#man if I had a nickle for every time i felt like I was in a criminal minds episode...'

[protege-not-protagonist]

Me: *goes to campus*

Elevator: *opens*

Me: *suddenly feels like they're in a cold open of a Matthew Gray Gubler directed episode of criminal minds*

Me: No thanks, I choose life.

[elwolfen]

Alfred Molinathon Day 2:

The Steal (1995)

Cliff Williams

His Role: I didn't expect much going in. Hell, I have never heard of this movie till I watched this for the marathon. A sculptor and clean freak roped into a hi-tech robbery with the messiest American woman to exist and it's a romance!? Excuse me? I love it. I was not expecting a romance, I just knew it was a comedy!

He was hilarious to watch in this unraveling series of events. Him playing this Tony Brummel character and Kim, as his fiance? I love her aggressive, fake New York accent and her playing dumb. Every time no one was looking, he'd just quietly snap at her. To which I was mimic but with more aggressive growling because I thought it was funny to me.

Kim being tech savvy and Cliff being a luddite (being opposed to new tech) is interesting. She'll go on about the intricacies of what she can or can't do with her laptop and him just trying to grasp any of the words she's saying. But then the reverse happens when it comes to his building planner expertise, and she gets feel the ame as hedie with her hacking. Very nice touch, simple and effective.

Every time she'd make a mess and he just stare in disbelief of her disrespect, I really felt that (even though I can also be quite messy). Her being like, hey, I made you coffee and he finds the milk and stuff spilled all around the cup of coffee was insane. I swear she had to do that on purpose!

Kidnapping Childwell was certainly a chore for the two, first getting the man in the first place! Cliff putting on a fake beard over his beard was an interesting choice, and it constantly falling off when waiting for Lord Childwell to get ready was making me squirm with anticipation of the fact he might get caught, always trying to fix while quickly switching back to his stoic and stone-faced persona as the driver. I'd probably keep questioning my eyes or sanity if I was the Lord. And the drive while Kim tries to start the gas to knock him out, my God! What was the issue? Have Cliff help you! Instead, it kept spiraling out of control till the point she just shoves the little hose into the man's mouth and held his nose. Goodness, savage. After getting him to Mrs. Fawkes and taking the poodle pictures, Cliff is constantly threatening to cut off his ears and be like: I'm not being serious, calm down, you should have Stockholm by now. And yet he gives him a coat because he's worried he'll be chilly when they drop him in the middle of nowhere... he's giving this man whiplash! Probably Kim too. To be honest, I'd be the same.

I realized when watching this that wet suits? Kind of sexy, at least on those two~

Kim pretending to be French while Childwell shows up to the house and also starts speaking French, what does she do? She just outright drops it and says she's screwing with him. Just so random and hopefully it was believable for the moment. This movie has the calmest and most quaint car chase ever between the two duos (Kim & Cliff/Childwell & Wilmot). Not super tense or funny, it was just weirdly low stakes. But after that's all said and down, the inflatable boat going off in the car and the other duo driving into the water, we get Cliff getting reasonably upset and wanting to back out but BAM! A kiss from Kim! Then straight to the sewer.

The whole sewer scene. If I had a nickle for every time there was a sewer scene on 1995 movie with Alfred Molina in it, I'd have two. Which isn't a lot but- yes I know he wasn't in the sewer in Species. Anyways, it's a great long scene building the tension, and he's so damn impatient, I understand why. Being heard and someone slowly coming down to their little hideaway and the water quickly rising? Add in the fact that it was his fault they heard him, but it was whoever put that thing he accidentally kicked down the later when having a leg cramp. Kim just waiting and waiting, almost like a gambling addict waiting for a big win. Which, oh boy do they. After they finally leave and have to dive and swim underwater, I was actually worried Kim just outright drowned when Cliff couldn't find her, I would've been devastated. But thankfully she doesn't, I needed the two just caressing each other's face in the water, thank you.

The robbery was successful and they live on a beach, a nice call back to the beginning, where she saw Cliff's very interesting sculpture. At first, it looks like a cobblestone walkway (on the wall), but if you slide the two pieces apart, there's a beach underneath. She says that she likes the beach, he explains that it's metaphoric and also he doesn't like the beach. Yet, here they are together at the end. Finally, he can just retire and follow his interests instead of being a planner for the town council, all with Kim. It just ends right after.

Overall, I enjoyed Cliff and Kim's antics and blossoming romance very much. And of course him getting angry or frustrated never get old

~~~

The Rest of the Movie: I went through most of the plot on the above section. But we have Jeremiah, the man who instigates the whole thing. At first I thought from the description it would just be for money, but no, it's to steal from a corrupt bank chairman for cheating the people of Golanda and give it back to them. A more noble act than I expected. But after appearances, he disappears halfway through the movie, which I didn't mind. But the end he tells Childwell and Wilmot what's going on and I didn't exactly know why but it all went well in the end. 28 million was sent to the people of Golanda to help heal the damage that banker cost them.

~~~

Childwell and Wilmot were an unexpected turn into the story, I really liked their shenanigans with trying to figure out what kind of car he was transported in during the kidnapping (a Morris Minor or a Moggie as some call it). He has perfect memory of his surroundings; the feeling, sounds and the not very helpful clues in the pocket of the coat that Cliff gave him. Wilmot thinking it's all political got a chuckle from me.

