#minty gif is mine

[mylittlestims]

Howdy :3 Could I req a g3 Minty stimboard w socks, swirls and hard candy?

~ 🍬 Candy Anon

Minty (G3) Stimboard for 🍬 Candy Anon

(X) (X) (X)

(X) (X) (X)

(X) (X) (X)

[highway-35]

"You six were chosen because you have what it takes to be the next generation of Hot Wheels drivers!"

[dyingswanpavlova]

"Your girl" - Part 3 | The Salesman x Reader

Summary: He tries to be nice for once to win you over, but is he being genuine? Or will it backfire? All the while your mind is playing confusing tricks on you.

Warnings: dead dove do not eat, kidnapping, mentions of rape, violence, mentions of murder, body issues, trauma talk, hinting at stockholm syndrome, manipulation, mentions of erection/arousal/masturbation, mentions of abuse earlier in life, not beta read, 18+!

"Your girl" - The Salesman x Reader Masterlist

"I do not intend to rape you, if that is what you think."

It was weird. The words were supposed to comfort you, right? Make you breathe easier. Instead you felt your chest tighten. Again.

Because he brought it up out of nowhere? Who could tell?

You sat on the couch, your arms wrapped around your legs like they usually were ever since you started participating in his mind games. It wasn't really like you had any other choice.

Your body, once young and healthy, albeit loaded with trauma to the brim, felt bruised and battered. It was a fight you were forced to fight every day and it felt like war. War against him, against yourself and life itself. Your face hurt horribly and it was all his fault. Or was it your own? God, you were confused.

"Don't get me wrong. I do intend to fuck you." His eyes crinkled in a smile. "Oh, I intend to fuck you again and again and again, until you feel like you're being ripped apart and you'll be begging me to stop."

There was it again, the cold sweat. Almost like an old friend you could count on.

Why didn't you have any real friends? You suddenly asked yourself. If only you had invested one of your Sundays into getting to meet at least one person. Maybe then someone would miss you now.

There was still your work. But you couldn't really tell if they'd get suspicious after you stopped coming or if maybe they simply accepted it. Your boss knew you had some issues. How you hated confrontration. He probably assumed you simply were gone for good.

Poor girl. Well, whatever, time is money. At least I get to keep her last paycheck.

But somehow you were sure that no one really missed you. No one waited for you at home. And no one cared that you still spent your days in the captivity of a psychopath. Or was it a sociopath? What was the damn difference again?

"Why don't you do it then?" You heard yourself ask.

One might think you would have learned your lesson not to talk back the day when he threw everything edible away and turned off the water supply. Or after he just beat the crap out of you.

But no, here you were, being smart with him. At least right now he didn't seem to mind. His fucked up smile was still in place.

"Because, my sweet, darling girl", he said slowly and crouched down before you, "because I want to fuck you when you're mine. I don't want scraps and pitiful silence. I'm not like the filth I threw on the train lines."

A violent shiver ran down your spine. It was the first time he mentioned the incident. For a few days you had almost asked yourself if that had really happened. And you had also asked yourself if your life so far had been a hallucination. Maybe you had always been his prisoner and maybe you had made up the role of your mother to keep yourself entertained and somehow deal with everything. They did have a lot in common.

"I want it willingly."

Odd. He didn't seem like the gentle type. Or the type who cared about consent.

"Don't mistake my words. I'm going to fuck you, no matter how you feel."

Ah.

"I don't give a shit if you feel sore, you have a headache, you've been crying or you're bleeding. I don't care if it is me who made you bleed." He leaned in so close that his warm, minty breath tickled your ear. "All the better."

For a moment, you were sure he was gonna bite your earlobe. A sound rumbled in his throat, almost like a groan and his lips were so close to your skin, you felt the wet warmth of that groan. But eventually, he pulled his head back and instead stared at you intensely.

"God, I want you."

The last two days had been weirder than usual. Instead of playing tricks on your mind and hitting you till blood trickled down your lip, he had been...considerate? It was hard to tell if that was the right word for it.

Many things were hard to tell nowadays.

It started with the dresses. He once came home - home, God help you - carrying countless bags which contained pretty and expensive dresses. All in your size and all to your liking.

Your style so far had been modest and humble, convenient mostly.

You knew that you could be pretty when you tried and wanted. Yet on most days you simply didn't care enough.

But when he came back with the dresses and left them in your room - and after you had spent enough hours sulking in the corner and being devastated about your loss of dignity when he forced you to drink water from a fucking bowl on the ground - Be a good girl and drink. I'd be really annoyed if you died of thirst. Yes, just like that. My good girl. - your curiosity finally got the better of you and you glanced into one of the bags.

Everything from silk to cashmere, with no ridiculous colors in sight. Everything was black, white, beige, cream, light rose or babyblue.

Then the lotus silk one in dark green.

It made you feel like a princess.

It felt like tiny kisses on your skin.

You couldn't help but try each and every one of them on.

And God, they felt good on you.

And eventually, you were forced to wear them. All you had was that one night dress. You had tried washing it in the sink and drying it on the radiator. But additionally to all the other bullshit he put you through, it was just too much. And so you put it on. The green one first.

The look on his face when you timidly left your room and tiptoed over to the living room had made you feel...

It made you feel...

You wanted to slap yourself until you came back to your senses, but no. It was enough when he did.

Desired. It made you feel desired.

It made you feel beautiful in a way you hadn't ever experienced before.

Sure, despite your questionable upbringing and your mother who constantly made sure you felt just below miserable, there had been men ogling you. Like the one who attacked you.

They'd stop what they were doing and glance you up and down, making sure you felt like a well-seasoned piece of meat.

Edible.

Fuckable.

But none of it was any comparison to him. The look in his eyes had been nothing short or fascination. The way his eyes gleamed and his lips parted in that soft exhale. His eyes didn't just linger on your breasts or ass. His sized you up entirely, like you were a porcelain doll to be cherished.

Of course you expected to hate the feeling.

But to your undying horror, you didn't.

You tried to think back to the many hits you'd taken from him, the humiliation and the countless tears.

And still, when he looked at you like that, you felt your cheeks grow warm and your insides tingle.

"Try them on for me." He had breathed.

You opened your mouth to protest, because that was what you usually did by now, you protested, but one look at him and it shut you up. Not because he was angry or because he had threatened you.

Because of that damn look.

You found yourself walking back to your room, your hands shaking and your heart racing. What were you doing here? Was this your life? Was this your punishment? Was he someone your mother had hired to punish you for escaping her?

You pushed all those thoughts aside and changed into the next dress. It was almost regal looking, a long white dress that hugged your body like a gentle embrace.

None of the dresses were cheap looking. They weren't even all too revealing. A little more than what you usually wore, yes, but all in all they were still kind of modest. But they highlighted your beauty in a way that made you feel exactly that.

Beautiful.

You took a shaky breath and made your way back to the living room. He had settled down on the couch, a glass of whiskey in his hand which he swirled around, lost in thought. The moment he heard you, he looked up from his glass and his eyes lit up in the same delight they had before, even more so.

He did something more now. He bit his lip.

He twirled his finger around, silently beckoning you to turn around, which you did. You turned around, almost timidly, feeling somewhat small under his assessing gaze. You still felt beautiful, but a part of you expected...

What?

That he laughed?

That he scoffed and recoiled in disgust?

Yes. Yes, that was exactly what a part of you felt he might do. Instead, he set his glass down and stood up, approaching you slowly and carefully, as though not to startle you.

You held your breath. He would hit you. You had done something wrong. You were wrong. You looked wrong. You didn't look the way he wanted you to.

He'd get rid of you.

By the time he reached you, you nearly suffocated. Your chest heaved rapidly under his scrutinizing gaze. When he lifted his hand and moved to touch your cheek, your eyes fluttered shut and you gasped.

But instead of hitting you, he...caressed you.

His touch was so gentle, more gentle than ever before. Like he was holding a delicate bird.

"Stand up straight." He breathed in your ear.

You swallowed thickly. And slowly obeyed. You fixed your posture slowly, pulling your shoulders back.

