#look he's gotta have a little natural curl if it's gonna stay up like that even with gel

[chaoscheebs]

The moment Seto Kaiba sees Yugi un-punked, no-eyeliner, hair-unspiked, he is gonna be shook.

BONUS:

[warping-realities]

Bed and Breakfast (Repost)

"I can't believe you're gonna make me stay in a dump like that," said the gorgeous woman with an arrogant tone towards her boyfriend, not realizing the owner of the cozy little beach inn was eavesdropping.

"Babe, chill out, the place is actually pretty dope and seems super comfy. Plus, it’s got killer reviews on travel sites. We’ll be lucky if there’s even a spot for us here."

"We wouldn’t have to deal with this crap if you had booked a hotel ahead of time."

"Laura, sweetheart, you picked a trendy spot last minute during peak season; there’s no way we’d find a room, and yet you insisted on coming."

"Of course, all the big shots are here. What do you think my followers would say if I didn't show up? An influencer’s gotta stay on top of all the trends, Jeremy, and this is the hot spot right now—God only knows why," Laura shot back, making her boyfriend sigh before being interrupted by a cheerful and upbeat voice.

"Good evening! I’m Cintia, the owner of Cozy Cabin. Welcome! How can I help you?"

"Good evening, ma’am. I’m Jeremy Grant, and this is my fiancée, Laura. We’re looking for a place to crash."

"Oh no! I’m sorry, but we’re all booked up. Reservations have been closed for over two months; we’ve become super popular lately." The woman, who seemed to be of an age that was hard to pin down, responded. Though she showed signs of age, she had a vibe of joy and youth around her, at that moment tainted by genuine sadness at not being able to help. That turned into indignation and anger when the pretty blonde in front of her let out a dismissive giggle followed by a sharp jab at her fiancé. But before Cintia could say anything, Jeremy quickly jumped in.

"Isn’t there even the slightest chance, Cintia? It would just be for one night so Laura can snap some pics and post them; she’s a digital influencer."

"Really? I’ve never heard of you, darling," Cintia said, taking the moment to get back at the rude young woman, who couldn’t help but fire back.

"I work with a younger crowd; it's understandable if someone your age doesn’t know me," Laura replied, making Jeremy cringe and a dangerous glint appear in Cintia’s eyes.

"Ah, trust me, I know how to spot a real influencer with clout. Right now, we’ve got Miguel Ramos, the famous fitness influencer, crashing here; it’s his fifth year visiting us during this time. Which gives me an awesome idea to help you out. If you’ll excuse me for a sec, I’ll be back with some info."

"Stupid hag," Laura muttered bitterly as soon as Cintia left the room.

"Baby, you kinda poked the bear..."

"Don’t you dare take her side, Jeremy. How could she compare me to that fairy Miguel Ramos?"

"Laura, watch your mouth. I’ve heard a lot about Miguel Ramos; he was a respected personal trainer before he blew up as a fitness influencer and has a solid follower base."

That was a huge understatement, and they both knew it. While Laura’s follower count hadn’t even hit the hundreds of thousands mark, Miguel’s had already smashed through the million barrier. And obviously, the vain woman didn’t like being reminded of that and soon found a reason to roast her fiancé.

"Jeremy, that scruff of yours looks awful! How many times have I told you to keep your face smooth? My followers prefer you to match my look!"

Jeremy didn’t know if that was true; Laura’s followers really did hype up how well they matched in appearance. But he couldn’t help but wonder if the fact that Laura dressed him in similar styles to hers, combined with her nagging to keep his face smooth and his blond hair styled in neat curls, made them look so much alike that some people thought they were siblings instead of a couple. It was proof enough of a totally narcissistic nature, as the class bullies loved to shout. But every time those thoughts popped up, Jeremy quickly shoved them aside; he had long accepted that he’d be nobody without his girlfriend, to the point of giving up his career as a gym teacher to follow her, making sure all her wishes were met and canceling himself out in every way. Because he was dead sure he wasn’t worthy of her love and that no one in the world could love him like she did. It was exactly because he thought all this that when he saw Cintia return with a satisfied look on her face, he replied calmly.

"Yeah, babe, that’s the first thing I’ll do once we hit the room."

"My dears, I found a solution; it’s not perfect, but it should help for today," Cintia started with a playful grin and that spark in her eyes. "We have a few rooms with extra beds that aren’t being used, and two of our guests have kindly offered those beds to you for a couple of nights. In two days, Mrs. Goldschmitt will be heading home, and her room will be free if you want to extend your stay."

"You mean you want us to crash in separate rooms?" Laura asked, indignantly.

"It was the best I could do, dear. Of course, if that doesn’t work for you, feel free to scram and find somewhere else," Cintia replied with a frosty smile.

"No, no, that’s cool; we’ll take it!" Jeremy quickly interrupted, wanting to avoid more drama and losing the only place they found.

"Great! Follow me, then; I’ll have one of the staff take your bags to your respective rooms," Cintia said, looking genuinely pleased as she led them down a hallway and a flight of stairs to the first room. She knocked on the door, which was promptly opened by a handsome Latino man in his thirties, with muscles that popped under a fitted white t-shirt and a friendly smile on his rugged, bearded face.

"Goodnight," he said simply, his voice oozing masculinity.

"Miguel, darling! These are Jeremy and Lau..."

"You don’t need to introduce me; I’m sure Miguel knows who I am," Laura interrupted while Miguel stared at her like she was some exotic creature that had just landed in front of him.

"Laura... apparently she’s a digital influencer," Cintia continued as if she hadn’t been rudely interrupted. "Jeremy and Laura, this is Miguel Ramos, the guy we talked about earlier, who kindly agreed to give Jeremy the extra bed in his room."

"Thanks for the lovely intro, Cintia; it’s a pleasure to finally meet you in person, Laura, and you too, Jer..." Miguel started, only to be cut off by Laura.

"I think our followers would love a collab from us."

"Um, sure, we can chat about that tomorrow, Laura. I believe you both are wiped out now, and Cintia still needs to take you to your room."

"Yeah, yeah, you’re right; we’ll sort everything out tomorrow. Shall we bounce then?" Laura wrapped up, talking to Cintia without even saying goodbye to Jeremy, who then stepped up to his girlfriend and kissed her on the cheek.

"Good night, love; sleep tight!" he said before entering the room and watching his fiancée being led away by Cintia.

.....

"Welcome, Jeremy; unfortunately, you’ll have to take the single bed."

"Thanks, Miguel; you didn’t have to do that or pretend to know Laura."

"Ahh, I’m sorry about that, but I thought it was better; I know how sensitive some influencers can be about not being recognized. I’ve never really cared about that, but I’ve seen some awkward situations, to say the least. And about the bed, it’s just a bed; I’m not really using it, and Cintia asked me for a favor; she’s a good friend and helped me out a lot when... anyway, you’re welcome here."

"Still, you didn’t have to do any of that; thanks a ton," Jeremy replied as he prepped to crash, thinking about what Miguel had left unsaid. It was no secret that his breakup with his long-time boyfriend, a big-time film actor, had been a massive bummer, so much so that he had stayed out of the spotlight for months until he was spotted on the beach close to where they were, which is why the interest in the place had exploded. The only news was that he wouldn’t be staying in some fancy hotel but in Cintia’s cozy little inn. Laura should be stoked, Jeremy thought before dozing off; she went looking for copper and apparently struck gold.

Already lying in the single bed, Jeremy found the guts to say something else.

"Miguel, seriously, thanks a bunch; I really appreciate your kindness... but... well... I apologize in advance if Laura throws a fit about the sleeping arrangements... she’s used to getting her way, and... well... there might be some jealousy or something..."

"She doesn’t need to worry, Jeremy; I’m not into guys skinnier, smaller, and younger than me," Miguel joked, but it made Jeremy flinch.

"I’m sorry; I didn’t mean to offend you."

"You didn’t offend me, Jeremy; I was just messing around. You can relax in the room; as far as I’m concerned, it’s as much yours as mine. Have a good night."

…..

The morning sun streamed into the inn's bedroom, causing Jeremy to roll over in bed and wake up, rubbing his eyes, treated to a stunning sight: Miguel in just white underwear, his sculpted body on display, staring intently at the bedroom wall like he was lost in thought. At that moment, Jeremy felt something he never thought he would feel upon seeing another dude: a pang of desire, mixed with a familiar sensation in his dick that he only associated with seeing Laura’s naked beauty. His surprise was so intense that he moved abruptly, waking Miguel from his daydream.

"Good morning; sorry if I woke you; I forgot to close the curtains last night."

"No problem," Jeremy replied, hiding his erection with a pillow.

"Anyway, I’m already heading out for my morning run before breakfast."

"Oh man, I miss doing that!" Jeremy commented.

"Do you do this too?"

"Yeah, I was a physical educator just like you, but since I started following Laura... she’s not a morning person and gets all cranky when I wake her up early... anyway, I’ve been running on the treadmill while she shoots her videos at the gym."

"If you want to train with me..."

"Nah, man, thanks, but no. I’ll catch some more Z’s," Jeremy replied, still trying to hide his erection.

"Then I’ll see you later. Sweet dreams," said a fully dressed Miguel as he left the room, leaving Jeremy alone with his confusing thoughts.

…….

To say the trip had been a letdown for Laura would be a massive understatement. First, Jeremy couldn’t even make a simple reservation and had the nerve to blame her when he should’ve seen this coming. Then there was the beach itself; she had never liked the sun and sea, and just thinking about sand made her skin crawl. But unfortunately, thanks to Miguel Ramos’ star-studded divorce and his apparent bad taste, that little beach was the hot spot for the summer. Ending up in the same inn as him could be a golden opportunity, but for that, she had to deal with the arrogant old bat who owned the place, the fact that her fiancé was sleeping in the same room as that gay dude, and the annoying roommate she was sure had been chosen by the old hag just to irritate her. And it was with a look reflecting her inner bitterness that she waited for her fiancé to show up for breakfast, which only made her angrier, since she wasn’t used to waiting and stubbornly refused to call him. After all, he should know his place and duties!

It was with that sour expression that Miguel found her after taking a shower and getting dressed as quietly as possible to avoid waking the still-snoozing Jeremy. Seeing that expression made him seriously consider making a run for it from the breakfast room without being seen, especially since he hadn’t had a great first impression of Laura, which was confirmed when he checked out the kind of content she produced, with Jeremy looking more like an accessory to her outfit than an actual boyfriend, raising the suspicion that maybe the other guy was stuck in an abusive relationship like he himself had experienced until recently. But before he had time to bolt, their eyes locked, and a practiced smile crept onto her face, not quite reaching her predatory eyes. Knowing that game all too well, Miguel plastered on a smile just as fake as hers and approached her table.

"Good morning, Miguel; I hope Jeremy’s snoring wasn’t too much of a bother," Laura said, kicking off the conversation in the worst way possible and making Miguel’s smile fade.

"On the contrary, it didn’t bother me at all; Noah snored way worse," he replied, a look of irritation briefly crossing Laura’s face due to the comparison with her ex-husband. Wasn’t it enough that her boyfriend was sleeping in the same room as him?

"You’re too kind, but it’s my fiancé you’re talking about; no one knows him like I do."

"Of course, and if you’ll let me say, checking out your posts on social media it’s clear to see all your influence on him," Miguel replied, barely hiding the sarcasm in his voice.

"Thanks. It was hard work," Laura shot back without realizing the dig hidden in his comment. "Speaking of work, when are we gonna do our collab?" she concluded.

"We’ll definitely figure something out," he replied in turn, knowing that as far as he was concerned, that was never gonna happen. "If you’ll excuse me, I have an appointment now. Maybe you should check on Jeremy; when I left the room, he was out cold. It seemed to me like he hadn’t slept that well in ages." He finished with a bright, genuine smile before exiting the room, leaving a fuming Laura behind.

Although Miguel’s statement was meant to poke at Laura, it wasn’t too far from the truth. Jeremy had slept like a baby and didn’t even stir when Miguel returned to the room and got ready for breakfast. If he had woken up, he would’ve been mortified, because he ended up ripping off his pajama shirt in his sleep, and without realizing it, he reached for his erection that had returned with Miguel’s presence in the room, while his mind filled with one of the most different and vivid dreams he’d ever had. In the dream, he found himself lying completely naked on a beach not too different from the one the inn was on, and with the sun bathing his body, a beautiful blonde woman approached and began kissing his naked body. He couldn’t tell if it was Laura or not, because each kiss in the dream sent him into an ecstasy so intense that it overshadowed any sense other than pleasure, so much so that he only realized the figure in his dream had shifted to a muscular, bearded man with his dark body glistening with sweat in the morning sun, just seconds before he was jolted awake by the indignant voice of his fiancée.

"Jeremy, so this is what you were doing instead of meeting me for breakfast? Jerkin’ off in that queer’s room? How disgusting!" Laura barked, her face twisted in outrage as she found her boyfriend in that compromising position. Jeremy, caught off guard, shot back without thinking.

"Never use that kind of word in my presence again, Laura; if there’s anything disgusting, it’s those expressions!"

"Jeremy, how dare you correct me! Disgusting, yes, and even more disgusting are the habits of these faggots, but apparently, you’re already pretty used to it, huh? Jerk off in one of their bedrooms? And you didn’t even shave that gross beard. As if you just cut your hair without talking to me, I’m at my limit!" she fired back, causing all the layers of inhibition to come crashing down on a now more awake Jeremy.

"I’m sorry, babe; I shouldn’t have talked to you like that. Give me a few minutes to get ready, and we can have breakfast together," he said, falling back into his servile habits as he struggled to understand what she meant about his beard and hair.

"Well, you can have your breakfast alone. And you don’t even need to come with me to the beach; I’ll take Kayla to help me. Make the most of your day without my presence!" she replied angrily, storming out of the room and leaving a confused and still groggy Jeremy behind.

He, in turn, stood up and stretched, losing his balance a bit as he felt the strange sensation that he seemed to be a good few inches taller, which he knew was nonsense, since no one grows overnight other than the fact that he had been this height since the start of his adult life, which had helped him in many volleyball and basketball games when he was younger. Other activities he missed but couldn’t find time in his day to practice. He had never resented Laura for these things, but deep down, he couldn’t help but feel a twinge of irritation for having given up pretty much all his interests for hers. Shaking his head in an attempt to shove those intrusive thoughts aside, he headed to the bathroom and took a long shower, knowing it was pointless to look for his girlfriend while she was in that mood; poor Kayla, whoever she was, would have to put up with Laura that morning, he thought with uncharacteristic sarcasm as he soaped the six-pack abs on his torso, this time without trying to shake that thought away. After stepping out of the shower, he looked at himself in the mirror; for someone who could no longer stick to a strict workout routine, he looked pretty damn good; he was lean but built, and his short beard accentuated the angles of his face, framed by his golden curls.

Maybe it was time for Laura to learn to appreciate the boyfriend she had better, he thought, leaving the bathroom without shaving, before changing and getting ready to enjoy a morning of sun and sea without Laura’s constant complaints and orders, which without a doubt was the best thing that could have happened, said a new invasive thought that once again did not go away.

……..

Jeremy wandered along the seawall for several minutes, feeling the sand beneath his feet, the scent of the sea breeze filling his lungs, and the sun’s rays bathing his fair skin, even though he knew he risked getting burned; it felt too good to let go. After wandering for a long time, he sat down on the beach and simply let himself be engulfed by it all, a wave of peace and completeness washing over him. Without realizing that the longer he stayed there, the less white his skin became, turning to a golden summer tone, while his muscles expanded slightly, giving him the look of someone who worked out regularly and carefully. Lost in his own mind he found himself searching for Miguel Ramos' name on social media, and getting lost in the other man's posts.

And there he would have stayed without noticing the changes if he hadn’t been interrupted by a familiar voice.

"Hey, roomie, watch out for a burn on your skin!"

Looking up he came face to face with the target of his interested scrutiny in all his glory with a beautiful smile plastered on his face.

"I may not have your Latin genes, Miguel, but it’s been a hot minute since I’ve burned!" he replied, smiling, as that strange feeling invaded him again.

"Still, the sun around here is way stronger than what you’re used to. Let me help you," Miguel replied, approaching with a tube of sunscreen in his hands. "That is, if you don’t mind."

Jeremy did care, not because of any prejudice but because of the fear of what that closeness would make him feel, not to mention the erection that threatened to return. But at the same time, he couldn’t resist that offer.

"No problem; I think you’re exaggerating, but Laura will be a total nightmare if I burn; she already hates my skin being so tanned."

"What nonsense; your skin is gorgeous; that tan pops real nice against your blonde hair; it gives you a healthy vibe, especially with those defined muscles."

"Thanks, dude; it’s nice to hear a compliment from... hummm," he groaned when he felt the other guy’s strong hands massaging his back.

"Something wrong?" Miguel asked.

"No... no... it’s just that the sunscreen was cold."

"Ah, I’m done. Just a little more down here," Miguel said, his hands moving toward Jeremy’s buttocks, making him tense up.

"Okay, do you want me to apply it on your front?"

"No, you don’t need to; I’ll handle that myself," Jeremy quickly responded, taking the sunscreen from Miguel’s hand without even thinking about those manly hands being so close to his cock.

"And where’s Laura? I thought you were helping with her content."

Thinking about his girlfriend brought an unexpected wave of irritation to Jeremy, like a cloud blocking out the morning sun.

"We had a blowout earlier... she did what she always does, said what she wanted, and bailed on me; I guess hoping I’d chase after her... but not this time... she can fend for herself with her new BFFO," he replied with a touch of bitterness that didn’t go unnoticed by Miguel.

"Relationships can be a real pain sometimes."

"Ours isn’t, but I’m starting to think it’s just because I’m used to canceling myself out for her."

Miguel, who had already picked up on that, chose not to comment.

"Anyway, we should catch up later and sort this out; I still love her, of course, but some things are gonna have to change in our relationship."

"So how about we hit that run now, a little return to your old self?"

"Are you sure you’ll keep up with me, with all this extra size and already running before..."

"Boy, show some respect; I’m not one of the most well-known personal trainers in the world for nothing."

"Then we’ll see!" Jeremy shot back, getting up and taking off running.

……

Laura trudged through the beach sand with disgust. Her morning, like the rest of the trip, had been a total drag. Kayla was pleasant company, sharing the same interests as her, though she was in a lower tier with only a few tens of thousands of followers. Still, she expected Laura to return the favors she did by asking her to take pictures and film videos of her. Simply unbearable. And it was all Jeremy’s fault, obviously. She still couldn’t believe her useless boyfriend hadn’t come looking for her, and even worse, it was her forced to hunt him down again in that damned sand for the second time that day.

With that feeling, she watched two muscular dudes running from the beach edge towards the sea while laughing loudly and then diving in. A ridiculous and childish behavior in her book. So what was her surprise when she saw that one of those guys, the tanned blonde with a pompadour and a faded side cut, sporting a full beard just as blonde, smile and approach her with his muscular, sun-kissed body still glistening from the seawater.

"Hey babe, how was the morning?"

"Jeremy, how dare you leave me hanging like that! And that beard, you said you were gonna trim it! And your hair??? What the hell is this?"

"No hell, Laura. They look the way I like!"

"But not how my followers and I expected! You’re almost bald! That tan and those bulging muscles just don’t cut it!"

"Don’t blow it out of proportion, Laura; if I decide to shave all my hair, I will. Your followers have nothing to do with how I choose to style my hair or beard."

"Of course, it has everything to do with it; you’re my boyfriend; you affect how people see me!"

"Apparently, that’s the only thing I’m good for, how I make others perceive you."

"And how would it be any different? I make a living off this; I’m an influencer, and my boyfriend needs to be on brand with me."

"I’m not your accessory, Laura."

"Well, babe, in the end, it’s like you are!"

"So I don’t know if I even wanna keep this relationship going," he replied, turning his back on a furious Laura.

"Jeremy! Don’t you dare! Jeremyyyy....!" she shouted at the top of her lungs, but he didn’t look back and walked aimlessly toward the other side of the beach, under the watchful eye of Miguel Ramos.

…..

Jeremy wandered the beach for several minutes, trying to calm the influx of thoughts. He was torn between the despair of losing the woman he thought he loved and the growing contempt for that same woman. How could he have canceled himself out for so long? How could he not see who she was? And at the same time, she had been his life for the past few years; how could he live without her? There’s no way he could do that! Deciding to run back after her and humble himself for her forgiveness, he started sprinting. He only stopped when he heard the voice that made him start to associate with that strange feeling, a mix of desire and discomfort.

"Hey, Big Guy, what’s the rush?" asked a grinning Miguel, sitting on a bench at a beach bar.

"Sorry, Miguel; I need to find Laura!"

"And what’s the point in talking to her with your head all hot? Wait for you two to cool off."

"You don’t get it!"

"Ah, I get it. I get it so much that I’m gonna offer you the two things you need most right now: company and a few shots of tequila!"

"I don’t know, man..."

"Relax, dude, and follow me," Miguel said, grabbing Jeremy by the arms and leading him to a table at the bar.

…..

"I shouldn’t get in the middle of your relationship with your girlfriend. But I recently went through a messy divorce. And honestly, it took me a long time to realize I was in an abusive relationship," Miguel said to a downcast Jeremy.

"I’m not in a relationship like that; I love Laura," Jeremy replied, but with way less conviction than he wanted to show.

"And does she return that love? Does she love you the same way you love her?"

"Of course..."

"Really? Be honest with yourself if you don’t wanna be honest with someone you barely know."

"I want to believe that, but..."

"But you have doubts. Let me propose a game: I’m gonna ask you some questions about relationships, and for every positive answer from you and me, we’ll down a shot of tequila; I bet we’ll polish off a bottle in no time."

"First question: Have you ever felt like you were putting way more into this relationship than your partner?"

Both took a shot, and though neither noticed, Jeremy’s tan deepened, reaching a caramel shade very close to Miguel’s.

"Second question: Have you ever felt belittled by your partner?"

Another shot for both. And now Jeremy had shot up a few inches taller than Miguel.

"Third question: Have you ever felt like you’re nothing more than an accessory to your partner, that they don’t even see you as a person but as an object?"

Another shot. Another change. Jeremy’s muscles swelled, surpassing Miguel’s size and reaching the proportions of an amateur bodybuilder. The bottle was already half empty, but both men, who weren’t small, were already pretty tipsy, as that level of drinking wasn’t part of either of their habits.

