#literally want to shout from the rooftops that i married this woman

[gildedtragedies]

hey guys so sorry for the inactivity i was GETTING MARRIED???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

[hard--headed--woman]

I know I spent two days without posting any lesbian pride post lol but I swear I'm gonna post two posts per day in the following days to make up for it. I am again going to talk about an artist, but from a different period this time.

Rosa Bohneur !

(I love her name by the way... Bohneur means happiness in french and that's such a pretty name to have)

Marie-Rosalie Bonheur, known as Rosa Bonheur, was born in 1822 in Bordeaux and died in 1899 in Thomery. She was a French painter and sculptor specialising in representations of animals.

She has kind of an interesting family story (mother adopted by a rich guy who found out later who was her real father, siblings all artists, father who met a lot of interesting people, links with many famous people...) but it would be too long to talk about it and I want to focus on Rosa herself. Do check it up if you're interested!

During her youth, Rosa Bonheur had a reputation for being a tomboy, a reputation that followed her throughout her life and which she made no attempt to deny, wearing her hair short and later smoking cigarettes and cigars. Her emancipated lifestyle never caused a scandal, even though she lived in an era that was very concerned with convention. Like all women of her time, Rosa Bonheur had to apply to the Prefecture of Paris for a cross-dressing permit, renewable every six months, in order to wear trousers, in particular to attend livestock fairs, travel or ride horses.

Here's one of her permits, from 1857 :

And though many historians tried to deny the fact that she was a lesbian, she always refused to marry a man, has only ever had relationships with women and literally wrote that she never felt any sort of love, attraction or tenderness for men, "besides a frank and good friendship for those who had all my esteem". After the death of the woman she loved, she also wrote "If I'd been a man, I'd have married her, and they wouldn't have made up all those silly stories..." You got it : even if she didn't shout it from the rooftops, Rosa was very probaby a homosexual woman.

Rosa Bohneur grew up in a fairly wealthy family, thanks to the financial support of her mother's adoptive father. But when her mother's father died, the family was left without any such support, and fell into dire poverty. When Rosa was 11, her mother died, which deeply traumatised her. She kept a lifelong admiration for her mother.

In 1836, at the age of 14, she met Nathalie Micas, who became her lover. Only Nathalie's death 53 years later separated them.

Her father remarried in 1842 to Marguerite Peyrol, with whom he had a last son, Germain, who would also become a painter. Rosa Bonheur did not get on well with her stepmother and when her father died in 1849, she left the family home to live with the Micas.

After her mother's death, Rosa Bonheur went to primary schools, was apprenticed as a dressmaker and then went to boarding school. Eventually her father took her into his workshop, where her artistic talents were revealed. He was her one and only teacher. Gradually, she developed a passion for animal art, which became her speciality.

She exhibited for the first time, at the age of 19, at the Salon of 1841. She won a 3rd class medal at the Salon of 1845, and a 1st class medal (gold) at the Salon of 1848. This award enabled her, at the age of 26, to obtain a commission from the State to produce an agrarian painting (paid 3,000 francs). The painting resulting from this state commission, "Labourage nivernais" was supposed to go to the Musée des Beaux-Arts in Lyon. But it was so successful at the 1849 Salon that the Beaux-Arts department decided to keep it in Paris, at the Musée du Luxembourg. After Rosa Bonheur's death, the work went to the Louvre, before being transferred to the Musée d'Orsay in 1986.

When her father died in March 1849, Rosa Bonheur replaced him as director of the École impériale gratuite de dessin pour demoiselles (or École gratuite de dessin pour jeunes filles). She remained in this position until 1860: ‘Follow my advice and I'll turn you into Leonardo da Vinci in skirts’, she often told her pupils.

In 1860, she moved to a huge house in By, where she had a huge workshop built, and ample space for her animals. One of her relatives wrote: “She had a complete menagerie in her house: a lion and a lioness, a deer, a wild sheep, a gazelle, horses, etc. One of her pets was a young lion she let run around. My mind was freer when this leonine animal died".

In June 1864, Rosa was visited by Empress Eugenie, who invited her to lunch at the Château de Fontainebleau with her husband. The following year, Eugenie returned to see her, to present her with the Legion d'honneur herself. Rosa is the ninth woman and the first artist to receive this distinction. About this, The Empress said :

“At last, you've been knighted. I am delighted to be the godmother of the first woman artist to receive this high distinction. I wanted the last act of my regency to be devoted to showing that, in my eyes, genius has no sex."

She was also the first woman to be made an officer in this order, in April 1894 (first female officer of the Legion d'honneur).

Rosa traveled extensively with her lover Nathalie, herself a painter and mechanical enthusiast (she invented and patented a railway braking system), and painted many pictures inspired by her travels.

In 1889, Nathalie died after some 50 years together. It was then that Rosa expressed her regret at not having been able to marry her.

After Nathalie's death, Rosa met Anna Klumpe, a talented American painter. The two women moved in together some time later.

Rosa Bohneur died of pulmonary congestion in 1899, without having completed her last painting, “La foulaison du blé en Camargue”, a monumental canvas she had planned to exhibit at the 1900 Universal Exhibition.

She is buried in Père Lachaise cemetery, alongside Nathalie, her parents and Anna (who died years after her). She left her entire fortune to Anna, who, in 1908, published a biography of Rosa Bonheur and created a Rosa-Bonheur prize at the Société des artistes français. The Société des Artistes français posthumously awarded her the Medal of Honor shortly after her death.

Rosa could have had military honors at her funeral, but she specified in her will that she did not wish this.

There's a lot of interesting things to say about Rosa, her art and her history, so I suggest you do some research on her! She was a very talented and strong-willed woman who had a huge impact on French art and left a considerable cultural legacy.

Here are some of her paintings :

I personally love them ! I am not a painting expert, I just find them sooo pretty.

See you tomorrow :)

[gothcsz]

I know we’ve all been horny af here but I wanna throw in something wholesome 🥺

Javi being really excited and proud to introduce his new girlfriend to his dad.

The last time Chucho saw his son with a woman was Lorraine and we all know how that ended (dumb bitch yikes lmao) and he can only imagine what Javi had been up to in Colombia (he doesn’t even want to actually know, nope.) but he knows his son and he knows how hard the Lorraine situation has weighed on Javi all this time (even tho honestly. Javi should absolutely not ever feel bad about leaving her at the altar and he also shouldn’t apologise. Lying about being pregnant to get a guy to marry you is absolutely fucked up and leaving her was the absolute right thing to do!!!)

But Chucho knows his son and he knows that day has haunted Javi all these years. He knows Javi isn’t just a cocky asshole but also an incredibly sensitive man. And all he wants for Javi is for him to be happy.

And Javi is careful when it comes to love. He didn’t expect to ever actually find someone again. Someone that he can fully trust and love. Someone he wants to fully trust and love. That person that you come home to at the end of the day and you want to tell them every single little thing about your day and you want to hear every single little thing about their day too.

And by some miracle, he meets you. (because in Javis mind it has to be a miracle to meet you.) And he can’t believe how perfect everything is with you. How easy and uncomplicated. And he keeps it close to his chest for a while, keeps all his cards hidden away so nobody can even try to get a peek because it’s you and him. And it feels so special that it feels almost unreal. So he’s not gonna let anyone even get the idea that they could interfere or say something or whatever.

So you keep it quiet and secret for a while. And not like dirty secret people shouldn’t know about kinda quiet. You both can’t wait to shout it from the rooftops someday. But you want to stay in this beautiful special real-but-feels-unreal bubble for a while. Really learn everything there is to learn about each other. Explore every little crease and corner of each others minds and bodies. And the more time passes, the more sure you are that things will last. That you both will do everything to make it last, never wanting to let this love you have grown, so carefully and lovingly, go. You know it’s forever.

So when it’s finally time to be open and free, Javi knows he wants to tell his dad first. And for some reason he feels like a damn teenager again, brining it up at the dinner table one night. Hands fidgeting with the fork while he tells his dad that he met someone and he would really like to introduce Chucho to his girlfriend.

And again, Chucho knows his son. Knows just from his behaviour that this is something special. That it took some courage for Javi to finally tell him about you. And as he happily agrees to meeting you, he’s already thinking about the ring he has hidden in his bedside table. The ring he has hidden there for Javi all these years, since his dear wife had given it to him before she passed. He knows Javi is gonna need it soon.

🥺🥺 I love soft Javi.

oh... oh okay so this is what we're doing now? great..... *runs off to cry in my corner*

no but, this. literally all of this. i have so many fucking feelings about lorraine and her scheming ass trying to trap javi!! i get it to a degree— you have a man like that so of course you want to keep him forever but there are other ways to do it instead of faking a whole ass pregnancy just to get that ring. need to incorporate some kind of confrontation with her x reader like the drama. the cattiness.....

chucho seeing his son happy could bring world peace, i think, lmfao. that man knows all the shit javi's been through and how treacherous his love life is so when he starts to see him in better moods, smiling, just overall shining... well, he knows what's causing it! his son's got a girl!

i can imagine the meet cute that sparked your relationship with javi. something so trivial and simple that not only brought you to him but also showed him that there's beauty in the smallest moments of life (: something he def took for granted before he dipped on out to colombia.... ugh, dating in secret because you want to not because you have to. i feel like that adds even more to the relationship ngl. the sneaking around, getting lost in each other, forgetting about the rest of the world... *sighs dreamily*

ugh, javi being so nervous to tell his dad really makes me feel all mushy inside. you constantly reassuring him that it's okay to feel the nerves but that everything is going to be fine as he brings you to the house. he doesn't know what he'd do without you, tbh, you're as cool as a cucumber during the entire thing, absolutely charming the socks off his pops and as the night progresses— he's like, wait, why was i freaking out over this? lol

meeting the rest of his fam... eventually getting married... starting a family of your own. i need domestic javi so bad it's not a joke. he deserves to be HAPPY

[hintofcolor]

Things I’ve managed to convince myself are canon:

Dick was born in Romania and spent his entire childhood traveling with the circus not once settling down therefore when his parents died in America (supposedly just another country they stopped in) he was forced to stay there. Meaning dick was an illegal immigrant for a long time while Bruce constantly was trying to use his money and power to get Dick legal without him leaving the country OR anyone finding out

This also means Dick couldn’t really speak English when he moved in with Bruce (this is backed up by him constantly dismantling the English language in the YJ cartoon)

All of the bat kids were bullied brutally in school

Bruce encouraged them to fight back just like Alfred did with him (“never throw the first punch but if get hit make sure they’re the ones that stay down”)

Dick spent a couple weeks in juvie after his parents died and it was the worst couple weeks of his life

Dick had a childhood crush on Wally (who is straight) when dick was 16 he sat Wally down and told him. He told him he expected nothing out of this confession he just hated feeling like he was lying to Wally, Wally understood and was really nonchalant about it nothing changed in their relationship

Jason grew up loving wonder woman and considered her his greatest inspiration in being a hero when he was robin

In return Diana absolutely adored Jason

When Jason got older his respect for Diana only grew and Diana constantly stood up for him, even going as far as (subtly) threatening Bruce a couple times

Jason can’t handle the smell of drugs at all, he always has to wear a filtered mask during drug busts just in case

Jason used to smoke but ever since coming back the smoke just reminds him of the explosion (I saw this somewhere I can’t remember where shout out to you tho)

Jason hates the color green

Tim was severely neglected as a child

Tim learned multiple different languages from all the nanny’s he’s had

Tim is an amazing photographer

All of Bruce’s kids are really close with Selina and go to her to talk or just if they need a break from Bruce and she absolutely adores it

This is one of the main reasons Bruce wanted to marry her

Bruce might be a little awkward and socially inept but he is a good father and loves all of his kids and even tho he might slip up sometimes he would NEVER (I’m looking at you Tim king) NEVER EVER intentionally hurt one of his kids physically or mentally BECAUSE THAT IS EXTEREMELY OUT OF CHARACTER @ ANY WRITER WHO HAS MADE BRUCE A JERK GOD LEARN YOUR CHARACTER JEEZ

Damian is a phenomenal artist and is considered a prodigy

It is something he keeps to himself however

Both Dick and Tim have gone and worked under Selina during thier robin days for a few weeks

The only person who is close to Dicks level when it comes to acrobatics is Selina

There are days where you are only allowed to speak in your native tongue to help Everyone keep up their language skills (Tim speaks Filipino dick speaks Romani Jason speaks Italian Stephanie speaks Portuguese Damian speaks Arabic bruce switches Cassie speaks Chinese) these are the days duke feels like slamming his head through a wall

All of the bat kids have green lantern shirts

Tim has a habit of stealing clothes from literally anyone

Tim prefers tea over coffee

Ace and Titus are both trained service dog however Titus is Damians specifically while Ace is trained to alert Alfred of Bruce and to alert Bruce of Dick Tim and Jason

Bruce is think about getting another dog for Cassie steph and duke because he doesn’t want to overwhelm Ace with 3 more people

Nobody in that spoiled family except for Jason and Alfred can make ANYTHING other that ramen cereal and toast

Dick is insanely healthy because that’s how he grew up in the circus AND the manor

Bruce once lit the refrigerator on fire trying to cook. No one knows how. He denies he ever did such to this day

Dick was considered a heartthrob as a teen and actually was featured on vogue in native dress and took the opportunity to talk about his culture

Vickie was fuming but so was Lois

Dick dresses like Harry styles. Convince me otherwise. I dare you.

However his go to look is a Hawaiian short tucked into black skinny jeans and black converse

Just like Selina everyone in the batfamily has a tendency to confide in Dinah

No homophobia sexism or racism is allowed in the Wayne house hold if you display any of the following you will promptly be kicked out. It has happened before

Cassie has punched lex Luther in the face at a gala

Bruce laughed

Cass has also only worn sweats and a sports bra to a gala

Cass is a ballet dancer and likes teaching her brothers the moves she has learned

When Bruce came back from the dead and found out the justice league thought Tim was going insane with grief and didn’t do anything about it he yelled and screamed for a solid hour. Then he went silent. for weeks he didn’t say a word. It was the most terrifying he had ever been

Duke hangs on to the fact that he is the only meta allowed in Gotham with absolute pride

All the robins check in on the kids from the ‘we are robin’ movement every now and again just to make sure they are okay

Adults are terrified of the bats however children love them

Every member of the batfamily has been called over by child screaming out their window only to spend the next hour helping said child with their homework

Batman makes sure he is approachable to children he wants them to feel safe enough around him to ask for his help no matter what

That has led to him: 1. Patching up stuff animals 2. Calming down imaginary friends 3. Giving opinions on important matters such as which color is the best 4. Helping with homework 5. Trying to be persuaded into convincing the parents not to make broccoli anymore. It’s his favorite part about putting on a mask

Teenagers tho a little more hesitant also approach him with a little more serious matters and more for advice. (How can I help my friend with depression? How can I help my anxiety? I think friend is doing drugs how can I help. I don’t think these are good people I’m hanging out with but now I’m too scared to stop)

However if teens catch any bat sitting on a rooftop close to their windows they ask more stupid type of questions

“Hey nightwing how do you ask out a girl?” “Red hood I’m trying to write this book so hypothetically how long does it take some one to bleed out?” “If I payed you would you take my physical for PE for me?” “How good do you think you would do on the pacer test?” “Can you tell my little sister to shut up, she’ll listen to you?” “How much do I have to pay you to scare my friend?”

Talks between people and the vigilantes from rooftop to window happen a lot and it is always the highlight of the patrol. They like that the people of Gotham trust them.

Jason was brought back via whatever that superboy reset was (I’m still a little fuzzy, sue me) clawed his way out of his grave and then found by Talia. He was then but in the pit for his head injuries. Making it easier for the shadows to manipulate and brainwash him into hating Bruce. However that’s the only thing they manipulated him into. Jason didn’t go ‘insane by the pit’ and his thoughts and stances on killing are his own. And the way Bruce handles Jason being back is what made Jason continue hating Bruce even aged the brainwashing ‘wore off’

The day his dad died was what Jason considered the best day of his life

Dick is extremely intelligent and was considered a child prodigy (this isn’t a headcanon this is actually canon some of y’all just forget and need to be reminded)

Dick loves math (also canon)

Jason can sing. Like really really well.

Theater Nerd™️ Jason Todd

Jason is scared of thunderstorms

Damian is afraid of heights

Lady shiva absolutely adores Tim

They have all been arrested a few times each for varying reasons when they were teenagers

If Alfred or Bruce yell one thier full names the other kids will cover for them but ONLY if they use the full name other wise it’s every man for himself

I know this one isn’t batfam but I think kon playes the electric guitar and has a really unique punk-ish vibe type singing voice (think hobo Johnson)

Dick has naturally curly hair

[rosierocks30]

Hidden: Ch.9

Chapter 9: Love, Passion, and Desire

Somewhere in Paradis Isle, Eren had been writing a letter to his older brother, Zeke since they both decided to be separate so neither of them got caught. 

For many months, the Titan shifter couldn’t get over the rejection of Queen Historia. At first, he thought; what does she see in Captain Levi? Eren had a lot of respect for his former captain, but it confused him how these two end up being together? They have so many differences. He can guess, Historia was probably into older men. After all, didn’t she tell him that her mother was around her age when she was seeing Lord Reiss? Historia’s father was twice older than her mother yet they had Historia. 

The younger Jaeger finished his letter then tucked it into an envelope to be ready to send soon. They were preparing for the war coming soon. Eren was ready to unleash The Rumbling that Ymir Fritz showed him through the Path. 

He had been thinking about what his brother said before they split up into different directions. 

(Flashback)

“What’s your backing up plan if we can’t access The Rumbling?” Zeke sat on a tree trunk while drinking a canteen of water. 

Eren was already contemplating the question. “If we can’t do it soon then we’ll wait, until it’s the right time.” He sighed and glanced at his brother. “I had a dream last night. There were people screaming and running from some weird light destroying their city. It looked too advanced. Then it shifted to two figures running and jumping on some glass-like surface to climb up in a strange building to see a group of humans working on metals and fire wielding tools to melt the metals into shapes. A woman appeared to explain to me this was what humans were before the collapse of an ancient civilization used to exist.” 