"Like that?" You whispered.

He nodded.

"Now your chin." He whispered back and gently placed a finger under your chin to lift it.

You let him guide you, feeling like his fingers left a trail of fire on their wake when he carefully ran them down the side of your neck.

"God, you're exquisite."

When you finally looked up at him, your eyes were wide and your breathing still far too quick. But his expression was calm. So calm. Almost gentle.

If he wasn't such a psychopath, he'd be really handsome, you realized. His eyes shone in a warm brown and his smile, albeit twisted, was beautiful. He was beautiful. Like a man made of marble who didn't mind getting messy.

When you realized what the hell you were thinking, you recoiled as if you’d been burned. His expression didn't waver, but he slowly pulled his hand back.

"Show me the next one." He murmured and sat back down.

You quickly made your way back and slumped down, your back pressed against the door.

What on earth was that? Were you now entirely out of your mind?

You didn't have many rules, but one of them went above all others.

Avoid him. Avoid him at all costs.

No unnecessary contact, because then you'd have less opportunities to make him angry. And maybe, just maybe, then you'd get out of the alive. You still had hope.

After a long moment of gathering your thoughts, you changed into the next dress. A soft beige cashmere dress, which hugged your curves sinfully.

You took a deep breath and made your way back. His gaze was fixed on the door and he looked at you with a subtle smirk.

"Look at that." He murmured.

You didn't know what he was referring to while you walked in there, a slight frown on your face.

"What?"

"Nothing. Turn around."

You turned around. It was easier this time. And it got easier with every dress. You changed, came in an twirled around. Changed, came in and twirled around. And at some point, his eyes started feeling almost natural on you. Like you were meant to wear those dresses for him on that particular day. It wasn't until the last dress, a beautiful, yet simple black dress, that you realized. Your stance had somewhat changed.

You stared at yourself in the mirror with a deep frown.

Was that you?

Who were you?

And how did you pull it off to show off these dresses looking almost...confident?

You made your way back, looking at him with an unreadable expression.

His face lit up at the sight and he took a sip of his drink.

"My favorite by far. That and the green one."

You stared at him speechlessly. What on earth were you supposed to do with that information?

He approached you slowly, with that predatory air on him as he slowly circled you, looking you up and down.

"Do you like the dresses?" He asked slowly.

"Yes." You whispered.

"Good." He smirked. "Then thank me."

You slowly, almost carefully, looked up at him. Did he expect...you to...

"Thank me." He whispered.

"Thank you for the dresses." You whispered back.

And just like that, he smiled in satisfaction.

"You're very welcome. They all look wonderful on you."

He sat back down and beckoned you to sit beside him, which you reluctantly did. You tried to keep your knees from bouncing up and down nervously and folded your hands in your lap.

"Who are you?"

You simply stared at him. Because you knew, every time you answered the question, even if you said the right words...Something bad happened. So, this time you stayed silent.

He took a slow breath and leaned closer.

"Who are you?"

"Please." You whispered. "Please, don't."

His expression immediately darkened and he took a tight hold of your chin.

"Answer the goddamn question."

"Your girl." You said quietly, but you were unable to meet his eyes as you did. "I'm your girl."

He hummed softly.

"Why?"

You blinked. "Why?"

He nodded. "Yes. Why?"

Suddenly your throat felt dry. You liked to think that you were actually pretty clever. But whenever you spoke to him, you felt like a complete idiot.

"Because I...I just am."

He raised a brow. "You just are?"

"I don't know what you want to hear."

His grip on your face loosened slightly and he shook his head.

"Do you despise me?" He suddenly asked. There was no emotion in his tone, just pure calculation.

You blinked again. You were almost sure you were going to die tonight. Too bad. The pretty dress would end up soaked in blood.

"I..."

"Because just a few minutes ago, you looked at me like you want me."

Suddenly you felt your face heat up in embarrassment. Actually, you had hoped he hadn't caught on that moment of weakness.

"That's not true." Somehow you managed to force a certain firmness in your voice.

He just smiled. "It's alright, sweet girl. You can deny it all you want, but we both know the truth. I know you’re ashamed. That’s fine. But a part of you likes me."

"But it isn't true!"

He tsked. "Listen, why don't you calm down and then we'll-"

"I could never like you!" You called out before you could think about. "I could never want a twisted person like you. You know what? There's a reason why no one ever loved you and why no one ever will. You're simply evil and there's nothing good or loveable about you. Nothing at all."

It felt like one of those horrible moment in apocalypse movies, just a moment before a protagonist is going to die. You knew you had fucked up. You just couldn't tell how bad yet.

By the time you managed to carefully lift your gaze to meet his, you got struck by unease. You could practically follow the shift in his eyes. From teasing and playful to something darker, something dead. He didn't even need to drop the smile. His eyes spoke loud enough.

"I'm sorry." You whispered breathlessly.

You couldn't even tell why you had said that, why the statement that you found something likeable about him had triggered you so badly. You weren't normally this reckless. This suicidal.

"I'm sorry." You whispered again, when he didn't move. "I don't know what came over me. Please. Forgive me. Please, I..."

The coldness in his eyes made you shut up. The man who called you exquisite and asked you to twirl around like a ballerina was gone. And you immediately knew he wasn't going to forgive you.

But what was even worse was that for some reason you felt so terrible for what you had said. Usually, you were pretty kind to everyone and didn't just go around saying hurtful things. If your words reached and hurt him didn't matter. What mattered was that you said them.

Immediately tears stung your eyes and you forced your gaze away from his. God, he would kill you.

And this time you were certain.

So, you weren't truly surprised when he roughly forced your back onto the sofa and straddled you. But you were still scared shitless. Your breath hitched and suddenly, just like that, you couldn't breathe again and you were mute. Betrayed again.

He pinned your wrists above your head and pushed you down with a rough movement, grinding down his hips against yours and forcing your legs apart.

First he would take what he wanted and then he would kill you.

Despite you being mute and frozen, you were still crying. Your body was being shaken by sobs and it only ever seemed to make him angrier.

"It appears to me", he growled furiously, "that you forgot your place."

You quickly shook your head, desperate to make him understand just how much you regretted what you had said, but before you could even try to open your mouth, a firm slap made you cry out in pain.

"No, please-"

There was your voice. And there went another slap. The intensity of it made you cry out as your head lolled to the side.

"Where is your place?" He growled. But before you could respond, he hit you again, all the while you felt his hardness pressed against you, ready to ruin you.

He had never done that before.

Sure, he had hit you when you got something wrong in a game, but he had never straight up beaten you for speaking.

Or what was even worse, he hadn't forced himself on you.

You had sensed the hardness between his legs once before, after he had made you drink the water from a bowl on the floor. But he hadn't mentioned it, hadn't made you look there, let alone touch it. He had skillfully ignored it and probably taken care of it himself afterwards.

He hadn't tried to kiss you.

Hadn't tried to reach between your legs.

Hadn't let you feel him.

But now you felt it, hard and urgent, straining against his pants and then your dress.

You had never felt a man like this before.

What a weird thought to have in this kind of situation.

"Please." You finally managed to sob out. "Please, I swear to you, I'll never do it again. I'll make up for it, please let me make up for it."

By the time his hand shot out for the sixth slap, you felt yourself go dizzy. Your face burned like fire under his palm and everything around you slowly went blurry. Your sight as well as the way you tried to hold your eyes open. They slowly blinked shut.

"I'm sorry." You whispered exhaustedly.

"Don't you dare pass out on me right now." He hissed and tightly grasped your chin.

When, instead of answering, you murmured something inaudible, he sighed deeply.

"Fuck." He murmured. His touch on your face grew softer. Then he slowly tilted your chin up, examining your face.

"I marked your pretty face." He said in a bland tone. You didn't say anything back.

"But I had to remind you that you don't just get to say and do anything you want." He gritted out. He was obviously still furious.

You didn't understand why he sounded like he was trying to justify his actions or why he even cared if you passed out. You had actually expected him to go off on that.

