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zhukzucraft · 9 months ago

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Wild Life - Chapter 2

A fan-made Life SMP session project by Zhuk and Schmomo

>Chapter 1< or >Read it on Ao3<

“So you’re breaking up with us,” Martyn said, matter of factly.

“Is this supposed to be shocking?” Cleo asked, “You leaving to go be with Etho, instead?” She laughed a little, cycling through her inventory for her iron pick.

“It’s nothing personal!” Bdubs insisted, quickly, “I just feel bad for the guy, you know?”

“He is washed up,” Grian agreed, his voice carrying from up high where he was building up their tower of cobble.

“Exactly. Wait, no! No, he’s not!” Bdubs huffed, “But it was harsh how we all ditched him.”

Yesterday had been a mad dash for resources, like all first days in the Life games tended to be. Bdubs’ plan for starting the Life game challenge had remained the same as always: stick to Etho. But that hadn’t really played out the way he wanted it to. When he’d circled up with his group near the exposed iron vein on the side of the mountain, everyone had realized at the same time an important fact: He, Impulse, Cleo and Skizz were all dogs.

Etho was not.

“He’s a cat, Bdubs,” Martyn said, his tail swishing about in warning behind him, “A filthy feline, if you will.”

“Shouldn’t we be building bridges?” Bdubs tried, his own short tail quite flat against his body.

“No, we’re building a tower,” Grian called from above.

Cleo snorted, trying to cover her smile with her free hand.

“The man is lost without me,” Bdubs continued, “And I really just want to check on him, is all. Don’t you trust me?”

“Not at all,” Cleo said with a smile, “But go on then, find your cat boyfriend if it’ll calm your anxious heart.”

Bdubs rolled his eyes, turning away and padding to the edge of their platform. After the iron had run dry, Skizz and Impulse had ventured further up the mountains. Bdubs knew his history with fall damage well enough to stick to more solid ground. Cleo had decided to join up with Martyn and Grian who were discussing some grandiose plan to take control of the entire lake. He had followed them without a second thought.

Now, he stared out at the vast expanse of water before him, “You know, we really should build a bridge–”

“No bridges!” Grian shouted, “That’s the whole point!”

Bdubs threw his hands up in the air, defeated with his teammates–former teammates? It was unclear at this point. Bdubs was about 65% certain he would come back to them. Maybe less so now that this base Grian and Martyn were insisting on would prevent him from any kind of sustainable horse travel.

He pinched his nose and jumped into the water, shuddering as the cold temperature hit him. He pushed through, diving down past the many salmon and cod to head to shore. By the end he was doggy paddling, which was fitting he supposed. When he reached the shore line he shook himself out, his ears floppy atop his head and smacking him ever so lightly.

His comms buzzed in his pocket and he pulled it out.

Solidarity has made the advancement [Diamonds!] Smallishbeans > ARE YOU KIDDING ME? Smallishbeans > HE’S THE FIRST ONE?????? Smajor1995 > just wait for the swimming in lava message to appear soon enough Skizzleman > i don’t have anything to contribute but as another S name i felt the need to say something GoodTimeWithScar > same! Grian > Your username starts with G, scar GoodTimeWithScar > are we starting our own train now, G? Solidarity > DOES ANYONE HAVE FOOD THEY CAN THROW DOWN MY HOLE?

“Poor fella,” Bdubs sighed out without even a hint of pity. He put his communicator away. He glanced around, seeing the remnants of other players from the falling leaves and missing dark oak trunks. He decided to keep to the edge of the forest, just in case. After a few hundred blocks, the dark oak gave way to a plains biome and–

“HORSE!” Bdubs shouted, sprinting over to the magnificent herd of beasts. There were six of them, all deep browns and blacks. Some were even spotted with white. “What beauties,” he praised as he petted one of the wild mares, who shook her mane out at him. He hauled himself onto her back, only to be bucked off. He was no stranger to the process, however, and kept at it, taming the entire herd by the time the sun was shining directly above him.

“Now I just need a saddle,” Bdubs said aloud, before frowning. Right. He needed a saddle. What were the odds he’d stumble upon a dungeon anytime soon? He wondered if they were using the leather recipe in this game. That would be oh-so-fortuitous.

He hadn’t been paying attention, and the horse he was seated upon had wandered further into the plains, toward the great big snowy mountain they’d all pillaged for iron yesterday. He wondered if Skizz and Impulse were still up there. Why were all his friends moving into such horse-hostile environments? Bunch of scum, the lot of em.

The land opened up in front of him and he let out a surprised shout of terror. He quickly jumped off the horse, only to land precariously at the edge of the gaping ravine.

That was a close one, Bdubs thought to himself, imagine being the first to die. And to fall damage too.

He scurried backwards, giving himself a few blocks of distance. Sheepishly he looked around to see if anyone had seen him shrieking. Luckily, no one was around.

Where the heck was everyone? Had no one decided to settle in these plains? He frowned, turning all the way around before getting himself dizzy. How was he supposed to find Etho with everyone hiding? Everyone was still green for void’s sake! There was no need to be so un-neighborly yet.

“Cowards! All of ya!” he shouted out to no one in particular, cupping his hands around his mouth to make sure his important message carried.

“Is someone out there!?”

Bdubs startled, looking around for the owner of the voice.

“Hello!?”

He narrowed his eyes, following the voice several blocks to the right. He stopped right before the ground gave way to another hole.

“OH THANK THE VOID!”

All the way down below, surrounded by dripstone, was Jimmy. In full diamond armor.

“BDUBS YOU HAVE TO HELP ME!” Jimmy shouted, “I'VE GOT HALF A HEART AND NOTHING TO MY NAME!”

“I don’t know about that,” Bdubs called back, sitting down on the edge of the hole, “You’re covered in diamonds.”

“I’ve got no wood, no tools and no food,” Jimmy lamented, “Please, do you have any food to spare?”

“How’d you manage this?” Bdubs asked, his ears perking up.

“There was some mild panicking when I dug into lava,” Jimmy said, “Very mild. I may have thrown half my inventory into it. These are minor details. Anyway, can you spare a mutton? I’d take it raw at this point.”

Bdubs cringed, “You’re lucky Scott didn’t hear that. He’d never let you live it down.”

“Scott’s dead to me!” Jimmy shouted back, “He and Joel and Etho found me just to laugh! The nerve!”

“Etho?” Bdubs blinked, honing in on his mission with laser focus, “You know where he went?”

“You get me outta this jam, I’ll take you straight to him, I swear on my half of a heart.”

“And one of your diamond pieces,” Bdubs added, standing back up.

“You’d take the shirt off my back in my most trying time?”

“If it’s made of diamonds? Of course!” Bdubs replied, rummaging through his inventory, “After all, my hand might slip and grab my lava bucket instead.”

“ALRIGHT!” Jimmy shouted, “Just please! I can’t live down being yellow first again.”

Bdubs chuckled, taking mercy and flooding the hole. Jimmy quickly swam up, clawing his way onto solid ground and giving himself a firm shake to dry himself off. His long fluffy golden tail rained water droplets everywhere.

“Ah, a fellow dog of culture, I see,” Bdubs noted.

Jimmy cracked a smile, “Once a big dog, always a big dog. Woof, woof.” He picked himself up, taking off his diamond boots and handing them over. “Now please, some meat would be nice.”

“Oh I don't have any food on me,” Bdubs replied casually, slipping the armor on. “Should have probably grabbed some before leaving my crew, now that I think about it.”

Jimmy let out an anguished cry, hands shooting out to take hold of Bdubs shoulders. He dug into the iron armor there, “Are you KIDDING ME?” he shouted, close to tears, “Do you have any idea what I’ve been through!? Wave after wave after wave of creepers and zombies hounded me down there. Half a heart, Bdubs! I could trip and it’d be the end of me.”

“I’ve got a bed if you want to set your spawn here,” Bdubs offered with a bright cheery smile. Jimmy screamed out in aggravation. Bdubs patted his shoulder.

“Oh, that explains it.”

Jimmy and Bdubs turned at the sound of a third voice, and emerging from one of the rolling hills of this biome was Mumbo Jumbo of all people.

“Mumbo!” Bdubs exclaimed, giving a friendly wave. “And on top of a mound!”

“Hmm? Oh! Yes! Once a mounder, always a mounder,” Mumbo replied with a grin, carefully hopping down the blocks to make it to their sides. His skin black and white tail shot out for balance. “Although, I’ve graduated to new heights this go-around. You could say I’m a mountaineer, now.”

“Well, ain’t that nice,” Bdubs complimented, “Are Skizz and Impulse with ya then?”

“Oh yes!” Mumbo assured, “BigB too.”

“Lovely catching up,” Jimmy interrupted, eye twitching, “But we have pressing matters at hand! Mumbo, do you have any food on you, bud?

“Hmm? Oh. Oh right, food. That would have been a good idea, wouldn’t it have been.” Mumbo realized aloud, tapping his chin thoughtfully.

“YOU PEOPLE ARE IMPOSSIBLE!” Jimmy screamed.

Bdubs laughed, patting Jimmy’s shoulder and spreading his other arm out over the horizon, “Look, we’re in a plains biome, I’m sure we can find ya something to munch on.”

“All the animals are gone already!” Jimmy snapped, “This is the life series not Hermitcraft!”

“There’s plenty of horses,” Mumbo pointed out, unhelpfully.

“I CAN’T EAT A HORSE.”

“Not hungry enough, eh?” Mumbo replied.

Jimmy paused mid scream to laugh, “Alright, that’s a good one.” He then returned to screaming, “I’ve got two ticks left in my hunger bar before I starve to death. And that’s gonna be on both your consciences now, I hope you know.”

“I’m sure I can convince Etho to part with some snacks when I find him,” Bdubs assured.

“Isn’t Etho a cat, though? At least, that’s what Impulse told me,” Mumbo said, “Why are you looking for him?”

“Because I’m me, Mumbo, that’s why,” Bdubs snapped.

“Right,” Mumbo said, “Should have expected that. Anyway, if you’ll excuse me I need to collect some redstone down in that ravine. No reason, of course.”

“Of course,” Bdubs played along. He waved as Mumbo pushed past them, black and white spotted tail wagging behind him. He turned back to Jimmy, “Now which way did Etho go?”

Jimmy sighed, “He went further up, toward Scar’s place, I think. Have you been there yet? Last I saw him he was making some sort of shanty on the lake edge.”

“And that’s where we shall go,” Bdubs announced.

“I can’t sprint,” Jimmy said, looping an arm around Bdubs’ as a preventative measure. “Don’t you dare leave me behind.”

Bdubs laughed, but acquiesced. Slowing his pace down as they walked through the peaceful meadows. It was strange to see so few mobs and people. Eerie, really. But eventually from the fog appeared a new structure at the lake's edge. A fishing hut made of oak and spruce, already with a nice pier jutting into the water.

Scar came into view first, arms waving about as he spoke to three other players. Even before he rendered, Bdubs could tell the tallest silhouette to be Etho, most likely standing beside Joel and Scott based on Jimmy’s previous recollection.

“ETHO!” Bdubs shouted, abandoning Jimmy completely to sprint over to him.

Etho’s head shot up, and there was a soft crinkle around his eyes as they lit up in recognition. “Oh snappers, it’s a Bdubs!” he exclaimed, lifting his hand to wave at him.

“Why, hello there, Bdubs,” Scar intercepted, coming in between them before Bdubs could go in for the hug, “Welcome to my dock.”

“Right,” Bdubs nodded. “It’s a nice dock.”

“Thanks, I made it myself. Took all my wood,” Scar continued proudly, his gray and black tail swishing dangerously behind him.

“That’s not even true,” another voice snapped, and Bdubs quickly saw Lizzie coming into view. She was munching on a fish, her small ears folded close to her head, “I made the dock. You only made the shanty.”

“Details,” Scar waved off with his ever present smile.

“Food!” Bdubs shouted, pointing at the half eaten cod in Lizzie’s hand, “Jimmy needs some! Lizzie can you spare a fish for the starving man behind me?”

“Oh, Bdubs,” Joel groaned, his striped tail drooping in disappointment, “You actually helped him?”

“He was supposed to stay in the hole.” Scott clicked his tongue, shaking his head.

“Dogs, amiright?” Joel offered cheekily. Bdubs couldn’t help but let out a petulant little huff at that.

By that point Jimmy had finally staggered over to them, doubling over to rest his hands on his knees. “One tick! One tick left and I die before your callous eyes!”

“I’ve got food, Jimmy,” Lizzie assured, digging through her inventory, “But you’ll have to swear your undying loyalty to me first.”

“FINE!” Jimmy agreed.

“See, this is how you get into so much trouble, Jimmy,” Scott commented, “You agree too quickly to things.”

“The man’s on death’s door, Scott. You can’t blame him,” Scar defended, even as he took out his own cooked cod to eat in front of him.

“To seal the deal I shall give you this!” Lizzie announced, handing over a bone.

“Am I joke to you?” Jimmy growled, holding the bone, “You expect me to eat this? Just because I’m a dog? Har, har, har, everybody.” He pretended to give the bone a bite, only for his jaw to snap right through it. He blinked, surprised, nostrils flaring and bringing the bone to his mouth to properly chew on it.

And then he ate it completely.

“Oh,” Lizzie said, dumbfounded.

Joel started to laugh, “Did he seriously just–”

“There’s a terrible bone joke just waiting to be made here,” Scott snickered, politely covering his smile with his hand.

Jimmy’s face colored, “Shut up! Just hold on a second,”

“Did it work?” Bdubs asked, intrigued. His floppy ears did their best to perk up.

“It…worked,” Jimmy confirmed, eyes widening

“So I can punch you now? Thank void I’ve been having to hold back this whole time–” Joel started, pushing his way forward and winding his arm back.

Jimmy screeched, high pitched. Etho’s arm shot out to grab Joel by the scruff of his shirt while the poor golden retriever quickly ran behind Bdubs. “It didn’t FILL me up! I’m not anywhere close to healed yet. Get away from me, Joel!”

Lizzie stared at one of her bones, appraising it. Carefully, she raised it to her mouth and gave it an experimental gnaw. She grimaced.

