Ale demanded, frowning. But he was quick to put it together too. “Ah. I see. She is certainly worthy of attention.” 

“But all of you?” Soap asked again, a little despairing.

Ghost shrugged, neither confirming nor denying. But Price knew him well, knew that he was at least interested in someone who had caught his teammates’ attention. 

When Soap met his eyes, Price simply nodded once. 

“Well. This is a right mess.” Gaz sounded far too cheerful about it, too. Price was tempted to kick him under the table. 

Soap scratched at his jaw, glancing around the table. “So, uh. Guess we’ve got some dinner discussion.” 

Ghost finished his drink just as a second round was set down. “Not much to discuss,” he grumbled, crossing his arms over his chest. 

“So you’re gonna step back, then?” Gaz needled, tipping his chin in silent challenge. 

“Are you?” Rudy raised one eyebrow at Gaz.

“Nah.” Gaz grinned. “She’s adorable when she blushes, I’m not giving that up.” 

Silence fell over the table for a minute as they all drank and pondered how to proceed. It wasn’t like they could all share her.

Well. Probably.

Price shelved that thought for later. 

“There is, of course, a clear answer here,” Ale said, teasing clear in his voice. “You all give up before I show you up with how to treat a lady.”

There was a good-natured round of booing at that, and Price chuckled. 

“You’re not the only one knows how to show someone a good time, hermano,” Soap added, waggling his eyebrows suggestively. 

Ghost rolled his eyes. “She might shoot you down,” he pointed out.

“She might.” Soap shrugged. “Just have to give her a good reason not to.” 

“Assuming she doesn’t say yes to me first.” Gaz grinned with an over-the-top waggle of his eyebrows, just to watch Soap huff and shove him. 

“Just let her decide,” Ghost grumbled.

Silence fell over the table for a minute as they all thought about it. Of course it would be her choice in the end, but…

“Nothing saying we can’t make it a bit of a competition.” Gaz was the one to suggest it. Price wasn’t surprised, and wouldn’t be surprised if that had been his goal all along. Gaz could get very competitive when the mood struck him. 

“What do you have in mind?” Ale leaned forward a bit, eyes bright. 

Gaz shrugged. “Well, if we’re gonna be pursuing her anyway, can’t hurt to keep score.” 

“No fucking each other over,” Price immediately said, laying down the law. “And no letting this affect work.”

“Aye, Captain,” Soap agreed easily, while Gaz and Ghost just nodded. A quick look at Ale and Rudy showed their compliance as well. 

Price nodded and smirked. “May the best man win.”

[storiesbyjes2g]

3.73 Solidarity

Dub sent Maia a text, presumably asking if they had dinner plans, or maybe asking how much time they had before boarding the train. He said he was cool to hang, so I told him the restaurant had a strict dress code and I was going to pop over to Dad's house to shower and change. But after the words left my mouth, I realized I didn't know where Dub came from or how long it would take him to get there, so I invited him to come and freshen up if he wanted to. He looked kind of relieved. Did he think I'd leave him or something? Weird.

He looked around and grinned, seemingly impressed with the restaurant, which pleased me because I got at least two aspects of the tour right. Once we were seated, I channeled my mother and wasted zero time getting to the bottom of his relationship status.

"So...this Maia...are you two..."

He may have rolled his eyes, but he never stopped grinning.

"I knew you were going to ask!"

"I mean, you only brought her up 87 times. How could I not?"

"Ha ha," he said, flatly. "Anyway... I don't know, man. I mean, I can see us together for sure, but she dropped something heavy on me today."

"Ouch."

I don't know why, but I remembered Yasmine telling me about her open relationship lifestyle. I was so put off by it, not because I wanted a relationship with her, but I thought we were going to have fun for a little while. Knowing that made me want to hang with her a lot less. Hopefully Maia's news was nowhere close to what Yasmine told me.

"I'm sorry to hear that," I said. "Do you think you can recover and move past it?"

"I think so."

I was very glad to hear that. She sounded like a good sim.

"I like her. A lot. So what she told me shouldn't matter, but still... On top of that, there's this other girl from back home. She popped up on my Social Bunny today and is now on my mind again. But she's off limits, so...I don't know. I'm sorry, dude, I'm rambling. I didn't mean to drop all this on you. I don't have anyone to talk about this with. Anyway, how about? Do you have a girlfriend?"

I felt for him because he reminded me so much of myself. Why couldn't life ever be simple?

"You're good, man. Seriously. I actually don't have any men in my life to talk to either—except my dad. I've enjoyed your company today."

He nodded. A half smile spelled his relief.

"But yeah, I have a girlfriend. Actually, I've been thinking about...well, that's why I was out here today. I've had a lot on my mind too, and I thought a walk around the lake would help."

"How long have you two been together?"

"Officially? Since early winter, but...well...long story."

He chuckled.

"Complicated, huh? I'm very familiar with that."

"What about you? How long have you known Maia?"

"Sometimes it seems like I've always known her, but it's been like a week. Weird, right? My dad once told me that's what it feels like when you're in love. But how can I love someone I've only just met? My parents have an incredible marriage, so I know he knows what he's talking about, but it's crazy."

Gosh, he sounded just like me a week or so ago. At least he could get all of this figured out early in life. At halfway through my young adult stage, I felt like I wasted a lot of time being confused and scared, and I was glad to see him asking these questions and searching for answers.

"It is crazy, but you are not crazy," I said. "I know exactly what you mean because I felt the same way when I first started talking to Sophia. I didn't understand it until recently, but I think your dad is 1000% correct."

"So that's her name. I was wondering. What's on your mind that's got you walking lakes in the middle of the day? Unless that's too personal..."

"No, it's cool. We've had a lot of serious conversations about the future lately, and I think maybe it's time things stopped being hypothetical...if you know what I mean."

"I think I do."

"Yeah... Big movies, man."

He nods in agreement.

"Big moves."

Wade Banks by @mysimsloveaffair