As if on cue, he reached down and carefully adjusted his pants, letting out a soft sigh at the touch.

You felt him press against you for a moment longer. He was obviously fighting with himself. Despite everything, the friction caused a nervous twitch in your lower body. He seemed to notice it and checked your expression. Eventually he forced himself away from you. He got up and ran his hands through his hair.

"Take a nap and calm down. I'll be back in a while."

With quick steps he disappeared to his bedroom. For a short, reckless moment you caught yourself thinking; he'll be occupied fucking his hand for at least five minutes. If you go and find the keys he always carries around when he leaves...

But your thoughts were interrupted by the sound of him. It was barely audible. You were sure you weren't even supposed to hear it. But you did. A moan. He moaned.

You closed your eyes. Oh God.

He had managed it. He had messed up your brain even more than it already was. Instead of crying, because your face hurt like hell, you felt a certain warmth spread through you.

Honey, you cannot seriously-

Shut up, mother.

You heard him again and now you were sure. You felt yourself grow wet. Immediately, your face flared up in even more heat and your breath caught in your throat.

What on earth was wrong with you?

He had nearly killed you, nearly taken you, nearly-

"Ah, oh, fuck." He groaned.

Your brows furrowed and you took a shaky breath. You could almost see it in your mind. The way his hand slowly slid down his chest. It made your heart skip a beat.

Enough!

You jumped up and scurried back to the bathroom. You locked the door and paused before the mirror. The sight made you wince. He had indeed marked you up. His hand, angrily imprinted into your cheek. You gingerly reached out to touch it, but stopped short of your skin.

He had done this to you. Just as he had done so many other things to you.

You were trapped in these godforsaken halls.

All you had wanted to do was go home after a long day of work, read a book in silence and eat a warm meal. Instead you got trapped into this hell, where he slowly manipulated his way under the trauma that had been cursing through your body and mind for years.

He destroyed all the walls you had built up, all the aid you had taken to repair the little sanity that was left in you.

The little confidence. The little love. The little you.

Now it was all gone.

You felt a tear run down your cheek and you immediately wiped it away. The touch made you wince in pain, it was rather harsh. You couldn't help it. You were angry.

You were so, so angry.

Why was it that no one could ever be good to you?

Why did you always attract the attention of twisted people?

You didn't deserve that. You didn't want it. And God, you didn't ask for it.

You had been a sweet child. Innocent and curious as every child is. Until your mother, who knew nothing but hate by day and pain at night, turned you into a shell of a person. And when you finally, finally made it out of her chokehold and you thought you could now live your life in peace, happily ignoring everything wrong in your life, he came.

He came and destroyed your fragile peace.

With shaky hands you leaned down and splashed your face with cold water. You carefully dried it up and stood like that for a while, holding onto the sink tightly.

And you made a silent promise to yourself.

You would get out of here and get your peace back.

The night was quiet. He didn't try to approach you, punish you, torture you in any way. He simply let you sleep.

The second your face touched the pillow, you passed out.

The morning went on just as quiet. You took a quick bath, before you put on one of the horrible dresses. You didn't care which one, you just wanted this to get over with.

The rest of your life.

After you spent two hours pacing the room, you decided you needed to speak to him. Ask him nicely maybe. Or steal his gun and murder him. You didn't care anymore. You needed to get out.

With quick, determined steps you stormed out to the kitchen and were surprised to find it empty. The other rooms were empty as well. You even gathered all your courage and knocked on his bedroom door. When no answer came, you sighed and went back to the kitchen.

Maybe he had abandoned you. He had thrown away all the food and he would come back in a few days after you died of starvation. Yes, that sounded reasonable.

But to your great surprise, that wasn't the case. Instead, on the kitchen table stood a gracious amount of food. Everything from rice and beans, to spinach and even…lemon cake.

You frowned as you thought back to the second day with him.

"What does always manage to cheer you up?"

"Mostly books." You had whispered, after he had just finished nearly choking you to oblivion, because you had answered another question to his displeasure. "But when things are remarkably bad, then lemon cake."

You stared at the cake as if it was poisonous. Which it probably was. You took a step closer and then you saw the note.

Sorry.

That was it. Just sorry. Sorry?

Your eyes widened as you stared down at it.

What was this?

Did he actually apologize?

You didn't care that it was written on a post-it. The word on the post-it was Sorry.

You had to sit down, because you felt like your knees were about to give in.

After a long moment of simply staring down at it, you reached out and took a bite of the lemon cake.

It was fruity and sweet and everything good in the world.

You took another bite and choked back your sobs.

After he came home, he didn't say anything for a long while and so didn't you. Just a quick glance of acknowledgement.

He didn't comment on how you sat there, reading. Of course you expected him to beat you down with the book. But he didn't. Instead he averted his gaze and disappeared into his room.

And he didn't say anything for the rest of the day either, until suddenly he declared that he didn't intend to rape you and so the conversation dragged on.

You felt especially snarky today, after yesterday he got so angry and took it out on you. After he awkwardly vanished and you heard him. After you remembered that you didn't deserve to be treated like shit, right after you had felt incredibly aroused, because you heard him touch himself.

"God, I want you." He breathed in your ear. And then you did the unthinkable. You pushed him back. The movement was gentle. But you pushed him back.

He growled deep in his throat and seconds later the vase from the coffee table crushed against the wall in a loud scatter. At least it wasn’t you who flew into the wall.

You would have winced from the sound. But it was so sudden and somehow almost funny. But you knew better than to smirk.

"Who are you?" He hissed.

You stayed silent.

He took a long, slow breath. Then he reached out and touched your cheek, his fingers digging into your bruised skin, making you flinch. He raised his hand like he was going to slap you again. You wanted to cower in fear, but you forced yourself to keep looking at him, your eyes wide.

He kept staring down at you and slowly lowered his hand back down.

"You're still beautiful." He said quietly.

You didn't expect him to say that or the way his fingers gently trailed down your cheek. You inhaled sharply and slowly closed your eyes. It was like trusting a bear to guard your life, when it was covered in honey.

"Are you going to hit me again?" You whispered.

After a beat, he quietly said: "No."

His mood swings were terrifying, but you knew there were far scarier things about him.

Like the way his eyes darkened whenever he got really angry. Which was often the case.

Or the way he hummed whenever you did something wrong.

Or the way he made you weak and scary enough, not entirely in a bad way. You were certain he had manipulated you into thinking this. Into, somehow, caring. This was the worst that could happen to you. The absolute worst.

He sighed. "Sweet girl, are you..."

You needed to get the hell out of here. And quickly. So, maybe, maybe, if you just played along…

Maybe then you would get out alive. All you had to do was play along. All you had to be was…

“I’m your girl.”

[midnight-shadow-cafe]

After Simon and wife!readers little anniversary trip they are blessed with a surprise of a new baby!!!

The hard part? Explaining it to Tommy

The Best Surprise

Pairing: Simon “Ghost” Riley x Wife!Reader

Warnings: Soft dad!Simon, pregnancy symptoms, lots of fluffy family moments, worried kiddo, emotional comfort, Grandpa Price being the GOAT, mention of bodily symptoms (mild), established relationship

Author’s Note: You may or may not cry during reading this. I know I cried while writing this so please enjoy!

Summary: You and Simon return from your anniversary getaway with something a little extra. You suspect it early—but it takes a little time, a lot of nerves, and the sharp eyes of a sweet little boy to bring it all together.

Masterlist

MDNI18+MDNI18+MDNI18+MDNI18+MDNI18+

It started off small.

A weird twinge in your stomach. A yawn that wouldn’t quit. A sudden craving for peanut butter on pickles that had Simon doing a double take.

“You’re joking, right?”

You shrugged, taking a bite. “Tastes like childhood.”

“Can’t say I remember that flavor in mine.”

You’d brushed it off.

Then came the dizziness. The sore boobs. The overwhelming fatigue that settled into your bones like fog.

And then—missing your period.

You stared at the calendar on the fridge for a full minute before quietly marking a missed day. Then another. Then another.

Tommy had been coloring at the table, tongue poking out the corner of his mouth while he concentrated.