“Let me try it,” Bdubs pawed at the bone, curiosity having gotten the best of him yet again. He immediately managed to snap it in half with his teeth, despite missing several. His eyes widened, “Huh. It’s not half bad!”

“This must be a dog thing,” Lizzie murmured, putting a finger to her chin, “I mean you can feed bones to wild wolves so it sort of makes sense.”

“Wait a tick,” Jimmy said, straightening up, “Wouldn’t that…Wouldn’t that mean…” He let his voice fade off as he rifled through his inventory to pull out a piece of rotten flesh.

“Oh that is vile, Jimmy!” Joel snapped.

Jimmy took a bite. His eyes widened. “NO WAY! ARE YOU KIDDING ME?”

Bdubs tilted his head to the side. Jimmy handed him another piece of the zombie flesh and he took a brave bite. An explosion of flavors hit his tongue all at once. Savory rich barbecue with just a hint of heat at the edges. He could feel himself salivating for more as he gobbled up the supposed rancid meat. “Oh my! This is gourmet!”

“Are you telling me, I’ve been panicking for the past few hours when I could have eaten any of the 40 pieces of rotten flesh in my inventory!?” Jimmy cried, sinking down to his knees.

“This is amazing,” Joel snickered, “I’m glad you dragged us out here, Scott.”

“I’m full of great ideas,” Scott preened, flicking his hair back to emphasize the point. His blue gray tail swished behind him for added effect.

“Anyway,” Etho said, finally making his way to stand by his old friend, “Fancy seeing you here, Bdubs.”

“Etho!” Bdubs shouted, remembering the whole point of the day.

“Shouldn’t you be with your pack?” Etho faux sniffled, turning his head to the side.

“I came to check on you!” Bdubs insisted, pushing toward him. “Sure, I was led astray momentarily, but here I am in the end! That’s got to count for something, right?”

“I’m not letting more people move in with me,” Joel growled, putting his foot down.

Etho patted Joels’ shoulder, lifting his other hand to scratch the back of his own neck, “Ya see, Bdubs, after that whole debacle, I kinda joined my own alliance. A Fe-liance.”

“Oh.” Bdubs took a step back, wounded. “Oh, I see.”

“Aww man, Joel,” Etho caved immediately, turning to the tabby cat, “Can’t we keep him?”

“Absolutely not.”

“But look at him. How could you say no to that face?”

“Easily,” Joel said. Scott laughed.

“Gentlemen,” Scar clapped, grabbing everyone's attention once more. Lizzie made a loud ahem, her tail lashing out in warning. Scar quickly amended, “And Lady. Although this has been quite the joyous reunion, I do believe you three came here for business?”

“We came for information, actually,” Scott cut in, taking a step forward, “From Lizzie, really. I hear you’ve got quite the advantage in this game, this time around.”

Lizzie blinked owlishly, “Whatever do you mean?”

“Oh, she’s good,” Bdubs whispered to Jimmy and Etho, who were standing closest to him.

“That’s the same look you pull half the time,” Etho huffed, crossing his arms.

“Game recognizes game,” Bdubs nodded. “Did I say that right? Gem taught me that one.”

“Joel told me everything,” Scott said bluntly. Joel’s ears pinned back, betrayed.

Lizzie scowled, turning to her husband, “Joel! You had one job!”

“I didn’t know it was a secret!” Joel snapped, tabby tail lashing behind him.

“Of course it was a secret!” Lizzie huffed. She crossed her arms, glaring up at Scott. “Well, you already know, then. No fall damage.”

“No fall damage?” Etho repeated, eyes widening a fraction.

“At all?” Bdubs added. “Well, wouldn’t that be nifty.”

“Interesting,” Scott continued tapping his chin, “What else do you know?”

Lizzie glowered, “Maybe that’s all I know.”

“Oh, come on now,” Scott started, his tone lilting as he bent forward to get closer to Lizzie’s face, “You expect me to believe the great LDShadowlady spent all of her imperial days as a cat and learned only one thing?”

“Oh, Scott,” Lizzie said, turning her head shyly to the side, “You’re gonna make me blush.”

Joel visibly scowled.

“Anybody got blocks?” Etho asked, “I gotta try this no fall damage thing.”

“Oh, it’s amazing Etho,” Joel egged on, eager to latch onto any distraction from his wife’s annoyance at him, “I went all the way to the height limit. You saw!”

“I did see,” Etho agreed with a light laugh.

“Lizzie’s got cobble in her chest,” Jimmy pointed out, uncrouching from the chest he’d been rifling through..

Lizzie whirled around at him, “Jimmy! I saved your life and you’re going through my things?”

Etho grabbed two stacks easily, turning towards Bdubs, “What do you say, wanna give it a shot with me?”

Bdubs reddened, but he took the offered stack, “Oh, well, when you ask so nicely how could I possibly refuse?” Then he pocketed the stack and put his hands on his hips, “Are you CRAZY? I’m no cat! You think me a FOOL?”

Etho cackled, “Just keeping you on your toes, is all.” He wiped at his eye, and hopped up onto a block, “I’m still gonna check it out for myself, though.”

Bdubs watched with growing wariness as Etho ascended upwards. He could hear the bickering around him start to die down as all eyes veered toward the white cat in the sky.

“You know, this has me thinking,” Scar started, rubbing his chin thoughtfully, “We could be a whole traveling circus. Think of all the trapeze arts! No safety nets. It’d be spectacular. People would pay a fortune to see it. And there would be absolutely no clowns.”

“Shh,” Joel shushed, “He’s gonna jump. Jump into my arms Etho!!” he extended out his hands, only to be nudged in the side by both Scott and Lizzie adding up to one solid tick of damage against him.

Etho did jump and, without a drop of water, landed on his feet before them. His tail pointed straight out for balance and his own eyes were wide like even he couldn’t believe it. Then he turned toward his audience and asked, “Did that make you jump?”

“Oh, BROTHER,” Bdubs lamented, rolling his eyes. Hopefully, his lambasting would cover up the jealousy and admiration festering just underneath the surface.

“I didn’t go that far up,” Etho admitted sheepishly after a moment, stepping away from his stack, “But you know what, Bdubs? I bet you could water bucket clutch from that height.”

“No way,” Bdubs said.

“Perhaps we should change the saying from scaredy cat to scaredy dog,” Joel goaded.

“Good one,” Scott replied flatly.

“It was NOT,” Jimmy snapped, “Don’t listen to them Bdubs! You don’t need to prove nothin’.”

“Of course I’m not doing something that stupid,” Bdubs assured.

“I’ll give you this saddle,” Etho offered.

“Alright,” Bdubs sighed, pulling out the stack of cobblestone and starting to hop up into the sky. He ignored Jimmy’s squawking and Joel’s cackling, instead focusing on not slipping off his precarious tower. As he reached the halfway point he realized very quickly how stupid he was being. “Committing to the bit never did me wrong before,” he murmured to himself. He blinked and then snapped aloud, “Except for every time it did! What the heck am I doing up here!?”

He stared down at his audience and pursed his lips. He couldn’t mine down to them now. He’d never live it down. He’d bring great shame not only to himself but to all of dogkind. Plus, he really did want a saddle.

“You’re a professional, Bdubs,” he reminded himself, shaking off his nerves and squaring his shoulders. He pulled out his bucket of water, counted to three, then counted to three again, and then finally psyched himself out enough to just jump at the number two.

BDoubleO100 fell from a high place. ImpulseSV > OH NO! IntheLittleWood > First Blood TangoTek > Jimmy you can breathe now! ZombieCleo > I let you out of my sight for FIVE MINUTES

Bdubs opened his eyes at spawn and let out a frustrated scream. He stomped around trying to let the anger out. Oh, he was going to murder Etho, his eternal alliance be damned. He started hoofing it to the otherside of the lake, lamenting his lack of horse. His lack of anything. Especially with the sun already starting to set. It wouldn’t be long until night befell them.

“Bdubs! Over here!” he heard Jimmy shout. He turned his head to see that both Jimmy and Lizzie were running toward him, meeting him about halfway.

“We grabbed your stuff,” Jimmy said quickly as he started chucking items out of his pockets and onto the ground.

“I gave Etho quite the tongue lashing too,” Lizzie assured, “Put the fear of the void in ‘im for messing with my dogs like that.”

“Your dogs?” Jimmy questioned.

“I gave you each a bone, didn’t I?” Lizzie reminded him.

“I’ve got a bone to pick with a certain someone,” Bdubs interrupted, pushing past them after accounting for his relatively small amount of things. He sprinted the rest of the way and in no time he found exactly who he was looking for.

“ETHO, WHAT THE HECK!” Bdubs shouted, glaring as the white cat seemed to curl in on himself nervously. His white ears pinned so close to his head they became lost in his unruly hair.

“I swear I was gonna put down some water as a safety last minute,” Etho muttered, not looking him in the eye. He rummaged through his inventory and pulled out a horse saddle, “You still want the saddle?”

“I don’t want your BLOOD SADDLE!” Bdubs bellowed, stomping his foot for added effect. “I want my life back!”

“Uh,” Etho started, glancing over to his alliance for help.

Joel stepped in easily enough, “Sorry, Bdubs, we don’t speak dog.” He grabbed hold of Etho’s arm, pulling him away, “Etho! Scott! Uh, we should go work on the base! That isn’t here!”

“Right,” Etho agreed as he allowed himself to be dragged, “We’ve got a tree to build.”

“You’re even building trees without me, now?” Bdubs called out, “I hate you!”

“Quite the tragic break up we’re witnessing, huh boys,” Lizzie commented, shaking her head solemnly where she stood between Jimmy and Scar.

“What, you and Joel?” Scar blinked.

“What? No! Bdubs and Etho!” Lizzie snapped.

“But you’re sticking with me right? Not following your husband out there? I take loyalty very seriously here, Lizzie,” Scar warned.

“Of course!” Lizzie waved off, “That man’s dead to me.” She ignored the strangled cry of I heard that from Joel, instead giving Scar a bright cheery smile. He echoed it and the atmosphere seemed to grow a bit tenser, enough for Jimmy to take a wary step back.

“Timmy, where are you going?” Scar asked, turning towards him.

“Yeah, Jimmy, you’re one of us now, remember?” Lizzie cautioned.

Jimmy swallowed, “Uh, right, about that. You know, you two being cats, and us being dogs–”

“The circus doesn’t discriminate,” Scar waved off.

“You took the bone, Jimmy,” Lizzie reminded him sternly.

“Erm, Bdubs, what do you think?” Jimmy tried, turning desperately to the silent pug still watching the trio retreating in the distance.

Bdubs ignored him entirely, instead screaming out “WAIT!” at the top of his lungs.

Jimmy blanched as he watched his fellow dog sprint away from him, calling out a desperate plea of, “Don’t leave me here alone!”

Bdubs caught up to the cat trio easily enough. He stood right in front of Etho, who still looked too sheepish to meet his gaze. With his sternest glare he demanded, “Give me the saddle.”

Etho gave a nervous chuckle but handed over the item all the same. “So…we’re good now? No hard feelings?”

“Nope,” Bdubs answered with a cheery smile, “You’re absolutely dead to me!” He then swiveled round, racing back to join Lizzie, Scar and Jimmy where he left them.

“Oh, thank the void you didn’t abandon me,” Jimmy sighed out in relief.

“Abandon you? No! Never!” Bdubs assured, throwing an arm around the taller dog, “We’re bone brothers now.”

Lizzie cheered and Scar gave his own approving cackle as he swept them all in for a group hug. From within the inner circle, Bdubs continued, “Alright, new family, here’s the deal. I’ve got intel I can share about a whole host of these TRAITORS on this server.”

Still, even as he shared all he knew about the locations of the other players and their species, he couldn’t help glancing behind his back every now and then, just in case. And each time his eyes met only the empty landscape, he felt the cold wrap around his heart just a little bit tighter.

#life series smp #grian #bdoubleo100 #solidaritygaming #mumbo jumbo #smallishbeans #ethoslab #ldshadowlady #goodtimeswithscar #smajor1995 #zombiecleo #inthelittlewood #wild life smp

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theodoresgirl · 1 year ago

Note

PLEASE write more cheshire!fem!reader x Killian Jones 🙏🏻

i loved it sm. i’m actually quacking. (i was the one who requested it!!)

Maybe this time, he meets her again and there’s like a strong tension between them and reader is saying strange things and he just wants her to stop so he kisses her!!🤭🤭

and if your comfortable with it, the kiss leads to smut? if not, then fluff is great too!!

Just shut up - Killian Jones x Cheshire Cat!Reader

Killian Jones x Fem!Reader a/n: im sorry it took over a month and that its not good. Im sorry TnT

Part 1

Y/n had found a portal back in Wonderland and got curious, The portal transferred her from Wonderland to Storybrooke. Though not the way she would’ve guessed.

She screams as she falls from the sky, She luckily lands in the lake next to the docks. She shoots up out of the water screeching, She looks around paddling towards the docks. “So cold, so cold” She repeated as she grabbed the edge of the dock and pulled herself up. It was freezing, It was the middle of winter, and It was probably -20 degrees in that water. She groans and stands up ringing out her clothes' excess fabric out. “Water. It had to be water. I hate water.” She mumbles and starts to curse under her breath, shivering.

“I hope you don’t mean that. It’s better when it's on a boat, and not 5 degrees outside..” Y/n looked up hearing a familiar voice from one of the boats docked. Killian stepped off his boat walking over to her with a towel. “Cats don’t like water, Captain.. Sorry to break the news to you.” She shivered looking at the towel and at Killian. “Such a shame.” He shrugs and unfolds the towel. “Where did you come from then, love?”

“I feel through the sky.. And landed in a body of water. ” She looked at Killian still shivering. He wrapped the towel around her and rubbed her arms with his hand and hook. “This’ll dry you off some..” She rubs her upper arms trying to get warm. “Okay, come on. Let's get you new clothes and a warm shower.” Killian grabs her by her belt using his hook and walks towards his ship.