Zeke was concerned about what Eren had dreamt. “What ancient civilization do you refer to? This dream of yours is getting bizarre. Maybe we need to get rid of that strange sphere object that you found in the ruins of Reiss’s chapel. All it does is make you crazy and I need you to be focused.” he scolded Eren. 

“No! We can’t get rid of it. This object holds the key to humanity and our freedom.” Eren glared at his brother while holding the sphere possessively. 

Zeke rubbed his temple spots from frustration of his little brother’s behavior. “Eren, that thing is causing you nothing but trouble. You kept mumbling in your sleep about finding your Eve. Who is this Eve?” He asked. 

Eren keeps thinking about what he dreamt last night. All he can think of is the woman with a strange dress. She said her name was Minerva. So what does Minerva want him to find this Eve? He had contacted Ymir through the Path, but she doesn’t know anything what his dream meant. All she said was that Minerva is ancient. The origin of humanity is not what it seems. 

“I don’t know. I just know I need to find her.” Eren said with determination. 

(End of Flashback) 

The green-eyed man stared down at the sphere. The Apple of Eden. This object had given him other dreams or should he say visions. These visions were the past that humanity had forgotten through thousands of years.

Eren puts the object back into the drawer of the night stand next to the bed. He walked out of his room that was checked in from an inn. As the titan shifter keeps walking on the streets, he accidentally bumps into a stranger. 

“Oh sorry for bumping you.” He looks up at the stranger to see they’re steel grey. 

“No, I’m sorry. I didn’t see where I was going.” This stranger is a woman. Her accent is not from here nor Marleyan. The way she spoke Eldian was not obviously her first language. She does seem foreigner. Where is she from? This woman does look cute. 

Eren rubbed his brown hair shyly. Why was he blushing over some stranger he just literally met. She is very attractive, don’t get him wrong, but he still has strong feelings for Historia. Well, he wants to believe his feelings are real. Zeke told him it was his craziness from the object that made him think they were real. Eren doesn’t know anymore what’s real or not. 

“It’s fine. It was an accident. You don’t seem like you're here? Are you a foreigner?” He said. 

The woman was caught off guard. Maybe she’s some spy? The unknown woman stepped back. “Yeah...what of it? Can this foreigner enjoy her vacation.” She said in a defensive tone. 

He uses his hands to make a surrender gesture to her. “No no you can enjoy your vacation. Sorry, it’s just...your accent gave away.” He resumes observing the woman in the front of him. Her brown hair flows as the light breeze passes by between them. Her skin tone was a bit tan with yellow undertone. As his eyes lower further down, he likes what he sees. Her body toned well, probably from working out. Her clothes were unique but it looked good on her. The trouser pants were tight and the blouse was black with two thin straps on her shoulders. Is this woman trying to get men’s attention or she’s not aware her choice of clothing can get her in serious trouble. 

“Hey buddy, I know I’m hot, but my eyes are up here.” Her voice snapped his trance back to reality. Well shit, he’s embarrassed. 

“You know what your wearing can give a man the wrong message.” He warned her. 

Her brow raised up. Seriously this woman kind of reminds him of someone he used to idolize as a kid during his Scouts years. 

“And what message do I seem to give? You are a man, so what is that message I am giving to you?” Her lips form into a smirk. Eren doesn’t know how to respond to that. This woman is bold but mysterious too. 

“Well um...I-I…” Eren’s face was flushed from still struggling to respond. He took off his trench coat and put it on the woman. “Just be careful ok. You’re lucky, you bumped into me and not some creep.” 

The brown haired woman was a bit startled by his gentlemanly actions. She let him put her on his coat. “Thanks.” 

Eren nodded then walked away. Before he vanished from the woman’s view, she stopped him. “Wait! Where do you live so I can give it back to you?” She asked. 

His head turned around to glance at her. “You can drop it off at the inn in front of you. Just say you’re looking for Eren.” He thought about giving away his full name, but since he is a wanted man, it’s smart not to give away his true identity. 

“So your name is Eren? Nice to meet you. You can call me...Eve.” She said. 

This caught his attention. Eve? He took a glimpse one more time to see her already gone through the crowds. He remembered what Minerva in his dreams said. Find your Eve. He resumed walking to his destination thinking about the bold woman he just met. 

(Somewhere in the capitol) 

The sunlight hits through the balcony to warm up the skins of two figures enjoying their afternoon activity. The sound of the bed squeaking loud along the moans. 

“Oh my Lord! Nathaniel.” Gilbert moans from the ecstasy of the orgasm he received.  

“My beautiful Gilly, your moans are heaven to me.” He showered his lover with praises. 

“As long I pleased you, I am satisfied.” Gilbert blushed. 

“You always have pleased me especially the assassination of Premier Zackely that you succeed.” The templar smiled. 

“But now Dot Pixis is the new Premier. It should have been one of our men.” Gilly frowned from the result of his mission. 

“Don’t be upset. Darius Zackely was a dangerous man. He was so closed to figure out my connections with The Templars and planning to dethrone that Whore. Who would ever thought, both the queen and the captain are expecting soon.” He growled in anger from all his hard work that was about to be revealed. Luckily, silencing Zackely made it possible to continue his work. 

“Will you still try to marry her?” The thought of his lover marrying someone else still hurts him. 

“In order to be King, yes I must.” Nathaniel cups his hands on Gilbert’s cheek. “Listen Gilbert, she’s just going to be my queen for temporary until she gives me a proper heir.” 

“What about the current unborn child she is carrying?” Gilbert said. 

“With Ackerman blood running in its veins, the unborn baby will be just a personal bodyguard or will be groomed to be a templar.” Nathan was not cruel enough to end a child’s life whether they were threatening to be on the throne. 

“Soon our plan is about to be executed and this island will be ours.” Nathan smiled while kissing Gilbert’s neck softly. The both lovers continue their lovemaking which they pre-celebrated their plan will be achieved soon. 

(Military base in Marley)

Reiner was heading to visit his family before leaving for the coastline where you can see The Devil’s Island or Paradise Isle. 

He missed his mother’s cooking. Already his cousin, Gabi arrived at his mother’s home probably helping out making dinner. 

A shadow passed by him to get into a dark alley. This caught his eye as he turned to the left. Reiner couldn’t see who it was, but the figure was covered in an odd thick white sweater with a hood attached to it. The figure was a bit smaller than him. So the Armored Titan runs after this figure. If he caught this spy, Reiner would get more praised as a Warrior and they won’t keep doubting him of his loyalty to his country. 

The figure began to climb up the wooden storage boxes to get on the rooftop without an effort. 

“Hey, stop there spy!” He shouted while getting up to the rooftop. 

The figure stopped but it was several feet away from him. Reiner could see a glimpse of black long hair stick out as the breeze made the locks float along. The face was still hidden half way, but Reiner could see the person’s pink lips and creamy skin tone. 

This spy would be a female. The blond man started to run after her. The “spy” quickly paced away. When she reaches the edge of the roof, Reiner grins as he is so close to capture. 

“You can’t escape.” He said. 

The figure glanced across to estimate the other rooftop building was enough for her to make a jump. Then she ran to leap on the other roof. Her body rolls smoothly to the surface. Reiner frowned that she managed to make it. He decided to also make a leap to catch up to the woman. He will not let this spy escape. 

Once he gained enough speed to make a jump from the edge of the rooftop, he landed and rolled down with minor scratches. He gets up to resume his chase. 

As the mysterious figure reaches another “deadend”, she stops to calculate where to escape next. Shit, remember what one of the Assassin Masters said in her training. When she was about to make another leap, Reiner tackled her down which they fell off the roof to a pile of empty carton boxes in another alley. 

“I got you, spy.” Reiner glared down as he removed the hood. 

He was shocked to see those dark eyes. “Mikasa Ackerman? What are your intentions here in Marley?” 

Mikasa growls at him while kneeling him to the diaphragm hard. He lost his breathing pattern as he began to cough. Mikasa rolls to get up, but Reiner reaches quick of her ankle to make her trip. 

“Oh no, you’re not escaping.” He pinned her to make sure she does try to wiggle her way out. 

“Oh fuck you traitor! Like I would tell you why I’m here.” She gives off her infamous Ackerman glare. 

“If you answered my questions maybe I will let you go.” He said. A part of him wants to let her go since she was a former comrade of his. He held so much respect for the raven haired woman. The Eldian-Marleyan soldier had an inter battle with himself. 

“Like you would keep your promise?” She chuckled sarcastically. 

“You are an enemy. I’m just a fellow who follows the rules.” He said. 

Mikasa was thinking of a way to escape. Well, fuck she’s screw. He knows she’s here in Marley. There’s a chance Reiner will report to his superiors and will send a group of soldiers after her. Her mission is about to be ruined. 

“Aren’t you a good little soldier.” Her eyes roll at him. 

“I see you still haven’t answered any of my questions, Ackerman.” He grinned down his teeth in annoyance. 

“And I see you’re still pinning me down but we both can’t get what we want right now.” She said. 

She thought about to headbutt him then stab him with her hidden blade, but Mikasa doesn’t have the guts to seriously harm a former friend. Her memories with Reiner in Cadet years were good enough not wanting to kill him. Yes, he done stupid shit like kidnaping Eren in the past along with Bertholdt and Ymir. The newly assassin noticed that Reiner had grown well into a fine man. That was a disturbing thought. 

“You were never the type with sarcasm.” He pointed out. 

“Things had changed since you and Bertholdt had betrayed us.” Mikasa said. 

She had a crazy idea that could help her get out of his grasp. Mikasa stared into him. Before Reiner continues talking, she leans towards him to catch him off guard to press her lips on his. Of course, like she predicted, Reiner was shocked by Mikasa’s bold action. What the raven haired beauty didn’t predict is the way she is kissing him. His lips were soft but firm.

Reiner becomes lost in the way her pink soft lips move so well adjusted against his own. He deepens the kiss to win by dominating the kiss. Of course, she won’t let that happen easily. Mikasa licks his bottom lip to have them open enough to stick her tongue and explore. 

Oh fuck, he taste so good and forbidden-wait what? What is she saying?! Being lost from the tasting Reiner, the newly assassin snapped back into reality. Mikasa surprised Reiner by kneeing him with force into his gut with her knee then knocked him off of her with a high kick to the head. The titan shifter rolled a few feet away from her. The dark haired beauty Ackerman gets up to finally escape before he regains that hard kick to his head. 

While she vanished from his view, Reiner was overwhelmed with mixed emotions of what just had happened right now. Did she and him just kiss? Reiner Braun was not the ladies man as his comrades like to think. His mind was always about the missions and duties for his motherland country. Distraction was out of the question. The blonde bulky man touched his lips that’s still warm and tingling from the spontaneous kiss with Mikasa Ackerman, his supposed enemy. 

(Survey Corps Headquarter in Mitras)

William Miles was in the court yard where Scouts soldiers spar or work out. Since he had been residing here, his assassins also reside here to plan and spar each other or with other soldiers. His grandson’s squad are quick to pick up moves during their training as new recruits. With the deal he and Levi made, this gives the team the opportunity to head on into battle when war comes. Bill had finally met the queen one on one in the months early. He was pleased his granddaughter in law was the perfect image of what most assassin's want in a spouse. She encouraged Levi to train under him. Levi was too stubborn, but he will listen to his wife or Hange or his comrades. Since yesterday, both family members finally had that closure they needed. His son, Jacob wanted his girlfriend and son to live in a better place. Of course, it was too late when he died to be able to fulfill that promise to Kuchel. She died without knowing what had happened to his son. The poor girl. He had helped dig up her grave with Levi to take her remains to at least buried her along with his son. Maybe this will bring peace for the mother of his first grandchild. 

The mentor assassin had another shocking news. One his assassins residing in New Your City found out his younger son, Desmond had a child too. Seriously, what the fuck were his sons were thinking? Didn’t they ever carry a damn condom ever? Don’t get him wrong. He is happy finding out he has another grandson, but the poor boy isn’t lucky from being hostage under Abstergo, the templars main corporation to try to dominate the world. 

This made the elder man furious that these scums dared to make this baby another of their “subjects”. For fuck’s sake, it’s a god damn infant. They are taking way too far for collecting his bloodline’s data. What are they exactly looking for? Adam and Eve? He chuckled sarcastically at that thought. 

For months, he was getting updates on his infant grandson, Elijah. He put the same assassin undercover as a staff in that company to make sure nothing dangerous happened to his other grandchild. He needs time to make a risky plan to get the baby out of the templars’ grasp. Levi was in rage when he also found out about his infant cousin. He was ready to go there and wipe out anyone there. 

(Flashback) 

“Are you fucking shitty me?! I don’t know who’s the worst, the sickos in Underground City or the Templars? ‘Cause to me both are at the same level in harming little babies.” Levi ranted while his blood boiled in rage for finding out about his little cousin. This world is a cruel place even without Titans involved. 

“Levi, I am enraged as much as you are, but we need to be level headed. We’ll make a careful calculated plan to rescue the baby. He deserves to be here with us, his family. I already sent one of my assassins to keep an eye on him. I just want to tell you because he’s your baby cousin.” Miles said with a calm tone. Levi has every right to be furious, but to get into blood rage won’t end well for anyone. 

“But after the war, we’ll get him or I’ll go myself.” Levi said. 

“We’ll save him together...don’t worry, I promise.” Bill was already behind Levi as his hand placed on his grandson’s shoulder to comfort him. 

(Flashback ends)

William Miles was in front of Commander Hange’s office door then knocked softly to let her know it’s him. 

“Come in.” Her tone seemed to be distracted when a knock was heard. 

He opened the door to see Hange absorb into her own side projects. Bill closed the door then sat on the chair in front of the desk. “Did I come in at a bad time?”

“Hm? Oh no, you’re fine. I was just doing light reading before I called it a day. So what can I do for you, Bill?” Hange closed her book on Astro-Phycis Theories. Bill raised his eyebrow to notice that her book doesn’t seem light to him. 

“You are a very strange woman if you consider that light reading.” He said.

Hange laughed at his comment. She adjusts her glasses. “I hope that’s a good thing.” 

“Oh trust me. It’s definitely a good thing, Zoe.” Bill grinned and got up to go towards where she’s sitting. The commander was confused when she felt his warm lips on hers. This is a surprising turn for Zoe. Both Miles and Hange had been flirting but never had the made. Some of the Scout soldiers and assassins laid a bet on who would make the move or how long will happen? This finally made Levi confront his grandfather about Hange in the morning. 

(Flashback)

“Oi old man. When will you have the balls to make a move on Four Eyes? Because I don’t need a distracting Commander every time you two get flirty but don’t do shit. And trust me, she rarely gets distracted unless it’s a new science like Titan related or something.” Levi barged into his old room since he let his grandfather have it. 

“Well good morning you to my dear grandson.” He sat up from the bed and yawned.

“Tch. Why are you still in bed anyways? Do you know what time it is?” Levi scolded at Bill. 

The mentor glanced at his cellphone to see the time. “Damn it Levi, it’s 6 am. Why do you have to wake me up that early?” He rubbed his eyes. 

“What the hell do you mean early? Everyone had been awake since 4 am.” The raven haired soldier rolled his eyes. 

“I stood up most of the night to help Zoe on the security measures on the coastline close to Marley.” He yawned again. 

“And yet I’m surprised both of you didn’t jump on each other. You and Four Eyes are like shy teenagers that are too afraid to make a move.” Levi mumbled while running his finger on the hard surface of the furniture. His fingers gather dust which his expression becomes disguised and annoyed. “You should clean this room. It’s filthy.” 

The older man flopped on the mattress and groaned in annoyance. Seriously, this boy has OCD or something. “Levi, can we talk about this later when I’m fully awake.”

On Levi’s other hand, he holds his cup of tea as he sips. “Tch, just giving you advice, Hange is not the type to make the first move since she loves to analyze anything including then men she starts to have feelings with. So don’t take long to do or you’ll miss your chance.”

Bill was silent but absorbed what his grandson had said. He has also been distracted too whenever he secretly ogles at messy brown haired beauty. Maybe he should consider what Levi said. Bill can’t believe he’s being given advice  by his own grandson on making a move. 

(Flashback end)

Bill moans from the kiss as he can feel Zoe’s arms wrapped around his neck and pressed against each other. The mentor assassin already had the commander on her desk sitting while he slowly made her laid on the hard surface. Most of the stuff was on the floor since Hange quickly swept off to clear the desk after the first surprise kiss from Bill. 

She blushed from the way his eyes were clouded with lust. It’s been a long time since she has been with a man. The first time meeting William was filled with curiosity. As a few months had passed they flirted here and there, but neither one didn’t make a move. It could be a culture boundary or age gap issue, but Commander Zoe Hange never had attempted to make a move in her life. She may not be shy in general but when it comes to her love life, she becomes lost that not even science can’t help her. 

For an old man, he looks younger than his age. He could pass in his 50s, but then again Levi looks younger than what he is. Must be in the family. 

All her thoughts were gone when Bill kissed down her neck to the valley of her breasts. Huh? She didn’t feel his hands undo her white blouse. Her ponytail was undone too. 

Hange moaning softly from his tongue running on top of her breasts. She quickly let the  blouse slide off of her and her bra is now on display for him to see. 

Bill stopped to admire how flushed her face was and her hair was spread out on her desk. Her chest rose up and down from breathing heavily. To him, she already looks magnificently beautiful.  

“Well, this is not what I expect but I’m not complaining.” She chuckled while playfully undoing his shirt. 

“Good, I wanted you ever since we met.” He took off his shirt when she undo his buttons. William begins to grind on her. Zoe aggressively kisses his neck while pulling his hair. 

“I wanted you as well. It had been frustrating getting off from thinking of you instead feeling your touch.” Hange mumbling as Miles takes off her pants. His warm hand caressing from her ankle to her inner thigh. Her breath panting harder. Her panties start to get soak from the wetness she has been producing from his kisses and touches. 

“Ah, you have been thinking of me? Show me when you do when you think of me.” Bill leans to her ear to whisper. 

The commander slowly let her fingers travel down her body then stopped to rub the hem of her panties. She can tell how William’s eyes become darker while following the movement of her fingers going further below. Zoe smirks as her finger hooks on the hem to carefully pull down the fabric garment to teasingly reveal her dark small pubic hairs. The way Bill’s tongue licks on his lips made her moan erotically. Oh fuck, how hot he looks the way he stares at her like a starve animal.