“Mum?” he asked suddenly. “Are you okay? You look sleepy.”

“I’m alright, baby,” you said, kissing the top of his head. “Just a little tired, that’s all.”

He blinked up at you, suspicious in the way only small children can be. Then went back to coloring a dragon in neon orange and purple.

You took your phone and went to the bathroom with shaking hands.

There was a test hidden in the cabinet. One of those “just in case” kind of things you kept around. It was a little dusty.

You sat on the edge of the tub with your heart pounding, the little stick waiting on the counter like a secret.

Simon knocked once. “Everything alright in there, love?”

You didn’t answer right away.

“…I think I might be pregnant.”

A pause.

Then the door opened slowly and Simon stepped inside. His expression was unreadable for a second—just still.

Then he gave you the softest look.

“Yeah?”

You nodded, holding up the test. “Just… waiting now.”

He knelt beside you and took your hand.

Together, you stared at the stick. The little pink line bloomed into a plus sign.

You both went very quiet.

Simon let out a breath and leaned in, pressing a long, quiet kiss to your forehead.

“We’re doing this again,” you whispered, tears building in your eyes.

He nodded. “Hell yeah, we are.”

——

It wasn’t long before Tommy started to notice… things.

“Mum?” he asked one morning as you pushed aside your plate. “You don’t want pancakes? You always want pancakes.”

Your stomach turned at the sight of syrup. “Not today, bug.”

Simon watched you quietly as he sipped his coffee. His hand settled over yours under the table.

A few days later, Tommy came into the bathroom while you were brushing your teeth—and caught you mid-gag.

“Mum?”

You waved him off, mouth full of minty foam. “Just… toothpaste hit wrong.”

Tommy gave you a look. Then ran out and returned with a half-eaten granola bar.

“You can have this,” he said solemnly. “Sometimes food makes me feel better too.”

You took it, heart swelling. “Thanks, baby.”

But with every day, his sweet gestures came with a little more hesitation. A few more sidelong glances.

He got clingier, too.

Sat pressed into your side every time you were on the couch. Followed you to the kitchen. Insisted on helping you carry things, even if it was just a single sock.

You didn’t miss it. But you didn’t push either.

Simon noticed too.

“He’s overthinking,” he said one night, watching Tommy fall asleep still clinging to your shirt. “Keeps looking between us like he’s waiting for something bad to happen.”

“I know,” you murmured, rubbing Tommy’s back. “I’m just not sure how to tell him.”

——

A week later, after a long day and an early dinner, you found Tommy curled up on the living room floor with his stuffed shark and a sad little pout on his face.

You sat down beside him and ran a hand through his curls.

“Hey, bug. Wanna help me fold the laundry?”

He shook his head.

“Wanna pick a movie?”

Another shake.

“Wanna—”

“Are you gonna love the baby more than me?” he asked softly.

Your heart cracked right in half.

You opened your mouth, but no words came.

Before you could find them, Tommy stood up, hugged his shark close to his chest, and whispered, “I’m gonna go see Grandpa Price.”

He slipped out of the room in his little socks, padding down the hallway like a shadow.

Simon appeared in the doorway, having heard just enough to piece it together. He looked at you for a second—then followed.

——

Price was already in the guest room, reading a book in bed. He looked up as Tommy climbed up beside him without a word.

The kid curled into his side like it was instinct, hugging his shark, lower lip wobbling.

“Everything alright, little man?”

Tommy sniffled. “Is it true? That when babies come, they take all the love?”

Price slowly closed his book and set it on the nightstand.

“They don’t take it, Tommy. Your mum and dad? They made a whole new kind of love just for you. That doesn’t go anywhere. Not ever.”

Tommy’s nose wrinkled. “But Mum’s sick now. And Dad keeps bringing her juice. And they whisper a lot. What if I’m not special anymore?”

“You’re their first,” Price said. “No one ever forgets their first. You changed their whole world. And now you’re gonna help them make room for someone new.”

Tommy mulled that over.

“Will I still get bedtime stories?”

“Absolutely.”

“Cuddles?”

“Every single day.”

“…even fart jokes?”

“Especially fart jokes.”

Tommy giggled and rested his head on Price’s chest.

Price rubbed his back gently. “Being a big brother doesn’t mean losing anything, Tommy. It means getting to teach someone everything you already know. That’s the coolest kind of magic.”

Tommy was quiet for a long time, thinking hard with his little brow furrowed.

Then he whispered, “Will you carry me back?”

“Course I will,” Price said, scooping him up and hoisting him onto his shoulders.

Tommy clung to him, safe and warm, the weight of the world a little lighter.

As they passed the hallway, he glanced back and saw you and Simon waiting in the doorway.

Tommy smiled shyly. “Hi, Mum. Hi, Dad.”

“Hi, baby,” you said, heart full.

Simon reached for Tommy and pulled him down into a big, warm hug.

“We love you more than anything,” Simon whispered. “That’ll never change.”

Tommy clung to him like a koala.

“I love you, too. I think I’m ready to be a big brother.”

You smiled through the tears.

“I know you are, bug.”

And somewhere in your belly, the tiniest heartbeat seemed to flutter in agreement.

Hope you enjoyed! Please consider liking and reposting! -Midnight💜

[septima-severa]

Uh... more Thrawn soft p*rn?

His hands skimmed down to your ankles, fingers encircling them before he tugged gently, pulling you down to himself as easily as if you were just another piece of bedding.

“Are those mine?” he smirked, eyeing your choice of undies. He then watched your cheeks dusting with pink of a blush creeping up your face.

Truth was, they were so comfortable with your baby bump growing slightly. And you didn’t want to lie in the bed completely naked from your waist down, either. “Y-yes?” you stammered.

“Good… You smell delicious,” Thrawn growled, inhaling your faint minty scent.

What could you say? You had showered after the midday meal, right before you had returned to bed with the datapad, as Thrawn had been busy in his office back then. The catch was, you had still not regained your sense of smell, as the sickness had robbed you of it. You frowned at the unfairness of it.

He bent over you, his eyes glowing.

First, he sniffed your neck, inhaling deeply before his attention turned lower. His warm breath tickled your skin above the collar of the sweater, and you squirmed, but he didn’t remove it. Instead, he went on an exploration. Closing your eyes, you felt him sliding down your body, his touch light through the garment’s material. He stopped briefly between your breasts where the scent of mint salve lingered, then over your belly before stopping at your crotch while his hands returned to pet your reluctantly parting thighs.

Once Thrawn was satisfied with your obedience, he trailed a finger along the seam, dragging the blunt nail up your pussy folds. It tickled, but you stayed put, even though he had to notice your thighs shaking in an effort to keep them open. He grabbed your hips.

Following the touch was his hot wet tongue. You keened at the contact.

“Good girl,” he praised you then with a low grumbling before repeating the lick, dampening the fabric.

[yvesette]

*+ ☆: — ryujin as your possessive gf

— with your girlfriend’s arm around your shoulder, you leaned onto her head in the middle of a laugh- burying your face in the crook of her neck. the two of you were walking back to your apartment as the late night breeze made your bare legs goosebump and you pulled your borrowed jacket of hers over tighter. you could feel the slight intoxication you both had endured make your stomach turn in a blissful way and her breath was warm with the scent of minty gum and a slight alcoholic undertone as she whispered flirtatious nothings into your ear. you giggle and playfully slapped her side as you stopped walking to face her- her arm still snuggled around you.

“ryujin you can’t be serious,” you pointed your finger in her face, more drunk and slurring your words a slight bit more than she was.

ryujin rolled her eyes with a smile. “that dress you wore tonight is gonna make me act up i’m telling you y/n! ,” her face changed, “all the guys were looking at you and ughh,” she groaned and threw her head back, “it made me so mad.”

you cupped her face in your hands and kissed her cheek, “i wore this for you ryujinnie don’t get it twisted.” she flushed.

ahead was a two young men sitting on the stairway up to an apartment complex with a few glass bottles scattered around them and one was lighting a cigarette. ryujin side eyed them and pulled you to the opposite side of her to get some distance between you and them.

one of the men called after you, “hey baby you want a cig?” you both stopped in your tracks and you drunkenly wandered over to the man while ryujin urgently gripped your hand- trying to pull you away.

you took the cigarette he had handed out your direction between your two fingers and asked for a lighter while you giggled. ryujin’s mind was racing and it wasn’t good thoughts.