She blinks following along not wanting to be cold anymore. “So Cap, This is where you live?” She asked, grinning trying to think of a pun to make. “Not at the moment. I’ve been staying in a room above a diner, The cold isn’t pleasant to sleep in.” Killian unhooks y/n and steps onto the Jolly Roger to grab a bag, He steps off the ship before placing the arm with his hook behind y/n and gilding her to town. “Is that where we are going then?” “Yeah, It's got warm water, and you’ll be able to get a room for as long as you need it, Granny is a sucker for helping new people.”

Killian and Y/n walked into town, Y/n was as cold and frozen as an ice cube. They headed up to his room to clean y/n up before going to eat and get a room. Killian opened his door and y/n walked in going straight for the shower. Killian tossed his bag onto a table and went to the dresser. He starts to rummage through the drawers looking for some clothes y/n could wear temporarily til he could get one of the girls to take her shopping.

Killian took out a black Poets shirt and some sort of comfy pants he’d never worn. He walked over to the couch in the room he’d paid for and laid out the clothes for her. He could hear the shower turn on, He walked over to his bed and laid down to wait for y/n to take a shower. He leaned his head back and closed his eyes, He began to let his mind wander through scenarios of what would happen once she got out. His heart started to race as he pictured her in his clothes.

He didn’t hear her turn the water off and walk out of the bathroom. “Are these mine cap?” Y/n spoke, picking up the shirt. Killian sits up looking at Y/n in just a towel. Her hair was stuck to her wet skin, skin shimmering against the light. He nodded, not saying anything, What was he gonna say? You look amazing with your hair sticking to your back. That sounds crazy.

Y/n looks over at Killian, “Stuck in your imagination?” Killian shakes his head snapping back, “Not at all. Yes, those are yours.” Killian gets up and runs his hand through his hair. Y/n slips the shirt on as she drops the towel. “Imagination is the only weapon in the war with reality.” Y/n looks over at Killian who is facing the wall, His heart is racing. “Hmm?-” He turns around to look at y/n. Y/n holds the pants in her hands and grins talking in riddles. Killians' eyes twitch a bit, “Just put the pants on so we can go eat.” He walks past her into the bathroom to splash his face with water. Y/n slips the pants on and ties it so they stay up. Killian walks out of the bathroom, and heads to the door. Y/n followed behind him continuing talking in riddles or rhymes.

Killian takes Y/n to Granny's diner to order food to go. Then grabbing a room key for Y/n. They headed back to Killian's room to eat.

Killian opens the door to his room and Y/n rushes inside and over to the couch. “Giveeee! It smells delicioussss.” Y/n licks her lips looking at the bag that holds the food. Killian shuts the door and walks over to the couch and table, He puts down on the couch setting the bag on the table. Y/n grabs the bag and takes their food out while Killian takes his boots off.

Y/n started to eat, Finally keeping her mouth shut. Killian grabs his food and leans back to eat. It was quiet while they ate. Killian ordered a burger with ketchup, Pickles, lettuce, and cheese. Y/n ordered chicken strips with fries and ranch.

Killian finishes his burger and gets up walks to the window and opens it a bit. “A little hot there captain?” She smirks. He looks over at her, Not saying anything, he knows he can’t lie to her, and He can’t admit she was right. “Captain?” She raised an eyebrow still smirking. “Captainnn~” She kept taunting him by repeating his name.

“Something isn't working up there love'' Killian rubbed his temples, Y/n climbed over the couch and walked closer to him, “If you haven’t noticed I’m not all there, Captain~” She tapped her head loving how irritated he seemed. Killian glared at her before filling the leftover space between them and kissing her. She hesitates for a second before throwing her arms around his neck and kissing back. He puts his hand on her waist and his hook brushes the skin on her collarbone, The cold metal meeting her warm skin. She shivered at the touch.

He breaks the kiss and pulls back licking his lips. Grining, She pulls back “So i’m guessing you were in your imagination earlier.” Killian kisses her again before answering her with a nod. “You have no idea love.” “Why not show me.” She kisses him, deeper this time.

She moves her hands to his chest and pushes him towards the bed. He backs up towards the bed and sits down still kissing y/n. Her arms return to hanging around his neck. She stands between his legs pressing against him. He pulls down the oversized pants she had on, She steps out of the pants and kicks them away. She unbuttons his jeans and belt, He stands up picking her up and putting her on the bed before pulling his jeans and boxers down.

He breaks the kiss and starts kissing her neck, as she moves her hands to the bottom of his shirt and pulls it off him. “Want me to stop-” before he could finish his sentence she cut him off. “Killian just shut up.”

Killian strokes himself before lining himself up with her entrance, “You're the one who rhymes.” She rolled her eyes opening her mouth to say something but let out a gasp as he pushed in. He kisses her deeply, holding still for a minute while she adjusts.

He starts to thrust continuing to kiss her, Both running short of air. They break the kiss both catching their breaths. He holds his hand on her waist and plays with her hair using his hook. She smirks, blushing, Her heart was racing. He continues thrusting, She places her hands on his shoulders gripping tightly.

She moans, leaning her head back arching her back. He puts his hook on her waist. "Love, you are absolutely breathtaking." Killian complimented her. She grins before moaning. She raised an arm to grab her hair and hold it above her head. Killian and her continued for awhile until they both hit climax.

“K-Killian” She gasps arching her back cumming,

Killian moans, He keeps thrusting before pulling out and releasing on her lower stomach. He plops down next to her, Both of them were panting heavily. “I like it when you say my name.” He smiles.

#fanfic #once upon a time #once upon a time x reader #ouat #ouat x reader #ouat x y/n #killian x yn #killian jones x yn #killian x reader #killian jones #killian jones x reader #x y/n #x reader

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maxybabyy · 3 months ago

Text

”What?”

”Nothing, I’m just –” Gianpiero says and clears his throat.

“You are of course staring at me,” Max says, and Gianpiero knows that he is, but how could he not?

Max is soaked to the bone, hair drenched with sweat, and the thin, white shirt he had been wearing is now clinging to his chest. His face is flushed, and his breaths are fast, shallow from running himself ragged on the paddle court. He holds the seam of his shirt between long, elegant fingers and uses it to wipe his forehead, flashing the pale skin of his stomach – and even that looks a bit flushed.

“I’m just looking at you, Max,” Gianpiero says, and at least his voice sounds calm. “Is that not allowed?”

Gianpiero is always looking at Max, toMax, for Max. When it’s not his data, it’s always Max, in the car or on the sim. Two beers deep in a bar somewhere they shouldn’t have been, complaining about the car, the cats, Lando and his moods, or whatever has been stuck on his mind this week.

Gianpiero has looked at him in his bed, spread out beautifully in pale soft sheets. So utterly lovely and impossible at the same time.

Usually, Max will look back at him and smile, eyes crinkling at the corner because Max likes the attention. Of the world? Maybe. The media? Certainly not. But there’s a select few under whose eyes Max will beam with affection, like a flower blooming under the glow of the sun.

But Max doesn’t smile. His eyes don’t crinkle, and the line of his mouth goes taut.

“Don’t,” he says. “Not when –“

“I cannot look at you, Max? At my driver, at my –“

“No,” Max says, and it’s a far cry from the man who had dragged him to the paddle court in the first place, loose and happy with the weekend off. “Not when always you do nothing about it.”

“Max.”

Gianpiero doesn’t reach for him – not here, not with Robert and Calum just meters away – but his fingers twitch with the need to.

Max watches him for a second before he scoffs. He picks up his water bottle and stalks out, back tight with tension. And then, just before he leaves for the locker room, body poised not unlike a cat ready for the attack, “I owe you of course congratulations on the promotion, GP. You must be so happy, Red Bull also, no?”

It’s catty and mean, and Gianpiero is too old for this whole cat-and-mouse bit, but he goes after him anyway, gives chase until the door slams shut behind them.

“It helps to have the success of a three-times world champion behind you,” he says, and this time he does reach for Max.

He places one hand on Max’s hip, fingers slipping on sweaty skin as he bypasses where Max’s shorts sit tight. The other cups his jaw, fingers splayed wide on his throat, making Max look at him. Max doesn’t move away, but he’s always been like this: pliant under steady hands, malleable and yielding even in times where he shouldn’t.

Max swallows, and Gianpiero feels it against his hand.

“I thought –“ Max says but the words come out strangled. Voice cracking like it does sometimes in the car, loud and hilarious over the radio, reminding them both of how far he’s come since then, how far they’ve both come.

“Always we said when it is 2025, we would try,” he says with a rasp. “And then you –“

Gianpiero breathes out a heavy breath. His thumb strokes over Max’s cheek, skin slick with sweat but he doesn’t mind. A lot of their best moments have been with Max drenched in sweat.

“I don’t think it’s that easy, unfortunately,” he says softly. “The market is changing, and what teams want is –“

“Everyone wants you, GP,” Max says, blunt and a little mean. He twists out of Gianpiero’s hands to pace the space between lockers, his shoes heavy on the floor. “Fucking Vasseur trying to –“

“As I said, things change,” Gianpiero says softly. His shirt feels clammy against his skin, and he has a meeting at four, but that has to wait. “With Lewis, Bono said –“

“I do not give a fuck about Bono,” Max lashes out, head whipped around to stare at Gianpiero. “Or did he fuck Lewis also? Did he tell him he loved him and that they would of course be together and then forget about him? Did Bono do this also? Because he is then in lovely company.”

Gianpiero flinches at the words, at how they leave Max’s mouth. Pink lips pulled back in a snarl, flat teeth that he’s felt against his skin now ready for the attack.

“Max,” he says, searching for something softer, sweeter. But Max has always been Max to him, even when he wasn’t, and Gianpiero doesn’t like to think about that. “Max,” he says again and wills it to be as sweet as any other pet name.

“Did you ever think that’s why I’m doing this?” He asks. “I cannot be your race engineer and have the responsibility of putting you in the seat, fighting with you about a car that doesn’t drive like you want it to, and then come home with you to pretend everything is alright.”

“Why not?” Max asks, rudely if Gianpiero didn’t know him better.

Gianpiero knows Max has no problem separating what happens in racing from his personal life. So perhaps Max could make it work, chewing him out over the radio before crawling into bed with him, kissing him softly as he has before. But Gianpiero knows he couldn’t.

“I love you, Max, but it has to be right, and it has to make sense, for both of us,” he says.

He knows Max already has one foot out of the sport, knows if the car continues to drive like it does Max will leave. To Aston Martin or Mercedes, he doesn’t know, or perhaps even retirement. He knows Max wants him to follow, and that now only the latter is possible.

But Gianpiero isn’t ready to leave and more truthfully, isn’t ready to be in his mid-forties and live off his boyfriend’s money.

“When?” Max asks. He’s lost some of the fight, the tension in his shoulders all but gone, and he comes to Gianpiero easy, tucking his face into his throat. “When will it make sense?”

They both know the answer but neither of them wants to say it.

Even if it meant he would have Max like this, soft and lovely in his arms, he would lose the driver Max has become. And selfishly, Gianpiero isn’t ready for that either.

“Soon,” he says and pretends the words don’t taste bitter on his tongue as he leans in to kiss him.

#gp/max #max/gp #is there an official ship name?#my fic #my writing #fic

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readychilledwine · 10 months ago

Text

Edgeplay

✨️Kink Education with Elizabeth✨️

Welcome to the side of BDSM most people are very nervous about. Edgeplay is an umbrella of play types that tend to push the limitations of safety and emotional and mental well-being. This type of play can be triggering, so consider from here forward a trigger warning for this one-shot.

Edgeplay is not for the faint of heart. The types of play in this umbrella include consensual non consent, blood play, knife play, fire play, more extreme forms of rope play, breath play, impact play with implements that are faster to draw blood (studded paddles, kendo sticks, whips, canes, etc.), fire play, gun play, extreme temperature play, orgasm wrecking, and one of my very hard limitations, scat play and water sports. It is not uncommon for these play types to leave permanent reminders of play for years to come.

This type of play requires a very deep connection and level of trust between dom and sub. Some of these activities can kill you, and in recent years, the excitement behind that statement has been romanticized to the point that they began their own subgenre of the spice and romance literature world: Dark Romance.

I will be honest, I was SHOCKED and gagged and then felt evil with how I planned this out, to have our sweet baby LuLu requested for this. It is more mild than had I gotten Azriel because I can not see Lucien being super into play that could leave him potentially scarred and I could not see him being the dom in a situation that would potentially scar his play partner. I hope you all still like it, though!

💕Peep the Valentines Day List Here💕

As always, NSFW below the cut

Lucien Vanserra x Reader

Warnings - male sub dynamics, mommy kink, wax play, rope play, orgasm wrecking and edging, breathplay, use of safe word.

Something about Lucien was just so pretty when he begged.

Maybe it was the pouty full lips. Maybe it was the whispered desperation. The soft look in his eyes was a plus, too. “Mommy,” you had denied him seconds away from an orgasm again. Lucien's chest had splatters of wax across it, his hair a tangled mess from pulling it constantly.

He has asked you to push him limitations. You were happy to oblige. “What color are you, baby?”

Through wet lashes, Lucien looked up at you, lip trembling slightly. “Yellow.” You began stroking his head. “Just need to cum.”

You tutted him. “Yellow means we slow down,” you began straddling his waist, holding the candle again. “Do you not remember your safe colors, baby?”

“I remember, mommy,” his hands moved to your thighs, gripping them tightly as that first drop if wax hit his abs. He hissed and squirmed, a whimper leaving his throat.

“Did you forget your safe word?”

Another drop had him groaning, “No, mommy.”

You smiled, spare hand tracing his fingers, “Did you forget the rule about touching me?” He only whimpered in response as you flicked your wrists, and his hands were tied above his head. You had taken his one comfort and knew that limitations were about to be further pushed and possibly broken. “What's your safeword, baby?” You had set the candle down, sinking in to him inch by slow inch, watching the rise and fall of his chest before picking the candle back up.

“Red or Beron.”

“Do you need to use them?”

He shook his head, “Not yet.”

You leaned in kissing His pouty lips softly. “Would you like to start again?”

“Yes, mommy. Still yellow.”