"One more... one more..." a drunken Miguel said, looking extremely distorted in Jeremy’s vision. "Have you ever felt like you’re in this relationship out of fear... scared that you’re not good enough... that you can’t be loved by someone else... and that your partner takes advantage of that to keep you stuck with them?"

Another shot, and Jeremy’s already blurry vision began to swirl as a wave of anxiety took hold of him for finally admitting those truths, even while drunk. Miguel was spinning in front of him, and he felt an immense urge to get up and bolt, but when he did, he fell to the ground.

"Jeremy, Jeremy..." he heard the voice in the distance, that voice which stirred so many feelings within him. "Jeremy..." a voice that made him realize he could still desire and be desired... "Jer...." the voice that made him tingle just hearing it. "Jav..." the voice of the man he was in love with but couldn’t admit.

"Javier, get up; is everything cool?"

And Javier stood up amidst laughter.

"It’s all good, Miguel; it takes way more than a shot of tequila to take down a man my size," he replied with a grin, sitting back down at the table. At the same time, he ran his hands through his shiny black beard.

"Let me ask the question now," Javier said, beaming wider. "Do you think you’re ready to ditch this relationship and move on to better things?"

One more shot for both.

…..

Javier lay back on a couch of the exclusive rooftop bar Miguel that Miguel reserved just for the two of them, feeling his head spinning. While his roommate spent some not-so-productive time feeling the same way sitting on the toilet. As he tried hard not to toss his cookies, he felt his phone buzz. When he looked at the screen, he noticed there were tons of messages and calls from an unknown number. Choosing to deal with it when he was in better shape, he closed his eyes and thus didn’t see each of those messages and calls vanish from his records.

With his head still spinning, he slipped into a restless sleep filled with rapidly changing dreams, until again he dreamed of that slim, stunning blonde. In the dream, she lay down on him again and started kissing his naked body, but without provoking any reaction in him, nothing, no excitement, no pleasure, until once again the smooth woman’s skin gave way to the rough sensation of a beard brushing against his body, and it was Miguel who kissed him, reigniting the flame of desire within him. While he slept, he moaned with excitement, a powerful erection between his legs, until he finally woke up feeling Miguel’s real mouth wrapped around his swollen cock. Trapped in that feeling of pleasure, he pulled the other man closer to him, being overtaken by the now familiar sensation of raw desire.

After hours of wild sex, Javier sat on the edge of the couch. with the strange feeling that he had forgotten something, as usual when this happened he found himself mentally going over his posing routine for his next competition.

Every fiber of his body had been honed with the utmost dedication and commitment, and soon he would be on stage to put all that work to the test. He ran his hand through his raven hair and finished the motion with his soft trimmed beard. He knew he’d have to shave it before the performance, but he was reluctant because Miguel liked him that way. Speak of the devil, Miguel at that moment repositioned himself on the couch and smiled.

"A penny for your thoughts," said the smaller and younger man, but who had still earned the position of his coach and Javier’s heart.

"It’s no biggie, Mig; I was just checking myself out and thinking it’s a shame to shave; you like it so much..."

"Javi, I want you with or without a beard; I don’t care how you look; I care about being with you."

"So you mean if I were smaller and skinnier, you’d still be with me?"

"Maybe you wouldn’t have caught my eye right off the bat, but like I said, I care about the person you are; the man I fell for, and if he gains or loses weight, that’s not gonna change."

"Thanks, babe; that’s really nice to hear," Javier replied.

"You know what else is nice? Your posing routine, show it to me babe."

"You've seen it a hundred times, babe."

"What can I do if I can't get enough of watching my hot fiancé flex his muscles for me?" Miguel said with a mischievous smile, making a big smile spread across Javiers face, who even tried to pose seriously, crossing the covered area of ​​the lounge towards the balcony, but failing miserably and loving every second of it as he heard the whistles and flirtations of the passionate man he had chosen to have by his side.

……

The afternoon sun shone brighter than ever, but even that didn’t seem to brighten a sunburned Laura’s mood as she gossiped with Kayla at the beach bar while they discreetly watched Miguel and Javier talking.

"Is this a good time? They seem to be having a spat," Kayla asked her friend.

"Just because they’re serious doesn’t mean they’re fighting. If we consider their social media, they’re living the dream," Laura replied.

"You know as well as I do how misleading social media can be."

"Still, this is our chance to collab with them; it’s not every day we get to work with two of the biggest fitness influencers in the game."

"Smile; they’re looking this way!" said Kayla, making both of them flash identical fake smiles, returned by a nod from the fitness couple of the year, who then got up and headed toward the beach.

"There goes our shot," Laura grumbled.

"Don’t sweat it, girl; people like you always get what’s coming to them," said a smiling Cintia, who was passing by before positioning herself at the bar counter and grinning.

A grin that widened when she saw Miguel and Javier together on the beach sharing a passionate kiss. If there was something she took pride in, it was a job well done, and at her inn, that meant way more than just a bed and breakfast.

[avonne-writes]

Happy Birthday Week! Requesting [ NAP ] while receiver is resting, sender joins them in bed & cuddles up close😊😊

Thank you, dear! ❤️ I'm going to take this in a potentially unexpected direction by putting it in the universe of Reverie a bit over 40 years after the fic, so the guys are in their seventies. This is a bit sad, but still sweet.

Edit: uploaded it on AO3 too

Bucky hums along to the music coming from the radio as he shuts off the stove and sets the table for dinner. These new kids ain’t that bad, he thinks as he tries to recall what their band's name is. They have just said it on the broadcast but he already forgot. Well, doesn’t matter, he loves the upbeat, catchy melodies, the same way he loved the disco tunes of the 70s. Gale hates it, naturally, like he hates everything that isn’t at least 30 years old.

Grouchy old man, Bucky smirks to himself as he gets the little metal cases containing their daily medicine. They have matching pin-up girl designs, "retro" art, if he got that right when he bought the damn things for Christmas last year. Gale called him sentimental for it, but then he was the one sniffling back his emotions as Bucky playfully counted which one of them had more pills to take per day. He never got to call a winner - Gale reached out with his pale fingers, a bit shaky since his last hospital stay, and pulled Bucky's hand away. Weather forecast's in five minutes, he said as he tugged Bucky towards the television. Oh, the weather forecast, Bucky chuckled back then, and he chuckles at the memory now. Any cumulonimbuses tonight? In response, Gale gave him a look that conveyed all fifty-something years of exasperated love he held for Bucky and pressed him down into his favourite armchair.

Bucky isn't sure if Gale could press him down anywhere now. But it's okay, he's gonna gain his strength back, Bucky knows. It’s only been two weeks since they gave him the A-okay and let Bucky take him home from the hospital again. Gotta give it some time. It’s not like they have any reason to rush things now, do they? They have all the time in the world.

"Dinner's ready, doll!" He calls out and pokes at the pills on Gale's plate until they form a smiley face. Silence fills their home with a peaceful lull. The sky blushes outside as the sun sets with broad, warm rays that stream in through the kitchen window. "Gale!"

No answer. There’s a tinge of worry in Bucky's chest but he swallows it down and walks through the living room to the back, where he sees that their bedroom door is slightly ajar. When he pokes his head inside, he finds Gale fast asleep on top of the covers, curled up on his side as always. Bucky's knitted cardigan lies draped over his too-thin frame.

The worry in Bucky's heart dissolves into something tender and familiar. As quietly as he can, he shuffles over to his side of the mattress and forces his creaking knees to lower his body on it gently. Gale doesn’t stir. There’s a faint smile on his face as he naps, his hands tucked under his head. He’s so beautiful that Bucky feels like he could stare at him forever. At the wrinkles of his laugh lines, the soft fall of his silver hair, much fuller than Bucky's own, at the scar on his cheek. Memories etched into his skin, each and every one of them matching one of Bucky's own.

Bucky shifts to lie down beside him, grunting as he settles on his side, then strokes Gale's cheek with the back of his hand. Gale doesn’t wake up, but he nuzzles his pillow and mumbles something. Bucky wonders what he dreams of. Is it more memory than fantasy? They rarely venture anywhere new anymore, but still, one can always wonder. And Gale might be tired here, in this exhausting, complicated world, where he has to carry the weight of a life in his limbs, but in his mind, oh, Bucky knows how young he is in there.

Slowly, he curls towards Gale's body and presses a kiss to his cheek, then a few more to the underside of his jaw until Gale starts snickering in his sleep, then wakes up. He blinks up at Bucky with his sky blue eyes, then closes them again and reaches out with both arms. As easy as breathing, he rolls Bucky into his embrace, and they settle down with Bucky's face pressed to Gale's neck and their legs tangled.

"Where did you go?" Bucky murmurs, stroking Gale's side.

"I don't know." Gale's deep voice rumbles against his forehead.

Bucky knows that I don't know means the fragments of their first dreamscape. The cabin, the river, the woods. Laundry drying in the sunshine. Memories upon memories layered over each other, and never coherent again in Gale's mind. But lately, it seems, Gale likes the blur. He keeps drifting back there nowadays. Not to search for something or to build on the rubble, but to remember. To relive.

Gale's fingers comb through Bucky's hair. "I dreamt that we had a puppy." He says, tone light with amusement. "It licked my face."

Bucky chuckles into the warm space between them. He drags the tickling strands of his moustache over Gale's skin. "Huh. Strange."

In his embrace, he can feel Gale going boneless again. Drifting off to his dreamscape. He naps a lot nowadays. But it's okay. They have nowhere else to be. Dinner can wait.

"Can I come see?" Bucky whispers.

"Always." Gale mumbles, and a few minutes later, when he pulls Bucky into his dreams, he’s blond and full of life again, running through the haze of a warm memory, and Bucky chases him as if nothing hurt and they were both okay.

[us3rnam3-r3dact3d]

the world (it burns through me)

Chapter 7

Ao3 | 2.7k Words | Darlin's POV

Milo is a drill Sergeant. Darlin' gets some emails. Angel washes dishes. Quinn is the type of asshole that flirts with teenagers.

TW: Stalking, threatening behavior, vomit.

“You’ve gotta put on some weight.” Milo tutted, his hands resting on his trim waist. Even two years later, Milo was a picture of petty tension. He hadn’t grown, despite the fact that he claimed people could grow into their mid twenties. He had built up a good deal of muscle in his back and chest, which served to make him look just a little bigger. He still had an air about him that made him seem two feet taller, even when you stared purposefully past the top of his head to piss him off.

Milo had started working you out as soon as Sam had given you the all clear, after you gave up on trying to avoid him. He was faster than you when he wanted to be, and staying away from him was so much less fun than just giving in to the familiarity of your quiet, playful arguments. 

The workouts started slow; annoying, silent yoga, something his partner had gotten him into that left you infuriatingly loose and relaxed afterwards. Once you could do that without panting and twitching with pain, he moved up. Light cardio and weights. You’d managed alright with that. Your stamina was shot but you were strong. Now, Milo had moved on to C.P.A.T. specifics. 

You’d passed the Candidate Physical Ability Test with flying colors the last time you’d taken it, but that felt like a lifetime ago. You were younger, stronger, fitter. What came to you naturally at eighteen made you wheeze at twenty-seven. Milo cast his gaze across the practice course before cutting those clever eyes back to you and your sorry state.

“There aren’t any weight class requirements for the physical.” You snapped. 

“No,” Milo replied, “but you’re not gonna get through the endurance test like this. You’re gonna fall out.” 

“I guarantee you I won’t.”

“Put your money where your mouth is, doll.” 

“Call me that again and I’ll knock your teeth out.” 

“Twenty?”

“Fifty.”

You won, just barely. Milo had a point, though. Running that course in full turnouts, hauling that ladder, scaling it, finding the hidden dummies in the fake building’s facade and hauling them back down, dragging the dummies and the ladder back the safe distance requirements; it was nearly too much for you. By the time you’d finished the run, you were gasping for breath, gripping at your protesting ribs, and dumping the dummies at your feet without a care for their ‘wellbeing.’ That part wasn’t new. It was a habit from your days as a probie you couldn’t shake. This time, though, it was done with some extra disdain. 

Milo clapped a fifty in your hand and let you catch your breath before he tugged off your turnouts, up your tank top, and pressed his thin, clever fingers into your flesh to check your ribs. 

“You’re gonna make me blush.” You gasped. Milo sneered. 

“You’re gonna get yourself killed if you don’t give your body what you need. You have to eat to heal.” He shook his head, dark curls bouncing this way and that. You patted him on the head the way you knew he hated. 

“You’re preaching to the choir. David’s already working on me.” 

“He’s got the patience of a Saint.” 

“No, he’s just force feeding me.” 

“Good.” 

You were eating three square meals a day, all packed with protein and healthy fats and carbs. Whenever David wasn’t putting out fires, both literal and figurative, he was cooking. He put more plates in front of you than you could manage in a day. It was the biggest bulk you’d experienced in your life, and even it was falling short of what your body needed. To be completely fair to David’s efforts, your body had always run on fumes. There had never been enough to go around. You had gotten used to making that work. 

David surrounded you with abundance. The tension of your sort-of-fight had eased. He had started asking you questions. They were uncomfortable, and you were finding it harder and harder to dodge them. 

You were going to spill your guts soon. You could feel it crawling up and out of you. You were going to lay down your load at David’s feet, unburden yourself through clenched teeth and let him take the weight. You’d done it with Gabe. David looked so much like him. 

You hit the showers, scrubbing the sweat from your skin. The cold tile made your toes curl. The lines of your tattoos were raised with cold and irritation from the cheap body wash that was stocked in all of the shower stalls. You ran ghost-soft touch over all of them before moving on to your scars. The one over your side, the newest one, was still pink and new. If you pressed hard enough on the two inches of clean, stitched skin, it still hurt. 

David caught you in the locker room as you slipped a D.F.D sweatshirt over your head. You’d slowly moved your meager belongings from your shitty studio to the last locker in the row at the 10-19. David had offered you plenty of his own clothes, but you didn’t like to wear them. Not the way that his spouse did, anyway. The little Shaw slid one of his giant tee-shirts over their head and wore it like a badge of honor, like a mark of ownership. You didn’t own David. You certainly didn’t plan on letting him own you. As it stood, the majority of your wardrobe was either covered in blood or stolen pieces from the D.F.D.’s lost and found. 

“Hey,” you mumbled, pushing your still-wet hair away from your face, “are you done, do we need to go?” 

“No,” David shook his head. He stuffed his hands into the pockets of his uniform pants. “I’ve got a few more hours. Look, I reactivated your D.F.D. email account. There’s a form in there for the next C.P.A.T.. Fill it out sometime today.” 

“Okay.” You nodded. “When is it?” 

“Three weeks.” David said. “I can get you back on the job within forty-eight hours if you pass it.” 

“If?” You grinned. “I recall holding a record with my last one.” 

“Yeah well,” David shrugged, “you were a spring chicken then. We’ve gotten old.”

“Speak for yourself, Shaw.” You flashed teeth. “I could still kick your ass.” 

“Email. Form. Today.” David barked. You could tell, somewhere in your gut, that he was joking just as much as you were. 

“Yes, Captain, sorry, Captain.” You clicked your heels together in a salute as he rolled his eyes and retreated down the hallway towards his office. A smile slid over your face as he left you alone in the cold, quiet locker room. 

You D.F.D. email had two-thousand-and-seventy-three unread messages waiting for you once you’d managed to remember the password. You flopped down on a couch in the bunk room and sighed as you clicked into the newest one, skimming the form to sign up for the C.P.A.T.. Something about filling out that form, going to that test, made your chest hurt. It made all of it, being back here at the 10-19 feel… real. That was a dangerous thing for you. You couldn’t explain why. 

November was drawing towards a close. The cold had long settled over Dahlia and into your blown, shitty joints. You could do the C.P.A.T., you could not do it. December would come on either way. 

You clicked out of the form, out of the email, and back to your inbox. Maybe you’d feel more inclined to carry on with your future when all of the spam messages were gone. 

Spam. Advertisement. Debt collector. Spam. Medical bill. Spam. 

You almost swiped it right into your archives when your eyes caught on the subject line of a message from an email address consisting entirely of scrambled numbers and letters. That was usually enough for you to chuck the whole thing as bullshit. The subject, though, made your heart squeeze. You sat up on the couch, your feet hitting the ground. You needed your boots flat on the floor. You needed your legs under you when you read this. You might need to run. 

Back home so soon, Precious? 

Bile rose up in your throat, acidic and cutting. You swallowed hard and clicked on the address’s icon. Copy, paste, the address went into your search bar and twenty-odd unopened messages popped up. 

California state employees’ email addresses all followed the same formula. Last name, first initial. It would be so easy for Quinn to find it. 

You scrolled down to the earliest message and opened it up. The subject line made your hands shake; I’m never far behind, you know.

It was a picture of you from sometime in September. You were still black and blue from the fight you two had devolved into. You were standing in a gas station somewhere in Washington, staring at two different, overpriced painkiller options. You’d killed that bottle in less than a week. 

You’d known, in your gut, that Quinn would follow you when you ran. You hadn’t noticed him. You thought for sure, if he was that close, you’d have noticed. 

It was more of that. A picture of you in a diner, flirting with the waitress who gave you free pie. A shot of the back of your head in a Greyhound bus heading for California. You through the stained, narrow windows of your shitty apartment. 

Sam and his EMT’s leaving the night you’d been stabbed. 

Sam’s truck in the firehouse parking lot. 

Sam at lunch in a plush restaurant with a handsome man in his mid-forties. 

Sam sitting on the porch of his cabin, coffee cup in his hand. He looked so peaceful, his eyes closed and head tilted back against his rocking chair. 

Vincent in his fancy car, kissing who you assumed to be his partner in a school parking lot. He’d mentioned that they worked in an elementary school. 

Sam’s Probie walking towards a nightclub, their arm linked with a drop-dead-gorgeous man, surrounded by friends. 

David outside of a fire, smudged with soot, directing the scene like a conductor. 

Little Shaw standing at the sink, scrubbing the remnants of dinner from a plate, taken through the slots in the pantry door. 

He had been inside David’s house. He had stood three feet away from them and taken that picture. He was close enough to hear the little songs they hummed to themself whenever it got too quiet. 

You locked your phone, stuffed it into your pocket, and moved. You barely made it to the bathroom before you lost your lunch. 

He could get inside the house. He had gotten inside the house. There was no telling how long he’d stayed there. He could be there right now, waiting in the shadows for somebody to pass by and make an example out of. You had to tell David. You had to make them leave, had to put them both somewhere safe and torch the fucking place. It was tainted. He’d been in there, and it would never be safe again. 

Hands shaking, you replied to that last picture, staring at their tiny frame and estimating how long it would take Quinn to subdue them. Seconds. He could kill them in seconds. 

What do you want? 

The response was almost instant. 

You. 

He attached an address. You didn’t need to punch it in anywhere to know it. Max’s was familiar ground. The house ordered from there more than anywhere else, and Gabe’s accident had been just down the road. 

It got dark early this time of year, and by the time you emerged from the bathroom, the sun had set and night shift had invaded the building. You could smell dinner on the stove and hear the chatter of the house through the walls. If you hung a left, you’d be surrounded by them. You could find David, ask him to talk. He would know what to do about Quinn. He would handle it. 

Quinn was dangerous. David could handle himself, but Quinn fought dirty. David couldn’t win against him, not playing by the rules. 

No, you had to handle this yourself. David was already in danger, his spouse too. Quinn liked to aim for the weakest link. He liked to strike where it was easy to do real damage without taking any injuries himself. That’s where he’d hit you. The only way you’d learned to make him back off was to hit him head on, to not even give him the chance to find your weak point. 

He knew you just about as well as you knew him, of course. You’d have to hope he wouldn’t call your bluff. You’d have to hope he wouldn’t smell the terror rolling off of you in waves. 

You retreated away from the noise, from the sounds of your house, and towards the ambulance bay. You could sneak out the backdoor, have it out with Quinn, and be back before David was any the wiser. You gripped your hand into a fist as you shrugged on your jacket and shouldered open the back door. 

“Darlin’,” Sam’s voice called from inside. You stilled, boots just barely on the icy sidewalk outside. You turned, your hands still fists at your sides. Sam’s uniform collar was unbuttoned. He must have been getting off shift. “Where ‘ya running off to?” 

“Mother hen.” You muttered bitterly. Sam smiled anyway, seeming almost… bashful. “Just going on. Meeting somebody. Shouldn’t be long.” 

“Well, I’m off.” Sam reached inside to grab his jacket off the rack. “Let me drive you. It’s cold as all hell.”

“I’m fine.” You shook your head and stepped back. “Really.” You did not want to introduce Sam to Quinn. You didn’t want Quinn to make any assumptions. You didn’t want Sam to hear the things he was going to say to you, about you. Whatever you were, whatever parts of you Quinn had broken, whatever parts of you had always been broken, Sam didn’t know about them. You didn’t want him to see you and all of your broken parts in the naked light.

“Is it… um… are you going to see him?” Sam squinted at you, his jacket still in his hands. You swallowed. Your poker face crumbled. You’d never been a good liar. 

“Sam,” you started, hands clenching and unclenching. 

“I’ll take you.” He said decisively. You blinked, surprised. You were expecting him to try and talk you out of it. 

“You… you’ll take me?” 

“I’m sure as shit not letting you go alone.” Sam grinned like it was such a ridiculous notion that it was funny. “Come on, we can talk on the ride.” 

You were quiet for most of it, your throat constricting over all of the warnings and defenses you desperately wanted to spew. Instead, you answered each of Sam’s questions steadily, one word at a time. 

“How’d he reach you?” 

“Email.” 

“And he followed you here?” 

“Yeah.” 

“So he knows where to find ‘ya if you don’t go to him.” 

“Yeah.” 

“He’s liable to start a fight?”

“If not him, then me.” 

“And he fights dirty?” 

“He brings guns to knife fights, let’s put it that way.” 

“I understand.” 

“Do you?” You turned to him from the passenger seat, your face pinched and twisted in concern. Your teeth worried over the scar on your top lip. Sam’s eyes caught yours, brown gone red with the street light. 

“I do.” His shaking fingers tapped against the steering wheel in an awkward, unsteady rhythm. “Better than I can put into words.” 

The parking lot outside of Max’s was full this time of night, so Sam parked across the street. You spotted him through the wide, bright windows. Quinn had taken up a booth at the back of the small restaurant. His feet were kicked up on the table, shitty, worn boots smearing dirt across the clean surface. He was flirting with the teenage server who was refilling his coke. She blushed and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. The guy behind the counter was eyeing the two of them nervously. Anybody who had ever known an asshole before could see right through Quinn if they tried hard enough. That was why he had to flirt with teenagers. 

