#little things I’ve been really enjoying ^-^

[leona-hawthorne]

— cowboy!mattheo fucking you in his truck

cowboy!mattheo riddle x fem reader warnings ; 18+ mdni, unprotected p in v, car sex, degradation (?), swearing cowboy!mattheo moodboard

navigation. au collection. m.list. cowboy!mattheo.

“knew you’d let me ruin you like this,” mattheo mutters, voice low and gravelly, his forehead pressed against yours as the truck rocks under the force of his thrusts. “all summer—teasin’ me with that sweet little mouth of yours, those fuckin’ dresses…” his words trail off into a groan, his hands gripping your thighs hard enough to bruise.  

you gasp, fingers curling into his shirt, the scent of sweat and cigarette smoke clinging to him like a second skin. “shut up, mattheo,” you hiss, but it’s breathless, your head tilting back against the seat as he hits a spot that makes your vision blur.  

he chuckles, the sound dark and taunting. “oh, i don’t think you want me to do that, sweetheart,” he drawls, one hand sliding down to grab your hip, pulling you harder onto him. “you like hearin’ how good you’re takin’ me, don’t you? like hearin’ how you’re drivin’ me fuckin’ insane.

you moan and your head tips back against the worn leather seat of his truck, the coolness of it a sharp contrast to the heat of his body pressed against yours. “you’re gonna get us caught, makin’ all that noise. family’s right across the damn street. am i making you feel that good?”

your nails dig into his shoulders, and he groans again, his hips slamming into yours with a ferocity that steals the air from your lungs. “you’re so full of yourself,” you bite out, though the way your voice shakes betrays any attempt at defiance.  

“full of myself?” mattheo repeats with a smirk, his dark eyes glinting in the faint light spilling through the truck windows. “nah, baby. you’re full of me.” his lips skim the curve of your neck, teeth grazing your skin as he leans in closer. “so long, i’ve been watchin’ you pretend you don’t feel this, like you’re not drippin’ for me every time i’m near you.”  

you clench around him, and the low growl that rumbles from his chest makes your stomach twist. “fuck you,” you whisper, though it’s weak, your hands sliding up to tangle in his messy curls.  

he grins, sharp and cocky, his thumb brushing over your lips before pressing into your mouth. “already are, sweetheart,” he taunts, his free hand gripping the back of your neck to keep you close. “you’re all bark, no bite.”  

his hips roll harder, deeper, and you bite down on his thumb, earning a hiss that quickly turns into a laugh. “feisty little thing,” he mutters, pulling his hand away to cup your jaw instead, forcing you to meet his gaze. “you want me to stop, sugar? tell me, and i will.”  

your fingers tighten around his bicep, clinging to him like he’s the only thing keeping you tethered to reality. he’s smirking now; you can feel it, the cocky bastard. you shake your head, swallowing back another sound when he rolls his hips just right, hitting that spot that makes you see stars.

“thought so,” he murmurs, pressing a rough kiss to your jaw before nipping at the sensitive skin. “you talk a big game, darlin’, but you don’t really want me to leave, do you?”  

you shake your head again, your breath hitching as his free hand slides down, gripping your thigh and hitching it higher around his waist. the angle makes you whimper, and mattheo chuckles low in his throat, the sound sending a fresh wave of heat through you.  

“that’s what i thought,” he mutters, his lips moving against your skin. “can’t get enough of me, huh? sneakin’ out to see me, lettin’ me fuck you like this with your mama’s curtains blowin’ in the window right there.”  

“mattheo—”  

“no, no,” he cuts you off, his tone sharp, but there’s a teasing edge to it, like he’s enjoying your desperation a little too much. “you don’t get to say my name like that unless you want the whole damn street hearin’ you. that what you want, sugar? your daddy stormin’ out here with his shotgun ‘cause his precious little girl couldn’t keep her legs closed?”  

“oh my god, shut up,” you snap, your face burning even hotter than before, but the way you clench around him gives you away.  

“mmm, i don’t think i will,” he drawls, dripping with smug satisfaction. “you love it when i talk dirty to you, don’t you? gets you all worked up, makes you wanna—”  

“mattheo, please,” you interrupt, your voice trembling, and his smirk softens just a little, something like affection flickering in his dark eyes as he leans in to kiss you.  

“please what, baby?” he whispers against your lips, his thrusts slowing just enough to drive you insane. “you gotta tell me what you want. i’m not a mind reader.”  

“don’t stop,” you manage, your voice barely more than a breath. “just— don’t stop.”  

“wasn’t plannin’ on it,” he murmurs, his lips curving into a grin as he picks up the pace again, each movement drawing a strangled gasp from your throat. “not ‘til you’re screamin’ for me, darlin’. let’s see if we can make that happen before the porch lights come on, yeah?”  

© leona-hawthorne 2025. please do not copy, translate or repost any of my writing.

[scho17]

Undead Twins AU

Knowing that your little brother had family and didn’t think he could trust you with it is a different type of guilt. 

It’s a guilt in knowing that those tires he was going to steal off your fathers car wasn’t just meant for a quick turn around, that it was meant to sustain an entire other person. It’s knowing that Jason had likely allowed himself to be taken in as a trial run before deeming it safe enough for his sibling. It’s knowing that Jason had found it lacking. It’s knowing that the Wayne’s may have held his wellbeing in their hands but they never held his trust.

And maybe, just maybe, Jason was right for that. 

Dick watches a young scrappy thing settle in front of Jason’s grave. The boy looks just like his brother. Only older. Not fifteen. He looks like a Jason Todd who finally grew into his big hands and broad shoulders. Dick could almost pretend this stranger is his little brother. Almost. 

He's sat on the uncomfortable ground. Dick knows its uncomfortable, he’s sat there too on the anniversary that Bruce refuses to leave the manor on. Too busy staring at a suit in a glass case, waiting, listening, hoping for that bell like laughter to chime once again in the stale air of the cave. He knows because he’s sat there in that very spot that boy is in and played music from bands his little brother liked, read him his favorites until his voice went hoarse, the classics that Dick could never quite enjoy with all their complicated flowery language. 

But there that haggard teenager is, tired and still finding it within himself to gently hold a bouquet in his calloused palm placing it on the tomb of his brother like its the most important thing he’ll ever do. There’s a slim smile on the boys lips as he reads over Jason’s engraved name, running his finger tips across it. His smile is small and soft. Private in a way that Dick knows he’s intruding upon just by laying witness.

And then, then he speaks.

He talks casually, like its any other conversation. Like he isn’t in a grave yard. Like Jason Todd isn’t six feet beneath him. He talks about stargazing, talks about Jason wanting to leave behind Gotham, staying because he felt he had to. He talks about daisies and dandelions. He says goodbye to his big brother and Dick thinks that it must feel agonizing to be older than your big sibling. To reach an age they never did and still keep going with out them. 

Jason Todd had a little brother and Dick Grayson never knew. There has always been anger simmering beneath his skin and Dick has always been good at anger but he’s better at grief. Guilt has always come easy and this is no different. 

*

“No, shut up this is so not funny. I don’t even know what I did but now I’ve got a bird on my tail and he won’t stop making sad eyes at me Jay.”

“It’s a little bit funny.”

“You’re an asshole.”

“You are too so I think it might be genetic.”

“Insufferable. Really. By the way, do you know how hard it is to try and lose the Wayne’s attention? I swear it’s like someone left me in a wet cardboard box on the side of the road and they just thought ‘yeah, you’re coming home with me’ like I’m some pathetic half drowned cat.”

“It’s too late for them, I already took you home first. Finders keepers.”

Danny groaned and slumped into his brothers shoulder “tell them that. Besides, isn’t Nightwing supposed to be based in Bludhaven? Whats he doing in Gotham?” 

“Yeah, but he’s Nightwing. He does his own thing. At least Robin isn’t onto you yet.”

“And there you go jinxing it. Watch he’s going to show up while I’m out and about and scold me for being affiliated with you.”

“Well that little shit can go eat rocks. He already stole everything else, he’s not allowed to steal my little brother too.”

“We’re only a few hours apart.”

“You’ll always be a baby in my eyes, Danny.”

“I loathe you.”

DC x DP - Two of a Kind

Danny running away from his home dimension for such and such reasons (GIW, bad reveal, etc, etc) cue him stumbling around Gotham because holy mother of ambient ectoplasm, Batman.

So anyways he’s just chilling in crime alley, as a struggling guy in Gotham does and then. And then there’s someone else. Looks exactly like him. Not like how he and Dani look similar, her features just softer and rounded with babyfat, no, no, this guy looks exactly like him. Down to the barely there scattering of freckles on the nose bridge.

It’s Jason Todd. Danny is his dimensions version of Jason Todd.

[bitchface24-7]

Oops my hand slipped and I’m back again (for the 3rd day in a row (I think I have a problem))

So following the trend of me seeing too many fanfics of smthn I don’t vibe with, I’ve noticed that a lot of Jayce and/or Viktor x reader fics have the reader as a scientist (makes sense writing-wise, provides a lot of opportunity for characters to interact and bond)

Problem is, I am dogshit at science. I was good at most subjects in high school, but science? Nearly failed. I was good at math and word problems too which made it even more confusing to me but it is what it is ig. So I was hoping for another JayVik x reader where this time, the reader is an artist

Now I primarily draw OCs and people (usually digital or w/ marker) so I’d like smthn leaning towards that but frankly you can do whatever

I just think it’s be funny if, while Jayce n Viktor do their cool nerd shit, the reader is fully unhelpful and doodling in their sketchbook. Quality time except I’m drawing sexualized men (gender equality) and my hot boyfriends are solving global trade or whatever

(Mayhaps also drawing them for studies and anatomy practice and showing them because I like forcing ppl to look at my art >:)) )

Again, take as long as you need to write this, hope you’re doing good :))

MY MUSES - JAYVIK X READER

synopsis: after escaping Noxus with your best friend Mel, you've cherished the peace of Piltover compared to the wartime of Noxus. You were able to flourish in the city of progress with your artistry. It was the way you and Mel found solace in your old home. Now, you've been commissioned by the council to paint a portrait of the Hextech duo.

warnings: talks of wartime, insecurities, awkward talk, becoming friends with J + V, anatomy practice, complimenting your two boys, fluff, Grammarly is my beta

genre: m/m/f or m/m/m

p.s. I understand your frustration, even I've fallen into “make reader a scientist to make life a little easier.” I hope y'all enjoy artist reader!

You're painting in your studio at the Academy when the door is opened, and you smell the delicious fragrance of vanilla, cardamom, and sandalwood, it’s Mel.

You put your paintbrush down and turn to look at your best friend, a smile beaming on your face. You get up and go for a hug before stopping yourself, your clothes are stained with paint and you don’t want to ruin Mel’s pretty white dress.

She fondly rolls her eyes and pulls you into a hug anyway. Mel’s not a very touchy person. It was seen as a weakness is Noxus. She’s only really touchy with you, you’ve been her friend for as long as you can remember. She wholeheartedly trusts you.

And you know how rare that is.

“Hello dove. How’re you today?”

You scrunch your nose at the nickname, it was a nickname given to you when you were much younger. “It’s because you don’t see the glory of war. You’re gentle. Something I desperately need in my life.” Mel had explained, her Medarda Mask no where in sight.

“I’m good. I’m almost done the landscape you commissioned for the council room.”

Mel’s smile widens the tiniest bit, but her gaze is downcast. This isn’t a social call. She’s been tasked to ask you something.

“Mel, I understand. Just, tell me what you need from me.”

A sigh escapes the gorgeous woman, “The council has requested a portrait to be made of the two Hextech innovators, Viktor and Jayce Talis.”

You raise your brows in confusion, “Okay… why is that a bad thing?”

Mel leans on a clean section of your work station, a hand coming up to rub her forehead, “They’re constantly working. They don’t see the prospect of taking a break. If you were to paint them, you’d have to paint them in the lab; as they do dangerous experiments. I don’t want you getting hurt.”