Wilmot himself is quite interesting, having fall out of favor after some sort of exposure of his "parties" yet many people seeing him and knowing his style of living are quite friendly towards him. I love that everyone keeps asking if this whole search and the fact they keep seeing Childwell in his trousers (helps the process, really) and Wilmot simply says: of sorts~

~~~

The comedy itself is hit or miss, got a real taste in the beginning when Kim was in America. They tried with physical humor and such, but the cuts, pacing and delivery were very hindered. But I do believe it got better later on.

It's a nice quick watch, so if you have the time, I suggest checking it out if you like these type of heist movies.

[annoyed-galaxy]

Fictober 2024 ~ 12

"did you hear that?"

Fanfiction: DAO If I had a nickle for everytime Cullen taught an elven mage how to fight with a sword, I'd have two, which isn't a lot but weird that it's happened twice. Can also be found on Ao3

Feril was light on her feet, slowly crawling out of her bed without making a noise, dropping deftly onto the ground from her bunk. Once she landed, she looked over her shoulder to her bunkmate, Jowan, to make sure he didn’t wake up. Luckily the young man was snoring the loudest of the apprentices, masking any sound she made from her movement. She chuckled inwardly at her friend’s unintended help and bounded away to the door. 

There were some apprentices still up, speaking in hushed whispers to each other. If they noticed her slip out of the dormitories, they said nothing. It was an unspoken rule most apprentices had with each other: mind your damn business. If you saw someone sneaking out the dormitory, no you didn’t.

Besides, most people didn’t want to tattle on Feril anyways as she was a star pupil and getting on Irving’s bad side wasn’t on any of their lists. 

Feril made her way quietly down the halls towards the storeroom. There was the shuffling of Tranquil still up and about, counting inventory and such. Feril was so light on her feet, they didn’t notice. Once she got to the storeroom, she looked about quickly before heading to the great door that led to the caves. 

Unfortunately, the caves did not lead to the outside world and were just there as most of the tower’s storage. However, Feril was here for a different reason. She slid through the door, expecting it to be unlocked as it was. She then allowed herself to settle on her feet fully, no longer sneaking about on her toes. She walked normally to the center cave and looked around, her ears flicking about for any sound. She heard a shuffle behind her and spun around, swiftly dodging the sword that came down upon her. 

The man holding the sword smiled and nodded. “Good reflexes,” he complimented. In his other hand was a another sword, smaller and a bit more rusted.  He offered it to her and she took it with a smile. 

“I’ve not had bad reflexes, Cullen,” Feril insisted walking to the other side of the cave, swinging her sword around her, testing its weight.

The curly-haired man just smiled. “Right, that’s why I’ve scared you how many times now?”

Feril rolled her eyes. “Those don’t count.”

“Uh-huh. Shall we begin?” 

Feril nodded and held her sword up in a defensive position. She and Cullen circled each other. Cullen seemed relaxed in his templar armor, sword by his side. His eyes gave no indication of his next move so the two of them just continued to prowl each other in a circle. Feril finally got tired of this game and charged after Cullen. The templar brought his blade up and deftly parried her attack. She recovered quickly and immediately went after him again, but he simply continued deflecting her attacks. He decided he was done playing nice and began to press his advantage, forcing Feril to go on the defensive. 

Cullen was stronger than Feril, neither of them argued that, but Feril tried to use her elven mobility to her advantage. However, Cullen was just as fast and blocked her at every attempt of hers to get the upper hand. Feril was starting to get frustrated and felt a spark ignite in her. Cullen must have felt for he jumped back and clicked his tongue. “Hey! We said no magic, remember?” He used a tone that a teacher would use against one of their students. 

Feril groaned and extinguished the spark, readying her sword once more. 

Feril and Cullen had been meeting secretly like this for almost two years now. Both of them were young, not yet adults. Cullen was one of the few templars Feril ever talked to for he was the only one who seemed to actually like her presence rather than just view her as an abomination waiting to happen. Other than Jowan, Cullen really was her only other friend. When Jowan whined too much around her, she would find the templar and seek his company. It was a strange dynamic considering she was a mage, but things seemed to work out. 

Feril expressed her interest in learning swordplay some time ago and Cullen had offered to teach her. She was so ecstatic when he told her that she had hugged him. He had blushed so hard that Feril made fun of him for it. Ever since, she and Cullen had snuck into the storeroom and started practicing almost every other week, sometimes a couple nights in a row. They had almost been caught a few times, but so far things had seemed to go smoothly. 

Cullen had to admit to himself he enjoyed these stolen moments than he should have. While Feril was terrible with a sword, he admired how much she improved every training session. And she was just as beautiful every time. The way her reddish-brown hair flowed around her with every spin, the glint of thrill in her eyes with each contact their blades made. Sometimes, she was able to win against Cullen, claiming her victory triumphantly and he couldn’t help but stare at her. She was so beautiful and gorgeous. He wanted nothing more than to hold her close to him and kiss her. 

But he was a templar. And she was a mage. It would never work. So he enjoyed these moments when he could, enjoying her company and the opportunity to see her in all her beauty. 

Feril practically danced when she fought, morphing some of the stances Cullen had taught her into something more convenient for her body. Feril was tiny. She was short, probably one of the shortest elves Cullen had seen, and so lithe and skinny. It contributed to her speed, but her strength was still lacking. Cullen had tried to train her in that regards, but she was still stumbling with it. 

As they clashed swords once more, both of them froze at the sound of a voice. “Did you hear that?” Immediately, Cullen and Feril dashed to the furtherest corner of the cave, hiding behind a couple crates. They steadied their breathing, peeking over the boxes as a couple of Tranquil appeared in the open area. They looked about, their expressionless faces scanning over each box with scrutiny. 

Cullen tried not to notice how close Feril was to him. Her cheeks and tips of her ears were flushed with adrenaline and he couldn’t help but think how cute she was. The freckles that littered her face were emphasized by the red on her cheeks. His heart fluttered. 

The Tranquil looked at each other and shrugged. “Perhaps it is nothing,” one said.

The other one nodded. “It may be the creatures again. We should report this to the senior enchanter in the morning.” 

The first one that spoke nodded their agreement. Then they left. Cullen and Feril waited for a few more minutes before finally letting their breaths out and coming out from behind the crates. It wasn’t unusual that Tranquil would come in here. A lot of Tranquil stayed up in the late hours of the night and often heard the two sparring, but they hadn’t been caught yet.

Feril patted Cullen on the shoulder and beamed up at him. “I think that was a good one today.” 

Cullen nodded and held out his hand for the sword. Feril gave it to him, her fingertips brushing against his hand. “You are definitely getting better.” He smiled at her.

She put her hands on her hips and puffed out her chest. “I will be one of the greatest swordsman in all of Thedas!” She seemed so hopeful, so proud and happy. Cullen’s heart cracked a little bit. They both knew that probably wouldn’t be possible. Feril was a mage and thus would be confined to this tower for the rest of her days. Even if she did want to become a swordsman, her magic would always be a danger to the world. And while Feril was one of the better mages at controlling her magic, she never really used it. It seemed like she was naturally gifted with it. Other mages called her a slacker because she didn’t take her studies too seriously, but why did she need to? She was already so great with magic. The only thing she actually studied with as much passion as swordfighting was healing magic. She had told Cullen several times how much she imagined herself as a battle healer, cutting down her enemies with blades and keeping her allies by her side with her magic. 

She had big dreams and imagined herself always outside the tower in every single one of them. Cullen knew that she knew they would be just that: dreams. She was never going to leave the tower. This tower was their home, her prison. He didn’t think it was fair. She was such a good person. Even though she hadn’t done her Harrowing yet, Cullen felt she would pass easily and then be unsatisfied with her life. She already was and she usually vented to him about it. He wanted to help her, but he couldn’t. 

Feril let out a sigh and then wiped the sweat from her brow. “Thanks for another session Cullen.” 

He nodded. “It’s my pleasure. I’m happy to see my training go so far.”

Feril chuckled. “Maybe one of these days I’ll keep the advantage over you.” 

Cullen snorted. “You’ll have to calm your emotions a bit for that to happen.” 

Feril smiled and gave him a hug. Heat immediately rose to his face, but he leaned into the hug giving her one back. They were friends. He hoped she would never discover his debilitating crush on her and risk losing this friendship he had with her. 

[if-you-fan-a-fire]

"BUCK WELL BEHAVED OFFICIAL TESTIFIES," Toronto Star. July 4, 1933. Page 3. --- Former Deputy Warden Did Not Hear Buck Mentioned Prior to Troubles ---- CLAIMS HE SPOKE ---- Asks If "One-Armed" Lloyd Got Parole for Tip-Off ---- Special to The Star Kingston, July 3 - Tim Buck, who is on trial for his alleged part in the October 17 disturbances at Kingston penitentiary, before Judge G. E. Deroche in general sessions court opened the afternoon by cross-examining Matthew Walsh, deputy warden at the time of the disorders.

The small. thin-haired Communist leader, his sallow complexion accentented by his blue prison uniform. Asked questions while his wife and other sympathizers looked on with evident interest.

While the court awaited the coming of the judge, Buck sat at his desk chatting and laughing with W. M. Nickle. K.C., who with his father, W. F. Nickle, K.C.. is prompting Buck in his defence which he is conducting himself. Walsh stated that he had known the accused since his entry into the penitentiary and it was his business to know the prisoners.

"What would you say of my general. conduct?" asked Buck. "I would say it was good."

"You said you knew two weeks ahead of the trouble." "Yes." "Did you know who were the leaders?" "No." "Was my name mentioned in this connection?" "Your name was not mentioned," asserted Walsh. "Were you ever afraid of danger?" "Yes, at the time the lock was being burned off the blacksmith shop door."H He had felt a tension during the affair "like a fine thread ready to snap," as Buck suggested to him. Walsh denied that in direct examination he had said that officers and men leaned over the gallery rail smoking. No attempt had been made by convicts to throw officers over the rail to the floor below, he said. The men had marched across the yard in single file from the mall-bag room to the cell block.

"It was practically dark, wasn't it?" asked Buck. "Yes."

"Yet no attempt to escape was made?" "No." Buck pointed out there were ladders and material in the paint shop which could have made escape easy.

"As far as the officers were concerned the men were free to do as they pleased?" Witness admitted that this was true in a more or less degree. "Was any attempt made to use these ladders?" "Not to my knowledge." No Attempt to Escape. "Did you hear of any single attempt to make an escape that afternoon.?" "Not that afternoon." "Was any attempt made to make general jail delivery?" "No, because certain precautions were taken that afternoon." There had been hundreds of thou sands of dollars worth of machinery which might have been damaged if the convicts had felt so inclined. "What time did 'One-Armed' Lloyd' tell you expect trouble?" "I didn't say Lloyd told me," parried Walsh. "Would you deny he did?" "No. I wouldn't deny it." The court raised an objection, but Buck asked one more question. "Did Lloyd get a parole for it?" This question remained unanswered. John Gilbey, an instructor heard Buck make a speech to the effect that they (the men) should put it over right, he said. "We're in control." Gilbey noted Buck as saying, "for the time being and if there are any cold-footed-- they must be made to stick."

Convict Beaten by Mates A short time after this speech, witness said he had seen a gang of convicts "heat up" another by the name of Marshall in the stone shed.

Buck asked if he had been at a meeting of crown witnesses at which the case were discussed.

Mr. Rigney objected and Buck asked witness if the manner of giving evidence had been discussed. Witness admitted he had been at such a meeting, but had not been instructed what to remember and what not to.

Witness would not swear as to the Iength of time the meeting lasted. "Was it over an hour" "No, it was not." Garceau had been in trouble before and that was the reason witness knew him, he said. "He was in the hole in the prison. isolation, wasn't he?" asked Buck. "Yes." Buck told his honor that every man who had been in the institution for fourteen years, as Gilbey had, should know Garceau. His honor said Buck could not say what any man should know. "I should not have said 'any man.' I should have said any intelligent man should know." Buck said. This brought a roar of laughter. Garceau had made a speech after speaking to the deputy warden, but other than speaking about cigarette papers and other demands, he heard nothing of the speech.

"Did you hear him tell the men that the deputy had asked him to speak to them. or hear him warn them against fire and violence?" asked Buck. "No, I didn't hear that," stated Gilbey. "What can you swear?" asked Buck. "I can swear I heard you speak." Gilbey was very uncertain as to the time of the speech and Buck asked him again if there was one thing he could swear to, Gilbey indignantly replied. "I can swear that I heard you speak, but I don't know what time it was."

Witness was unable to say who the warden dealt with when he came into the gathering. He thought it was Garceau, but was not sure. The warden spoke to the men, but the men did not give him a good hearing.

"Sarcastic and dirty remarks were passed about." asserted Gilbey.

"Were these remarks passed about the warden?" "No, about the department in general rather than about the deputy."

Witness said Buck had got very good order when he spoke.

Told Extra Guards Posted Gilbey related that the first intlmation he had had of expected trouble was when Mr. Walsh told him extra guards would be posted.

"Were the doors locked at that time?" "No. they were not."

Witness admitted there had been previous trouble in the stone shed. and one guard had been removed at the request of the men.

"Why was this man you mention beaten up?" "I take it that he was not in sympathy." Judge Derocle warned Buck against repeating questions. "We'll be here until Christmas as it is," he commented. The testimony of Gilbey completed the crown's case and Buck asked Judge Deroche if he might have a few minutes to speak with his witness. Permission was given and Buck retired for a few moments.

George Peters, a convict working in the blacksmith shop, was the first defence witness. He had seen convicts come down a scaffold from the tailor shop. About the same time a convict named Becker had pulled the switch controlling the motor. The door was forced open and the men went into the dome.

Says Buck Was Respectful Peters had heard Garceau make a speech regarding better conditions. Inspector Smith had also made a speech. These were the only two speeches he had heard. Peters said he had seen Buck speak to the officers in the mail-bag room in a respectful manner.

Peters claimed Buck had at one time stood between Warden Smith and Behan and at no time had he made a speech.

Witness said he had been present when Buck and Whiteland had spoken together. Buck had said to Dunford, another instructor, 'Gentlemen, would you mind stepping up to the mail-bags to prevent any one being hurt down here," Peters related. "

Why was Buck concerned about these three men?" "Perhaps he liked them better than I did," explained Peters.

"You want this court to believe that Buck wanted to place these men in a nice cushioned comfortable place?" asked Mr. Rigney. "I honestly do believe that was his intention," said Peters.

[jonah-aesthetic]

Gingerbread I Zach Herron

Zach X Reader

Plot: Y/N’s successful boyfriend invites her to his to bake Christmas Cookies.

Word Count: 2.8k

Author’s Note: The last bit is a little rushed, this isn’t edited but I hope you enjoy. Merry Christmas my Lovelies! 

Rating: 16+ (do you guys like the spicy scenes or no)

Moodboard

------------------------------------------

Inserting the brass key into the lock with a click, you pushed open your door with your shoulder. Entering your apartment on the three floor, you flicked on the lights and tossed you keys on the counter not caring where they landed. 

The entire day was stressful, the corner store was out of your favourite creamer. Next you forgot you phone at home and had to run back. You were late to work cause your hair wasn’t participating. Not to mention that Asshole that cut you off earlier. You were annoyed and ready to throw on something comfy to watch Netflix for the rest of the day.

A yellow post-it note caught your eye, Remembering it not being on the fridge this morning. Plucking it off you read the words written upon it. 

 Hey Darling, 

@ 10pm meet me at my place, we’re baking cookies. Don’t call me saying no cause I blocked you. Also there’s a gift in the fridge for you 

xx - Z 

Smiling you shook head, only Zach would make the effort of blocking you on everything so you had no other choice then to show up. You had the worst habit of denying his invitation when you weren't in the mood for it. But you’d end up regretting it five episodes in of your favourite tv show. Zach always managed to make your day better, ever since the day you meet him. 

December 10th, 2019

The aroma of the coffee shop was filled with the intoxicating smell of coffee beans and Christmas music. Third  in line all you could think about how the guy you were talking to you ghosted you. He was the first guy who found interest in you since the breakup with you ex- boyfriend. The bastard used that to his advantage just to get laid. Knowing you were fairly vulnerable and desperate to feel any connection again. What- 

“What can I get you?” The leathery voice asked, 

Without realising you moved up on the line, slightly embarrassed you wondered how many times he had to ask you. “Just a large coffee, three sugar, three cream.” You spoke with a small smile, what could you say. you had a sweet tooth and hated the bitter taste of black coffee. 

“$3.78.” His bored tone was heard, 

Nodding you reached into your purse for your wallet. searching you found two quarters, one dime, two nickles and no sign of your back card. Of course not you left it on the coffee table after buying a book online. Your dumb ass never put it back home. 

“Fuck.” You say more to yourself, but you knew it was heard my others close by. Looking up you smiled apologetically at the barista. “Funny story- 

“Here, I got it.” a smooth memorising voice cut you off,  you watched as some guy reached over your shoulder to pay. Not just any guy with that perfect bone structure a fucking god, okay maybe that was too drastic, but you didn’t think it was. 

“No, You don’t have to.” You spoke trying to push him away, but it was too late his card reached the machine chiming happily. 

“Don’t worry about it, it’s my pleasure honestly.”  His smile sucked the breath out of your lungs. His brown eyes were watching you, wondering what emotions were going through your pretty little head. Taking his hand out of the pocket of his slacks, reaching it towards you. “Zach” 

“Y/N” You smiled back at him, connecting your right hand in his. They were warm to the touch and significantly larger then your delicate one. The thing that intrigued  you most about him was his un-denying classic style he held. Wearing a beautiful button down, which had four different black and white patterns. Two buttons undone, just enough for his defined chest to peek through. Tucked into a pair of black striped slack as he wore black oxford shoes, pulling the entire look together. He was formal, yet he wasn’t and you found it fucking attractive. 

After Zach requested his order and paid you both caught onto a conversation. Waiting for your drinks, he was funny and from what he was telling you talented too. Collecting your beverages he offered to take a seat with you, and you definitely weren't denying that offer. Talking with Zach you forgot all about Chase, or was it Chance? Who cared he wasn’t important anymore. 

You had no idea how long you talked before the barista who served you earlier kicked you out. You switched numbers and he asked if he could walk you home. It was dark and you didn’t necessarily want to walk alone down town.

Sticking the note to the counter you hopped in the shower washing away the filth of the day, changed into leggings and a hoodie that once belonged to him. Locking up the apartment you got into your car and began driving to Zach’s house. Feeling giddy you forgot about the candy bar settling inside the fridge. 