She continues to pull down until it's off from her legs. Her finger presses on her clit to start rotating gently as a wave of pleasure spreads out on her body. Hange moaning low his name which he stops her to resume by him instead. 

“You’re beautiful, Zoe. Don’t forget that.” His lips kissed her neck again. 

“Am I?” She has mixed feelings of being called beautiful. Most of her life, she never considers herself to try to be pretty. What’s the point when she has a brain to make her standout from everyone? The first time someone looked at her as a woman and called her beautiful was her former lover. He died an honorable hero for leading the retake of Shiganshina. That was long ago. Erwin would tell her everyday so she would one day accept that she always has beauty too in her unique way.  

“Yes.” Bill glanced at her with a soft but determined look. He was still fingering her deep which arched her back of the ecstasy of pleasure. 

Her eyes get watery then growls with desire to have him pounding her. Her hands make way to his pants to undo them roughly. “Fuck me now please..”

He chuckled and let her undo his pants. “Someone is eager.” He teased her. 

“Of course, for months I have to use my imagination of your dick pounding me, unless with your old age; you’re impotent to keep up my stamina.” Her tone was playfully as she looked into his eyes. 

“Oh my genius Zoe. I may be old, but I can still fuck your brains out. You forget that I’m an assassin. My stamina will not be an issue.” He smirks wickedly. Hange couldn’t help feel the excitement of what Bill will do to her. 

“Guess you have to remind me.” The Commander of the Survey Corps grins while whispering. A loud gasp came out from her lips when she felt his manhood entering her.

“I certainly will.” He moans while adjusting himself inside her. His dark eyes stared into her honey brown eyes. 

As the rhythmic of their bodies move as one, the new lovers keep embracing the passion that ignites from the months of pining for each other. 

Meanwhile on the other side of the Commander’s door, three figures walking pass by until they heard moans. 

“Connie, do you hear that?” Jean stops to listen where that noise is coming from. 

“Yeah, probably it’s a ghost or something.” Connie shrugs. 

Then a louder noise was heard. “Oh harder! Harder, harder!” A feminine voice made erotic noise.

“That’s one horny ghost all right.” Mario, one of William’s assassins grin as he has an idea where the noise came from. Both Survey Corps soldiers finally get what their new friend was saying and blushes while all three walk away from the noise. 

A/N: Hello guys! Sorry this chapter took so long. It’s been another busy week for me and I tried to get it done before Christmas. Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas! Also, Sorry this chapter is a bit shorter than the last one. I hope this chapter will do for you all until the next one. See you guys later until next time with Ch.10. Love you all!

[secondgenerationnerd]

Young omega getting grossed out by “couple stuff” drabble?

Sorry for the later reply!!! Lol, this is literally just them being grossed out by their older selves in a fic I am working on. These are just...little scenes you won’t see in that fic. Enjoy! Also! Set during Omega quarantine!

Speeddemon

“Is she asleep?” Irey asks her husband as he walks into the living room. It’s been a weird day with their past selves appearing randomly. But parenthood doesn’t stop for weird shit.

“It took a while, but yes.” He kisses her before joining her on the couch. Irey loves that after five years and a baby, he still buries his face in her neck. Still exhales and lets all the tension in his body out. Still relaxes as she plays with the hair on the nape of his neck. While he’s never admitted it, Irey thinks he likes feeling protected. At least she likes protecting him like this.

“What are you doing?!” They look up and Young Damian, who sneers at them. Young Irey seems perplexed by the sight. Groaning, her husband doesn’t bother lifting his head. “Hello?!”

“Kid.” Irey looks at the 13 year old. “We’re trying to have some quiet time while Asha naps.”

“This is still inappropriate!” The younger Damian shakes his head, eyes narrowing as his older self. “You’re leaving yourself open for attack!”

“Not exactly the most inappropriate thing we’ve done in public.” Damian sits up just enough to glare at the young teen. The two Damian’s stare each other down, both too stubborn to give up dominance, “For example--”

“Dames,” Irey laughs as her younger self turns dark red, “if you love me, you’ll stop there.”

Speeding Arrow

“I’m just saying it’s weird!” Young Lian exclaims to her best friend. Young Jai throws his hands up.

“I get that, but why are you looking at me like it’s all my fault!”

Their older counterparts watch as the two argue, Lian sitting on the kitchen counter while Jai makes a snack. 

“I don’t remember you being that scrawny.” She notes, accepting an apple slice from him. 

“Yeah, a summer with you girls away in Themesycria, some free weights, and puberty being kind does that, babe.” Jai sticks his tongue out at her as she smacks his shoulder. 

“If you know what’s good for you, you’ll keep your tongue in your head.” Lian’s threat doesn’t have the bite it once did. Although, that cocky half smirk he gives as he stands between her legs might bring it back.

“Oh, yeah, Harper? What if I do this?” Jai kisses her deeply. Lian plays with his hair as she returns it.

“GROSS!” Lian and Jai look up to see their younger selves have stop fighting. Their faces twist up in disgust at the couple. 

Young Lian points at Jai, “Get your hands off me, West!”

“Huh...Li?”

“Yeah?”

“Can I?” She recognizes that mischevious smile in his eye. Sighing over dramatically, she winks at him.

“I suppose I can allow i--” Jai goes right back to kissing her. For her dorky best friend, he’s a pretty good kisser. Not that her younger self seems to give a shit.

“MY EYES! THIS IS WORSE THAN MOM AND DAD!”

Colin x Milagro

“Really!?” Young Milagro sits cross legged on a chair as her older self takes inventory of the teams weapons.

“Yep. The Corps really does come a long way in the next few years. Although,” The older woman turns, winking at the 12 year old, “I would take those exit ramps slowly.”

“Was it bad?”

“Spoilers.” The Milagros laugh as the door opens up. Colin comes in with his younger counterpart, both of them wearing masks. Biting her lip as he wraps an arm around her waist, Milgaro keeps her eyes on her laptop, “Yes, cariño?”

“About to go on our grocery run, baby. Wanted to see if you needed me to pick anything up, special requests?”

“Nope. Got all my stuff on there last night.” Milagro pushes him away as he kisses her neck. “Easy, mi amor. Hay niños aqui.”

“Suenas como mamá y papá con los apodos.” Young Milagro points out. Poor Young Colin looks at her confused while his older self snorts. 

“Man, I don’t know if I should feel insulted or not. We’re defintiely much cooler than her parents.”

“You speak Spanish now!?” Young Colin’s eyes widen. 

“I had pretty good incentive. Can’t have the love of my life dissing me in front of her family.” Colin playfully swats Milagro’s butt. She snaps her fingers at him, scowling.

“¡Oye! ¡ Te amo o no, te patearé el culo!” She reminds him. 

Young Colin leans over to Young Milagro, whispering, “We grow up and get really weird.”

“Agreed.”

Superstar

“Let’s go, Mini me!” Mar’i laughs as she jumps from the rooftop, Young Mar’i following a step behind. The two half-Tamaraneans fly straight into afternoon sky, matching wild curls dancing in the wind. The sun warms their skin as they break through the clouds.

“Star! Wait up!” Jon shouts as he and his younger self catch up with them. He flies straight into Mar’i, grabbing her around the middle and spinning her around. When he stops, his hands rest just above her bottom, “What am I going to do with you?”

Mar’i wraps her arms around Jon’s neck, “I have a few ideas.”

“Uh? I thought we’re not supposed to touch girls like that?” Young Jon points at his older self’s hands. “At least. Not until we get married.”

“...Honey, Jon and I are married.”

“Wait, what?” Their younger selves blink. “That-that means you-you all have--”

“Huh.” Jon nods. “Didn’t think you could break someone’s mind with no effort.”

“Excuse me, Mr. Kent? Check where your hands are,” Mar’i teases, kissing her husband. Flying away, Mar’i takes her younger self’s hand. “What do you say to skyball?”

“Well, Mrs. Kent, I’d say you usually cheat.”

“Ewww....” Young Mar’i makes a face. “You flirt like Daddy.”

[worryinglyinnocent]

Fic: Pure (6/14)

Summary: Belle wanted to wait until marriage before she had sex for the first time. It was the one thing that still stuck in her mind after leaving her small town upbringing steeped in religious doctrine and abstinence culture. When her wedding night comes, however, the purity ideals of Storybrooke’s sex education are hard to shake off, and making the transition from virgin to sexually active is more difficult than she anticipated. With the help of a patient husband, Belle begins an intimate journey into understanding her body, her desires, and her identity as a woman.

Rated: E

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[One] [Two] [Three] [Four] [Five] [AO3]

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Pure

Six

“Belle! It’s so good to see you! How was the honeymoon! Tell me everything!”

Ruby clapped her hands together excitedly as Belle entered the coffee shop and went over to their usual table. As always, Ruby and Mulan had her tea ready and waiting for her, and it was just at a perfectly drinkable temperature as she sat down and took her first sip.

“I want to know all the details,” Ruby continued. “I know you don’t normally kiss and tell, but this is a honeymoon. It warrants a proper discussion.”

Mulan grimaced. “Please, Ruby, we’re in a public place.”

“So? It’s never stopped us before. By now everyone in here should be used to the two of us discussing our sex life at every available opportunity. So, spill, Belle. What was the reaction to the lingerie of the century? Favourable, I hope.”

Belle nodded. “Very favourable, thank you.” She took a sip of her tea, wondering how to go about broaching the subject. She’d chosen Ruby and Mulan to be her confidantes for her problem: they were her closest friends in Boston, and as Ruby had already pointed out, they were definitely and unashamedly sexually active. She wasn’t normally around for the conversations that Ruby had mentioned; they had sensed early on that it wasn’t a topic that she was fully comfortable with, but since they’d helped her on the underwear-buying trip, her comfort zone with them was definitely expanding.

She decided just to jump straight in with both feet first.

“When I stopped freaking out about losing my virginity and we did actually have sex, it was pretty good. For a first time. I think. I don’t really have any field of comparison.”

Mulan and Ruby just stared at her for a couple of seconds, digesting the weight of her words.

“Oh Belle… Why didn’t you tell us that you were a virgin?”

Belle shrugged, although she knew, painfully, the reason why. Back in Storybrooke, her virginity had been her only defining trait, the only thing that she was measured on. When she had moved to Boston and started making new friends, she was determined to be seen on her other merits.

“Would it have made our friendship any different if I had?”

“Of course not, you silly goose.” Ruby leaned across the table and gave her a hug. “It’s your business when you do it and who with, but we could have helped stop you freaking out about being one on your wedding night. Why were you freaking out in the first place?”

“Look, you’ve been to Storybrooke. You’ve seen the place I grew up in and you know they’re a bunch of conservative nutjobs for the most part.”

“Yes. I did have fun arguing with the guy who was convinced that homosexuality is unnatural because it makes no sense for anyone to be attracted to someone they can’t reproduce with.” Mulan gave a contented sigh which was at odds with her truly wicked grin. “He was so desperate to get rid of me and so completely out of arguments that in the end, he just ignored me and started talking to a pot plant instead. It was the most hilarious thing I’ve ever seen.”

“Exactly. That’s the kind of place I lived for eighteen years. Now, just imagine being brought up into a culture that tells you that if you have sex with anyone other than your husband, you’ll burn in hell, and that sex is for baby-making, not for personal enjoyment. Well, not if you’re a woman, at least. They don’t seem to care too much if men enjoy it. It might have something to do with the convenient fact that for men, the baby-making bit is also the enjoyable bit.” Belle groaned. “Getting off topic there. Anyway. You’d freak out about your first time too if you had all that behind you. But it’s ok. Aiden talked me down off the ceiling. I was just hoping that you two might be able to help out after the fact, so to speak. I realise that I probably should have had these conversations before I got married, but hindsight’s twenty-twenty and as long as I know I’m not weird, then it’ll all help, right?”

“Of course, whatever you need. I mean, I’ve only ever had sex with women, so I’m not sure how much use I’ll be, but if I can set your mind at ease, then I will.” Mulan patted Belle’s arm. “You’re safe with us.”

“My first time was kind of meh.” Ruby scrunched her face up. “We were both virgins, both sixteen. We were ready, mentally, that wasn’t a problem. We were just absolutely shit at the actual ‘having sex’ part, due to lack of practice. So, it wasn’t exactly mind-blowing. I think that’s a good argument against waiting until marriage, actually. If it’s your wedding night, you want that to be special and really good, and it’s never going to be the magical experience that everyone raves about if you’re both fumbling over which hole his dick’s supposed to go in and you’re nervous about it being the first time anyway.”

“That was part of the reason why I was freaking out,” Belle admitted. “I was scared of it hurting, and I didn’t want to end my wedding day by getting blood everywhere.”

“Yeah. It shouldn’t hurt, I don’t know who started the myth that you just have to accept that the first time always hurts. Probably some dudebro who couldn’t understand the intricacies of foreplay.”

“That’s what Aiden said.”

“I knew you were onto a winner with him!” Ruby beamed. “See! There’s no need to worry with a guy like that taking care of you. I only had girlfriends for a long time after high school, but luckily, the second guy I had sex with was a doctor, an OBGYN to be precise, and he definitely knew his way around. The third was a mechanic, very good with his hands. The fourth was a doctor again, but he was a psychologist. Then I met Mulan and suddenly my love life was a done deal.” She leaned over to kiss her girlfriend. “I’m still in touch with the psychologist, actually, if you need therapy.”

“I don’t think my upbringing was that traumatic.”

Ruby just looked at her. “Belle, you literally just told us that you had a freak-out about having sex for the first time as a direct result of your upbringing. Archie’s a great guy and I really think he could help you. Better than us non-professionals at any rate. Ok, ok, I’ll leave it alone for now,” she said when Mulan batted her arm to make her shut up. “What do you need? Because I am quite happy to take you toy-shopping. In fact, I have been itching to do that ever since I met you, but I always held off because you seemed…”

“Like a prude?”

“Yes. Well. No, because that makes it sounds like a bad thing. But you know what I mean.”

“Yes, I know what you mean.” Belle shook her head. She was only just getting to grips with having sex and enjoying it in the first place; there was no sense in rushing headlong into anything just yet, as liberating as the experience might be. “I think I just need female friends I can talk to about these things who aren’t going to freak out themselves.”

“Oh, we will definitely not freak out. And we’ll try to make sure that we don’t freak you out either. Well, I’ll try to make sure that I don’t freak you out. Mulan’s sensible, she won’t have to try.”

Belle laughed. It was good to be back in Boston and have her friends around her. It had been good to reconnect with some of her old school friends back in Storybrooke who had not moved on, too, but the very fact of them still being there, still being steeped in that culture, meant that she could not talk to them about her plight. They’d end up with exactly the same reaction as she had done so many times herself. Good girls don’t talk about that kind of thing. Good girls don’t think about that kind of thing.

She felt sorry for them in a way; it wasn’t their fault that they were stuck with such a faulty worldview as they were. Not everyone had her courage or means to get away from it. Part of her wanted to go back to Storybrooke and gather all her contemporaries together, shouting from the rooftops that it didn’t have to be this way.

With her declaration and all of the subsequent discussion out of the way, the talk turned onto other topics, namely the non-sexual aspects of the honeymoon. Belle had been able to take in most of the sights, even if she’d flown back to Boston thinking that she’d probably need another holiday to recover from everything that she’d done during the honeymoon.

Just as Belle was getting up to leave, Ruby pulled her back down and scribbled on a napkin, tucking it into her coat pocket. Belle fished it out to see that she’d been given Archie the therapist’s number.

“Just in case,” Ruby whispered.

Belle nodded. She hoped she wouldn’t need it, but it was always good to know that she had access to professional back-up in her mission.

X

It was still something of a novelty, sleeping in Aiden’s bed with him. In anticipation of their wedding, Belle had moved in with him three months ago, when the lease on her own apartment ended, but she had slept in the spare room. If it hadn’t been for all the kissing and teasing and the wedding planning going on all over the house, people would have been forgiven for thinking that they were roommates rather than an engaged couple. Now, all of her things had made the journey seven steps down the hall into the master room, with the exception of a few pairs of shoes that were a few too many to fit in Aiden’s closets.

Belle sat on the end of the bed, brushing out her hair and occasionally glancing over at herself in the cheval mirror. She was wearing her oldest and softest pyjamas, a pale pink camisole and long pants that had faded to grey with so much laundering. They were her favourite set, and she wasn’t looking forward to the day when they became so worn that she had to throw them out. She’d worn these pyjamas around the house so often that Aiden was used to seeing her in them, and she’d always felt comfortable wearing them around him.

Tonight, however, she was feeling different. Not uncomfortable, not at all. She couldn’t really describe it, but she knew that she wouldn’t have the confidence to keep feeling it if she hadn’t been wearing her favourite pyjamas, the ones she always felt safe in.

Up until now, Aiden had always been the one to initiate their intimate encounters. Belle had been happy to go along with him when he did; she had been very eager to agree with him when he suggested them, but she had never yet made the suggestion herself, always waiting until he brought the matter up. Tonight, she was going to turn the tables. Hopefully. If she didn’t chicken out at the last minute. She listened to the sound of Aiden brushing his teeth in the bathroom, remembering their wedding night involuntarily with a shudder. At least she knew that he wasn’t going to be hiding from her.

She was a married woman. There was no shame in her wanting to have sex with her husband. There wouldn’t have been any shame wanting to have sex even if she wasn’t a married woman. She still needed to keep reminding herself of that one. Trying to break the mental link between sexuality and morality was a lot harder than it seemed to be at first glance. Maybe Ruby was right and speaking to a professional would be a good idea.

She pushed the thought away for now; that was something that could be explored in the morning, when she couldn’t feel the heat rising in the pit of her stomach and calling out to her, telling her to get her man into bed and do something wonderful with him.

Almost on cue, Aiden came out of the bathroom, and Belle watched him cross the room to get into bed. Even in a t-shirt and pyjama pants, he still exuded an air of attractiveness and confidence. Maybe it was the confidence that made him so attractive. It certainly wasn’t vice versa; he had always been rather self-deprecating when it came to his own appearance. He hadn’t been able to believe when Belle had agreed to go out with him for the first time and his usual suave demeanour had pretty much instantly fallen as soon as she’d said yes, because he hadn’t had a plan for what to do in that situation, so convinced had he been of her imminent rejection. It was only now that she was working through her own confidence issues that Belle felt a new sense of kinship with him. Their circumstances were very different, of course, and their problems stemmed from different places, but the crux of it all came down to the same thing, a belief that had been instilled a long time ago that was very hard to break out of.