You place your hand over top Mel’s hand that’s braced against the desk, “I’ll be okay. I can’t imagine they’d let anyone get hurt.”

Mel nods sagely, the hand that was rubbing her forehead is now placed over your hand. She’s now cupping your one hand and rubbing her thumb over your knuckles.

“I’ll tell them what the council has demanded. When will you be free to paint them?”

You look over to the almost finished landscape painting sitting on your easel, “Give me a week.”

Mel nods, gives you one last hug, and leaves your studio to break the news to Viktor and Jayce.

You just hope they’re nice to you.

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

The week passed by in a flash, and here you are. Standing in front of two very large doors that make you feel like your heart is going to beat out of your chest.

You don’t understand why you’re so nervous. You’ve painted portraits of the top-class in Piltover. The cream of the crop. The top one percent, and you were fine. You were mentally rolling your eyes every few minutes, but you were fine.

You’re now asked to paint two scientists and you feel like you’re going to have a stroke.

At least Mel gave you some advice in regards to both men, “Jayce is quite kind, easy-going, and easy to talk to. You’ll make quick friends with him as you are. His partner Viktor on the other hand… is a different story. He’s cordial, but stubborn. He’s quite witty with a sass that almost matches mine. He’d prefer it if you skipped the flowery talk and just got straight to the point. He’s not a fan of the mind numbing politics of Piltover. Say what you mean or don’t say anything at all.”

With that mantra repeating in your head, you knock on the doors to their lab.

“Come in!” A voice exclaims, “We cannot leave our stations, the gems may become volatile if we do.” Another voice adds, this time with an unfamiliar accent.

You lightly push open the doors and are stunned by the state of the lab. Papers everywhere, equations on a blackboard you don’t even want to attempt to understand, ink stains, scraps of metal.

You suppose this is their version of an art studio.

“Oh!” The first voice you heard exclaims, “You must be Mel’s friend, the one who’s been commissioned to paint us. I’m Jayce. The one brooding over there with goggles on his face is Viktor.”

A scoff, “I am not brooding. I simply do not see the purpose of a portrait being made of us. It takes time away from our research!”

You cut in, reminding yourself of Mel’s advice, “The council has ordered it. Besides, I need to study you two for a little bit. Understand your anatomy and proportions. Then when I have a clear understanding, we’ll take one day out of your schedule to get the painting done.”

Viktor raises his goggles, putting them into is hair and the most beautiful pair of eyes you’ve ever seen narrows onto you, “You’ll only need one day to paint us?”

“The weather is constantly changing. That means so is my light source, my shadows, my colours.” You explain easily, “If we spend the whole day together, I’ll be able to easily get the portrait done and you two can go back to work. Sound good?”

Viktor purses his lips before nodding, Jayce just looks between the two of you with a small smile. He thought that would’ve taken a lot longer.

Guess you’re pretty special.

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

One Week Later.

Their work is fascinating. You don’t understand quite a bit of it, but their enthusiasm and passion make up for your lack of knowledge.

Here they are trying to solve most of the worlds problems and you’re sketching them in your sketchbook with hearts in your eyes.

You focus on their bodies, how they bend, contort, their planes and shadows. How light glows onto them.

You focus on their unique features. Jayce’s sharp canines, Viktor’s cheekbones and moles. Jayce’s broad chest and Viktor’s cane and brace.

Those two points are especially important. They’re so detailed. And they’re a part of Viktor, you’re not going to erase something so vital to him as a human being to make the portrait “nicer to look at” according to the upper echelon of Piltover.

You’re so lost in your thoughts you don’t feel a presence come up behind you, “Whatcha doing?”

You jolt, putting a hand to your heart as your pencil drops to the ground, “By Janna Jayce! You scared me!”

A boisterous laugh permeates the lab, “You we’re so focused, I couldn’t help but wonder what you were doing.”

“We’ll… I was drawing my two very beautiful muses.”

There’s a small silence in the lab.

“Your—“ Viktor starts, then clears his throat as Jayce stands there, stunned, “Your beautiful muses?”

You nod, not realizing their disbelief, “Of course. The two of you have such beautiful features. Jayce is quite tall, with broad shoulders, a tiny waist, and strong legs. A nice hair cut, strong brows, big eyes, and pink lips. You, Viktor on the other hand—“

You’re cut off by said man, “Are not as conventional—“

You cut him off this time, “Are also tall, lean, lithe, with long beautiful legs. You have a face carved out of marble, messy hair, eyes that look like liquid gold, beauty marks, and a nice pale complexion that compliments Jayce’s tan. You’re both quite handsome, just is different ways.”

The two men are stunned into silence, and it takes a few minutes before you realize what you said. You feel your face heat up as you try to hide behind your sketch book. Viktor lightly smiles at that as Jayce laughs and forces your sketch book back down onto your lap.

“You know, I’ve never heard such an honest compliment before.”

“Neither have I.”

You feel like killing yourself. Maybe jumping out of one of the lab windows will do the trick.

“So,” Viktor’s interrupts your dark humorous thoughts, “Do you feel prepared to paint the portrait?”

You look the two men dead in the eye, even as embarrassment consumes you.

“Yes.”

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

A day is set and you bring all your art supplies that you need into the lab. You even set up a place for the portrait to be.

The setting will be in front of their main work station, the hexcore and hexgems glittering in the background. You brought a comfortable armchair for Viktor to sit on, you know these paintings can take some time and you don’t want to over-exert his leg. You assume Jayce can stand for a few hours, placed right next to Viktor.

As you explain your thought process to them, the more excited they seem. And to think, they didn’t want to do this originally.

“Ok, get comfortable. Viktor you can put your cane to rest against one of the arms of the chair. Jayce, can you place your hand on the top of the headrest? Perfect. You two comfortable?”

You get nods and yes’ as your answer.

With that, you start to paints them.

You ensure to be as diligent as possible. You start with the boys, adding bits and pieces to the background as you go. You make sure to her the green in Jayce’s eyes, the beauty marks on Viktor’s face. The house Talis emblem on Jayce’s jacket; the intricacies of Viktor’s cane and leg brace. The purple and blue glows of the Hextech give the painting an almost magical feeling.

You have to say, this may be your best portrait yet.

A couple hours pass and you deem the painting complete. The two boys sigh, Jayce cracks his back as Viktor cracks his neck. Most of the painting was done is silence, a few tiny conversations sprinkled throughout the process.

You didn’t want them to move.

The two come to where you’re sitting and gaze at the portrait in awe. It’s… them. It looks so life like, as good as a picture. But it’s softer, it looks beautiful.

And they look phenomenal.

“Are you sure that’s us?” Viktor jokes, pointing at the painting, “Those men are incredibly handsome.”

You cock an eyebrow at him, “Now you know what to say when you look in a mirror. That’s how you look, and it’s how you’ll be remembered.”

Jayce smiles and puts a hand on both your and Viktor’s shoulders. Viktor looks touched at the sentiment.

“You should move your art stuff to be here. Permanently.” Jayce states easily.

You almost choke on your own spit, “Pardon? Why would I do that?”

“Because we'd miss you,” Viktor replies a cocky look on his face.

You huff out a laugh, “Ill be of no help to you. I'm not a science brain. I'd just be in the lab drawing you two constantly.”

“We’d pose for you.” Jayce jokes

“Even if I wanted to practice nude anatomy?”

Viktor hums, “Not in the lab obviously, but yes even then.”

You smile at them, “It’s a deal then.”

And to think you were scared they wouldn't be nice to you. You just obtained two pretty muses (hopefully for the rest of your life.)

TADA!!! This was such a cute request. I hope y'all enjoy reading this as much as I did writing it. Pebble, you keep those requests coming (and everyone else who requests too 🫵😏)

I have like four requests now in my inbox and I squealed when I saw it. I've never had so many requests before. Usually my inbox has like… spam and fishing schemes. So this is amazing to me!!

[missarchive]

hiii love ur writing! i saw u were looking for asks/requests soooo here is one :) maybe you could do something with emily prentiss and hotch’s little sister reader and they’re in a secret but serious relationship and somehow hotch finds out? tyyy

thank you, angel! i hope you enjoy <3

cw; nothing really, just fluff, hotch being an older brother

The day starts like any other—quiet coffee with Emily in your kitchen before she leaves for work. Her tie is loose around her neck, and you step closer to fix it, brushing your fingers along the fabric.

“You know you don’t have to do this every morning,” she teases, her dark eyes sparkling as she watches you.

“Maybe I just like an excuse to touch you,” you reply, grinning as you tighten the knot perfectly.

Emily leans down, pressing a quick kiss to your lips, her hands resting lightly on your hips. “I’ll see you later?”

“Always,” you say softly.

She grabs her bag and heads out, and you go about your morning, completely unaware of the bombshell waiting to drop.

Later that evening, you’re at Aaron’s apartment, invited over for one of his rare “family nights.” It’s just the two of you tonight, a chance to catch up over takeout and bad movies like you used to before life got so complicated.

You’re seated on his couch, flipping through channels while he sorts out the food.

“So,” he says casually as he walks back into the room, setting the containers on the coffee table, “how long have you and Emily been dating?”

The remote slips from your hand, clattering to the floor. Your mouth goes dry as you whip your head around to look at him.

“What?”

Aaron raises an eyebrow, entirely calm as he opens his container of lo mein. “You and Emily. How long?”

You blink at him, your heart pounding in your chest. “I... I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

He lets out a soft huff of laughter, shaking his head. “Y/N, I’m a profiler. You two aren’t exactly subtle.”

Heat rises to your face, and you scramble for something—anything—to say. “We’ve been careful,” you stammer.

Aaron gives you a pointed look. “You might think that, but I’ve noticed the way you look at each other. And the fact that she’s been dropping you off at odd hours when I’ve called. You’re my sister. Did you really think I wouldn’t figure it out?”

You stare at him, waiting for the explosion that doesn’t come. Instead, he takes a bite of his food and shrugs.

“Look,” he says after swallowing, “as long as you’re both happy, I don’t have a problem with it. Emily’s a good person. And if she makes you happy, then that’s all that matters to me.”

You’re too stunned to speak. “You’re... okay with this?”

He gives you a small smile. “Why wouldn’t I be? You’re an adult, and so is she. Just don’t bring any drama to the team. Other than that, you have my blessing.”

“Wow,” you murmur, slumping back against the couch. “I thought you’d freak out or lecture us about boundaries.”

Aaron chuckles softly. “I’m not as uptight as you think, Y/N. Besides, I know Emily will take care of you. And if she doesn’t, well... she knows what I’m capable of.”

You laugh, the tension melting from your shoulders. “I think you might’ve scared her enough already.”

“Good,” he says lightly, reaching for the remote. “Now, are we watching this movie or not?”

The rest of the night passes without a hitch, but you can’t stop smiling. When you tell Emily later, she stares at you in disbelief before breaking into a relieved laugh.

“Well,” she says, pulling you into her arms, “that’s one less thing to worry about.”

[leonastarry]

the 4th wall breaking trope with Jinwoo and the reader, except they're both canon characters and now have unlimited access to seeing what their fandom is like, the bad side and good side. i feel like Jinwoo would be kind of depressed because he went though all of this just for entertainment, while the reader is relieved because they feel like all of the consequences of their actions and responsibilities have been lifted off of their shoulders. also, this is such a random detail to add, but the readers gender is left ambiguous, all of the characters use different pronouns for them and their literal official wiki has their gender listed as "something that only Beru knows" (spoilers, he doesn't know shit) they found out about ot while randomly looking through their own wiki page because they were bored.

[ Req 7 ] Unexpected truth. ✧. ┊    s.jinwoo x reader.

It started innocently enough—a slow day, no gates to raid, no monsters to fight. You were lounging on Jinwoo’s couch, scrolling aimlessly through your phone, while Jinwoo sat nearby, flipping through a hunter’s report with his usual laser focus.

Then, out of nowhere, you asked, "Jinwoo, have you ever Googled yourself?"

His pen paused mid-scribble. He looked at you like you’d just suggested he train Beru to do stand-up comedy. "Why would I do that?"