Arriving you walked through the front, glass doors sliding open like they always had for you. Reaching into the lobby you caught the eye of Julian who had been sitting behind the hostess’ desk. Green eyes staring he smiled, “Well if it ain’t little Mrs. Herron.” Greeting you with the nickname he gave you eight months ago. Nonetheless it still made your cheeks heat up at the thought of marrying the boy one day. 

“Hello to you too Julian.” You reply, heading straight to the white elevator. Pressing the silver key card against the scanning pad. It was a gift given on the same night you planned on offering your apartment key to him. You both laughed at how connected your mindset really was. 

Dinging the elevator opening speaking mechanically to you. “Good evening Y/N, and Happy Holidays.” Walking in you whispered a small thank you like you’ve always had. You still weren’t use to how luxurious the apartment-plex was, Only feels like yesterday was the first time you agreed to come over. 

Letting the elevator engulf you with hushed Christmas music. There were no buttons embedded on the side. All the information it needed was packed into the chip within the card. All that was plastered on the wall was a screen, counting down the seconds it took to reach his pent house.

Zach’s success as an artist never bothered you, never made you feel less then him. He’s never once made you feel that way with him, especially when you two fought in the dead of the night. He’s even asked for you to move in, but you liked you place. Liked your own space.The luxury of his life could be a little much for you at times. 

Dinging the elevator door exposed Zach’s apartment, lights were dimmed showing off the string of Christmas bulbs scattered about. Home Alone displaying on the t.v above the crackling fire place. Candles lit emitting of the scents of pine and peppermint mingling perfectly together. Christmas decor still intact from when you placed it with Zach’s help last week.  Staring at the atmosphere your boyfriend created you wondered where he was. 

“Zach?” Your voice travelled through the pent house like a maze. With no response you decided to look for him yourself. Entering his room you spotted pyjamas atop his silky black duvet, Another note rest a top. 

Just put these on for me 

xx -Z

Plucking the note you unfolded them, a white crop top and a pair of red pyjama bottoms. With all nine of Santa's reindeer’s names written in white all over them. You couldn’t help but smile like an idiot, he had a chill night planned for the both of you. Since he knew you weren’t one for big crowds, you were blessed to know he understood that. 

Stripping in the middle of his room you changed into the Christmas pjs. Tossing your clothes into the corner of the room you ventured off to find him. Wasn’t too long before you spotted him in the kitchen, in matching Pyjamas dancing to the Christmas music. That right there was the love of your life and you wouldn’t change it for the world. 

“Hey hot stuff!” you holler over the music, he stopped instantly at you voice, looking up he breaks into a stunning smile. “ I didn’t here the elevator.” His brown eyes a little apologetic, “You also didn’t here me call for you. Too busy lost into the Christmas feel.” you tease him. 

“Here, I made you this.” Grabbing a red mug off the counter he stalks towards you. Towering over you small height, he places the hot coco in your hands. The hot beverage topped with whipped cream, cinnamon, and a candy cane melting into the side of it.  You didn’t think your words could manage the gratitude you felt from him. Placing you unoccupied hand around his neck bringing him to your lips. You kissed him, a soft and slow one. He tasted like hot coco and candy canes. 

“I could never get use to the way you kiss me in appreciation.” He says after you let go of his neck. 

“I Don’t feel like my words are enough, not like the way you sing them.” 

“Your words are everything to me, but I’d definitely prefer the kissing.” Zach winks, flirting with you like you two were still best friends. Walking backwards to the island he did a once over of your body, and a second time. His brown eyes travelled from head to toe drinking every inch of you in. You laughed and rolled your eyes at him, shaking your head a little. He always flirted with you, he never saw the reason to stop. Zach found you breathtakingly beautiful and wouldn’t let you forget it. 

Drinking the glorious hot coco he made you, your eyes watched at he started prepping the ingredients. His moments were sly and simple yet attractive, you still couldn’t grasp the thought of him being yours. The man practically got on his  knees till you said you’d be his girlfriend. 

“So are you just going to stare at me the whole time or help me?”  His eyes never lost focus as he caught you red handed admiring the way this hands moved. Your cheeks flushed, trying to hide yourself behind the cup of hot coco. The man could flirt with you but the moment he catches you staring you burn up like a tomato. 

“I wasn’t.” You mumble into your beverage, hoping it hide the quiver in your voice. It failed. 

Dark chuckle emits into the air, “I love the way I affect you.” Still trying to hide into your cup, you couldn’t see the way he prowled over to you. His brown eyes a little dark and his expression a little sharper. You gasped once his hands came in contact with your skin. Goosebumps arisen on your waist as he backed you up against the counter, lifting you atop it. 

You let him pull the mug away as he looked into your eyes, seeing every piece of you. Separating your knees he slide between your legs. Pulling you closer against him, you locked your ankles around his waist. He held your chin in his hands you felt every muscle, every vein, and every bone in his left hand. Placing his thumb on your chin he pried back your bottom lip. 

Your core throbbed between your legs feeling the sexual energy flowing in his blood. You were putty in his hands like you’ve always had been for him, only him. You released a whimper at the growing tension, wanting him to do something, anything. Moving closed to you, his mouth swerved past you lips and to your ear. Breathing against your neck sending shivered down you spine.

“I want to fuck you, but right now I want to make cookies with you.” He whispered softly and you could hear the teasing smiled on his lips. Just like that the burning in your core vanished like thin air and replaced with disappointment. That fucking brick, he’s done it multiple times before. yet you still haven’t learned. 

“Okay lets go.” You grab his hand, hopped of the counter and pulled him to the kitchen island. Showing no weakness, no emotion, no trace of the way he affected with his prickery.  Zach was bewildered by your response, nonetheless let you lead them. 

There was no effort needed into making the dough as Zach had measured everything out correctly.  While slinging along with the Christmas music you combined the wet ingredients and Zach did the dry. You’d never forget this moment with him, sneaking glances while you made gingerbread cookies with him.  

Wasn’t too long before combining both mixing bowls into a larger one, placing that one under the mixer. Watching the dough as it mingles everything together creating a beautiful brown and soft cookie dough. It was mesmerising to watch honestly. 

Distracted with the dough you couldn’t feel the tight hold of Zach’s eyes on you. Watching every muscle, the way your lips twitched with happiness. How your calm breathing expanded your chest. The motion of your fingers riming the brim of the mixing bowl. The way the light in the kitchen beamed off your hair, making the shade brighter. 

“I love you.” His voice sounded hazy, lost in the thought of you. 

Surprised you whipped your head in his direction, a giddy smile upon your lips. He leaned against the counter, sipping hot coco out of a forest green mug with ‘Merry’ written in white. You realised your mug and his had been a matching set, as yours had the word ‘Christmas. 

“I love you too.” It was as if the words were yanked from your soul. Maybe it was in the moment or you knew that you truly loved this man with your whole heart. But you let yourself say it and you didn’t feel the need to apologies. Zach responded with an ear to ear smile, no words and you were thankful for that. 

From there it didn’t take too long before the dough was plop on the island and rolled out. Gingerbread cookie cutters dug into it softly, before they were laid down on a cookie sheet. Then pushed inside the oven to be baked. 

“Speaking of cookies, I got you a gift.”  Looking into his doe brown eyes you held in a laugh. “How do those even connect?” You asked him, raising your eyebrow and crossing your arms accusingly at him.

“They don’t, But I got you one.” He pulls a small white box with a stunning red ribbon on top from behind his back . Small meant it was either a give card or jewellery, with him it always had been expensive. Which you were grateful for but you’d rather the small gift. Deep down you didn’t want to feel like a burden, Zach has done so much for you already.

“It’s not Christmas yet.” You managed to get out. 

“Does it have to Christmas for me to get my girlfriend a gift?” He asked his voice smooth and sounding like home. Shaking your head gently you say “No, I guess not.” It would making you feel less guilty if it had been. 

Taking the small box into your hands you watched his brown eyes light up. Starring at the little bow atop, you pulled the lid Revealing a gift that was neither what you assumed. Inside was a golden card sitting on green velvet, Not just any card, a card that was identical to his pent house key card. Grasping it into your grip you saw the small detailing. Matte background with a shinning luxurious car and letters that spelled your name. 

“What’s this?” You ask having a good idea, but you wanted confirmation.

“Key card for the parking garage.” You could spy the hesitation and anxiety swimming in his eyes. You wondered how long he’s had this tucked away. Waiting for the exact right moment to ask you again. 

“Yes.” 

“Will you move in with me?”  his words were forced from his lips like he was awaiting your denial. “I made my office into one for you, your own space. It’s all yours if you want it.” He continues not hearing your answer over his hammering heart. That explained why he kept it locked for the last two months, you never questioned it since this was his house.

“Yes” you smile, knowing you made the right choice for the both of you.”...but you didn’t have to do that Zach.”  He engulfed you in a hug and you latched onto him like it was the last time you would see him. Holding you tight to his chest you could feel his lips kiss the crown of your head. 

“Really?” His slow question vibrated against his chest where your head was laying. you moved to catch his eyes with yours, to make sure he heard you. “Yes, You’re my forever Zach.” 

[wefoundloveunderthelight]

The Love Cruise - by GleefullyCaptainSwan 

Read on AO3: Chapter 1 | Chapter 2

Or on FF

Tagging:  @stahlop  @kmomof4  @lfh1226-linda  @teamhook 

Chapter 2: On Your Feet for the Captain

Killian stood at the base of the plank staring up at the large ship he was about to board. He marveled to think that he, Killian Jones, was about to Captain such a large vessel.

“Can I help you?” Killian turned to his left and down at the short girl staring up at him.

“Sorry, Lass, just admiring the view. She’s a beauty.” He gestured toward the ship in front of them.

“She’s a game changer.” The woman marveled. “State of the art medical equipment. Best in her class.”

“Aye, so I’ve been told, do you work in the Medical center?”

“I do. Name’s Tink Bell.” She announced with an enthusiastic smile. “Are you working on the ship?”

“Aye, I’m her Captain.” He nodded to the girl and looked back up at the massive ship. “It’s nice meeting you, Lady Bell.”

“The girls are gonna get a kick out of you.” She mused, staring at him adoringly before she headed up the plank.

“A goddamned love cruise.” He groaned and mumbled to himself as he followed her up the plank.

“Welcome aboard Captain.” The man greeted him at the end of the gang plank.

“Thank you, can you direct me to my quarters? I’d like to drop off my things before I head to the bridge.”

“Certainly, sir, follow me.”

Killian followed the man through the narrow hallways, his hands lightly teasing the walls as he examined every nook and cranny of his new lover. When he was left alone in his quarters, he stood on his balcony, inhaling the smell of the sea. “Ok girl, I promise to take care of you, if you take care of me.” There was a knock on the door.

Opening the door revealed a man in a white uniform. “Good afternoon, Captain, they are ready to provide the brief on the bridge.”

“Thank you, I’ll be up there in a minute.” The man left him alone and Killian changed in silence into his uniform. Checking his reflection in the mirror, he exhaled and headed to the bridge. He loved the quietness of the ship only the crew on board before allowing passengers to board, he passed many of his crew members, nodding as they strolled by him along the way.

As approached the bridge, he whispered under his breath. “Ok Jones, get your shit together.”

“On your feet for the Captain.”

His chest puffed as he entered the bridge. He had to admit, he felt like a schoolkid walking into the room. Listening to his First Mate, Smee, walk through procedures was almost like a drug to him. When the report was done, he made his way through the ship, introducing himself to each member of the crew he met. When he made it to the atrium, he spotted Robin standing at his desk.

“Well, we made it.” He remarked. “Ready to witness all the debauchery and indecency my heart can handle.”

“Captain Jones, these next two weeks will be a defining moment of our lives.” Robin proclaimed, holding his hand to his heart.

“If I survive the next two weeks, that may be my defining moment.”

“You have got to be kidding me.” Killian turned toward the angry voice, seeing Regina Mills making a beeline toward them. “Why are you here?” She glared at Robin.

“Hello, M’Lady, we meet again. You are still as ravishing as the last time I saw you.” Killian rolled his eyes; his friend was really laying it on thick.

“Don’t M’Lady me, why are you here?”

“I work here.” He announced proudly. “Looks like you and I will have plenty of time to get to know each other finally.”

She scoffed, “Not on your life, it’s a big ship, just steer clear of me.” She turned to face Killian. “I see he brought his whipping boy with him. Whatever did they hire you two to do? Cook, entertainer,” She turned with disgust at Robin. “Janitor.” She said looking down her nose at him.

“You might want to offer a bit more respect to your Captain.” Robin said with a shrug.

“You?” She said in horror.

“That would be me.” Killian interjected, holding out his hand. “Captain Jones. I don’t think we’ve officially met, last time I came in right about the time the liquid started flying.”

She paled slightly. “I hope you have better manners than this one.”

“Aye, I’ll ensure he behaves this time, Ms. Mills.”

“See that you do.” She added before stomping away.

“Maybe this is going to be more fun that I thought.” He mused as Robin’s eyes followed her adoringly until she rounded the corner and disappeared.

~*~

“So, you’ll be here when I get back from camp?”

Emma looked over at her son’s face, his small round features staring at her expectedly. “Of course, sweetie, I’ll be home before you even get back from camp.”

“Good because I want to tell you all about it when I get home.”

“And you know how much I love when you give me all the details.”

“And the ship won’t sink right?”

“Henry, we’ve talked about this, the ship won’t sink. People go on cruises all the time.”

“I just want you to come home to me.”

“I will always come home to you, Henry.”

“I love you mom.”

“I love you too, Peanut.”

Emma dropped Henry off at Granny’s, kissing him on the forehead and getting in a cab on her way to The Wooden Nickle to meet with the rest of her group.

“I didn’t think you’d actually show up.” August teased her as she entered the bar.

“Well, you know me, I’m not one to skip out on a challenge.” She shrugged, “Besides, I’m just going to have fun with my friends.”

“I’m happy you agreed to do this.” He said honestly. “You deserve to be happy.”

“I am happy, August.”

“So, you’ve said.” He said simply as Ruby and Will came stumbling into the bar, their hands full of luggage.

“My God, it’s two weeks, not two months.” August teased.

“You can’t limit me to one outfit a day. There are going to be men I have never met on this ship; they haven’t seen all my outfits.” Ruby complained with a pout.

“Explain that to the bloody person who has to carry all this garbage.” Will dropped the bag from his hands onto the ground.

Behind them David walked in the door with his suitcase, staring at the array of bags at Will’s feet. “I thought we were only going for two weeks?”

~*~

Killian read through his checklist from his seat on the bridge. He glanced at his watch; they would be boarding passengers in the next 30 minutes. He felt the familiar flutter of butterflies as he called out items from his list to confirm they were ready to sail. He was excited and nervous to Captain such a large vessel. The sea was the place that he felt the most at peace.

Perhaps that is why he moved into a houseboat after Milah’s death, despite the protests from his brother and Robin.

He couldn’t imagine sleeping in the bed they shared with her no longer there. He also couldn’t sleep there without waking up in a cold sweat remembering the night the phone rang, an unfamiliar person offering him condolences. His wife gone in an instant from an aneurism. There were no goodbyes, no last kiss, she was just gone in a single heartbeat.

But he had to admit that he wouldn’t miss his bed on the houseboat either. Robin had been honest about the size of his quarters on the ship. Perhaps the next 3 months at sea would be a good change for him, a chance to get his head right.

“Sir, passengers are boarding now.”

“Thank you, First Officer Smee, let’s run through the rest of the checklist.”

~*~

“Name and Identification please.” The portly woman standing behind the counter of the cruise ship terminal stood waiting for their documents as they checked in.

“Ruby Lucas.” She announced, handing over her ID.

“Emma Nolan.” Emma passed the ID to the woman.

“I can’t believe we are about to get on that for the next two weeks.” Ruby stared up toward the ship and Emma had to admit it was quite impressive standing below the immaculate ship.

“I hope I don’t get seasick. Do you think I should take my Dramamine now?”

“The worst of it should only last for the first 48 hours.” The lady behind the desk offered. “But I would take it before you get on board. It can be quite disorienting at first.”

Emma dug in her bag, popping the pills into her mouth, and swallowing with the last gulp of her water bottle.

“Alright ladies, you are all set. Here are your cruise ID’s, these will open the door to your room so don’t lose them.”

They finished signing their documents and met up with the boys who had all checked in before them.

“How come you get your own room?” Will was whining as they joined the group.

“Because I paid for this whole trip.” August shrugged and Will winced.

“Works for me, I guess we’re roomies Mate.” Will patted David on the shoulder.

~*~

“Oh my God, look at this room.” Ruby threw herself down on the bed as soon as they entered their room.

“Wow, August must have paid a pretty penny for this.” Emma was astounded at the room, complete with a small sitting area and large balcony.

“This is going to be the best two weeks ever.”

While Emma was nervous about being away from Henry for so long, she knew she would have been away from him at home while he was at camp anyway. At least this way she could distract herself and she had to admit, being on board this luxurious ship was not a bad way to do it.

There was a knock on their door and Ruby jumped up to answer it. “Hello Beautiful.” Will was leaning in their door frame, he was wearing the most ridiculous looking button-down shirt, covered in palm trees and flamingos.

“What are you wearing?”

“It’s my vacation look, like it?” He modeled his shirt, walking through their room and spinning quickly as he got to the other end. “My shorts are khaki.” He ran his hand down his shorts and back up to his shirt. “And this, is the money maker.” He flipped the collar up on his shirt. “Now, which one of you ladies is escorting me to tonight’s launch party on the Lido deck?” He looked between them.

Emma jumped up from the bed and wrapped her arms around Will’s neck, planting her lips on his cheek. “My hero.” She giggled. “Find your own, Rubes, this one’s mine.”

“You heard the lady.” Will said proudly.

“I’m just going to change really quick. Are we meeting you guys up there?”

“Aye, we are heading up in a minute, your brother takes a long time to get ready. Are you aware of that?”

Emma snorted loudly. “Try growing up with him. That hair, right?”

“Bloody hell, he’s worse than a woman with that. I left him fluffing it in the bathroom. I was feeling less like a man the longer he took. No wonder he’s single, eh?” He shut the door behind him, and Emma and Ruby quickly changed into their sundresses for the party.

Once they were ready to leave, they hooked their arms together and found their way to the Lido deck. “My God look at all the fresh meat.” Ruby marveled as Emma felt her anxiety increase at the number of men and women gathered on the deck, many already coupling and pairing up for the evening.

As soon as she saw Will standing by the railing, she ran to him and wrapped her arm around his waist. “There’s my date.” She giggled, holding on to him like a life vest.

“Hello, love. Are you ready to set sail?”

“Ready for the adventure of a lifetime.” She jumped when a loud horn blared on deck signaling the ship being ready to push away from the dock.