“here baby, i have a light in my pocket one sec,” she let go of your hand to dig out the lighter as you sat yourself down on the concrete staircase. the two men seemed grossly pleased and one put out his cigarette while leaning dangerously close to you. ryujin shot him a disgusted look as she pulled out the lighter.

“why couldn’t we stay longer at the club jinnie i was having so much funn,” you pouted as ryujin leaned forward to light your cigarette and took a hit- blowing the smoke to the side of you. ryujin beckoned her hand to assist you up but your eyes wandered to the man next you as he began talking.

after taking a drink of the soju bottle in his right hand he attempted to compliment you, “you guys were clubbing? damn i bet all the guys were staring at you huh?” he pointed to you and ryujin bit the inside of her cheek and grabbed your free hand.

“we have to go love it’s too cold out,” you frowned and stood up- stomping over your barely used cigarette and the two of you walked a few meters while she snugged the coat around you and flipped off the two guys on the staircase.

she scolded you lightly, “those guys were too drunk y/n, you have to be careful ok? i don’t want you getting hurt.” she continued her speech as you struggled to unlock the door to your apartment a block ahead. she took the key from your hand gently and was grimacing as she got the door open, “the way they were looking at you made me want to throw up…”

you got inside and you both kicked off yours shoes. she took off your coat for you and you faced her, sobering up to prepare to apologize before she got closer to you and gripped your waist, she tucked a strand your hair behind your ear, “i’m mad ok. not at you but at all those guys from tonight.”

you pouted, “i’m sorry baby i didn’t even notice they were weird i should have been more careful.”

she grabbed your cheek with one hand and said between kisses down your neck, “i want you to be mine and mine only.”

your eyes widened and your legs tightened together as you felt a warmth form below. you shuddered at the feeling of her bites and soothing kisses that had now reached your collarbone.

she took off her jacket and threw it to the floor of your entryway and then turned her attention to you- who had leaned against the wall as she held your face in her hands.

“say it y/n please..”

“say what love?” you asked with innocence and your eyes took in her features making you bite down on the inside of your bottom lip in lust.

her face moved closer to yours so that your foreheads were touching and she sighed “say you’re mine.”

your hands moved quick- one to grab her waist and the other found her hair as you moaned into an open mouthed kiss. ryujin’s urgency and need to make her yours was blatant and seductive with her lips as her tongue parted yours and let itself in. she groaned into your mouth as her hand snaked up your thigh and starting rubbing underneath your dress over your panties where you needed her attention most.

her lips left yours and she closed in by your ear, “say it for me baby.”

you threw your head back against the door and moaned her name followed by what she wanted, “i’m all yours ryujin. all yours…” your breath was shallow and pleading.

she crouched down, pleased, and pressed kisses up your thighs before slipping your underwater to the side and lapping her tongue at your core as she lifted one of your legs over her shoulder. you took in the side, her face buried in you with her hair a mess in her tie and button up. you swallowed and a mess of her name and curses came out of your mouth as her tongue circled your clit before it mouth south and her nose rubbed against your sweet spot. your chest heaved up and down as one hand held the doorknob behind you for balance and the other laced itself in her dark hair. she smiled against you, looking at your eyes as you let out a loud, dirty noise from the pleasure and you felt the vibrations of her groans against your core. you felt a warm and familiar feeling at the bottom of your stomach rise to the top of your head and all throughout your limbs as her pace quickened and you were coming over the edge of your breaking point. you mewed her name and cursed violently as your vision became blurry and your senses came back to you. she napped gently at you with her tongue- soothing your climax and letting you come down before pressing a kiss against you and and breathing heavily as she pulled away- rubbing a mixture of spit and your wetness against the back of her hand. she looked back up at you and grinned, sitting up as she gently set your shaking legs down. she held your waist to balance you and kissed you sweetly- you could taste your honey like essence against her lips.

you both heaved heavily and erupted into small giggles as she escorted you to your bedroom to change. you slipped your dress over your head and she pointed to the purple marks on your neck and held back a laugh as she slipped on and oversized t-shirt. you turned to the mirror behind you and frowned- rubbing your neck and starting at the marks, “jinnie what do you DO…?”

she hugged you from behind, moving your hair and kissing the other side of your neck that she hadn’t ravished. her arms wrapped around your bare torso and she smiled, “i’m just letting everyone know what’s mine is mine.”

[aemnds]

─ 𝐒𝐖𝐄𝐄𝐓.

❛ ♡. gif credit.

★ ── modern!aemond comes home early to surprise his little wife.

◜ ♡ ⃗ ⎯⎯ [3:41 pm — aemond targaryen]

she had just finished cutting the strawberry, crème sandwiches into diagonal slices as the front door opened— revealing her beloved husband, aemond targaryen.

smiling, she hurried over to him, helping him remove his long, leather jacket, before bending down to untie and remove his black, combat boots.

once she placed both things neatly away, she returned to her patiently waiting husband and reached up on the tips of her bare, pedicured toes—which were painted pale, baby pink—and kissed his soft, pillowy lips -- humming at the minty flavor he always seemed to taste of.

“hello, my love,” she greeted him softly, after pulling away from him to continue preparing his lunch. she hummed softly as she worked, grabbing a handful of salted almonds and placing them into a tiny container for later to snack on.

aemond hummed, walking up behind her and wrapping his long, lean arms around her— pulling her back slightly so that she was snuggly pressed back against his hard, front torso— making her smile with happiness.

“my love, i need to finish preparing your lunch,” she says with a light giggle, feeling him bend down and press multiple kisses along the sides of her neck and collarbones, where he knew she was most sensitive.

“i’ve missed you,” he murmured, nearly whining as he lightly scraped his teeth against her thumping pulse point, before beginning to suck on her earlobe, humming in content at the delicious taste of her soft, silky skin.

she made a giggling sound, trying to pull away as she finished cutting a few slices of apple—without the skins—just as aemond preferred, before turning around to face him.

he towered over her, a small smirk on his lips as he bent his knees down to press his lips to hers, wrapping his strong arms around her waist tightly— possessively.

“hm.. my pretty, little wife— you are truly perfection,” he says lowly, before pressing his lips back against hers, moaning at the sweet, honeyed taste of her -- his tongue slipping inside of her warm, wet mouth.

“gods,” aemond groaned into the kiss, hearing her whimper and try to kiss him back with the same intensity as he was kissing her. “i am so lucky to have you— my sweet girl, my only love,” he tells her, his voice boarding on obsessive.

“i love you, i love you, i love you— you’re mine, all fucking mine… say it,” he demands, voice deep and nearly begging—gods, if aegon ever found out that he spoke to his wife this way, he’d call him a fucking simp and never hear the end of it.

she giggles femininely, flashing him a pretty, lovesick smile as she was so used to her husband’s possessive behavior over her, “i love you, aemond— i am yours,” she purrs, fluttering her eyelashes up at him innocently -- like a sweet, little virgin.

aemond smirked, leaning around her and swiping a long finger behind her into the homemade whipped cream she had made, pulling it back and sucking the sweetness into his watering mouth, a soft hum escaping him— tasting the sweet aroma of vanilla extract.

“delicious,” he purred, smirking down at her -- before he swiped another finger into the whipped cream, holding out his long, calloused finger near her plush, pink lips to give her a taste.

she gave him a look of surprise, raising an eyebrow at his teasing grin as she wrapped her lips around his finger, sucking the whipped cream off of his digit with a soft, breathy moan.

“and to think… you’ve made my favorite strawberry sandwiches too,” he says conversationally, his voice deep and husky as he looked down at her with a dilated, amethyst eye -- which was burning with desire.