You grinned, holding up your phone. "Oh, I don’t know. To see what people think about you? It’s fun."

"Fun?" he repeated flatly, his disbelief evident.

"Yeah. You’d be surprised how much creativity people have when it comes to us."

His brow furrowed. "Creativity?"

With a sly smile, you spun the phone around, showing him the first thing you’d found: a manhwa called 'Solo Leveling.' "And there're some fanfictions too"

The color drained from his face as he read the description. "This can’t be real."

"Oh, it’s real," you said, biting back laughter as his expression shifted from confusion to sheer mortification. "And there’s a lot more where that came from."

Jinwoo leaned back, his gray eyes darkening with something almost resembling dread. "Then what I have done was nothing? Why are people writing about me like this? Do they not have better things to do?"

"For entertainment," you said with a shrug, clearly enjoying his discomfort. "Our entire lives are, apparently. Didn’t you know? We’re the stars of someone’s power fantasy."

He stared at you, his silence deafening. Then, slowly, he ran a hand through his hair. "You’re saying everything I’ve been through—every fight, every sacrifice—was for someone’s... entertainment?"

"Well, when you put it like that, it sounds depressing," you said, tossing a gummy candy into your mouth. "But think of it this way: none of it really matters. No consequences, no pressure. Isn’t that freeing?"

Jinwoo didn’t look convinced. In fact, he looked a little pale. "Freeing? It feels like it’s all pointless."

"Oh, come on," you teased, nudging him with your foot. "You’re the Shadow Monarch, for crying out loud. Stop sulking. Here, let me cheer you up."

You shoved your phone into his hands, open to a page on your own fan wiki. Jinwoo hesitated before reading the top line out loud. "Your gender is listed as... something only Beru knows?"

"Yep." You smirked. "My proudest achievement. Wanna know the best part?"

He looked at you warily. "Do I?"

"I asked him once," you said, barely suppressing a laugh. "The poor guy started buzzing like a broken lawnmower and said, 'I dare not presume, my liege’s companion.' So yeah, Beru doesn’t know jack, but apparently, the internet thinks he does."

Jinwoo groaned, passing the phone back to you. "This is ridiculous."

"Oh, it gets better," you said, scrolling down. "People can’t even agree on what pronouns to use for me. Some call me 'he,' others 'she,' and a good chunk go with 'they.' It's chaos."

"Why do they care so much?" Jinwoo muttered, clearly still grappling with the concept.

"They’re invested," you replied simply. "I mean, look at you. You’re basically the internet’s ideal boyfriend. Overpowered, brooding, loyal. It’s a miracle your fanbase hasn’t declared war over who you should end up with."

He gave you a deadpan look. "You’re enjoying this too much."

"Oh, absolutely."

He sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Is there anything on here that’s not completely insane?”

"Not really," you admitted cheerfully. "But it’s not all bad. Here, look." You navigated to another page and handed him the phone.

This time, his expression softened as he read through the comments. They were filled with admiration, people praising him for his strength, his determination, his love for his family.

"They get it," you said quietly, watching his reaction. "All the pain you went through—it wasn’t meaningless to them. You inspired people."

Jinwoo didn’t reply right away, his eyes lingering on the screen. Finally, he let out a breath, some of the tension easing from his shoulders. “I guess it’s not all bad.”

"See?" you said, leaning back with a satisfied grin. "Told you. Now, do you want to see the fan art?"

He shot you a glare that could’ve frozen a gate. "Absolutely not."

You laughed, tossing a gummy candy at him. "Suit yourself. But for the record, I’m the one with the best fan wiki. You’re just lucky I let you co-star in my story."

"Your story?" he repeated, his tone dripping with mock disbelief.

"Yep." You popped another gummy into your mouth, grinning. "Face it, Jinwoo. I’m the main character here."

He shook his head, a faint smile tugging at his lips despite himself. "You’re insufferable."

"And you love it," you shot back.

Maybe this whole 'fictional character' thing wasn’t so bad after all.

That's an interesting idea =)

Hope you like it ❤

[mushyblushyredhead]

pleaseeeee im begging for more alien au contenttt its been stuck in my head for days nowwww

like my favorite thing ever is horror movie au's where its actually twordy (Saw is another great example)

m just very soft and lee and i really wanna hold the silly little chittering facehugger bfegrwtegrwbgde

- another red-head lee

I’m such a sucker for horror movie twordy AUs! I’ve heard Saw is another good one! (If I ever get around to watching the Saw movies, I’ll definitely do another twordy AU for that franchise!) ♡

Aaaaa allow me to feed you some more AU crumbs! For being so sweet and supportive of my Alien AU, enjoy these drawings I cooked up a few days ago!✨

*hands you a facehugger* (つ'ω'*)づ

[feralgodmothers]

I want to make a post focusing on my man Thomas Hutter, because even as someone who enjoys Ellen and Orlok’s dynamic (and I do, I REALLY do. Give me that pervy-girl gothic romantic deliciousness)

I feel like a lot of the takeaway I’ve seen from people on Thomas’ character doesn’t quite do him justice, and I wanted to share my views and try to rectify that a little bit.

The main criticism I’ve seen against him was when Thomas told Ellen “Don’t speak of this”, after she revealed her concerns and troubling nightmares to him. People try to say that he didn’t want to listen to her, and that he was shutting her down. A key nuance here though, is that Thomas didn’t just say “Don’t speak of this”, he said “Don’t speak of this in public”, i.e. - ‘Speak of this only in private’, i.e.- ‘Speak of this only to me, because I will try to understand you, even if no one else will’.

Because back in those days, no one else would. If Ellen spoke of her true feelings and of the experiences she was going through, people in society would want to have her committed. They might even insist quite strongly (i.e. - forcibly have her checked into a madhouse), because they would have shouted to the rooftops that she was a danger to herself and to everyone else. For Thomas to say “Don’t speak of this in public”, that was actually a protection for her. Because the less-than-stellar “medical” treatment she was receiving in Friedrich’s home? That was NOTHING compared to the treatment she would have gotten in a mental institution back then. You have to understand that with as much criticism as Friedrich gets (as is fitting), it can’t be underestimated just how much he was the NORM of that time period. In fact - your average Victorian person might have viewed him as “too generous” in his “tolerance” of Ellen, because they probably would have thrown her out sooner if they had been in his shoes.

The Victorians may not have been good at quarantining themselves when it came to physical diseases, but boy oh boy - were they good at it when it came to what they considered social diseases.

I think a lot of people either forget, or are just simply unaware of how much the landscape surrounding mental health has changed in recent history. Even within my own lifetime, things have taken a major shift in that area. So for me, to see Thomas get snubbed by a certain cluster of the audience just because he doesn’t react exactly the same way we would today, I think is a bit unfair. Because to be perfectly honest - I think he was ahead of his time when it comes to his compassion for Ellen. I think most men in his position back then actually would have shut her down if she tried to speak about the things she did, not even allowing her to finish expressing herself. And I think that most men, even after enduring the same horrors she did - would still view her with a critical eye, similar to the way of her father. Expectations for women were extremely narrow, uptight, and rigid - with little to no pause for understanding anything even remotely out of the ordinary. So for Thomas to be willing to hear Ellen out (in private), not turn her away in disgust and fear when he finds out what she’s been entangled with, the fact that he can still look her in the eye and stand his ground, determined with his whole body and soul to love and support her even as he’s faced with the shocking provocations she spits at him while under demon influence? I think he’s nothing short of amazing.

But anyway, going back to the beginning of the film - another criticism that Thomas gets is usually just part two of the criticism of him ‘shutting Ellen down’, namely - going off to do business against her wishes. But here’s the thing about the Victorian period: Wealth, status, and reputation were EVERYTHING. And that may sound extremely shallow to us now, but the consequences of not seeking and trying to hold onto these things during that time period were anything but. Thomas, by trying to protect Ellen’s image regarding her mental state, was protecting her reputation. Because just like in any time period, community was very important, but in that time - it was also crucial to your survival. If people got the faintest whiff of a bad reputation, you could potentially become outcast and completely ruined in the blink of an eye. If you were seen as crazy, or were simply married to someone who was seen as crazy - people would turn their back on you, no one would want to do business with you, and it wouldn’t be long before you end up scraping for your basic needs like a rat in a sewer. Which, of course, is why Thomas was so keen on having a good job that paid well. Trying to escape and/or avoid poverty back then really meant something. It wasn’t as simple as ‘Oh, being poor sucks’ - but the living conditions for those in poverty during this time were truly bleak, and it formed its own circle of hell. So personally, I feel that the twofold criticism Thomas has been getting from the audience are actually both things he was doing because of his genuine desire to look after Ellen.

Nowadays, wanting a good job that pays really well and buys you ‘the finer things’ is seen as something superficial, but in the Victorian era - it went so much deeper than that. The lines between social ranks were very distinct and harsh. If you failed to achieve a certain amount of wealth and hold on to your reputation, it was all too easy to lose your status and fall straight to the bottom of the totem pole, where your options for work and “livelihood” were very limited and dangerous. Because just as mental health awareness wasn’t really a thing back then, neither were proper safety standards for the lower working class. Thomas’ drive to make money for himself and for his family had nothing to do with his ego - it had everything to do with just providing Ellen a decent life. And when I say “decent”, I don’t mean “cushy” - I mean simply “tolerable and pleasant”. It was difficult to climb up the social ladder, but just one wrong move and it was very easy to find yourself plummeting to the bottom.

In conclusion, I think Thomas was an excellent husband, and I think he deserves a lot more credit.

[emsdevs]

Bear and Bug 3: The Distance

a/n: Here is the much-awaited pt 3!! We have a feature from Jack and a glimpse into his friendship with Bug!! Enjoy :)

It didn’t take Quinn long to get back in your good graces, and soon, it was like nothing had happened between you two at all, well, not exactly nothing. Calls between the two of you were significantly more lovey-dovey, and they always ended with a soft “I love you” from each of you, which would have never happened before. The biggest difference, though, was the intense longing you now had to see Quinn. He was right about you only spending time with Jack until it was basically too late, and now you feel like you wasted a lot of time that you could have spent with your new boyfriend. Quinn often assured you that it was okay. He’d promise that summer would come soon enough, and you could spend plenty of time together then. 

You couldn’t really believe him, though, because that directly conflicts with the most difficult part of your relationship. Neither of you have spoken a word about it to Quinn’s family, or yours for that matter, and Jack was at the top of the “not telling” list. You and Quinn had decided it was best to keep your romance to yourselves for the moment, not wanting to cause any drama if the distance didn’t work, so you’ve been biting your tongue on every phone call with Jack, trying to keep your mouth shut about it. If you were being honest, the guilt was starting to creep in. He was already having a really tough season, what would he think if he found out his best friend was dating his older brother behind his back? How much worse will it be if he finds out months from now? You weren’t really keen on keeping this secret from Jack in the first place. You two tell each other everything, so you knew he’d be hurt when he eventually found out. However, it was that fear of hurting him that kept you from letting him in. You didn’t want to add to the emotional turmoil he was already in. He had been calling you almost nightly at this point, crying and telling you that he wasn’t even sure he enjoyed hockey anymore. People had been calling him a bust all season, and it was getting to his head, making him wonder why New Jersey would draft him in the first place. After hearing how distraught he’s been all season, you knew you couldn’t add to that.

“I just don’t know what to do,” Jack sighed into the phone one night. “Am I even right for this team? Would I be right for any team?” his voice began to break.

“Jack, no,” you let out a breath, shocked that your confident, easy-going best friend was feeling down enough to doubt his talent, his skill. “I’ve known since we were kids that you were destined for the NHL. The skill that you have is amazing, not to mention the hockey knowledge you have and the way you can read a play. You just have to get adjusted. It’s a big thing to deal with, and the people who know you, the people who matter, aren’t blaming you or getting mad at you. It’ll come. I promise.”

“I guess,” he trailed off a little, still sounding kind of broken. “Can you just get my mind off of it, please? What’s going on with you? You talked to Quinner recently?”