Belle slipped under the covers beside Aiden and switched off her reading light, plunging them into companionable darkness and cuddling in close. They’d fallen into their sleeping position so easily after that first night, although Belle had no intentions of sleeping just yet. It was easier in the darkness. She didn’t have to worry about looking like a fool who didn’t know what she was doing if Aiden couldn’t see her properly. The dark was kind to her.

She slid one hand down and under the hem of his t-shirt, resting her hand lightly on his stomach and feeling the little twitch he gave in response. She glanced up at him in the gloom, just able to make out his face.

She stayed with her hand on his stomach for a while, wondering where to go from there. Down towards his cock, or would that be too forward? Should she make her intentions known a bit more blatantly?

She kissed him in the dark, working her way slowly from his cheek, a little rough with the day’s stubble, round to his lips. He responded eagerly, opening his mouth to touch his tongue against hers. His hand came up to rest on her hip, fingertips drawing little circles on her skin under her camisole until Belle finally broke away from their kiss. She had gone into this with such determination to go for what she wanted, and now she just felt clumsy and embarrassed, unable to articulate her desires. It wasn’t that she lacked the language, nor particularly that she was having to deal with the snide voices telling her that she shouldn’t want this in the first place, let alone want to express how much she wanted it. It was more that she didn’t have the necessary gumption. She pulled her hand out from under Aiden’s t-shirt and let it fall back onto the mattress between them. Aiden kissed his way round to her ear.

“Was there something you wanted, sweetheart?” he whispered, his voice so soft and breathy that it sent a shiver of delight down Belle’s spine.

She nodded.

“Yes.”

“Tell me what you want, my love.”

“You.”

She felt rather than heard his little chuckle, and then he was pulling her over on top of him, running his hands down her back to cup her ass cheeks, kneading lightly through her pyjama pants. Belle dived in for another kiss.

She wasn’t sure how she felt about being on top. According to her research – well, according to the books she’d read – it was a popular position for women, but Belle couldn’t help feeling exposed, vulnerable. When she’d had Aiden’s warm weight covering her, she’d felt safe, hidden from whatever strange kind of angelic voyeurs might be out there checking up on her purity credentials. Now that she was taking the lead, there was far more chance of her shortcomings in the world of carnal pleasure becoming obvious. She knew that it made no sense in the long run; Aiden knew that the entirety of her practical knowledge came from what he had taught her already, so he wouldn’t be judging her for anything that she didn’t know.

That didn’t stop Belle judging herself, though. It was ridiculous, but she was still blaming herself for her lack of experience, wishing that she knew how to make Aiden feel as good as he made her feel. As much as she wanted to keep kissing him forever, because kissing was familiar territory and it always felt good, she knew that she was going to have to let them come up for air at some point, and she pulled away, sitting up a little and looking down at him. His hands came up to her waistband, thumbs hooking inside and continuing to draw little circle patterns against her skin.

“What do you want to do now?” he asked. His voice was so husky and seductive that Belle could almost feel her brain beginning to melt and dribble out of her ears.

The first words on the tip of her tongue were I don’t know. She had no idea where she was supposed to go from here, how she was supposed to vocalise it all having never really done so before. Aiden always liked her to talk to him, to tell him what felt good and what didn’t, not to be afraid to tell him if he was going too fast for her, and she loved him all the more for it, but now that their roles were reversed and he had put her in the driving seat, so to speak, she had lost all ability to form words.

“I want to touch you,” she said eventually, the sentence sounding stilted even as it came out of her mouth.

Aiden smiled. “I want you to touch me, too.”

“I’m just not sure how.”

“Well, putting your hands on me would be a good start.” Aiden sat up a little and pulled his t-shirt off before getting comfortable against the pillows again and taking Belle’s hands, placing them on his chest. “Tada.”

Belle rolled her eyes. “You know what I mean. I want to touch you how you touch me; I want to make you fall apart in the same way I do when your hands are all over me.”

“Well, I would suggest that you go with your instincts,” Aiden said, the words almost a purr.

It wasn’t the first time that she had explored his body with her hands, after all. It was just the first time that she was doing so with clear intent, as opposed to being caught up in the moment of intimacy. She slowly stroked her fingers over his chest, rubbing gently over his nipples and relishing the little hiss of pleasure that he gave, the buds tightening under her touch.

“Our bodies are not so very different,” he murmured. “What feels good to you will feel good to me.”

Belle kissed him again, pressing a line of soft little butterfly kisses down from his lips over his chin and neck, and down to his chest. She had always enjoyed his kisses to her breasts, although now that she was here doing it to him, she felt more self-conscious than she had ever done in bed before, and she pulled away.

“What’s wrong?” Aiden was immediately concerned, the worried expression in his eyes at odds with his heavy breath and the stirring hardness in his groin beneath her.

“Nothing, I just feel silly.”

“Why?” His hand came up to cup her cheek, stroking her hair out of her face as her eyes remained downcast, unable to face him.

“Because I don’t know what I’m doing.”

“Yes, you do.”

“No, I don’t. I’m just fumbling along like an idiot.”

“It really doesn’t feel like that, I promise you.”

Belle gave a soft huff of laughter. “You have to say that; you’re my husband.” She sighed; she’d had such grand plans when she’d come to bed, and now they were all falling down around her. She didn’t even know why. This wasn’t out of a subconscious desire not to do it; she could feel the heat already rising between her legs and the sight of Aiden’s flushed cheeks and lust-darkened eyes certainly weren’t helping her keep her head. This was more out of frustration, wishing that all the knowledge was there already.

“Practice and repetition is the best way to learn,” Aiden said. He pulled her down for another kiss. “The more you practice, the better you’ll get, and then you will know what you’re doing.”

“I know, I know; but doesn’t it frustrate you? Being with someone who doesn’t know what they’re doing?”

“I maintain that you do know what you’re doing. You’re not naïve, Belle, just inexperienced. And why would it frustrate me? No, I think of this as a wonderful opportunity. May I?”

His hands had come to the hem of her camisole, and Belle nodded, letting him pull it off over her head in one motion.

“Teaching you how I like to be touched is a most… pleasurable… experience…” He punctuated his words with kisses over her bare shoulders. “One that I will gladly undertake for as long as necessary. There’s no exam to pass at the end, my love. We can keep learning for as long as you like.”

“But surely you’d prefer it if you didn’t have to teach me in the first place?” With his lips and tongue touching her anywhere he could reach, Belle was having rather a lot of trouble concentrating on what she was trying to say, and sure enough, her worries seemed really to be of secondary importance compared to what Aiden was doing with his mouth.

“Oh no, my darling Belle. This is just going to make the ending all the sweeter. Now… Where were we?”

He interlaced his fingers with hers, placing them back on his chest and moving them slowly down towards the waistband of his pants.

Belle took this as her cue, slipping her hands under his waistband and pulling the pants down his legs and off, throwing them off the end of the bed. For good measure, she shimmied out of her own as well, before making her way back up the bed to Aiden’s cock. It was flushed dark red, precum already beading at the tip, and as she drew her fingertip up the bulging vein on the underside, it twitched under her touch, Aiden’s hips jerking with the sensation.

“You like that.” It was a statement, not a question. She had learned some things over the course of their intimate relationship, and she was definitely learning to identify the noises that Aiden made when she touched his cock like this. She made very similar noises herself when his hands were busy between her thighs, and after all, he’d said that what felt good to her would likely feel good to him too.

“Oh, Belle…” His voice was low and gravelly, almost as if he was struggling to get the words out. She curled her fingers around his cock and stroked him again, eliciting a long groan. He was slumped back against the pillows, eyes closed, and Belle smiled to herself. Maybe she was better at this whole thing than she thought she was. “Oh, Belle, if you keep that up then I’m not going to last.”

She said nothing, but continued to stroke him up and down, touching one fingertip to the quivering head and smearing the pearly liquid there. There was something in the sight of him, so vulnerable and so undone, that made Belle’s stomach turn somersaults, and as she shifted her position on the bed, she could feel the wetness of her own arousal between her legs. Something told her that she shouldn’t be feeling such want at the sight of this; that it was somehow voyeuristic, but she pushed that voice to the side. She was enjoying herself too much and she had come too far this evening already for her old anxieties to start creeping in again now.

“Fuck, Belle! I want to be inside you, my love. May I?”

“Yes.”

She moved up to straddle his hips, and Aiden brought a hand down between them to help line himself up with her entrance, but she paused, the tip of him just inside her.

Being on top couldn’t be that different, surely.

She sank down onto him, slowly, carefully. It was a different angle; it felt deeper than it had done before, but she was not uncomfortable, and she began to move, rocking her hips a little. Aiden’s hips thrust up to meet her, his hands grabbing her ass for leverage, and she braced herself against his chest. There was something about this time that made everything feel more urgent, more heated, and she couldn’t quite put her finger on it. Whatever it was, she wasn’t complaining. This was the kind of sex she’d read about in her illicit romance novels, or at least, she’d read as much as she could before she started squirming and blushing too much to be able to continue. This was what she would describe as passionate. Not that there had been no passion in their previous encounters, but it had been far gentler. This felt more like something out of a Harlequin.

Aiden’s fingers dug into her ass cheeks as he came, the motion of his hips stilling and his breath coming in ragged pants.

“Belle, I think you’re incredible,” he murmured as she raised herself up on shaking knees and let him slip out of her. “You’re a natural at this.”

Although some of her earlier misgivings were still there – she wasn’t sure that they were ever going to go away completely – Belle allowed herself a moment to preen. Yes, she was definitely learning.

[bird-of-unusual-size]

brother!altaïr headcanons

right so its like 2 am as i write this sentence and ive been reading (more) headcanons in pursuit of writing inspiration (i hit max lenth fpr this so ill finish it later)

at 2 am.

not out of the ordinary, ig.

anyways, being altaïr's older sister would include:

- stealing figs from the kitchen to snack on together

- feigning innocence in front of the cook when she finds out even though it was clearly you two

- the cook finally giving over and smiling as you scramble back to your room

- pranking abbas and taking the blame when you get found out

- mama bear mode whenever altaïr gets hurt

- training together

- "i'm gonna be the best assassin ever"

- "[y/n], you can't keep protecting him like this he needs to learn for himself"

- you reluctantly letting go of altaïr and watching sourly when he trains

- you reprimanding him after training for scrapes or bruises he may have gotten while you clean them out

- "hold still i can't fix you if you're squirming like a mouse"

- "it hurts"

- "deal with it"

- climbing up the mountainside despite being told not to

- "i bet i can get there first"

- training with altaïr plus swords

- umar dying and altaïr crying his little heart out and you being too shook to actually cry yourself

- besides, someone needs to be there for your little brother

- abbas trying to kill you after his father kills himself

- "a woman can't ever be an assassin"

- altaïr standing up for you even though he gets beat up

- stolen honey cakes on the rooftops at night when it's cold

- sharing a bed because you're still only children and probably scarred for life after the preceeding events

- not sleeping at all for fear of him waking up in need of comfort and not being awake for him

- beating up abbas the next day for hurting your baby brother despite being sleep deprived

- "i can take care of myself, [y/n]. stop babying me all the time"

- al mualim teaching you proper ettiquete for rich young ladies your age

- you rebelling anyways because you don't understand the need if you're to be an assassin

- "i don't need such frivolous things in my life"

- "you will learn such frivolous things, habibi, before i am forced to send your brother away to acre to finish his training"

- you finally agreeing to learn with the assassins' wives

- "i need to wear a veil"

- complaining to altaïr after training

- him just nodding quietly and sneaking honey cakes and figs from the kitchens

- him being home less and less as he gets older

- him leaving on more missions that last longer and longer

- abbas trying to court you when altaïr is away

- you shoving his face in the dirt and telling him to leave you be none-too-politely

- al mualim marrying you off to a well-to-do templar while altaïr is away

- (you being secretly glad he wasn't there when you left--he would have dug his heels in and refused to let the mentor send you off)

- (you noticing how the roles have switched, and how its him protecting you now instead of the other way around)

- you spying for the assassins

- you manipulating templar charters and records

- you sending reports of the plans you learn of

- you getting sort of kind of a little pregnant and you don't know what to do because if al mualim found out something would have to be arranged to get you out of there

- altaïr quite literally breaking into your room at night when he finds out

- "you're pregnant and you didn't tell me"

- hurried explanations and angry shushing

- him finally having enough of 'the danger you keep getting put in' and deciding to do something about it

- by quite literally stealing you away in the night

- silent brooding anger that he had to interfere because you're on a mission and he's getting in the way

- "don't bother fighting, you know i could just bind you up like a sack"

- "you wouldn't hurt your pregnant sister"

- "no, but my pregnant sister wouldn't be able to hurt me either"

- you finally collapsing from exhaustion on the road

- him just carrying you quietly on the horse as he races back to masyaf

- you watching the concern and anger on al mualim's face when he finds out what happened

- you watching the silent pleasure altaïr seems to take in being assigned to kill your husband

- you being concerned about him when he leaves

- you quietly rejecting the physician's unspoken offer to put down the baby

- you crawling through nine months of pregnancy while altaïr watches from the sidelines, constantly worried and doting on you

- "stop babying me, i can take care of myself"

- "do you want another fig"

- "oh my god, altaïr"

- you finally having a baby girl

- altaïr being the most jumpy you've ever seen him in your life

- altaïr watching the baby with a look of sheer awe and maybe some regret

- you not caring that the baby was an accident, because she's the most beautiful thing in the world

- altaïr coming home late one night after training and finding you passed out on the bed and the baby is crying

- altaïr being just the best uncle

- you pointing this out and he just gets really flustered and you can't help but remember that small boy who stole figs and honey cakes from the cook

- "so when are you getting married, altaïr?"

- "what the hell [y/n]"

- "sajida seems nice"

- al mualim sending him on some mission far away (altaïr not fully explaining before he leaves)

- you worrying over him almost constantly

- you not getting any pigeons

- you worrying more

- him coming back finally after a year

- him learning that he missed his niece's first steps

- him suddenly being extremely morose and reclusive

- him avoiding you even if he denys it

- you having to deal with his bull for the next year

- "no, samira, uncle can't play right now"

- you finally losing your cool and full-on shouting at him

- him shouting back

- scarring words and tears

- him throwing his hands in the air and leaping out the window in frustration

- you storming up the tower and practically chewing al mualim's ear off when demanding answers

- him not being able to give any and telling you to give it time

- you breaking down in tears in his office

- al mualim having you carried back to your room when you fall asleep

- altaïr not talking to you when he leaves for solomon's temple with malik and kaddar

- altaïr deciding to be a dick and not tell you he's back

- you being scared half to death when you see malik with his bloodied arm and with no altaïr or kaddar and TO BE CONTINUED

[expensiveminimalist]

It Took One Night - William Nylander (Part 13)

A/N: I am SO SORRY it took me so long to write this but I’ve been so busy and now I have the flu, so I’m also SO SORRY if this is absolutely terrible but like enjoy or whatever 

Word Count: 3.2k 

Warnings: Pregnancy, Swearing 

Masterlist 

You and your bare ass had only just slammed William’s bedroom door shut before Kasperi burst through the door, howling with laughter as you heard William scrambling around trying to throw his clothes on.

“So where’s your girlfriend and why won’t you let me meet her? I mean I am your best friend” you heard Kasperi say to William smugly.

“I didn’t know you were my best friend”

You heard the thud of a pillow hit the floor.

“Hurtful” Kasperi said sarcastically.

You had a strong feeling that there was no way you’d be leaving William’s without meeting Kasperi but what was worrying you was whether or not he knew you were pregnant. William hadn’t mentioned that he’d told any of his friends and although it wasn’t obvious to people that weren’t family, your tummy was starting to show. The last thing you wanted was to make William feel embarrassed or ashamed, even though he’d assured you time and time again that you couldn’t possibly.

You heard several knocks on the bedroom door and quickly through on your underwear and bra, figuring it would look better than being completely naked if it was Kasperi that was trying to get in.

“It’s just me” William said as he opened the door and quickly closed it behind him.

“He’s not leaving is he?” you whispered, pulling your shirt on.

William chuckled, “probably not unless he’s in a strait jacket”.

You pulled on your jeans, making William laugh as you exaggeratedly stuck your tummy out so you looked slightly bigger than you were. He carefully zipped you up and buttoned your jeans for you, giving your tummy a little rub before he shoved his hands in his pockets.

“So, we probably shouldn’t keep him waiting any longer. I mean as long as you’re ok with doing this now? Otherwise I could figure someway of kicking him out”

You rested your hands on his shoulders and tangled your fingers in the hair at the nape of his neck, “of course, I have to meet your friends eventually” you teased.

William rolled his eyes, “just so you know, I’m not hiding you”.

“I was kidding, so relax. I need you to be relaxed otherwise I’m going to be shaking like a chihuahua when we go out there”

“I am relaxed. I just don’t want him to say or do anything stupid” William said, pulling you in closer and locking his arms around your waist.

“It’ll be fine” you insisted, even though you were nervous yourself.

“Does he know that I’m pregnant?” you continued, nibbling on your lower lip.

“I did tell him, I just didn’t mention how much more serious things have gotten in the last few weeks” he said, his cheeks blushing.

“Oh, you mean he doesn’t know I’m your girlfriend? Because I thought you shouted that from the rooftops” you teased.

William bent down and rested his head on your tummy, “your mum’s a smart ass in case you haven’t figured that out yet” he chirped.

You rolled your eyes, “you can talk to the baby later, as in when your friend isn’t alone in a room that is incredibly close to my muffins that are for me and me only”.

“Ah right, the muffins” he said, lifting your shirt up quickly so he could kiss your tummy, before dropping it back down and opening the door.

He extended his arm as leaned against the door, “after you”.

Reluctantly you walked out ahead of William, worried about making a good first impression since you weren’t entirely sure who Kasperi thought you were – William’s girlfriend or just some random that he knocked up.

You walked into the living room and expected to see Kasperi lounging on the couch, most likely with a smirk on his face. But he wasn’t there.