“i have an idea,” aemond announces suddenly, watching his wife hungrily suck on his index finger, his eye darkening with lust.

aemond suddenly pulled his finger away, running the long, calloused fingers of his right hand over his wife’s exposed shoulder as he pressed her back more firmly against the large, kitchen countertop that he had built for her out of marble.

she gave him a curious look, doe eyes blinking up at him innocently and pink lips slightly parted in question. “yes, my love?” she asks him sweetly, her voice high-pitched and as sweet as the whipped cream she had made just for him.

aemond let out a soft sigh, letting his calloused fingertips brush down and over the thin, pink tank-top, admiring the little white flowers decorating the thin material that covered her perky breasts— her nipples hardening as he moved down closer and closer -- before tweaking a nipple between his long, deft fingertips.

he heard her gasp softly, her back arching into him and her heavy eyelids fluttering with lust, her cunt becoming more and more wet the more time he paid attention to her.

…he drove her absolutely wild.

aemond hummed lowly, giving a nod, “how about we put this delicious lunch away for later that you’ve made for me… oh, so lovingly— and how about i eat you instead, hm?” he murmured softly, though there was a hint of darkness to his voice as he began to grind his hardening cock into her lower belly, making her whimper pathetically for him.

she gasped softly, doe eyes wide and blinking repeatedly, before nodding eagerly in agreement, already starting to put the lunch away for later consumption for when they were both hungry after their… activities.

aemond happily trailed after his little wife, watching as she placed the food away neatly in the refrigerator -- the front of his hard, clothed torso pressed firmly against her back.

he started pressing ravenous kisses down the right side of her delicate neck once again— enjoying the sight of the purple blemishes he’d made last night -- while sucking and biting the smooth skin as if his wife was a sweet, forbidden fruit made specifically for him.

she knew how aemond could get -- her husband could become nearly frenzied— practically a beast when it came to her, and it seemed she was in for a long afternoon of orgasm after orgasm, as he whispered hotly that he wished for nothing more than to feast on her sweet, little cunt.

[momojedi]

— HEMLOCK topic. hunter x gn! jedi! reader

**

type. loss, pt 3 note. uh oh, its a series now. warnings. imprisonment, creepy hemlock, non-con touch (non-sexual), just hemlock being the creep i perceive him as word count. 737 tag list: @ooostarwarsfandom501st @shadow-rebel-223

star wars masterlist || pinned post

I stare at the straw doll.

"Tha-," I gulp, running my tongue over cracked lips, "Thanks." The girl smiles at me, a genuine and kindhearted quirk in the corner of her mouth. "You're welcome." Her words are heavily accented and laced with so much authenticity, I can't help but flash her a tiny grin. "What's your name?" "O-"

"Ah, I see you two are bonding already." Before she can finish her answer, a cool voice interrupts her. We simultaneously turn our heads to the cell door. In it stands a man with dark hair and piercingly blue eyes. He's calm, perceiving us in a creepy manner as he scans her, the doll in my hands before then moving on to me. His gaze lingers on me for a second and the urge to shrink and disappear suddenly becomes very prominent. He turns to the girl.

"Dr Karr must be waiting on you," he speaks in a soft manner that yet radiates more cold than warmth, "move along." Hesitantly, as if refusing to leave me behind, she sends a swift glance my way. I nod. She wouldn't be able to do much for me, either way, especially not in my current state. Then, she slowly makes her way over to the man and slips out of the cell, though not before giving me on last wave. The man watches her disappear down the hallway, hands clasped behind his back. "She seems to have taken a liking to you," he hums, not looking at me.

I don't respond, no, instead I observe him until my thoughts drift over to what Dr Karr had said earlier. My brows furrow. "You're Hemlock," I realise, eyes widening. Was this the man responsible for my capture? Responsible for the weeks upon weeks of mental as well as physical torture? His low chuckle interrupts my thoughts.

"Well observed." Hemlock approaches me, taking confident strides over to me until he stands in front of me, right where I'm leaning against the wall. He's close, too close than I'd consider comfortable, caging me in to the point I can practically smell his breath. Minty. "You're [name], " He states, offering me a smile though nothing about it is kind, "You were a Jedi during the war. Commander, if I'm not mistaken?"

I bite my lip and glue my eyes to the polished floor. It's still sparkling from when the last maintenance crew cleaned up. Out of the corner of my sight, I notice a quirk in his lips. Hemlock has clearly taken notice of my reaction. My fingers twitch and I try my best to suppress the sudden itch I feel to knock him to the ground.

"Oh, the Jedi," he purrs, a hint of mock lacing his tone, "truly a bummer what happened to them." Hemlock sighs. "If only they hadn't betrayed the-" "They didn't betray shit," I bark, snapping out of my distant state. Hemlock looks taken aback for a second, a surprised glint flickering in his eyes, but he quickly gathers himself.

"Oh? That's not what official reports said." "That's because your official reports are nothing but a load of bantha fodder." I growl. He stares at me, his ice cold eyes meeting mine and a shiver runs down my spine. The sudden urge to tear my eyes away from him overtakes me and despite my defiance, I scowl yet lower my gaze. Hemlock doesn't like it.

"Look at me." I ignore him, shutting my eyes and shutting him out in the process. "I said," he breathes steadily, hot air hitting my face, "look at me."

The hand that finds itself at my neck knocks the air out of me when he grips my chin and forces me to look at him.

"You are alone. None of your Jedi friends will save you; not here, nor anywhere else in the galaxy. And you know why? Because they're all dead," he closes his eyes and sighs silently, his tone growing soft again, almost loving, when he rises again, readjusting the glove on his hand, "I'm giving you a chance here. A chance to survive, to be part of a greater purpose. It's up to you to take it."

Fixing him with a glare, I lean my head back to gather as much saliva as I can before spitting at his feet.

"My family will come for me. They'll save me."

At least I hope so.

[icefrozendeadlyqueen]

What is a Mercenary doing in a World of Vampires? | Chapter 1

Pairing: X x Demetri, (Y/N) x Unknown (suggest a pairing for reader in the comments), Talita x Felix, etc.

Summary: Who knew Superstitions were real, shit. I am no longer skeptical.

Warning: Attempted murder, violence (let me know if I missed anything), romance.

Word count: 3,459.

a/n: Another Friday update! I had been dying with this idea, but I would appreciated any request or hearts. This is something I added on my phone.

Prologue, Chapter 1 (you are here), Chapter 2,

Choose (y/n)'s mate

(Gif is not mine)

X's POV

A day ago was good, we where all in homebase minding our own bussiness just breathing in poluted air with a mist of minty freshness. In the bleacher sat (y/n) and Ava staring into the training area before them. We were taking turns reaching the limits of what it meant pushing it too close.

Talita rushed at me clenching her palms together before I crossed my arms blocking her attack. She continues with a barrage of punches, "Can you stop blocking for once?? This shit is annoying".

I move my hands down, shaking them a bit, my gaze falls to them. A sigh escapes my lips before I could even stop it. I heard (y/n) from the bleacher that aren't that far from us for her to scream at the top of what her lungs gave her, "COME ON DUMMY! FIGHT!".

"I am not feeling training right now". X murmurs to Talita not looking at (y/n) to acknowledge her. I shrug her encouragement. Talita hums a music under her breath. X takes a deep breath, "I know we got to train to be prepare and shit".

"I am fire up though!", Talita plaster her fingers through her hair staring at x as if she has lost her head. Talita shakes her head not trying to wrapped her mind against her partner not wanting to train with her. A breath both of them took looking at each others, "You can fight (y/n)?". An idea escape my lips to help out Talita.

"You think, she would want too?". Talita ponders, a hand to her chin as the idea cooks in her brain. Talita pouts not liking this one bit, "I wanted to fight you though...". Talita whispers that last sentence as x starts to make her way to the bleachers not aware of Talita's wishes.

"Yo", X starts to see how can she get (y/n) to train with Talita. What kind of argument that could possibly not affect her or start a conflict, "OBNOXIOUSLY ENERGIZE GOBLIN!". Talita screams at the top of her lungs staring directly at the bleachers. X halts gazing to (y/n) who clenches her palms a new level of anger spits from her lips, "What the fuck did you just call me??!".