Quinn turned suddenly, stiff and aware. His bright, blue eyes caught yours through the window. His face split out into a terrible, toothy grin as he beckoned you inside.

[felidlycanthr0pe]

Beach Day

Bingo Masterlist

Pairing: Touya Todoroki/Reader

Rating: General

Word Count: 1121

Warnings: reader referred to as 'mother'

Summary: Pro Hero Touya Todoroki is in vacation mode.

A/N: Created for @anyfandomfluffbingo / Square(s) Filled: "My parents love you."

Again, this will be cross posted on AO3 shortly just bear with me! Hope y'all like :)

“Touya, be careful!”

Two pairs of wide, icy blue eyes stared back at you from afar. Touya, who seemed not to have heard the second half of your sentence, simply smiled widely and waved at you with his free hand. You know, the one that wasn’t dangling a ten month old over the shoreline.

Asuka babbled in his arm, and Touya adjusted his hold so only her feet were dangling- just barely above the waterline. Her tiny toes curled the instant they touched the wave that lapped at her feet. She cried and leaned back, trying to get away from the icy cold water. 

You stood from the tide chair, kneeling beside Asuka. You smiled at her, dragging a finger through the water. “Poor sweet thing, is daddy torturing you?” With your quirk activated, you drew out her name in glowing letters as the tide slipped away once more. 

“Oh, so mean. Such a mean daddy trying to make it so you’re not scared of the ocean at seventeen,” Touya said in a high pitched voice. “How dare I do such a thing?”

You rolled your eyes. “I swear I saw something in the water.” 

Touya hummed, sitting at the water’s edge with Asuka in his lap. “You keep telling yourself that, Dove. Whatever helps you sleep at night. But I read a book about how early exposure can help dissuade fear of natural elements with positive reinforcement.”

Your gaze slid sideways to where your eldest was currently wading in waist deep water. She was staring down the horizon over her shoulder, foam boogie board under her chest as she prepared for “the right wave.” Touya had explained this as “just enough of a point to have some foam at the top, but not too much.” 

“Seems to be working fine,” you assured him with a hum. “Kaisei’s got that look in her eye like with judo- she’s gonna be pissed on the last day.”

Touya leaned down to press a kiss to the crown of your head. “She’ll be fine. Kids bounce back easy.”

“You know you’re gonna have to listen to the temper tantrum on the drive home as well,” you said with a smirk. 

“Watch this,” he whispered, just barely above the roar of the ocean ahead of you. “Kaisei!”

Kaisei’s head whipped toward you, and she waved over a gap toothed smile. 

“Can you show us what you learned earlier?”

In response, Kaisei pouted, sinking below the surface of the water as she barely held onto the edge of her board. She resurfaced and yelled back. “There’s no stupid waves!”

“Call us when you find one,” you responded. “And move a little closer- you’re getting pulled away!”

A brief moment of panic later, and Kaisei had bounced her way back to your side. She tilted her head and watched the three of you carefully. “Can Asuka boogie board?”

“Let’s wait til she can walk, m’kay?” Touya smiled, “make sure you stay where we can see you.”

Kaisei bounded back into the water- this time directly in front of you- as she called over her shoulder, “okay!” 

“I’m trying to keep her feet out of the sand,” Touya sighed. “But I also wanted to get her into the water. But the sand. But the water, and I-” 

“Okay, okay,” you laughed. You glanced up at him, sitting in the water cross legged. “Give her here.”

Touya pouted. “But I wanna do it.” 

You rolled your eyes. “Fine, fine. Just…sit.” Patting the water beside you, you tilted your head back at him. 

Carefully, he held Asuka out in front of him and slumped to the ground beside you. Asuka whined in his arms as the cold water was suddenly unavoidable, even with her squirming. 

“Now she’s got the feeling of it without having to sit on the sand,” you explained. “Just gotta keep her in your lap.”

Touya seemed much more tense now than before. This was the hero who had faced Muscular with a smile? It was looking less and less likely.

“Feels weird,” he muttered, “like I’m sinking.” 

“Yes, sand will do that, baby,” you smiled. “Shocking.”

“Well, pardon me if we don’t all have parents who have timeshares and can go to a beach whenever we so choose,” Touya snarked, gaze sliding to you for a moment. He stuck his tongue out at you. 

“The whole point of a timeshare is only being able to go certain times, baby,” you replied. “And again- it’s recent.”

“Hmm, a likely story,” he sighed as he crossed an arm over Asuka’s torso. “You know I’m just with you for your money, obviously.”

“Yeah, mhm, keep telling yourself that,” you shot back. “What is it that Shouto called you last time?”

“Oh, god forbid I’m a simp for the mother of my children and love of my life, how dare I?” Touya grinned. “Still don’t really know what he meant by that, frankly.” 

“It’s a mean way of saying that you’d do anything for me,” you explained, “which clearly means you’re in it for the money. If you’re willing to do anything.”

Asuka babbled, patting Touya on the head as she tried to keep her feet underneath her as the waves pushed and pulled you. 

“And how dare I not pay attention to you for two seconds, little lady?” He grinned. “Hmm? Are the in-laws right? I can’t stay focused? Can’t stay put?” 

You rolled your eyes. “You know they’re just grilling you, right? My parents love you. I think if we hadn’t gotten married they might’ve like…adult adopted you or something.”

“Ew, no don’t make me think about that,” Touya laughed. “Though it’s nice to hear they mean well…they’re right. I want…more. Like this, I mean.” He smiled at Kaisei before turning back to Asuka. “More firsts. I missed too many with Kaisei.”

You pressed your lips together, barely holding back a smile. The same soft look Touya was watching Asuka’s babbling rant had been plastered across his face since the moment he took his hero costume off last week.

“Whatever you wanna do, baby,” you said, leaning your head on his shoulder. “You know I’ll follow you wherever the spotlight takes you.”

Touya hummed, kissing the crown of your head. “Hey Kai! There’s one over there!” He shuffled Asuka to your arms, rocking to his feet and bounding into the water. 

Asuka had taken to stomping on the waves as they rolled up to her ankles and up to your waist. You held her steady, watching over her shoulder as Touya held Kaisei’s board steady as she laid in the water waiting. There were few things you could think of wanting any more than to stay right there. 

[revasserium]

Can you do #154 with Hoshiumi or Bokuto ❤️🥺

send me a prompt and a character, and i'll write you a drabble (or ukno, like a 2k fuckin fic)

154. Leap into my arms @thisbicc

diving into the wreck

bokuto; 1,815 words; angst in the beginning, but its honestly more hurt/comfort, and the ending is fluffy ;) ish.

he is a volcano, he is a thunderstorm — he is every natural disaster poets have ever tried to tame with language and still, the truth remains — bokuto koutarou is a force of nature. but the thing about natural disasters is that they end. they pass and, like shooting stars, all that remains is the wreckage they’ve left behind, the imprint of light across a moonless night.

“losing isn’t everything, y’know.”

you run a hand down the curved planes of his back, trying to sooth the tantrum building just beneath the surface.

“it is! and you know it is! you just — you just don’t know how it feels! you don’t know anything!”

the words seep through the house, oozing blood like an open wound, soaking the carpets and weighing down the curtains, staining them till neither of you are sure what color they used to be when you first got them.

(”look! look! these are on sale! and they’re the design i like!” “ah, well if they’re the design you like, then i guess we gotta get ‘em, huh?” “oh shut up, you big goofball.”)

you pull back your hand and sigh.

“you’re right… i don’t know how it feels to lose like you do but —” you bite down hard on your lips, swallowing down the words —

i know how it feels to lose you.

he looks up, his expression desperate. he wants to reach out, to pull you close to say no, i didn’t mean that or no, i’m sorry, let’s get some icream or some popcorn or some new damn curtains but he looks away instead.

(”how do you jump so high?” “huh? me? oh… uh… well, i mean… i just kinda do it… i guess.” “but… aren’t you afraid you’re gonna fall and hurt yourself?” “nah. like, the floor’s not goin’ anywhere, y’know?”)

“bokuto… i — i think i’m gonna go stay with a friend for a while.”

bokuto feels the world press in, the walls inching towards him, the ceiling pressing down. he wants to curl in on himself till there’s nothing left, he wants to crush you to him, to hold you so tightly you become a part of him but his body won’t move. his lips are still. and there’s a part of him that wonders if he does this to himself just so he’ll have something to fight for.

because the truth is — he doesn’t know how else to love you.

he doesn’t know how else to love but like this — with no training wheels, with his eyes closed and fists clenched and wild hope pounding in his heart. and he knows he’s not good at this — he’s never been all too good at this but he never thought it would hurt — he never knew that the floor could disappear from beneath his feet and that sometimes, just sometimes, you really should look before you leap but…

“for… for how long?” he asks.

“i… i’m not sure yet but… i think —” you take a breath like gasping for air in a vacuum-sealed space, “i think it’d be good for us,” another heaving breath.

“some time… apart.”

bokuto feels the air leave the room like a scolded child, slipping away through the opened doorway, disappearing into the darkness of the hall. he tries to breathe and finds that he doesn’t quite remember how.

(”so… its like a trust exercise. with the floor.” “w-wha?? you still talkin’ about jumping?” “yeah! like… in order to jump that high, you gotta trust that the floor will be there to catch you, right?”)

“okay.”

the word burns through him, a comet with a too-long tail, singeing his tongue. it tastes like cinder and smoke and all the words he never had the courage to say out loud.

“okay,” you echo, with a tiny little nod.

he feels the ground beneath him crack and crumble, and for the first time in his life, bokuto is afraid of falling.

“i…” he nearly chokes on the word, but he forces himself to his feet, his fists balled at his sides. like this, he towers over you, like this, he’s a huge, imposing thing, but like this — he feels the smallest he’s ever been.

i’m sorry.

“i love you,” he says, finally. after a long-held breath.

you look up at him with wide, sad eyes and after a moment, you let out a small laugh. it shakes your shoulders and breaks something inside him. because this, at least, he knows to be true. he might not be good at it but he knows that he loves you. he loves you strong, and he loves you hard.

he loves you like a thunderstorm might love a lightning sea, too much salt, and not enough water —

“yeah…” you say, “yeah… i know.”

(”ahh… there’s no fixin’ that, is there?” “what, the dish you broke cause you put it in the dishwasher wrong? nope. don’t think so.” “mm… but what if we keep it anyway?” “aww, you big baby, i always knew you were the sentimental type.”)

you run a hand through your hair, leaning back against the kitchen counter with a deep, heavy sigh.

slowly, the air trickles back into the room.

“let’s go swimming,” he says. and you look up, all sadness gone and replaced by confusion, but bokuto is smiling, a hopeful, indulgent sort of thing.

“what, right now?” you blink at him. he rocks on the balls of his feet.

“yeah. right now.”

for a second, you narrow your eyes, for a second, you wonder what this might be about. but years with bokuto has taught you that there are moments where you don’t ask why or when or how. it is only the who that matters — and it has always been him.

the pool is closed but bokuto manages to find the key tucked in the gym manager’s drawer and you bite back an exasperated sigh as he unlocks the door and lets you both in. there’s a triumphant smile on his lips and you can’t help but laugh. when he cannonballs into the water, whooping out in joy, you stand by the poolside and watch him — and for a second everything is fine. for second, everything is forgotten — all the big fights, all the long nights, all the things neither of you really meant to say — washed away by the chlorine-scented water dripping down the length of his spine.

“c’mon! come in! the water’s great!”

bokuto motions for you to join him, and you only hesitate for a second before pulling off your shirt and slipping into the cool, temperature controlled water. you let yourself sink beneath the surface and you feel the world above you slip away.

you open your eyes to find bokuto there, right in front of you, his eyes just as wide open as yours. his lips are moving, bubbles streaming from his mouth as he speaks but you shake your head, feeling the laughter curling up within you.

“b-bokuto — i can’t hear anything you’re saying!”

you break the surface and reach out to pull him up. but he only shakes his head and drags you under again. you shake your head too, about to break away when you see him mouthing the words —

i’m sorry.

don’t leave me.

you still, and for a moment, you both hang there, suspended by the weight of water, the sheer lack of air. and for once, bokuto is thankful for it.

(”i — i’m not that sentimental! i just… i like holding onto broken things, sometimes.” “bokuto… but… we can just get a new dish —” “no, like… i just think… that it’s worth a try is all.”)

this time, when you break the surface, bokuto comes up with you, gasping for air like a drowning man. he takes you by the arms and shakes you, ever so slightly. water droplets cling to his hair like gemstones, glittering in the refracted blue lights.

“we — we’re not broken,” he says, his voice a bit waterlogged, his chest heaving like some great beached whale, fighting for every breath, for every word.

you purse your lips, a wave of something cresting inside your chest.

he gives you another shake.

“and… and even if we are…” he gulps, “i — i think we’re worth fixing.”

you let out a tiny sob, the hot prickling behind your eyes bursting out in a maelstrom of salt and water and bokuto holds you at arm’s length and lets you cry. he lets you scream and struggle and tell him all the things you’d never have told him otherwise.

he takes it the best he can. he weathers the storm. he waits it out like a patient beach, knowing that eventually, the tide will recede. that eventually, even a hurricane will blow through it’s course.

“i’m sorry,” he says, finally, when you’ve cried yourself out, still hiccupping with his hands on either side of your arms, both your fingers pruning in the water.

“y-you better be.”

bokuto laughs, nodding, finally pulling you in for a kiss.

“i am… and… i’m sorry that i’m so bad at apologizing.”

you let out a watery laugh and make a half-hearted attempt to splash him.

“as long as you don’t make a habit of breaking into the gym pool at midnight just to say sorry.”

“i dunno, it’s kinda nice though, isn’t it?”

“what, a midnight dip? i guess it is…”

for a moment, the both of you are quiet. and you both know this isn’t the end, that there are still words to be said, new curtains to buy, old dishes to mend.

“hey, wanna try something?” bokuto’s voice is hopeful, but as you turn to look at him, you allow yourself another smile. because isn’t this what you fell in love with in the first place? the highs and the lows, the sunlight days and the stormy nights.

“sure, what do you wanna try?”

bokuto points at the diving board hanging over the deep end of the pool with a wide, wayward grin.

you hike your eyebrows.

“c’mon! try it! i’ll catch you!”

trust me.

you hesitate for a moment longer before swimming to the edge and heaving yourself out of the water. bokuto whoops as you walk onto the diving board and look over the edge.

he opens his arms and waits for you.

you take a breath, and —

you jump.

[bunitivity]

I really REALLY need to tell you my hc that Luffy and Usopp sleep in the same bed 98.37% of the time. They are EXTREMELY hard to seperate.

When Usopp first joins the strawhats along with Merry, the boys have to make do with what they have. And that includes taking turns sleeping in the hammocks. Now I'm going to reference that pic where Luffy is hanging down on Usopp's body from his hammock. Also the one where Zoro and Sanji sleep on the floor face to face. That one. One time Luffy actually falls into Usopp's hammock but neither of them realize it and in the morning the sniper might have hit his head when falling on the floor from the sudden surprise. But then it became a usual thing and both of them were becoming closer friends so eventually Usopp just proposed them sleeping together since they're gonna end up like that in the end. Of course the more they travelled, they got bunks for comfort, because sleeping on the floor/couch got annoying.

Then Water 7 happens and Usopp is devastated. He really wants to go back to them snuggling but he feels like if he offers it right after what happened to them it would feel like he didn't feel sorry at all, which is not true. And besides, Sunny has all the comfort you could ever want, so no more "well, if you're gonna slip into my bunk anyways, why not just share it from the start" excuse.

However, Luffy's thought process is a little different. He gets a little confused as to why Usopp still hasn't invited him over. Well, the sniper apologized, they had an emotional reunion, spent the rest of the day together and now they won't even snuggle like they did before? Something's gotta be up.

So as soon as Luffy makes his decision, he "slips" into Usopp's bunk and hugged the shit out of the sniper, making sure he wasn't going anywhere. Usopp let him stay. He wanted to anyways.

So since then, their habit of sharing one bed and cuddling was fully established. Oh boy, I sure hope they don't get seperated again only for a longer period of time.

No listen you literally read my mind! I’ve literally been thinking about this idea nonstop I’ve it written in my draft somewhere. Still think about that moment post dressrosa where usopp just goes to sleep right on top of luffy and no one bats an eye lol(really tried to find a pic of it but it isn’t in my tag ://) it was just business as usual for everyone but there’s no way that’s the first time that’s happened. They definitely sleep together all the time. It’s just second nature to them to just curl around each other and fall asleep.

And oh w7 ;-; the most devastating arc my beloved <3 neither of them sleeps during their separation(i dont actually have long they were apart but I’m pretty sure it was just one night considering how fast paced one piece is but it was a very looong night either way with Usopp staying up working on the merry while luffy just tossing and turning until he just ends up staring out over that rooftop where nami finds him the following morning telling her he was looking out for robin but really he was just looking out the sea to where the merry was docked🥲)

and ofc luffy would be the one to push past the awkwardness because once usopp apologized that was it he had already forgiving him the moment he saw usopp on that bridge screaming at him to keep fighting(still think about how ready luffy was to bring him to the crew immediately post ennies lobby until zoro knocked some sense into him lol) there was no way he was going another sleepless night without him

[slaymitchabernathy]

Beating Heart

| "And I don't know where I'm going, but I know it's gonna be a long time. 'Cause I'll be leaving in the morning, come the white wine, bitter sunlight." |

The Dauntless compound reminds me of a dark cave. 

I didn’t realize how much I took natural sunlight for granted until walking through the countless corridors that serve as a way to move around the compound. Everything is dark and wet, with blue lights serving as illumination. 

The group of initiates follows someone through the maze of corridors until the person in front of me comes to a stop and I end up running right into him. I rub my nose and secretly wish I were taller. 

“Alright, Dauntless born go with Arachne, transfers stay with me.”

I recognize the deep male voice, it belongs to the boy who helped me off the net. A good half of our group trickles down another corridor, I suppose they won’t require a tour compared to us. With a smaller group, I’m able to push my way to the front and Dorothea and Lucy Gray Baird follow right after me until we’re standing in the front.

The tall boy’s eyes meet mine for only a second before he scans the group, “I’m going to be one of your instructors during your initiation process. I usually work in the control room. My name is Four.” 

Lucy Gray Baird snorts next to me and I warily eye her, Four doesn’t seem like the type of person you want to upset. “What, like the number?” She asks, and Four presses his lips into a thin line, “Yes, like the number. Now, I’m going to show you all to the Pit, it’s mainly compos–” 

“The Pit,” Lucy Gray Baird cuts him off with another laugh, “Y’all sure have a clever way of naming things around here. Were One, Two, and Three taken?” 

I close my eyes and wait for the reprimand, she has to learn to be quiet. I expected this type of behavior from Candor, they always speak their minds but Amity are usually more quiet. When I open my eyes, Four is standing right in front of us, Lucy Gray Baird more specifically. He looks scary. 

His jaw is clenched and his blue eyes pierce into her like he wants to snap her in half.

He probably could.

“What’s your name?” He asks quietly, which for some reason is much more scary than him yelling at her. Lucy Gray Baird swallows but she stands her ground and raises her chin, “Lucy Gray Baird,” she tells him matter-of-factly. I can’t help but admire her confidence. She’s very pretty, with pink blush on her cheeks and her curls styled nicely. 

I must look so plain standing next to her. 

Four leans a little closer to her, “Well Lucy, the first lesson you’ll need to learn about being Dauntless, is to keep your mouth shut. Got it?” 

Lucy Gray Barid furrows her eyebrows, “Lucy Gray,” she corrects. Four straightens up and raises an eyebrow, “Keep your mouth shut, Lucy Gray.” 

He’s walking away before she can even come up with a reply and he waves at us to follow him down a corridor. Lucy Gray scoffs and gives Dorothea and I a look, “Well isn’t he a ray of sunshine?” Dorothea smiles and shakes her head, “Just gotta stay out of his way until initiations are over. He’s probably sick and tired of training a bunch of initiates.” 

I nod, she’s right, Dauntless initiation is bound to be more intense than Abnegation’s initiation. You spend thirty days performing community service acts and then on the last day, existing members of the Faction wash your feet and then you all eat a meal together. 

As we approach what is called the Pit, I can already tell that this will be nothing like Abnegation.

The Pit is something else.

It’s huge, wide and open. There are paths and ledges running all up the Pit, with people running as if they won’t fall to their deaths. I see children skipping near the edge and resist the urge to tell them to be careful. 

“Wow,” Dorothea whispers, her brown eyes wide in awe. 

I nod because there really isn’t much else to say. People are milling around below us, some are fighting although it looks more like playful banter and others are talking, laughing, and drinking. Everyone is covered in tattoos. I look over at Four who doesn’t seem to have any tattoos but maybe they’re smaller and less noticeable. 

I don’t think I will get a tattoo. 

Next, we’re taken to what looks like a bridge of some sort, made of grates with a metal railing. Below is a large river that rushes so quickly that I don’t think even the Dauntless would try to swim in it.

“This is the Chasm,” Four yells over the water, “do not fall off of this bridge unless you want to take a swim with death. Someone takes the plunge every year, it’s happened before, and it will happen again. You’ve been warned.” I swallow and edge away from the ledge that instantly drops off into the Chasm. 

We follow Four down a few more corridors and I notice a tattoo peeking out from his shirt. Dorothea elbows me, “He sure is scary huh?”

Intimidating is the word I would use but I’ve only just met him. “He’s…something,” I finally say before he pushes open two large doors. The room we’ve been led to looks like our sleeping quarters. Four walks down the few steps and turns around to look at all of us with an unimpressed look on his face, as if we’ve already disappointed him. 

“This is where you’ll be sleeping until initiation is over,” he tells us, “the bathrooms are over there.” One of the boys in our group pipes up, he’s tall like Will but his hair is a lighter shade of brown, he’s from Candor, “Is this dorm for the girls or the boys?”

A small smile appears on Four’s face, “Both. You have five minutes to get changed and go to the mess hall.” 

A murmur passes through our group at the premise of all of us sleeping together in the same room. I’ve never slept in the same room as a boy before, or anyone for that matter. 

This is what you do in Dauntless, I tell myself as I claim my bed next to Lucy Gray’s, you sleep in the same room as boys and you don’t care. But I do care, and I miss my father and my hand hurts from where I cut it. But none of that matters now.