Your eyes widen, grateful that he can’t see your face, “Uhh, yeah, we talked a couple days ago I guess. Why, um, why do you ask?”

“You guys just seemed close at the beginning of summer, and he mentioned something last year about you guys talking quite a bit while you were both at school,” his statement almost sounded like a question, curious as to why you sounded a little panicked. 

“Oh yeah,” you chuckled trying to sound more casual, “we did get kind of close then.”

“Yeah,” he dragged the word out a little, “so, um, anyway, how are your classes going?” Jack changed the topic, assuming you were acting weird because of stress or something similar. The phone carried on as they usually did, you spilling nonsense to distract Jack from his NHL stress and Jack gladly listening to whatever stories you have for him, grateful for the distraction.

Your calls with Quinn, however, weren’t always that happy anymore. It suddenly seemed like the calls weren’t enough, that neither of you could keep going on two-hour phone calls every other day. 

“Bug, I know it’s difficult, but you could at least act like you’re happy to talk to me,” Quinn was trying, really he was, but he needed you to put in a little effort too.

“I am excited to talk to you. I promise, Bear. I just,” you pause, knowing you’ve had this conversation too many times to count at this point, “I just really wish I could see you.”

Quinn sighs, knowing exactly how you feel, “I get that, I swear because I’m dying to see you again too, but I have no clue when that could happen until summer.”

“What’s your schedule like in December? I could come to Vancouver on my Christmas break,” you had been thinking this for a while, too scared to bring it up until right now.

“Well, we have a home stand right before Christmas. Could that work?” you already knew it could.

“I think so, yeah,” you breathed out a sigh of relief, happy Quinn agreed so easily.

“Okay, I’ll get you a plane ticket for the 16th.”

“Bear, no, I can get my own ticket,” you argued.

“Nonsense. I finally have an excuse to spend my money on my girlfriend. I’m gonna use it. I am wondering though, how are we gonna deal with Jack?” 

“I’ll just tell him I’m on a girls’ trip to Vancouver, so I won’t be able to Facetime, only call or text,” you answered, probably a little too quickly. You really already had all of this completely thought out.

“Okay yeah, and I can just keep you out of the screen if anyone Facetimes me,” Quinn agrees, already sounding happier knowing he’d get to see you in just a few weeks.

Two and a half weeks later, Quinn was picking you up from the airport in Vancouver. When you both got back to his apartment, it was like everything fell into place. After a much-needed reunion, and an even more needed nap, you helped Quinn make dinner. Before you knew it, your week with Quinn was almost up, and you’d be leaving the next day. The two of you were spending your last night together curled up on the couch watching cheesy romcoms. Halfway through “10 Things I Hate About You”, your thoughts got the better of you. 

“Bear?” you question softly, awaiting Quinn’s response. 

“Yeah, Bug?”

“We’ll be okay, right? Like we’ll be able to handle the distance and the secret?” you can’t help but let the doubts creep in. 

“Of course we will,” Quinn starts. “We just gotta remember the times like this when we can’t be in the same place. We can’t let the distance get to us, so we have to look forward to when we can be together. If we focus too much on how sad we are when we’re apart, we’ll never be able to be happy together. Does that make sense?”

“Yeah, it does. I don’t know why I was worried anyway. As long as I’ve got you I’m good,” you lean up to place a kiss on his jawline. 

“Yeah, I’m good with you too, Bug,” he returned the action, kissing your forehead. 

It would all work out, eventually.

[aventurineswife]

can you do march 7th + male!reader (they'd be friends) and the scenario would be the reader taking march 7th out shopping for a day?

A Day to Remember

Summary: You and March spend a fun-filled day shopping together at a lively space station market. March's excitement and curiosity lead the two of you through various shops as she picks out new camera gear and stylish boots. Along the way, you share laughs and create lasting memories, with the day turning into an unexpected adventure. It’s a simple day that strengthens your friendship, bringing joy and a sense of discovery.

Tags: March 7th x Male!Reader, Friendship, Fluff, Shopping, Lighthearted, Humor, Photography, Everyday Moments.

A/N: FINALLY A MALE READER REQ!! 🗣️🔥

[Credits for the header]

The Astral Express was bustling with energy as usual, but today felt different. March had been talking about wanting a new camera lens for weeks, and after some convincing, you'd finally agreed to take her out shopping for the day. You were both excited, but also uncertain about how it would go—March's adventurous spirit sometimes led her into trouble, and you weren't sure what kind of trouble a shopping spree would lead to.

"You sure you're ready for this?" you teased as you approached her, leaning against a pillar.

March flashed you a bright, excited grin, her eyes practically sparkling. "Of course! I’ve been dreaming about this day for ages. Who better to go with than my best friend?" She twirled around, the flow of her pink-and-blue overcoat making her seem like a whirlwind of energy.

"I guess I can’t argue with that," you said with a chuckle, offering her a hand. "Let’s go, then."

The two of you stepped out into the vibrant shopping district, where the sounds of merchants calling out their wares filled the air. March immediately darted ahead, her curiosity leading her to a stall with a variety of camera accessories. You caught up quickly, amused by her enthusiasm as she inspected every lens, filter, and strap with childlike wonder.

"Look at these! Imagine how much clearer the stars would look with this one!" March exclaimed, holding up a sleek, silver lens that shimmered in the light.

"I think you’ve got a good eye for photography," you replied, smiling. "Maybe we should check out the prices first, though."

March waved you off with a laugh. "Prices are for boring adults. I’m here for the experience!" She threw a playful glance at you, her cheeks flushing a little from the excitement.

You shook your head, unable to stop laughing at her antics. "Alright, alright. Let’s take a look at what else this place has to offer."

As you continued walking through the district, you could tell March was in her element. She darted from one shop to the next, trying on clothes, examining accessories, and occasionally snapping pictures of random objects that caught her attention. You followed her with a sense of amusement, content to watch her embrace the world with such joy.

"Hey! Look at this!" March shouted suddenly, holding up a pair of boots that matched her signature style. They were sleek and sturdy, perfect for her adventurous spirit. "What do you think?"

You raised an eyebrow, glancing at the boots. "They’re definitely your style, but do you really need new boots? Aren’t yours still good?"

March pouted dramatically, her lower lip jutting out. "Come on, please? These ones are way cooler! And they’ll go perfectly with my outfit!"

You sighed, a smile tugging at your lips. "Alright, alright. You’ve convinced me."

As you made your way to the checkout counter, March bounced on her heels, clearly excited about her new purchase. You couldn’t help but feel grateful for this simple day out—watching her discover new things, sharing a laugh here and there, and just enjoying the moment. There was something magical about seeing her so happy.

"You know," you said, handing over the payment for her new boots, "I never thought a shopping trip could be this fun."

March looked up at you, her expression softening. "Well, that’s because you’re with me! Who else would make shopping an adventure?"

She was right. Somehow, March had turned an ordinary errand into a full-blown journey. It wasn’t just about the camera gear or the boots—it was about sharing the day together, capturing moments, and finding joy in the simplest things.

"Thanks for today," March said as you both left the shop. "It was exactly what I needed."

You smiled at her, your heart light. "Anytime, March. Anytime."

And as you walked together, you couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment. You may not know everything about your past, but with friends like March, the future was already looking brighter.

[Credits]

[queenjunothegreat]

HELLO EVERYONE GUESS WHO'S BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (•̤̀ᗜ•̤́๑) I've got another @pjo-equinox-solstice-exchange fic for you, this time for the darling @lavndvrr who asked for Valgrace, so OBVIOUSLY that's what I went with. We also got a wee lil bit of hurt/comfort in there for some spice. I hope you like it!

The title comes from Paul Laurence Dunbar's poem "Good-Night" because I am clinging to my title of Most Pretentious Bitch In This City with pride.

And with that, here is And ease thy soul with slumber bright.

Piper chewed her bottom lip while she studied him. Eventually, she spoke. “Leo… doesn’t like sleeping.” “I’ve gathered that much,” Jason confessed. “Is there any reason for that? Any way I can help?” “I dunno.” Piper’s gaze drifted over to where Leo was still sitting, enjoying the breeze Jason had called for him. “He doesn’t like being exposed. There’s not really anything you can do, other than wait for him to feel okay around you.” She hiked a challenging eyebrow at him. “You willing to do that? You ready to wait?” For Leo? Anything. Jason shrugged. “Yeah, of course.” *-*-* Leo's not sleeping, and Jason is concerned. Unfortunately, there's only one thing Jason can do to help, and that's to simply love him.

Jason would freely admit that he was more than a little concerned about Leo. Beyond the usual levels of “mother henning” that Leo and Piper liked to accuse him of, that is. And it was all because he’d been in the middle of a really boring meeting, eyelids heavy, when he realized something unsettling.

Leo didn’t sleep. Well, that wasn’t quite true. He did sleep. Obviously he slept, even if he made it abundantly clear that he would give just about anything to avoid it. But he didn’t do it often, always the first one on the ship awake in the morning and the last one up at night, and Jason could count on one hand the number of times he’d seen Leo asleep, and they were all during the quest to save Juno when they’d been stuck together on the back of a giant metal dragon together with nowhere to hide. Since that realization, Jason hadn’t been able to focus on anything but that, and now he was just sitting there staring at Leo with a crease across the middle of his forehead while Leo sat with his legs dangling over the side of the boat, tinkering with some complicated bits of bronze and wires. 

“Are you, like, actually gonna talk to me, or should I go hang out with Hazel instead? She said she could teach me how to paint my nails without making a massive mess. Because as much as I hate painting my nails, it would be better than this.”

Jason blinked in shock and turned to see Piper looking at him with her eyebrows up near her hairline and a half-smirk on her lips. He chuckled softly and scratched the back of his neck. “Sorry, I was, uh, distracted.”

“You don’t say.” She cocked her head to the side. “What are you thinking about?”

“Leo.”

“Well, you are breathing, so I had assumed that much.”

Jason felt his cheeks flame and he scowled at her. “Shut up.”

Piper didn’t look apologetic in the slightest. “So, what, specifically, are you thinking about Leo?”

Jason sighed and let his eyes trail back over to Leo, who had put away his little project, and was now just staring out over the sea, the sun beaming down on his cheeks. Without thinking about it too hard, Jason called a tiny little breeze to blow over Leo, the wind gently tugging at his curls and making him smile in easy contentment. Jason shook his head and turned back to Piper. “You roomed with Leo at Wilderness, right?”

Piper’s brow puckered, clearly not expecting the question. “Uh, yeah. For, like, three months. Why?”

“Did you ever see him sleep?”

Immediately, Piper stiffened, and she bristled up defensively. It was a stance Jason was more than familiar with, seeing as both Piper and Leo fell into it the instant someone asked a question that touched a little too close to those sensitive parts of their pasts. Jason had learned by now that the best way to handle these moments was to just sit back and let them scowl at him suspiciously. He couldn’t get his feelings hurt and push at them or try to desperately backtrack what he said, he just had to sit there and wait until their hackles went down and they approached him like a hesitant alley cat of their own volition.

As expected, Piper’s shoulders relaxed and her brow smoothed out and she instead went to chewing her bottom lip while she studied him. Eventually, she spoke. “Leo… doesn’t like sleeping.”

“I’ve gathered that much,” Jason confessed. “Is there any reason for that? Any way I can help?”

“I dunno.” Piper’s gaze drifted over to where Leo was still sitting, enjoying the breeze Jason had called for him. “He doesn’t like being exposed. There’s not really anything you can do, other than wait for him to feel okay around you.” She hiked a challenging eyebrow at him. “You willing to do that? You ready to wait?”

For Leo? Anything. Jason shrugged. “Yeah, of course.”

“You sure?” Piper asked. “It took, like, two months for him to get comfortable with me and we literally lived together.”

That was a startling revelation. The idea that there had ever been a point in history when Leo didn’t implicitly trust Piper was almost ridiculous. Still, he just shrugged in easy acceptance again. “Yeah, sure. He can take however long he needs. I’m not going anywhere.”