She felt an arm around her shoulder and looked over to see her brother, smiling brightly. “You look happy.” She chuckled.

“We are on the ocean, wind in our hair, our whole future in front of us, what’s not to be happy about?”

“Well, Will says it took you an hour to do your hair, you sure you’re excited about the whole wind scenario?”

“You aren’t going to ruin my mood with your negativity, sis.”

“Will, I’m pretty sure that girl is checking you out.” Emma turned to seek out the woman that Ruby was pointing out to Will. A few groups away was a short, brunette, smiling in his direction.

“Bloody hell, I’m not a piece of meat. Where’s my girlfriend?” He turned, dragging Emma back to his side and wrapping a protective arm around her neck.

“She’s cute.” Emma whispered.

“Hey, I thought you were on my side?” He whined.

“Where did David go?” She asked, looking around.

“He’s talking to that girl over there.” Emma swung around and located her brother, standing by the bar, laughing with a short haired woman.

“That was quick.”

“Always the charmer.” Will added.

David came back toward the group with a bucket full of beer. He passed one to each of the group. “Already meeting people?” Emma inquired.

“Sorry?”

“Don’t act innocent, I know what the David Nolan flirt looks like.” She flipped her hair and laughed, her head tilting back as she exhaled.

“Whatever, she tried to steal my beer, so I introduced myself.”

“A thief, those are the worst kind.” Will scowled.

“Well, it was a misunderstanding, so it was all good.”

“What’s her name?” August asked stepping into the conversation.

“Mary Margaret. She’s actually friends with the woman who’s been eye fucking Will.”

“Shit, she has spies already.” He reached out, grabbing Emma by the hand.

“Must be really hard to be you, William.” Emma teased.

“It’s the worst.” He groaned.

~*~

“Let’s take her out, Smee.” Killian announced with an adventurous smirk, guiding the ship out of the dock and into the open seas. The feel of the ship shuddering beneath his feet, the controls in his hand as he turned her toward the ocean was exhilarating and brought him back to the time Liam let him take the helm of the Battleship during their time in the Navy. The sea was an intoxicating mistress and one that he would love for his entire life.

A few hours later after the ship was full speed ahead in the open waters, Killian excused himself from the bridge and made his way back to his quarters.

“Jones, I was just coming up to see you.” He turned to see Robin approaching his room.

“I see you are still alive, so Ms. Mills has not made you walk the plank yet.”

“I’m about to go check her out. She’s giving her ‘Welcome Aboard’ speech on the Lido deck right now. Thought I’d go give her a hand.”

“One that she will most likely break.” He laughed as Robin ignored his comment.

“You coming?”

“To the launch party? I don’t think so.”

“Come on, Mate. It’s your first night as the Captain of this beautiful vessel, don’t you want everyone to greet and fall in love with Captain Jones?”

“That is my exact fear.”

“Fine, but you will have to show yourself eventually around the decks. Passengers always have questions for the Captain. At least put on some civvies and head up top to watch the sunset tonight.” Robin left him in the hallway, mulling over his options for the evening.

~*~

“And again, I want to welcome you all aboard The Love Cruise, may our home be yours for the next two weeks.”

The dark-haired woman was giving a speech about all the fun they were about to embark on, but all Emma could focus on was the claustrophobic feeling of being surrounded from all sides. “I’m just gonna get some air.” She yelled into Will’s ear.

“Beer? Yes, I’ll take one.” He yelled back. Emma nodded and then pushed her way through the crowd. Perhaps a drink wasn’t a bad idea.

“What’s the drink of the day?” She asked the bartender as she approached, happy to be away from the large crowd behind her.

“Pineapple margarita.” He held up the large pineapple, “Comes in a pineapple.”

She laughed. “Who could say no to that?” She handed over her ID card and turned to watch as the crowd was whipped into a frenzy, the cruise director and another man hyping the crowd as the music started to blare through the speakers.

“Here you go Miss.”

She took the large pineapple, complete with umbrella and flower and walked further down the deck toward the front of the ship, away from the crowd and noise. The drink was ridiculously over the top, but she reminded herself that she was on an over-the-top cruise where singles came to meet up and perhaps an adult drink in a large fruit wasn’t that ridiculous after all.

She sipped her drink as she leaned over the rail, watching the water in the ships wake ripple in the last light left before the sun dipped below the ocean’s view.

“I hope you have no plans to jump, I’m a fairly good swimmer but the water is quite cold.”

Emma flinched and turned to the offending intruder when her heart caught in her throat. Standing before her was the most gorgeous man she had ever laid eyes on. The waning sun shimmered in the dark strands of his hair, his blue eyes reflecting like pools of bright light staring back at her.

Oh my God Emma, say something!

“No plans currently at the moment but I’m reserving my right to jump later.”

“Well then I guess you’ll have to alert me when the time comes so that someone will be there to fetch you.”

His voice was smooth and addicting and she was conflicted on being annoyed that he was interrupting her private moment but also trying to come up with an excuse to get him to continue speaking to her with his incredibly sexy accent.

Stop it.

She realized he was still looking at her and suddenly she didn’t know how long she had been standing there in silence looking like a cat that swallowed a canary. She did the only thing she could do and started laughing. However, she was sure if that was not an improvement on the silence or if she suddenly just turned into a crazy person laughing for no reason.

As if recognizing her inner turmoil, he leaned against the rail beside her and spoke again. “This is my favorite part of the ship.”

“The rail?”

What the fuck, Emma. Why would she say that?

He chuckled, “The bow of the ship. Looking out at the ocean, seeing where she’s taking you, no other feeling like it.”

“You aren’t about to expose some weird kink to me and ask me to pose like they did on the titanic or anything, right?”

He scrunched his nose, “That’s a kink? Perhaps I don’t understand that word as well as I thought I did.”

She couldn’t stop the snort from escaping her and quickly cupped her mouth.

“So, tell me love, why are you not at the party with all the other desperate singles?”

“Would you believe me if I told you I was blackmailed into coming on this cruise?”

It was his turn to laugh loudly and she immediately noticed the adorable way his eyes crinkled when he did.

“Blackmailed? Well, that is scandalous.”

“I could ask you the same, unless you were stalking me and followed me back here to get me alone?”

“I can assure you, there was no nefarious plot besides wanting to get away from the crowd, the same as yourself.”

“Blackmailed as well?” She joked.

“In a manner of speaking, yes.”

“My friends mean well, but I’m just not, into this.” She looked around at the boat, and back toward the crowd of people dancing.

“Aye, I suppose I’ve never been a fan of the smell of desperation, honestly.”

She found herself laughing again, something he seemed to be very good at eliciting from her. “I should get back to my friends before they send out a search party or think I’ve hooked up with someone and ask for a million details.”

He nodded to her as she pushed off the rail. “Might I ask for your name?” He paused, “In case you are in need of assistance when you throw yourself overboard in the future.”

She bit her lip, staring at him in the moonlight. It can’t hurt to give him your name, it’s not like you’re going to run into him again on this giant ship. “It’s Emma.  Emma Swan.” She stated quickly, hoping if he was a stalker that giving him her nickname instead of her last name would slow him down in finding her again.

“Nice to meet you, Emma.”

She turned, walking quickly back towards her friends. When she found them, Will was looking around nervously. “Oi, I thought you dumped me already.” He put his arm back around her shoulder and she leaned against him, swaying to the music as they listened to a band performing on the stage under the stars. “Hey, where’s my beer?”

[splat-dragon]

heavy is the head that gets no sleep ~Cold is the Night, Oh Hellos

Whumptober 2020, #23: What's A Whumpee Gotta Do to Get Some Sleep Around Here?: "Sleep Deprivation" "Exhaustion"

Arthur couldn’t remember the last time he slept.

He’d tried, but no one would let him. Every time he so much as looked at his tent, Miss Grimshaw or Dutch was there, nipping at him for not contributing enough, or Pearson was there, heckling him to go out hunting.

@whumptober2020

Arthur was so, so tired.

 He couldn’t remember the last time he slept.

 He’d tried, but no one would let him. Every time he so much as looked at his tent, Miss Grimshaw or Dutch was there, nipping at him for not contributing enough, or Pearson was there, heckling him to go out hunting.

 Every time, he wanted to scream. ‘Look at the ledger! Look at my goddamn name!’ he was contributing more than anyone else, but they acted like he was just sitting on his ass. Like it was him getting drunk, sitting around the campfire, night after night, instead of skipping sleep to bring in supplies and money and provisions. Last time he’d lost his temper - once Dutch walked off, of course, he was no fool - and nearly thrown the ledger when he’d found he was right, his name had been on the page thirty nine out of the fifty times on the front-back spread, all jewelry or decent amounts of money or carcasses, not goddamn bat wings (really Marston?!) or nickles and dimes.

And it was another one of those nights.

 He couldn’t remember how long it had been since he’d slept.

 Three nights?

 Four?

 Five?

 His stomach was growling but he was too tired to eat.

 He finished signing his name on the ledge - Arthur     Silver Pocket Watch     $8.00 - for the ninth time in a row, making sure his satchel was empty before turning on his heel, sending up a small prayer before beginning to make his way to his tent.

“Arthur!”

 Oh no.

 “I have a lead I need you to follow up on.” Dutch. Why was it always Dutch.

 He looked longingly at the cot he could see beckoning at him from his tent,

 “Please son, I need you to do this for me. It’s very important.”

 He sighed, knew Dutch wouldn’t let it drop. “Alright, Dutch.”

 The man’s face lit up, and he clasped Arthur on the shoulder. Arthur wobbled, had to catch himself, but Dutch didn’t notice, already digging through his pocket, shoving a piece of paper in his hand. “Here, there’s a man named Jackson Ricketts at this address, he’ll tell you everything you need to know.”

 “...okay Dutch.” but he was already walking away, picking up his most recent book off the table he kept near the flaps of his tent.

For a moment, all he could do was stand there. Stare at Dutch, plopping down in his chair and leaning over to start reading with Molly. Turn to stare at his cot, then at the ledger. Had he put in what he’d brought back that evening? He was pretty sure he had, but he really couldn’t remember.

 Arthur took a moment to fumble through his satchel.

 Either he’d put in the jewelry and money he’d brought back, or he’d been robbed.

 He was so tired he couldn’t find it in him to care.

 But then Javier’s guitar started to play over at the campfire, and he did care. Anger, indignation, started up bright hot in his stomach, how was that fair? He could see Bill sitting near the campfire, and he hadn’t even seen Bill’s name on the ledger!

 But just as quickly the anger flickered out, what was the point? He’d just get told he needed to pull his weight, do his part, and then he’d get shoved towards the horses even if he demanded they check the ledger, get told to stop acting like a child, ‘you’re too old to be acting like this, Arthur!’ and then the others would laugh at him, and Micah was over by the fire too, and nothing infuriated him more than seeing that smug bastard laughing at him.

 So he threw a last, longing look at his cot, could have sworn he heard it say “Sleep?” though that could have been his subconscious telling him something, and trudged over to the horses.

 Stared blankly at his mare - the O’Driscoll had untacked her.

 He had to tack her up.

  Fuck, he had to tack her up.

 The O’Driscoll had left her saddle on the post right next to her.

 Small blessings.

He picked up the saddle, grunting beneath his weight, took a step and proceeded to drop it.

 Heard someone laugh - looked up, but no one was looking at him. Scowled, very funny Micah, stooped down and picked it up again, struggling, couldn’t remember the saddle ever being this heavy before. John was laughing, but when he looked up the man had turned away, was staring at the campfire as though he’d never moved, and irritation boiled low in Arthur’s stomach.

 Finally managed to fling the saddle onto the horse, throwing it more than setting it down, apologized under his breath and stepped forward, tried to tighten the cinch and

  “Even after all these years, can’t even tack up a horse.” Dutch scowled in his ear and he whirled about, bared his teeth the man was going too damn far! but what the hell? He was still sitting over with Molly, showing her something in his book, and he blinked - he must have been more tired than he thought, goddamn was it even safe for him to ride out?

 Probably not, but it wasn’t like anyone would listen if he tried to say anything, so he shook his head, ‘Just imagining things,’ and fastened the cinch.

 Or, at least, tried to.

 He couldn’t get the damn cinch fastened.

 His hands were shaking too badly, and the world was doing a funny swirling thing. He took a deep breath, found it oddly shaky and then he wasn’t even trying, was just clutching the cinch in his hands and taking deep breaths, then not even those.

 “Arthur?” Hosea’s voice was loud in his ear, too loud, and he flinched, “Arthur son, what’s wrong?” and oh, he’d thought he was imagining things again but then there was a very real hand on his arm, one grasping his chin and forcing him to look up, he hadn’t even realized he’d leaned over, grinding his forehead into her saddle, and wow Hosea was whirling wasn’t he?

 “Arthur, you’re crying,” and huh, he hadn’t even realized that, reached up to wipe his face and was startled to find his hand wet, “Son, are you okay? Are you hurt?”

 “...I can’t do this.” his breath hitched, and he looked at Hosea pleadingly, “Hosea, I’m so tired, I… I can’t… I just want to sleep.”

Hosea couldn’t remember the last time he’d seen Arthur so distressed. He was looking at him with nothing shy of sheer desperation. Looking at him as though he needed permission to sleep, tears streaming down his face, breathing becoming more and more labored, hitching as though he couldn’t catch it, “Okay Arthur, okay, you can sleep, just calm down.”

 But Arthur’s nostrils flared, face flushing red as he tried - failed - to raise his voice “No I can’t! No one… no one will let me! I-I just… I want to sleep. I haven’t slept in days. Everyone else is… is drinkin’ and partyin’, and I haven’t slept.”

 Fury settled, cold as fresh ice, in Hosea’s stomach.

 He wanted to storm over to the men that he could see drinking around the campfire. Beginning to slur along to Javier’s singing, celebrating nothing at all, costing them money in beer while bringing in nothing. Wanted to wrench Susan and Pearson and Dutch by the ears - Arthur hadn’t named names or pointed fingers, but it didn’t take a fool to guess who’d caused him to work himself to the edge.

 Shit, but he wasn’t blameless. He’d spent the last few days with Arthur when he was in camp (which, he realized with a sinking stomach, wasn't many) and hadn’t seen him sleep, didn’t think he could remember him eating either, and how he had missed how awful he looked he didn’t know. His eyes were bloodshot, his face sunken in. His eyes were so dark he’d thought, when he’d first walked over, that he had had a pair of black eyes, the bags beneath them so heavy even his bags had bags. Even as tears dripped down his face his eyelids sagged as though he were about to fall asleep right there, “Hosea, please, I’m so tired.” but he was fumbling with the cinch again, failing to secure the strap by a mile.

 Hosea’s throat clicked on a swallow - what had they done to their son? what had they done to make him think he had to work himself to this point? - and he nodded, “Of course Arthur, come on, let’s get you to bed.” but Arthur didn’t move, instead wavered on his feet, and Hosea’s heart leaped into his throat, lunging to grab his arm and steady him, called out “Mr. Smith! Help me please!” and Charles jogged over from where he’d been on watch, leaning his rifle against a hay bale as he shrugged Arthur’s arm over his shoulder, the man’s head lolling against him.

Arthur was vaguely aware of his arms being thrown over people’s shoulders, of being carried-dragged-a small distance. Of being laid down on something that seemed impossibly soft, wanting to surge up because I need to work! no one else will! but he felt so heavy so surely he could lay down for just a second?

 “‘Night Arthur,”

 A hand ran through his hair, “Sleep, son,” and his blanket was tucked up to his chin, but he was already long asleep.

Hosea nodded to Charles as they stepped out of Arthur’s tent, rolling his shoulder, protesting at having supported Arthur’s heavy weight, the young man frowning in concern even as he went back to take up his watch.

 The older man sighed, reaching up to pinch the bridge of his nose, remembering what Arthur had been mumbling as they carried him back to his tent - most of it had been too nonsensical to make out, but he’d definitely made out one word.

 But he didn’t dare risk waking Arthur, so he waited until he was flinging open the man’s tent to boom,

 “VAN DER LINDE!”

[travellvogue]

Fluffy Alphabet- Trent Alexander-Arnold

A= ATTRACTIVE, you’re the most beautiful person he’s ever laid eyes on, he swore that the day he met you, completely in awe of how one human could be so breath taking, his favourite feature of yours being your eyes, his mum always told him “fall in love with someone’s eyes, because they never change” and he prays he’ll get to stare into yours for the rest of his time

B- BABYGIRL, he knows as soon as “babygirl” leaves his mouth he’s got you wrapped around his little finger, the look in your eyes when he uses the pet name drives him crazy, desperately just want to kiss you and cuddle you forever, never knowing a simple nickname could have such power over the both of you

C= CUDDLE, he’d be begging for cuddles all the time, any excuse to hold you or be held, loving it so much when your fingers trace his spine or scratch gently at his scalp, and he loves to cuddle you, to have your body clinging to him like a koala makes him feel like he’s protecting you from the world, such love and admiration in his eyes when you fall asleep on his chest

D= DATES, you’d call it ‘date day’, date day would be every Thursdays without fail, whether that simply meant the two of you going out for breakfast,lunch or dinner. Or having movie nights, late night drives to McDonalds drive through to sit in the car park and eat whilst chatting about conspiracy theories and people watching. He’d feel guilty when he’s away, missing date day but he’d always make up for missed time and treat you to the best date day ever.

E= EVERYTHING, he loved everything about you, you brightened every aspect of his life, and he hated that you weren’t able to see just how much light you’ve bought to his world, constantly telling you he loves every single part of you, inside and out, knowing one day you’ll believe him when he tells you you’re perfect

F= FAMILY, you fit into his family like a puzzle piece, he was convinced his mum loved you more then she loved him- always the begging the two of you to hurry up and get married, despite being so young. He’s asked you if you wanted babies in the future, and of course you wanted kids with him, two boys and a girl, all close in age, and all super close with their cousins

G= GENTLE, he was the most gentle soul, put everyone’s needs before his own- and for that you admired him. However, you ensured you looked after him the way he deserved to be, to show him just how special he is, not afraid to show him your soft gentle side, a side not many people saw as you’d built such a barrier, but his manner had your walls tumbling down instantly

H= HUMOUR, you’re both sarcastic little shits, numerous amounts of inside jokes between the two of you, his brothers always involved with the teasing and friendly banter, your dry sense of humour always lifting him up when he’s down

I= I MISS YOU, he found it impossibly hard when he’s away from you, but work consisted of a lot of travel and you couldn’t always come with him, so you relied on facetime, texts, snapchat- anything you could to stay in contact with one another, you’d both find it hard to sleep without one another next to you, the cuddles and kisses where missed severely but it always made it more special when he arrives home to the love of his life waiting for him

J= JEALOUSY, you get jealous sometimes, you know he gets a lot of attention from females and sometimes it made you feel a little insecure, but he’s constantly reminding you how he only ever has eyes for you. But he’s the same, sparks of jealously igniting when he sees men trying to flirt with you, you’re beautiful and anyone would want a part of you. The two of you know how loyal you are to one another, never needing to overthink the attention from others