꧁ ꧂

I follow Dorothea and Lucy Gray over to the bathroom where clothes have been provided for us. Dauntless clothes. 

They’re baggy and unflattering but I know that we have to conform as soon as possible. I feel somewhat self conscious as we all change, even though no one looks in my direction. Once we’re dressed we throw our clothes into a fire pit, forever burning away my last ties to Abnegation. 

I linger for a moment, watching the gray clothing that used to be my identity burn away into ash. Lucy Gray doesn’t hesitate to chuck her colorful clothing into the fire and even dusts off her hands before leaving to go find the mess hall. I bite my lip but follow her, I can’t afford to get lost.

꧁ ꧂

The mess hall is the loudest room I’ve ever been in. 

Everyone is yelling, gesturing with their hands while they eat. The room falls silent once our group walks in and Casca stands up from his table, his voice booming throughout the room, “Here’s to this year's initiates!” All the Dauntless members repeat the phrase as they raise up their cups before turning their attention back to their conversations and I suddenly have no idea where to sit. 

“Let’s go over there,” Dorothea nods to one of the tables near the back that’s empty. I nod, “Good idea.” We all squeeze through the crowd and when we finally reach the table I’m surprised to see that Four is sitting there as well. I thought he might eat with his friends but maybe he prefers to be alone. 

We sit on the other end and the girls immediately go to fill their trays with different types of food. I grab a round piece of brown meat between my fingers and furrow my eyebrows, I’ve never seen this before. Lucy Gray is already eating and tilts her head, “Have you never seen a hamburger before?” She asks, her mouth full. I shake my head and put it on my tray, “I think we have very different diets in our Factions.” 

Dorothea hands me a small dish of red sauce, “Load some ketchup on it, makes it taste much better.” I give her a grateful smile, I already feel like I’m falling behind and we haven't even started yet. “Can we sit here?” I look up to see Will from Erudite and another boy next to him, the boy who asked about the dorms. Lucy Gray flashes him a smile, “Sure you can.” 

It’s strange to sit with so many different people from different Factions. 

“Do you miss your Amity clothes?” Dorothea asks Lucy Gray, “I always thought you guys had such pretty colorful clothes.” Amity is always so colorful and cheerful. I could never fit in there. 

Lucy Gray shakes her head and grabs a tomato from the plate in the middle of the table, “I will miss the colorful clothes, the Covey love color, me more than most, but I knew I had to leave, get a taste of somethin’ different.” I understand that to some degree, the desire to get out. 

Will takes a bite of his burger before speaking, “The Covey? What’s that? I never read about it in any of the textbooks.” Dorothea rolls her eyes, “Why am I not surprised that you spent most of your time drowning in textbooks?” Will scoffs and points at her, “There’s no shame in wanting to be educated, at least I don’t say the first thing that comes to my mouth.”

I watch the two bicker back and forth in fascination because while they’re arguing, there’s no animosity between them and they’re both smiling. Lucy Gray holds her hand up, “All right y’all are gonna drive me nuts with the bickering. And the Covey, my friend, are a band of traveling musicians. We traveled all over the place before the first war but after the second war, couldn’t go anywhere.” 

Will hums and taps the table, “So if you lived in one of the Districts, you most likely would’ve been in a southern one, like Eleven or Twelve.” Lucy Gray shrugs, “The way my cousin Barb Azure tells it, the Covey traveled all over the Districts before there were Districts if that makes sense. Then we all got rounded up and now what’s left of us are in Amity.”

 

Hearing about other people’s families is fascinating to me. I’ve grown so used to it being just my father and I that I’d forgotten that there are larger families out there with long ancestral trees. 

“My parents say we would’ve been in District Four,” the other boy says, his name is Jessup and he’s from Candor as well. Dorothea takes a sip of her water before speaking up, “Mine say we would’ve been in Two.” Lucy Gray sighs, “Wish we could go anywhere and everywhere, but my other cousin Tan Amber says we would’ve been stuck in Twelve.”

Lucy Gray has a lot of cousins.

Will is still eating so I guess it’s my turn to share, “We would’ve been in Twelve too,” I say quietly and Lucy Gray grins, “Then we were bound to be friends,” she decides.

I haven’t ever had a friend before, but maybe that might change here in Dauntless.

“We would’ve been in Nine,” Will says while eating his burger, “they specialized in Grain production.” Dorothea giggles, “Would’ve pegged me for District Three considering how smart you are.” 

I glance at the other end of the table at Four whose eyes are trained on his tray although I’m sure he’s been listening. “What District would you have been from?” I ask before I can shut my mouth. I don’t know what compelled me to ask but it’s too late to take it back now. 

He looks over at me and pins me down with his gaze, “What makes you think you can talk to me?” He asks, his voice cold and harsh. We all go quiet at his question but I don’t back down, even though I should, I don’t.

“Must be because you’re so approachable,” I say, “like a bed of nails.” 

Lucy Gray snorts into her cup of water and my ears turn hot as I wait for the backlash and the lecture about talking back to my instructor but instead, he just grabs his cup of water, “Careful Soarynn,” is all he says before turning back to his food. 

“You my friend, have a death wish,” Dorothea whispers. 

I shrug, maybe I do, maybe I don’t. 

Jessup and Dorothea launch into a funny story about something that happened at Candor headquarters and while they’re talking I see Casca from the corner of my eye. He’s walking towards us. Four, more specifically. He sits down next to me but doesn’t even acknowledge me. 

“Just the man I was looking for,” he says, slapping Four on the back, too hard to be playful.

Four grunts, “Can I help you Casca?”

Now that I’m as close as can be, I notice that Casca not only has several tattoos on his face, but piercings as well. Rings through his lips and eyebrows, and the holes stretch when he smiles. “Max has been looking for you, asking for you. Says whenever he goes to your apartment you aren't there.” There’s animosity behind Casca’s words, like he’s bitter about something. 

Four nods, “Tell him that I am satisfied with the job position I currently hold.” 

Casca raises his eyebrow and I inwardly cringe at how his skin stretches around the rings. Piercings can not be a fun experience.

“So he wants to offer you a job,” he concludes. Four hums, “Guess so.” Casca turns to look at me and I immediately look down at my tray, I don’t want to be caught staring. “Well, aren’t you going to introduce me Four?” 

All of us are quiet as we watch Casca and Four. I can’t tell if they’re friends but the way Four acts, I don’t think they’re friends. 

Four sighs and looks down at all of us, all wide-eyed. “This is Soarynn,” he nods at me, and Casca smirks, “The Stiff, how could I forget?” My fingers wrap tightly around my fork and I resist the urge to stab him in the neck with it. “That’s Dorothea, Will, Lucy Gray, and Jessup,” he finishes, “and I have somewhere to be.” 

I don’t want to be left alone with Casca who looks like he’d want to punch little kittens for fun but he stands up before Four does and clears his throat, “I’ll let Max know that you’re not interested,” he says before walking away. 

I can’t keep my mouth shut today it seems because I’m asking another question before I can stop myself, “Are you two friends?” 

The look Four gives me could turn me into stone. “We were in the same initiate group together. Lights out at ten o’clock,” he tells me before turning on his heel and walking away.

Jessup lets out a low whistle, “I wonder if part of the initiation is to learn how to be a complete asshole to everyone you meet.” Everyone but me laughs because I don’t think Four is…an asshole. He seems guarded. 

I would do well to be the same. 

| Part 3. |

| tumblr oneshot/drabble |

| Divergent x Hunger Games |

[silvergolddraco28]

Cursed Ink - 4 Fork in the road

“Doing no good... Staying in me...” Wukong slurred. “Gotta protect my mate’s back... Gotta get’em to the cubs” Wukong slurred even more like he was drunk.

Macaque dropped to his knees, curling around the shorter monkey. A broken keen escaped him as he cradled the king. He pressed his face against the side of Wukong’s head, tears dripping down his cheeks. “Mate?” The ebony warrior whispered, hope in his voice.

“My mate...” Wukong repeated purring like a cat.

“Mine?” Macaque sniffled, looking into the other monkey’s eyes. Hopeful eyes searching Wukong’s. Wukong nodded. Pressing their noses together. A sign of affection between monkeys. Macaque gave the sage a shy, little smile, brushing their noses together. He raised a hand to the king’s face, caressing Wukong’s cheek with his knuckles. “Seriously, Sunshine. The worst timing. Why’d I have to fall for such an idiot king?” Macaque murmured fondly, a subtle purr coming from his chest.

“I'm smart...” Wukong huffed nuzzling into the hand just as another set of cracks formed over Wukong’s head. Only a small section flaked off revealing a familiar and heavily beaten crown that rested on Wukong’s head. The gold had faded to a more bronze-like color from the years of abuse.

Macaque’s face fell, heart breaking. “We match now, Peaches.” He whispered, mournfully clinking their circlets together. “Wasn’t that supposed to be removed?” He bumped their noses again, cradling the other’s face. Gently brushing his thumb over Wukong’s cheek, he closed his eyes. ‘Just for a moment. We can have this for a moment.’

“Heaven’s Leash... Didn't trust me enough to have it removed... I hid it after erasing the sutra from living memory.” Wukong stated. Before his ears twitched. “Mango... Get moving now!”

Without missing a beat Macaque threw himself forward, quickly breaking into a sprint. “What is it?”

“The feet, heavy in armor... Why the fuck does it sound like the Celestial Army!?” Wukong growled.

Macaque’s ears flicked and icy fear shot through him. “Shit! Hold on tight.” He warned, picking up speed and practically flying down the tunnel.

“This tunnel should come out a few miles from the beach.” Wukong informed. “Let's hope the pit traps and swinging axes were removed but I highly doubt our luck right now.”

“Fucking delightful .” Macaque growled, holding the king tightly. “When we get out what are we going to do about Azure?” He kept his eyes focused on where he was running, ears twitching at the slightest sound.

“Keep him far away from Mk. The kid doesn't need to know some things he would naturally find out on his own when he turns of demon age.”

“And if we can’t do that?” Macaque asked, ducking under a stalactite.

“I don't know...” Wukong replied. “Duck!”

Macaque hunched down as a spear wizzed above his head. He gritted his teeth and started weaving through the tunnel, trying to make his movements unpredictable. “Any ideas how to lose them?” He huffed, shifting Wukong as he ran.

“Want to try your luck out running a boulder? I think not.” Wukong rhetorically asked. “Give me a minute.” Wukong stated closing his eyes, pulling at strings of power inside of him feeling it rise. He opened his eyes as gold and purple power flooded his eyes before a gold and purple portal appeared in front of them swallowing them before the appeared on the beach tumbling over the sand from the speedy exit.

“Woah!” Macaque slipped on the sudden terrain change, sending him and Wukong sprawling into the sand. “Ow.” The warrior grumbled, shaking sand off his face.

“That... That was not what... I expected a portal... To do...” Wukong stated looking sick to his stomach as he groaned at the feeling of being car sick. Mk had once told him what it meant to be car sick yet he never was when they were on that road trip for the rings. This portal he had just made on his first try? Yeah that felt like car sickness.

“I think I’m gonna be sick.” Macaque rasped, pressing a hand to his temple. “First time I take it?” He stumbled to his feet, walking over to Wukong.

“First time I ever used magic other than my own much less in a mix like that.” Wukong stated. “Your portals are so much smoother.

“I thought I told you that you're not leaving Peaches.” an all too familiar yet twisted voice spoke from above.

Macaque snarled, placing himself between Wukong and the ink monster. “Don’t call him that!” His eyes flashed as he bared his teeth.

Ink dropped down from a tree looking perfectly relaxed while his white tail swung behind him. “Seems you lost a lot of those layers while I was away Peaches... Still haven't shed that mortal skin for your truest form yet though.”

“Says the off brand Macaque.” Macaque snapped, blocking Ink’s view of the struggling king. “No one likes an unoriginal sequel.”

“Ha! Says the living zombie pumping with ice magic.” Ink sparked back. “At least I look closer to what Luier was in the past, give or take a few cosmetic changes.”

A low growl built in Macaque’s chest. “Stealing a look that you can’t even pull off right. I believe that’s called desperation which fits you to a T.” The warrior snapped, clenching his fists. His tail wrapped around Wukong’s wrist, holding it firmly.

Ink simply smirked, raising a hand to his ear before a familiar golden light appeared with a very familiar staff forming in his hand with a green bladed sword appearing on his hip. “Want to test that theory, King's Shadow?”

Macaque formed his staff, eyes narrowed at the Ink monster. He braced himself, smirking. “Not a theory when there is just so much evidence. Haven’t you heard? Courtship kidnapping fell out of fashion centuries ago.” He twirled his staff, ears alert.

[Careful Mac... That's my staff and Mei’s sword.] Wukong ‘spoke’ into Macaque’s mind using telepathy, it was one of the few powers that didn't use a lot of energy and that Macaque actually had in turn as long as Wukong was the one to start the connection and keep it open.

[We’re kinda out of options, Peaches!] Macaque gritted his teeth, eyes locked on Ink. [If you have any ideas, please, I’m all ears! ] Even mentally, the sarcasm was more than obvious.

[one... But you won't like it very much.] Wukong responded as a leaf fell between the white and black monkeys falling to the sand and like a silent timer the two attacked.

Macaque brought up his staff, blocking an overhead strike from Ink. Ink smirked at the ebony monkey. Macaque snarled, twisting the two staffs to the side and kicking Ink back. Ink spun his staff around and swiped at Macaque’s head. The warrior twirled out of the path of the blow, eyes focused. Macaque sprang forward aiming a jab at Ink’s side, but was swiftly blocked by a green blade. Ink’s eyes darted over to Wukong, looking for a weakness. “Your fight is with me, creep!” Macaque snarled, dropping to a crouch and kicking Ink’s legs from under him. Ink caught himself on his hand and spun around, foot catching Macaque’s arm and pushing him back. [If you have a plan, Peaches, use it! I can’t hold him off for much longer.] As Macaque spoke, Ink extended the staff, sending it flying towards the ebony monkey. Macaque dodged, springing back.

[keep the cubs safe... I love you.] Wukong sent before opening his eyes that we're completely purple this time. Shadows thickened around him before several shadow like clones shot out dog piling Ink while a portal swallowed Macaque, Wukong’s staff and Mei’s sword all in one go. Wukong felt pain piece his chest looking down at an arrow coated in something sickly green sticking through his chest before he blacked out.

“Wukong!” Macaque roared as he fell into the portal, hand reaching for the king before the portal closed.

“Macaque!” a familiar voice called out from behind the black monkey. He spun around coming face to face with Wukong’s successor. “Macaque what is going on with this scroll?! It keeps pushing Mei and I back when we try to wake up everyone from their past lives.” the boy expressed looking lost and stressed.

“It’s cursed. You both okay?” Macaque looked between MK and Mei, scanning them for any injuries. He banished his staff and pulled the two startled heroes into a quick hug.

“Aww! You do care!” Mei teased, briefly exchanging a concerned glance with MK.

“I said no such thing.” Macaque denied releasing the young adults. “You said the scroll isn’t allowing you near the others?”

“Nope, it even took away my staff and Mei’s sword... That are currently lying right next to you…” Mk tailed looking confused.

“Long story short, the curse has gained some sort of sentience based off the person that used it’s subconscious desires.” Macaque growled, fur fluffing up slightly. “And if there’s one thing he’s wanted for as long as I’ve known him, it’s Wukong. So we have to wake the others quickly.” He picked up the sword, handing it to Mei. “It’s main form is with him. We could both get away so he sent me.”

Mei gripped her sword firmly. “You think someone is controlling the scroll?” Her eyes flashed green.

“Only one Lion I know has such an obsession withWukong it would bleed into any artifact that even had a shred of sentience. How do you think I got this thing on my head?” Macaque said pointing out to the cursed crown.

MK and Mei���s eyes widened. “AHHH!?” MK pointed at the filet!

“Aaah! Your ears are so cute!” Mei shrieked, pulling out her phone and snapping a picture. “Oh and the cursed filet or whatever.”

MK grabbed Macaque's shoulders and started shaking him. “How did you get that? Did you say Lion? Why do you have six ears?”

“Bud I'm the Six Eared Macaque. I hide my ears under a glamor to muffle out the extra sound and not to gain more attention from other demons that have a bone to pick with me. Azure Lion is the only lion that I know and this thing is from that damn copy cat that’s trying to get Wukong as its mate.” Macaque answered after he stopped Mk from shaking him feeling a rush of power filling him from the boy. “How the hell are you still moving with all that energy?!”

“What do you mean?” MK asked tilting his head. “I’m always energetic!”

Mei’s head snapped up to Macaque’s. “I’m sorry. Did you say Uncie Azure wants to mate with Monkey King?”

“Yes... Who told you he was an Uncle? Neither of you was ever supposed to meet him. The damn overgrown fur ball can choke on his own fur for all I care. I'm not letting him touch Sunshine every again.” Macaque growled showing off his impressive six inch monkey fangs in his anger at the mention of the blue lion.

“I knew it!” Mei shouted, jumping on MK’s back. “I told you!” She cackled.

“Mei! I told you! Monkey King isn’t my dad! Wait.” MK turned to Macaque, gasping. “You called Monkey King Sunshine?”

“And you guys still call him Monkey King instead of Wukong what's the difference?” Macaque retorted.

Mei giggled, winking at the monkey. “Sounds like someone is jealous.”

“This makes so much sense.” MK muttered, pulling out a notebook and scribbling something down.

“Let’s just get your friends before that copycat finds us... I thought Sunshine put a limiter on your powers?” Macaque asked while rubbing at the small headache between his eyes. His six ears twitched and moved like individual radio dishes.

“He did that ages ago!” MK nodded, shoving the notebook back who knows where.

“Do you think that weird key thing started to open it?” Mei asked, rolling her eyes at Macaque’s attempt to change the subject.

“The Skeleton Key! Out of all the things you used that?! No wonder your overflowing with energy your basically no longer human at this point.” Macaque exclaimed. “Fuck this must be what Sunshine meant when he said you couldn't learn this until you had your coming of demon age day.”

“I’m sorry. My what ?” MK chuckled, nervously. “I’m just regular old MK! What do you mean not human? I’m of age! I literally have a car and a job!”

“MK’s a demon now?” Mei gasped with stars in her eyes. “That’s so cool! You would make a great demon, MK!”

“Let’s get moving I’ll explain on the way. Don't not interrupt me cause I am not explaining it more then once and unlike Sunshine I'm blunt and won't hold back in information you need to know. What I need to know Mk is if you know anything before your fifth birthday.” Macaque stated.

“Uuhhh. What do you mean? I don’t really remember anything from before that. Do you, Mei?” The boy asked.

Mei shrugged, typing on her phone. “Not really. Maybe a little bit. But not much.”

“Kid, do you even know if you have parents?”

“Of course I do!” MK protested, crossing his arms. “Pigsy’s my Dad!”

“The ones that gave birth to you.” Macaque clarified.

“Why would that matter?” MK grumbled, looking away from Mei and Macaque. “I have my dads. I don’t need my birth parents.” Mei placed a hand on his shoulder, giving it a comforting squeeze.

“Kid. I'm only asking because that key should have unlocked everything in you body and mind including lost or suppressed memories from childhood... The only way you wouldn't have memories before being five years old is if you were just born .” Macaque stated.

()()()()()

Gold and ruby eyes with a slight green tint slowly opened with a nasty headache curling up slightly at the cold air that nipped at bare skin not covered in fur.

“Wakey wakey, Peaches .” A familiar voice snickered. “I’m getting tired of waiting~!” The monkey felt a kick against his ribs.

Wukong’s eyes snapped open at that gasping at the immediate pain. ‘That's going to bruise...’ Wukong thought.

“Look who finally decided to wake up.” A hand gripped his hair and pulled his face up. Still in the guise of the pale furred Macaque, Ink grinned. “Hey, Sunshine . Miss me?”

“Not very,” Wukong growled with a glare. ‘Gods I feel weak...’

Ink chuckled, holding up a golden shard. “Missing something?” His fangs gleamed ominously.

Wukong’s eyes shrunk at seeing the shard in his hand. “What did you do?” Wukong demanded before Ink scowled.

“You don't seem to understand the position you're in Peaches.” Ink stated.

Wukong shifted up so he was half sitting up. His side twinged in warning and he hissed, pressing his hand against the new bruise. “What position is that?”

“You're not a King here. Just a Bad Monkey.” Ink stated smugly before Wukong felt the familiar crown around his head tightening.

The russet monkey flinched, rearing back. “You’re not my Master.” He snarled, eyes blazing. “You don’t get to say that!” He gripped his head, fighting back tears.

“Not tight enough? I can make it tighter the more you Misbehave.” Ink stated.

“Fuck. You.” Wukong growled, determined to take as much of the curse’s attention as possible. ‘The longer it’s focused on me, the more time they have.’

“Oh, I think you would like that after you behave.” Ink stated, circling Wukong’s basically prone form. “Tell me, who in their right mind would want to love a weak and savage beast that can’t even read and write properly?”

Wukong bared his teeth, growling. “Says the creepy stalker that wants to mate me. Maybe I didn’t make myself clear. Not. Interested.” Ink simply snapped his fingers making an inky black mirror appear before Wukong. The ink bled away to a large full-length mirror that reflected not a golden monkey but a monkey made out of molten stone with a softly glowing golden core, purple-tainted arms and legs with deep orange ‘spikes’ in the shape of a mane. “What is this?” Wukong grumbled, glaring at the fake monkey.

“Your true form. One not hidden under the illusion of flesh. Didn't you ever find it odd a flesh and blood monkey was born from solid stone?” Ink asked impressed Wukong was not screaming in pain from the tightening crown. Wukong winced, one eye slipping shut as he tried to figure out the curse’s goal. Claws dug deep into Wukong’s arms while hot breath curled near his ear. “Why don't we have a closer look a the monster pretending to be a monkey?”

Wukong feebly pushed at Ink. “Speak for yourself.” He bit out. “That isn’t me!”

Ink grinned before stabbing Wukong in the back of the neck, orange lava-like cracks spreading over his form before flopping off like wet clay. Wukong coughed nearly choking on ash and steam coming from his own throat in shock. “A true Stone Monkey made as hard as a Celestial Diamond from the very Furnace they used to melt you down.” Ink supplied. “You think Macaque would still want to be your mate when he sees this? You are nothing but a walking golem.”

Wukong cried out, collapsing before the mirror. He shook his head in denial, steam drifting from his eyes. “No! That’s not true! None of it is!”