Piper gave him a beaming smile, and Jason knew he’d said the right thing. “You really aren’t, are you?”

Jason quirked his mouth up in a smile, and let his gaze settle comfortably on Leo again. This time, though, Leo glanced over, his eyes bright and his lips curled up lazily. Jason gave a little tiny wave and Leo tipped his head back with a laugh that Jason couldn’t hear, but still made his heart thump heavily in his chest. 

Yeah, I’m not going anywhere.

*-*-*

After that conversation, Jason had somewhat forgotten his observation. Piper had told him to wait for Leo to come to him, and he was more than willing to do just that. He knew without a shadow of a doubt that Leo would eventually turn around and see Jason standing there with arms outstretched and allow himself to be wrapped up and squeezed tight. Metaphorically, that is. Literally, Leo was already more than comfortable with Jason’s proclivity for physical contact and his love of proximity, which Jason was glad for. If he hadn’t been allowed to fold his favorite people tight to his chest and give them gentle headbuts and rub their cheeks together, he’s pretty sure he would have started ripping his hair out. 

Piper didn’t exactly love all of Jason’s physical affection. She was happy to receive hugs and she’d hold his hand or press kisses to his cheeks, but she liked to keep it brief. She didn’t like being tangled up and held in place so Jason could show her just how much he appreciated her existence, and that was just fine with him. She still gave him those blinding smiles and spoke to him in that kind tone and would sit in silence at his side for hours at a time. Jason knew Piper loved him, she just needed room to breathe while she loved him.

Leo was an entirely different story, though. For as much as Jason wanted to tuck Leo into that little spot behind his ribs and beside his heart where he knew Leo would be safe forever, Leo seemed just as eager to crawl right under Jason’s skin and live there. There wasn’t a moment where Jason and Leo were relaxing together when Leo wasn’t all but plastering himself to Jason’s side. Not that Jason made it all that easy for him to do anything else, seeing as he was immediately reaching for Leo with grabby hands the moment he’d made himself comfortable on the couch. Piper liked to laugh at them, but Leo would always scoff and accuse her of jealousy from the comfort of his and Jason’s cuddle pile.

They were in the middle of one of those cuddle sessions when Jason was forcibly reminded of his conversation with Piper. The whole crew was piled up in the living room, having a Percy-mandated movie night. Annabeth had pulled the short straw (Jason wasn’t about to accuse anyone of cheating, but he highly suspected it) and she’d chosen Wizard of Oz of all things. Percy had gone completely red and bashful at her choice, which Jason didn’t understand until Piper leaned in with a conspiratorial whisper and told him and Leo that Wizard of Oz was the first movie Annabeth had ever seen, and it was a movie Percy had watched with her. Leo had snickered, but Jason confessed he found the gesture very sweet and more than a little romantic. Leo accused him of being a sap, his gaze soft and his smile fond.

Unfortunately, for as romantic a gesture as the choice was, the movie itself wasn’t exactly entertaining. Percy and Annabeth were obviously enthralled, and Hazel was still fascinated with any and all color film, but Frank was zoned out and playing with a Chinese finger trap, and Piper was actively snoring from her place on the floor in front of Jason and Leo. 

Beside him, Jason heard Leo huff and felt him burrow even closer to Jason’s side. He smiled softly and tugged Leo impossibly closer. “Tired?”

“Bored,” Leo corrected. He shifted around until he could grumpily squish his cheek up against Jason’s chest. “This movie is a snooze fest. Can’t believe this is how Percy introduced Annabeth to cinema. I can hardly keep my eyes open.”

Jason chuckled and rested his chin in Leo’s dark curls. “Don’t worry about it. If you do fall asleep, I’ll wake you up, if you want.”

Leo went stiff as a board, and Jason cursed himself, furious that he’d gone and drawn attention to the matter. Still, he deliberately kept his breathing slow and even, like he hadn’t said anything at all. Leo didn’t speak, but his fingers were tapping out Morse code messages on Jason’s chest so fast a professional decoder would have trouble keeping up, and Jason was half-certain Leo was going to hop to his feet and flee. 

Yet he remained still. 

“You’ll wake me up?” Leo asked softly. 

“Of course,” Jason promised without a second’s hesitation. “I’ll keep an eye out, make sure nothing interesting happens.”

Leo chuckled and settled back against Jason’s chest. “I’ll hold you to that, Superman.”

Leo never did fall asleep for the rest of the movie, or even the one they put on after. But he remained at Jason’s side, and his breathing was slow and even and his eyes drooped heavily. A sharp tension that Jason had never noticed before was suddenly absent from Leo’s shoulders, and Jason realized that for the first time ever, Leo was completely and totally relaxed. Leo wasn’t asleep, they hadn’t gotten there yet, but this felt important. 

Jason couldn’t help but press his giddy smile into Leo’s curls. Take as long as you need. I’ll be here. 

*-*-*

Jason was on night watch the next time he thought about Leo’s sleep issues. In all honesty, he liked the night watch, especially when the Argo II  was in the air, rather than the water. He liked prowling around the deck, empty other than himself, and getting lost in tracking the way the air flowed around the ship, keeping it aloft with a breathtaking combination of engineering and magic. Leo’s work in bringing the ship to life from nothing but a twelve-year-old crayon drawing had always impressed Jason, but there was something about getting to actually feel the way Leo’s work cut through his element that left him near breathless in wonder. 

Plus, if he was on the night watch, that meant none of his crew members were, and there was a little part of his brain that insisted he take care of them that he couldn’t ignore. If he was on night watch, that meant that all of his friends were safe and asleep in their beds, resting easy with the knowledge that Jason was awake to protect them.

Well, most of his friends were asleep.

“Leo?” Jason called softly. “What are you doing up here?”

Leo jerked upright with a sharp gasp, and he whipped his head around, eyes wide. When he saw that it was Jason looking at him, he sagged in relief and let his eyes slide back shut. “Hey, Jason.”

“That doesn’t answer my question,” Jason accused, keeping his tone gentle. He lightly stepped into the crow’s nest from where he’d been flying moments before, and took a seat at Leo’s side. He snaked his arm around Leo’s waist and tried not to feel too pleased when Leo slumped into his side and thunked his head down on Jason’s shoulder. “What are you doing up here?”

Instead of answering, Leo fiddled with the hem of Jason’s shirt for a moment. “What are you doing up here?”

“Feeling the air flow,” Jason answered easily. “I can sense it when I’m grounded, but it’s easier up here. If I focus, I can almost see the air currents and the wind moving around the ship.”

“Huh,” Leo said softly. “That’s neat.”

“It is,” Jason confirmed. He smiled over at Leo then. “I know I’ve said it before, but you really did a good job making this thing, Leo.”

Leo shrugged half-heartedly. “It’s not that great. Besides, it’s not like I built it by myself.”

Jason was shaking his head before Leo could even finish speaking. “No, it’s more than that. This ship is yours. Even if other people helped build it, you’re the one who made it, and everyone except you would agree. And it really is that great. I told you I was feeling the air, right? Do you know why I like doing that?”

“I figured it was some Sky Boy thing.”

“It’s not.” Jason closed his eyes and smiled softly, losing himself in the airflow again. “I like it because it lets me feel the ship in a way no one else can. I can feel the way you made it all work. I can feel the way the engine manipulates the air, I can feel the magic that it uses.” He chuckled quietly. “It’s all very Leo.”

“That’s, um–” Jason heard Leo swallow heavily. “That’s neat.”

“It’s amazing,” Jason corrected. “The work you did is amazing, Leo. You’re amazing.” He opened his eyes to see that Leo was already staring at him, cheeks vermilion, and he smiled. “This ship? It’s beautiful, Leo.”

“I-” Leo cut himself off with a choked noise and tucked his face into Jason’s shoulder. “Thanks.”

Jason huffed out a quiet laugh and pinched out a few of the tiny flames that had sparked to life in Leo’s curls. “You’re welcome. I mean every word.”

Leo swallowed heavily enough for Jason to hear again. “I know you do.”

Jason hummed, content with Leo’s response and started combing his fingers through Leo’s hair. He curled each lock around his finger before pulling it taught and releasing it to watch it bounce back in place. Every now and then another little fire would spark to life, but he’d smother it just as quickly as it formed, delighting in the way the flame would dance over his fingers for just a moment.

Then, Leo broke the silence. “Do you still wanna know why I’m up here?”

Jason hummed softly, considering. “If you wanna tell me, yeah. If not, I’ll live with not knowing.”

“Okay.” Leo was back to tugging on Jason’s shirt hem, picking at the loose threads with his bitten-off fingernails. Jason said nothing, and just waited until Leo cleared his throat. “I, um, had a nightmare.”

Jason’s attention immediately piqued and he frowned. He wanted to ask so many questions. Was it a nightmare about the quest? Was it a message from a god? Or was it a nightmare not related to any demigod stuff at all? Was he dreaming about his past, or was it a classic teenage nightmare like showing up to school in his underwear? Did he want to talk about it? Was there anything Jason could do to help? Would he be content to sit back and let Jason fix everything that was wrong in his life or would that be too much to ask? 

Instead of any of that, he just nodded in sympathy. “So you come up to the crow’s nest after nightmares? Can’t sleep?”

“Don’t want to, more like,” Leo muttered. “I just– I hate that moment when you wake up, you know? That moment when you’re not in the dream any more, but you realize that you’re still in danger because you were just asleep. Makes me sick. So I come up here to get as far away from everyone as possible.”

Jason didn’t understand that feeling. Not fully, at least, but he doubted Leo expected him to. So, he just hummed softly. “I get it, man. You want some company, or do you wanna be alone?”

Leo’s fingers fisted in Jason’s shirt like he was worried Jason would leave, but his tone was light and teasing when he said, “You know I’ll never say no to your company, Superman.”

“Alright then,” Jason agreed easily, feeling like his chest was going to burst from pride. “You’ve got it for as long as you want it.”

They fell into silence after that, neither of them speaking a word until the sun rose up over the horizon and Piper called them down for breakfast. Leo just stayed curled up next to Jason, playing with his shirt hem and tracing patterns on his chest and tapping out messages Jason had no hope of deciphering. He didn’t sleep, but he did rest, and Jason was more than content to keep watch over him as he did so. 

*-*-*

Jason hadn’t been sleeping well. Not since Percy and Annabeth– Not since Rome. Every night he laid in bed, perfectly still like he’d been called to attention, and with a few practiced deep breaths, he was asleep, just like he’d been trained. But it didn’t matter. It didn’t matter how many hours of sleep he got, he woke up the next morning just as exhausted as he had when he’d gone to bed. Every day he woke up and gritted his teeth through whatever the gods threw their way, before collapsing into bed and falling asleep so he could do it all again the next day.

But that wasn’t happening tonight. For some reason, Jason couldn’t sleep. He’d done everything he knew how to do, but there was something keeping him awake. Something gnawing at his consciousness that told him he couldn’t sleep. Something that said he had to stay awake. That there was something he needed to do. 

He growled softly and threw himself out of bed, storming (almost literally) down the silent halls. Coach hadn’t been enforcing the curfew recently, and even if he tried, Jason wasn’t in the mood to listen. He was at the end of his rope. He needed to get rid of this energy. He needed to find one of the training dummies and slash and hack at the thing until it was nothing but a sad pile of straw and Camp Half-Blood t-shirt. He needed to–

He froze suddenly, all the tension and aggression draining from his body in an instant. 

He wasn’t quite sure how he’d gotten there, but he realized he was outside of the engine room door, and he heard something that he couldn’t ignore. It wasn’t the sound of tears, but it was careful, even breathing, each inhale and exhale counted and measured out. It wasn’t the sound of tears, but instead the sound of fragile refusal of them. Considering where he was, there was only one person who could be on the other side of that door. 

Jason crept into the engine room, and as expected, Leo was there. He had his back to the door, his forehead pressed to the superheated metal of the main boiler, and he was breathing deeply, counting softly in Spanish with every breath. His hands were clenched in tight fists on either side of his face, and Jason could see the way he was visibly trembling from head to toe. Jason bit his lower lip for a moment before he called out in a hushed whisper, “Leo?”