K= KISS, have you seen his lips? You simply couldn’t get enough of them. Wether that’s a quick rushed kiss in the morning before he has to head off to training, or a loving, desperate kiss when he gets home after a long day. The slight graze of his teeth against your bottom lip when he’s turned on let’s you know exactly what he wants, his tongue subtly slipping inside your mouth in the intent to deepen the kiss

L= LOVE, as crazy as it sounds, the two of you said ‘I love you’ within the first 2 weeks of dating, it just felt so natural, both of you knowing that you wanted to spend the rest of your lives with one another, having no fear in telling each other how in love you are

M= MEMORIES, by far the most memorable moment for the two of you was the Champions League Final, despite having been dating for a year before hand he’d never seen you cry so much- happy tears of course. But for him to be living his dream with you by his side was something he couldn’t thank god enough for. A memory permanently sketch in his mind as he looked up to the rooftops during the parade to blow you a kiss, giggling to himself when he sees you stood in floods of happy tears with his family

N= NICKLE (buying things), you always refuse to let him buy you anything, telling him you don’t need him to splash his cash for you for love him, and he knows that, he loves that you never ask for anything and always pay for your own shit, but he still loves to buy you flowers every week, chocolates when you’re feeling down and little trinkets that remind him of you when he goes away with the team

O= OBSESSIONS, you are obsessed with his world cup trim- of course, no surprise there- and he knew exactly what that haircut did to you, and that’s why he doesn’t get it often, claims it’s “a special treat for my baby” but god when he does get his hair cut he loves the attention you give him, running your fingers through his freshly cut curls and giving him more kisses and attention then he thought was humanly possible

P= PET NAMES, he stuck to the normal ‘baby’ pushing it to ‘babygirl’ when he was feeling extra cuddly (or horny) loving how your eyes lit up at the petname, always earning him an array of kisses. And of course he loved it when the nickname was reversed and you referred to him as ‘baby’ or ‘babyboy’ really only using the nicknames in the privacy of each other’s company

Q= QUEEN, you truly here his queen, obviously his mum was he main ‘queen’ but god did you come close, everything you did he admired, in such of awe of your strong, amazing personality, and of course you’ll be a proper queen when you have a daughter and she becomes his princess

R= RELATIONSHIP, it had always been a ‘meant to be’ relationship, through every up and down, over every hurdle, the two of you hardly argued, hardly had a disagreement or an ‘issue’, and people would tell you all the time that they admired how in love the two of you are, and how happy you make one another

S- SAD, the criticism and hate could get to him a lot sometimes, sad glossy eyes as he endlessly scrolled through twitter, doubting not only his footballing capabilities but all the overwhelming rumours about your relationship, however he’d be so grateful when you shut them down, telling him “you’re the only man i could ever want” or simply reminding him, “you’re twenty T! you’re the most talented twenty year old i know”. And it always led to the best cuddles with his face buried into your neck and hands playing with the rings on your fingers

T= TOUCHY, he’s so touchy, so clingy- and god you loved it. everyone always made subtle comments about it being ‘suffocating’ but the two of you never saw the point in hiding your affection from each other. you love to touch his peachy little bum which always makes him blush but he’ll always return the favour and give yours a good grip

U= UNCONDITIONAL, there’s no doubt that the two of you love each other unconditionally, through every moment of life you’ll thank your lucky stars that god blessed you with your little scouse angel. And god where you grateful to find someone who loved you for you, and every inch of you, always reminding you of the love you deserve and how much he loves you

V= VOICE, you are obsessed with his scouse accent, despite not being able to understand a few things he says over the years you’ve become accustomed to it, you’d always get teased for loving his accent but god it did things to you and he knew that, definitely using it to wrap you round his little finger

W= WEDDING, he’d always day-dream about your wedding, knowing you only wanted a tiny little wedding claiming it was a “waste of money” which he appreciated and agreed with, he knew a ring wasn’t necessary to know both of you love eachother but the thought of calling you his wife and Mrs Alexander-Arnold made him feel like the luckiest man in the world

X= XYLOPHONE (your song), ‘If You Could See Me Now’- The Script (absolute tune btw) it would badly through the speakers so loud at an almost deafening volume, the two of you only knowing the words to the chorus but something about the lyrics resonated and meant more to you then you’d ever thought, wide smiles on both of your faces as you sing along together, hands raised to the sky and you dance along to the beat

Y= YOU, “You’re the north to my south” he’d always tease you for being a ‘northerner’ loving how you sometimes couldn’t understand what he and his family where saying at certain times, “you gotta slow down T, enunciate your words” you’d giggle watching him role his eyes and repeat his sentence slowly

Z- Zzz, starfish was the only way to describe it, you’d always start the night wrapped up in his arms but without fail he’d spread himself out and leave you with about 2 inches of mattress, but it was a full circle, you’d always end up curled up in his arms again by the morning

[outlaws-of-anarchy]

Tainted Love (Chapter 1)

Summary: For a year, the Reader and Tig have been seeing each other on and off. But far before it was the two of them, she had loved another man as well. Kozik. When he returned to Tacoma, the Reader focused solely on Tig. However, when the fearless Tacoma outlaw returns to Charming, a battle breaks out with her heart. Who will she choose? The man who left her, or the man who stuck by her side.

Pairings: Tig Trager x Reader, Herman Kozik x Reader

Warnings: Love triangle, swearing, sexual content, shower foreplay, shower sex

Words: 2700  

--- 

It had been in the early hours of the morning that Y/N had climbed out of Tig Trager’s bed. Home to him, was the dorm provided by the club. Which she had learn to love, it had been her sanctuary for the last year. Even going to the far extent of selling her house and taking refuge with the outlaw who owned her half of her heart. The raven-haired man had been passed out in the bed beside her, snoring peacefully. He reeked of liquor and weed, nothing about that being unusual though.

She had to be at work by 8am, and that required showering to wake herself up. Most nights spent with Tig involved staying up late and engaging in anarchy. However, she had to draw a line when it came to work. She couldn’t party every night, she had responsibilities. Not that he didn’t, hers were just a little more specific. Running a company wasn’t an easy task, and she didn’t fool around when it came to her lively hood.  

She worked for Elliot Oswald, being his right hand when it came to everything involving his company and Charming. Yet, somewhere down the road, she had tangled herself up with the Sons. Specifically, Herman Kozik. She knew all SAMCRO, had heard all the gossip. They were a bad bunch, and people needed to be careful around them. As Elliot said, they were ‘A bunch of no good thugs.’ On a business trip to Tacoma, Washington, was where she met Kozik.

And everything she had learned and been warned about the Sons, went right out at the door. He was a bad boy with the sweetest, softest side. He was rugged and sexy, and she had lost herself in him. He would come to visit the Charming Charter, but also to see her in town. Eventually, she was being brought around his friends, the people he loved and die for.  

It was easy to see the flaws in the town folk’s lies, sure the Sons were rough around the edges, but they were genuine. Only wanted what was best for their town. It was even easier to grow attached to all Kozik’s friends, eventually even being considered family. However, the night Kozik dumped her, was the night Tig Trager soothed all her frustration and pain away.

Both had been drunk, and Tig wasn’t all that fond of Kozik for his own reasons. Yet, he did care for Y/N, and hated to see her all fucked up over blondie. Besides, she was a sweet, young thing and he didn’t mind burying himself in her.

However, neither of them had planned for their little tryst to continue for as long as it had. Real feelings had been developed easily for them, any spare time was spent together, and love was made constantly. Nothing ever had been official between the two, but Y/N never bothered fooling around with anyone else. Tig did, and she cared, but had no place to say otherwise. But, even if he fucked other women, he was always returning to her, his interest in her never faltering.

Every other woman paled in comparison to Y/N, and he knew that.  

Hot water paraded down her scalp and back, pores soaking up the heat. Tense muscles were soothed and restored to their former glory. Suds were lathered around every curve and crevice she could find. Hair slicked back and hanging down her spine, droplets of water spiraling downwards. She was in the process of rinsing off when she heard the curtain being yanked open. With a surprised yelp, she jumped back and covered her breasts and groin with her hands. “Goddammit!”

Tig looked at her with a sleepy smile, a hand of his own running through his unruly locks. “Mornin’ pussycat.”  

Narrowing her eyes at him, she’d eventually drop her shield and continuing rinsing off. “Don’t do that Alex, I hate when you do that. I could have slipped and broke my neck.” She lectured.

He dramatically rolled his eyes before beginning to peel the leather from his torso. “I’ll make it up to you.” Y/N’s gaze shot towards him, one brow arching in a questionable manner. She carefully watched him as he stripped down. The moment his morning erection sprang free, she could feel the heat ignite in her core.

“Sex isn’t the answer to everything, ya know.” She purred, clearly transfixed on his hard cock.

Blue eyes locked onto her before slowly rolling over her naked body. His head tilted somewhat in appreciation as he scoured the entirety of her form. He hungrily let his gaze crawl up the leanness of her legs before roping around the angle of her curves. Then he was humming in approval of that toned, flat stomach, before landing on full, overwhelming breast. They weren’t over exaggerated in size like other women he had been with, but nonetheless, they were definitely a handful.

She had pink, puckered nipples, which begged for his lips to wrap around. Her skin was smooth, almost silken in texture, enticing him with every stroke and kiss. And without her even turning around, he could visualize her ever so lovely backside .Y/N had a plump, perky ass, which he swore he could bounce a Nickle off. He could also picture the curve of her back, and the way the indentations of where her cheeks and thighs met.

“No, but it sure is a good answer.” He replied smugly.  

Y/N’s lips tugged back in a grin before she allowed her back to press against the tiled wall. Tig wasted no time in stalking towards her and shutting the curtain behind him. The shower had suddenly become much smaller, teetering to claustrophobia.

The water now beat down on the outlaw’s body, soaking him efficiently. Yet, as the water pore across rippling muscles and a chiseled chest, his eyes never fled from her body. The way she was pressed up against the wall, eyes expectant and hungry, made him growl with reverence. His own desire seemed to peak as she slowly ran a hand up her thigh, getting dangerously close to his destination. “You just gonna stand there and look pretty, Tiggy?”  

With a snarl, he was closing the small gap between them and searing his kiss onto her lips. Then they were a tangle of wet limbs and hungry mouths. Hands roaming over every possible inch of each other’s bodies. Then he was swiftly grabbing one of her legs and hiking it upwards, forcing her to rest the base of her inner thigh right against his hip bone.  

He then patted at her other leg, growling out a demand. “Spread em.” She managed to hobble with her one leg, spreading it further apart from the other. Tig was big on foreplay, finding pleasure in the incessant teasing and over stimulation. Especially with Y/N, if he teased, then she teased right back. However, on certain days like this, there was only the need to be fulfilled. He just wanted a quick little taste.

She placed both hands on his shoulders, keeping herself steady while one of his hand’s clutched her thigh tightly to him. His flesh was warm, inviting, and all she wanted to do was kiss every piece of him. He managed to situate himself between her spread open legs, his erection pressing firmly against her lower abdomen. Then there was that familiar clench of her walls and the soaring of her senses. He had a way of doing that, completely possessing her by such simple actions. She had been so interested in his cock, watching the precum leak from the small slit, that she hadn’t noticed his available hand sneaking between their bodies. Not until, she felt two fingers at her entrance and then them plunging inwards.  

There was a fullness felt, but not the one she craved desperately. But it would do, for now at least. A hiss of satisfaction escaped her control as she tilted her pelvis upwards to meet those grazing fingers. Tig gazed down at her with a cocky smirk, brushing his nose across her cheek. “Always so ready for me huh babe?”  

Finger pads began prodding at the warm flesh that enveloped them, before he started forcing them into a ‘come hither’ motion. Her head could only roll back, a content sigh intermixed with her words. “Y-Yes, Alex.”  

No doubt about it, he knew the female body entirely too well. He knew all the right spots to make her squirm and come undone in minutes. But he also knew how to drag out the feeling, that euphoric high. He forced his skillful digits further in, spreading her entrance as far open as he could. Then he was retracting them and then slowly pushing them forward, earning a whimper from Y/N.

The clenching of her walls made him grunt, forcefully rubbing his dick against her, needing a bit of friction himself. While he kept toying with that insatiable pussy, he lowered his head and began pressing delicate kisses to her collarbone. Each thrust forward was met with the grinding of her hips, only encouraging him. Eventually his tongue had coiled around a nipple where he began sucking slow, damn near tormenting her.  

Teeth gripped at the pebbled nub, tugging it back and earning a mewl. “Fuck, Alex.” One arm unwound itself from his neck, slithering down his stomach and halting at his pulsating cock. He was then sucking gently once more on the nipple before releasing it and biting along the side of her breasts. Yet, when she grabbed ahold of his cock, he tensed and let out a pent-up grunt.

They grasped and tugged at each other’s bodies, completely high off one another. The more he moved his fingers inside of her, the more she stroked his shaft. This only edging them closer and closer to combustion. After several minutes of pawing at each other, Tig had grown rock solid and miserable. He needed to pour his load into her, to get the aching sensation out of his balls.

He slowly drew his fingers from her core, bringing them to his lips. Then they were engulfed by his mouth and tongue, relishing in the way she tasted. She was sweet, taste buds going haywire with carnal hunger. He set her leg down, eyes dark and luminating with the need that he had. “Bend over.” He ordered with a breathy demand.

The bathroom had filled up with steam, clouding and encircling their bodies. His demand was one that shot a sense of thrill through every nerve ending in her body. She rotated, back to his front as she placed her hands on the wall, bending over and presenting her bare ass to him.  

“You’re gonna give me a heart attack here babe.” He sighed, hands roaming over the fullness of her ass-cheeks.

Hips moved side to side in a teasing fashion which only earned a harsh smack, a whimper of surprise vibrating within her throat. “Such a good girl…” He smirked, aligning the head of his cock at her sopping entrance. It wasn’t as if they had been without each other in days, for fuck’s sake they had screwed just the day before, but when they got each other like this, it was like embarking on a journey to heaven.

Y/N could only anticipate his next move, teeth hooked inwardly on her bottom lip. She was growing impatient, thighs pressing together on and off, adding pressure to the small, swollen bud hiding underneath a hood. But that lack of patience quickly dissolved once he was pushing his cock forward, swiftly burying himself at the hilt.

And in sync, moans fled their lips, taking a moment to revel in the way it felt to be filled and the way it felt to fill. He was big, thick, walls instinctively tightening around his shaft, already attempting to milk him for his worth. She was warm, soft, wet, massaging and contracting around him with desire. A desire that only he could sate, a desire that was only fueled by him.

His rough hands found her hips where he gripped tightly, leaving claiming marks. Then he was moving inside of her, forcing her head back and her spine arching. Each thrust forward, she met by moving backwards, rotating those hips slowly. They kept up at their game for several, drawn out minutes. Bringing each other to edge of releasing, only to be pulled right back from it.

They could tease and tease one another relentlessly, finding satisfaction in the pleading cries and moans that they both offered. Bodies moved in rhythm, skin crackling with electricity while the hot water rained down on bare silhouettes. Sounds of chassis colliding repetitively could be heard amongst breathless moans and curses of approval.  

Bites, scratches, and love marks were given to the other, pleased smiles and ushers of admiration danced in the air. They peaked together, the eruption of their juices flowed and intermingled in a single embrace. In one single movement they had branded each other with their scents and sweet fluids.

Sex with them, was never just sex. It was two souls connecting, grasping for the other. It was love, even if those words hadn’t ever been said.  

☾ ☾ ☾ ☾

8 PM

Exhaustion had infected every fiber of her being, and all she wanted to do was curl up in bed. Which had been her goal since she had left work, which had been extremely busy, and she wasn’t allowed to leave until she had settled everything. Her lower half was draped in a black pencil skirt that cut off above her knees, while a baby blue long sleeve blouse was tucked beneath the waist band. Black heels clicked across the cement as she made her way from her car to the clubhouse entrance.  

A purse was slung across her shoulder as she yawned tiredly. Yet, just as she was rounding the corner, she was faced with a row of extra Harley’s. These hadn’t been the local boy’s, but possibly from another charter. Pursing her lips somewhat, she’d turn to continue walking, but ran smack dab into a hard chest.

“Sonofabitch.” She snarled.

Large hands gripped her arms to steady her before gaining her attention. “Happy? What the hell are you doing here?” She asked with a welcoming grin.

Coal irises scoured her body with a swift swoop, before offering a small grin in her direction. “Club stuff, Tacoma’s been hell without ya girl.”  

She could only playfully nudge him before wrapping an arm around his waist, allowing him to lead her back in. “Well, what can I say. I am the life of the party.” She teased.

But once they entered the clubhouse, the entire universe shifted. Because sitting at the bar, with his steely blue eyes locked on her body, was the man who broken her will and stolen the other half of her heart.

“Koz.” She deadpanned, leaning dizzily into Happy’s side.

Kozik could only take a drink of his beer before rising to his towering stature. His strides were slow, almost anticipating her next movement. Happy eventually left Y/N’s side, leaving the two former lovers to catch up, not wanting to be apart of any of the drama.

“You’re lookin good, Tig seems to keepin’ you satisfied.” He bit out, a glower of hatred in his eyes.

Chapter 2

[iraniq]

Fuzzy

part I 

I slowly woke up with a horrible headache, and a fuzzy mind. I gently moved, my leg was stiff. I wanted to roll to my back, but I felt something... Someone. Their hand was on me and I heard a growl when I moved. 

"Perfect, another idiot who thinks he owns me, because we fucked".

  - I have to pee, move! - I hissed, not waiting for an answer and rushed looking for the bathroom....

The room was huge, like terribly huge. I almost lost it, till I saw a marble floor behind one of the wood decorated walls. I did my job, and went back to bed. Since Mr. Ladie's boy was rich I was gonna let him be and spoil myself. 

"I deserve some quality me time after this hectic week!"

I jumped back in and he hugged me again. Lying his head on my shoulder.

  - I am not a pillow!

  - Why not, you are plump. - his sleepy voice was deep and actually sounded good.

"Did he just?"

  - I am sorry... - I was fed up and started to get up.

  - Shush... I didn't meant it that way... Stay... - he growl the last one.

I layed back and he hugged me again. Fixing half his body on me.

  - Are you hungry? - he mumbled half asleep.

  - Always! 

He shifted and I felt his hand moving the hair off my face. I felt his lips so close to my cheek... Then his phone rang. 

He put his hand on the bed, so he could get up more and reached for his phone. He had this odd red shaped tattoo on his hand. He sat on me grabbing his phone. I lied on my back, trying to wake up. To get rid of the dizziness. He sat comfortably on me, fixing his posituon while using my gello belly as a holder. In just a seconds I heard him yelling on the phone on some other language. His voice sounded familiar, till I finally looked up to him...