You nodded, beginning to ride him slowly and tenderly while dropping wax on him occasionally. You were purposely aiming for spots that were already covered, so he didn't feel the full effect. You watched as he physically relaxed, whines becoming moans of your name, pleading for more.

You bounced faster, hips moving in a rhythm you knew he loved. You began pouring the wax on exposed skin while your hand went to rest on his throat.

You were watching Lucien closely, ensuring he was okay as you began to bring him back to his high. His beautiful face began to switch every so often, pleasure mixing with pain, and fading back to bliss. He was so close, and you wanted to give him a reward, allow him to fill your aching clenching cunt with his seed and then snuggle him and clean up.

But something was preventing him from finding that bliss, from tipping over the edge. Your hand had moved from his throat, resting on his chest instead, but he didn't relax, falling back into whines and whimpers below you, begging softly.

You went to set the candle down, one last drop of wax falling onto his collarbone area as you did, and it happened. “BERON!”

You felt the room shift, stopping all motion. “I'm going to get off of you, okay?”

Lucien nodded, tears forming in his eyes as he did. “I'm sorry-”

You hushed him gently, moving to sit beside him and reaching to untie him. “Do not apologize to me. We tried a few new things, and it was too much. You never apologize for needing to stop, Lucien.”

“I just kept waiting for you to rip it away again, to stop and.. and you didn't.. but-”

You began playing with his hair as his hands found your bare skin, feeling for comfort, squeezing plush flesh to regroup himself.

“It's okay, Lu. You're safe.. I'm so sorry.”

He shook his head. “I wanted to try.”

You began peeling the wax off, praising him as you did. “What can we do to make you feel better?”

“A bath.”

“Then let's go take a bath.” You pulled him off the bed, walking him to the bathroom, and began running the tub. “Let's get this wax off. I love you, Lu.”

He smiled down at you. “I love you too. Also, never realized how quickly my father's name could kill a mood.”

“So fast,” you laughed.

He smiled harder, glowing softly at the happiness flowing from both ends of the bond. “So fucking fast.”

General Taglist:

@hnyclover @glitterypirateduck @slytherinindisguise @mischiefmanager @bloodicka @starsinyourseyes @the-sweet-psycho

@mariahoedt @rinalouu @sarawritestories @starryhiraeth @starswholistenanddreamsanswered @cumuluscranium @loneliestluvr

Valentines Day Taglist:

@sfhsgrad-blog @amara-moonlight @eternallyelvish @novaksangel @teenageeggscissorslawyer @thisblogisaboutabook @amygdtjhddzvb

@justasillylittlegoofyguy @avajustreads

@littlestw01f @azriels-shadowsinger @acourtofladydeath

#acotar #acotar x reader #lucien x reader #lucien x y/n #lucien x you #lucien acotar #lucien fic #lucien vanserra x y/n #lucien vanserra x you #lucien vanserra x reader #lucien vanserra acotar #lucien vanserra #lucien vandaddy #readychilledwine valentines day bingo

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torukmaktoskxawng · 1 year ago

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Could you do a fic where the water boys, (aonoung and roxto) save a sully!reader kid from one of the poisonous things? Like she's exploring similar to how Kiri does in the water and is about to touch a poisonous one and they grab her away?? Just a comfort teaching fic about the metkayina wildlife

Love your fics btw <3

(Gif not mine)

Pairing: Ao'nung/Female!Sully!Reader/Rotxo (Platonic)

Warnings: none

Taglist: @alinacecee @mooniequeen

A/N: Another short but hopefully sweet request <3 Enjoy!

~~~~~~~~~

Tsireya had looked around the moment Rotxo mentioned Kiri was missing, only to find another girl was missing other than Tuk, "Has anyone seen Y/n?"

"Not another one," Ao'nung rolled his eyes, "How many of you Forest People tend to wander?"

Lo'ak's eyes narrow as they land on the reef boy, "Shut up, bro."

"We can split up and look for them," Neteyam quickly takes charge, likely to break whatever tension was straining between his brother and the chief's son.

Tsireya liked the idea and offered to take Tuk with her while Neteyam took Lo'ak. As the group of children split up, Rotxo urges Ao'nung to follow him and together the two friends take a deep breath and dive down toward the reef below, looking around for the missing Sully sisters.

It took some time, but they stumbled across you first, the teenaged forest girl aimlessly swimming around the reef, admiring the various different fish and colors without a care in the world, unaware of the reef Na'vi who have taken notice of you. Rotxo and Ao'nung swam leisurely toward you, watching as you inched close to one particular coral, with long, purple soft-looking arms that gently floated with the current, and at the center bore tiny, acid-colored tentacles. You appeared entranced by the peculiar coral and reached an arm out to it. Only then did the reef boys pick up their speed in their panic.

Rotxo makes a deep grunting sound in the back of his throat, twice, to get your attention. When you didn't hear, Ao'nung speeds forward as quickly as possible, swimming as fast as he could. The moment he was in reach, he reached out and roughly grabbed your arm, pulling you away from the coral and startling you.

Whipping your head around at your assailant, alarmed until you realized who was holding onto your arm, then you glared at Ao'nung and pulled away. Your eyes wander until they find Rotxo, who then uses his hands and arms to try and communicate one simple word to you. Ao'nung only rolls his eyes when you tilt your head in confusion, closely watching Rotxo sign until you respond by shrugging your shoulders and shaking your head, before pointing up to the surface.

The three of you simultaneously swim up and the moment you break the surface, Ao'nung is scowling at you, "What were you thinking, forest freak? Wandering by yourself when you clearly know nothing about our home?"

"Take it easy, Ao'nung." Rotxo defends.

Already used to Ao'nung's distaste of you and your family, you choose to ignore him and only address his kind friend, "What were you trying to say to me down there?"

"I was trying to tell you it stings."

You tilt your head in curiosity, "What stings?"

"The coral you almost touched. It is called 'fantail'. It stings."

"Oh." You take a moment to absorb the new information before deciding to be courteous and turn to Ao'nung, "Thank you for stopping me."

The chief's son doesn't expect the gratitude, eyes widening a fraction before he covers up his shock with a scoff, looking away, "Next time, I'll just let you do it. Maybe you will learn your lesson."

Ao'nung then turns and starts to swim away, back the way he and Rotxo had come looking for you. As you watch him go, Rotxo paddles up to you with an amused smirk,

"Don't mind him. He usually gets that angry when he's scared."

"Scared?" You spin back to Rotxo, "Why was he scared?"

"Ao'nung doesn't like watching pretty girls get hurt."

Warmth spreads up the back of your neck and over your face, eyes immediately darting down to avoid the pleasant grin on the reef boy's face. Flustered, you mumble under your breath, "Or maybe Ao'nung doesn't like getting in trouble if someone gets hurt under his watch."

Rotxo laughs, but it isn't mocking or cruel. The reef boy's laugh was a soft, sweet chime that was followed by a genuine smile, "Stick around us a little more, Y/n, and you'll see what I mean. Just-- avoid the fantail from now on, okay?"

The smile you offered was shy, but a promise, nonetheless, "You got it."

~~~~~~~~~

A/N: Tbh, while I was researching for this, I couldn't find any sea life that was poisonous and harmful to Na'vi lol. I checked every wiki page and my atwow visual dictionary and couldn't find anything other than the fantail coral. It has stinging tentacles for catching zooplankton, but it doesn't mention whether or not the Metkayina avoids it. So, for the sake of the story, we'll use it 🤣 But if anyone has a better flora or fauna option I could've used, let me know cause I swear I looked everywhere.

MASTERLIST

REQUESTS

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hallietblr · 1 year ago

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A dating Jeremiah fic?

loving you is so easy | j.fisher x reader

a/n: thank you so much for the request!! i hope my writing meets the expectations for what’ll be like to date jeremiah!

warnings: mentions of alcohol consumption

—

dating jeremiah is like waking up and feeling fully rested after weeks of exhaustion. he’s fun and dating him is a constant adventure. there’s never a dull moment between us two. we’re always up to something whether it be driving in the middle of the night with all windows down or it’ll be us snuggling on the couch and giggling with one another.

i lay on my stomach on the smooth surfboard as i feel the waves beneath me sway the board. the salty water from my hair was dripping down my face and the sun was hot on my back.

“are you sure this is a good idea?” i ask jeremiah nervously as he climbs onto the board with me. we both carefully adjust ourselves so we’re both seated,

he shrugs, “probably not but do you trust me? i think it’ll be fun”

“if you say so!” i laugh, he tells me to start paddling and swim we’re both standing on the surfboard together.

it’s extremely unsteady as we both wobble, attempting to keep our balance. but within seconds, we’re both in the ocean. i swim to the surface and burst into a fit of laughter,

“that had to be one of the dumbest things weve done” i tell him as he swims the surfboard towards me, “i can’t believe we were even able to stand on it.”

“makes for a good story though!” he grins before kissing my lips.

dating jeremiah shows me a new sort of love that i never knew existed. after a failed situationship after another, i remember there being a point in my life where i felt like i was unlovable. until i met the curly headed boy. he is loud and proud about us dating, making sure that the whole world knows that we’re together — he never hides it and it’s refreshing.

big, big house parties were never my thing. i was always more of a chill at home with a few friends kind of person rather than going to a huge party. i’m not really sure why but something about being in a small house packed of sweaty and drunk teenagers doesn’t seem very fun to me.

my boyfriend, jeremiah, on the other hand absolutely loves them. he has always been a social butterfly and he loves any opportunity to hang out with new people.

i never really care whenever he goes to parties without me, i trust him. he never pushes me to go to these events either because he knows that i’m not comfortable in these settings. some how today, he convinced me to go.

“come on, baby,” he pleas, “it’ll be fun!”

i shrug, folding up my throw blanket on my half made bed, “i don’t know, jere. you know i’m not big on parties.”

he flops onto my bed and looks up at me with big puppy eyes, “i know babe, but everyone’s been asking to meet you since i talk about you at parties all the time!” he exclaims,

“plus, if you ever feel uncomfortable we can leave right away, no questions asked” jeremiah smiles.

i sigh before nodding my head, “ok fine, only this once though”

he scrambled up and pulls me into a tight hug, spinning us in circles, “god, i love you so much!”

as i got ready for the party, contemplating between a pink or yellow tank top (eventually picking the pink one), i met jeremiah downstairs who was talking to my family.

“you look absolutely gorgeous” he grins, twirling me to get a 360 view, “a goddess.”

my parents awe at the sight before bidding the two of us goodbye as we leave for the party. when we pull up, there’s loud music and talking amongst the tipsy teenagers. jeremiah protectively wraps an arm around my waist as he guides us through the crowd and towards the drinks.

he says hi to a bunch of people we pass by, “oh hey man, this is my girlfriend, y/n” he would proudly say, kissing the top of my head, “isn’t she just the prettiest?”

he opens a drink for me and hands it over before jumping onto the kitchen counter,

“cheers everyone! this one is for my beautiful girlfriend, thank you for coming out tonight, baby! i love you endlessly — have a great night people!” he shouts before hopping off, my face was flushing a bright red before his hands are on my waist.

jeremiah grins at me and pulls me into a passionate kiss in front of everyone. his boys are cheering for us along with some of the girls.

dating jeremiah revealed to me that not all dream-like boyfriends exist only in fiction, but also in real life. he never forgets to message me goodnight, to kiss me goodbye, makes sure that neither of us go to bed upset with the other. jeremiah brings me small gifts that reminded him of me when they’re unexpected. loving him is one of the easiest things i’ve ever done. jeremiah showed me a new sort of love that i never knew existed. he truly is the perfect boyfriend to me and never makes me feel alone. he’s my biggest supporter and is honestly my comfort person.

—

taglist!

@randomaccountworld123 @bxbyyyjocelyn

#jeremiah fisher fanfic #jeremiah fisher x reader #jeremiah fisher imagine #jeremiah fisher x y/n #tsitp x reader #tsitp imagine #jeremiah fisher fanfiction #jeremiah fisher fluff #jeremiah x y/n #jeremiah fisher smut #jeremiah fanfiction #jeremiah x reader #tsitp fluff

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petals2fish · 5 months ago

Text

RIPTIDE

Read on A03 for July @jilychallenge prompt: surfing lessons and sexy wetsuits. This oneshot was too long and is now a three chapter story, so enjoy!!!

Summary: Nothing gets between Lily Evans and her board. Living near the beach with two roommates including her naggy older sister, she is up before dawn every morning to conquer the waves and count the days until the Morro Bay surf competition. Lily finds all she needs in the surf scene ... until pro quarterback James Potter comes along. Like it or not, Lily starts losing her balance - and finding it - as she falls for James.

“Don’t drift out too far!” Petunia’s voice mixed with the seagulls, “I’m not coming after you if you get sucked into a riptide!”

“You worry too much,” Lily shouted over her shoulder.

The ocean was an expanse of endless blue, wild and breathtakingly beautiful. She could lie on her board forever, drifting with the tide, staring out over the white-capped, ruffled waves. Occasionally, an otter would drift by, its serene presence contrasting with the sight of a dolphin’s fin cutting through the water. The waves were terrible for surfing that day but perfect for slipping away into her thoughts.

Her fingers swirled through the water as she hummed her favorite song from the radio that week. Her legs kicked up behind her, waving in the wind, her white-painted toes dipping into the water playfully every few minutes. Her red hair was unbound, the hair tie long retired to her wrist, allowing the ends to soak in the salt water. A heavy but contented sigh escaped her lips as she rolled onto her back, her gaze shifting from the ocean blue to the sky blue.

Lily Evans was born in California after her father moved to San Diego for his military career. Her early years were filled with the scent of plumeria and the sound of the ocean. But when her mother died, her father left the military and, unable to cope with the loss, left the world a few months later. He’d left sixteen year old Lily in the care of her older sister. Petunia and Lily couldn’t have been more different—Petunia was practical and grounded, while Lily was a dreamer with a love for the ocean.

As the sun climbed higher in the sky, its rays reflecting off the water, Lily noticed Petunia and Marley waving from nearby where they floated with their boards. The carefree moments of drifting were over; the wave meant it was time to face the responsibilities of the day. Lily sighed, knowing she couldn't delay any longer. The ocean, her refuge, would have to wait. She paddled back towards the shore, her heart heavy with the weight of reality pressing in once more.