If glares could kill Talita would have been 6 feet under already.

"How did you know its you? Could be a (short/tall) stature can't help to safe your life". Talita continues. She continues blurting things to infuriate (y/n) stuff that x knows (y/n) is heavily conflicted on.

"X!". (y/n) calls for her. X hurries the way to (y/n) and Ava, "yip Cap? What can I do for you?".

"Can you hold the ice pack on Ava's wrist?". (y/n) pleads handing me a secondary ice pack, she took from the nurses office down the hall from the training grounds. X nods taking the object, "You guys know I can place the ice pack on my own, right?". Ava mumble her words went to deaf ears. X turns to Ava giving her a warm smile.

"I can do that! Have fun kicking ass". X said to her cap moving aside. (y/n) walks towards Talita her eyebrows furrow and both her palms clench together. X sits next to Ava a sigh escapes her lips, "What's up? Something bothering you?".

"Hmmm". X sees (y/n) enters the fighting area running head on for Talita. Talita avoids (y/n) punch an annoyed sigh escapes (y/n) as she rushes to Talita setting a barrage of punches her way. Talita blocks some of the punches while avoiding her Captain. (y/n) is not letting Talita have a breathing in every opening she is punching then swinging her legs.

Talitha blocks the attack of (y/n) as she pushes with some punches of her own.

"You should get that check by the nurse". X turns to stare at Ava's wrist. The color purple like those wounds that appear on one body when you stomp a limp. Ava stares at the purple wound on her wrist.

"I trip while running trying this new technique while practicing with (y/n) before you got here". Ava answers my curiosity, she gave a grimmace of pain when she place the ice pack on the wound once more, "The nurse said is not dislocated, but I need ice packs. It hurts like a bitch after training I will go to a doctor", Ava looks ahead to Talita and (y/n) training.

"On another note, its monumental that our partners are fighting. Who do you go for?". I tried to go into another conversation not pestering on what my brain wants. I sigh not looking at the fighting area. I felt my hands sweating feeling a stranger in my own body like it had vacancy and my soul wasn't responding to movements nor thoughts.

I just want to keep my brain thinking of something else other than next week. I hate lying, but what else am I supposed to do?

"Don't go around changing the subject! Talk to me". Ava replies soon after not giving me a chance to recover. My lips open, my brain felt like a crossword problem with no solving anytime soon. Words crumble from my lips like I haven't given it much thought.

"My sister is coming to visit next week to check up on me". I place the ice pack on the bleachers between Ava and me. I run my palms on top of my pants trying my best to clean the sweat from them. I gulp opening my mouth again to continue, "I had ignored her calls with the pioneer mission. Turns out not speaking for 2 months is consider proof to field a mission person's report".

X has to love Ava is easy to talk too. She waits for you to finish not speaking once. I love that about her.

"I don't have a clue what excuse I can come up with. Also we have THAT mission next week as well. I don't know how I am going to juggle the odd hours and my sister there". I breaths in, running my fingers through my locks waiting for Ava to respond. I take the ice pack from between both of us playing ball between my hands a way to distract my mind.

"She is visiting again? The fed one, right? Ohhhhhh! That explains why (y/n) pull you out of the mission". Ava drops the ice pack on her wrist to the floor next to the others. A sigh escape her lips taking the ice pack x had on her hands playing catch the ball with it. X sighs again seemingly deep in thought watching Talita and (y/n) train. Ava knows she isn't paying attention.

"Yeah, the same one. I... I don't know what to do, you know. I keep lying to her, every word out of my lips when I talk to her is a lie. It kills me to lie to Jade..." I bite my own lips, pondering in my brain what I should do. I move my fingers to my face pushing my hair back.

Next week is too fucking soon, my sister coming complicates everything. It feels like the walls are suffocating me. The fuck can I do in this situation Where can I go to clear my brain? There is not a plac- Volterra.

Yeah! What didn't I think of that? Volterra can fix all my problems. I will just go for a little bit then come back after my mind is clear plus the festival is going on today!

X's brown eyes light up with the idea. The phantom worries that surrounded her a moment ago seem to like that idea as well. I stand up without a word said turning around the seat.

The lingering sun on her skin with the heat welcoming her into a way to clear her mind. My favorite coffee shop, the amazing community and how beautiful everything is like a mystic of elegance.

"X? Where are you going?". Ava calls after her friend, shock runs in her face not sure what she said to upset her, "We can figure out whatever with the team!. Where are you going?". Ava asks after X.

"To clear my head! I'll be back soon". X calls back without turning around a giddy energy in her steps as she hops out the exit leaving her friend in a wave of confusion.

●■●

X's POV

The light that open the sky a discovery quest similar to those games x has seen her brothers play. Last time, she tried to learn she suckass at them. Her siblings did not let her live down the shame. Who fucking knew a Mercenary of the Notorious 6 could be so bad at gaming. X gazes behind her seeing the jackasses hot on her tail. X gulps, turning around only to crash face first into the fountaine.

A groan escape her lips mostly annoyance. She stood up walking the short steps to the doors light up by the sun waiting for her to reach them. Fuck her flip flops slippery including her wet pants and that fall hurt ass. She opens the heavy doors pulling with all her might to open enough for her to be able to enter, she scurries inside, the flops of her slipping shoes painting the marble floors with her wetness.

X quickly turns to grasp onto the door handle pulling to her. She stop to see the Revolver 6. "We have her corner! Disperse!". One of them mutter as the rest run in diferent directions.

"You won't be escaping", the one outside mutters pushing the door close, "We will leave your head for (y/n) to find. A little gift from the Revolver 6". She hears his voice send shivers throughout her whole body. Their whole threat sounds specially real. I plaster my forehead on the close doors, a bit of relief fills my insides, it doesnt help that its 6 men, she is going against expert killers.

She can't take this fight lightly like usual. She doesnt have her team to rely on neither her partner to help formulate a plan. What in fucks name can she do? She has guns, her halleluyahs. Yeah, she name her guns similar to the word she always uses.

I should have bring Talita. She would even the odds. If I get out of this with my life, I am going to take better care of my team. I won't be so hard on them.

She was long far from a plan that could bring her happiness, but she lowers her hands to her weapon's holsters. She got her halleluyahs; she is not incompetent to leave HQ without them.

She is stuck in whatever this place is until she sends word to contact the Notorious 6. Why the fuck didn't she told Ava where she was going to be? I am so fucking dumb! Call it her fucking pride!

First rule from (y/n) is not to hurt innocents. She is prohibited from start blasting in a public area specially in the city festival she loves so much everytime she is here.

'To clear my head! I'll be back soon', its looking like my promise will be broken. Shit will start after it. She knows suspision will fall on her team when she is late. She has never break a promise. EVER! This will be the first time.

She believes (y/n) may know the general location of my where abouts. Last christmas, she gave her team Volterra souvenirs.

She clenches her palms softly punching the close doors in a rhymth. She knows it won't help. She has fucked up, big time. What the fuck is she supposed to do now?

She gulps, she takes a breath in then soon after exhales out. X knows (y/n) will give her an earful about going places alone specially places we are comfortable in.

The rule is simple when a Mercenary is comfortable in a place always bring your team with you, so you don't get haunted by other Mercs that found where you were.

Those places are easy for other Mercs to find a careless Mercenary in.

Halleluyahs wouldn't have help even if she manages to shoot 2 of them down there are 4 left for one person. She needs to somehow use her surroundings; however, her brain still comes short. She can play the fight in her brain too many variables, too many casualties not to mention police, technology as well, too many drawbacks. Let's see 6 bullets for each halleluyahs.

I don't need to use free publicity to show my skills! That shit cost money! Volterra is filled to the brim with spectators, I could get recorded, or worse stop by police. I thought I was slick taking this time to enjoy the St. Marcus Day festivities to clear my head.

I haven't place into account what walking around with blood all over me.... yeah no that's obviously not good. I would hate to be black listed from ever being in Volterra.