... It was the green haired pale and heavy tattooed Clown Prince of Crime. He proceed to talk, I didn't understand, but by the way he talked it looked like he was explaining something. His voice was low and stern. 

Don't know why but he sounded so hot. Half naked, sitting on top of me... I had sex with him least night, it finally hit me... 

He looked at me, while nodding his head, winked at me. I awkwardly smiled. He then hang up and lied on top of me. 

  - Want breakfast, fluffy?

I blinked several times staring at the celing, trying not to cry. I was both impassioned and intimidated.

"What have I involved myself into?"

*

I got out of my trans by his voice, he was asking if I was hungry.

  - You hungry, little bear?

  - Am... Maybe, why not... - I had no idea what to say. If I say 'no' he might get offended, if I say 'yes' he might have fun of me, for having too much breakfasts in my life. - Yes, maybe something light.

  - Like you?

  - Ha... - my heart skipped several beats.

  - You were my light breakfast this morning... - he growled - I am starving! - he got up of me, slapping my thigh and walked to the door. - Jump jump, cupcake, food won't drag itself! 

I covered myself with the first piece of clothing I saw and run after him. 'Being sort sucks' - I thought after running and triping in the long sheet.

He entered a huge kitchen and I slowly followed. He opened the fridge and got some stuff out. 

  - Toasts with avocado?

  - Can I have them with butter... Please?

  - Help yourself ... - he pointed at the open fridge. 

This thing was stashed for the end of the world. I picked the butter and some jam. As the toasts were ready he put 2 for me too, and prepared his. Poured himself some juice. I prepared my breakfast too and got a cup of juice as well. He led me to a huge couch on the balcony. It was around noon. There were huge curly clouds moving around the sky. My stomach was growling. This wasn't enough, I didn't had dinner, only light lunch... Then I went to the club with... 

  - Shit... My friend! Do you... - I turned towards him, he was just biting his toast, his hair was in the mashed avocado as well. - Did you... by any chance saw my friend... Last night, at the bar? 

  - Hmmh. - he mumbler while chewing and shaked his head for a 'no'. 

  - Damn... She must be worried.

  - Feel free to do what you want, after breakfast! - he said the last one with a low voice. Obviously he wasn't pleased I interrupted the feeding with myself. 

  - Excuses me! - I mumbled and finished my juice. My stomach growled again.

  - You can have more, if you want. - he said looking at the clouds, then scribed the avocado off his hair.

  - No thanks, my stomach is just... Slow with processing the food, it still thinks I am hungry... - I nervously joked. 

  - Aha... - he said still not looking at me. 

  - You have a nice place... - I tried to start a conversation.

  - I hate pointless conversations! - he cut me off. - If you want to say something, say it, otherwise pack your shit and leave! - he almost yelled, looking furiously at me. 

  - I would like to look at the clouds a little longer ... If it's possible. - I tried to calm my voice from shaking while I said this.

  - Of couse you can, they are horgeous this morning. - he got up and took the plates inside. 

I was left outside, I have no idea how long I stayed, I even cried a little bit. I was so scared and confused... 

'OMG... How did I end up here... Did he drugged me... Did he... Raped me... Will I be able to go home, will he kill me... Worse, will he claim me... '

I heard a noise from the inside, a man approached me. I was fast to wipe my tears.

  - Miss, Mr. J would like to see you now, please come with me.

  - Of course. - I left the blanket I had used to cover myself and followed the man. 

He brought me back to the big bedroom and left me inside, closing the door after me. 

  - Finally, you are here! - he was fully clothed, approaching me with open arms... - What is it fluff... What? Are you crying... Ha? - there was a madness in his eyes. - Lie to me and I will kill you! - he said putting his hand on my throat, squeezing me lightly, to show he wasn't joking.

  - I...  - he loosened his grip - I was kinda scared. - I said as fast as I could.

  - Why? - he waved both his hands. - I had breakfast with you... Were I rude?

I nod my head 'no'.

  - Use your words! - he roared at me.

  - No... You weren't rude.

  - Did I offend you?

  - No you didn't... You were actually quite nice with me.

  - So? - he frowned his non existing eyebrows.

  - Well... I guess I was mislead by the popular opinion.

  - Well... They are right! - he laughed hysterically. - Have your shit and leave! - he turned his back on me.

I quickly got dressed and grabbed my stuff. 

  - No! - he got my feather necklace, I will keep this, I like it. 

I handed it to him. He nod a gratitude and I smiled. 

  - Should I be worried?

  - Should you? - he mocked me, tilting his head. The lack of amusement in my looks turned him to being serious again. - I guess not. 

It was odd, but there was something in him, something like my favorite character, something nice in the monster.

  - I am free for breakfasts... - I said before having the chance to think it through.

'Oh my God!'

He looked back at me, and smiled lightly. Like a trapper who just spot his pray.

  - I will have you in mind!

The same man who brought me into the bedroom escorted me to a black SUV and drove me back into the city, to a deserted part. 3 blocks away I got the public transport and arrived home. It was bizarre experience, that I will probably won't forget, but that fact that I said I am free for breakfasts, was definitely gonna haunt me... This way he will definitely come for me... 

'We all know how Harley end up... This was beyond ridiculous... Why I said this... Why I am so stupid... Why I need to save them all... He is a monster... Silly me!' 

I hit my head with my palm. And sat down on the small bed. I cried for a while longer and then took a shower. After this all I decided to call my friend. The bitch didn't even realized I was gone, she thought I got bored and went home! What a nice fiends I have indeed.

Two weeks later I went to the bank to beg for another loan. While waiting I thought of him. Oddly but I haven't had such a chill breakfast with anyone, all the men in my life were mostly unsatisfied with my looks, it was just one night stand and that's all. He didn't even remarked it. And the guy is build like a freaking God!

My loan was denied, and silly me, in a moment of need, decided to go to him... Breakfast buddy. I dressed to impress, with maroon dress, my leaf earrings that match the nickles I left with him. I was allowed in his club, which was actually a miracle, and I went mingling. Some men approached me, but when I politely said I wasn't interested they left.

' Is this the fucking Haven or something? Why aren't we aware of this? ' 

I stopped at the bar. 

  - Hey... Why are every one so polite? - I asked the bartender.

  - Mr. J doesn't like when men are disrespectful towards women.

  - Oh... Can I have a glass of red wine, Merlot please. 

The pretty blond gave me the glass, I paied a small fortune and proceed walking around. I finally saw him lying upside down on a golden couch. With lots of fluffy scarfs, these that strippers have. His shirt almost fully unbuttoned and his mind was visibly somewhere else. 

I walked around, didn't wanted to push it. I was already nervious enough. I made a small walk around the club. I approached his, obviously vip area, and since no one stopped me I went to him.

  - Hey... - nothing - Hello! - Nada, again. I sat down and turned my head a little upside down. - Hello in there. - he finally blinked.

  - Oh... Hi! - his reply was so casual, like we were friends for years and we were just talking before he went where he was.

  - Was it cool? - he frowned his 'cureently on permanent vacation' eyebrows. - Where you were. Was it cool? - I got up and stand in front of him.

He ruffled his hair and sat down. 

  - Are you hungry again? - he looked at me, he was reading me like a book. 

  - Maybe... - I smiled. 

  - Give me 5 min. - he got up and headed to another private boot with closed curtains. 

3 gunshots echoed, no one bothered, not even the music stopped. He came out. Handing the gun to the same man from previously, and getting a towel of him. He wiped his hands, and got a jacket. 

  - Shall we! - he pointed me the direction we were supposed to walk. 

  - Was this blood on your hands?

  - Do you really want to know? - he hissed in my ear.

  - I have... I get sick of the sight of blood.

  - Then don't... - he was obviously pisses but calmed himself breathing in and out several times. - Yes it was. Any more questions?

  - I don't wanna see this! - I walked faster ahead of him.

  - This wasn't a question! - he yelled after me laughing.

  - I regret my first question! 

  - Why are you dressed like a prostitute?

  - I am not... - I protested.

  - Really? - he raised his non existing eyebrow again.

  - OK, I might be just a little bit.. - he laughed - How you do this... Like moving only one eyebrow?

  - If you are a good girl, Daddy will show you!

  - Awwww... - I squealed, we both laughed. 

We exit the club by a secret exit or something like it. We sat in a black SUV and the driver started the car.

  - So ... - he leaned closer - You didn't answered my question.

  - Which one? - I blushed. I expected inappropriate question or sex related suggestion.

  - Why are you dressed like this? You are not a girl like this...

  - I needed to get in, and why do you think I am not... A girl like this?

  - You blush! Sluts, hookers and other nasty women don't blush.

  - OK, I agree here. - I laughed.

We spend the ride in silence. He drove me to the same place out of town. He exit the car and held his hand for me to exit as well. 

  - I have some things to do... You remember where the kitchen is. Eat as you please and as much as you want. - he waved at me.

  - What will you do... - while I was asking I saw the man nod a 'no' but I couldn't shut up in time. 

The Joker turned back at me. In 2 steps he was in front of me, pushed me against the car and rawred.

  - Don't ask questions that doesn't want to know the answer of... Otherwise I will show it to you... Bizarre and vivid... And bloody!

  - OK... OK! I am sorry. 

  - Get lost! - he yelled and pushes me towards the man. - Frost... - he pinched the bridge of his nose - Make sure she will eat and then led her to her bedroom. And please, explain to her, if I see her out of the room, I will rape her and break her arms, then her legs... And then, I will allow her to die. Got it! - he explained this so casually. My mind didn't had the opportunity to process all of this.

  - Yes, boss!

The man led me to the kitchen. Waited till I eat my sandwich. Although my hands were shaking. The thought of rape freaked me out. I wasn't that scared of broken bones. This was a fear my mother planted in me as a child. Almost nothing in the world freaked me this much. The man then led me to a room, it wasn't the one I was in the precious time. He unlocked the door and after pushed me in handed me the key.

  - Don't worry, little girl, you will be safe as long as you stay in. Regardless of what you hear outside stay in. If he needs you he will ask for your presence. - he then proceed closing the door. - No need to lock the door. No one else will come to you... Our punishment for any thoughts of this sort will be way worse.

  - Is this... Even possible?

  - Everything is possible with the Joker. - he closed the door. 

I was alone in the dark cold room.

I couldn't fall asleep, tossing and turning, and suddenly it was morning already. I got up, get a shower and get dressed. In the wardrobe there were several clothes, mostly casual. I tried to check my phone, but the sugnal was blocked. Couldn't even open my damn farm game.

4 hours later someone knocked on the door and informed me I am being expected for breakfast. It was the same man as I opened the door. He led me to the kitchen and left me there. A very displeased Joker was sitting on the huge couch. The fridge door was open, there was food scattered everywhere. Some bullet wholes in the wall and the balcony glass door was broken. 

  - Come... - he said in a low tone. 

I obeyed and sat next to him. He slid a plate my direction. It was guacamole and some kids snack. I got a fish shaped one and dropped it in the sauce. It looked fun, so I laughed.

  - I think I drowned the fish! - I started laughing. No idea what was I supposed to do in general. But at the time this sounded as a good idea. He started laughing too and throw an elephant in.

  - Chill he will save it. - we both laughed. 

For the next several minutes we laughed without a particular reason, my eyes even got teary. 

I got the elephant and ate it, then the fish.

  - It is nice. I haven't tried it before and kinda expected it to taste gross.

  -  Well... Surprise! - he said, rubbing his hands in his pants.

One strand of hair was falling on his face. And I reached to fix it. He was quick to grab my hand.

  - Don't... You need a permission to do so. - he smiled wildly and let my hand go.

  - OK... Do you want to try... To drown a fish or something. 

He got a cat or a tiger and threw it in. 

  - If it's a tiger it will swim... well I believe this is more like a swamp. - he poked the cat in - That's it, we lost it...

  - Time of death?

  - Time of death... - he pretended to look at his non existing watch - Time of death, who cares! - he laughed again, this creepy laugh of his. He threw some more cats inside then he threw one in the air and catched it. - Wanna try? 

  - Oh no... I will probably choke on it and die, I am very clumsy.

  - Are you shy?

  - No... I just know my weak spots.

  - Come on I will give you an easy one. 

He threw one at me, I tried but it hit my nose and fell somewhere under the furniture. He smiled and threw another one, this time he hit my eye, I whined and the fish swam under the couch pillow. He threw another one I caught it but when I tilted my head down it fell off my mouth.

  - Mmmhmm - he growled twitching his face. - You are a hopeless case. He got up and threw the package in the table.

  - Told you.

  - Here! - he got a fish out and squeezed my cheeks, shoving it in. - Now close your damn mouth and chew! - he ordered and I obayed.

  - Yay! - I raised my hands in the air. 

  - Yeah, finally... - he said obviously annoyed. - What are you doing?

  - Looking for the fallen ones. - I said while moving the pillows.

  - Leave them, there is a person who cleans here!

  - Well I... 

  - You what? - he yelled.

  - I prefer to clean after the mess I made myself. - I said already regretting the words that came out my mouth.

He looked at me and nod his head.

  - You have 10min. 

For the short time I got, I managed to find all of the escapies. Even ate the stuck in guacamole ones. I got it in the fridge and finally closed the door. Although half of the stuff were melted, maybe some were went bad already, since I had no idea how long the door stayed open. We spend like solid hour and something "breakfasting". As I was done I followed him in his room, he took a shower and we went to bed. He positioned me on my stomach and lyed his head on my shoulder. Till I decide to weather joke about being a pillow or not he was already sleeping.

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dunno who’s active, because i wasn’t much, if you want o be tagged or untagged, let me know 

[maletfs]

Here's an idea, a transformation into a suit of steel plate armor, perhaps with a sword and shield as well.

“Get thee off thy steed, thou woolsack” yelled Master Poins from the stands, his cheeks red and puffed up with bellicosity, “thou coward, thou geese-plucker! Find us in the armoury within this quarter hour or I’ll misuse thy pitiless limbs with the kindness of a rack.”

The entire audience was roaring with laughter. Sir Walter had just joined the exclusive club of most memorably pathetic fights at the fair, and he had done so as a VIP. First, his horse would not obey him, trotting around like this was an equestrian beauty pageant. Then, his gauntlet had gotten stuck on the reins, and when he tried to pull it away, his horse had gone into a frenzy. And just to top it off, he’d dropped his sword five minutes into the melee.

He rode to the armoury tent and dismounted, making sure to be as bothersome to his temperamental horse as possible. He stepped in, expecting to be welcomed with berating words, but no one was in the tent so he proceeded to remove all his heavy armour. The leather strappings keeping his undergarments together were soaked with sweat and mud, and came undone as soon as he removed his plated shell, leaving him stark naked.

In walked Master Poins, always comically untimely. “Sir Walter!”

“Master Poins” whinnied Walter, his hands instinctively shielding his manhood. “Do not be unkind, good Master Poins. ‘Twas these bloody strappings, Master Poins, these penny-nickle strappings, coming undone and undoing me with them. And this half-sword, triple-bent, not worth a swing. And that hell-spawn, good-for-nothing horse - “

“Enough of thy buggery, thou villainous rogue” bellowed Poins, his hand rising, ready for a slap. “Twelve coins a month I spent on thee, in addition to lodging and two meals a day. And for what? A good brawl? Fellows come for a show, and thou hast showed thyself to be bad investment.”

“But Master Poins - “

“Save thy buts, thou buttered boy-knight; and muster no masters, for none can save thee now but Poins; and sith I say thou are a bad investment, Poins says thou are to be corrected.” With a flourish, he withdrew a little sack from his robes, from which he pinched a fingerful of grey dust. “Fare thee well, Sir Walter; howbeit, thou shalt still be useful to me.” And he blew the dust at Walter.

The first thing Sir Walter noticed was how horny he felt. Which, considering he had just gotten a mighty bollocking from a angry human-shaped radish, was pretty unexpected. He felt the tip of his member nudging at the palm of his hand, asking for a little attention. When he looked down at it though, he was greeted with a nice surprise: his modest member was standing at least three inches taller than it did that same morning, and it was still growing! Not only that but his ballsack was hanging lower and fatter than before, the increasing pull of gravity pinching the connective tissue.

Sir Walter didn’t hesitate before riding his member with his hand. But something was definitely off. For starters, his cock was far beyond the foot and a half mark, which was making masturbation a lot harder than it should be. His balls were also excessively overgrown, looking more like a barrel top than a pair of testicles. Weirdest of all though was the enhanced sensations he was getting from touching them. His skin was incredibly sensitive, reacting with kindness to anything he did to his cock or balls.

As the sensations built up, Walter closed his eyes, ready for what felt like the greatest climax of his short existence. He kept pumping his still growing member and tickling his flat sack, faster and faster, summoning the blissful force out and out, closer and closer, until...

With a clonk, his cock and balls fell off.

Robbed of his climax, Walter opened his eyes. He slowly looked down, fearing what he would see, what he would find between his legs. As a matter of fact, it was what he didn’t find between his legs that broke him: his cock and balls were gone, and on the ground rested a sword and a shield.

“I shall take those” said Poins as he stepped forward and took the weapons. Walter almost fell to the floor from the sensation: Poins’ strong grasp on his member’s hilt and his fondling of his sack’s new strappings were like anything he’d felt before. “‘Tis a feat to polish such a sharp-edged member as thine, Sir Walter” he added, devilishly.

He was right. How could he have jerked that blade without cutting his hand open? Walter glanced down at his palms and found them greyed out and shiny, little scales growing from the surface like sunflowers in the summer. He tried to step backwards in terror but his legs didn’t budge, only creaked with the sound of metallic joints.

He started feeling an emptiness inside of him, a hollowness that pushed out from within his core into the limit of his being. Every ounce of beer-fuelled flab was being pressed onto his skin from the inside, making it thicker and heavier. He looked at Master Poins one last time, begging with his eyes, before they turned into a visor, his jaw flattening into the bevor.

“A full set, Sir Walter, is required” he said, as he gave the sword a long polish with his hand. Walter felt his entire frame vibrate with the pleasure of having his “member” touched in such a way, but that only helped accelerate the last moments of his change. With a noisy clamour, his body shattered into the pieces of a full suit of plated armour.

His sense of self got all muddled up. His hands were on his feet, his head lying on his thighs, and his genitalia in the hands of a creepy entrepreneur... Nothing made sense to Walter anymore. He felt Poins taking each of his parts and placing them on shelves and benches, along with other equipment. He wondered if those of suits of armour were also once men like him, too foolish to pretend to be knights.

However, that wasn’t the end of Sir Walter’s story. Despite his poor performance on the horse, Walter had always been liked by his fellows as a kind and affable man, and his disappearance didn’t go unnoticed. Eventually Master Poins’ schemes were discovered as he accidentally turned himself into a suit of horse armour himself.

Through the centuries, each part of Sir Walter’s armour was gathered together, along with the story of his creation. The entire set ended up at a nearby medieval museum, where Sir Walter still waits for someone to free him...