"Come on, Lily," Petunia nagged as Lily leisurely paddled over to the girls. "We can’t be late again!”

"Yeah, yeah," Lily rolled her eyes, but picked up her pace because she knew they needed the job for the money.

Petunia was the oldest of the three girls, the skinniest, and always clad in her six-year-old one-piece and purple and black wetsuit. The purple clashed with Petunia’s dirty blonde hair and over-tanned, reddened face, but Petunia was a creature of habit. She’d wear the wetsuit to pieces if she had too.

"Come on," Petunia urged, practically racing for the shore, her thin arms carving through the water.

"Petunia we’re coming as fast as we can," Marley huffed, paddling in front of Lily but directly behind Petunia. "Chill, please, or I’m sneaking pot into the brownies this weekend."

Marlene, the youngest by only a month as she constantly reminded Lily, had curly black hair, thick expressive brows, and a beautiful golden tan. She was undeniably the hottest one, she got all the guys, even the ones she didn’t want. Marley only wore a bikini today, absolutely taking advantage of the warmer weather even though the pacific was still cold.

"One day I’ll bring home the big bucks and we won’t even have to ever leave the water," Lily shouted after them playfully, “I’ll have maids cook and clean for us all day so we can just surf.”

If Lily looked in a mirror, she'd see a face covered in freckles from her time in the sun. Her red hair was her statement piece, attracting attention and making her look more like she’d stepped out of Ireland than California. Her cropped rashguard was doing little to protect her from the sun or the waves, but she liked to show off the abs she’d worked so hard to get.

"Come on!" Petunia exclaimed, "I've seen children swim faster than you two!"

The girls reached the shore just as the first tourists started to arrive, equipped with their sunglasses and lawn chairs. Other locals were clearing out, unwilling to deal with tourists taking over the beach and sandbars. Lily wiped down her board, then began peeling off her rashguard, the fabric clinging stubbornly to her wet skin like a banana peel.

They didn’t have a car, but they managed to hitch a ride in Alex Graff’s truck, which took them halfway to the resort just up the beach. In Lily’s opinion, the resort was the nicest on Morro Bay. Built only ten years ago, its sleek design featured walls of glass that reflected the ocean and gave it a modern, luxurious appearance. As they approached, the building seemed to sparkle in the sunlight, but Lily dreaded heading inside because it meant it was time to work.

Being a cleaning lady in hotel rooms hadn’t been on her list of ‘most impressive jobs to have’ but it paid for the expensive shack on the other side of town where the girls lived together. The rest of the money went into maintaining her board, surfing competition fees, and what food money was left over. The girls tumbled into the staff locker rooms, pulling their maid outfits from the lockers as they laughed and ate apples Marley had nicked from the breakfast lounge.

“I’m going out with Vernon Dursley again tonight,” Petunia said as she pulled the gray dress over her body, her wet hair staining the fabric.

“Ew, that toolbag from Piper Tech Industries?” Lily wrinkled her nose. “Petty, you can do so much better.”

Petunia shrugged. “He’s making six figures a year, Lily, and one of us needs to marry well.”

Lily tossed her bikini top at her sister. “You act like I’m going to marry some slum.”

“Your last boyfriend was Raymond from the post office,” Marley sang from her locker, “and he’s as slummy as they come.”

Lily flipped Marley off while Petunia laughed. It was rare for those two to gang up on Lily. Usually, it was the other way around, and Lily hated it when it happened. Despite her frustration, she couldn’t help but admire Petunia’s determination and practicality. Petunia always had a knack for thinking ahead and making choices that secured a stable future, even if Lily didn’t always agree with her decisions.

Last week Lily had been forced to get an expensive plan B from the Wal Mart in the next city over because she’d let a stranger at a bar fuck her without a condom. Meanwhile, Petunia was on date number five with the IT guy from Piper technologies and they hadn’t even kissed yet.

Lily and Petunia were not the same.

The girls were stationed on the second floor, where there was currently an influx of professional football players enjoying the spa and amenities during the off-season. They were from the team in San Francisco, but Lily didn’t know much more than that. The only sport she cared about was surfing. Even as she started making beds, her eyes wandered to the window panes, constantly drawn to the sight of the ocean.

In just two weeks, the championship surfing competition would be held in Morro Bay. Despite training hard for the last year, Lily felt totally unprepared. She knew she could surf, and surf well, but she was so concerned that once she was up against the real professionals, Petunia would force her to give up her dream of going pro and make her focus on college instead. The pressure was immense. She felt torn between her love for surfing and the expectations placed upon her. Every wave she caught in practice carried the weight of her aspirations, and every wipeout felt like a step further from her dream.

"Hey, this room left us a tip!" Marley called from the bathroom, holding up a hundred-dollar bill where they could see it.

"What?" Lily and Petunia gasped, racing over to Marley to stare at the bill.

"Are you sure they didn't just forget it?" Petunia asked worriedly, snatching the crisp bill from Marley's fingertips. "I mean, this is a lot of money."

Marley shrugged, a grin spreading across her face. "I found it tucked under the soap dispenser. Doesn't look like an accident to me."

Lily's eyes widened, and she glanced around the room, half-expecting someone to burst in and reclaim the money. "This is crazy. Do people usually tip this much?"

"Not in my experience," Petunia said, still holding the bill like it might disappear any second. "But maybe these football players are just really generous."

"Or really messy," Marley laughed. "Maybe it's a bribe for not complaining about the state they left the rooms in yesterday."

"The rooms were pretty disgusting yesterday," Lily agreed, "I still can't decide if that was blood or ketchup on the walls."

All the girls shuddered then Petunia said, "This room wasn't bad at all this week, though."

“This room has been the nicest out of all of them so far,” Lily agreed. "Either way, it's a nice surprise. We should split it."

Petunia hesitated, then nodded. "Yeah, you're right. But let's be careful. If anyone asks, we found it and turned it in."

"Agreed," Marley said, her grin widening. "But we’re eating steak this weekend, ladies.”

The other rooms down the long hall hadn’t been quick cleans, and none of them had left any tips to keep them motivated. By the time they reached the last room, Lily was eager to be finished. She leaned against the solid wood door and knocked politely.

“Housekeeping!” she called out. When there was no response, she knocked again and raised her voice. “Housekeeping!”

When there was no answer, Lily pushed the door open and was immediately hit with a wave of unpleasant odors. She quickly covered her nose, her eyes stinging and watering, as she forced the door open wider. The sight that greeted her almost made her gag.

The room was a complete disaster. Clothes were strewn haphazardly across the floor, and half-eaten food was scattered on the sofa and beds. Empty beer bottles were littered everywhere, adding to the mess. To make matters worse, there were visible signs of someone having thrown up, with streaks and splatters of vomit on the carpet and furniture. The entire room reeked of stale beer and something far more foul.

“Oh hell no,” Marlene exclaimed, peering over Lily’s shoulder. “There’s no way I’m touching this.”

Petunia covered her nose and added, “We don’t have a choice, guys.”

“This is the worst I’ve seen in ages,” Lily said, stepping over a pizza box filled with half-eaten slices.

“Football players are gross,” Marley complained, carefully tiptoeing around the mess.

“This is just awful,” Lily agreed, her eyes watering from the stench. “I can barely stand it.”

“Come on Lily,” Petunia urged, trying and failing to look undisturbed, “help me make the bed.”

Lily walked over, with Marley trailing closely behind her, preparing to grab the other side of the white sheets that desperately needed a good cleaning. Suddenly, Marley cried out behind her, as if she was in pain. Lily spun around, expecting to find her friend nursing a bloody foot from a broken beer bottle. Instead, she saw Marley hopping up and down with a piece of plastic stuck to her foot.

“Get it off, Lily!” Marley pleaded, collapsing against the wall—one of the only clean spots in the room. She held her foot up and cried, “Ew, ew! It's stuck! It won’t come off!”

“What is it?” Petunia called from the other side of the bed.

Lily wrinkled her nose and grimaced. “Oh gross, it’s a condom.”

“Please, get it off!” Marley begged, hopping in place.

“Hold your foot still!” Lily snapped at Marley, pulling her gloves up higher on her wrists.

With a shudder, Lily peeled the condom off, her entire body crawling with revulsion at the thought of why it was so stiff.

Marlene slumped, as if she was defeated. ‘Fuck men.”

“I’ve had enough of this, we are not their mothers.” Lily grabbed the small trash can from the desk, acutely aware of Petunia and Marley’s anxious gazes as she headed for the door.

Petunia noticed the wild look in Lily’s eyes and warned, “Lily—”

Lily’s voice was tight with frustration as she snapped, “No,” without turning around. “I’m not touching this room, and I’m going to let the guest know why.” She strode purposefully to the elevator, her footsteps echoing her determination, while Marley and Petunia’s desperate pleas faded behind her.

Ignoring their calls, Lily exited the elevator and pushed through the back door of the resort. Stepping onto the beach, she was met with the mingled sounds of laughter, chatter, and waves lapping at the shore. Her shoes sank into the warm sand, and the salty breeze stung her cheeks as she scanned the area, searching for someone to blame for the mess she had just left behind.

Raising her voice above the ambient noise, she called out, "Is anyone from room 215 here?"

When no one responded, she made her way down the beach toward a group of men lounging on lawn chairs. She locked eyes with a hazel-eyed man wearing a maroon and gold baseball cap. His charming smile momentarily distracted her, but she forced herself to speak.

"Gentlemen, room 215?" she asked.

The hazel-eyed man glanced at the condom in her hand and the trash can in her other hand, his gaze lingering on the latter. "Nope," he replied, his eyes shifting back to her. “You okay?”

“Fine.” Before he could say more, she turned and headed toward the water's edge. "Is anyone from room 215 out here in the water?"

“What?” a pudgy young man in a white tank top shouted from his floating noodle.

“Suite 215? Is it yours?” Lily called out to him.

She could feel the eyes of onlookers behind her, their curiosity piqued. She tapped her foot on the sand, maintaining a face of cool, formal disgust—her best customer service expression. The man stumbled onto the shore like a clumsy sea lion, nearly colliding with her. She stepped back, keeping her composure.

“I’m in 215. What’d I win?” he asked with a grin.

“Hi, I’m Lily, the housekeeper for your rooms during your stay here at the resort,” she replied.

“Peter,” he said, still grinning.

“Do you have a sec, Peter?” she asked.

“Sure,” he said in a sleazy tone. “Take all the time you want, sugar-whooger.”

Lily bit back the urge to kick him where it would hurt. She lifted the condom she was holding into the air, and his eyes, along with everyone else’s in the vicinity, followed its trajectory. “Step one,” she said. Then she dropped the condom into the trash can she was carrying. “Step two.” She flashed a sickly sweet smile. “Got it, sugar?”

His friend, still in the water, burst into laughter. “You got schooled by the maid.”

Peter stuttered, “I’m on vacation. You don’t have to clean your own room on vacation…”

“You’re cleaning your room today, buddy,” Lily warned, “and every day after until you leave.”

“That's ridiculous–”

Lily gave him a crisp salute before turning on her heel. As she walked back up the sand, she caught the eye of the handsome man. He was sitting up, the sun gleaming off his tanned chest. She felt her stomach lurch when he smiled at her with a fucking look that promised her a good time if she stopped.

“Most people are scared to talk like that to our linebacker.” He said loudly enough that she couldn’t ignore his piercing gaze.

“I’m not afraid of anyone,” she responded with a small, mocking bow.

“Wait! Can I take you out for a drink?” he called after her retreating form.

“I’m too busy cleaning up your friends’ messes,” she replied, continuing on her way.

"Ouch." But he laughed a deep, pleasurable laugh that would make her toes curl if she heard it in private.

Whispers followed her from behind, “Don’t waste your time on her, she'd just a maid.”

"She's going to be in so much trouble."

Lily heard one of the girls that worked the bar who saw the whole encounter add, “Lily’s made grown men cry before.”

“My kind of woman.” Lily felt her cheeks reddened and she glanced back to see hazel eyes following her up the beach with interest.

Lily trudged back to the resort, her steps heavy as the weight of her confrontation sank in. That guest was furious and would likely report her to management. She wondered why she had let her temper get the best of her again. When she got back upstairs, Petunia and Marley were waiting for her with disapproving looks.

“What did you do?” Petunia asked, her voice faint.

“I took care of it,” Lily replied, placing the trash can in front of the door. “That guy will clean his own room.”

“You’d better not get fired,” Petunia hissed. “Rent is due, and we still have to come up with the extra two hundred for the Morro competition.”

“Lay off her, Pet,” Marley said. “She was only trying to help.”

Lily let the girls bicker, staying silent to avoid getting dragged into the argument.

As Lily wrapped up her work processing sheets in the basement, she found Mrs. Thompson, the maid supervisor, waiting by her locker with an air of stern disapproval. Petunia and Marlene stood behind Thompson, shaking their heads at Lily as if to warn her not to make any sudden moves. Word must’ve gotten around then, probably because of the gossip beach bar babes.

“Do you have any idea what you’ve done?” Mrs. Thompson’s voice was cold and accusatory. “That display on the beach was completely unprofessional.”

Lily shifted uncomfortably, her cheeks flushed. “It was disgusting. Did you see their room?”

“They are VIP guests!” Mrs. Thompson cut her off sharply. “They don’t pay good money to be lectured by a housekeeper about hygiene!”

“But there was vomit all over the floor!” Lily protested, her voice rising slightly.

Mrs. Thompson’s eyes narrowed with frustration. “And making a scene in front of other guests is how you handle it? What you did was completely out of line. You can pick up your final paycheck next week.”

Lily bit her lip, struggling to keep her composure. “I’m sorry. I just…”

“You’re fired, Evans.” Mrs. Thompson sighed, leaning back in her chair. Her expression softened slightly, but remained resolute. “You need to learn to manage your frustrations more professionally.”

Lily noticed Petunia angrily hissing into Marlene’s ear but forced her gaze back to Mrs. Thompson. “Please, we really need the money.”