Ink smirked. “Your about as real as a toy soldier Peaches... Just like me. Do you think a living person would want to love a hunk of stone much less one that's as hot as lava?” Ink inquired jabbing at Wukong’s pain riddled thoughts.

“You’re nothing… but a stupid curse… controlled by a petty failure.” Wukong rasped, denying the other. “Macaque does love me!”

“You sure about that? He’s tried to kill both you and your little cub even turned your cubs against you too many times to count. Are you really willing to hand your stone heart over to someone who’d crush it in the blink of an eye for power?” Ink questioned watching as the green tint grew thicker like a plague corrupting Wukong’s thoughts. ‘Soon enough you’ll be seeing hallucinations of those you love dropping you like a hot coal either from disgust or fear of being burned.’ Ink swiftly sunk his teeth that resembled a more feline arrangement then monkey into Wukong’s shoulder leaving his mark of claim on the distressed stone monkey knowing he’d probably have to do it more than once until it became permanent. Wukong screamed as the primordial magic of a demon mating claim seared his shoulder before he slumped over his eyes now a toxic green. Said eyes closed in exhaustion while tanned hands tenderly caressed molten skin. “Your mine now Peaches... Let’s see that emo monkey try to take you from me now.” Ink smugly stated holding the stone monkey closer as the green light of the dragon blood he had coated the arrow in before spread to infect more of Wukong’s very body and soul.

An ink version of Wukong took form grinning with icy blue light followed by a monkey version of Mk. “Capture either the cub or that emo monkey. Nothing too damaging but I still want at least one of them in one piece before Master Azure comes to collect his Treasure.” Ink ordered.

”Dont forget our purpose Plums. We are simply tools to have the stone monkey behave ideally for the alpha lion.” the ink version of Wukong spoke. “Your hogging a lot of the extra power just to give yourself a flesh and blood form.”

“Yeah Baba! You're taking a lot of the fun out of making these sinners atone for those sins they caused!” Ink Mk agreed crossing his arms like he was a pouting child.

Ink simply chuckled. “They will pay in due time sweetheart. No go with your Papa and get those runaways.”

()()()()()

“Tang... How are you even related to Tripitaka?” Macaque questioned with a groan as Mei rubbed the black monkey’s back. Said monkey had ended up puking his guts after the multiple teleports through so many ‘chapters’ of the scroll causing a rather violent clash between his recovering magic and the ‘holy’ magic Tang was brute forcing into very crude spells. At least Tang had yet to bombard Macaque with questions on the cursed crown and the weakly glowing six ears.

Tang shrugged. “Maybe I’m a descendent? Although…. He was an extremely devout Buddhist, so that doesn’t make sense.” The scholar shifted his glasses, looking at the monkey and giving him another shrug. “Beats me.”

“I'm just going to guess reincarnation and keep my head from exploding at that imagery.” Macaque deadpanned as he stood. “You doing alright cub?” Macaque asked Mk who looked to have a thousand-yard stare.

While Tang was preoccupied at the idea of being the reincarnation of the Great Monk and therefore the Golden Fucking Cicada, MK was having his own personal meltdown.

“I don’t. I don’t know.” The young man mumbled, picking at his stolen shirt. “Finding out I might not be human is kinda a lot.”

“You have more in common with me and Pigsy now?” Mei tried to cheer her friend up, earning a tiny smile.

All of a sudden Mk gripped his chest, bright orange cracks spreading from the back of his neck while a sickly green glowing mark appeared on his shoulder. His eyes flickering between gold and purple as the scent of plums and peaches mixed with pears grew overpowering from the teen.

“MK!” The probably not a bug scholar and dragon girl both shouted, reaching for the younger hero.

Macaque’s eyes widened and his jaw went slack as the cracks started to spread. “Oh.” He whispered, tail lashing as the fruity scents filled the air. Then his eyes caught sight and the green mark and he snarled. “Damnit! The manifestation claimed Wukong. We need to go faster.”

“I’m trying but I really don’t know what I’m doing!” Tang snapped, gripping the ringed staff.

“Open his mouth. Mei I need to borrow your sword for a sec.” Macaque stated,

Mei blinked, uncomprehending. “What?”

“Sword now!” Macaque repeated while Tang gently got Mk to lean back and partly open his mouth.

“Okay! Okay! Geez!” She practically tossed her sword at him. “Throw a girl off guard saying something like that.”

Macaque ignored her as he sliced his hand heading over to Mk. “Keep his mouth open and make sure he swallows.” Macaque opened holding his hand over Mk’s mouth and squeezed letting this thick blood flow into the teen’s mouth.

Understanding lit up Tang’s eyes and he nodded, face serious. “Okay.” The human that might also be an insect, massaged the teen’s throat, urging him to swallow. “You gotta swallow, MK.” Tang murmured, squeezing the kid’s hand.

“That’s one of the top twelve grossest things I’ve ever seen.” Mei remarked, watching closely. “Why does he need to drink your blood? Do you have magic blood? I though that was Yin and Jin’s schtick.”

“He’s basically doing the demon equivalent of child adoption Mei,” Tang said. “Monkey King did a similar thing with the staff through a ritual of Proven Worth.”

“Ohhhh. Demon adoption. Cool!” Mei stroked her chin in thought. “Wonder if dragons have something like that. I’m have to ask Uncle.” She looked over at Macaque. “Does this mean you’ve joined the custody battle?”

Tang chuckled, brushing a hand through the shaken MK’s hair. “Pigsy and I adopted MK pretty much the moment we found him. Monkey King put a claim on him after he became the Monkie Kid.”

“that would explain how the kid could produce my magic without much effort,” Macaque stated feeling the cut heal while tossing Mei back her sword. “I suggest you brace for the next part.”

Mei and Tang both looked over at the immortal with confused stares. MK just gagged and shoved his face into Tang’s chest. “Why would that help with your powers?” Mei asked, slowly backing away from MK.

Orange cracks pulse once before glowing a bright purple and bursting ou in a mixture of white, gold, and orange shards. A long monkey tail curled around Mk’s legs while two sets of lotus ears twitch on the teen’s head colored a bright gold that faced to a sunset purple color with a soft orange glow. Mk groaned letting out chirps and whines at his new hearing.

A bright golden sphere covered Tang before the teen’s transformation hit. The bespectacled scholar gaped at his son, before chuckling. “Now he really is a monkey kid.” He hugged the boy. “You okay?”

MK covered his ears with a wince. “Maybe? I don’t know. Everything is so much louder now. Is that a tail?!” He gaped at his new appendage.

“Awww! You look so cute!” Mei gasped, hearts in her eyes. “Look at your pretty ears!”

Macaque simply chuckled before his smile changed in a snap second as he was in front of the kid holding a black arrow dripping in a sickly green substance. Macaque snarled his tail puffed up like a cat’s. “Dragon blood.”

Mei stiffened, color draining from her face. Tang helped MK to his feet, the two looking around wildly. “We need to move on.” Tang whispered, gripping his staff. The teen snagged Mei’s hand, holding it tightly. “And I think I have an idea where Pigsy might be.”

“Get us there quickly. We need to lose who's following us.” Macaque all but ordered. Tang nodded, banging his staff into the ground once. A large golden bubble surrounded them and they vanished. They appeared near a swamp one Macaque was vaguely familiar with. “This is the pig’s chapter. The shack should be down the road from here. Tang, try not to get kidnapped like the monk was.” Macaque stated curling his tail around Mk’s.

“Great.” Tang sarcastically replied, shaking his head.

Mei gripped MK’s hand, face blank as she stared down at the ground. MK glanced at her before turning to Macaque. “So I’m up to four Dad’s now?” He said lightheartedly, trying to lift the mood. The young man kept giving his tail uncertain looks. “And a monkey?”

“You were always a monkey Kid. Just hidden under a very powerful glamor that you've been subconsciously keeping running. You really are a lot like Sunshine with that stuff.” Macaque stated glaring at the arrow in his hand. “When we are done I'm burning this scroll to ashes.”

“Wait. Wait. Wait. Back it up. What do you mean I’ve always been a monkey? I’ve never looked like this before!” MK protested, ears pressing back against his head in distress.

Mei also glared at the arrow, eyes flicking a furious green. Tang gave the younger two a worried look before turning his gaze to the swamp.

“Kid, did Sunshine ever tell you how the four Celestial Primates were born?” Macaque asked before bopping Mei in the nose. “Calm your mind cub. There is a difference between this blood and yours. For one this is from a dragon that was sick, very sick, and had died. Unlike your lineage, some dragons don't decompose, instead, they become petrified while their blood becomes similar to a very powerful drug. It causes hallucinations and makes whoever gets it in their bloodstream docile and unable to use magic. You are immune to it as your own dragon blood would cancel it out immediately.” Macaque more or less info dumped on the dragon teen as he tossed the arrow into the swamp. “Walk and talk, we ned to keep moving.”

“The four what’s it now?” MK mumbled, clinging to his older friend. Mei shrugged helplessly as she tried to process the new information. The two teens trailed behind Tang who had already started walking.

“The four Celestial Primate of Stone, Wind, Fire, and Water.” Tang supplied. “Sun Wukong is obviously the Primate of Stone and Macaque is the Primate of Wind. According to the stories Macaque was born from the energy of wind, shadows, and moonlight in the body of a ten year old monkey demon with the power to hear the past present and future while later gaining the ability to manipulate metal.” Tang explained in his teaching mode that helped calm the teens.

Macaque gave the scholar a perplexed look. “Yes, that’s-how did you know that? Almost no one knows about that.” Mei and MK were giving him wide eyed stares of awe.

“That. Is. So cool!” Mei exclaimed, bouncing in excitement. MK nodded his head quickly, ears flapping as he grinned. Macaque resisted the urge to cover his face.

“You’d be surprised what you’d find in old manuscripts of the original journey and it's demons,” Tang smirked. “It also helped that Mk brought me to Monkey King’s vault where he kept a rather thick book on your powers and abilities. Even had pictures.”

Macaque gave the human a double take. “Wukong has a- pictures?” Then he slowly turned to level a blank look at the bashful teen. “You took him into the vault?” A thought hit the immortal and he whipped back to Tang. “Did he seriously include the part about my age?” He hissed, ears flaring out in embarrassment fury. The immortal crossed his arms, grumbling to himself. “Of all the stupid. Idiot king. Rocks for brains.”

Mei snicker, elbowing MK. “Looks like Old Monkey King wrote a book about his ex.” MK giggled, jumping on her back.

He easily kept his balance as his tail automatically stretched out to compensate. “Why would your age matter anyway? Your thousands of years old anyway aren't you?” Mk questioned.

Macaque huffed, ears turning a soft pink. “Cause that idiot loves to lord over the fact that he was born fully grown and I was formed as a child.” He wasn’t pouting. Absolutely not. No matter how much the two teens giggled at him. He admits nothing.

“I see the house!” Tang interrupted, pointing down the road. “Think we’re like ten minutes away.”

“Good.” Macaque nodded.

“Oh and your wrong about Monkey king being fully formed. He was a newborn cub he grew into an adult over the next few days.” Tang added.

Macaque froze and slowly turned towards the human. “He was what?” The immortal hissed, tail lashing. “That sneaky little-”

“Were here!” Tang cut him off. He sniffed the air frowning. “Looks like the scroll couldn't smother Pigsy’s love of cooking and adapted for it.”

MK interjected. “Wait. So Monkey King went from baby to adult in a few days. You were ten and had to grow up. Why was I five?” He pouted, crossing his arms as Tang looked around for Pigsy.

Macaque shrugged. “Beats me, kiddo. Everyone is a bit different.” He covered his nose, resisting the urge to hurl. “This smells nothing like the chef’s cooking.” Mei nodded, looking slightly green.

Tang covered his node as well. “One theory was that his power forced him into an adult body to properly regulate his output and input of energy. As the monkey of Stone his connection to the very earth is almost second nature but with the down side of having very powerful abilities and no control as a newborn.” Tang explained. “You guys stay out here, I've got a chief to talk to.” Tang entered the shack leaving the teens and monkey outside.

“Is that a wise idea?” Mei whispered to MK as the older man entered the building.

“He’ll be fiiiine.” MK assured her, giving her a thumbs up. He turned to the older monkey. “You were talking about celestial monkeys or something?”

“Celestial Primates.” Macaque corrected. He motioned his hand to the shack’s wall bending the shadows into all too familiar puppets. “Each primate was created by a god from a higher realm, much higher than the Jade Emperor’s heavenly court. From what I know each of us was carved from out very elements and placed in elemental ‘eggs’ to gather the energy then hatch in an according form.” Macaque explained.

“Higher than the Jade Emperor? Like the Buddhas and Bottisatva’s?” Mei asked, surprising the two monkeys.

“They were created by someone? Why?” MK asked, tilting his head.

“To balance the power between the Diyu and Heaven while acting as buffers in the mortal realm to increases in magic that could be deadly to mortals.” Macaque replied.

“Whaaaa?” Both teens tilted their heads, not understanding.

Macaque pinched the bridge of his nose. “Did either of you take Demon History 101 courses in school?”

MK shook his head. “It was only required for demons at my school, so I took Art 101.”

Mei scratched the back of her head. “I took it like five years ago and I really only paid attention to the dragon parts. Even then I think that lesson focused almost entirely on Monkey King then shifted to the Journey.”

“Of course it did... This is why Sunshine always left me doing the teaching...” Macaque muttered before he sighed dismissing the puppets. “Since we are stuck here, Kid try summoning a shadow staff. We're going to do a crash course on my abilities so you are familiar with them and not calling them up on instinct.”

“Uhhh. Okay. I can do that. Probably.” MK shuffled his feet, nearly stepping on his tail. He held out a hand, eyes focused on it intently. After a long moment of nothing happening, he glanced over at Macaque. “How do I do that, exactly?”

“Imagine a staff rising from your shadow but as an extension of yourself.” Macaque supplied.

“Yeah. Cause that makes sense.” The teen grumbled, ears twitching when his tail nearly smacks Mei in the face. MK focused on his shadow, imagining a purple version of his staff raising from the shadow. His shadow glowed but beyond that nothing happened. “Why do I even need a shadow staff? I have Monkey King’s.” He glared at his shadow. Mei just sat down next to the two monkeys, content to watch.

“In case your staff gets taken again. Only you can use a shadow staff made from your own shadows plus it prevents it from being stolen.” Macaque pointed out.

MK huffed, but couldn’t think of any arguments. “Fine. Fine.” He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. The teen held a hand over his shadow and focused. The shadow glowed purple again, only this time a shadowy replica of his staff started to rise. Mei perked up, watching intently. MK gripped the shadow and pulled it out the rest of the way. “Ha! I did it!” Then it vanished. “Noooo!” He cried, throwing up his hands in exaggerated defeat.

“Not bad, you didn't have enough power in it to keep it’s shape.” Macaque smirked, his body language coming off as being a very proud parent especially with his wagging tail. “Try again.”

Mei covered her giggles as she quietly took pictures of the two monkeys. “Monkey King will love these.” She whispered, saving them to her MK Dad Squad folder.

“Okay. More power. I can do that!” MK hyped himself up. He raised his hand again, staring intently at his shadow. Once again the staff started for form and he grabbed it. After a moment he beamed, looking over at Macaque with his tail swinging happily behind him. “I did it!” He cheered. However the moment he stopped focusing on the staff it started to vanish again. “Nonono!” He stuck out his tongue as he tried to keep it solid.

They continued the impromptu lesson until Tang came out with Pigsy who looked a little dazed. “Hope I didn't take too long?” Tang asked.

“Nope! Mac has been teaching Mk to summon a shadow staff. If Mk keeps this up he could start duel-welding the Monkey Staff and the Shadow Staff at the same time!” Mei exclaimed.

MK seemed to perk up at the thought. “Think I could hold one with the tail?”

“Tail?!” Pigsy snapped out of his daze and stomped over to MK. “Kid! What happened?! How did? Where did? Monkey?” The pig started patting the teen down, closely examining his ears, tail, and fur. “Are ya hurting anywhere?”

“I’m fine, Dadsy.” MK mumbled, as the chef looked at his new monkey teeth. The pig just clicked his tongue.

“I’m going to have words with that mentor of yours when we find him.” Pigsy promised.

Macaque chuckled. “Actually… it’s not Wukong’s fault this time. MK’s a Celestial Primate. He’s just not using a glamour anymore.”

Tang nodded, supporting the immortal. “Turns out random small children covered in dirt are actually mythical monkey babies in disguise.”

“Surprise?” MK watched the pig, a slightly fearful look in his eyes.

Pigsy stared at him before huffing and ruffling the teens hair. “This doesn’t get you outta work.”

”looks like we caught up to the runaway.”

Macaque met Tang’s eyes. “Tang!” The scholar quickly slammed down the staff, summoning a golden bubble.

”Not this time!” an arrow broke through the bubble as two ink monkeys landed before the group. ”You really want to give us problems Plums? You're only going to end up back at the Palace unconscious.”

The small group gawked at the two. “It’s like looking into a gross, gooey mirror.” MK shouted, pointing at the Ink version of himself.

“You’re much prettier, MK!” Mei agreed, hyping up her bestie. She pointed her sword at them. “Give us back our friends!”

The ink version of Wukong simply looked at her unimpressed. ”why would I want to do that? You know the story but do you know the truth? Even Plums here only knows the bare minimum.”

The ink version of Mk simply grinned. “should we try out the new ability Pa?”

Ink Wukong simply nodded tossing a thick lava orsge charge of energy to the smaller ink creature. They absorbed it grinning as color bled into their being. In contrast to the real Mk the ink version has a dark blue mask on his face with chocolate brown fur with a white and silver streak. Bright green eyes brightened in chaotic glee. “I really take after Baba in taking a flesh and blood form.” Ink Mk chuckled.

Macaque growled, summoning his staff. “We’ll buy you time, Tang. MK! Mei!” The two nodded and brandished their weapons. Pigsy placed himself in front of the human, hands gripping his new rake.

”Shrink.” Ink Wukong started as he also absorbed the energy and his was the most drastic change. Silver fur, blood red pupils in black eyes, a blood red mask that looked more like a two leaves and stem then a heart with a blue outline.

Macaque looked between the two, evaluating which one was the stronger opponent. “Mei. MK. Take Ink MK. I’ll take the fake Wukong.” Mei burst forward with a loud whoop, quickly followed by MK. Macaque gripped his staff and shot forward towards the Ink Wukong.

The Ink Wukong easily caught the staff scowling slightly before seeing Macaque’s twitch of pain. “Still too lose? That can be fixed.”

Macaque chuckled, glaring at the ink demon. “Do yourself a favor and stop talking. I know you probably love to hear the sound of your own voice, but no one else does.” He sank into a shadow and circled the demon.

Meanwhile Mei and MK and Ink MK were all three wildly trying to hit each other amidst loud screaming. Most of the screaming was from Mei, accompanied by small bursts of flames.

“Ouch! Hey! Keep your flames from my tail!” Ink Mk growled before pouncing on Mei and getting into a wrestling match with her.

“Uh-uh! Fake best friends don’t get fire protection!” Mei shot back, rolling around on the ground with the ink monster while MK watched for a moment. He grinned at the girl, holding back a warm laugh.

“Ha! What kind of friend runs away after becoming a ball of fire?” Ink Mk countered.

“Big words from someone that isn’t even real!” Mei fired back, nawwing at Ink MK’s arm.

“Eww. Mei! It’s made of ink! That’s so gross!” MK gagged at the thought of any of that entering his mouth.

Ink Mk hissed like a pissed-off cat screeching at Mei before golden power enveloped Mei and Mk the two teens popped over to Tang with Macaque appearing as the group vanished in a bright flash of gold.

MK and Mei reoriented themselves, looking over at the older adults. “Nice job, Tangman! The Tangster!” MK hugged the older man.

“Good job you two.” Macaque raised a hand to the circlet with a wince. He tried to shake it off and turned to the chef and scholar. “Where are we, Tang?”

Pigsy narrowed his eyes and crossed his arms. “And why are you in charge here? Where’s Monkey King?”

“Caged.” Macaque bluntly stated as something warm rolled down his face with a sharp spike of pain.

Tang nervously spoke up. “Macaque, your forehead is… bleeding.”

Macaque frowned at the large worried eyes of all the mortals. He raised a hand to the circlet and touched it. The circlet was slowly, but surely shrinking. When he pulled his fingers away they were covered in blood. “Damnit. There’s no time to worry about that. We have to find Sandy and get back to Wukong.”

“This is what Monkey King had to deal with?” Mk softly questioned.

“Worse. The sutra was longer and hastened the tightening curse. This one looks to be modified to tighten with a keyword and slowly continue unless more keywords are spoken.” Macaque deduced ripping off more fabric from his scarf and trying it around the band to hopefully prevent more blood from falling down his face and worrying the rest of the group.

Pigsy frowned but moved hit attention to the teens. “You two okay?”

“We’re fine, Dadsy.” MK assured.

“Let's get moving. We have to get Sandy and Moe before those ink knockoffs try to get us again.” Tang said before giving a sharp look at the teens. “The next fight with the ink teen better be serious and not just a play fight. Don't think I didn't notice the difference!” Tang warned the two teens.

Macaque gave his own glare at the two teens. “Seeing as Pigsy now has a weapon you’ll have someone to spar with Mei. Be warned Kid I'm not going to hold back in spars if you don't take your fights seriously.” Macaque directed the last bit of his statement to Mk.

Pigsy smacked the back of Mei and MK’s head. “Don’t play around when we’re trapped in a weird magic scroll!” He scolded, crossing his arms.

“Sorry.” Both teens hung their heads in shame.

The pond the group neared rippled turning black before it looked like a large tv screen with a scowling snow-white monkey in the reflection. ”So you managed to evade Wu and our little cub, Luier.” the white monkey snarked with a glare. ”then I guess you’ve forced my hand.” The white monkey stepped to the side showing what was directly behind him bound to a thick pole with a basket muzzle around his mouth was none other then Wukong but he looked far different then normal with lava skin, magma veins, and a sickly green coloring spreading from his chest and eyes. His left shoulder leaked lava like blood from a bite mark while thin glowing letters circled around the bite.

The group gasped, staring at the captive king. Macaque jerked forward. “Wukong!” His ears pressed against his skull as he took in the sight of his other half.

MK pointed his staff at the lake. “What did you do to him!?”

“Give us back the monkey man!” Mei growled, brandishing her sword.