“Where is he?” you asked, turning to face William who was now grimacing.

“What?” you continued.

“Kitchen” he said, running his hand through his hair.

You looked at William, slightly bemused at his reaction, before walking into the kitchen to understand why he was looking slightly frightened of you.

Kasperi was standing at the kitchen counter, literally stuffing his face with the blueberry muffins that you planned to treat yourself and the baby with. There was blueberry juice on the corners of his mouth, crumbs on his chin and down his shirt, and a half empty muffin tin.

“These are fucking delicious” he said through mouthfuls of muffin, not even bothering to cover his mouth or wait until he was finished before speaking.

You felt William rest his hands on your shoulders, letting out a deep sigh and resting his forehead against the back of your head. It was obvious that he thought you were on the verge of killing Kasperi since you’d already made it clear that if anyone touched those muffins it’d be the last thing they’d ever do. But, that wasn’t exactly the first impression you wanted to make.

William coughed loudly, a failed attempted at trying to get Kasperi to stop eating and actually introduce himself.

“Kappy this is my girlfriend, Y/N. Y/N this blonde pig is Kappy” William continued, rolling his eyes at his teammate.

Kasperi wiped his hands on his pants and reached his hand out towards you, which you hesitantly shook as you felt the blueberry juice stick to your own hands.

“Hi” you said shyly.

“So you’re the poor soul that Willy planted his seed in” Kasperi teased.

William’s eye practically popped out of his head.

“Fucksake man” he hissed.

Despite the fact that William was mortified at Kasperi’s statement, you were standing their chuckling at his bluntness.

“I guess you could say that” you responded, resting your hand on your little tummy.

“In all seriousness though, congratulations. Willy hasn’t shut up about the baby since he told me, and he’s been going on about you for months so I’m glad this seems to finally be a thing”

You tilted your head up at William, grinning as you saw how flushed his cheeks were.

“I thought you’d only mentioned it?” you chirped.

“I may have brought it up once or twice” he mumbled, burying his head in your shoulder.

Kasperi saw his opportunity to wind his friend up a little bit more.

“Yeah, once or twice an hour. I was expecting him to tell me that the two of you were already married when I walked in earlier”

William wasn’t the only one blushing now.

“Ok, why don’t you shove another muffin that you didn’t ask if you could have in your big mouth” William half instructed, half begged as Kasperi sat there with a smirk on his face, pleased that he ruffled both yours and Williams feathers.

“These are delicious by the way” Kasperi said, reaching for another muffin, “sorry if you were saving them for anything”.

You smiled, “oh no, just for me and my unborn child but it’s fine. Eat away”

“I can’t tell if you’re being serious or joking, so I promise this will be my last” he said, dramatically stepping away from the kitchen counter.

William scoffed, “good idea. Don’t mess with a pregnant woman’s food”

You playfully whacked William who responded by wrapping his arms around you and leaving a sloppy kiss on your cheek.

“Excuse me, I’m eating” Kasperi said, a disgusted look on his face.

Within a split second William had spun you around and pressed his lips to yours, slipping his tongue in and smiling into the kiss as he heard Kasperi making exaggerated gagging noises beside the two of you.

“Ok third wheel I get it, I’ll come back later then” Kasperi said, covering his eyes as he tried to walk out of the kitchen – instead walking into the wall.

You and William broke apart laughing as you realised what his teammate had done. So far, you were really enjoying meeting Kasperi – even if he did eat your muffins.

“You don’t have to go” you said, banging William’s chest to try and stop him from laughing at his friend, who was busy trying to make it look like he meant to walk into the wall.

“It’s all good, I should probably go see Annika anyway. Hey, if you two can keep your hands off each other for a couple of hours we could get dinner one night?”

You cleared your throat, trying to get William to be serious for a second “Yeah that sounds great! Doesn’t it William?”

“Yeah for sure. As long as you’re shouting of course”

“Why would I shout you?” Kasperi protested.

“Because you ate the muffins that were meant for my babe and my baby”

“That’s kind of gross” Kasperi said, cocking his eyebrow at William.

“You don’t have to shout anyone dinner” you insisted, “just don’t eat my muffins again otherwise we’re going to have a problem”

“Yes boss” Kasperi said, saluting you as William rolled his eyes yet again.

---

“Well that wasn’t so bad” you said to William after he’d managed to get Kasperi out the door.

“Could’ve been worse” William replied, flopping down next to you on the couch.

“What do you mean?”

“You could’ve actually killed him for eating your muffins”

You glared at William, “oh look who’s a comedian”

“You love me for it” William shot back smugly, pecking you on the cheek.

“Keep telling yourself that” you teased.

William rolled his eyes and gently laid down on your lap before he started lightly poking your belly.

“What are you doing?”

“Just saying hello to my baby”

“By poking me?”

“I’ve already told you, I can’t explain how the father-foetus communication system works”

You just laughed. It warmed your heart to see him already so attached to the baby, and you weren’t about to try and stop him from ‘communicating’ with his son or daughter.

“Honestly, I can’t wait until I don’t have to say foetus anymore” he continued.

“What do you mean?”

“Well I only say foetus because we don’t know if it’s a boy or a girl, and I don’t want to say ‘it’ cause that seems rude” he explained, poking his tongue out at you as started laughing again.

“I don’t think the baby’s going to care if you call him or her ‘it’”

“But I care. Besides, it isn’t that much longer till we can find out right?”

“A couple more weeks. Usually it’s around the 18 week mark they can tell the sex, as long as someone doesn’t decide to hide” you said, looking down and rubbing your tummy as you finished your sentence.

“Don’t say sex”

“What? Why?”

“Baby’s too young to be hearing that kind of dirty talk” William teased.

“That’s not even what I mean” you protested.

“Fine, don’t come crying to me if our child’s first word is ‘sex’”

You picked up the nearest pillow and whacked William in the head with it, “you are an egghead. Besides, the baby can’t hear what we’re saying yet anyway”

“Ah you’re forgetting about father-foetus communic-”

“Ok, I get it! The genderof the baby. We can find out the gender of the baby”

“Much better”

You scoffed at William, “you’re turning into dad-zilla”

“And I’m proud of it” he said, pressing a kiss to your tummy.

“Have you decided whether you want the baby to be a boy or a girl yet? Or are you still neutral?” William continued.

“I’m not fussy. Not to be cliché but as long as they’re happy and healthy I’m good. Also, as long as the baby isn’t massive because that frightens me already”

“How much did you weigh when you were born?”

“Just over 8 pounds”

“Ooo I bet you were super chubby”

“Hey that’s not even as big as they can get ok! My perfect brother was 12 pounds and somehow my mum still likes him better than my sister and I”

“I feel like you’d kill me if our baby ended up being 12 pounds”

“Maybe not kill you, but you probably wouldn’t be able to play hockey for a while since I’ll have broken your hand” you teased.

William winced, “can’t I just get one of those toy extendable hands and you can squeeze that?”

“Are you serious right now? I have to push a baby out of my damn body and you’re worried about your hand!?”

“Babe, I’m kidding! If I wasn’t, I’d be half way out the door right now because you might throw something at me” he said, chuckling.

“You’re lucky I love you” you said, before sitting there in shock as you realised what word had just left your lips.

“I love you too”.

Both of you sat there in silence for a minute, comprehending what you’d each said. You knew that you felt that way, even if it had happened so quickly, and you’d had a feeling that William was the same. It didn’t make it any less scary though that you’d both just said the ‘L’ word. That damn word had the power to change everything, whether it was good or bad.

“So you love me aye” William said, smirking.

“Don’t ruin it”

“I’m not I’m just making sure I heard you right. In fact, I’m not sure if I did. What did you say again?”

“I’m not saying it again”

William sat up and turned around so he was facing you, and pouted at you.

“That’s not going to work” you said, trying to hide the smile on your face.

William didn’t say anything, he just stuck his bottom lip out further.

“Nope, you should’ve paid attention the first time”

“I was paying attention. I was just in shock”

“Shock?”

“Yeah. I knew I loved you months ago but I definitely didn’t think you felt the same way” he said, rubbing his thumb over your cheek.

“Really?” you said quietly.

“Remember when you said you didn’t want to be in a relationship, and I went M.I.A for a little bit?”

“Yeah”

“I was sulking because I thought you didn’t like me as much as I liked you, and that was when I realised I didn’t just like you”

You felt your cheeks blushing, “but we’d hardly spent any time together then”

“In case you still haven’t realised, you’re pretty fucking incredible” he said, pulling you in for a gentle kiss.

He caught your lips with his so softly it was almost as if they weren’t even there, and ran his fingers smoothly through your hair. When William pulled away he pressed one last kiss to your forehead.

“I love you”

“I love you too”

---

The next day at work, all you could think about was how in a matter of months you’d gone from not wanting to be in a relationship, to being pregnant, in a relationship and telling William you loved him.

It had taken you almost a year to tell your ex-boyfriend that you loved him, and even then you still weren’t sure if you’d actually meant it. This time, you knew you did.

As much as it worried you that maybe you only felt this way because you were having his baby, it was starting to become clearer that that was only a small part of why you loved him. The fact that William had told you that he knew he loved you before either of you knew you were pregnant, made you feel so much more comfortable and at peace with yourself when you admitted you loved him.

---

When you’d finished up at work for the day, you decided to go back to Lyla’s since you’d hardly been there lately and you were technically supposed to be living there. You’d felt a bit bad because Lyla had been so kind to let you move in but it was clear that you and your flatmates were at different stages in your life. Sure, you might’ve been the same age but you were the only one that was preparing for a baby and they were partying most nights.

It wasn’t something that you held against them but you were starting to think about when you’d have to find somewhere else to live. Yes, you were practically living with William anyway but he’d never actually asked if you wanted to move in and you didn’t want to straight up ask if you could live with him. For some reason it terrified you to actually make something official, even if in reality it really wasn’t going to change much of what was already happening at all.

You were still going over this in your head when you heard a knock on the bedroom door.

“Come in!”

“Look what I bought” William sung as he walked through your door holding a basket of blueberry muffins.

“Did you?”

“Kappy sent them to my house, thinking you’d be there. There’s a note too” William explained as he handed the basket to you, and you melted as the smell of freshly baked muffins hit you.

You chuckled to yourself as you read the note left by Kappy:

“Sorry for eating your muffins… Love Uncle Kappy”

“Aw, who knew he was such a softy!”

“You might not have realised but you put the fear of god in him, so he thought this would be a good peace offering”

“He didn’t bake them himself did he?” you asked anxiously.

“God no. You think I’d willingly let you eat anything he cooked?” William teased.

“Such a supportive friend”

“I know right? I’m pretty amazing” William scoffed, winking at you.

“Naturally, I couldn’t let Kappy outdo me so I got something for you too. Well it’s kind of for you” he continued, handing you a gift bag.

“Ooo exciting” you said, smiling at him cheekily.

William watched you nervously as you reached into the bag, and for a moment you were worried it was going to be something gross.

But you had nothing to worry about.

You pulled out a tiny blue bodysuit, emblazoned with the Leafs logo and turned it over to find ‘NYLANDER’ printed across the back.

Unsurprisingly, the tears were now steadily falling down your face and you pulled William in for a cuddle before he could tease you for getting so emotional.

“I love it” you spoke into his shoulder, trying not to soak his t-shirt with your tears.

William rested his chin on your head and gently rubbed your back, squeezing you when you said that you loved the bodysuit.

“I just thought, since we haven’t bought anything for the baby yet that this would be a pretty good first buy”

“This is perfect. You did good, Nylander” you said, winking at him.

“Glad it got your seal of approval because there’s plenty more merchandise where that came from!”

“William, our child has to have other clothes. They can’t just wear Leafs stuff all the time”

“Why not?”

“Because!”

“Yeah, I’m not seeing a problem here”

You rolled your eyes at him, deciding there was no point trying to argue with him when he was in a joking mood.

“I think the baby should come home from the hospital wearing that, just saying” William said, shooting you a puppy-dog look that he knew you couldn’t say know to.

You looked down at your growing belly, “what do you say baby? Is this your coming home outfit?”

“I thought you said the baby couldn’t hear us yet?”

“It’s a mother-foetus thing” you teased.  

[buckysgoldenheart]

Undeniable Part 2

PART 2

You are the fiancée of the rich CEO of a mega international corporation. The day your fiancé asked you to the office to meet his new manager, you were doomed.

Four movies. You saw four movies and never wanted to see another one again. Or at least not today anyway. You had no interest in seeing any of them to begin with, so really you just wasted 8 hours of your young life.

You pulled out your phone to check the time. It was 7 pm. One hour after Luke said he and James would be working today. It had to be safe to head back to the penthouse.

 ---

By the time you reached your building, it had started to pour, and your hair was slightly damp. You smiled at the doorman as he opened the door to let you in and made it about three steps before dropping your keys on the floor. Frustrated, you crouched down to grab them, your hand reaching for the keyring when a small piece of paper fluttered down, landing on the floor an inch away from your hand. You grabbed it along with your keys and looked for its owner considering it seemed odd for a random piece of paper to fall from the sky. As you stood, no one looked your way to try to claim what they had dropped, so you turned behind you to see that retreating form nod his head at the doorman and step down the stairs to a taxi waiting for him. What was he doing here? I was 7, DAMN IT! Luke said 6. You were sure you were in the clear. You wanted to make sure that you wouldn’t have to see his face for the rest of the day, which technically was the case, but seeing any part of him made your heart race.

Flipping over the piece of paper, your heart stopped instantly and if you died right there you wouldn’t have been surprised.

  Lowell Hotel, Jacques Bar

11:30

 Oh Fuck, you thought.

 Luke kissed you as you entered the penthouse, scotch on his breath. You looked up at his smiling face as he leaned down to kiss you again, forcing his tongue between your lips.

“Luke…” you tried to say between his demanding kisses, but all it did was turn him on. He pressed his lips to yours as hard as he could, only breaking away to pull his shirt up and over his head. Then he reached back for you.

“You’re in a good mood.” You spoke before he could slam his lips to yours again. They were an inch from yours. His eyes were closed as he moved his hands down to grip your ass and rested his forehead on yours.

“James and I got everything done that we needed to. We decided to celebrate a little bit. I told him I’d be fucking my girl tonight.” He chuckled and immediately you pushed away from him a bit, but not enough to remove yourself from his tight grip.

“YOU WHAT?!”

“Don’t worry baby. I’m sure James knows all about fucking gorgeous women. I highly doubt my statement made him uncomfortable.”

“Luke, that’s private!”

“Oh please, Ill shout it from the rooftops if I want. Ill tell them all that you’re mine only. Besides, James didn’t say anything that made him seem uncomfortable.”

“What did he say?”

“Um, I think something along the lines of getting another drink went he got back to the hotel. Probably going to find his own girl to fuck tonight. He deserves it, that’s for sure. As do I.” he whispered meeting your eyes and forcing his lips hard against yours.

His erection was hard against your thigh as Luke slipped his hands up under your shirt, unclasping your bra and brushing his thumbs right under each breast. “Take off your clothes.” He whispered, and you did what you were told; the shirt coming up over your head and bra straps slipping down your arms before falling to the floor. You watched Luke’s gaze, heavily aroused and heavily intoxicated, stare at what was in front of him while you moved to unbutton your jeans. As you shimmied out of them, Luke took the opportunity to slip off his own, now standing in front of you like the mortal embodiment of a Greek god.

You looked down to his huge cock, throbbing and jutting out towards you. Luke twisted his hand into your hair. “I want your lips on me. Make me cum in that pretty little mouth.” He smirked and slowly started to push you down to your knees in front of him. You didn’t really want to, but after yesterday, after refusing him, you felt it would arouse suspicion. So, you kissed the head of his cock and licked a long stripe from base to tip before taking him into your mouth completely.

 ---

Luke practically passed out after you finished and collapsed onto the couch. It was only 11 on a Friday night and very unlike Luke to pass out before 3 am on the following Saturday, but he had a long day you guessed. You were exhausted yourself. Today was weird, to say the least, and you needed sleep, desperately. Turning to collect your clothes from the floor, you saw the small, yellow, scrap of paper slip from your jeans back pocket.

 Lowell Hotel, Jacques Bar

11:30

 Your heart began to race all over again, but without thinking clearly, you slipped your wet clothes back on and went for the door. Opening it slowly, you looked back to Luke snoring quietly on the couch, one leg thrown over the side, then stepped into the hallway and made your way to the elevator.

You walked despite the, now light, rain. You liked to walk. It gave you time to think about what you were about to do. What were you about to do? All you knew was that if this didn’t get addressed now you would be in trouble. Maybe the two of you could put this behind you and never talk or think of it again. Maybe you would one day be friends. Maybe he would be happy for you as you got married and you would be the same once he met his wife. Maybe you’d go on double dates together. Maybe this was a fucking joke and you were slowly going mad. Probably.

Before you knew it, you stood in front of the main entrance of The Lowell Hotel. Idiot, you thought, but that didn’t stop you from stepping inside and turning left toward the bar.

You could see him through the large archway, sipping his drink at the bar. He was one of three in the whole place, including the bartender. The other was dead drunk, head resting on the counter, drink still in hand.

James looked to you as if he could sense you and didn’t say anything as he stood from the bar, grabbed his drink, and moved toward one of the booths in the dark corner. You assumed you were meant to follow, so you did, approaching the table and sliding into the leather seat across from him, a bundle of nerves while he sat calm with his arm resting along the top of his own seat.

You stared at one another even when he moved the glass to his lips to take sips of his drink.

After literally 10 whole excruciating minutes, you broke the deafening silence. “What do you want?” you spoke in as calm a tone as you could muster. All he did was smile and look out the window through the streaks of water running down it, which did nothing but stir your frustration.

“Seriously?” he chuckled as he moved his eyes back to yours. Your frown deepened.

“Yes, seriously!!!” you nearly shouted, but reined it in remembering how dead the bar was around you. “Why did you kiss me?” you whispered, leaning across the table so he could hear you. James actually laughed out loud.

“You kissed me back, doll face.” He smiled as he took the last sip of his drink before setting the empty glass down in front of him. “You wrapped those gorgeous legs around me and slipped that devilish little tongue of yours between my lips on your own will. You wanted me, too. Don’t kid yourself.”