“You should have thought about that before antagonizing a paying guest,” Mrs. Thompson said firmly. “Goodbye, Evans.”

With tears threatening to spill, Lily slammed her company card down on the bench, and stormed out of the locker room. She walked out to the back, where her surfboard stood propped against the wall alongside Petunia's and Marley's boards. The pink color was bright and horribly offensive (according to Petunia), but Lily had saved up all her money to buy it three years ago. It was supposed to get her to nationals in Hawaii after she won at the Morro Bay competition.

Right now, it felt like her saving grace.

Ignoring the fact that it was a private beach, she grabbed her board and walked for the water. Her little maid uniform rode up at her hips as she walked fast, aiming for the sea. She kicked her shoes off as she went, not even bothering to even untie them. The football players were in the middle of a beach volleyball game, and she caught the eye of the handsome black-haired boy again.

He offered half a wave from where he stood at the back of the pack.

She quickly looked away and leaped into the water, then onto her board.

She thought she heard Petunia chasing her from up the beach, but she didn’t want a lecture. Especially not a Petunia lecture. Paddling out, she made it to the break and caught the first wave she could. As she stood up, a feral laugh escaped her, mingling with the crash of the waves. Salty water fell behind her in the barrel, mixing with her tears.

No job. No security. Just the relentless pull of the ocean, offering a brief escape from the reality waiting on shore.

She considered letting the silver-white foam of the waves take her under. It would be easier than facing the earful waiting for her once Petunia got ahold of her. Ever since their dad had left, and Petunia had gotten sole custody, she’d taken the role of ‘big sister turned mother’ a little too seriously sometimes. Right now, Lily couldn’t bear one of those lectures, where Petunia somehow morphed into a perfect blend of their mom and dad.

Lily stayed out on the water longer than the football players stayed on the beach. By the time she abandoned the waves, the beach was mostly clear, save for a few families who had appeared once the men had gone. Lily barely noticed that her maid uniform was ripped up the side, revealing the curve of her hip. She was half-ready to rip the damn thing off.

She made her way up to the double doors, preparing to get her stuff out of her locker, when she remembered that she’d left her entry card inside… and her regular clothes. With a hiss of frustration, she let her forehead fall against the door, her hand pushing at the handle out of sheer hope.

“Are you alright?” a voice asked, laced with humor behind her.

Lily, her face burning with humiliation, turned around and found herself face to face with the hot guy from the beach. Gone were the straightforward views of his hazel eyes; now they were hidden behind a pair of sleek sunglasses. His baseball cap, which had shadowed his features before, was missing, allowing his jet-black hair to fall freely. He stood there confidently in nothing but gym shorts, his lean body perfectly sun-tanned and glistening in the sunlight.

"You," she blurted out, her voice a mixture of surprise and embarrassment.

"Me," he replied, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. Even with the sunglasses, she could sense the amusement dancing in his eyes. There was something infuriatingly attractive about his self-assured stance and the way he seemed to enjoy her presence.

She nervously tucked a strand of her fiery red hair behind her ear. "No, uh, sorry… just leaving."

Lily rounded the corner quickly, but the football guy was faster, following her down the side path with an easy, casual stroll.

"Nice surfing. I saw you out there," he said with a nod in her direction.

Lily felt her cheeks heat up. "Thanks," she muttered, unsure of what else to say. She quickened her pace, hoping to put some distance between them, but he easily kept up with her, his long strides matching her hurried steps effortlessly.

"Do you need help getting in?" he asked, gesturing towards the double doors she had just been leaning against.

She hesitated, her pride battling with her desperation. "No," she said firmly, glancing around the parking lot for a familiar car. Everyone had already left for the day. She'd have to walk back to the house, and the thought filled her with a sense of dread

"I'm James," he said, extending a hand towards her. "James Potter."

"Lily Evans," she nodded, shaking his hand briefly. His grip was firm, his palm warm against hers. Despite her initial irritation, she couldn't help but feel a spark of curiosity. What was he doing here, and why was he so interested in her?

"Are you waiting on someone, Lily Evans?" he asked, noticing her scanning the parking lot with a hint of desperation.

She sighed, letting her gaze fall on him again. "No, not unless you know someone who can drive me home."

"I can," he offered quickly.

"Yeah," she laughed darkly, "right."

"I'm not kidding," he said, his tone earnest. "Consider it a formal apology for my teammate. He's pretty disgusting, but he's the best linebacker we've got."

"Listen, no offense," she began, "I'm sure you're a great guy, but today’s been terrible, and I just want to get home so my sister can yell at me."

"You want your sister to yell at you?" he asked, a hint of confusion in his voice.

"It's bound to happen, so I might as well get it over with," she replied with a resigned shrug.

James raised his sunglasses away from his eyes so that they rested perfectly on his hair. “Why’s today terrible?”

“Your friend from room 215 got me fired today,” Lily said tersely. “He complained to my boss about the condom.”

A flicker of shock crossed James' face. “He did?”

“Yes,” she replied curtly. “So, forgive me if I’m not in the mood for flirting with guests.”

James ran a hand through his jet-black hair, looking genuinely pained. “Look, I’m really sorry about that. Please, let me help you. Do you need to talk to your boss?”

“No,” Lily said quickly, shaking her head. “I’m not looking for someone to swoop in and save me. I should have managed my temper better.”

James' expression softened, and his voice dropped to a more serious tone. “I saw that room. I ordered him not to come out until it was spotless again.”

Lily’s eyes widened slightly in surprise. “You did?”

“Yeah,” he said, nodding earnestly. “I didn’t realize the extent of the problem until after you left. I’m really sorry for what happened, I feel responsible for these guys; I am team captain after all. Let me make it up to you.”

“How?” Lily asked, her skepticism evident.

“You need money, I’m guessing?” he inquired. “Until you can get a new job?”

“I’m not having sex with you for money,” Lily said flatly.

“First of all,” James leaned in slightly, looking slightly hurt, “I’m disappointed that you think I’d pay anyone for that. Second, I was going to suggest something else entirely—surfing lessons.”

Taken aback, Lily raised an eyebrow, her surprise evident. “Why would a football player need surfing lessons?”

James shrugged, a small, genuine grin tugging at his lips. “I dunno. You made it look like so much fun, and I thought it might be a great way to improve my skillset.”

“Surfing lessons?” she repeated, disbelief coloring her voice. “You’re serious?”

James nodded, his expression sincere. “Absolutely. I’ll pay you one hundred dollars for private lessons, once a day, until the end of the month when I head back to training camp.”

Lily stared at him, trying to wrap her mind around the offer. “One hundred dollars a day? That’s more than I’m worth.”

And more than enough to finish paying for her slot in the Morro Bay surfing competition. Lily tried and failed to not look relieved, but she was, this was the best thing anyone could have asked her.

James chuckled, clearly pleased with her reaction. “I know it’s not what you expected, but it seems fair to me. My friend got you fired, and I can help you, so you don’t get an earful from your sister.”

Her eyes widened. “Well, this definitely wasn’t what I had in mind to escape her wrath. But if you’re serious, then sure, why not?”

“Great,” James said with a broad grin. “Let’s set up a time for our first lesson while I drive you home."

"Fine," she shifted her arm on her board as she started to follow him while joking, "but you have to promise not to fall in love with me."

He snorted and sent her a charged look before lowering his sunglasses back down. "Right. Whoever falls in love first, has to skinny dip in the ocean at midnight."

"I like my odds." She was rewarded with another one of his nice laughs.

Her odds weren't great.

#jily #james potter #lily evans #jily fic #jily fanfiction #jple #riptide

55 notes · View notes

oizysian · 10 months ago

Text

VI. LIAR

All Eyes on Me masterlist

Word count: 2.2k

•

Brie was in the process of taking off her pants when there was a knock at the door. Hurriedly, knowing it was her, I answered it, my smile faltering at the look on her face.

"Y/N -" she began before stopping abruptly at the sight of Brie taking her clothes off behind me. "U-um, am I interrupting something?"

My brow furrowed in confusion before I remembered Brie and turned to look at her, now standing before us in just her underwear.

"N-no! We're gonna go swimming, remember?"

She nodded slowly, looking from Brie to me.

"Right. Listen, I'm so sorry about those articles. I should've known this would happen."

"Hey, it's okay. I'm not - articles? Plural, with an 's'?" I hadn't realized there had been multiple articles about her featuring me.

"Yes, but it seems as though most of them are innocent enough. I'm sure you don't want rumors going around that you're a homewrecker." She joked lightly and I smiled at her, shaking my head.

"No, not really. Not this early in my career, at least." I joked back and she laughed.

We momentarily forgot about Brie, only the two of us standing in the room, our giggles the only sound to be heard. Until Brie cleared her throat.

"We still swimmin'?" She asked, smiling brightly when I nodded.

"Care to join us?"

"I ... didn't bring my suit."

"That's okay. Neither of us have suits either. And the pool downstairs is private so only we'll be in there."

She looked into my eyes, searching for something unknown and then gave me a small nod.

"Okay, sure, why not."

I smiled, pulling her inside and shutting the door so we could finish removing our clothes.

Brie was already ready, having stripped when Elizabeth came in. I shyly took off my joggers, leaving me in my boy shorts and socks, and then peeled my shirt off, tossing it on the bed. I breathed nervously as I took off my socks, noticing that both Elizabeth and Brie were watching me.

I looked up at Lizzie and she shook herself out of her stupor, quickly removing her clothing as well.

I was staring. I knew I was. Before Lizzie could notice, I got hit in the face with a towel, causing me to grunt and fall back on the bed.

"Wipe up your drool, loser, or we'll be able to swim right here."

My cheeks burned as I took the towel off of my head, watching as Lizzie giggled softly to herself at the situation. At least she wasn't upset by my rudeness.

"Sorry, c'mon."

I wrapped my towel around myself and they did the same, and we left the room, taking only the room key with us.

Brie had really picked a nice hotel. The private pool needed a key to get in, and of course, she had gotten it. It was beautifully lit, with chairs and tables as if it was an outdoor pool. The pool itself was huge and looked quite deep.

I stopped in my tracks as I looked at the clean, blue water, fear creeping down my spine as I thought about my head being dunked under the water.

"Hey, guys, please don't splash me. My head, I mean. My ears - I don't like when they get wet."

"Then how do you shower?" Brie asked smartly and Elizabeth nudged her gently with her elbow.

"Don't worry, Y/N, we won't splash you."

She shot Brie a look before heading over to one of the tables, laying her towel down on a chair and sitting at the edge of the pool, her feet dipping in.

"It's nice and cool!" She exclaimed cheerfully, her feet making small splashes as she kicked in the water.

I smiled to myself, walking over to her and putting my towel down next to hers. I decided to take the steps in; the safest way to keep my head above water. She was right, the water was pleasantly cool and I went in up to my shoulders easily.

I doggie paddled around as Brie did a cannonball in on the deep end, sending ripples of water towards Elizabeth and I.

"Brie! No splashing!" Lizzie scolded her and she rolled her eyes playfully, sending a small wave of water in her direction.

"We can't splash Y/N, that doesn't mean we can't splash you."

Lizzie looked over at me and I smiled weakly at her, shrugging. She slid into the water and splashed Brie back, the two girls having fun attacking each other. I stayed far away, paddling gently as they squealed with laughter. The sight of them made my heart swell; one of my best friends and the woman of my dreams hanging out together. It felt nice.

I swam back towards the steps and sat on them, watching as the two girls caught their breath. Brie dived down into the water and Elizabeth swam over to me, her form much better than mine could ever be.

"Hey." She greeted me shyly and I smiled at her, watching as she approached.

"Hey." I replied, noticing Brie climbing out of the pool to only jump in once again.

"You want a piggyback ride?" She asked softly and I tilted my head at her.

"You're not gonna dunk me, are you?"

She shook her head, turning her back to me so I could grab hold of her. I wrapped my arms around her neck and she linked her arms under my legs as I lifted myself up against her.

She began walking towards the deep end and nervously I wrapped my arms around her tighter, afraid she would put me under the water.

"Don't worry," she whispered, her voice soft and low. "I got you."

Thumpthumpthump. My heart was pounding against my chest at her words.

She only took us so far before turning back and doing it again. Brie was watching us from the other side of the pool and I could practically see the jealous look in her eyes. I should've been hanging out with her too, not just Lizzie.

I began to release her and, almost in a panic, she held onto my legs tighter.

"It's okay," I smiled, not that she could see it. "I'm getting down. I'll be fine."

She let me go and I stood behind her, trying to slow down the rate of my heartbeat as I thought about our closeness.

"Your turn, Brie."

I smiled over at her and she swam over to us, hopping on my back with ease.

"Oof," I groaned as I held onto her, her front pressed tightly against my back. "Easy there, tiger."

"Giddyup!" She yelled playfully, bouncing up and down as I walked us around.

Lizzie gave me a look and I smiled at her, bringing Brie around the shallow end of the pool a few times before she grew bored, heading back to do cannonballs in the deep end.

I swam back over to Lizzie and then stood up straight, offering my back to her.

"Miss Olsen?"

I looked over my shoulder at her, mesmerized by the smile she shot me as she got on my back, wrapping her legs around my waist and draping her arms over my shoulders.

I could feel her relax against me, her chin resting atop my head and her hands dangling in front of me. I took hold of her wrists, as she already had a firm hold on me with her legs, and kept her up as I waded around. She wriggled her wrists out of my grip, a disappointed frown appearing on my face, before she slipped her hands into my own, lacing our fingers together.

I could feel my cheeks burning with nervousness and I wished at that moment I could duck my head under the water so I could hide my face and put out the fire in my cheeks. Friends held hands. Of course they did.

I took her around the shallow end a few times before we heard Brie calling out to us.

"Hey, lovebirds, I'm pruning. You ready to get out?"

Ignoring her words, I tried looking up at Lizzie, but she kept her chin on top of my head.

"No, I wanna keep swimming." She mumbled softly, almost as if she was falling asleep.

"But you're not swimming, I am." I chuckled and she squeezed my hands.

"Just five more minutes."

"Five more minutes, Brie!" I called out to her and she nodded as she began drying herself with a towel.