”Simply broke that flesh and blood illusion over his being. A being of the Primordial Elements. A little bit of dragon blood and a bite of claiming.” the white monkey replied. ”too bad he never did get the Eternal Flames.” Wukong jerked before he started screaming convulsing in pain while black lightning arched between the silver metals on his limbs, lava-like blood dripping down his head from the bronze crown below the silver one the bronze color returning to a bright gold as it grew in power.

Pigsy held back MK while the kid growled, glowing a faint gold. “Let him go!”

Macaque felt a fury growing inside him. Eyes flashing purple, he stepped forward. “How dare you!”

”You forced my hands Liuer.” The white monkey simply smirked before the pond returned to normal. Macaque snarled in anger his claws digging into his palms in anger while his powers spiked at the instinctual rage of seeing Wukong in such distress. Thin purple cracks curling like wind through Macaque’s skin disrupted by thin white moons and dark golden lightning bolts. The very air around Macaque became electrified with power that was building to breaking point in the black monkey. The other four glanced between each other and the furious monkey. Tang nudged MK towards the older monkey.

“Macaque?” The teen hesitantly stepped up next to the immortal. Macaque locked solid glowing white eyes with the teen. Faintly Mk could see Macaque’s pupils but they were hidden under the power threatening to burst from the monkey’s ‘mortal’ body. MK slowly placed a hand on Macaque’s shoulder. “We’ll save him.” The boy softly assured the other, giving him an encouraging smile. “It’s what we do.”

Mei nodded, pumping her fist. “That creep won’t even know what hit him!”

The power slowly bled out before the black monkey passed out getting caught by the teen while thin silver scars decorated Macaque’s skin and fur from the cracks being stopped before Macaque’s power overpowered his body.

“This is just great!” Pigsy grumbled, stomping over to the two monkeys. “Idiot monkeys. Not you, MK. The two senile ones.”

MK just hefted the monkey over his shoulder. “I’m sure he’ll be fine! We still need to find Sandy and Mo.”

“That's the first time I've seen Mac with white eyes...” Mei noted. “What the hell was with the cracks?! He looked ready to explode just like you did Mk!” Mei pointed out.

“I think Macaque might have tapped into the beginnings of his very elemental power...” Tang answered. “We saw Monkey King as a being of literal Stone. As Monkey King’s literal Elemental Opposite and Balance Macaque would only need to see Monkey King in his elemental form before acting to Balance out their powers.”

MK shuffled in place. “Does that mean I’ll turn into something like that?” His voice was small as he looked over at the older man.

“No Mk. You likely weren't made like Monkey King and Macaque to balance the power of nature. Let's get moving, we got a monkey to rescue and a friend to ‘wake up’.” Tang replied.

Mei slung an arm over Tang’s shoulder. “Yeah! Let’s go save Sandy and Monkey King!”

Pigsy ruffled MK’s hair. “Let’s go, kid.”

The group quickly made their way to the river the blue-skinned demon was supposed to be waiting for Tripitaka to arrive at. They stopped a moment to rearrange Macaque to rest on Mk’s back piggyback style. Subconsciously Macaque had wrapped his tail around Mk’s waist while deep low purring sounds sent feelings of protection and safety through the newly minted monkey teen.

MK chirped happily then immediately blushed when the others looked over at him. “Don’t mind me. Just monkeying around?”

Mei snickered. “Alright Monkie Man!”

“What could you be monkeying around with him unconscious?” Pigsy demanded with a raised brow.

MK chuckled nervously. “I dunno. He’s like purring and it made me chirp! I’ve been a monkey for like ten minutes. I don’t know what I’m doing!” He pouted, glaring down at the river.

Tang reached over and patted his head. “You are doing great, MK. It’s not everyday you suddenly get a tail and two new ears and a weird birthmark on your face and-“

“Thank you, Tang!” MK snapped, rolling his eyes. “Thank you for reminding me.”

“I thought that was just his monkey mask coming in?” Mei questioned.

“Wait, there’s something on my face too?” MK groaned, running a hand down his face. “Is it at least cool like Macaque’s or adorable like Monkey King’s?”

Pigsy gave the kid a deadpan stare. “Seriously, kid?”

“Mixed. It kind of looks like a butterfly but its color is a mix of theirs like a sunset orange?” Mei answered.

MK grinned. “Oh that sounds awesome! Take a picture! Let me see! Let me see!” Mei quickly snapped a picture and showed the other teen. “Woah!”

True enough his face mask did look like it was shaped to mimic a butterfly with a sunset orange taking most of the center with a deep red at the top and a softer peach color at the bottom like a gradient effect of two colors blending in harmony.

Tang looked around nervously. “This is the area where the great Monk and Monkey King met Sha Wujing. So Sandy should be around here somewhere.”

“Mrow.” came an all too familiar meow of a cat.

Mei gasped. “Mo! Hey buddy!” The girl picked up the cat, setting him on her head. “Thats one blue friend down!”

“Only one more to go!” MK cheered, tail flicking happily.

Moe patted Mei’s head and pointed to Tang’s staff motioning to tap it to the ground.

Out of any other ideas, Tang gently tapped his staff. Another golden bubble covered everyone and they vanished once again.

The group appeared in a cavern high above while a group of three demons talked down below. A blue lion demon, a white elephant demon, and a white eagle demon. “You know the plan, once we secure our victory over heaven slip the poison into Mihou’s wine and the drug in Wukong’s.” the blue lion spoke.

“Are we sure this poison is even strong enough to kill that simian? He’s as hard to kill as the immortal king.” the eagle questioned.

“I did the calculations and brewing myself, Peng. Luier Mihou will be dead by sunrise once he ingests the wine after the battle. Not even his powers will help detoxify the poison in time before he rots from the inside out. As for the drug, Wukong will end up forced into a feral heat. Said heat will force his body to shapeshift to accommodate in order to be mated and bare cubs just as you wanted Azure. You will have to keep giving him the drug until his very identity as Monkey King is burned away to allow his mind to take up the role of Empress when you become Emperor.” the white elephant stated.

The group of mortals gawked at the scene, horrified. Tang covered his mouth. Pigsy placed a hand on the scholar’s shoulder.

Mei snarled, gripping her sword tightly. “That conniving, lying, son of a bitch.” She hissed, glaring at the lion.

Mk on the other hand couldn't believe his ears that picked up the very heart beats of the three down below. None of them were lying. Mk felt sick but more than that rage bubbled in his chest while his mind went into overdrive Protect Mama! Protect Protect! Protect! Protect Baba! shouted a small part of himself that sounded like an angry monkey cub with flashes of Wukong and Macaque in his head.

A pained groan pulled MK from his murderous thoughts. “Ow.” Macaque grumbled, pressing a hand to his head. “The hell was that?”

“You tapped into your literal element of wind?” Mk supplied in a soft whisper.

“Good. Mihou has been a blockade in my attempts to court Wukong. Once Mihou is no more Wukong will be my Empress.” Azure promised.

“At the very least let me have his corpse, Brother. I could use a new fur pelt for my collection.” Peng grinned as best as his beak would allow. “I hear monkey meat is a delicacy when cooked correctly.”

“I what?” Macaque’s ears flicked towards the three demons below them. “When-where are we?” He frowned at the others. “What’s the brotherhood doing here? We need to find Sandy.”

“Moe had us travel here. We’ll explain what we heard when we get out of here.” Mei shushed him as Tang Hasilty tapped his power and the group fell into a dried riverbed with bones littering in piles all around them, a large ring made of done and rope stood out with Sandy standing in its center waiting for a challenger.

MK set Macaque back on his feet. “Alright. What happened?” The immortal looked over the group, satisfied to see everyone unharmed.

“Azure Lion-“ MK started before Tang jumped on his back speaking quickly.

“You old brotherhood was plotting to kill you and drug Wukong to force him to bare Azure Lion’s children!” The scholar blurted out. MK nodded, a low growl building in his chest.

Macaque closed his eyes crossed his arms and took a breath. “Pigsy... How well lf a hit can Sandy take?” Macaque asked the pig demon. “I need to hit something before I start breaking trees.”

Pigsy stared at the immortal then glanced over at Sandy. “Uh. He’s the toughest guy I know. Can take a pretty good hit.”

“He stopped a jet with his hand once!” Mei added, nodding with MK. “And didn’t he also stop your mech at one point?”

“I think so...” Mk thought frowning while trying to recall if Sandy had stopped his monkey mech.

“Good enough,” Macaque stated before turning towards the arena his form shimmered before he was a few inches shorter with golden fur, a back, and a yellow shirt with a tiger pelt around his hips and long, black claws digging into his palms as he jumped into the arena.

“So, you're the river demon I've heard so much about?” Macaque questioned in a flawless copy of Wukong’s voice down to even the cocky tone.

Sha Wujing stared down at the monkey. “What do you think you’re doing, monk? Challenging me! If you’ve heard of me then you have heard of how I capture and eat any that come to my river!” The large river demon’s eyes flashed and the skulls around his neck glowed.

“I've heard of you... Yet you don't seem to have ever heard of me. So I think it's fair game.” Macaque grinned before he pounced landing the first blow hard to the stomach of the blue river demon.

Sha Wujing braced himself and bellowed. “You call that a punch? The rush of the river hit harder than that, little ape! Take this!” The water demon started throwing quick blows towards Macaque.

Macaque easily blocked and evaded them before making the power of his punches no longer holding himself back.

Wujing grinned as the fight continued. “I see you are a skilled fighter! Not many have been able to give me a challenge!” He cracked his neck, skulled glowing ominously. “I have not added any monkey skulls to my collection. Perhaps you’ll be the first!”

“I won't be.” Macaque stated.

Mei leaned over to MK. “Hey you ten bucks, Macaque ends the fight in five minutes.”

MK scoffed. “I give him two.”

“Deal.” The two quietly shook on it while Tang and Pigsy sighed.

Mei silently took out her phone and hit the stopwatch while Moe watched from her head content to let Sandy stretch and to give Macaque time to calm down from finding out what Azure had planned so long ago.

Wujing started speeding up, punching and kicking the monkey. Macaque rolled his eyes with a grin. “Come on, big guy. Is that all you got?” Wujing laughed darkly.

“Dont die at my full strength.” he warned before throwing a punch Macaque easily stopped with a yawn.

“Let me know when you use your full strength.” The monkey teased, pushing back the water demon.

The river demon was shocked. “You.. Survived that punch...”

“Surprise.” Macaque snickered, twisting around and kicking the demon. “As much fun as this has been, we need Sandy back.”

Tang perked up. “You have to remind him of who he is!”

“Simple enough. Moe.” Macaque called for the cat who leaped into Sandy’s arms blue energy swirled around the river demon before bursting out.

“Moe!” Sandy shouted and nuzzled the therapy cat close.

“Awww!” Mei, Tang, and MK cooed.

“Tang, get us to flower fruit mountain,” Macaque ordered dropping the illusion of Wukong.

“You know... It never occurred to me but is Monkey King shorter than Mac?” Mei question Mk.

“I thought they were the same height.” Mk honestly answered he knew Wukong was easily six foot even, taller than most average people while being as flexible as an acrobat with the power of a Kung Fu master.

Tang chimed in. “In the original texts, Monkey King was described as a short monkey demon.”

“Who cares?” Pigsy grumbled. “Does it matter?”

“It kind of does when you thing of it. Are the larger monkeys usually the ones in charge?” Mei questioned.

“I am not getting in the systematics on demon mating right now,” Macaque replied flicking his ears. “We're about to have company.”

“We can gossip about which monkey is the top later.” MK rolled his eyes. “We have to get Monkey King back first.”

Macaque simply pinched the bridge of his nose. ‘Now I know how Peaches feels while trying to warn Tripitaka and simply being ignored.’

“Sorry, Macaque.” The two teens giggled.

The black monkey sighed before something similar to getting Deja Vu passed through his body his ears flickering at the complete silence around him. He couldn't even hear the hearts of the very two kids right in front of him before he recalled one of the more obscure powers he had. ‘Premonitions of the future.’ He thought. ‘Is this... An enhanced vision of what would happen if Wukong sends me away to protect the kids?’ Macaque realized.

‘I won't let this future become reality!’

[joanofarcbutsilly]

this is just a simple drabble about hobie being a menace when you paint his nails!

reader is gender neutral, ask to tag for warnings if necessary!

rn i'm thinking about hobie letting you paint his nails, because of course he would! it's pretty, another way to express himself, and he will take ANY excuse to hold your hand even though he knows he doesn't need it.

he also just loves that it is another excuse for him to be a silly little goose :)

when you ask him if you can paint his nails, he makes a little show of thinking about it,

"i d'know love," he'd murmur with a lazily masked smile, "wont be able to use m' hands for a bit'

he's got the tiniest little smirk on his face while he's turning his hands over and over and looking intently at each and every one of his fingers

it's only after you beg for a bit that he laments and sits himself down with a sigh, positioning his arm on the chair's side and turning his head away from you, "do what you have to, but i want the works, yeah?"

his silliness will NOT end there. he

REFUSES to stop being a goofy guy. (although he makes sure to stay very still and not fidget while you apply the base coat)

you've got his hand curled around yours where he has it resting, lightly blowing on the drying paint when you ask what color he thinks he'd like to have. he scrunches his face up and hums while tapping his fingers on his free hand. this goes on for AT LEAST two minutes before he shakes his head, "i jus' don't know..”

you ask him EVERY POSSIBLE QUESTION, whether he'd like a color that is warm or cool, bright or more subdued, maybe a neutral, something natural, etc etc. eventually you just gotta bring out the stash for him to inspect

picking a color is the biggest issue during the whole debacle.

he picks up EVERY SINGLE BOTTLE to turn over in his hand, hold up to the light, and asks sooooo many questions

he's got a bottle in each hand, a dark plumish purple in his right, and a black paint with iridescent sparkles in his left. he's spun them both around countless times, he periodically frowns and holds one up towards the open window before doing the same with the other. you've got your head resting on your hand staring off into the abyss because you KNOW he is doing this on purpose and there is NO WAY he is thinking this much about such a little decision.

hobie loves that he can sense your exasperation coming off of you in waves, and cannot resist poking the bear, "hard decision luvie," he speaks lowly with a shit eating grin, "gonna be a permanent part of me for a bits

"hobie it's gonna last a week at MOST, maybe less"

he sighs and shakes his head and drops the two bottles in the chair next to him,

"big decision big decision, that's a commitment love"

you tip forward with a groan and your head lands on hobie's knee, "please for the love of god just pick one"

he snickers a bit before he taps your head, “fine. i have a few questions first. which one matches my skin tone?"

"hobieeee i don't knoooow," you moan, "i just got them cause they're pretty"

"that brings up another issue," he tents his hands together, "we have to consider the ethical ramifications of where these came from, don't we?"

you let out a fake sob and lean back up so you can see what he's talking about, and hopefully reach a decision faster, "if we have to”

he grins and nods matter of factly,

"right love," he leans forward to reach onto the side table that is holding the rest of the polishes grabbing some in handfuls before dumping them in the seat next to him along with two previously discarded

he gently picks up one of the bottles and holds it up to your face, "where'd this come from"

"christmas gift from my sister"

he grabs the next

"got it from a friend who was a nail tech for a bit"

"how 'bout this?"

"stole it from somewhere, don't remember, big chain"

a big grin breaks across his face and he nods approvingly before grabbing the next, "this?"

"same story"

this goes on for much longer than necessary, before he makes it to a dark navy blue polish, holding it up with an expectant look on his face.

"uhm, amazon i think"

his nose crinkles and he sets the bottle on the floor and kicks it a good distance away, "not a chance," he's got a grimace on his face.

he does this with EVERY SINGLE ONE.

at some point you just have to put your foot down and demand he chooses. he's got a little frown on his face cause his little game has finally been put to an end, but he quickly recovers and grins before reaching through the pile to grab a plain black polish

he's got a toothy grin on his face as he thrusts it out to you, "goes with everything, yeah?"

[clever-fox-studios]

Another Ch 8 snippet

It's my birthday, i do what I want, so have another section of chapter 8 cuz this one's a bit beefy:

“What in Azil’s shell is this?”

Neither brother knew what they were looking at for a moment aside from massively overgrown shrubs and climbers that had won the battle against whatever was underneath them, the clearing full to bursting with foliage and creeping vines twisting in and out of tree branches and structures of metal and rope that must have served a purpose before the plant Armageddon arrived. Jenn herself seemed perturbed as they arrived at the edge of the leafy wall after a few minutes of trekking through the forest at her behest, one hand rubbing the back of her head confusedly. “Well, it was my training course,” she answered after a moment, Moon feeling more confused than before. “I knew I forgot something when I got home.”

“Training course?” the navy bot inquired. Beside him, Sun kne;t down and grabbed a leaf from the dense cloud of green wrapping around their feet, giving it a gentle squeeze and finding it plush and bouncy.

“Uh, yeah.” Even the human found her words hard to believe for a moment.

“Training for what?”

Casting a glance at the nosey blue robot, Jenn raised a brow. “Well, unlike you I have to actually maintain my fitness levels.” Moon’s eyes glinted brightly at her sarcasm. “Don’t let the overgrowth fool you,” she added on, kneeling next to Sun and pulling a coil of greenery out of the ground with little resistance. “Trusslin is a very fast growing plant, leave it be long enough and it’ll overtake an area in a matter of weeks. I must have forgotten to come trim it back.”

“It’s soft,” Sun commented, adding the data to his collection of plants.

“Ain’t it?” she mused, grabbing another handful.

“Why not just get rid of it?” Moon wondered, tilting his head while studying one of the overgrown structures.

“Cuz it happens that a carpet of trusslin is really great for breaking falls,” Jenn replied, standing up and pressing a leaf against Moon’s face, causing him to lean away. The leaf dropped onto his shoulder, causing him to pick it up and pause, rubbing it between his fingers; the leaves were velvety and gave way slightly, as if they were little pillows of air that had deflated just a tad. “It’s not gonna stop you from eating shekt if you fall from too high, but I’ve avoided quite a few broken bones because of this stuff. Grows like crazy if it’s light enough and forms natural curls in the stems that tangle together like a net. Just, uh…” She waved her hand over the mess. “Gotta keep up on pruning.”

Taking the leaf from Moon, who was done playing with the plant scrap, Sun squished it between his fingers, trying to contain a giggle. “What do you do with the trimmings?” he wondered, lifting the leaf toward his brother’s face, causing him to lean away slightly.

“Uh…” Thinking for a moment, Jenn counted with her fingers. “Compost, fodder, mulch… there’s no nutritional value unfortunately, and it doesn’t taste like anything, but you can dry them and they stay puffy and soft so I like to use the unbroken ones as scrub pads sometimes, otherwise they’re great padding for pillows and stuff.”

Grabbing Sun’s wrist and shooting him a glare when the leaf returned to his personal bubble, Moon snatched it from his brother’s grasp and dropped it out of reach; Sun only grinned mischievously back at him. “So I’m guessing if we want to use this stuff, we need to cull the overgrowth?” he asked as his other hand moved to stop Sun from putting a vine on his head.

“Unfortunately,” Jenn sighed, turning to face them. “I’ll get a bag and my trimmers and be right back.”

She’d barely left their line of sight before something soft came into swift contact with Moon’s temple–or it tried to at least, before he’d snatched it mid-arc, incidentally crushing the object in his hand. Wet grass wasn’t his favorite scent, but that was far less important than the sound of Sun’s amused snickering. “Quit it,” the darker bot warned, catching the quick motion of Sun plucking another leaf from the overgrowth. “What’re you doing?”

In response, Sun tossed the leaf at his face, causing him to swat it away.

“Sun!” Moon took a step toward his brother, intending to stop him from grabbing anything else to mess with.

Pftb.

They both paused, looking down. Moon lifted his foot, revealing a crushed trusslin leaf that had all of the air force out of it suddenly.

Sun choked back a snicker, chest quivering.

Moon bit the inside of his lip to keep back a laugh of his own, how voice warbling as he tried to keep it in. “Sun–Sun that’s not–” A grinding, throaty sound from the golden bot got him to cough a bit, both of them struggling to not laugh at the absurd noise. “Shut up, that–mkh–that wasn’t funny.”

“Yes it was.” Sun’s voice was barely a squeak.

Cheek aching from trying to fight the urge to smile, Moon had to turn away, losing the battle slowly against his own poor humor. “We really are children.”

Doubled over, Sun nodded, trying his best to calm himself down. A thick, fuzzy leaf bobbed in front of him as he exhaled; teal eyes flicked to Moon for a moment, then back to the leaf.

Moon saw the glance. “Do not.”

Sun reached for the leaf slowly, now holding Moon’s gaze with his mouth pressed thin with guilty pleasure.

“Sunrise.”

In a flash, Sun grabbed the leaf and pulled, twisting upright–

–Moon darted, trying to rip the leaf away before anything could be done with it.

~

[victorluvsalice]

Happy Birthday Squid!

@gaydragonwizards As per your request to actually see the moment that Beckett spooked Nines during the last-minute prep before the Nines/Arianna wedding (as per its mention in our old RP stuff) -- well, here's exactly that. XD Enjoy!

--

And lo, here I stand, an observer to that most strange and bizarre of rituals conceived by either mortal or kindred-kind...the wedding.

Beckett lounged in his corner, watching the goings-on around him with the air of someone doing his best to stay invisible so he wasn’t asked to hold a centerpiece or tie ribbons to a chair or anything else of that nature. Not that there’s an abundance of frilliness, he noted. You can see Arianna’s touch everywhere, of course, but – well. It still feels like an Anarch wedding. Goodness, Damsel isn’t even wearing a dress! He smirked. Shame – I would have paid good money to see her stuffed into the traditional wretched bridesmaid gown. And even better money to be well outside the blast radius when she finally got out of it. I suppose Arianna and Nines decided it was easier to allow her to wear something more to her own tastes, rather than get an earful. He glanced around the room. Where is Arianna? I mean, obviously getting primped and prepped, but I can’t discern the location of said primping and prepping. I do want to say hello before everything kicks off...

“Hey, Nines! Shouldn’t you be getting into the monkey suit?”

“I will in a sec, I just gotta double-check these seating arrangements. Bianca said Isaac just showed up, and if he ends up anywhere near Strauss...”

“I’d be more concerned about VV – she’s probably going to be making kissy faces in Strauss’s general direction all night.”

“I know, I know, but – that’s just a cross we’re gonna have to bear.”

“Good thing crosses don’t actually work on us!”

“Yeah, yeah, har, har...”