You were stunned. There as no way to convince him that you had a concussion and lost your memory, or something else logical, being the only reason why you even allowed the idea of kissing him to enter your thoughts. He knew you, like everything in your mind was written down in a tiny book that he kept in his back pocket. You were so fucking fucked.

“I have a fiancé.” You mumbled.

“You don’t say.”

“He is your boss.”

“It’s not like we are friends. Honestly he’s kind of a prick.”

“Excuse me?!”

“Oh, come on, you’re an intelligent woman. If anyone else can pick up on his character, you definitely already have.”

“What does that have to do with this?”

“Nothing really.”

“Then why am I here?”

“That’s really a question you can only answer for yourself, doll. I know why I want you here and I think it’s for the same reason.”

You leaned your back against the booth and crossed your arms in front of your chest. He was infuriating. “I’m here to tell you to stop.”

James had the audacity to smile at your statement. “I’m not harassing you. I didn’t demand anything from you. We met halfway.”

“Say what you want, but its never going to happen again. Ever!”

“Then it won’t happen. I’ll never force you to do anything you don’t want to do.”

“You wont ever be presented with that situation again, so don’t worry.” Frustrated, you stood up to leave, prepared to stomp out of this hotel and never return. It was now tainted. As you started to pull on your jacket, James stood up. He was nearly a head taller than you and with him this close to you, your head had to tilt back slightly to meet his eyes.

“You’re all wet” He spoke in a tone so low that only you could hear it while his eyes trailed down your figure and back. “from the rain.” He continued. You looked down to your still wet shirt and jeans, not even realizing how cold you were until he mentioned it. “Now that the rain has stopped, you should warm up and dry off before you go back out. You might get sick being soaked in this weather.”

“That is completely unnecessary. Ill be fine. Really.” You huffed as you turned to leave, but then felt something lightly wrap around your wrist causing your breath to hitch and your body to freeze up entirely. You could’ve pulled away. You should’ve pulled away.

“This is purely a concern for your health, Y/N.” James said to your back. “I’ll keep my hands to myself if that is what you wish.” He released you and you turned to face him; his eyes not meeting yours, but instead looking down as if his boot became incredibly fascinating all of a sudden.

“Fine.” You mumbled.

 ---

James took you to the 18th floor, down the hall to the left and pulled out his room key. When the lock clicked he pushed open the door and held it there for you walk into the room. Grand and Gorgeous as expected. You stood in the center of it as you heard him shuffle behind you, set down his keys, and take off his coat. “So, you live in a hotel?”

“No, im just here until the construction on my place finishes. The bathroom is around the corner. Leave your clothes outside, ill have them dried for you.”

You mumbled a quick and quiet thank you before retreating to the bathroom. As you peeled off your damp clothes, you thought of Luke; of how much you were an idiot for coming to this hotel and of how he would try to kill James for even coming near you. So, you decided to instead think of Lukes smile and of the eyes you fell in love with. Luke loved you and it was cruel of you to imagine James in his place, in any situation.

You pushed your thoughts to the back of your mind as you piled your clothes up in your arms to place outside the door. As you cracked open the door to make sure James was nowhere around, you saw what you least expected. You watched him pull his shirt over his head from behind, rustling his hair that fell perfectly back into place; into place in a way that made him constantly look like he just had the biggest fuck session imaginable. As his arms fell back to his side, you noticed how his muscles moved. He was so...toned. And you made an impulsive decision. A bad one.

Carefully, trying not to make a sound, you pulled your clothing back into the bathroom and onto your body. When you came back to the room, he was sitting there, still shirtless, with his elbows on his knees and hands clasped together. His gaze was locked to the ground 5 ft in front of him and he didn’t notice you until you stood at his side. When your eyes connected, he shot up from the bed, nearly bumping you on his way up. “I, uh, thought you were going to be longer.” He stammered. “You didn’t shower?” He was nervous. He was nervous? That was odd considering 10 minutes ago he was cocky and collected. “Sorry.” He said motioning to his chest. “I’m not trying to come on to you. I swear.” He reached to the floor for his shirt but froze midway when your hand touched his shoulder. His skin was warm, and you could feel his muscles tense. Slowly, he straightened upright, his eyes never leaving yours as your hand slid from his shoulder to the center of his chest. His heart began to beat rapidly, faster by the second and your mind became numb to everything but that consistent thump and the sound of his breath.  “What are you doing, Y/N?” he whispered as his hand cupped the back of yours on his chest; moving up and down to the rhythm of this ragged breathing. What you were doing was being stupid. You knew it, but your brain wouldn’t fully acknowledge it, so your other hand moved to cup his cheek and after a moment, he turned his head and pressed his lips to the inside of your palm. “What are you doing to me?” he mumbled.

“Kiss me...” you whispered, making him growl and smash his lips to yours. He crushed your body to his and lifted you by your waist. You were spun and then gently laid onto the mattress. You pulled him as close as physically possible and moaned as his hand trailed up the side of your leg while you wrapped it around his waist. “James…” you hummed as he trailed his lips along your neck trailing farther down.

“Hmm?” he hummed back. When you answered with a sharp gasp, he continued. “God, Y/N, I have never wanted anyone or anything the way I want you.” His lips retraced their tracks and made it back to yours, soft and inviting. When his hand moved to your lower back to pull your pelvis rough against his, you panicked. It felt so good having him grind his hard cock against you, even through your jeans, but it was wrong. It was cheating, and your brain had a split second of realization that made you want to stop.  

“Wait!!” You said a little louder. “James, we have to stop. I…I can’t. We can’t sleep together. I can’t cheat on him. I just…can’t.”

James removed his lips from your jaw and let out a sigh as he rested his head in the crook between your neck and shoulder. “I know.”

 {JAMES}

He watched you as you left, taking everything with you but the smell of your perfume that practically embedded itself into his mattress. He wasn’t going to get any sleep tonight, that was for damn sure. Groaning, he slumped back onto the bed, frustrated in more ways than one. The clock read 1:30 am and it was going to be a long night, hell, a long weekend. Unless he did something about it, he wouldn’t see you until god knows when.

He knew you were determined to end this and forget him; to marry that prick and be his perfect little trophy wife. But, James knew more of what Luke intended when it came to married life than you did, and he knew he would find a way to tell you when the time was right.

In all truth, Luke was as dumb as he was rich, he just hid it well. It was dumb of him to tell James about every amazing aspect of you, it was dumb of him to bring you to the office to meet him, it was dumb of him to expect James to understand when he caught Luke with Jennas lips around his cock, but perhaps the dumbest thing Luke had done in his entire life, was trust James Buchanan Barnes at all. He knew what he wanted, and what he wanted was you. One way or another, he would show you that you wanted him too.

tags:

@dugan365, @moonlightimagination, @pietrotheavenger, @marvel-fanfiction, @agentsinstorybrooke, @dani-si, @alyssiamking

[mememimay-blog]

If only

I stormed out of the house one chilly morning, leaving my father and stepmother behind. It was early in November, and the breeze seeps through my jacket. The scent of pancakes and coffee filled my nostrils as I passed Mr. Laurenzo’s cafe. You’re probably wondering where I am going. For the sake of information, I would tell you that I’m going to “my mountain top”. Not a literal mountain top, of course. There’s no mountain in the city. My mountain top refers to the rooftop of a small law firm a few blocks away from home. No, wait. It’s not a home anymore since my stepmother arrived.

I am a certified daddy’s girl. He buys me everything I want and he lets me do the things that I want to do, except the bad one’s, of course. As the only child, I’m spoiled rotten. His treatment never changed even after my mother passed away due to leukemia when I was eight. I think he loved me even more after that.

Daddy is a successful businessman. We lived in luxury and comfort until my stepmother arrived. I mean, my dad’s business is still progressive, but the presence of stepmother is upsetting. Everything has changed when my dad married her six months ago. Everyone think she’s a great woman, but I don’t. I can sense something lurking behind her wide smile. And it infuriates me every time she makes decisions for me. Duh? She’s not a family. The more she pushes herself to connect with me, the more I get irritated. Honestly, I don’t know what dad sees in her. She’s neither smart nor pretty.

She also spends excessive amount of dad’s money on clothes and accessories. I saw her holding hands with a bulky man once, and I told dad about it. But he ignored me. He just shrugged it off and insisted that he’s just a friend. I think my stepmother is doing something to hypnotize my dad or whatever. Maybe she’s practicing some voodoo or any black magic. Ugh.I definitely hate her.

Anyways, I walked out from the house because of what my dad and stepmother told me. I know it’s the witch’s will, and my dad just went with the flow of her plan. You see, tomorrow’s my eighteenth birthday, and they didn’t allow me to invite my friends. Like, WHAT? It’s supposedly my birthday! What’s the point of having a party if I can’t invite my friends? - Yes, my wicked stepmother organized a party which would be a jungle of alcoholics and middle-aged people. It really ignited the anger deep within me. I don’t know what my stepmom is thinking. I think she’s out of her mind. And I’m super disappointed with my dad because he agreed just like that. I mean, how could he do this to me? I’m supposedly his princess!

******************

 The sun was beginning to set, its angry orange streaks reaching desperately for what remained of the sky, when I decided to go home. My anger already dimmed, but not totally extinguished. I’ve been thinking the whole day, and I’m going to confront my stepmom when I arrive at my dad’s house. I believe that I have the right to remind her about her role in our family and in my life, which she definitely has no part.

The familiar homey scent welcomed me as I opened the front door. It;s silent. They’re probably out.No, wait. She’s probably out but I’m certain my dad is just somewhere in the house.  “Dad?” I called. Nobody answered, but I heard some noise coming from the back of the house. I sighed and walked to the kitchen. And I saw what would haunt me forever.

He was struggling on the kitchen floor, vomiting some sticky red something, and it was only a few seconds before I realized that it was a blood. My legs turned jelly. I stood frozen and I did nothing but watch him die slowly. my system seemed paralyzed, and the icy look in his eyes when his breathing finally stopped made me shiver. I wanted to scream but no sound will come out from my throat. Then something hard hit my head and everything went pitch black.

*******************

When I woke up, I found myself lying in a cold metal bed. I slowly sat up and looked around. I’m in a grey cell which smells like rotten rags. The door is about two meters away from the bed, and there’s a small fluorescent hanging from the ceiling. The door slowly opened, and a woman in white scrub suit entered. She��s tall, with an aristocratic nose, pale green eyes, and graying hair.

“You’re finally awake”, she said gently, which reminds me of my mother. 

“What happened? My dad?” I asked.

She smiled sadly and said, “I guess you’d want to look around”.

I followed her outside. It’s silent, and the corridors are dimly lit. At first I thought this was a hospital, but as we continued walk, I concluded that this is not the usual hospital. It’s different.

We finally reached an opening which lead to wide field. I stepped out and looked around. There were people wearing baby blue clothes. I looked down and I realize that I’m wearing one, too. I saw a girl about my age sitting on a bench nearby. I walked towards her. She’s blonde, with blue-grey eyes, like vulture’s. She’s staring blankly at the space, and her mouth is slightly open.

“Hey,” I said, as I waved my hand in front of her. It took some minutes for her to finally look at me, her face still blank. Then I realized that something’s wrong. I looked around and saw that we are surrounded by massive walls and barbed wires. I looked back at the door and stared towards it. Then something knocked me off balance. It took me seconds to realize that I was knocked off. I slowly stood up and came face-to-face with a black guy with an exaggerated huge smile.

“You’re new,” he said as-a-matter-of-factly.

“Obviously. And you don’t really have to knock me off like that,” I said.

“Of course. Hey, you’re the one who was sent here yesterday by your aunt, right? Or was it your aunt? Neighbor? Stepmother? Hahahaha. I don’t know,” he said.

I already knew where I am. I’m in a mental institution.

I ran inside and saw more people in white scrub suits/

“Why am I here? I’m not insane! I;m not a lunatic! My father just died! I need to get out of here!” I shouted, as my tears fell down my cheeks. I was scared and confused and frustrated but I know too well that I’m not insane.

The woman who accompanied me a while ago come closer.

“Calm down, dear. We know this would happen. Come on, ypu need to take more rest,” she said

“Are you kidding me? I’m fine! I’m well! I need to get out of here and confront my stepmother! I need to see my father! He died! I saw him in the kitchen!” I said furiously.

“She’s the one who killed him, Isn’t she? someone asked.

I looked at the petite woman who said it and knocked her off her feet.

“I didn’t kill my father, you ugly! You are crazy! Why would I do that? I-”

The people in white grabbed my arm as I continued to scream, kick, and struggle. Then one of them held out a syringe and stabbed my arm with it.

My body suddenly felt numb, and I slowly kicking. My body went limp, and my eyes as my surroundings slowly turned blurry.

If only I hadn’t out that morning.

If only I had come home early that day.

I could’ve stopped my stepmother from doing what she have done.

[ford-ye-fiji]

I finally decided to post some of my fanfic here. ^_^ (all of my Spanish is pretty much google translate so, sorry for any mistakes!) 

Summary: Imelda learned an important lesson in her life, and even in her death.... and beyond her death. If you want something done, do it yourself. Especially when it concerns thickheaded músicos! 

AO3 link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/13920894

Honestly, the man was estupido, she knew he'd been attempting to cultivate a friendship for literal ages and, most recently, a courtship. Did he think she didn't know? As if his suddenly awkward conversations and flirtatious quips weren't obvious enough, certainly the waggling of his eyebrows and his huge friend's overeager nudges whenever she reacted with a smile would have clued her in. Dios! What a bunch of tontos locos!

Really, the absolute worst thing about this whole situation was that she found herself returning his shy advances. Imelda was the most stubborn woman in all of Santa Cecilia. Men talked of her cold unapproachable frown and dark stony eyes. Ladies at the market tittered about her brittle barbs shot at all the hombres lindos and the countless suitors that had found themselves thrown out on their backsides after making their unwanted attentions known.

 So what made this crazy, maravilloso, exasperante man so- so different? 

Imelda didn't know. Perhaps because he was so sweet and tender in those soft in-between moments as he leapt from one place to the next. Maybe it was the way he seemed to be brighter whenever those he was around were happier. Maybe it was because, just like her, people talked about him behind his back. (They always called him loco, laughing at his energetic twirls, and starry-eyed dreaming, and the way he endlessly talked about music. It was his amor verdadero, they said.) Perhaps it was the niños pequeños, and how they always shrieked with delight, lighting up like luciérnagas when they saw Héctor Rivera striding down the packed dirt street. 

So what could be her problem then? Héctor Rivera was clearly, stupidly, besotted and his best friend Ernesto De La Cruz took every opportunity to leave them alone together. Well, the problem was that Héctor was rather slow on the uptake. Idiota! She'd tried everything, the hand on his arm, the lingering after the festivals, the soft smile. She was practically shouting her interest from the rooftops. Apparently, it was up to her to do everything. 

Héctor finished his soft song and grinned boyishly at her, dark hair falling into his face as his fingers stilled on the strings. Imelda smiled, she'd been finding herself doing more of that lately, "Muy bien." She sat up and looked around, the sky clear and bright, "Where is Ernesto?

"Héctor shrugged with a sort of fond exasperation and leaned back against the old tree, "He wanders off now and then." 

Imelda rolled her eyes and tossed her hair. She sat up. No one was in sight... It was time for her to do something. 

"Héctor?"

He turned those soft brown eyes towards her, "Sí, Ime-?" He never got to finish his sentence. Imelda pushed forward, eyes shut tight as she clutched at his vest and pulled his lips to hers. 

She could feel his startled flailing, but he didn't turn away. In fact, after a few seconds, his hands came to rest gently on the sides of her face and he relaxed into it. 

All too soon, she pulled away, eyes opening slowly. Héctor blinked dazedly, a bright red tinge spreading across his cheeks, "Muy Bueno de verdad... Are you sure you're feeling alright, mi amor?" 

Imelda, miraculously, laughed. Héctor seemed just as astonished as her at her openness and soft adoration. 

She took his long fingers with both hands, feeling just as flushed as him, "For the first time, mi querido, I think that I am better than alright."

A few weeks later, intimidating Imelda and silly Héctor were married. Most brides would have cried on their wedding day. Imelda Rivera however, smiled so hard her cheeks hurt, and never shed a tear.

~

Imelda threw the crumpled paper ball at the battered door, "¡Odioso bruto! ¡Inútil músicos!" She raged, fists clenched so tightly that she left bloody crescents in her palms. 

"¿Mamá? ¿Mamá donde es papa?" 

Imelda turned. Face whitening at the sight of her frightened, trembling, joven chiquita. Little Cocó shed the tears that her mother could not, "¿Donde es papi? ¿Donde?"

Where is papa? Where?

Imelda broke, taking Cocó into her arms, "Oh no, conejito, oh no. Don't cry. Lo siento. Lo siento mamá. It's alright.”

Cocó sobbed into her dress, "¡Quiero mi papi! ¡Mamá!"

Imelda couldn't bring herself to cry. Imelda was not a crying woman and she never would be, little Cocó was however. While she sobbed, still crying for her no good papa, Imelda found herself growing angrier and angrier. How dare he abandon them? Imelda had been reluctant to let him go across the country with Ernesto but that- that tonto had gone anyway! He'd promised he'd come back (soon, mi amor, soon. I promesa) and just till recently she'd been receiving more and more money in the mail from him. 

Then suddenly, it had stopped. His letters, his money, everything. Then Ernesto had sent that asqueroso letter. He said Héctor had run off, taken most of the profits from their last show and that he was sleeping his way across Méjico. Imelda almost hadn't believed it, but six months had gone by with no word. Besides, Ernesto De La Cruz was Héctor's mejor amiga. Since childhood and through all the horrors of the revolution. He would never lie about something as awful as that. 

Imelda held Cocó tighter. She did not need that cabrón. Any man who abandoned his familia was no man at all. "Lo siento, Cocó. We do not need him and his música. We will be just fine without him."

She glared at Ernesto's crumpled letter.

“We don't need música, Cocó. We don't need it at all."

~

Héctor smiled sheepishly, his worn straw hat in his hands, "Gracias, Imelda. You did not have to do that."