[prorevenge]

Bully Landlord gets it in the end.

My first husband was a not very nice man. For 6 years I was belittled and basically a baby-factory for him. He was a fantastic father, but a horrible husband. After he finally got his 'heirs' I was then treated even worse until I finally 'woke up' and decided to leave his ass.

This revenge story is NOT about him. I just had to set the scene.

I moved out from the house, taking just my clothes, the car (4K value, no more) and the computer. I had nothing, stayed at a GF for a couple weeks before I was able to line up a crappy town-house with roommates. I had nothing, and my bed was a cat-pee-smelling free couch I was able to score. I wound up having 3-4 jobs with one of them being full-time and once a week I would not even be able to sleep between jobs.

Now, fast forward one year. My divorce was finalized and I had fulfilled my year's lease for the townhouse. By this time I was able to furnish the home and my bedroom and my kids' room when they would be with me for visitation.

The Scum-Bag Landlord (will just call him SBL) was a nice-ish landlord during the time of my tenancy and I was a good tenant, never being late with my rent. Although I had roommates, I was the sole name on the lease.

SBL would show up often, with some guise that he had to work on something like plumbing tests or whatever excuse he could come up with just so he could be all creepy and hang around trying to converse with me with mild sexual undertones that made me quite uneasy at times.

FINALLY the lease was fulfilled and I was now onto a month-to-month contract to which at that time I was ready to move out of this crappy townhouse, and found a great house in the mountains nearby and I was simply thrilled now that I got my feet on the ground and can afford a bit better than slum-living.

My Lease stated that I had to give one month's notice in order to move out. Unfortunately I was able to get the house I was to move into for the next month... only 3 weeks away.

I sent an email to SBL stating that I intend on moving out at the end of this month (in 3 weeks) and he can try to find another tenant. but I did state that IF he didn't find a tenant, I would still fulfill my legal obligation and pay next month's rent.

Within one week (2 weeks before I was move out) he emailed back and stated that was very generous of my offer but he was able to find a new tenant for the beginning of next month and I would be off the hook. He even tipped his hand by stating that he already collected a deposit from them.

Now, something happened within a couple days after that which was no fault of my own, nor my roommate's. The townhouse came with it's own appliances (fridge, oven etc) including a clothes washer and dryer on the main level. My roommate had put a load of laundry in and went to the living room to have a nap. He awoke to find that the washer had malfunctioned with the sensory switch which never stopped the water fill stage... and there was an inch of water in the kitchen and living room!!! He splashed through the water to turn off the washer and called me to come and help deal with this.

I was just getting off of work and I whipped home to assess the damage.

it. was. bad. There was standing water on top of the living room carpet and a good inch of water in the whole kitchen. I called SBL and told him the issue. By the time SBL showed up, I had already got most of the standing water out with the help of my roommate and friends that showed up with shop-vacs.

SBL didn't seem too upset, which was surprising for me and had an appliance repair man had come to look at the washer. The repairman even said "yep, here's the culprit" and showed how the dial would stick on the fill stage and wouldn't click over to the agitate stage. after replacing the dial and lubricating the whole deal, he left.

The next week was chaos as I was busy trying to pack and SBL had insurance guys in assessing and workers taking out the carpet and cutting 2 feet worth of the lower drywall of the whole main level.

The day of the move, though I was still supposed to be there for a couple more days, SBL had let himself in as movers were moving out my stuff with a camera going around taking pictures of everything. I honestly thought that it was for his insurance claims etc. I actually felt bad for SBL (I'm too nice) and told him that I would not ask for any of my deposit back, and he responded in front of the loading crew and my roommate "Thank you, that's very generous of you". We parted ways and I thought that was that.

I was wrong.

Two weeks into my new home location did SBL showed up on my doorstep with a summons to appear in arbitration because he was SUEING ME! WHAT???? on what grounds??? He stated it's all in this paperwork and handed me a manila envelope with 18 pages of everything he was charging me with. All including photos (now I know why he was going around taking pics). Nickle and diming me on everything from a bent Venetian blind (that was like that when I had moved in) and some scuffs on walls, etc etc. but then he ALSO wanted me to pay his insurance deductible and that following month's rent!!! He claimed that the tenants that he had lined up backed out at the last minute (claiming that they didn't think the place wouldn't be ready in time with the new drywall and paint and so on), so he still wanted me to pay that month's rent.

REALLY??

Fuck. This. Shit. I knew I was more than generous of giving him my whole deposit and then for him to come back and sue me for thousands?? He was not only claiming the damages caused by the flood, but improvements he needed to do that should never be or have been my responsibility in the first place. EVEN CRACKS in the living room wall that was from the building settling.... HOW SHOULD I BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THAT??? Even new lighting, faucets etc... All mainly on the accusation that I was negligent. I wasn't going to have that. I know is was a slummy townhouse complex and most of his tenants were just welfare cases, and maybe he could get away with this with others, but not me. No Way! I had just got out of a marriage that made me feel insignificant and had horrible self-esteem, but now I had my dignity and felt strong for the first time in a long time. No way was I going to let any more SHIT happen to me without my doing something about it.

I had 10 days before the date of my arbitration meeting.

I immediately got to work, first getting a signed deposition from the very repairman that had showed that day stating that the appliance was quite in need of maintenance work and the last time he had done ANY maintenance for him was almost 5 years before. From thoroughly reviewing my rental contract, and local laws, SBL is obligated to have all appliances maintained/services EVERY YEAR.

I had also talked to some of the other tenants and had heard that this wasn't the first time SBL had sued tenants after the fact. I hunted them down and got sworn statements from them also. Unfortunately for them, they didn't know what to do and mostly didn't show up at arbitration hence SBL winning by default. NO WAY I WAS NOT GOING TO LET HIM DO THIS TO ME.

I then drew up a rebuttal to each and every claim he had, including photos from the year+ that I had lived there,, printed out all my email correspondence and even convinced my ex roommate and one of the movers that heard my interaction with SBL about him stating how "generous" it was of me letting him keep my whole deposit (which was a significant amount) to come.

DAY OF ARBITRATION... I dressed up in my power-suit and with my ex-roommate and worker in tow, showed up at the meeting. Now, in Canada, arbitration is not held in a court room per se, but it still held AT the courthouse in a conference room with a judge. We had one hour with this judge. Since SBL was the plaintiff, he got to go first with his case. He spent over 40 minutes going over everything and I sat quietly until he finished.

Once he finished, I then hauled out the rebuttal in multiple copies, handed to the judge, to SBL and anyone else that wished to have one and I quickly went over each point. SBL was irate, and interrupted almost every second sentence I spoke. I would pause the moment he would start talking and say sweetly "I was quiet and polite during your time to present your case, I hope you grant me the same respect". SBL started to get red in the face, ESPECIALLY when I got to the deposition of the Maintenance worker for the appliance. I included with that the tenancy/landlord act sections pertaining to appliance maintenance and stated that this was the only record of maintenance that had occurred, and unless he can come up with more recent records from perhaps another company, it was over 5 years since anything had been looked at.

With my defense, I had also then countered that I would like my deposit back, and my day's pay from work since I had to take that day off to go to this meeting.

The judge then made his statement, and I will always remember this for the rest of my life. He stated that first, he was very impressed of my presentation and that I obviously have a good handle on things and can tell that my nature is of kindness and respect especially with photos of how I had the town house furnished and clean and pride in whatever home I would live in.

Bottom line.... Not only did I win my case, I wound up having SBL owing my over 80% of my deposit back, including interest. SBL's face was PRICELESS. The judge then proceeded to tell SBL that they will be reviewing again all his previous filings, and if there was enough evidence of harassment, he would be reported to the board of landlords and tenants. I don't really know if anything came out of that.

Now.... I walked away that day feeling on top of the world. Completely justified and he got a taste of his own medicine.

BUT... it didn't stop there. OH NO. Knowing that this guy has a history of suing tenants... I printed up my final results (and judge's signature) and gave a copy to each and every tenant in that complex. I wanted to warn everyone his practices and to keep notes, photos etc so that he couldn't do that to them.

But I didn't stop there... He still now owed ME money (he he) and I asked repeatedly for the payment. he never responded. He had until a certain day to pay me back my deposit, and on that day I had gone to his house (I looked up his residence under public records as he is a landlord and had to file under a certain address) and knocked on the door. He didn't answer, though I knew he was home. I rang the bell a few more times, and knocked loudly. he then turned his house alarm on, which at first startled me, but quickly turned to humor seeing how much of a pussy this bully turned out to be.

I then yelled out loud enough that I am not going anywhere. He yelled out, "get off my property or I will call the police!!!"

OK... no problem. I got off the property, but camped out on the front sidewalk. I had a fold-up chair, a cooler with water and sodas, a few sandwiches and all my paperwork with me. I was set to stay there forever. I then would tell anyone that would walk by (already there were some people there from the house alarm fiasco) about how I was a tenant and wrongfully sued me and that I have a claim against him and he now owes ME money. I let anyone look at the paperwork just to back up my claim.

The police DID SHOW UP! they first went to talk to SBL and he was claiming that I was harassing him, slandering him and wouldn't leave his property. I was on public property (sidewalk) and it isn't slander if it's true, of which I had all my court-signed paperwork to back me up. I wasn't disturbing the peace, I was simply and quietly seated outside his home and just talking to neighbors about his actions.

He was out YELLING that I need to leave, and I quietly stated that I would be happy to leave once I am paid that he was legally obligated to do by that date. I was not going to leave before I got money in my hand, and I was more than willing to stay there and tell anyone that would listen to me why I was camped out. The police stated I wasn't doing anything wrong, that it's public property, I wasn't disturbing the peace and it isn't slander if it's true.

Finally after an hour of SBL yelling on his front lawn at the policemen (and at me, of course) did his wife come out with money. She handed the money to the police, of which in turn handed the money to me, and signed off documenting final payment was complete. I sweetly smiled, thanked the police deeply, and went home.

I have no idea what ever happened to SBL, and if he is still pulling shit like this on others, but I hope that I helped put the fear of god in him that he just can't screw with people because eventually it will come and bite him in the ass.

Sometimes, nice guys (or girls) finish last, but with patience ... they finish with a WIN!

(source) story by (/u/Elena_La_Loca)

[rockethorse]

I know EA is nickle-and-diming the Sims community over EVERYTHING these days but one thing that stuck out to me recently as particularly egregious is the concept of the Seasons EP.

When Seasons was released as an EP for Sims 2, it really was revolutionary. The developers had tried to include basic weather functions (e.g. rain, lightning) as part of the game in the base pack, but couldn’t hammer out all the tweaks in time; so they expanded on it with more content, more weather types, temperature effects, Plantsims, NPCs (as annoying as the garden club can be), fishing, and of course, gardening/juicing/fish recipes, then released all of that as a separate expansion pack. It was IMO worth the money and remains one of the “must-have” EPs for TS2.

However.

I think, at this point in the Sims-game development lineup, EA is simply taking advantage of players’ expectations that weather and temperature effects etc. will always be an expansion and will always cost as much as an EP, because I believe weather effects should just be a core aspect of all Sims games moving forward and, if not included in base game, should be patched in later for free, like ocean swimming (TS3) or toddlers (TS4). I do not think simply “add weather to your game!” should be considered enough of a draw to warrant shelling out for an entire EP.

Gardening and fishing were both things that were introduced into TS2 in the Seasons expansion pack that have become part of the expected Sims base-game package. Both systems have been greatly built upon and improved from TS2 (and TS1 in the case of gardening) - there is no “get to dirt!” or “get to rod!” expansion pack that expects you to pay money for the privilege of harvestables or fishing. But I find it particularly frustrating that a life simulation game, which, even if they have been over-focusing on the “wacky” aspects of the game lately, is still at core about being able to replicate the real world, would put something as integral to that experience as WEATHER behind a paywall.

I'm not saying that just because something was introduced in a previous expansion pack means that it should be included in the next generation’s base game or else the devs are being lazy; that’s absurd. Every core game has to be programmed from the ground-up, even if you’re able to recycle some old assets, so it’s not like they can use TS2 weather in TS3 at all. Like, we’ve had pets since TS1, but I don’t expect pets to ever be included in a Sims basegame, because creating the pet system would be just as hard as creating the Sim system. What I’m saying is I don’t think weather effects are one of those aspects that’s too difficult to implement in base game, especially compared to when TS2 Seasons was released. It was already kind of strange that TS3 didn’t introduce weather in basegame given they’d tried so hard to ship weather with TS2. But I imagine the seamless world system made it a lot harder. When the much more streamlined TS4 was announced without any weather, it started to feel more deliberate. EA is taking advantage of the fact that it really WAS revolutionary to introduce it in TS2 and warranted it being its own expansion pack to continue to gatekeep weather effects into its own EP in future gens, even when that becomes easier and easier to implement into basegame. Basically, they’re taking advantage of people’s nostalgia for the TS2 Seasons EP and the good reputation it has/had to allow its fanbase to keep believing that Seasons EPs are SO difficult to produce that they HAVE to be an EP and are therefore worth that sweet sweet EP cash.

The other reason it works is that weather feels good to play with. It really does add another layer of interest, fun, and whimsical realism/immersion to the game. So a lot of Sims players are happy to shell out the money for a Seasons EP and get excited when one is announced because it FEELS like you’re getting a lot, because weather/seasons change the whole feel of the game. It can feel like you’re playing something totally new! But that’s a great deal for EA, because you FEEL like you’re getting a lot when you’re really not getting very much at all in terms of work/budget from them. It’s a little thing that makes a huge difference in the way a game feels, and EA successfully tricks its audience into thinking that impact on gameplay directly correlates with effort/time and therefore worth. Like, swimming, cooking, etc. are also difficult systems to implement but they are also integral to the Sims experience, and IMO, weather is the same way. (Because it’s a life simulator, but weather is DLC??)

That’s not to say that implementing weather in any Sims game is easy. Any new addition to the game takes a lot of collaborative work. I know that weather effects also require a lot of hard work to get finished by the time a base game ships, and I’m honestly not sure the way EA manages Sims game releases could support that any more - Seasons being an EP is probably just as much an excuse to rush the release of a half-finished base game as it is a way to sap more money from its players. But I also feel that the work would, in the long term, be much shorter if new Sims base games were constructed from the ground-up taking weather into consideration. Weather shouldn’t be excluded until you have to retrofit it into the existsing game core system, it should be incorporated into gameplay from the start. But again, that might delay production, so EA would never let that happen lmao. Spend more time/money on making a better game that will have greater playability/longevity and bring in more money over the long term? Why would they ever do that when they can just rush a half-finished game and make those big bucks in the short term? Lmao.

Also, “but I hate weather and I don’t want it in my game -” ideally TS5 or whatever would give you options to play without some or any weather effects. Then you can choose to play as if you didn’t have seasons at all without everyone else having to shell out EP-price for something as fundamental to the Sims game experience as gardening or fishing (or toddlers).

I don’t know what the point of writing this post was. I’m not trying to be negative about the newer Sims games or anything, and of course not the people who enjoy playing them. And I’m sure that the Seasons EPs ARE good and feel fun to play. I’m just questioning the motives behind why these mechanics are STILL, even two game gens after they were initially introduced, considered “EP-only” content and have not been incorporated into our expectations of base-game content, and the only answer I can come up with is “saving and/or gouging money”. I just feel like they know a significant portion of their playerbase aren’t familiar with other game titles and how DLC/paid content is released for them, so they don’t know that they should expect/demand better and basically just buy whatever EA sells them. Ka-ching for EA.

I guess I’m just old man angry at cloud because I miss the Maxis days, where EPs were “here’s everything we were psyched to try and get you before but didn’t have the time/budget/literal CD-ROM space to give it to you, so we really crammed it with as much content as we could manage to finish in time so that you really get the most for your money”, and not “here’s the bare minimum amount of content that we felt we could charge you full EP price for without inciting a riot”. But what else is new?

Basically EA is just cashing in on the idea that people will pay for an expansion pack now because it has been an expansion pack in the past, whether or not the content in that expansion pack still requires the same amount of effort/work/budget that originally required it to be an EP in the first place.

[a-man-for-hire-and-his-archives]

HEATHER GRAHAM SENDS UP HOLLYWOOD’S TOXIC MASCULINITY IN HER DIRECTORIAL DEBUT

written by: Jacob Oller

Heather Graham has been a mainstay in both indies and comedies since License to Drive and Drugstore Cowboy in the late ‘80s. Her performances, especially her lauded turn as Rollergirl in Boogie Nights [1997], were often sex-positive and presented with an agency and enthusiasm rare from others cast in similar roles.

Her intense fascination with sexuality is as deeply felt in her performances as the roles themselves—as sex workers or other objects of the male gaze—position her for a thoughtlessness stereotypical in the film industry. Reclaiming these roles and using her position as a decades-long sex symbol, Graham has written and directed her first movie, Half Magic.

Half Magic, a romantic comedy about sexism in the film industry (and the world at large), focuses on women sick of being mistreated by men, leaving Graham’s character Honey to negotiate her position in Hollywood and her relationships to men and sex. Honey, along with friends played by Stephanie Beatriz and Angela Kinsey, tackle their love lives, their friendships, and sexually harassing bosses with a bit of witchery a la The Craft [1996]—only their magic is mostly hope and good intentions.