"You're comfy and the water is nice."

"The water is nice," I mused, taking her around in a circle once more before stopping in front of the steps. "I think this is your stop, Olsen."

She groaned and released her iron grip on me, and I couldn't help but think how I missed the feel of her hands in mine. I watched as she exited the pool, her cute little ass swaying with each step and I snapped myself out of it. She was my friend! I had to stop looking at her like that.

I came out right after her, grabbing my towel and patting myself down. I had a feeling once we got back to the room, I would have a cat fight on my hands over who gets the shower first.

"Let's go, ladies!" Brie called out as she grabbed the keys and started heading out the door.

I shook my head and Lizzie giggled as we followed her out and up, rushing to the room to put some proper clothes on.

"I'll shower first," Brie announced, picking up her discarded clothing and heading towards the bathroom. "I'm sure you two won't mind being alone for a bit."

I sighed, almost unable to believe the bluntness of my friend. I made sure the door was closed behind us and picked up the clothes I tossed on the bed, trying to decide if I wanted to wear the same outfit again or not.

I turned to look at Lizzie and noticed she was standing in the middle of the room, shivering ferociously, the towel not doing much to warm her.

"Shit, I'm sorry, Lizzie." I said as I went over to the air conditioner and shut it off, returning to her and rubbing her arms with my hands.

"I-it's okay." She stuttered, her teeth chattering.

"Do you wanna get changed here? I can wait outside for you to finish up."

She shook her head.

"I'm o-okay."

"Yeah, and I'm the queen of England."

She let out a shuddering laugh and I smiled, my hands still working on her arms.

"Brie should be out soon. A hot shower will fix you right up."

She nodded and after a few moments, Brie walked out, dressed in her clothes from before and drying her hair with a towel.

"Your turn, Liz."

Wordlessly, she walked into the bathroom with her clothing and shut the door behind her.

"You're failing, aren't you?"

"Huh?" I asked dumbly, not knowing what she was talking about.

"You're falling for her."

"Psh, no." I lied. "We're just good friends."

She came up to me, bringing her face close to mine and smiled.

"Liar."

I swallowed roughly as she turned away from me, flopping on the bed and turning on the television.

"Can we order food soon?" She asked as she flipped through the channels. "I'm hungry."

"Again?" I laughed, but was silenced by my own stomach grumbling.

"Yes, again, we were swimming for hours. I'm starving."

Had we been? I honestly lost track of time being with her and Lizzie. Before I could respond to her, the bathroom door opened and out came Lizzie, looking much warmer than before.

"My turn, I guess."

I grabbed my clothes and smiled, leaving the two of them alone. I only hoped Brie didn't say something embarrassing while I was gone.

I was quick to shower, not needing to do my hair since I didn't get it wet, and exited the room to see the both of them on the bed, the air conditioner back on and Lizzie in one of my hoodies.

"What's all this?" I asked as I approached the bed, smirking as she cuddled deeper into the garment.

"I got cold again." She murmured from underneath the hoodie.

"I had her turn the AC back on and she complained about being cold, so we went through your stuff and found something for her to wear."

"Nice, thanks guys." I joked, noticing my suitcase was half opened and some things were sticking out. "We can order food now, if you want."

"Oh yeah, let's do it! Girls night!"

"I should probably go." Lizzie said as she started to get up from the bed.

"You don't have to." I said quickly, my eyes looking at Brie desperately. "It's my last night here, we can have a little party before I leave tomorrow."

It took her less than a second to smile up at me and nod, Brie cheering as Lizzie went to get her phone.

"I'm just gonna text Robbie and then we can order food."

Robbie. That was cold water right on my entire being. I nodded at her words and walked into the kitchenette, grabbing the hotel menu from the counter.

Wine, lots of wine would be necessary tonight.

#oizysian writes #elizabeth olsen x yn #elizabeth olsen story #elizabeth olsen x you #elizabeth olsen x reader #elizabeth olsen x female reader #elizabeth olsen fanfic #elizabeth olsen #brie larson x y/n #brie larson x female reader #brie larson x reader #brie larson #Brie Larson x you

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wzrd-wheezes · 2 years ago

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Cool Off - George Weasley x Reader.

AN: This fic was inspired by a lil post I made a while ago about George catching you staring at him when he rolls his sleeves up, and then this whole fic just kinda spiralled haha

masterlist here

The hot summer air was making the Potions classroom unbearable. The dark room was stuffy anyway with all the cauldrons bubbling away, let alone when the sun was blistering as well.

Y/N was slumped over her cauldron, her hair sticking to her damp forehead as she pored over the instructions of the potion that she was supposed to be brewing.

“It’s bloody hot in here.” Y/N sighed, picking up her potions book and fanning herself with it.

“You’d think Snape was trying to kill us,” Fred said.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if he was,” George laughed. He leaned back, stretching slightly after being hunched over his cauldron for the last half an hour. He brought his hands up to his tie, loosening it slightly in a futile effort to cool himself down. He resumed to his potion, looking puzzled at it for a few seconds before letting out a defeated sigh.

“I can’t wait to get out of here.” Fred mumbled.

“I know it’s torture.” Y/N said.

“We should skip Charms and go down to the lake,” George suggested. As he spoke, he unbuttoned the cuffs of his shirt and pushed his sleeves up. Y/N watched him, entranced, looking at his exposed forearms that were peppered with freckles. George caught her staring and smirked at her, holding eye contact for far too long.

“What d’you say, Y/N?” George grinned, “Fancy going to the lake to cool off a bit?”

“Yeah, sounds good.” she answered.

Potions class seemed to drag on for hours and when the bell rang to dismiss them, Y/N, Fred and George couldn’t get out of the classroom quick enough. They quickly ran up to the common room so they could get changed and grabbed their things and then made their way down to the lake.

The sun was beating down on them as they walked across the grounds down to the lake. As the school day hadn’t quite finished yet, they were near enough alone there, apart from a few students that were scattered across the grass on picnic blankets or paddling in the water. They settled in a spot under a large tree and threw down their bags.

“Shit.” Fred said, standing up quickly “I told Lee we’d meet him on our way down here and I completely forgot.”

“Better go meet him then hadn’t you!” Y/N, looked up at him, “You know what he’s like,”

“True, he’s a right drama queen.” George laughed “He’ll go on about us forgetting him for weeks!” Fred shook his head at the pair and smiled before running back towards the castle.

“Behave while I’m gone!” He shouted back over his shoulder.

“C’mon. What are we waiting for?” George said, standing up. He slipped his shoes off and quickly removed his shirt, tossing it on the ground next to Y/N. George’s hair had fallen messily over his forehead and he ran a hand through it quickly to fix it. For the second time that day Y/N caught herself staring at him. The sun was reflecting off of his pale chest, which, just like his arms, were scattered with freckles.

“Oi!” George said, grabbing her attention, “That’s the second time I’ve caught you staring at me today. I ought to start charging you!” he laughed.

“Oh, shove off!” Y/N laughed. She stood up and removed her shirt and threw it at George’s face. She felt George’s gaze settle on her as she stood in front of him in her swimsuit, suddenly feeling self conscious. She felt the heat rise in her cheeks, and George smirked at her noticing her reaction.

“You look great.” he smiled softly and grabbed her hand. George led her towards the lake and they both submerged themselves into the cool water. The water was waist high and provided the perfect remedy for the hot summer weather. They had been in the water no longer than two minutes before Y/N had a load of water splashed at her from George.

“Don’t start something you can’t finish, Weasley,” she challenged him, splashing him back. Before too long, they were both absolutely drenched. Water dripped from Y/N’s eyelashes and she wiped her face with her arm. George shook his head quickly in an attempt to get the water from his hair. They stared at eachother for a second before George stepped towards her. He placed a hand on her waist, gently pulling her towards him.

“Can I kiss you?” He whispered. Y/N nodded in response and brought her lips up to meet his. George’s lips were soft against her own, and she felt the water from the lake drip from his hair onto her face. He broke away from her smiling and rested his forehead against hers.

“I thought I told you two to behave while I was gone!” Fred shouted from the bank of the lake, having just returned with Lee. George looked over at them and laughed, putting his hands back on Y/N’s waist. He manouvered her so her back was towards Fred and Lee, who were still shouting jokes at them. George kissed her again, flipping Fred and Lee off behind Y/N’s back.

#weasley twins #fred and george #fred weasley #fred and george weasley #fred weasley fanfic #fred weasley x reader #george weasley #george wealsey x reader

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suuuupernovaaa · 2 years ago

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reypay

reypay [ˈɾɛj.paj] n. blood

Request from @neteyamforlife: Can I request a Neteyam x reader story where it takes place after the fight with Ao’nung, and the reader sees Neteyam’s split lip and finds it really attractive but is kinda embarrassed to say anything and Neteyam teases the reader about it at the end?

tw: blood

1,044 words

The surface tension breaks, and I take in a long, deep breath when my head is finally above water. My arms are full of a strong, deep green kelp that I plan to use to weave baskets, and it took me longer than usual to surface, using just my legs.

I paddle my way to the shore, until the water is shallow enough for me to walk. It was a much longer excursion than I expected, and the day is nearing its end. As I exit the water and walk on the warm, white sand, someone hollers my name.

I turn, and see Tsireya approaching me, breathless, with eyes widened in panic.

"What is it?" I ask, dropping the kelp and reaching out to grab her arm. Tsireya is sensitive, but not often panicked or worried; she's much more likely to be overly happy, or sad, but overall, she's carefree. Any cause for concern for Tsireya is certainly cause for concern for me, as well.

"The boys, they all got into a big fight!"

"What boys?"

"Ao'nung, and Roxto, they were picking on Kiri, and her brothers, well... beat them. Savagely."

"Bah!" I exclaim, leaning down to pick up my harvest for the day. My brother, Roxto, is always getting himself into trouble, and it's always Tsireya's brother, Ao'nung, goading him into it. "They got what they deserve. They should not be picking on anyone, those morons."

"Neteyam got hurt."

This piques my interested, but I try not to let Tsireya see. While she may wear her feelings boldly and proudly for anyone to see, I am not so confident with my inner affections.

"Badly?" I ask, walking forward towards my mauri.

"If it's anything like Ao'nung..." she trails off, following me quietly the short walk back to my home. I bite my lip as I hang the kelp up in strips. What I want to do is drop this task and run to where the Sullys are staying, but I remain as cool and collected as I can. Tsierya helps towards the end, speeding things up.

She elbows me and breaks the silence. "You should go see him. Make sure he's okay."

I roll my eyes, but turn on my heel, following her recommendation anyway.

I pause just outside of the Sully's pod, listening to their conversation. I don't mean to eavesdrop, but I don't want to intrude, either.

"How did the other guys look?" Jake is asking.

"Worse," Neteyam replies, and I can hear the smile in his voice. "Much worse."

"Good," Jake replies. There's a pause, and I take that as my chance to round the corner. I nearly run into Neteyam's father as he is leaving.

"Oh, sorry," he says, shuffling to the side, not slowed down by my arrival.

I'm surprised to find Neteyam alone. Typically where there is one Sully, there is at least one or two more. His shoulders straighten as I enter, and I see that it is not so bad as Tsireya has made it out to be. There is a bruise here or there, and his lip is split and bleeding, but he is not too badly hurt.

I wonder how Roxto and Ao'nung faired.

"I hear you savagely beat my brother today," I say, approaching Neteyam, encircling him to make sure that the split lip is the worst of the damage.

"I'm sorry, Y/N, I-"

I wave my hand in front of my face. "Oh, stop, we both know Ao'nung is a moron and my brother does whatever that moron tells him to do."

Reaching up, I grab his face, turning it side to side, taking a close look at the cuts and bruises.

"Did my brother do this?" I say, running a feather-light finger over his lip. He shivers.

He shivers.

Something about the bruise above his eye, and the blood below his lip, and the way he shivered under my touch... it sends a matching shiver up my spine. I have to close my eyes and take a steadying breath.

Something about seeing Neteyam like this, bloodied and bruised, is stirring something in me. I don't know whether to hang my head in shame, or kiss him and taste the blood.

"Hard to say," Neteyam answers my question, bringing me back to reality.

"Are you... okay?" I ask, finally removing my hand from his face. He reaches out, grabbing it, bringing it right back to his cheek.

His battered mouth spreads into a smile, revealing his teeth, still perfect, within. "This helps."

My lips part, taking in a small gasp, and I run my thumb very slowly over his bottom lip once more.

"You like it," Neteyam whispers, and my eyes flick from his mouth, to his eyes, and back to his mouth again.

"I don't like you hurt but..."

"You think it's kind of hot."

My lips curl up in a tiny smile, and my cheeks heat with embarrassment. My eyes meet his again. I had not imagined, if I ever were to confess my feelings to Neteyam, that it would go anything like this.

Certainly there wasn't supposed to be blood involved, even if it made my knees weak and my head feel light and heavy at the same time.

I swallow. "Yes."

Neteyam reaches out, wrapping one arm around my waist, pulling me just a little closer to him.

"I would let someone punch me every day, if it meant you would react to me like this." He beds down, just gently brushing his lips across mine, and they’re wet and salty. A shiver runs up my spine, and I close my eyes.

"You don't need to be bloodied to make me feel this way," I reply.

Neteyam lets out a low laugh. "That's a relief."

His lips capture mine in another kiss, more demanding this time, and I can taste his blood, but it doesn’t seem to hurt him, at least not enough for him to say anything.

When we finally pull apart, he smiles widely at me. "I've been waiting to tell you... how I feel. I didn't know your brother just needed to punch me to make it happen."

I throw my head back and laugh. "Well, I guess I'm glad he did."

#neteyam #neteyam x reader #Neteyam fic #avatar 2 #avatar twow

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jiaoji · 2 years ago

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⚠️merji/cultivator Wei WuXian

"Come on, Wei-Xiong, the old man will end up hitting us again!"

Wei WuXian chuckled as he jumped onto the boat, "So what? I'm always the one getting beat up, so don't worry."

"Last time we got it too. Let's take what we can and leave."

Wei WuXian broke the leaves and threw the seeds into his mouth, carefree, "Don't be like that, Shidi. Come here, I'll give you some of mine."