Imelda Rivera frowned darkly at him. Her husband, or whatever he was now, gulped. It had been nearly nine months since the fateful Día de los Muertos that had changed everything from the past fifty years. Imelda was a stubborn woman, just like her mamá before her. But she wasn't that bullheaded! Surely, Héctor knew this. After all, he'd been living with them for nearly eight of those months. The familia had been quick to forgive him- after all, most of them had not actually known him in his life. And as they got to know her husband, music had slowly but surely creeped back into the somber Rivera household. Victoria hummed everywhere, Julio sang in the garden, Óscar and Felipe belted out semi-appropriate tunes while working on their shoes, and Rosita liked to pull random family members into a dance when she got excited. Héctor's lively nature and exuberance at being back again with his beloved familia was intoxicating. 

Imelda had hated to admit it in those early months, but Héctor and his música had breathed such joy into her household that everything seemed so much brighter. He had loved her for a long time, eagerly awaiting her arrival, only to be spurned by her when she did come. Imelda winced as she remembered the violence of her rejection when Héctor had shown up on her doorstop. That Ernesto De La Cruz could púdrete en el infierno!

Still, it had taken her some time to work past the wall of hatred that she had built up for almost a century. Of course, eight months was more than enough time, Héctor had left but he'd died trying to come to her, to Cocó, to his familia. Again she scowled, Ernesto De La Cruz that asesino. He'd stolen her husband's life and then tried to destroy his afterlife. She could feel herself getting angrier and tried to think of something else. Right. Héctor was still watching her carefully, as if he was trying to calm a caged caballo. 

Eight months. Eight months since her not-really-awful husband had been returned to her. That and the last fifty years or more of separation made her ache with a longing deep in her bones. And considering that she consisted solely of bones, made that ache just to be near him all the more sentido. 

Imelda held out her arm imperiously, "Walk with me, Héctor." 

He swallowed and took her arm, "Sí, Imelda."

He looked back at the alley behind them. An angry fan of Ernesto had accosted him rather violently a few streets back. The skeleton did not know what hit him when Imelda had attacked him with her shoe. Dios, Imelda was magnífico. 

It only took a few more blocks before Imelda huffed and spoke out loud what was bothering her. Héctor had suspected something was very wrong when, after she'd finished viscously whacking the skeleton back there, had hurtled insult after insult at the retreating man. Still, he had not suspected her to turn, poke him roughly in the shoulder and say, "Well, Héctor, are you going to kiss me or not? He esperado lo suficiente." 

He blinked, slack-jawed for a moment before he asked slowly and anxiously, "Are you feeling well, mi amor?"

Imelda rolled her eyes heavenward and then grabbed his hand, "Héctor, you know that you are still my husband and a part of my- our familia. You know that right?"

He seemed pained, "Imelda..."

"¡Dios! If you want something done do it yourself!" She briefly pressed her not quite lips to his, "Te amo, you silly fool." 

Héctor's eyes lit up and touched his mouth in awe. He realized his silence had stretched on too long and he sputtered sheepishly, "Y yo te, Imelda... Te amo!"

She snorted and marched away, pulling him behind her, "Now that we've gotten that out of the way, we can finally get on with our lives." She grumbled affectionately, "Idiota."

Héctor grinned like a lovesick husband for the rest of the day. 

(And maybe, just maybe Imelda... Cold, stubborn, Imelda... The Imelda who never cried, who never let herself care- and even when she had, had not even let herself mourn... Imelda finally let herself cry when she saw him with their little Cocó. All three of them together again after so long.) 

That very same night, to the utter delight of everyone in that small Rivera household, Imelda danced to loud happy música with her Héctor for the first time in a century. 

[lonelypond]

Idol Protection Program, Ch. 9

Love Live, NicoMaki, 2.3K, characters not mine, liberties taken are

Birthday Moments

Eve of Yazawa Nico’s 19th birthday. Location: Ayase-Tojo apartment

Nozomi was lounging on her couch, debating whether to have another bite of Nico’s birthday cake. Leaning on Eli was probably going to keep winning, especially as Eli kept taking pauses to kiss Nozomi’s ear.

“I’m surprised you didn’t get an apartment, Nicochi.” Nozomi drawled lazily, letting more of her weight collapse onto Eli.

Nico shrugged, putting down her sparkling water, “Nico has more important things to do.” “But you’re so busy with your debut song, between that and taking care of your siblings, you must have no time to be alone with Maki-chan.”

Nico glared, then glanced over her shoulder toward the kitchen where the redhead in question was making tea. But whatever Maki’s private opinions were about the amount of time Nico had to spend with her, she smiled at Nozomi as she set the tea down on the table, “Nico-chan and I are fine.” Then Maki slid close Nico, her hair teasing Nico’s nose. “Without Eli egging Umi on, the new group has a lot fewer rehearsals than μ's. So Nico and I have breakfast a lot.” “That’s not the same as eating a midnight snack together.” Nozomi decided to feed Eli a bite of chocolate cake.  Nico and Maki rolled their eyes in unison.

“Speaking of, we’d better head out. I’ve got a curfew.” Nico took Maki’s hand.

Eli spit out chocolate cake crumbs, “You’ve got a curfew?”

Nico snarled, “Nico needs her beauty sleep.”

Nozomi waved her fork in Maki’s direction, “And Nico’s mother doesn’t trust a certain redhead.”

“T...T...That’s…” Maki spluttered. “Actually true,” Nico pulled Maki up, smiling wearily as Maki’s expression soured at Nico’s betrayal, “Thanks for the cake.”

“Any time, Nicochi. And if you need to borrow the apartment…” Nozomi offered.

Maki was lost in Nico’s eyes for a moment, seeing love and worry equally mixed, then the redhead smiled, “No thanks, we’re good.”

Eve of Nishikino Maki’s 18th Birthday. Location: The Nishikino manor

Maki, taller, baby fat gone from her profile, stomped her foot in a not so very adult fashion as her parents sat calmly on the couch in the media room.

“I’m an adult now. If I want to marry Nico-chan, I will.” Her voice was a brittle roar and her parents could hear the tears in it.

Her mother spoke calmly, “No one is saying ‘Don’t marry, Nico.” We love Nico. But she’s about to leave on her first international tour and you shouldn’t get married because you’re afraid of losing her.”

Maki’s arms crossed over her chest, the set of her jaw carved in sullen anger, “That’s not why.”

Her father weighed in, also speaking carefully, but firmly, “Marriage is about establishing a home and a family. Nico could be touring for years. And neither of you is even living in a ward that even allows same sex wedding certificates yet.”

“We’d love it if Nico stayed here when she’s not touring. That’s not a problem.” Maki’s mother countered with another practical argument. “It will be convenient. You can get used to each other.” “I don’t want to get used to Nico. I want to marry her.” Maki turned away from her parents, fists clenched at her side, hiding tears. “There are so many considerations, being hasty is just setting yourself up for potential failure. You still have years of schooling. And responsibilities.” Her father was starting to sound grimmer.

After a few moments of silence, Maki stood taller and faced her parents with a bow, “Thank you for your advice.” Her face contorted, as she was obviously holding in an angry rebuttal. “I will let you know what” and here her voice deepened with confidence, “we decide.” Then she strode to the door, thankful she’d already put everything she needed in her birthday present, a sports car from the new Toyota GR line.

After midnight, Nishikino Maki’s birthday Location: roof, Otonokizaka High School

Maki pounded up the stairs, running off some of her frustration with her parents. She felt like a first year again, eager for the start of rehearsal, anxious to see if she could catch the interest of a pair of ruby eyes that sparkled constantly, see that smile. Three years had only made her daily fonder of Yazawa Nico, who matched dynamism and caring in measures far mightier than her size.  Maki had texted Nico from the car, upset, wanting to meet and Nico had suggested the school, giving Maki the keycode she’d gotten, calling in a favor owed by Kotori and Umi. Maki had agreed, this was too private a conversation for the Yazawas’ apartment. The Otonokizaka rooftop was a fitting place. So many of the best things in Maki’s life were rooted in the time she spent there.

Maki flung the door open. Nico was standing a few feet down, staring at the Tokyo skyline, sable hair loose, long pink coat wrapped around her.

“Nico-chan.” Maki rushed to wrap her arms around Nico, lifting the smaller woman off the ground.

“Whoa, Maki-chan. What’s wrong? Did something happen? Tell Nico.” Nico hugged Maki fiercely, ready for whatever Maki needed. But Maki shook her head, knowing Nico could feel it and just wanting to be held for now, before she had to say anything.

Nico steered them to the edge of the roof, sitting them down, her hands caressing Maki’s cheeks, “What’s the matter, Maki-chan? Who upset you on your birthday? Nico will take care of them.”

Maki struggled to hold back the tears the gentleness in Nico’s voice was urging on. So she remembered her parents and the unforgiving look on their faces, the conservative, know nothing about their daughter look that demanded Maki put the life she’d been dreaming about on hold for practical considerations. And she remembered how angry she’d felt.

She flew across the rooftop, arms flung out to the side, voice loud and shrill enough to be mistaken for an alarm siren, “They just don’t understand, Nico-chan. I’m not afraid. I know you have to go on tour…”

Nico was about to ask who “they” was, but then she realized Maki was probably ranting about something her parents had said. She wondered what Maki and the elder Nishikinos had been arguing about, they seemed to exist mostly in a nest of amicable support, as long as Maki stayed on track with school and college and taking over the hospital. None of that had anything to do with Nico’s tour.

“Is this about your birthday?” Nico wondered, puzzled, maybe something happened in rich families at eighteen, papers being signed, property being transferred? Had Maki’s parents refused something?

“Yes.” Maki turned, lavender eyes glowing even more against the red of crying, hair crazy from wind and temper. “I’m an adult now. If I want to get married, I can.”

Nico’s heart stopped, probably literally, at least that’s what it felt like to her as Maki continued, “I’m not afraid because you’re leaving, I don’t want you sharing my teenage bedroom with me, and I KNOW WHAT I’M DOING. WE’RE GETTING MARRIED.”

All of Tokyo heard that. Nico stared at Maki, a glorious comet as she raged around the roof, determination etched into every line of her profile. The echoes died down, and Nico stood in awe, amazed once again by the tempestuousness of the best person she had ever met, the kindest, the truest, the hottest and once, again, along with all of that, the silliest. And once again, it was breathtaking how in synch they were.

And Maki continued ranting, oblivious to any reaction Nico was having, pulling a jewelry box and a ticket envelope out of her pocket, waving them at Nico, “Matching rings. Tickets anywhere you want to get married, paid for with the money I made composing that album for A-Rise.”

Nico couldn’t help it, she was still stuck on Maki standing on the roof of their high school and in the first real act of her adult life, shouting “WE’RE GETTING MARRIED” so all of Tokyo could hear it. Before even asking Nico. So very Maki. So very very impulsively, irresistibly Maki. Which made Nico chuckle. Fondly, which unfortunately confused Maki who stopped, not breathing, suddenly looking small and scared.

“Nico-chan?” It was a whisper as the tears began to gather. “Don’t you want to.”

“Maki-chan,” Nico bounced to where her first love and the most beautiful woman she’d ever seen was suddenly about to collapse in tears, “Silly, silly Maki-chan.” Nico took Maki’s hand, putting the tickets in her coat pocket, grasping the box she’d been carrying around for days, “Nico just meant that, traditionally, someone goes down on one knee.” And Nico knelt in front of Maki, grinning as Maki, once again, stopped breathing, but behind madly blinking, tear dashed eyelashes, there was suddenly hope, “presents a ring,’ it was a small diamond, in a thin gold band, but Nico knew Maki didn’t care about anything but whose hands were offering it “And says, after many many rehearsals in Nico’s head, “Nishikino Maki, you are the only love, the only lover, the only partner for me. No matter what happens from here, I want it to happen with you.” And here Nico couldn’t resist a wink, “You have my heart, you know you can’t say no to Nico so” Nico stood, as she slipped the ring on Maki’s finger and shouted “WE’RE GETTING MARRIED.” And then, Nico searched in her other pocket for something and pulled out a key, turning Maki’s hand over, resting it gently in her palm and closing her fingers around it, “We have an apartment in Shibuya. Want to see it?” Maki opened her hand, staring at the key, “Nico-chan, how?” Nico ducked her head so she was looking into Maki’s eyes, “Is that a yes? You know to” Nico stepped back, hands making a bullhorn around her mouth, “WE’RE GETTING MARRIED.”

Maki grumbled and picked up Nico, swinging her around in a circle, “I thought I couldn’t say no to you.”

“Nico wants to make sure.” Nico pulled Maki into a kiss, feeling the tears running down Maki’s cheeks. “Let me take you home.”

“Nico-chan.” Maki’s hug nearly crushed Nico, but neither of them minded. Nico was marrying a future doctor. Anything Maki broke, she could fix.

Eve Of Nishikino Maki’s 30th birthday Location: Kurosawa Household

Maki had meant to do this two years ago, but children...so many things Maki and/or Nico had meant to do, but children...Maki smiled as she closed the screen to her daughters’ room, so many precious things they hadn’t meant to do as well with the two little miracles in there. Nico had just returned from a tour, and was sleeping off exhaustion, but with the girls asleep now, Maki was going to wake her up. It had been a busy, lonely six weeks as Nico finished off contracted tours she’d postponed when she was pregnant with Ruby. Maki’s mother had moved in for a month to help with the babies and Cocoro had just gone back to Tokyo yesterday.

Maki glanced at her left hand. People were always so surprised that her jewelry was so simple: one thin gold band with a small diamond, one braided gold wedding band. But they represented everything that mattered to her, Nico, independence, commitment. So many memories were threaded in those two circles that Maki wouldn’t have traded them for crown jewels. Nico still occasionally called her silly for getting wedding bands while skipping the proposal, but Maki realized that once again, like everything since she’d met Nico, no matter how things might have started, everything worked out perfectly. Nico had put her savings into an engagement ring and the initial payment on a tiny studio apartment. And remembered to propose.

Maki took the box out of her pocket, removing the ring inside, a thin gold band with a small ruby. She could have bought Nico a much more spectacular ring, but this one, this one was perfect. Exactly like the woman asleep in their bed.

Maki slid the screen open, whispering “Nico-chan?” into the darkened room. Now for the only birthday present she ever wanted, time alone with her wife.

“Maki?” Nico sounded raspy and tired, but Maki’s heart fluttered like it had the first time Nico said her name, “I love you.”

“I love you too, Nico-chan.” Maki slid into bed, Nico nuzzling close. Maki started to say the words, but suddenly felt shy, and silly, and yes, there was that damnable blush as Nico got near enough to kiss her, ruby eyes sparkling. Maki grabbed Nico’s hand and clumsily slid the ring on, mouth open, no words coming out. Nico hesitated, reaching to turn on the light, staring at her fingers. Maybe she should have brought a more impressive one, Maki suddenly worried.

“Maki-chan…” Nico’s voice was soft, shocked.

‘Happy proposal anniversary.” Maki grinned, confidence renewed by the wonder in Nico’s eyes.

Nico shook her head, another Yazawa Nico quicksilver recovery to amaze the girl who’d fallen head over head for a twintailed imp, “You still haven’t learned anything yet, Maki-chan.” Nico crowed, mischief brightening her worn voice, “You’re supposed to ask the girl to marry you before you put the ring on.”

“Nah, that part’s boring.” Maki teased, her lips brushing Nico’s cheek, “I like this better.”

“Really, because Nico remembers having a breathless audience when I proposed.” Nico brought Maki’s left hand to her lips.

“But Nico’s the number one idol in the universe.” Maki giggled, “You fascinate.”

“Every day.” Nico kissed the palm of Maki’s hand and a shiver went through the redhead as she imagined where Nico’s lips would wander from there. “But Nico’s heart is always home here with you, my love, in your care.”

“That’s all I want.” Maki breathed shakily as Nico reached her elbow.

“Good.” Nico’s teeth nipped the skin, playfully, “Because Nico didn’t have time to pick out a birthday present.” Maki reached behind her for a pillow, “You know there’s a penalty.” Nico flipped herself across Maki, “Not if I wrestle you for it.”  Her lips were now on Maki’s collarbone as her hands reached for the pillow. Maki tilted them both back to horizontal, rolling through kisses as they landed. Nico was still all the present Maki ever needed.