Beckett chuckled. At least the groom is easy to locate, he thought, watching as Nines intercepted an Anarch to fix a centerpiece before repositioning some chairs. If you can keep up with him – insert joke about Brujahs and Celerity here. I suppose he’s doing rather well for himself under the circumstances. Funny that he hasn’t noticed my presence, though. I would have taken him for a bit more perceptive than that. A sly smile curled his lips. I wonder...

Beckett slowly stood up straight, easing himself along the wall so he stayed out of Nine’s immediate line of sight. Then, after a moment’s examination of the hustle and bustle, he started forward, carefully easing his way through the crowd toward his prey. Most of the other Kindred present paid him little mind, too caught up in their various tasks – though one Alice Liddell spotted him and raised an eyebrow. Beckett gave her a nod and a smile before continuing his journey toward the harried Baron (now checking his watch for unknown schedule-related reasons). Closer...closer...and – “I think there have been wars fought with less planning.”

Nines nearly jumped right out of his skin, which was quite gratifying. Even more gratifying was the fact that he didn’t immediately try to punch his lights out. “Beckett! Fucking hell,” he groaned, pressing a hand quite unnecessarily to his chest. “When the fuck did you learn how to move so quietly?”

“Given the amount of fuss that’s going on, an elephant could sneak through this room and no one would be the wiser,” Beckett responded, grinning. “I just thought I’d say hello, offer my congratulations.”

“And somehow give me a heart attack?” Nines replied, giving him a look before shaking his head. “The congrats are appreciated, though. I’m glad you were able to make it – Arianna wouldn’t have liked doing this without you.”

“And who am I not to indulge my adopted childe from time to time?” Beckett asked with a little smile. “Besides, this may be a night of great historical import, if both Anarchs and Camarilla are in attendance here. Or did I mishear when you said ‘Strauss?’”

“You didn’t, though I wish you had,” Nines groaned. “The fucking politics – Arianna can fill you in on more of the details, but the short version is we’re not in a position to tell the Tremere to fuck off, so he gets to watch me get married.” He shook his head. “You and your recorder are gonna have a fun night.”

“You accuse me of wanting to record your wedding?” Beckett gasped, covering his mouth theatrically.

“No, I’m stating a fucking fact and guessing the damn thing is already on.”

“It isn’t, actually – I don’t think we need a record of you yelling about seating arrangements,” Beckett admitted, looking at his pocket. “Later...we’ll see.”

“Yeah, well, just don’t make any snarky notes about our vows or anything.” Nines jerked his thumb toward a door. “Arianna’s that way if you wanna say hello – I gotta go get dressed myself, before Alice physically drags me into the room,” he added, glancing over Beckett’s shoulder.

“I leave you to Miss Liddell’s tender mercies,” Beckett said, moving in the direction Nines had pointed. “However many she has.”

“Asshole. Remember to compliment Arianna’s dress!”

“Noted!” Beckett chuckled as he made for the door. “This will indeed be a night to remember...”

[crinkled-emotions]

I'm so excited you're getting back into writing!!

I love seeing you mix it up with the characters, and I hope you don't mine this request. I was thinking Penny and Rooster? She gives me such adoptive mom vibes. I know your only just back taking requests for Rooster so if you're not into this, no problem at all!

I too love emeto, lol poor Roo, so maybe from the prompts, the one about retching and losing their voice, a deep breath that triggers a cough then a gag, and the one about staying in puke stained clothes (I had an idea about this one that's kinda off from the prompt, but Roo not wanting to change its his comfort sweatershirt, like maybe an old one belong to Mav, Goose, or even Ice. Penny calling Mav frantic about how to fix a stubborn Rooster, because he NEEDS to change, and Mav just being like "he's not being stubborn, he's scared and lonely 🥺)

Ohhhhhhh oKAY, oW! I'm fine, totally... fine... uh. Peel me off the floor, why don'tcha? 😂

I've been thinking about Penny helping Rooster for so long lmao. You read my mind!

We're getting some more teen!Bradley, being his usual angsty self. He's sick, leave him alone.

Warnings: emeto. Rooster is still lil Bradley Bradshaw, good with words when he wants to hurt those around him. He's a little emotional but he's not having a panic attack or anything.

-

"Hey, Penny, I gotta- there's an emergency on base, I have to go. Bradley should be fine, but would you mind keeping an eye on him?"

Penny glanced over her shoulder at the fifteen year old curled up on their couch, an eyebrow raised.

"What do I know about caring for teenagers, Pete?"

"Just do whatever feels right; except coddle him, whatever you do don't coddle him. Gotta go, love you."

Pete pressed one last kiss to her lips, kneeling in front of Bradley on the couch.

"B," he began softly, "I gotta run to base, but I won't be more than a couple hours. Do you want me to bring something back? Gatorade, pedialyte? Soup?"

Bradley shook his head, rolling on to his side facing the back of the couch. Penny grimaced, watching Pete kiss the top of his godson's forehead anyway before legging it out the door.

-

Look, I should start at the start.

Bradley had been off all week- he'd been rude, then quiet, and then randomly that morning he'd burst into tears before he had to go to school and Maverick had been scared something was really wrong so he'd let him stay home. It was around the time Pete and Penny were trying to live together for the first time, before she'd met her (now ex) husband and had Amelia. She'd been struggling to bond with Bradley, as much as he was polite he also insisted he didn't want another mother nor did he want her in Pete's life for her own good. For the time being, he was reserved around her. Pete insisted it was just everything that had happened; he didn't want to let anyone else in despite both Goose and Carole knowing Penny years before he was born.

That morning, Maverick had enough of his emotional turmoil and gave in, letting him stay home from school. Sure enough, the fever started twenty minutes later and he was gagging in the bathroom within the hour. Penny felt a little panicked; she'd never had to take care of a sick teenager, she wasn't a parent, and parenting didn't come naturally to her like it seemed to come to Pete (a majority of the time).

-

For the time being, he was asleep on the couch, unwilling to move to his room because he'd wanted to be close to Pete. Now that Pete was gone, Penny rounded the corner into the living area and knelt by where he was curled up.

"Do you have a fever?"

"Mav already checked it."

"Do you think you could keep some water down?"

"Mav already tried."

"Bradley-"

"-look, I appreciate the gesture, but please, just- leave me alone."

"Pete left you in my care, I have to make sure you see the light of day tomorrow."

Bradley glanced over his shoulder.

"He's gonna be gone that long?"

"Hopefully not, but we both know how it goes with base emergencies."

Bradley sniffed, wiping his nose on his sleeve.

"You look a little pale-"

"-yeah, well, my stomach hurts."

Penny glanced over, locating the bucket Pete had thankfully left by Bradley's side just in case. She'd been hearing that phrase my stomach hurts all morning, and it was usually followed by a round of vomiting. Sure enough, he sat up and she handed the bucket over, hesitantly rubbing his back. Bradley rested his arms on the rim, wincing as he wiped the sweat from his forehead. Penny cleared her throat.

"It might help if you take a deep breath, sometimes you can breathe through the nausea and you won't get sick," she offered. Brown eyes glanced up at her, and then she heard him try to get a full breath in. The deep breath triggered a cough and Penny winced when he retched, dry heaving into the bucket.

"Oh god, fuck, I hate this," he croaked hoarsely. Penny went to move her hand over his back but realised he'd sweated through his hoodie and slowly retracted, grimacing.

"You're burning up," she murmured. Bradley glanced up from where he'd had his head in the bucket, eyes darting around the room nervously.

"What is it?" Penny asked.

"It hurts," he complained. Penny frowned.

"Your stomach? I thought we'd established that-"

"-no, my throat."

Penny reached for the water bottle Maverick had left with him, offering it to Bradley as she took the bucket from him.

"You weren't actually sick, you need to drink something."

"Don't make me."

"Bradley..."

"Penny, dammit, I'm not drinking anything, okay? Nothing sits right, at least I won't bring anything up."

"It can tear your throat. It already hurts; the pain of tearing it is excruciating. Please, just a couple sips. I'm pretty sure Pete would dump me if he came home and you were worse."

"That's true... fine, hand it over."

Penny passed him the water bottle, watching him take a couple of hesitant sips. It must have clicked how dehydrated he actually was because before she could stop him, he was downing the whole thing.

-

"Do you think you should change your shirt?"

"No."

Penny knelt by where Bradley had migrated to the toilet bowl, grimacing as he looked up at her. She sent him a sympathetic look, but tried to keep it casual. Pete said not to coddle him, but to be fair she didn't really know how to coddle a teenager... or not coddle him. She reached for the hoodie again but Bradley tightened his hold on it.

"I need it, please leave it."

Penny raised an eyebrow, looking over the older hoodie. She wasn't sure where it was from but it had a familiar cologne on it under the- well. The reason she was trying to get him to take it off.

"Bradley... it's covered in puke."

"I don't care, Penny."

"Okay. Okay, alright."

Penny got up, carefully backing away from the bathroom. Bradley sniffed, shivering on the bathroom floor. Penny made her way through the house, locating her phone sitting on the kitchen counter. Pete was notorious for forgetting his, but she had to hope he'd remembered because she really needed his help.

"Maverick."

"Pete, it's Penny. Uh, how much longer do you think you're going to be?"

"Is Bradley worse?"

Maverick immediately sounded concerned, and she could almost feel him about to leave base against orders. She winced, glancing at the bathroom door that was now closed.

"No, he's- he's in this hoodie, it's covered in puke, and I keep trying to get him to get changed but he won't. His stubbornness is killing me here, Mav, what do I do?"

Maverick was quiet for a moment.

"What colour is the hoodie?"

"Uh- green? Dark green. Why?"

"It's Goose's. When he's really sick or feeling vulnerable, it comes out of his closet. I've been dousing it in Goose's cologne for years. Uh, look, don't worry about it. I should be home soon, we're still trying to get things under wraps here."

"He's just so stubborn."

Maverick chuckled.

"Penny, he's not stubborn, he's scared. This is the first time he's been sick without me or either of his parents there, and as much as he's trying to prove he's an adult he's still just a kid. I know he has his reservations about you being in the house, but he's a teenage boy and he's never adapted well to change so don't take it personally."

"How do I get him to not be scared?"

"You don't. Is he keeping down fluids, is he sleeping, have you been able to get him to eat anything?"

"He can keep water down for a couple hours, but it seems to come back up. He's been sleeping for the most part, and I haven't tried to get him to eat anything, he said even the smell of something solid will make him puke."

"That sounds normal. Okay, alright, look, I'll be home as soon as I can. Please just... be kind to him."

"I will. Thanks, Pete."

"See you soon."

Penny hung up her phone, tucking it into her pocket. She was surprised when she turned around to find Bradley leaning against the kitchen counter, sniffling.

"Sorry," he finally said. She crossed her arms, but she couldn't stay mad at the poor kid.

"It's okay. I'm sorry too."

"It might be gross to you, but I can still smell my dad on it, and I miss him."

“I know that now. That’s Goose’s hoodie, right?”

“Yeah.”

“Alright. How about I get you some paper towel, and we can make it tolerable until you feel well enough to wash it.”

Penny was already rounding the corner into the kitchen, producing a roll of paper towels followed by dish soap from the edge of the sink. Bradley regarded her for a moment.

“Soap?”

“Not going to wash it, I’m just worried about it staining. Can you give me the end of your sleeve? Either side.”

Reluctantly, Bradley stretched his arm out and let Penny dab at the stained fabric, frowning when she reached for the dish soap.

“It’s not going to change the smell, right?”

“Other than the barf smell, no. Mav told me this is the brand your mom used anyway, so if anything you get both parents.”

Bradley’s eyes watered and he reached his other sleeve up to frantically swipe at them. Penny glanced up at him.

“It’s okay to cry. I can’t imagine what you’re going through right now.”

“I miss them,” he choked out hoarsely, voice gone from vomiting and crying. Penny put a hand on his shoulder but didn’t push it, focusing on the puke stains.

“Is Mav mad?”

“What- no! No, Bradley, he’s just really worried about you. He’s coming home as soon as he can.”

He stifled a sob, abruptly getting up and walking away. Penny watched him for a moment, sighed, and suddenly had the urge to call her father and apologise for being so difficult after her mother died.

-

"Penny? Pen, Bradley?"

Maverick dumped his jacket and duffel bag at the door, kicking off his boots. Penny was asleep under a blanket on the couch, snoring softly, but she looked peaceful. Maverick frowned, rounding the corner to Bradley's room. He too looked asleep at first glance, but Maverick knew he had to check his fever so he carefully navigated the mess on the floor to kneel by him and put a hand to his forehead.

"Hmmm... Mav?"

"Hey, kid. How are you feeling?"

"Like shit."

"Your stomach is still upset?"

"Not like it was. I think I'm out the other side."

"Your fever's lower, which is a good sign. When was the last time you puked?"

"I think it was around eleven, nothing since. I can't really remember what happened since then; what time is it?"

"Nearly two am."

Bradley hummed, yawning. Rolling on to his side, he reached out and Maverick wrapped him in a hug.

"Wait; where's your hoodie?"

Maverick glanced around the room frantically when he realised Bradley was in a simple black t-shirt, no green hoodie to be found. He gestured toward the bedroom door.

"Penny managed to peel it off me, she said it was going through a recovery process and should be good to go in five to seven business days."

Maverick stifled a snort, pressing a kiss to his godson's temple.

"Alright then, I'll make sure it gets back to you. Go back to sleep, I'm only down the hallway."

"I know Mav, thanks."

Bradley yawned again, before burying himself back under his blanket. Maverick made his way back out of the room, grimacing.

"B? This weekend, if you're feeling a little better, can you pick up a little?"

"Sure thing Mav," Bradley replied drowsily. The way he replied told Maverick he'd have grounds to deny the conversation ever happened.

-

"Hey, what time did you get home?"

Penny wandered into the kitchen the next morning, stretching as she yawned to herself. Maverick offered her a cup of coffee and a kiss, smiling at her.

"Good morning. I got in around 2 but I went straight in to check on Bradley. I hope he wasn't too much yesterday, I'm sorry for leaving you like that. I could have taken him to Ice and Sarah's, I was just worried-"

"-he's been moved around enough already, Pete. If you ever need me to, I'm happy to watch him. He's a good kid, just fighting his own demons."

Maverick's eyebrows raised, and then he relaxed. He suddenly looked a lot more like the man she knew when she was in her twenties, fun-loving and kind. Ever since Carole died, he'd constantly frowned.

"Thank you," he finally said, "thank you."

"Is there waffles?"

Bradley wandered into the kitchen, but paused in the doorway when he realised Penny and Maverick were kissing.

"Oh, for fuck's sake. I just stopped puking."

"Bradley!"

-

[onmyyan]

I love Caspian, the perfect soft yandere!

If his darling tried to leave would he be the pathetic cry baby who sobs as they try to leave and the guilt makes them stay or the possessive "You can't" and keeps them restrained kind?

A/N: WOOOO I love him n I wont him feedback is always welcomed hope u like🖤 (EDITED 12/16/22)

T/W's: Cis fem reader, Yandere shenanigans, manipulating but the hot kind, cursing

Okay, so the fun thing about Cas is he is charming. Like poured all his points into charisma, any chance to fight or argue is crushed by his silver tongue, people look at him and assume he's all brawn and no brain and he liked it that way, made it easier to crush vermin but I digress, we got a master manipulator on our hands, he'd never use his powers for anything that could cause you harm of course!

It's everyone else who's gotta be worried. He would slowly and meticulously isolate you but you're having such a good time you don't notice until someone else points it out. He's so good in fact before you know it he's the only person outside of work you've spoken to for three weeks. You'd been so wrapped up in Caspian everything else faded away, he had that effect on you a lot, you were so enamored with him that you'd completely forgotten about a brunch date with your girls planned ages ago, so when you're rushing around to get ready to leave he's suddenly behind you, his all-encompassing frame pulls you in from behind as he silently takes his morning kiss, his lips taste like maple, warm hands tilted your chin up for deeper access which he explored immediately. His tongue snaked its way in your mouth to dance against your own, the little moan he let out as he pulled away was downright sinful.

"Where you off to looking that fuckin' good." His words had some bite but no malice, suddenly flipped you around to face him, "Lemme' get a proper look at my girl." His hands trailed down your waist with a heated force. He sucked his teeth, shaking his head with that wicked grin, he leaned down to steal another soul-stealing kiss, "S'it my birthday again?" He always made you laugh, your face hot and cheeks sore from grinning like the fool in love you were.

"Just gonna get something to eat with the girls, you remember them right?" You'd turned once more to finish getting ready and missed the meanest expression curl on his face. He nodded, more to himself than you, with a half-hearted laugh. "Course I do."

It was about three weeks into the relationship when you first brought it up. He knew your partner meeting your friends was socially important but truthfully he couldn't give less of a shit at the idea of sharing you with anyone, he did that enough already in his mind. However, the shy way you pitched the idea to him had his heart melting and he had to physically keep his hands occupied so they didn't squish your cheeks. Naturally, he said yes, hoping he could keep himself in check and not scare you off but your little friends sure made it hard.

He remembers the way they stole your attention the entire night you'd introduced him to your friend group. The two women had made up their minds about him before he had gotten a word out he just knew, the slight widening of their eyes and the rapid way they texted under the table, but what sealed it was when you excused yourself to the bathroom, the two women following after you like lemmings.

He debated his actions for a split second before pulling out his phone and logging into the bug he'd installed on your cell. Now- he trusted you with his life, but he also knew how kind and forgiving you could be which the worst kind of people were attracted to. He trusted you to tell him if something was wrong, this was just an extension of that trust.

He caught the shrill voices of your companions with a wince, "-ly shit (y/n) he's is so fine!!" The giggles that followed belonged to you. "It's been so unreal- I feel like-"

"Is it serious?" One interrupted- he thinks her name is Shea, much to his annoyance.

"What do you mean? I think so- I hope so." His blood began to simmer at the two harpies polluting your thoughts. "It feels serious." You said mostly to yourself as the two women were chittering amongst themselves like teenagers, his hand found his chest at the sound of you reaffirming the truth, while you may not know it for certain yet, he knew you were his person.

"Why'd you ask?" You questioned softly, the silence that followed was thick, "Girl it's nothing. I was just asking if you were exclusive or like seeing other people." He could practically see her lewd expression, her tone made his stomach lurch, to think you thought these people were your friends. "Yeah, again I ask why?" You sounded uncomfortable, the edge in your voice only fueled the fire in his belly. She scoffed a laugh, clearly not ready to be called out, "Oh my god (Y/n) baby you are so tight for nothing- I was just seeing if you guys were legit- come on he's ridiculous you can't blame me for asking."

"Yeah don't get upset she was just kidding-come on our food should be there by now." The second woman dismissed your unease and tried to move past the situation which you chalked up to nothing and silently made your way back to the table where he'd been waiting, his phone tucked securely in his pockets. He watched you try to put on a face, to engage and be present but that wench of a woman across from you had ruined your mood.

He pretended to get a text and pulling out all his training in the theater he gasped, suddenly jumping to his feet, shocking all three of you.

"Ma called the bees are back!" He panted as if stressed, quickly grabbing his coat and throwing enough cash on the table to cover you both, you'd stood as well, the pure confusion on your face nearly made him break character, but he stood strong. "I'm sorry- bees?" You asked in disbelief, slipping on your own coat, his hand grabbed your purse for you, the other wrapped around your waist as he began leading you away, "Uh bye? I'll call you later." You yelled over your shoulder, squeezing his hand, "Is your mom okay? What's going on?"

"Oh she's fine I lied." He squeezed the flesh of your hip gently pulling you closer to his side. You couldn't help but laugh at the ridiculousness of it all. "You lied to get outta there? Why? Did Shea say something to make you uncomfortable-"

"No- you came back looking sad, and I didn't wanna' yell in such a nice restaurant so I made a call." He kissed the side of your head as you two leisurely walked back to the car, he'd spend the rest of the night showing just how much better company he was.

He is the biggest baby in the universe, and the thought of you being alone with those two demons made his skin crawl, so he'll crank up the drama to 11 and begin moping around until you ask him if he's alright, which doesn't take much as he looks like a kicked puppy. He assures you nothing's wrong but he makes it sound unbelievable until you, being the Angel you are say you're not leaving until he tells you what's going on, cue the waterworks as he "looks" for the words to say, you're by his side in a second, and as soon as you're within reach he's clinging to your middle, the hot tears streaming down his face left a growing stain on the nice dress you'd put on, he'd let himself be consoled by you, let himself be silently rocked and babied until he's "ready" to talk.

"I'm so sorry Honey- I'm keeping you from your brunch, don't worry I'm fine I'm just having a bad day. Go, have fun, I'll be here when you get back." He didn't need to look up to see you shake your head.

"Shut your beautiful face, I'm ordering from your favorite and we're having a self-care day okay baby?" He would nod into the flesh of your stomach, his grip tightening. "Thank you Sugar, you always take care of me, I love you." He's a whiney blubbering mess anytime you try to do anything without him but you're so focused on cheering him up that you don't notice the pattern until it's too late.

[greycaelum]

Hey greyyyy chili...congrats on your 1k followers 🥳🥳 and this is for the "Gentle Affection Collection"....

if possible can you make a short drabble (longer is better 😏 cuz can't get enough) on 56. Which is playfully bitting and 100. One......cuz who doesn't want to see gojo playfully nibbling yn cheek when is sleeping .....thank you again and congrats

GENTLE AFFTECTION DRABBLE

Jujutsu Kaisen: Gojo Satoru X Reader

[Gentle Affection Collections]

Requests 56 & 100 [ List is here ]

playful biting & sleeping on his/her chest

Notes & Warning: biting, fluff, 1st-year trio, Word Count: 1k

"This is so cute XD I bet he would do that just to annoy you until you finally wake up. Thank you for joining, I hope you like this one!" —Grey,

Nibbles

The young sun rays spread throughout the room, birds chirp outside the windowsill flying away with their wings. Squinting, Satoru's eyes fluttered open, a bit lightheaded from the long hours of sleep.

He sit up but a crushing weight held him down. Half of your body is laying on top of Satoru, your face flush and press against his bare chest and a leg thrown over his hips while you're deep in the dreamland.

He chuckled at your chubby cheeks smothered against him while you clutch his waist like a child would to a teddy bear.

At this rate, he'll be late anyway. It won't hurt to stay in bed a bit more. He doesn't have enough heart to push you away, not when you're this cute and clingy. That's enough to last him in a good mood the whole day.

Satoru's hand found your head, stroking your hair fondly. He'll just wait 'til you wake up. No worries. Making himself comfortable and turning the air-condition to colder setting.