The Jiang Clan's young cultivators sat on the boat, eventually relaxing because of Wei WuXian. Still others were picking lotus and cooling off in the water, struggling to survive that hot day.

They laughed and shared seeds, saving some for later, until one of the youngest disciples jumped into the boat as if fleeing death.

"The old man is here!"

With those words, the others started jumping into the boat like hungry ghouls or being pulled along by their mates. From afar, the old man approached already cursing the future generation of each one of them.

"Let's run, let's run!"

The old man traveled with speed counting the pods that were left. He held a bamboo stick, which was better than the paddle, even though it made every crack against the flesh.

Underneath the old owner's boat, a shadow accompanied him and that was probably why he was fast and stable, more than the juniors' boat from YunmengJiang.

That was the ghoul he fed to catch them and who wouldn't let any cultivator touch him or get a lash.

Wei WuXian shuddered at the memory.

They started to make their way back, paddling hurriedly to run away from him, when a loud thud on the boat Wei WuXian was on happened and caught the attention of the old man passing by, less swift.

"What are you all doing?!"

The juniors didn't even bother to look back, paddling as if their lives depended on it. But the boat with the old man got faster and caught up with them quickly.

Wei WuXian thought indignantly, 'That ghoul ratted us out! What a brat!'

The owner's boat approached Wei WuXian's side, and when he saw the bamboo coming towards his back out of the corner of his eyes, he closed his eyes waiting for the sting of the bamboo against his flesh.

Did not happen. Instead, his boat surged forward even faster than the old man's boat and threw everyone back, even those who were rowing.

The other boats stayed behind, only theirs managed to escape the wrath of that man and his ghoul.

Arriving at Pier Lotus, they looked at each other in confusion.

"What happened?"

"Something took our boat back!"

"And the others?"

Jiang Cheng, "Who cares? We are here and escaped."

Wei WuXian, "We'd better go back to help."

Jiang Cheng, "Do you want to get hit more? And what do you did to get us out of there?"

Wei WuXian, "Anything."

"Wei-Xiong! Look, there's something at the bottom!"

All of the juniors approached the edge, especially Wei WuXian, who could see a long silvery white tail at the bottom, snaking its way out into the darkness.

"What was this?"

"Could it be that it was some spirit that had compassion on us"

"He only acted when Wei-Xiong was get a whipping from the old man.", one of them laughed out loud.

Wei WuXian felt smug, "It must have been the spirit of a beautiful maiden who fell in love with me."

Jiang Cheng, "You don't get tired of talking nonsense, do you?"

Wei WuXian, "Hahahahaha..."

Nearby, Lan WangJi could hear the laugh that had made his heart flutter nervously ever since he first heard it.

He couldn't help but mutter a 'ridiculous' at hearing about being a maiden. That human was ridiculous and undisciplined, yet he was handsome and Intelligent. Not to mention that he always helped those in need around town.

Not that Lan WangJi chased after him, he didn't need that to hear about Wei WuXian.

Another thing about that human was that he had many scars and was constantly beaten by others and by the others without anyone thanking him or caring.

Lan WangJi would later punish himself for interfering with a deserved punishment, but he would not regret it.

Deep down, he wanted to protect that laugh.

Ears red with embarrassment, Lan WangJi sank down and returned to the place he was now.

He promised himself that he would only return to GusuLan when Wei WuXian agreed to go with him.

#mdzs #modaozushi #wei wuxian #lan wangji #wangxian #merji #mermaid Lan WangJi

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shipburner · 10 months ago

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The Gloskun

The gloskun (singular and plural) is an amphibious octopoid about the size of a chicken, found in tide pool habitats. They fill similar ecological niches to seagulls and large semiterrestrial crabs; their intelligence and robust digestive systems makes them extremely adaptable generalists. Often referred to as a "quadrupedal mollusc", the gloskun has a full complement of eight arms, but the rear four are adapted into strong, short legs - rather than tapering like an octopus' arms, a gloskun's legs are wide at the base, with the final two suckers adapted into broad, protective, nonsensory "hooves". When moving about, gloskun hold their fore arms together in a "trunk" shape, moving apart to manipulate objects; gloskun are frequently observed with only three arms in the trunk and the fourth holding wet sea grass over their beak to preserve moisture and extend their periods on land, to the degree that cartoon images of gloskun often have green "mustaches" as part of their body. Gloskun defend themselves with ink in water and on land, where they contract their siphons to carefully aim it at the eyes, noses, or mouths of would-be predators. Gloskun move with a characteristic "stamping" gait on land and when hunting on the seafloor; they typically spend water periods resting, but their relaxed legs double as powerful, rippling paddles for fast movement underwater. Gloskun are frequently observed splashing in puddles; biologists previously explained this as a tactic designed to splash prey out of tidepools, but recent study of gloskun behavior has corroborated folk reports that gloskun extract prey from tidepools with their dexterous forearms, and that puddle splashing is a play behavior. Their playfulness, responsive intelligence, and large eyes (often observed as upturned and "pleading", although it's far more likely that gloskun are simply observing their taller observers) make them endearing to humans; this is offset by their dexterity, ink jets, problem-solving intelligence, and long association with humans, which also cast them firmly in the role of "pest" -- similar to opossums, raccoons, foxes, and monkeys in both public perception and folkloric roles. Seaside communities' DO NOT FEED THE GLOSKUN signs are matched only by gloskun skill in getting humans to feed them; gloskun are capable of using tools, and an arms race exists between gloskun and gloskun-proof-trash-receptacle manufacturers. Pet gloskun are analogous to pet parrots, both in that they are frequently found perching on fictional pirates' shoulders and that they require too much stimulation to be ethically kept as pets (gloskun are not as social as parrots, but have much better ability to manipulate objects and equal or greater intellectual stimulation needs). Some communities and individuals do have more equitable working relationships with gloskun, picking up litter in exchange for food rewards or assisting with shellfish harvests.

Joking around with a friend this morning and accidentally invented the perfect seaside pest, which we now release into the Creative Commons to menace your shores.

#gloskun #octopus #open species #speculative biology #shipburner work

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lumine-no-hikari · 23 days ago

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Dear Sephiroth: (a letter to a fictional character, because why not) #347

It was a very long day. It is currently 1:48 in the morning. At least for now, I feel somewhat amped up; I'm not especially worried about falling asleep while writing to you, despite the circumstances.

It is Saturday, which is my normal work day! Though I was tired when I woke up, I was still pretty stoked about going! I like what I do there, and I like the people I work with. It's not glamorous work, being a bakery assistant at an ordinary grocery store. But at this time, I can't think of anything I'd rather be doing; this seems pretty perfect to me.

So. Do you remember when I talked about wishing that there was a such thing as a seeded pumpernickel bagel with everything seasoning? I think I mentioned it in this one:

Well. I mentioned wishing that such a thing existed to Tr, my boss. And do you know what she did???

She made me a loaf of seeded pumpernickel bread with everything seasoning on top!!!! She made it special just for me!!! And I was SO HAPPY!!! It is not a bagel, but that's okay!!!! I'm inclined to think that this is even better!!!

I didn't open it and try it yet. I wanna do it tomorrow, when I'll be a little less frazzled and stressed out! But!!! Oh!!! Sephiroth!!! I'm gonna try so many things with it!!! I'm gonna try it on its own, and I'm gonna try it with melted butter, and I'm gonna try it with cream cheese, and I'm gonna try it with tzatziki sauce, and I'm gonna try it with spinach and ranch bread dip, and...! and...! and....!!!!

Today, it was just me and Tr working together! I did all sorts of stuff, from labeling boxes, to putting things out on display, to arranging cookies to be baked, to washing dishes, and... well... all sorts of stuff!! Haha!

This is gonna sound really weird, but I actually like doing dishes at this place, because they have this big giant industrial sink, and you wash the dishes by spraying them with a hose that shoots out a powerful jet of hot, soapy water!!! All of the goop on the dishes and the grease and the crumbs and the sugar all melts right off of whatever I'm washing, like ice beneath a blowtorch!! It's so fucking cool!!! I wish that the sink in my house worked like this!!! Next time, I'll see about getting a picture for ya!!!

Oh, and I made muffins today!! And Tr made bread!! And I think I told you before all about how amazing the bread smells when it's mixing in the giant machine!! And so I got to fill up muffin tins, surrounded by the scent of freshly mixed bread and freshly mixed muffin batter!! Check it out!!

Once the muffin batter is ready, we put muffin wrappers in muffin tins, like this:

I filled 5 muffin tins with muffin wrappers, and then set up my workstation like so:

And then I got to work!!

In the end, I almost completely filled all of the muffin tins; I think I could have filled all of them if I had gotten a chance to scrape muffin batter off of the mixing paddle, but it got put in the fancy dish washing machine (for lack of a better term, I've decided to call it the “washamabob”; it's a play on the word “thingamabob”, which is a word that people like to use when they don't know the actual word for a specific noun) before I could get to it. Ah, well!! Maybe next time!

I wasn't able to stick around long enough to see the results of these baking, sadly; I had to pick up a few odds and ends and then hurry home to prepare some noms, because today was supposed to be Friendsgiving at a friend's house!!

So, I picked up supplies to make spinach bread dip! Do you remember me writing about that a long time ago? Here:

I didn't use cream cheese this time – just sour cream, spinach, and ranch dressing mix. Easy peasy.

When I got home, I started by making another batch of pumpkin brownies; J likes them a lot, and so did a few people at work, so I figured maybe the folks at Friendsgiving would like it, too!

While that was baking, I put together the bread dip. You'll need two 10-ounce packages of frozen spinach...

You'll wanna let it soak in hot water for a bit to thaw; I put the frozen blocks of spinach into a wire mesh strainer, then put that into a colander, and then put that into my wok:

Leave it to sit for a while, and the hot water will thaw the spinach nicely:

This is normally the part where we use a cheesecloth to squish out the water. But I am a derpy little nugget who forgets things, so I failed to pick up a cheesecloth at the grocery. Instead, I made do with some paper towels...

Once I got out as much water as I could, I put it in the mixing bowl. I then added one 16-ounce container of sour cream, and one packet of ranch dressing mix:

Here is the result:

This time, instead of using a seeded rye bread, I went with a sourdough; I selected one that was baked and packaged this morning; it was so soft and fluffy!!!

I hollowed it out like this:

...And then I filled it with the bread dip!!!!!

I cut the rest of the bread into cubes for dunking into the dip, like this:

And then, before I knew it, it was already time for us to go to my friend's house!!

J had a shift at his job, so we left an hour later than we would have liked, but that's okay! There was still plenty of food left to enjoy:

...Fixed you a plate. Want some...?

…

…Yeah, I... I know. I know...

…

...Sigh...

...

Well. Everything I tried was very delicious. J and our friend Me and all the others there played a board game called Tales of the Arabian Nights. It's basically a story generator; you go to places on the map, and in those places, you get encounters, and you have a great big list of things you can do in response to those encounters; there are hundreds, if not thousands of outcomes!! There is a scoring system, but... I'm not sure that anyone pays attention to the scoring system. Mostly everyone just listens to the stories that are happening to the other players, and... it's a really nice time, actually.

I was cold and tired, though, so I relaxed in a nearby plush rocking chair with a blanket and a playlist. And I took the most amazing nap. I had some truly wonderful visions during that nap – visions of being held and rocked and quietly sung to. It was as lovely as it was bizarre.

Hey, Sephiroth? I know I've asked before, and I know you can't answer me, but... do you sing? Have you tried it? And... if you have, then what songs do you carry in your heart? For me, it's still this one:

youtube

I've thought about my old interpretation of the lyrics. Do you remember the letter in which I wrote about it? Here:

So... I wondered how my interpretation would change if I replaced the “I” with “ai” - the Japanese word for “love”.

I originally interpreted it like this:

---------------------------- What terrible news: it's all mere replicas of everything that came before. But the man at my side says, "It's still not a lie..." and I know that the vision in his eyes reflected back at me is true. Maybe it's all just fabrications and culminations, but maybe that doesn't make it all lies. The wing on his back speaks of the vision I see within his eyes... ----------------------------

But, you know? What if this interpretation was also correct...?

---------------------------- What terrible news: it's all mere replicas of everything that came before. But the man at my side says, "It's still not a lie..." and I know that the love in his eyes when he looks at the world is true. Maybe it's all just fabrications and culminations, but maybe that doesn't make it all lies. The wing on his back speaks of the love I see within his eyes... ----------------------------

...

...Hey, Sephiroth...? Wouldn't it be kinda neat if the man in the chorus... was you...?

...Hahaha... Silly, I know. ...I know. Never mind it...

...

Well. After I woke from my short nap, lots of weighty, but ultimately pleasant conversation was had. For whatever reason, people tend to trust me with the things that are troubling them. I try to help in whatever ways I can; I have a lot of experience with navigating toxic interactions with people, and I have a lot of experience with cleansing toxic behaviors from my own way of interacting with the world, so I guess sometimes folks like to think that my perspective is worth something.

Often enough, my advice boils down to things like, "take care of your body", "practice self-awareness", "hold yourself accountable for your behavior", "challenge your beliefs", "don't try to manage others' emotions for them", "tell the truth", "speak your needs directly", and "remove yourself from people who are unable or unwilling to treat you with basic decency". But... unfortunately, for a variety of compelling reasons (usually stemming from trauma), these things are really hard for lots of people.

Still, one must never underestimate the power of planting a seed. Maybe good things will happen, even if I'm not around to see them. Who knows?

I ended the evening with trying to explain a little about REBT to my friend, Me. Do you remember when I first talked about that? You'll find it here:

Well. I guess that's all I've got rattling around in my noggin for today. I think I'll stop writing and go to bed. Maybe I'll sleep in tomorrow. Maybe I'll have another nice dream. I hope that you can see nice dreams when you rest, too.

Hey. I love you. I love you a whole lot. So please stay safe out there. Please keep working on turning your face back towards the light. Please keep holding yourself accountable and working towards a softer, kinder, brighter tomorrow.

I'll write again soon.

Your friend, Lumine

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