Leo gave a full-body flinch and spun on his heel, eyes bright with fury. “What the heck, Jason?” he snapped. He roughly scrubbed one of his hands over his face to get rid of his scowl. “Don’t you know not to scare stressed-out demigods? Very good way to get skewered.”

“You don’t carry a weapon.”

“Charbroiled, then.”

Jason didn’t respond, he just furrowed his brow in concern. “Are you okay?”

Leo gave him a look. “Just peachy, dude.”

Jason sucked his teeth for a moment before he spoke. “I know Nico’s been spending a lot of time in the crow’s nest. Is this where you’ve started going after nightmares?”

Leo snorted derisively. “No nightmares here. In fact, I’m the least likely person on this ship to get nightmares.” When Jason made a questioning noise, he got a rueful grin in response. “You gotta sleep to have nightmares.”

Jason’s brow furrowed, and he swallowed around a lump in his throat. He looked at Leo a little closer and realized that the ever-present bags under his eyes were even darker and puffier than usual. “I’m a little scared to ask, but when was the last time you slept?”

Leo shrugged casually. “Rome.”

“Leo,” Jason breathed. He felt sick. “Leo, that was almost two weeks ago. How are you even still alive?”

“So long as I have a project to work on, I physically don’t need sleep,” Leo explained like he was walking Jason through another simple math problem. “It’s a gift from dear old dad.”

Jason squeezed his eyes shut and took in a few deep breaths to calm himself. He wasn’t sure if he wanted to shout or cry, but he knew both would only make things worse. “Why?”

“Hm? Oh, I dunno. I guess since he’s the god of making stuff we get, like, super hyperfocus. I bet you the Athena kids can–”

“No. I mean, why are you doing this?”

Leo’s teeth clicked shut and he looked away from Jason. “Someone’s gotta keep this ship running.”

“You didn’t have to do this before.”

“Things are different now.”

Jason clenched his fists at his sides. “Leo, you need sleep.”

“Don’t you get it? I can’t,” Leo snapped, his fury from before returning. “I can’t sleep, Jason! I can try all I want and I’m never going to! It’s just never going to happen! At least this way I’m not being useless! I told you, I don’t need sleep.”

“You said you don’t physically need sleep,” Jason corrected. “Sleep is more than just physical. Everybody needs sleep to function. Good sleep.”

“I bet Percy and Annabeth are getting some really good sleep down in Tartarus.”

The air went tense between them and Jason couldn’t breathe. “Is that what this is about?”

Leo jerked his head away again. “No.”

“Liar,” Jason accused immediately. He stepped forward and gently took one of Leo’s hands in both his own. “Do you… Do you think you don’t deserve sleep? Because of that?”

Leo still wouldn’t meet his eye, but his hand twitched in Jason’s hold until he had his fingers wrapped around Jason’s pinky and he squeezed. “I– No, that’s ridiculous. I just wanna make sure the ship stays in one piece so we can rescue them. That’s all.”

Jason ignored him and stepped closer, staring at Leo’s face as hard as he could to make his point clear. “It wasn’t your fault, Leo.”

Leo squeezed his eyes shut. “Yes, it was.”

“It wasn’t,” Jason insisted. “I don’t care what you say. You’ve told me about the cookie already. You did that to save Frank and Hazel. Percy and Annabeth wasn’t your fault any more than it was mine or Piper’s or Nico’s or anyone’s. If it had anything to do with that fortune cookie, then it would be Nemesis's fault. Not yours, Leo. Never yours.”

Leo was shaking like a leaf in winter now, and when he looked up at Jason his eyes were wet with tears. “Jace?”

“Yeah?”

“I’m tired.”

Jason felt his heart shatter right into a million pieces. He dropped Leo’s hand, but only so he could hold open his arms in invitation. “Then sleep, Leo.” Leo stumbled forward the few steps between them before he crumpled into Jason’s chest with a sob. Jason squeezed his eyes shut and wrapped Leo up in a hug so tight it made his shoulders ache. He slowly lowered them both to the ground until he was leaning against a wall, and Leo was curled up against his chest in his lap. He pressed his trembling lips to Leo’s forehead. “Just sleep, Leo. I’ll take care of you.”

It took a long time for Leo’s tears to run dry, but eventually they did and his gut-wrenching sobs trailed off into the softest, gentlest snores Jason had ever heard in his life. Jason didn’t sleep at all that night. He stayed awake, arms wrapped securely around Leo and eyes boring holes in the door, daring anyone to come in and disturb the fragile peace that had fallen between them. Jason didn’t sleep that night, but Leo did, and that was all that mattered. 

*-*-*

Jason groaned as he shuffled down the hall, trying desperately to stretch out the ache in his back. He’d slept a little funny the night before, which meant, of course, that his whole body was going to be in pain all day. He once again found himself cursing sixteen-year-old Jason for doing, well, everything that he’d done, leaving thirty-year-old Jason to deal with the mess. Sixteen-year-old Jason may have been the one getting attacked by monsters and nearly dying on a bi-weekly basis, but thirty-year-old Jason was the one with a job, a caffeine addiction, and semi-chronic back pain, so who really had it worse, hmm? 

But for as much as some parts of getting older sucked, Jason couldn’t, and more importantly wouldn’t, say he hated it. He loved getting older, and he was keenly looking forward to every ache and pain and discomfort that came with getting to live the years ahead of him. Getting older meant sorting through junk mail and paying bills and long, frustrating phone calls with his internet service provider, but it also meant home. It meant deep breaths, knowing he was allowed to just be. It meant a house he’d helped pick out and a mattress that needed to be replaced after years of use and a coffee pot given to him for his birthday that was too fancy for him to properly use but still made a fantastic pot every morning. It meant knowing he was safe and happy and loved and that nothing was going to change that. 

It also meant a much more rigorous shaving routine, he thought to himself, scratching at the prickly fuzz on his cheek. He’d have to go to the bathroom and shave as soon as his coffee got started, otherwise he wasn’t going to get kissed.

He was suddenly interrupted by a very sharp nose being pressed hard in between his shoulder blades and thin arms being wrapped around his waist. He chuckled softly and squeezed the hands laced in front of him. “Good morning, Leo.”

“I was sleeping,” Leo complained in his sleep-thick slur, pressing even closer to Jason’s back like he was trying to fuse with his spine. “Woke me up.”

“I did not,” Jason protested. “I was very careful. You stayed asleep the whole time I was getting out of bed. How is this my fault?”

“You left,” Leo said simply. Jason turned around in Leo’s arms and Leo thumped his cheek down on Jason’s chest to scowl up at him. His hair was a mussed up mess, and his eyes were puffy and a little crusty with sleep, and his face was all smooshed up and covered in crease marks from their sheets, and his brow was furrowed in a furious pout. 

He was the single most beautiful thing Jason had ever seen.

“I’m sorry I left you,” Jason teased, stooping over to press their foreheads together. “I promise I was planning on coming back.”

“You better,” Leo mumbled. Jason leaned forward just a bit more to press their lips together and Leo let out a soft sigh of contentment. Then he lifted his hands to cup Jason’s cheeks like he always did, and he suddenly recoiled, flapping his hands around like he’d stuck them in something disgusting. “Bleh! Gross! Go shave your face!”

Jason laughed before he used his hold on Leo’s waist to drag him closer, and he started rubbing his hairy jaw all over Leo’s neck, just to hear him squeal. Once Leo resorted to smacking, Jason relented and just pressed their foreheads together again with a grin, delighting in the blotchy red beard-burn that was already starting to form. “I love you.”

 “Yeah, well, I actually hate you,” Leo informed him with a huff. To prove his point, he pressed a kiss to the tip of Jason’s nose. “Now, come on. I wanna go back to sleep.”

“Oh?” Jason’s eyebrows flew up near his hairline. “Am I allowed back in your bed? I thought you hated me.”

“I’ve decided that I love sleep more than I hate you,” Leo informed him. 

“And you can’t sleep without me?”

“Duh. Don’t ask stupid questions.”

Jason chuckled softly, love blooming bright and warm in his chest. He pressed a kiss to Leo’s forehead, ignoring Leo’s gagging at the feel of his stubble. “Okay, I’ll be there. For as long as you want me, yeah?”

Leo grinned then and hugged Jason, eyes shining as he looked up at him. “Get ready for a very long day in bed then, Mr. Valdez.”

“I think I can live with that,” Jason smiled back, running his fingers through Leo’s curls. “You go back to bed and I’ll be there as soon as I get my coffee.”

“Ugh! Fine!” Leo groaned like the most put-upon man on Earth as he slumped out of the kitchen. When he was out of sight, he shouted down the hall, “And get that gross stuff off your face before you come back!”

Jason laughed then, loud and bright and filling the home he’d made with Leo. Still, he dutifully made his way to the bathroom to shave, though he did deliberately miss a tiny little patch under his jaw for Leo to pet and complain about later. Then he filled up his biggest coffee thermos, knowing he wouldn’t be given permission to leave the bed for several hours, and made his way to the bedroom, where he was welcomed in with lazy smiles and jaw-cracking yawns and luxurious, cat-like stretches. 

As always, Leo curled right up against Jason’s chest with a contented sigh. He didn’t fall asleep immediately, but he did completely melt, fiddling with the buttons on Jason’s shirt and tapping out I love you on Jason’s chest, which he returned each time with a kiss to Leo’s hair. But then he did fall asleep, right there in Jason’s arms, pressed right to Jason’s heart. In his sleep, he snored, the sound loud and grating like a chainsaw in need of a tune-up, and he drooled, and his face twisted up in weird expressions, and he managed to pin Jason’s arm in a way that kept him from drinking his coffee and almost immediately made it go numb. 

And he was beautiful. 

[kathlare]

quiet chaos

Lando Norris x Amelie Dayman

Summary: Amelie and Lando enjoy a rare pocket of time together during a late-night tour bus ride.

Wordcount: 1.5 k

Warnings: none

full masterlist // request over here!

October 3rd, 2024 - Somewhere around Boston and Baltimore

The low hum of the tour bus engine provided a comforting background noise as Amelie and Lando lay on the plush cushions in the bus’s private room. The room, soft and dimly lit by the warm glow of a small lamp, felt like their little slice of home on the road. The rest of the crew was either asleep or occupied with their own lives, leaving Amelie and Lando in the bubble of their own little world. They were en route to Baltimore after her sold-out show in Boston, but for now, all they needed was each other.

It was late, and the quiet rhythm of the moving bus should’ve made it the perfect time to sleep, but sleep was the last thing either of them could manage.

Lando lay next to Amelie, his head resting against the pillow, but his mind was far from tired. His eyes glanced over at her, watching her with a look of playful amusement as she tried to get comfortable beside him.

—So, Ames,— he started, his voice soft but with a teasing edge, —do you ever stop talking?—

Amelie rolled her eyes, nudging him with her shoulder. —Says the guy who can’t stop talking either, Lan.—

Lando chuckled, the sound low and warm in the quiet of the bus. —Touché,— he said, his smile teasing but affectionate. He shifted slightly on the pillow, bringing his face a little closer to hers. —But seriously, I think you’ve been talking for about an hour straight. What are you even saying?—

Amelie propped herself up on her elbow, turning to face him with a grin. —I’m just saying, Lando, I’m gonna miss the free food on this tour. Like, do you realize how much I’ve eaten in the past month? My wardrobe is gonna need a serious update when I get back to New York.—

Lando smirked. —You’re cute when you complain about food. Also, I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but you’re literally always eating. We could be at a gas station, and you’d still find a way to sneak in a snack.—

Amelie laughed, a musical sound that seemed to fill the small room. —It’s a talent, Lan. A gift. You should be proud to witness it.— She took a dramatic pause, glancing down at her hands as if pondering something deep. —Honestly, if I could live off chocolate and tacos, I would. Best combo in the world.—

Lando raised an eyebrow. —Chocolate and tacos? I feel like that’s a very dangerous combination.—

—You just don’t understand the magic of it, Lan,— Amelie teased, leaning in close to poke his chest. —You’ve got to experience it yourself. I’ll make it for you next time we’re in Mexico. I promise it’ll change your life.—

—Maybe you’ll change my life first by not talking about food for five minutes,— Lando retorted, his voice dripping with mock seriousness.