You always wake up early to make him some nice warm breakfast even if he says you don't need to. Making sure he doesn't starve or live by instant noodles and deliveries.

And he's seeing the results on you more than to him. The chubby cheeks of yours with the plump on your waist he's been obsessing to get his hands on, poking and kneading your cute belly.

"The baby is sleeping tight huh?" He hummed. Two of his finger walk the curve of your hips down the line of your legs making you twitch in your sleep. "Oi... Wakey-wakey~" He slid down, burrowing your head against his firm pectorals.

Hmmm, he blink and watch you, still sound asleep. He must've tired you out last night huh? This is why you should never challenge him in playing games, you'll be the only to suffer. Buying that Playstation was the best thing he did for this month.

"Baby..." He whispered against your ear, but it only made your adorable nose scrunch up and hide your face deeper into his chest. Fuck, why you gotta be so cute?! Satoru exhaled and inwardly preen at the thought of curling you up and cuddle all day here.

You can't blame him if he does this...

Chomp chomp~

His lips found your bouncy face and nibble the soft pudgy apple cheeks.

Why you gotta taste irresistible like a mochi? Now he can't pull himself away anymore. A bite for a chomp and a tug for a nibble to his newly found plaything. Satoru giggled watching your face morph to a frown as your face little by little turn rose from his teasing ministrations.

"Oi~ if you don't wake up I'm gonna eat your sweet cheeks, Baby" He said in an amused and sweet tone and place a light peck on your rose tainted skin.

He should make this a habit. Why would you need a blush when Satoru can make it for you. All natural and not synthetic. Much more, he enjoys the process very much.

"W-what?" Your eyes finally fluttered open, blinking to adjust in the blinding light. Your sleepy voice and cute lips made his heart soar. A small frown adorned your forehead when you look up to Satoru and to the clock on the bedside table. The vivid red 6:47 fully jolt you awake. "You didn't woke me up?!"

You scrambled out of the bed only to be pulled back by Satoru. His arms wrap around your shoulders and threw a leg above your hip, fully caging you in his drowning weight.

"I did, you just won't wake up," he grumbled. "Five more minutes."

"You have a meeting with the Principal, 'Toru," you tried wiggling around but it was no use, Satoru's hold was a sturdy as steel.

"... But I want my cuddles," he whined.

It took you few minutes of wrestling your way out of his arms before you could finally crawl out of bed and leave your pouting cat throwing a tantrum about being deprived and needing some loving.

Typical Satoru. You shrug and went to the bathroom to wash. The mirror greeted you with your left cheek disproportionately littered of red speckles while the other was pale as snow. It's as if you doused a blush on the other cheek at how red and ticklish it felt.

"Satoru!" The door flew open and Satoru immediately stood up with a Cheshire grin adorning his face, a pillow flew and hit your square on the face while he zoom out of the room, laughing his heart out. "What have you done?!" You shrieked and chased after him.

"You won't wake up! I had nothing else to do."

You found him in the kitchen, hiding behind the counter. He saw you and he leap away, giggling and clumsily prancing around to avoid your flying slipper.

"But you didn't need to chomp my face like a starved cat!"

He stop moving and look at you in confusion.

"But what else would I do?"

"Behave and sleep." You rub your aching face. Who knows how much he nibbled on it to make it as red as an apple.

"But that's boring." His lower lips jutted down.

"It's not a matter of boring or not," you growled and huffed, crossing your arms on your chest.

"It's okay, you're cute, how about I nibble the other side? Then you'll be all pretty and cutey!"

"Dream on," you hissed and  turned your heels to the fridge, glaring one more time before sighing to make a quick breakfast.

"Hehehe, don't be mad~" he walk behind you and place his hands on your hips, slotting his face in the crevice of your neck and shoulder and kiss the side of your lips.

Nom, nom~ his lips latch unto your other cheek and immediately nibble his way.

"Stop nibbling my damn cheeks!" You cried wanking him with the ladle.

"Ouch!"

As per usual, he's late 8 minutes in class and his students are glaring daggers to him.

"Sensei, what happened to your cheek?" Yuji pointed to his mentor's red cheeks.

Satoru sighed and cradle his cheeks.

"A mosquito sucked it."

"Eh? So even you get bit by mosquito, it must be a pretty big mosquito, that's crazy," Yuji nod, totally convinced. The two other went silent, not wanting to ask furthermore.

It's the elephant in the room why their haphazard teacher is always late anyway. Adults and their 'extracurricular activities'. It's just that Yuji is too dense to always get swayed by Gojo Satoru's blah, blah talk.

—GreyCaelum

PLAGIARISM IS A CRIME

Check out the Masterlist for more

All rights and credits of the Jujutsu Kaisen character(s) mentioned image(s) and song(s) used belongs to their respective owner(s)

General Series Taglist: @ice-icebaby @aeanya

[angryschnauzer]

Pitching Tents

Summary: Ooof... *insert breathless spongebob meme here* Okay, so your co-stars Chris and Henry invite you along for a long weekend camping trip, and in the wilds of nature they let their inhibitions be set free.

Pairing: Chris Evans x Female Reader x Henry Cavill (MFM)

Warnings: NSFW, 18+, Oral Sex (female receiving), Oral Sex (male receiving), vaginal sex, unprotected sex, threesome, spit roasts, fingering, grinding, handjobs, vaginal creampie, sloppy seconds, cockwarming, sex outdoors, anal sex, unprotected anal sex, anal creampie, anal sloppy seconds, degrading talk, zero inhibitions, no refractory period, aftercare, crack fic, utter filth, you. have. been. warned., and the worlds best camping table.

Only the finest free range, organic typos, allowed to run wild and free.

I do not run a tag list, but if you follow @angryschnauzerwrites​ and put that blog onto notifications, you will get an alert every time i post something new. Masterlist got too big for tumblr, so past works can also be found at angryschnauzerwrites or on my AO3.

A/N: Don’t @ me yelling about RPF. This is utter fantasy. You know that, i know that. If you don’t like it, don’t read it. However i do feel i have included enough of each actor to satisfy both sets of fans. Enjoy the filth you dirty sluts.

Pitching Tents

Sitting in the dressing room having your makeup removed you laughed and joked with Chris and Henry, your co-stars. Finally you were prosthetic free and your FX makeup artist left, leaving you to listen as the two men chatted away;

“So all set for our camping trip this weekend Chris?” Henry asked as he wiped off fake blood from his cheek

“Can’t fucking wait Henry, three whole days of beers, fishing, and doing fuck all” Chris turned to you and smiled; “So, whata’ you doin this weekend?”

Sighing you took a sip of water;

“Probably just bingeing Netflix with a family sized bag of chocolate”

“Why don’t you come camping with us?” 

Henry suggested lightly, and at his suggestion your head snapped up;

“Really? I’ve never camped in my life! I’ll just cramp your style for your boys weekend. I’ve never even pitched a tent”

“Oh don’t worry, me and Hen have got all the equipment you could need for that” Chris assured you, but you missed the sly wink he shot to Henry.

-

The campsite was beautiful. On private land it was amazing what being one of Hollywoods biggest stars could get you into, and as Chris had pulled his truck over the gravel both you and Henry were impressed with the stunning location. You’d had little to do as they put the tent up, and as the sun had started to set the beers had been cracked open and the campfire glowed. Whether it was the fresh air, the beer, or the busy work schedule you all had, you were turning in just as the sun had fully set. Curling up underneath the pile of blankets and quilts that’d been thrown on the air mattress, you were quickly fast asleep before either of the men had climbed in beside you.

-

The bright morning sunlight shone in through the thin fabric of the tent waking you, and as you pulled yourself from sleep you smiled at the two men seemingly still fast asleep either side of you. As much as you wanted to stay in the warmth of the blankets you needed to pee, so carefully and silently you pulled yourself out of the cocoon and slipped a discarded flannel shirt on, unsure if it was Henry’s or Chris’s, either way it swamped you and covered your panties and cami you’d worn to sleep in.

As soon as they’d heard the zipper of the tent close Chris had cracked an eye open to glance at Henry, a smirk on his face as he was greeted with an identical grin.

“Do you think she’ll go for it?” Chris whispered

“Yeah, you’ve seen her eyeing each of us, i think she’ll be up for some fun”

“You ready?”

“Dude, i have woken up with the biggest morning wood” Henry grinned

“Me too… so how’re we gonna do this?”

“I’m thinking the sleepy roll and cuddlespoon method ”

“Yeah that’ll work” Chris paused as he heard your heavy footfalls approaching the tent, winking at Henry before the two of them feigned sleep.

With your teeth chattering from the chilly morning air you reluctantly pulled the flannel shirt off before silently sliding back under the blankets, shivering as your body attempted to warm up until suddenly a warm chest pressed to your back and a heavy arm was draped over your waist. Your eyes sprang open and breath caught in your throat as you processed Henry spooning behind you, quiet snores coming from his lips. Before you could think any more on what the man behind you was doing, Chris let out a sleepy sigh and rolled towards you, his face resting on your chest as his legs pressed against your own. With your lower limbs crushed between both mens you shifted a little, lifting one leg slightly only for Chris to hum in appreciation as his hand rested on your thigh and lifted your knee over his hip.

For just a few minutes as the shock and tension had subsided you relaxed into the warmth of being sandwiched between them, but as the temperature started to rise under the blankets you shifted and started to wriggle, and that’s when you felt the first one. The first nudge as Chris pressed himself to your core and you could feel what the internet had lost their collective minds for. A rush of breath left your body as you fought the dilemma between a friend unknowingly grinding against you with the feeling of just how good it felt. With just the thin cotton of your panties and his boxers separating your bodies, you screwed your eyes shut and ignored the guilty feelings for just a moment as Chris rubbed his impressive hard on the length of your slit. When one particular rub grazed against your clit you let out a gasp and without realising arched your back, pushing your ass into Henry and discovering he was having the same bodily issue Chris was. A sleepy murmur greeted you as Henry’s hot breath danced on your ear, before he pressed closer and you felt his fat dick rut into the crease of your ass.

Was either man aware of what the other was doing? Should you say something? As these thoughts plagued your mind they were interrupted as two pairs of lips started to find their way around your body, Henry softly kissing your neck as Chris hooked one finger into the neckline of your cami to allow him to gently suck a hardened nipple into his mouth.

“Oh fuck…”

Two sleepy ‘hmm’s replied, bodies starting to move in unison as they all sought friction, and when you felt Henry’s warm palm smooth over your thigh and ass you let out a groan as he dipped his hand between your legs from behind and his fingers found their way beneath the elastic of your underwear;

“Chris, she’s fucking soaked”

“Lemme feel…”

Suddenly another hand slid down your stomach and the front of your panties, an appreciative moan rumbling from the Bostonian’s chest as he used your slick juices to coat his finger before rubbing circles again your clit;

“So she is… that’s good, gonna need to be real wet for us Babe… Hen, how many fingers you got in her?”

“Two at the moment” the Brit said as he pumped those two thick digits into your velvet cavern; “She’s so fucking tight…”

“Give her another one, need to get her ready”

You felt Henry pull his hand out before adjusting his fingers, only to feel the delicious stretch and burn as he carefully inserted three of his thick digits into your tight entrance;

“You ready?” he asked Chris as he worked his fingers in and out of you, and with a fluid movement Henry had pulled his fingers from you and your panties down your thighs. Chris’s hands were on your hips, lifting you to straddle his waist before he pulled his boxers down and positioned his dripping cock at your entrance, waiting for you to take the final step.

With your fingers splayed against the hard plains of his chest you sank down on him, feeling the wide head of his cock split your walls apart, the stretch almost too much despite Henry’s fingers working you open just seconds before;

“Oh fuck… Chris…”

“That’s it Babe, ride me, let me feel you fuck yourself on my cock”

Letting your head fall back you closed your eyes as you started to ride Chris, lost in the moment until you heard the sound of Henry spitting on his hand. Looking over you saw how he had pushed the blankets back and was now fisting his angry red dick, watching you ride his friend. Whilst continuing to ride Chris you reached for Henry who wriggled close enough that you could wrap your hand around his hot shaft. He sat up and kissed you, his tongue pushing into your mouth and dancing against your own before he sat back with a contented sigh just as Chris started to fuck up into you;

“Feel so fucking good Babe”

“Chris… oh my god…”

“Gonna fill you up with my cum, wanna see it dripping out of you before it’s Henry’s turn”

At the mention of his name Henry grunted, licking his lips;

“Mmm sloppy seconds… gonna need it to fit me in that tight pussy”

As Chris’s thrusts started to get sloppy you rubbed at your clit, your orgasm washing over you before you felt Chris push his hips up and stutter, the twitching of his dick deep inside you prolonging your orgasm.

Only vaguely aware of Henry moving behind you, it was when his strong hands grasped your hips and lifted you off of Chris did you let out a squeal of surprise, before he set you down on your hands and knees and ran a thumb through your folds;

“Chris, you gotta see this”

With a groan Chris moved, looking at his thick white seed dripping from you before he settled back down beside you, arms behind his head. 

Henry pressed his hand to your shoulders, pushing you down as he settled behind you, swiping the bulbous crown of his fat dick through your come soaked lips. You felt that notch as he lined himself up, and with a grunt he slowly pushed into you. 

“Oh fuck…” Henry cursed; “From the way Chris fucked you i thought you’d be loose, but fucking hell you’re tight…”

You were panting with the overwhelming feeling of being stuffed full by Henry, your words punctuated by breaths;

“You’re… the… one… hung… like… a… fucking… horse… OH FUCKING HELL… SO GOOD”

Where Chris had length and an impressive curve, Henry had girth and a lot of it, the sucking sound of him plugging your pussy from behind filling the tent and audible over your yelps and moans. 

“Love it when a girl is loud” Henry grunted from behind you, his hips digging roughly into your his as he punctuated each smooth thrust with a hard and deep halt, before doing it again. In front of you Chris moved, swinging one leg over your shoulders until your face was inches from his crotch and you felt his knuckle underneath your chin;

“Open up Babe”

Looking up you took in the sight of Chris sitting in front of you, his chest patterned with tattoos and coarse hair, his stomach firm yet soft now he no longer had to push his body to the limits of dehydration for Marvel. His dick was hardening as he watched Henry defile your body, and as he cupped your chin he guided your mouth open, gasping as your tongue and lips sucked on the mushroom head. 

Just then Henry started to thrust in harder, his hips harsh as they snapped back and forth and you were reminded that even though he was 250lbs of solid muscle he had the grace of a ballet dancer with his agility. With each push it sent you forwards to take just a little more of Chris into your mouth, before both men were grunting as they spit roasted you like a spit roasted pig at a county fair.

Your senses were overwhelmed, from touch to taste to smell to sound, the atmosphere in the tent was overwhelming and your mind could barely process it through the pleasure that was coursing through your veins. Henry was pulling a fierce orgasm from you and fucking you straight through it, Chris getting close as he cupped his balls and with a groan unloaded thick streams of cum into your mouth. You swallowed what you could but there was so much some dripping down your chin with a steady trail of spit. 

As Chris slipped out of your mouth Henry also pulled out, his strong arms flipping you over until he was on top of you, his mouth catching your own for a fierce kiss, no doubt able to taste Chris on your tongue but he was unbothered by that as he speared your body again. He widened his stance, his legs wide on the mattress as he ground his length into you, and you were completely surrounded by him as his teeth found your neck and he found your pressure points;

“That’s is Darling, let me feel you fall apart for me… felt so good squeezing my cock just a few moments ago, you can do it again, you feel so good…” he praised you as his hips worked serpent like magic between your thighs, the slow grind and push of his pelvic bone against your clit making you roar as your orgasm coursed through your body. You were thankful that the peak of your orgasm had passed when Henry finally reached his peak as to watch the man come undone was a sight of beauty; head thrown back, his mouth open as he let out a groan-come-howl, and you felt the violent spurts of him filling your womb with his cum.

When he was finally spent he bent down and kissed you, tongues and teeth before with a groan he pulled out and rolled to your side;

“You were amazing Darling”

“She was… and is” Chris added as he rolled towards you a kissed you softly, his beard tickling your face and making you smile; “I don’t know about you guys but i’m fucking starving now”

-

Having claimed the flannel shirt you’d worn earlier, that was all you wore as you curled up in a camping chair as Chris lit a campfire and started to make breakfast. Henry approached holding a steaming mug of coffee for you which you eagerly took, your teeth chattering as you started to regret not putting more clothing on;

“Cold? Scoot up and sit on my lap, i’ll keep you warm”

Quickly standing you let Henry take a seat in the camping chair before you sat on his lap, his body like a furnace even though he was just in sweats and a t-shirt. Sitting sideways on him he had one strong arm around your back, the other casually resting on your bare thigh as your legs were swung over the other side of the chair. 

You sat and relished the warmth from his body, the three of you chatting about work when you felt Henry’s hand slide between your thighs. Glancing at his face his attention was trained on Chris, his poker face only cracking when you saw the corner of his mouth tug up in a tiny smirk, glancing at you as Chris turned away and cocking an eyebrow as his fingers found your slit. 

“Shh” he quietly whispered as he slid two fingers into your soaked channel as his thumb found your clit, before he nonchalantly returned to the conversation with Chris. Soon you were writhing on his lap and you could feel the insistent nudge of his cock hard against your ass, so when Chris disappeared to the truck to grab stuff from the chiller Henry grinned at you;

“I need to be inside you… quickly…”

You stood and he pulled his sweats down just enough so his angry red cock sprang free, pulling you to sit on his lap, your legs closed as you stood between his outstretched thighs, and you slid down onto him, spearing your narrow channel with his girth. Chris wandered back holding the supplies;

“Eggs? Breakfast sausage?”

You heard Henry snort back a peel of laughter, and Chris paused, frowning;

“What are you two up to?”

“Chris, she’s already getting her breakfast sausage…” Henry lifted the shirt you wore and you parted your thighs, showing Chris what he was missing. The unmistakable twitch inside Chris’s sweats told you he was growing hard, and as you started to bound on Henry’s lap Chris simply leant and sat on the edge of the small camping table, squeezing himself through the fabric as Henry thrust up into you.

You let your cries and gasps drift on the wind as Henry slid one hand down your front and rubbed firm circles on your clit, his other hand cupping your chin and turning your head so he could kiss you, his stubble brushing against your cheek. He started to grunt and you could feel your orgasm sparking like electricity coursing through your veins, you were now so cock hungry you were begging for him to fill you up with another load of his cum as your body milked him. 

With weary limbs you lay prone across Henry’s lap, a smile on your face as you glanced at Chris who’s eyes were dark with lust as his sweatpants were obscenely tented. Groaning as you pulled off of Henry, your legs wobbled as you closed the distance between you and Chris, kissing him fiercely as he held your body to his so you could feel his hardness pressing against your stomach;

“Betcha getting sore now…” he mused

“Kinda”

“Bend over the table, let me make you feel better…”

Stepping around the table you bent over it, pressing your chest to the smooth surface, grinning at Henry who was now sipping his coffee as he watched you and Chris with interest. 

You heard the click of a bottle lid just as Chris flipped the shirt you still wore up so your naked ass was exposed completely, the cool trickle of oil over your buttocks followed by his warm palms smoothing the cooking condiment into your skin like a goddess at a Greek temple. His thumbs ran over the swollen lips between your thighs and the deep timbre of his voice resonated through you;

“Look at that, so much cum dripping out of you, our little fuck slut”

He slid two fingers into your pussy, before pulling them out and tracing them over your asshole, the oil helping the way as he breached your body and you let out a groan as he slid in easily. Moving his hand he managed to get his other two fingers into your pussy, stuffing both your holes before he grabbed the oil with his other hand and poured more onto your asshole, lubricating you for the inevitable. 

You felt him pull his hand free and he quickly yanked his sweatpants down, the wide bulbous crown pressing against your oiled rose before with a grunt he pushed in and breached your body;

“So fucking good, gonna pump your ass full of cum then Henry can do the same… if he’s got another round in him” he shot a glance to Henry as did you, the Brit raising his coffee mug as he watched his friend plunder your asshole.

“Gonna finish my coffee, and if you’re not done by then Evans you’ll have missed your shot”

With the challenge set by Henry, Chris started to rail you hard, balls deep in your ass as the quiet sounds of nature seemed to come alive as it fed off the carnal energy in its presence, until finally with a scream you came, an intense anal orgasm making you squirt and cover Chris’s thighs, before with a guttural cry he pushed in balls deep and unloaded a thick stream of cum in your bowels. 

You lay prone on the table, your body seemingly on fire as your mind was high on serotonin, watching through heavy lidded eyes as Henry stood and came round to stand behind you beside Chris.

Sucking in a breath Chris carefully pulled out, and the two men watched as a thigh glob of cum slowly slid from your gaping hole. Henry rubbed his thumb over your stretched ring as he pulled his sweats down;

“Gonna enjoy this… don’t normally get to fuck a girls ass, but if she’s already lubed and cum soaked i can just about squeeze in”

The blunt tip of his dick breached your body, and even though Chris wasn’t small, your body had to stretch even more to allow Henry’s girth into your dark passageway;

“So good… doing so well Darling…” Henry muttered as he smoothed his hands over your cheeks; “Fuck this is tight… not gonna last long…”

His powerful hips started to thrust into you, the suction of your body pulling him back in as he railed your asshole with you bent over the small table. 

“C’mon Henry, fill that little slut up”

“Almost… fucking… there…” he replied through gritted teeth, before pushing forwards one last time, filling you with another load.

“Did you…”

“Nah, just getting to that…”

You were hanging on the precipice, your orgasm so close as Henry pulled out and flipped you over, getting to his knees as he buried his face in your pussy, sliding two fingers into each of your cum soaked holes as his wide tongue lapped at your clit and be brought you to one final mind blowing orgasm. 

With everyone completely fucked out and sated, Henry wrapped his arms around you as he pulled you off the table and settled you on his lap, your body and mind overloaded from being fucked so well for so long. You quietly snoozed on his chest as Chris served breakfast, both men eating quietly as you slumbered, before an hour later you finally roused enough with your rumbling stomach to eat some toast.

Finally as they were clearing up you stood and stretched your limbs, before you quietly shed the now rather soiled borrowed shirt, and as naked as the day you were born you slowly walked into the lake, the cool waters lapping at your skin, soothing your muscles and washing away the evidence of your sin filled morning. 

Floating and looking back at the two men as the finished up and started to undress, you smiled to yourself; for your first time camping it was certainly a trip to remember.