This is all perfectly positioned in the wake of the #MeToo movement disrupting the predatory status quo of the entertainment world. When I sat down with Graham to discuss her directorial debut, she was eager to talk about the shifting ideals of the film world.

JACOB OLLER: I know you’ve been shopping this script around since 2014, so this has been on your mind a while—how was the experience getting this to the public?

HEATHER GRAHAM: It was hard getting the financing. We have a friend named Michael Nickles, who’s a producer on the movie, and I was writing the script during a breakup. I wanted to find a way to laugh at all the things in life that had really upset me, and Michael said “You should direct this.” He helped me find these financiers and we went into pre-production, then they told us they didn’t have the rest of the money. We had to shut down the film and it was devastating. So stressful. Then I met Bill Sheinberg who told me “if you get the rights back and all your legal stuff is kosher, I’ll make the movie.” We had to get this quitclaim [deed], we got the rights back, and finally we made the movie. It was a long road and, luckily, it’s coming out at a time when people are open to the subject matter in a way they’ve never been before.

OLLER: It really feels like Chris D’Elia’s film executive character in the film grew out of these Harvey Weinstein allegations, but you had this written years ago.

GRAHAM: Of course guys have been acting this way for a long time. Finally America decided “this isn’t cool anymore.” Hopefully that makes people more open to my story, which is about sexism, sexual harassment, and all that specifically in the entertainment business.

OLLER: As someone switching to a new side of the business, I know you’ve said that as an actor playing a part, it’s your job to be on your character’s side, so you have to see it all from that perspective—how does that job change when you’re also the director?

GRAHAM: An actor could be playing a person who’s crazy or a person who’s mean, a person whose point of view you don’t agree with but have to find their point of view. When you make a movie you can tell a story from your own perspective and tell the story you want to tell. I wanted to inspire and empower women, and men too, by opening up a conversation about sexism, relationships, and sexuality. I think women in our culture are presented with a mixed message. On one hand we’re told “your looks are the most important thing and you have to look sexy” while we’re also told “don’t be too sexy or we’re gonna judge you harshly.”

OLLER: One of my favorite lines from the film is during a script discussion where your character says “I like sluts, why do they all have to die?” which is a funny way of summarizing these sex-positive values.

GRAHAM: I did want to be sex-positive because our culture is sexist. If you see a male hero and he’s James Bond and having sex with all these people, everyone thinks he’s so cool. If you watch, for example, a horror film, and you see a girl that has sex with a guy, you know she’s gonna die. In film and in life, women are punished for things that men are celebrated for.

OLLER: In terms of your direction, did you try to subvert this?

GRAHAM: I mean I made the women the protagonists. Most movies have men protagonists with women as the objects. Mine has female protagonists and men that are…maybe “objects” is the wrong word..

OLLER: I think there’s definitely some fun objectification done with something like Luke Arnold’s dancing, especially since the way you film sex scenes and physical comedy feels very linked.

GRAHAM: I’m glad you said that because his whole character actually happened to me. I met this guy who, I didn’t realize it at the time, but he was doing a lot of drugs. He was all “I make up my own exercises” and stuff, but he was so cute! So later I thought “that’s kind of crazy” but he was so handsome I let it slide. I was definitely making fun of not seeing red flags. A guy that breaks up with you by telling you he wants to go climb a mountain but he really wants to go do drugs? At the time it was devastating, but in retrospect it’s so obvious.

OLLER: Wait, the mountain stuff is real?

GRAHAM: Everything in that breakup scene is real. Everything the guy says to her is real. “I have wars to fight, I have mountains to climb…” Someone actually said that to me.

OLLER: Were any other lines from the script taken from your life?

GRAHAM: A lot. When she’s at work and her boss tells her “If you want to get a movie made, write about a man. Nobody cares about women stories.” I was developing stories for years that I wanted to act in and produce, and a lot of people would tell me that exact thing.

OLLER: Wow.

GRAHAM: For anyone outside the industry it sounds crazy, right? The hardest part of doing this movie was getting someone to give me the money. People are scared to take a chance [on a female filmmaker].

OLLER: Do you think that will change in the wake of the #MeToo movement?

GRAHAM: Hopefully. I think people want to be on the right side of this issue, so they’re doing some affirmative action. But if you look at the percentages of women directing film, it’s still around 7 percent.

OLLER: Does establishing a directorial foothold with Half Magic mean you’ll be pursuing more in the future?

GRAHAM: I’m working on two stories right now, one called Chosen Family about a woman’s dysfunctional family and how it repeats itself in her romantic relationships, and another one about cancer. They say they want to cure cancer but it’s such a big business that…do they really want to cure it? That’s the idea, anyways [laughs].

OLLER: Changing directions after that, when you direct the sex scenes you also star in, you use this really interesting superimposed shot of you and a sort of mystical outer space. Where did that idea come from?

GRAHAM: I put that in because I experienced something that felt like that. I grew up religious and was told I would go to Hell for having premarital sex. So I was having sex at one point and had this spiritual moment where I felt like the universe was telling me that sex is a beautiful, divine thing. Feel good about it! For the movie I went, “how do I express this?” So I figured, I’ll just do what I saw. This starry sky and this voice that talked to me. I actually got my yoga teacher to do the voice in the film. It’s a trippy part in a comedy movie, but it’s my personal experience around sexuality.

OLLER: Did any of that come from your interest in transcendental meditation? I heard you got into that after working with David Lynch.

GRAHAM: So I was in the original Twin Peaks when I met David and David’s really into it. He’d meditate every day at lunch. I was like 20, which is a hard age when you’ve left your parents and want to become your own person. I definitely had a bit of angst and talked to him about that. He said I should really try meditating and I figured, what do I have to lose? I’ve been doing it ever since then. It helped me break a lot of bad habits, like I used to eat a ton of junk food. 

- Interview Magazine

[butwhyduh]

Let's Run Away

Tom Holland x Reader pt 3

Warning: alcohol, smoking, guns

Word count: 1511

Summary:

Authors note: dead soldiers are empty beer bottles.

"Cast" who will look like but not representative of actual people from this chapter: Ollie- Bill Skarsgard, Trev- Robbie Amell, Dot- Katherine McNamara

"I ran her a bath. I could kill them," Tom said gripping a hand towel in anger. He and Haz stood in Tom's small kitchen talking quietly.

"I know. Let's focus on this job tomorrow. Lord knows we need to. I would never plan something that quick. Normally we do at least a week of just casing a place," Haz said pacing.

"Yeah, well we can't wait. Not after that," Tom motioned towards the bathroom. "Do you think Ollie and Trev would help? We need at least 4 to pull this off."

"We can stop by tonight," Haz suggested. Tom shook his head.

"I can't leave her alone and she's not going there. Could you stop by for me?" Tom asked.

"You owe me one," Haz said grabbing his hat and jacket.

"Always. Tell Dot I said hi," Tom lightly smiled. Haz blushed and gave Tom a look. "I see you eyeing her. You should ask her out after business."

"We'll see," Haz murmured walking out the door. Tom turned towards the bathroom. He felt useless. They had come in the middle of the day and threatened his girl. He almost lost her. His heart hurt at the thought.

"Love, can I come in," Tom gently knocked on the door. He placed is ear to the wood to hear your answer over the sound of water.

"Yes," you said softly. He pushed the door open slowly to not scare you. You sat in the bath with water to your waist curled into a ball and crying softly. You shook slightly.

"Oh darling. My pretty girl. I'm so sorry," Tom said leaning down on his knees on the cold tile floor. He kissed your hand lightly. "That will never happen again. I'll have the money tomorrow night."

"I was so scared. Teach me how to use that gun," you said determined. "I can't be just waiting for something to happen. I need to protect myself."

Tom's heart hurt at the thought that you needed to learn how to use a gun. He should be able to protect you. But he nodded at the logic. You blinked away tears and nodded back.

"Come hold me," You said with your voice raw. Tom began discarding his clothing. He climbed in the tub behind you and settled you between his legs. You leaned your head back on his chest as he wrapped you tightly in he arms. You both felt lucky and the frailty of the situation felt painful and scary.

--------------------------------------------

Haz set in his car outside a juice joint. The Eager Beaver. He didn't visit them too much since they could be raided at any time. He preferred to buy his drinks to go. But Trev and Ollie loved them. Haz also knew they came here every Thursday. He sighed softly before getting out and walking to the joint.

He walked to the side entrance and knocked once. The look out opened the door, saw Haz, and welcomed him in. It was a perk of being connected to the mob. He adjusted his tie.

The club hummed with a swingy tune being played by a small band. A leggy woman sung soulfully into a large microphone. The dance floor was tightly surrounded by tables. Many were covered in cards as all sorts of gambling played. Waitresses buzzed around tables, collecting orders, delivering drinks, and collecting money.

Haz noticed a certain red head. She was giving drinks to a smokey table and collecting dead soldiers. She smiled and waved at Haz who reddened at her glance. He had it bad. Dot chewed her full bottom lip as she took orders. Haz wanted to go straight to her but had business first. Finally he found Ollie and Trev throw dice with a few other men at a table in a corner.

"Harrison! Come, join us," Ollie said, his pale face flushed from alcohol. He waved his gangly limbs in joy. He was like an oversized child. Haz walked through the tables to the men. "Are you betting tonight?"

"No of course not. You'd have to have nickles to rub together to be a betting man. How are you lot?" He said smiling. Ollie rolled his eyes and rolled the dice. He groaned as it rolled double one.

"I'm about to take him for everything he's worth," Trev said with a smirk. He couldn't be more different than Ollie in looks with his dark Italian features. He was distantly related to the Moretti. Close enough to get a bit of protection but not enough to be expected in the family business.

"Can I talk to you both somewhere quiet?" Haz said quietly to the pair. The other 2 young men looked at them suspiciously.

"Of course. We'll stop there boys," Trev said. The other two began to complain before stopping at his look. No one messed with the Moretti. Ollie grabbed his money and stuffed it in his suit jacket.

Trev nodded at the bartender before walking into the owner's office. He sat at the desk and Haz sat across with Ollie leaning on a book shelf picking at his teeth with a tooth pick.

"How can I help you?"

"Tom needs help. He owes money. To your family," Haz started.

"You know I can't help him get out of that," Trev interrupted.

"I know. I was going to ask you two to help us with a job. It's a lot of money," Haz offered. Ollie looked down at him critically.

"Whose job is it?" Ollie asked.

"Its Johnny's. It was something fast. They already threatened Tom's girl," Haz said.

"Are you out of your damn mind? You must be desperate. In not sure if I want in this mess," Trev said leaning back in his seat. "What is the job?"

Haz spent the next 10 minutes explaining the plan. Ollie finally gave in but Trev was suspicious. Johnny was just that wild. But his best friend willing do the job swayed Trev to join. Ollie smiled. They were partners in crime.

"Fine. If I do this you owe me. This might be the dumbest thing I've ever done but I'll do it. I can buy my love that ring they've been wanting," Trev said. He grimaced and grabbed a bottle from the desk and 3 glasses. He poured them each shots.

"Here's to the dumbest thing we've ever done," Ollie said as they clinked glasses.

--------------------------------------------

Haz moved between tables to see the most beautiful girl he had ever met. Dot was collecting glasses from an empty table. Her face was slightly flushed from work and her hair had slightly damp curls clinging to her face.

"Hello, love," Haz said to her.

"Oh hello," she said with a large smile. "I don't often get you in here. How are you?"

"I'm doing well. How are you?" Haz said grabbing the heavy tray from her hands. She tried to protest but he was already walking to the bar.

"Thank you," Dot said as he sat the tray down.

"She's taking her break now," He informed the bartender who looked up and nodded before going back to work. "Do you want to sit down? Or maybe dance?"

"We can sit," she said shyly. Haz wanted to take her hand but didn't want to appear too forward. Though it seemed silly in here when there was all kinds of immoral going on. This was a house of gambling, drinking, dancing, and also a place that young lovers met. Especially young lovers who society would hate together. People of color with whites, gays, and rich with poor were often found here. Haz had the urge to pull her from this dangerous job surrounded by guns and sin.

"I hope this isn't too forward," he said knowing he face was bright red. "Can I take you out sometime?"

"Really?" She asked as she lit a smoke. Haz nodded. "I would love that." Haz grinned. Dot looked away smiling. Feeling reckless he grasped her hand on the table. She turned her hand to hold his thumb and he stroked the back of her hand with his forefinger. They gazed in each other's eyes as his simple movement felt like electricity.

The sound of glass breaking jarred the couple to reality. Mary had dropped a full tray of beer glasses on the floor. She looked as though she wanted to cry. She was new to the job.

"I've got to go. I need to help," Dot said hopping up from her seat and smushing the cigarette. Haz kissed the back of her hand before letting her go. She raced to help Mary. Haz watched for a few more minutes before leaving. He needed to tell Tom about Ollie and Trev. He glanced one last time at her curvy form sweeping glass and waved. She waved back. He had work to do.

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[livingmybestfakelife]

Nothing Left to Loose (alternate version)

Parings: Erik x Reader

original imagine X 

"Excuse me, Mr. Stevens, there is another delivery of flowers for your wife" a nurse tells him as she walks into the room, the gigantic bouquet of sunflowers, tulips and roses nearly block her face as she adjusts the slightly heavy bunch in her arms. "Ah, okay umm if you could make some room over there it would be appreciated" he points to the table far off in the corner of the big recovery room that's always covered with gifts, cards and flowers, it covers the table and underneath it, it's been that way for about three days now, everyday for what felt like every other hour a nurse brought in get well soon gifts for you, from cute stuffed animal to cards, one of which were from your students. You taught fifth grade English and your students and the whole school really, were heartbroken when they heard the news that you were gunned down during spring break, luckily you survived with only two bullets hitting you, one hitting a rib and the other grazing your left arm, when Erik read the card from your students one message that stuck with him was "Get well soon Mrs. Stevens, we love you and we miss you", it nearly brought tears to his eyes seeing how much you meant to other people, especially children, he was so used to seeing the ruthless, shady side of your family that it was rare to see some humanity, you being one of them, you had a regular honesty job. You could've easily chosen a more glamorous position within your family, a higher paying one, but you choose a simple one, you went to college and majored in early childhood development, you choose an occupation that payed nickles and dimes, but you always wanted to work with children so it was fitting. "Those kids love the hell outta you baby, and I can't blame them, who wouldn't love the nicest woman in the whole damn world?" he said mostly to himself as you were sleeping at the time...yeah, this was his wife, the simple, nice, school teacher, he couldn't have been more grateful with having you, you were something good, something that was rare in this business.

"Good news Mr. Stevens, it looks like Mrs. Stevens is making a quicker recovery than what we originally anticipated, the fever she had went down quickly and she's eating regularly...everything looks normal, the doctor still wants her to stay through the night and tomorrow, and if everything is the same by Wednesday then she'll be all set to leave" the nurse says after she finds a place for the flowers, Erik nods his head then clears his throat "Oh, good, thank you" he gives a small smile and the nurse smiles back and walks a little closer to him "She teaches my nephew, he has her during second period, says she's patient, nice and passes out candy every Friday...I'm very happy she made it out of this okay, I know Damian would've been devastated if..." she ends it there, not wanting to upset him but Erik understands and gives her a friendly grin "Thank you, and believe me, YN loves her students to death, never has a bad thing to say about any of them" the nurse holds her smile and says "The feeling is definitely mutual" and they both laugh before they're interrupted by the door opening to your mother walking in, the nurse clears her throat and gets back into professional mode, she gives a nod to Mrs. YLN in acknowledgement before she goes to leave the room to give them some privacy. "Ruth..." Erik looks down for a second then back up at her "My baby still sleeping I see" she says walking over to you and sitting in a chair that's next to your bed, she moves a stray hair from your forehead and reaches down to take your hand in hers, kissing it, she stares at you for a good moment and looks over at Erik, "I hated you in that moment Erik, I wanted for you to be the one who got shot up, not YN, not my baby, she didn't deserve it, it was you that gotten mixed up with that Assanti nonsense not her, and sure I know the risks of all of this, but you promised to protect her, the guard you assigned to her was a shitty shot-" "He took majority of the hits for her Ruth, lets thank God she didn't get what Lamar got", she couldn't argue with him there, a total of seven shots were fired on the opposite end, the five fatal ones had gotten Lamar, Erik felt bad, but from what his research told him, the forty two year old's parents were long gone, he had two bitter ex wives who didn't care much that he was now dead, and he had no kids, no family to miss him, so at least he didn't have to deal with that, plus he didn't know him too long to get any personal attachment to him, it still didn't wipe away the guilt, a life was still taken, he was nice enough to pay for the middle aged man to get buried, the least he could do was give him a proper burial. But he wouldn't change the outcome for anything, he wouldn't trade your life, you were still here and that was all that mattered and right now he didn't feel like going back and forth with your strong willed mother, one that he would often have heated debates with, still he respected the woman, after all she had to take care of three kids while her husband was in federal prison for two years, is constantly harassed by the feds and is the matriarch of an empire that causes her stress majority of the time, but she wouldn't change a thing, she was built for this and refused to back down.

"So what are you going to do now?" she asks him waking him out of his daze, he shrugs and goes to put on his coat, "I'll think of something soon...the show must go on right?" that makes your mother chuckle and release your hand, she leans back into her chair and crosses her arms "Always, and until you think of something, until this whole fiasco is over with, it's back to legitimate business" "Right" he agrees "In the meantime YN will be staying with Angel and I" he sighs but knows better than to argue, deep down he knew it was for the best, he knew your own home would be filled with loud yelling, people running around, and possible threats, your parents home would be a peaceful and quieter option while you recovered, you didn't need to be stressed out while trying to get better "The sooner you clean up all of this the sooner your beautiful wife will be back with you" Erik smooths down his coat and goes to give you a kiss on the cheek "I'll back for dinner baby" he whispers to you and it makes your mother laugh a little "Get on outta here boy, knowing you, you'll be late" he smirks and salutes her "Yes ma'am" he hustles on out of the door, he couldn't wait to get back to you already, everything so far was working in his favor, he still has his girl, she's in good health, the Assanti's failed at trying to break him, and now he needed to make sure that they would continue to fail, he had all the motivation in the world right now.