Amelie narrowed her eyes, playfully pretending to be offended. —Excuse me? I am a queen of conversation. If you can’t keep up, I’m happy to find someone who can.—

Lando smirked and shifted so that he was lying on his stomach, resting his chin in his hand and looking at her with that signature grin of his. —Oh, I can keep up, Ames. Believe me. I just like to hear you talk. You’re cute when you’re all passionate about nonsense.—

Amelie’s eyes softened, but she still couldn’t hide the mischievous glint in them. She reached up to ruffle his hair, a lighthearted gesture that spoke volumes about the comfort between them. —You’re impossible, Lan. I’m always right, and you know it.—

—No, you’re not always right,— Lando shot back, a playful edge to his voice. —But I’ll let you think you are, just to keep the peace.—

—Oh really?— Amelie sat up a little straighter, her eyes narrowing in mock disbelief. —I’m not always right? You’ve got some nerve, Norris.—

Before Lando could respond, Amelie was already lunging toward him, and he laughed, dodging her attempt to tickle him. The two of them tumbled around on the cushions, their laughter filling the small, dimly lit space. They were loud, carefree, their laughter echoing like they didn’t have a care in the world. It was a stark contrast to the quiet hum of the bus as it sped down the highway. In that moment, it felt like time had stopped. It was just them.

But then, the door to their private room suddenly opened, and in walked Carla, Amelie’s manager. Carla was a no-nonsense woman, known for her stern attitude when it came to keeping Amelie’s schedule on track, but even she couldn’t hide her amusement as she looked at the two of them sprawled out on the bed, both red-faced and giggling like children.

Carla crossed her arms, standing in the doorway with a raised eyebrow. —Really?— she asked, her voice dripping with mock sternness. —You two should be asleep by now. It’s already past midnight, and you’re supposed to be resting for tomorrow’s travel. Not that I expected anything less from you two.—

Lando, his cheeks flushed from laughter, sat up straight and quickly ran a hand through his hair, trying to smooth it down as if that would help him look less guilty. He flashed a sheepish grin at Carla. —Sorry, Carla. We were just… uh… chatting. Didn’t realize we were being so loud.—

Amelie sat up beside him, her grin still wide as she looked over at her manager. —We weren’t that loud, right? We were just having a little… fun.— She raised an eyebrow in a way that made Lando snicker again, but he quickly bit his lip to stifle it.

Carla raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed, but the corners of her mouth twitched in amusement. She crossed her arms over her chest. —You two are impossible. I swear, sometimes I wonder if you’re even capable of being quiet for five minutes. You’ve got a whole team to look after and you’re here, being louder than a rock concert. Keep it down, alright? We’ve got a long drive ahead of us, and you two need your rest for tomorrow.—

Lando, now suddenly feeling shy under Carla's direct gaze, glanced over at Amelie for support, his cheeks still pink. He cleared his throat and mumbled, —We’ll be quiet, promise.—

Amelie smirked at him, clearly enjoying the fact that Lando, usually so confident, was now sheepish under Carla’s scolding. —We’ll be good, Carla. No more noise, I swear. Just a little bit of chaos, yeah?—

Carla shook her head with a soft chuckle, but it was clear she was trying not to break into a grin herself. —I’ll believe it when I hear it. But for now, seriously, no more giggling and bouncing around like kids. I’m serious, you two. It’s not funny anymore.—

As soon as Carla turned to leave, her footsteps fading away down the hall, the sound of the door clicking shut echoed in the room. Lando and Amelie looked at each other for a beat, and then, as if on cue, they both burst into giggles, the sound even louder than before.

Amelie clamped a hand over her mouth, trying to muffle her laughter, but it was no use. The more she tried to stop, the harder it became. Lando was no help either—his laughter was contagious, his shoulders shaking as he tried to hold it in. He leaned back against the cushions, a hand pressed over his face as if that would stop the noise escaping him.

—Lan,— Amelie hissed between giggles, her voice barely a whisper but laced with amusement. —Stop laughing! Carla's gonna kill us.—

Lando peeked at her from between his fingers, his grin impossibly wide. —You started it, Ames. You’re such a bad influence.—

Amelie smacked his arm lightly, her lips twitching with the effort to keep a straight face. —Me? Bad influence? That’s rich coming from the guy who thought it was a good idea to teach me how to swear in every British accent.—

"Well, you needed a proper education," he teased, his voice dropping into an exaggerated Cockney accent. "Can’t have you walkin’ 'round soundin’ all posh, now, can we?"

Amelie stifled a snort, shaking her head at him. —You’re so ridiculous.—

—And you love it,— he quipped, his tone playful but his eyes soft as they met hers. He reached out to tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear, his touch lingering for just a moment.

—I do,— she admitted, her voice quieter now, more serious. The smile she gave him was smaller but no less genuine. —You make everything more fun, you know that?—

Lando’s expression softened, the teasing edge slipping away. —That’s the goal, isn’t it? Life’s too short to be serious all the time.—

Amelie leaned into his touch, her hand resting lightly on his wrist. —You’re the best kind of chaos, Lan.—

—Back at you, Ames,— he said, his voice barely above a whisper. For a moment, the room was quiet, the laughter fading into a comfortable stillness as they just looked at each other.

But then, true to form, Lando broke the silence with a cheeky grin. —Although, if we’re being honest, you’re probably the loudest person I’ve ever met. I mean, Carla’s right... you’re louder than a rock concert.—

Amelie gasped in mock offense, swatting his arm. —Excuse me! You’re the one who was laughing like a hyena two minutes ago.—

—Was not,— he shot back, though the grin tugging at his lips betrayed him.

—Was too,— Amelie countered, her tone playful as she leaned in closer, her face just inches from his. —Admit it, Norris. You’re as loud as I am.—

—Never,— he said with a smirk, his voice dropping to a whisper as his eyes flickered to her lips. —But you’re cute when you’re loud, so I guess I’ll let it slide.—

Amelie rolled her eyes, but her cheeks flushed a soft pink. —You’re impossible.—

—And you love that too,— he teased, his voice teasing but warm as he leaned in to kiss her. It was a soft, sweet kiss, the kind that spoke of how comfortable they were with each other, how easy it was to be together.

When they pulled apart, Amelie rested her forehead against his, her eyes sparkling with mischief. —You know Carla’s gonna yell at us again if she hears us.—

—Let her,— Lando said with a shrug, his grin back in full force. —Worth it to make you laugh.—

Amelie shook her head, her laughter bubbling up again despite herself. —You’re such a troublemaker, Norris.—

—And you’re the one who keeps me out of too much trouble,— he shot back, wrapping an arm around her and pulling her close. —Guess we make a pretty good team.—

—Yeah, we do,— she said, her voice soft as she rested her head on his chest.

For a while, they stayed like that, the quiet hum of the bus and the steady rhythm of Lando’s heartbeat lulling them into a peaceful silence. But, of course, it didn’t last long.

—Hey, Ames,— Lando said after a few minutes, his voice breaking the quiet.

—Yeah?— she murmured, her eyes half-closed.

—Do you think Carla secretly loves us, or do you think she’s plotting our demise?—

Amelie laughed, her body shaking against his. —Oh, she definitely loves us. She just won’t admit it.—

—Good,— Lando said with a grin, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. —Because I don’t think I could survive being without you."

—You’re stuck with me, Lan,— she said, her voice full of affection. —Forever.—

—Forever sounds pretty good,— he replied, his voice soft but full of meaning.

As they finally settled down, the room grew quiet again, the only sounds the gentle hum of the bus and their steady breathing. And though neither of them said it out loud, they both knew the truth: they were each other’s home, no matter where the road took them.

[numberonetacostan]

PACO SWAP AU

Here is the somewhat awaited long post for the Paco Swap AU! I’ve taken pieces from the other posts made about it for this, so you don’t need to read the other posts about it to understand anything!!! I know quite a few of you like this au, so please enjoy the full post about it!!! :D

SO! As the name says, Pickle and Taco swap roles here. Taco’s season 1 persona is her real personality, and Pickle is using her. Initially he’s using her popularity with the viewers to make himself look better, and get himself further in the competition by proxy of being her best friend and primary caretaker, but he doesn’t break his act upon getting voted out/losing, like Taco does in the season finale. Other than that, season 1 is roughly the same besides the end result. He sticks to the role of being her also-dumb-but-mildly-smarter best friend, at least for longer. She wins the season, it doesn’t particularly matter what changes but we’ll just say Bow doesn’t attack her this time, she gets to the finish line first, hooray for Taco!! She uses her money on a lemon orchard, and then somewhere for them all to live with the others’ urging. Taco’s name is on the deed and documentation, because it was her money that bought it, but everyone pitches in to run this hotel. It’s better for OJ and his relationship with Paper, without all the stress of running the hotel on his own and the ego boost he gets from that and winning in the first place. Taco would choose a lot of the decor though!! Not all of it, since someone would step in to make sure not every single thing in the building is lemon-yellow, but there’s still a strong lemon theme, yeah? 

Since Taco is Baby and doesn’t know how to manage money at all, and because as is stated by Bomb in season 1 she currently only speaks French and a few English words here and there, her best friend Pickle is the one who manages her finances. And… well he sure does manage them alright, but not for Taco. He buys a video game here and there. And then maybe some new headphones, a console, a PC, etc. And since he has so many games and consoles to play with, he doesn’t really have time to be hanging out with and watching Taco. And the other contestants start to notice this, seeing Taco by herself more often, more and more packages coming for Pickle, and even Taco sitting outside his closed door waiting for him like a dejected puppy. They try to be more gentle about it at first telling him not to buy too much with her money and to go hang out with her, but they'd get more firm, especially when Taco starts getting rather upset that he's more or less ignoring her now that she's served her purpose to him. 

They end up taking away his access to her money, and he lashes out at them like Taco does in the s1 finale, and then disappears off into the woods like Taco did as well. He’s pretty furious about not getting to use the money he’s worked so hard to earn, taking care of Taco day after day. He’d insult her here too, and even though she doesn’t understand much, I think she’s been called “annoying” enough to understand what it means, and for her best and only close friend to call her that? Sweet little Taco would be heartbroken actually. She doesn't understand what happened enough to understand that it isn't her fault, but she does understand how angry Pickle was and how scornfully he was talking to and about her!!!!! She understands that he hates her but not why, and that it wasn't anything she did. I can imagine her trying to make him feel better when he's lashing out at everyone, trying to give him a lemon or a nuzzle (armless hug; either she really doesn't have arms or truly just doesn't use them often) and him pushing her away and hard enough to make her fall over, which ends up being the last straw for him getting kicked out. 

Augh, and she'd be sobbing too, because her best friend Pickle was so so mad and now he's gone and she doesn't know what she did. I think it would be interesting for Knife to take on a parallel role here to the one he did for Pickle too. When Pickle is gone, he ends up taking over as Taco's caretaker/best friend. Knife the protector, yeah? Genuine or not, Pickle did look after her to keep her from unknowingly getting into trouble, and she still needs someone looking after her. I mean, I think the entire cast would be pitching in more to make sure she's okay after what happened, but I see characters like Knife, OJ, Paper (as the other two menu squad members), and the lot really making sure to take care of her. Knife wouldn’t be as openly affectionate with her as Pickle was, at least at first, but I think she’d wear him down eventually, enough to accept all the affection she gives him and give her head pats. For the whole cast, I think they'd actually start liking Taco more after this reveal? Mostly because they all feel quite badly for her, and all pitch in to take care of her, and then get to know her more!! She pretty exclusively stuck by Pickle's side during season 1, yeah? So spending more time around her may subject them all to the glory of her silly whimsy. They'd bond with her more due to Pickle's betrayal, yeah? I think the others would also put more effort into helping her learn English when they're all taking care of her after Pickle leaves. They don't know her nonverbal cues as well as Pickle did, and as well I'd imagine him not wanting her to learn English if he can manage it. The more she understands the harder it is for him to keep using her, yeah? So they start using little vocab flashcards and simpler language that will be easier for her to pick up on, and she starts understanding more!! She still isn’t a big talker, but when she does decide to say something it’s much more comprehensible!!! Good for her!!!