A/N: It seems I haven't done one of these in too long so this bit of fluff hijacked my brain. Enjoy!*goes back to whistling Christmas tunes*

[dillydedalus]

november reading

so with lockdown #2, my master’s thesis done & handed in etc, i just had absolutely nothing going on so this month so... lots of books. featuring Houses full of statues and birds, an AU of weimar berlin, and... the plague?

someone who will love you in all your damaged glory, raphael bob-waksberg (audio) actually listened to this last month! anyway even tho i forgot about it, i actually really liked it! it’s a collection of short stories, all about love in some way, most with a strange twist - a couple wants a small wedding but the MIL insists they have to at least sacrifice 5 goats to the stone god and have a shrieking chorus, or it’s hardly a real wedding, right? that kind of thing. i really liked these stories; they were fun, hopeful without being cheesy (mostly), and the audio production, with lots of actors reading the different stories was fun. 4/5

the driver’s seat, muriel spark man this novella is nasty, but in a good way - sharp, vicious, mean but so well executed. it’s also pretty hard to discuss without spoiling it & i do think one should go into this unspoiled. but it’s certainly a classic of the unhinged women genre, showing lise seemingly making herself as noticeable, irritating and off-putting as she can on a trip to an unnamed (probably italian) city. 3.5/5

the empress of salt and fortune, nghi vo (singing hills cycle #1) a lovely novella set in an asian-inspired fantasy empire, which shows young cleric chih and their speaking hoopoe almost brilliant learn the story of a previous empress, a northerner who rose from exile as an cast-aside wife to power and of her servant, a peasant girl called rabbit. enjoyed the setting and the way this story unfolded through objects and rabbit’s retelling, and will definitely read the sequel novella which comes out in december. 3.5/5

pine, francine toon (audio) this is a crime/thriller type book with some horror elements about a young girl whose mother has disappeared mysteriously when she was very small. she lives with her dad in the scottish highlands close to a giant forest. the beginning is pretty cool & creepy, but then like 80% of it is just the girl being sad & wanting to know what happened to her mother & the dad being an alcoholic mess. and then most of the plot happens in the last 10% & isn’t great. disappointing. 2/5

where the wild ladies are, aoko matsuda (tr. from japanese by polly barton) a collection of short stories retelling japanese folklore stories about female ghosts/monsters with a feminist twist. on the whole, i liked these stories, but also found them a lot more light in tone than i expected; i guess i thought this would be more on the wild & raw side, so i ended up finding them a bit underwhelming. might also be a problem with lacking cultural context. will say tho that tilted axis press is great & i will seek out more of their books. 2.5/5

piranesi, susanna clarke (audio) god this was so good! so delightful! the House with its many rooms full of tides and clouds and birds and statues is a wonderful, magical yet melancholy setting, the narrator is kind & gentle & earnest, full of wonder and curiosity at the House and its mysteries (the contrast between the narrator’s and the Other’s attitude to the House... yes), the slow building up to the numerous reveals are just. very well done. the writing is lovely (did i almost cry about the albatross? yes) and chiwetel ejiofor is a great audio narrator. just all around lovely & the ending hits just right. 4.5/5

doomsday book, connie willis reading this book during lockdown #2.... a galaxy brain move i wouldn’t necessarily recommend. anyway this is set in a near future where time travel is used for historical research; oxford university is sending the young historian kivrin on the first mission to the middle ages (1320, which is perfectly safe, as far as medieval years go), but things go wrong and soon modern day oxford is under quarantine (ha. how wild. can you imagine.) and kivrin notices that some things are a bit off about where she is (spoiler it’s actually 1348 and y’all know what that means right... PLAGUE TIME). lots of people on goodreads found this slow and boring and while it is pretty damn slow (and for a world with time travel way too many plot points hinge on being unable to contact people by telephone), i found it riveting and uh dread-inducing throughout, but also really warm and immersive. adored this, was devastated at the end. even almost a month later i’m still in my feelings about it. 4.5/5

too loud a solitude, bohumil hrabal (tr. from czech by michael henry heim) a novella i intellectually appreciated but didn’t really love - the narrator works as a paper compactor in a nightmarish basement full of mice (that also get crushed by the hundreds) from where he imagines rat wars in the sewers but from where he also saves hundreds of books. it’s fascinating & well-written but as soon as it gets away from the nightmare paper-crushing basement, it just loses its appeal, especially when the narrator reminisces about his relationships to women (how to simultaneously put women on a pedestal and smear shit on them!!!). 3/5

i’m thinking of ending things, iain reid literary horror/thriller type book with a really intriguing first half, as a young woman is visiting her boyfriend’s parents for the first time while thinking of ending the relationship and things increasingly feel off (the parents are weird, there’s a picture on the wall that the boyfriend claims is him as a child, but is actually her, she gets weird voicemails from her own number). great sense of vague unease, very scary. then the second half kind of blows up the whole story in a way that i should theoretically find interesting but just found kind of underwhelming and not scary, especially since the ending then feels the need to spell it all out for you. 2/5

passing, nella larsen (reread) ugh this is brilliant and i almost don’t have anything to say about it so i’ll just summarise it i guess. it’s a novella about two black women in 1920s america, who knew each other as teenagers and who run into each other in a rooftop bar, where both of them are passing as white. irene finds out that clare is passing full-time, married to a white man who does not know that she is black, and although she strongly disapproves, she can’t help but be seduced (the queer subtext is strong here) into renewing their friendship, which begins to threaten her sense of stability and control. this book is pretty much pitch-perfect, has a lot of things to say about race, loyalty, what happens when categories we live by are threatened or destabilised, and is also just tight and elegantly written and. ugh. brilliant. 5/5

ring shout, p. djèlí clark an alternative history/fantasy book where the ku klux klan gets possessed by demons from another dimension and a group of black (and other marginalised) women (some men too) who are able to see these demons have to fight them from gaining more power through a showing of birth of a nation. note: the klan is still already evil without the demons, but their evil makes it easier for the demons to possess them. very cool concept, very cool setting, but i found the main character and some of the plot progression a little boring. 3/5

amberlough, lara elena donnelly (amberlough dossier #1) this is really just the nazi takeover of weimar berlin in an alternate world (literally... the denizens of the city of amberlough are amberlinians... the two epigraphs are from le carre and cabaret...), told thru an amberlinian spy (cyril) forced to work for the nazi-equivalent (the ospies), his secret cabaret mc/smuggling kingpin boyfriend (aristide), and rough-and-tumble sally bowles (cordelia). as such, it’s extremely my shit, although i will say that donnelly makes it a bit easy on herself by making the nazi parallel so very overt; the ospies’ ideology is not particularly detailed beyond ‘real fashy’ and wanting to unite four loosely federated states. it’s just.... a bit weaksauce, and while she does include an ethnic minority for the ospies to hate, this also doesn’t feel as fundamental to their ideology as it should. also cyril sucks. but these issues may be solved in the sequels & it was a lot of fun. also.... amazing cover. 3/5

the vanishing half, brit bennett very much in conversation with larsen’s passing, this is a 2020 historical novel about passing, colorism, and identity, in which desiree and stella, very light-skinned african american twins who grow up in a black town that values lightness very much, become separated when stella chooses to pass for white and marry a white man. the book is very immersive and engaging, and stella and desiree are interesting characters, but (i felt unfortunately) much of the book is focused on their daughters, whose chance meeting might expose stella/reunite the sisters/etc etc, but who weren’t as interesting. the plot also relies on coincidences a lot which is a bit annoying. still an interesting and entertaining read. 3/5

die stadt der anderen, anthology printed version of an art project where three pairs of authors were sent on trips through berlin, which each person writing about what the other person showed them and how they experienced the city through the other. there was nothing earth-shaking in this, but reading it during lockdown was lovely. in conclusion i love berlin... would love to experience it again some time. 3/5

the fire this time, edited by jesmyn ward collection of essays on anti-black racism in america, many in response to the beginning of the black lives matter movement. i don’t have much to say about it, but it is very good and i would recommend. as is often the case with essay anthologies about serious topics i don’t really think i can rate it.

intimations, zadie smith a very short collection of essays written during early lockdown. smith is always smart and fun but i wish these had been a little more focused on politics and less on personal experience, but like, you can’t really criticise a book for not being what you wanted it to be. ‘contempt as a virus’ was very good. 

superior: the return of race science, angela saini really solid, engaging and accessible discussion of race science and why... it’s bad & dangerous, both looking at race science in the past and the invention of race, and how it is returning and regaining influence (not to say that race science ever completely disappeared, but as saini explains, it moved into a more marginal space in the sciences after ww2). 3.5/5

the hive, camilo josé cela (tr. from spanish by j.m. cohen & arturo barea) spanish modern classic set in madrid during the last few years of ww2. told thru short fragmentary snippets with a huge rotating cast of characters, mostly lower and middle class, going about their days, with the theme tying them together being “the city, that tomb, that greased pole, that hive”, which is a very sexy line, but unfortunately it didn’t work for me. the tone is v dispassionate and in combination with the huge cast it just made me profoundly unengaged. it also has the weird habit of changing scene in the middle of a paragraph, which i found rather confusing. 2.5/5 slave old man, patrick chamoiseau (tr. from french by linda coverdale) absolutely amazing short novel from the creolité movement aabout an old slave, seemingly resigned to his position, suddenly escaping and being pursued by the slavemaster’s terrifying monstrous mastiff through the forests of martinique, but really also about selfhood, relearning humanity, trauma and nature. the language is at turns sparse and lush and always gorgeous and the translation from french/creole uses endnotes (we love an endnote) and a strategy of doubling to retain some of the original language, which was really cool to read. so yeah this is brilliant. 4/5

mexican gothic, silvia moreno-garcia gothic horror novel about young mexican socialite noemí visiting her recently-married cousin in her new (english) family’s isolated, creepy and dilapidated mansion after said cousin sent a disturbing and strange letter calling for help. gothic horror shenanigans involving vivid dreams, family secrets and eugenics ensue. after a slow start, i absolutely devoured the second half in one afternoon bc once it gets going it REALLY gets going. not super-scary, but a nice creepy atmosphere & reveal. also loved how it combines the clear yellow wallpaper inspo (the cousin’s letter involves people in the wallpaper) and the focus on the english family’s eugenic ideology (not a fun fact but charlotte perkins gilman was a eugenicist), and the vain & flighty but also smart & stubborn protagonist. had a lot of fun with this. 3.5/5

i’m also still reading a tale of love and darkness by amos oz which is really good but which is taking me forfuckingever. 

[aion-rsa]

How Wynonna Earp’s Wayhaught Has Changed The TV Landscape

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We set the stage: It is the Wynonna Earp midseason finale. Two people, who have gone through hell and high water at each other’s side, make a decision to bind themselves to the other. It’s a choice grounded in love, kindness, understanding, and hope for a better future. The only difference is that this love is shared between two women who, in addition to battling literal demons, have also battled harmful LGBTQ tropes like “Bury Your Gays” and come out on top in spite of it—bulletproof vests sometimes included.

Bury Your Gays: A History aka When Queer Stories Don’t Include Happiness

“Bury Your Gays” is the narrative trope that sees queer characters killed off at a disproportionate rate, often but not always in the service of furthering a straight lead characters’ storyline. The trope has been a particularly visible issue in the LGBTQ community since the days of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. In 2002’s Season 6, the lesbian couple of the show had just reconciled when the most random bullet in TV history struck Tara and killed her in front of girlfriend Willow. It was shocking, upsetting, and something that stuck with queer viewers—a reminder that we aren’t allowed happiness in the same way straight couples are when it comes to the shows and movies we watch.

The frustration stuck with the queer TV-watching community for years to come, and it all came to a head in 2016, when another slew of queer deaths on TV hit, with four lesbian or bi woman characters killed off on four different TV shows over the course of one month. The most influential of these was the death of Lexa on The 100. This commander was also struck by a bullet after a night of gay lovemaking. The big difference is that, this time, fans had the power of the internet on their side to discuss and make their anger known.

Back in the days of Buffy, the queer TV-watching community couldn’t air grievances in the same way we can today through Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, Instagram, or a slew of other social media platforms. They couldn’t tag the showrunner or show in general with our thoughts on how we’d been hurt once more. But, after the death of Lexa, fans old and new had the power in their hands to organize and make change, or at least to shout from the rooftops about how done they were. It created a movement, a sense of unity amongst queer viewers, where we would call out what showrunners were lacking in when it came to writing our stories: happy and healthy LGBTQ relationships.

By “happy,” we don’t mean the elimination of all negative emotions; we mean the destruction of the “bury your gays” trope, where no one dies from a stray bullet. It means showing the true and full construct of what a queer relationship is like in 2020 and the strides our culture has made in acceptance, understanding, and telling stories where queer characters are happy and taking on challenges together because there’s more to these characters than the fact that they are queer. And it means not putting queer characters in the backdrop of large productions like Avengers: Endgame or Star Wars as a means of saying, “Hey, we gave you representation!” As if representation is the same thing as inclusion.

It means being a little bit more like Wayhaught, aka the relationship between Waverly Earp and Nicole Haught on Syfy’s supernatural western Wynonna Earp.

How Wynonna Earp & Wayhaught Set a New Standard 

“For me, I’m not going to promise there’s not going to be drama in my shows,” Wynonna Earp showrunner Emily Andras told The Mary Sue back in 2016, during the show’s first season. “I’m not going to promise that LGBT characters aren’t going to be put through the ringer or put into dangerous situations, but I hope I can deliver a satisfying romantic relationship that is separate from any danger or peril that happens on the screen due to the supernatural circumstances.”

Creators can learn from showrunners like Andras, the woman behind the success of Wayhaught. And if they’re lucky enough, they can have a marriage proposal like what we got in the midseason finale of Wynonna Earp. The scene, which sees Waverly proposing to Nicole in front of their entire family,  made queer people feel seen, appreciated, and loved. These two characters are not the only example of positive queer representation out there when it comes to TV shows, books, and movies, but Wayhaught is continually raising the bar when it comes to centering queer representation on TV. 

wayhaught fought like hell to get a chance at happiness together and they got it, they got back together, they got to say I love you to each other, they got engaged, I can’t wait for their happily ever after once they get married pic.twitter.com/YDZoTlngij

— hope ✨ 58 ♡ (@earpwaverIy) August 31, 2020

WAYHAUGHT ARE OFFICIALLY ENGAGED AND SAID I LOVE YOU AT THE SAME TIME AAAAAAAAAAAA #WynonnaEarp pic.twitter.com/LNbPuZTWGz

— Lua | 𝚗𝚘 𝚏𝚞𝚗𝚍𝚘 𝚍𝚘 𝚕𝚊𝚐𝚘 🎃✨ (@CabeyoSpell) August 31, 2020

Waverly: Nicole Haught, will you marry me? Nobody: Adam: YeeEs I WiLl. WAYHAUGHT IS ENGAGED 🥰🏳️‍🌈 @abnormallyadam ❤️ pic.twitter.com/0AL8SVAP6i

— Wayhaught 🏳️‍🌈 (@WayhaughtFR) August 31, 2020

The queer, TV-watching community doesn’t just want new beginnings; we want new middles, ones that tell new, happier kinds of stories about queer characters. The Wayhaught proposal was a clear cut example that Andras has taken the time to not only understand this, but prioritize it in Wynonna Earp’s storytelling. Queer fans want the evolution of something new, yet familiar. And it’s not just because we want to see our OTP happy. It’s because we want to believe we can also experience happiness for ourselves. We, after all, learn from the content we consume. So, this lesson, that we can have happy beginnings, middles, and ends matters for queer viewers who have been either erased or explicitly told otherwise for decades.

It especially matters for queer viewers who have never seen themselves represented positively or at all on TV. These experiences help mold us and understand the world around us. So when we see Wayhaught sharing tender moments in the midst of the craziness that is Wynonna Earp, we take in a united front that any of us can achieve and become a part of. And that feeling is uplifting, game-changing, and could be what a queer person needs to see to understand their worth in this world as we know it.

Why Wayhaught Matters

Wayhaught matters because they are a sign of where we’ve come from and where we’re headed when it comes to LGBTQ representation.

Other showrunners can learn a lesson from the Wayhaught proposal: queer fans want content that matches our experiences, and not just content catered to us for brownie points. We’re not a little box that can be checked off, as in Avengers: Endgame or Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, or on that can be ignored once a queer character or relationship is established, as happened in Supergirl with Alex Danvers as a character and in her relationship with Kelly. The queer community is more than a box to check, and queer fans would appreciate some nuance when writing scenes that aim to represent our diverse experiences.

It’s not enough to just tell us about the queer character or couple on our screen. We want to feel their struggles, their achievements, their heartaches, and their happiest moments. And, in the Wayhaught proposal, many of us see all of that and more. We see how hard they fought for each other, how they’ve grown at each other’s side, and the lengths they’re willing to go to make the other happy. And it doesn’t feel like pandering. It feels real. And we want more.

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We know our value as a community, what we want to see on screen, what we don’t need in the media we consume. Wynonna Earp understands, keeps building up on it, and knows what we’d like to see more of in the future. It’s time for the rest of the shows looking to tell more inclusive stories to catch up or be left behind.

The post How Wynonna Earp’s Wayhaught Has Changed The TV Landscape appeared first on Den of Geek.

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[laurenduffy44]

Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Akron

The past 24 hours have been filled with a few adventures, which were all quite different from one another.

Pittsburgh

I had the privilege of attending a wedding of a friend of mine in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Alex, one of my closest friends from my first college experience, married the love of his life, Charlie. It was no coincidence that their wedding landed on the same weekend as both the Tony Awards and Pittsburgh PrideFest.

I expected the wedding to be just as beautiful as it turned out to be, but the fear I experienced prior was overwhelming. A few of the people in attendance do not remember me as the reformed, sober woman I am today. In fact, their impression of me is quite the opposite.

During my time at Mansfield University of Pennsylvania, I wasn’t the nicest girl. I put myself in a lot of awful situations, many of which inconvenienced or hurt other people. Needless to say, I did not know what to expect from my former classmates and, to my surprise, teachers.

Fortunately, nothing too traumatic occurred. Most of the evening was quite pleasant actually. Some interactions were a bit forced, but overall, the evening consisted of genuine conversations, along with some silliness. We reminisced of college times - we toured overseas, we partied a little too much, we even baked a giant cupcake one time. 

Part of me forgot I hadn’t seen these people in seven years. We had all changed since then. We had all grown into adults in one way or another. I just had to get sober to get there.

My evening ended dancing to Whitney Houston's “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” with my former choir director, followed by some genuine goodbyes. As I walked out of the building, my former classmates shouted from the rooftop (literally) - saying how nice it was to see me. It was nice to see them too.

Cleveland

This morning, I woke up bright and early to get a jump start on my day. I took the two and a half hour drive from Pittsburgh to Cleveland with the sole purpose of visiting the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

The area was flooded with locals for a charity walk to cure kidney disease, but after a little searching I found parking and began the short walk to the front of the museum. Outside the building stood a red, people-sized structure that read “LONG LIVE ROCK.”

Walking into the building, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. There is no possible way one person can see everything in that place in one day. I wanted to read every little thing. I wanted to watch every video on every artist and gain all the knowledge I could gather. However, since I spent an hour and a half solely on the Beatles area, I knew this was going to be difficult.

Some of the things I found most interesting:

The footage of the negative perception of rock and roll is fascinating. Who knew so many people really believed rock and roll listeners doubled as Satan worshipers?

Hand written lyrics are really cool - from John Lennon to Joe Strummer to Sia to Billy Joel - it’s just really incredible to see that it started on a piece of wide-ruled looseleaf paper. 

Angus Young’s schoolboy uniform is more awesome in person. So are David Bowie’s suits.

Never have I wanted to touch a guitar more than when I saw Kurt Cobain’s guitar today.

Akron

I arrived in Akron late this afternoon and for the first time since I left, I really feel like I’m on vacation. I spent a couple hours watching House of Cards at my Airbnb home for the evening with my new buddy Tig, who has been attached to me since I walked in the door. This is the friendliest cat I have ever met.

After Tig and I spent a little time relaxing, I decided to go to a meeting, more specifically a womens big book meeting. This weekend is AA Founder’s Weekend in Akron, Ohio. Sadly, Founder’s Day was yesterday, so I missed the festivities. I did, however, love this meeting. I met some wonderful women, exchanged some phone numbers and I look forward to talking to them further about recovery and about my adventures.