Onto season 2!!! Taco is not really involved in season 2, beyond episode 7. She doesn’t make it into the season 2 cast, but as a result of the lawsuit the others help her file against Mephone, she does get to host episode 7!!! She would sing the elimination time theme <3. I think she would eliminate Knife. Not because she wants him to lose but because she misses having him in the hotel. He would be all >:| but walk over to her and let her nuzzle him excitedly, since he’d plan to make sure the proper elimination is done when Mephone4 gets back. Taco being Taco, instead of having everyone clean the hotel, she’d make her get her lemons from her orchard!!! No coin flip either. It’s basically the same challenge as s1 ep2, honestly. What can I say? She loves her some lemons!!! I think this would be when her and Mic meet as well. Mic is currently being bothered by Cheesy or being scolded by her team, so I think Taco’s silly, loud fun would be a welcome presence for her, as well as her pretty unconditional affection if you’re someone she likes. S1 Taco would be among the few contestants that don't mind at all when Mic shouts to her heart's content, yeah!! Since Taco shouts all the time too!!! Mic might get a sort of shovel talk from Knife after what happened with Pickle, yeah? Mic would not like that someone was so mean to Taco and put even more effort into being her friend!!! I don’t ship them in this au, but I do think they should be best buddies!!! Loud girl solidarity!!!

As for Pickle, he’d probably try working behind the scenes like Taco, though not with the same success that she does. He doesn’t have her intellect, even in this au, so he can’t come up with the same plans that she can. He’d pick someone that could get further in the game based on likeability rather than strategy like Taco in season 1, and someone that would be willing to work with him, since he can’t offer the same advantage that Taco can. He can’t scheme well, nor did he make it to the finals like she did. I’d say Lightbulb could be a possibility, her being very well-liked and having been Taco’s second choice, yeah? She’s friendly to canon Taco so I think she’d be relatively friendly with Pickle too, with the same hopes of him getting better. Mic would probably be voted out earlier without Taco’s help, so there’s that too. Knife would probably play the same role here, finding out that LB and Pickle were working together, as much as Pickle could manage. He is manipulative in this au, don’t get me wrong, he’s just not that smart. He’d still reach for the portal, though she wouldn’t see it since she got sucked in, so she doesn’t ask him about it. No eye injury for him! He already had one in s1 anyways. As for why LB would cut things off? I think Pickle would sabotage the rocket, like Mic does in canon, but he does it after telling LB he was going to- to which she gives an adamant no. Testy is her friend, and Fan just got kidnapped! It’s serious o’clock!! But he still does it, the rocket nearly fails, and LB cuts things off with him. She’s not gonna work with him if he’s gonna hurt her friends, and Pickle is left once again without a silly, happy companion.

Onto season 3!! S2 is on hiatus now!!! I already answered an ask that goes over everything involving her in season 3 lol, so I’ll just gently place that here. 

I suppose most of her swapping is done with Pickle, in regards to the betrayer/betrayee dynamic, but since the winner would swap she is indeed taking OJ's place in season 3!!! And yes, she would not care about being "dethroned." Frankly, she'd find Silver to be rather funny and probably burst out laughing during his speech. I think she'd more or less understand what he was trying to do, but think it was funny that he was taking things so seriously and that he'd seen her as some sort of obstacle to overcome. She just likes having fun with her friends!!! Winning doesn't matter to her. She'd just give a happy little "bye-bye!!" and be sent off to Indefinite Island. Though, at least for Painty, this would cause more scorn towards Silver. It's one thing for him to make that speech at OJ, a pretty mature guy, but to do it at Taco? A little Taco who already had one pulled over on her by who she'd thought was her best friend? Painty would not be cool with that. I think she'd be on Indefinite Island for a bit, primarily because it wouldn't be safe for Taco to try and get back to her hotel on her own. I'd imagine she stays until Painty gets out and they go back to the hotel together. Lifering and eventually Tea Kettle when she gets there would be the ones watching over her while she's on Indefinite Island. Like you said, Mic probably would get out sooner without having Taco to help her, which might be for the better with how much better she can grow her confidence without being in the competition.

As for the finale, I think she'd initially want to vote for Silver, actually? Because she still thinks he's funny. But after he punches Candle's flame out, she doesn't like him much anymore, he's more scary than funny now, and she would vote for Balloon. I don't think she'd talk much to Cabby, since Cabby doesn't get to Indefinite Island too long before the rejoin challenge and she's not as patient with the others until later on. She'd definitely be frightened by the unvitational committee, she'd understand what's going on more than she did in season 1, yeah? TK and Lifering, having had taken care of her, would definitely be watching out for her, as well as Painty and even Nickel, though in his own way. He doesn't like Taco that much anyways, but he might casually position himself between her and the unvitationals, yeah?

To add on to the season 3 finale, I think Taco and Cabby would interact a bit at the end!! Cabby is the first winner since Taco, after all. I think Taco would poke her arm out of the top of her shell (I love it when she does this IT'S SO CUTE) and offer Cabby a victory lemon!!!! With a little "We're winners!", yeah? Keep in mind that, in this au, Taco really did only speak French and some other random words in the beginning, but her English has been improving!! Mostly in comprehension, since she doesn't talk much in general, but by the latter end of this au she can definitely speak more!! Pickle's betrayal did set her progress back, though. She didn't feel like talking for a while after he left.

Truth or Flare would be similar, Pickle probably couldn’t even try reprogramming Mepad like in canon, so he’d just be spying and take the chance to jump into the challenge when he hears what it is. He might hold Mephone or Mepad at like… rock point? Threaten to throw a rock at them, which is a genuine danger to their lives, I suppose. I’m doing my best here guys it’s not my fault he’s a much less threatening antagonist than Taco. Well I guess it is a little but it’s more in character for him!! Regardless, he doesn’t fall apart but instead retreats into the woods when he finds out someone else is coming, and Mepad goes after him of his own volition. It’s Mepad, he sees someone who needs help, he’s gonna help them. (RIP king you would have loved my shiny buneary). 

Finale!!!! Okay, not too much changes!! But we’ll start with the Pickle & Taco apology scene and go from there. He comes in and knocks on her door, and she’s so very happy to see him!!! Surprised, but happy!! Before she can start giving him affection though, he gives her his apology. He doesn’t know how much of it she understands, since she learned a lot of English in his absence, but he gives a solid, sincere apology. Which Taco is very happy to hear!! She wasn’t really mad at him in the first place, she just missed him a whole lot and was very sad. But now he’s back!!! She squeals and “sour creams” and nuzzles him!!! She even tells him it’s okay and that she’s not mad, though not in so many words. Though unfortunately for Pickle, Mic hears Taco getting all excited, and comes to check on her, catching them together. Mic isn’t happy and starts berating him for showing up around here, as I think she’d be prone to do with him having hurt her buddy Taco is deeply, as Taco tries to get her to stop. That gets cut off, though, because their yelling attracts MephoneX, and Pickle is yet again the first to fall. This gets the attention of more of the cast, especially as it starts to go after Taco and chases her into the lobby area, X-ing her like he does OJ in canon. The finale starts playing out relatively normally after that. 

I think Mic would help her through the red line game and hold her hand (if she could convince Taco to bring it out of her shell), like in canon, and Taco might even help her too! With how she stops in the finale because of the images of her being ignored no matter how loud she screams, yeah? But there's a little Taco who likes to yell with her pulling on her hand, and they run across the line.

But after they all get back she wouldn't understand why Mepad isn't powering on. She didn't spend much time with him, since she didn't compete in season 2 nor kidnap him in this au, but she'd know it isn't normal. They probably would have to keep her away from the body, because she'd keep trying to get his attention and get him to turn on like normal, especially since Pickle would be quite upset about his death like Taco is in canon. 

She would understand that Mephone made them when someone tells her directly, but I don’t think it would really phase her, honestly? She doesn't care, their priority should be getting her lemon orchard back. Everyone else is being so very careful, but it's business as usual for Taco, yeah? She'd probably get another babysitter or two with how fragile her shell is. She might playfully spit a lemon at someone, and end up with Knife carefully but very firmly telling her she can't spit lemons at people anymore and has to be very careful not to hurt herself or anyone else. Getting scolded might make her sad since she doesn't totally get the stakes of it all, but after a few days of hiding from him behind Microphone she'd be okay again. 

She and Pickle would hang out again!!!! But on a tentative basis with everyone else. Taco would definitely be annoyed that the others weren't letting her and Pickle hang out one-on-one. They used to do it all the time, and now Pickle is nice again, so there's no more problem!!! She might try to be cheeky and sneak away to go hang out with him, but he'd probably let one of the others know where she is and that they're together anyways. She wouldn't like it, and it might make her think he still doesn't want to spend time with her, but he'd still be on thin ice with everyone else, yeah? So he wouldn't want to be sneaking around them and losing even more of their trust. I think eventually they’d be let alone again, and Pickle would take even better care of her than before, even if he isn’t her main caretaker after coming back. He’d slowly get off thin ice with everyone else, though there may be some (Knife) who are extra protective of Taco and keep an eye on him. But overall it’s a happy ending for Pickle and Taco!!!! :D

I think that’s everything for this au!!!!  ＼(＾▽＾)／ I hope you’ve enjoyed, and if I forgot to include anything please let me know!! If there are any questions, please feel free to send in an ask!!!

[berribuggie]

[buddiesmutslut]

I’m genuinely so fucking sick of the “you all would have loved it if it was Eddie who made that comment” take.

First of all, Eddie wouldn’t have made comment then, bc he knows how hard it is for Buck to talk about his emotions, & is REALLY good at giving him the space to talk about them, even if he does make jokes, they’re not out of pocket (the coming out scene, anyone? Breaking the tension with a joke & still being supportive without making a joke of his feelings.)

Secondly, even if Eddie DID make that comment, I’d probably still roll my eyes, but I’d be more willing to accept it. Do you wanna know why???

Who was the person that knew the details of what Buck was talking to his therapist about during their emergency session before the Buckley’s visit? Who is the first one they show at Buck’s side when he gets stuck in the warehouse trying to pull Saleh out after learning about Daniel?? Who is the one who was pacing downstairs in the station & making sure Buck was okay after the warehouse, and the one who warned him about his visitors??

Who was the one praying at Bobby’s bedside, right next to Buck in the hospital?

(I’ll give you a hint, it’s not the dude that’s had 10 minutes of fucking screen time that everyone forgot about post s1.)

It wouldn’t have been the same bc TOMMY AND EDDIE ARE NOT THE SAME. They are not on the same level of knowing Buck & understanding when to make jokes & what jokes to make. Your best friend, partner & co-parent of 6 years and the man that you haven’t even called your boyfriend yet are not on the same level of familiarity.

I get that you’re pissed that Tommy is being compared to Buck’s previous love interests (which would be the case, even if he wasn’t just as shitty & uninterested in Buck as a person as they all were) but if you genuinely think that he’s anywhere near Eddie’s level, EVEN PLATONICALLY, then I fear that you have been watching another show entirely, & I encourage you to watch more than just s7, bc that’s the only explanation I can come up with for why this fuck ass take exists.

[jalboyhenthusiast]

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[ekingston]

I just stumbled upon your You me & holiday wine fic and binged it and may i just say thank you for your service 🫡🫡🫡 that work it’s everything to me and was just so fun to read!! you ate that up

hi hello & thank you so much! it makes me SO happy people are still discovering YMHW in 2024. i’m really glad you enjoyed it, it was a lot of fun to write as well!