She hears her heart beating in her ears ringing away the calmness that she manage to recover by each beat it makes against her chest. She places both of her hands on her hair trying to think of what can she do.

Running is not an option on her current state. She feels the water running down her legs slippery even more. She can't run with wet shoes that could cause a bigger injury. Usually, she relies on Talita to have her back, but I can't outrun 6 men. I should have train with Talita... I fucking regret my decisions..

●■●

Demetri's POV

"Is she your friend?". Felix asks The Cullens as everyone stares at the woman punching the door without grazing us with her presence. Bella looks at her a puddle of water surrounds her. She seems to be in her own world yet to notice any of us. She wore the red cloaks Demetri knows everyone outside is wearing for the festivities, but it was darker at the hems probably because of the water dripping from it. We waited for the Cullens and the human to answer us.

"No. We thought she was a Volturi". Alice replies softly her eyes drift to the woman as well. The Volturi guards stare at the woman, who hasn't turn around or notice us speaking about her.

Demetri raised an eyebrow at the peculiar woman. He breathes in a peculiar scent of strawberry and chocolate sweet indeed. Mysterious woman scent is sweeter than Bella's smearing Demetri's senses to oblivion. His smile switch to a genuine one.

His crimson eyes widely open, taking a step forward involuntarily, he mutters to the present while he fixes his dark cloak over his clothes, "Let's take everyone to Master Aro. He will know what to do".

"Good". Jane blurts, a nod she gave Felix expressing that bringing everyone to Master Aro is a none negotiable.

"Unwelcome guest, please follow us". Jane speaks outloud to crash the mysterious woman little bubble. Who's scent is electrocuting my senses. Rationality has long disappeared. Mysterious woman stops punching the close door that go out into the festivities outside.

The Cullens turned to stare at her as well. Something inside him clicks Demetri speeds past them covering her from their curious eyes. The Mysterious woman turns around her eyes gazes around her until they fell on Demetri ignoring everyone elses. Demetri places an arm around his back leaning forward giving her, extendent his other hand to her, "Will you give me the honor to escort you?".

Demetri gazes up at her brown eyes staring at his gloves hand. His crimson eyes take her in, a x scar across her right cheeks, with brown eyes that see only him. The surge of electricy pumping through his body could help his heart to beat faster if he was still human.

A smile dress her lips as she hesitates to take my gloves hands. A question seem to swim into that brain of hers as she asks, "Am I interrupting something?".

"No, don't mind the Cullen. They won't be a problem for much longer". I murmurs, Demetri furrow his eyebrows, annoyance filled his insides that his mysterious girl feels she is a bother. The Cullens are the ones that should disappear if it wasn't for Master Aro wanting to obtain Alice and Edward Cullen for the Volturi. He would had exterminate them where they stand.

"When can I leave? I'll get out of your hair. I am in a bit of a pickle", She speaks in a hutched tone, lowering her hand to my gloves ones.

He didn't like the comment of her leaving, why? He had only find her recently he could not imagine his days without her now. She doesn't elaborate or continues speaking.

A feeling tickles Demetri's gut if there is more to those sentences that she hasn't elaborate.

"Nothing will happen to you as long as I am here". I mutter to her, Demetri takes a hold of her fingers guiding her forward past the Cullens right behind Jane. Bella stares at her as she tried to grasp my mates arms. Demetri interrupts Bella's approach by pushing his mysterious woman to him. Jane and Felix exchange side looks, but they start walking without a word said. The Cullen follow after us, Felix waits for the cullens and Bella to walk by to stand behind them.

"Master Aro will know what to do with you", Jane speaks loud telling my mate. She looks around the arquitecture, "Okay!". Her eyes are glued to every passage we take. She looks at Jane plastering a smile on her lips. Demetri couldn't resist from smiling himself a surge of happiness travels his veins as she continues to awh at everything she sees, "Is this a museum of some sort? I had no idea Volterra had something so cool".

"What's going on with you, Demetri?". I heard Felix asks me in italian. Alice cullen looks behind her to Felix then towards Demetri. Edward empty eyes are kept on Bella, "I found my flower". I replied in the same languages.

Felix didn't said anything further as we continue to walk through the corridors. My mate stare at every little cranny, she has never seen something similar to the Volturi Castle before. A joyish pride burst through my body. We walk past Gianna, the Volturi's receptionist, Bella speaks up, "so she wants to be... a vampire?". The last part was a whisper that we catch with our super hearing.

My mate waves at Gianna. Gianna stood up when we walk past her. Gianna waves back at my mate.

"So she shall", Demetri mutters back, he brings his mates hand to his lips leaving a kiss on her fingers, "Or dessert", said Jane to my remark.

"Excuse me?". My mate speaks up from beside Demetri. He pulls her even closer to himself not leaving any space between them when he walks her to the farther corner of the elevator. Demetri places one of his gloves hands on her waist. He lowers his lips to her ears, "Yes, mi amore?".

Demetri sees her breath hitch. She gulps down saliva leaning back towards him. Demetri's crimson eyes notices Alice Cullen and Bella had their eyes on them, "What name goes with your face?". My mates whispers to him, a voice like silk but hushed like a timid flower. The end of Demetri's lips curls into a wide grin, he enjoys his timid mate.

"Demetri", he whisper back to her softly he places his chin on her shoulder blades breathing in and out at the rhymth of his mates heart.

"Demetri...", She whispers to herself muttering the words hesitantly. Demetri looks to her hearing his name through his mates lips brings another smile to his lips. Her voice is something he could enjoy hearing more off. She blurted his name with much more confidence this time around, "Demetri".

"Yes?". Demetri acknowledges her, she turns her head towards me. When our eyes lock, our lips were inches from each others. Her body tremble under his hold. She moves ever so closely to him leaving no space between us. Demetri could not be more happy even if he tried.

[mintyscuriocabinet]

Thoughts on Mastermind 💚 (Spoilers Ahead!)

I just watched the new Helluva Boss episode and oh my gosh! Vivziepop and her team are messing with my poor lil MLM heart again!

This has got to be one of the most action packed episodes yet. I'm glad we finally got to see all the sins at last, though I wish we got to see Lucifer. I hope we'll see more of them all in the future. Also Satan is amazing, he's definitely a new favourite of mine.

I'm interested to see how Octavia and Stella will fare without Stolas in the palace and what life will be like for him now that he's lost his crown. I definitely think that he'll end up working for IMP in some way.

I have to say I'm glad Blitzø and Stolas are back together, I have a strong connection to the ship and I think they're very sweet. Though I absolutely love Stolitz, I can't help but feel like they're getting back into their relationship too quickly. I feel like it would be better for them if they stayed apart for a little longer.

Besides that, the only other complaint I'd have is that we didn't see much of Vassago, which did disappoint me a bit considering how much hype there was for him. Despite his limited appearances, I don't doubt we're going to be seeing more of him in later episodes.

Overall, I think Mastermind was pretty great and I'm looking forward to seeing the Hellaverse develop. Minty approved! 💚

[queersrus]

Candy theme

[candy theme]

for @seraphim-coinz 's event, prompt one !

partnered with our other blogs @dollilian, @objectumluv, @systiveboxes, @skelatomy

(nick) names:

aero, almond, altoid, astro, ayd, airhead bonbon, bonnie, butter, burst, bar, bounty, boyer, bubble, bear, bubba

candi/candie/candy, candice/candace, candiette, cotton, caramel, caramilk, crisp, cadbury, creme, cane, corn, charlston, chew, charlie, chik, chip, choco, chocolate, chuckle, chupa, chup, clark, crunch, crunchy/crunchie

dot, drop, dove, double, dum, dunkaroo five, fazer, ferrera, ferrero, flake, fruitella, fudge, fruit gummy, gusher, galaxy, gob

henry, hershy/hershey, heath, haribo, hi-chew, hubba ike, ice jelly, jello, jellybean, jolly, joy, juice, juicy, juju, jujube

kit, kat, kitkat, kiss, kinder, knopper, krackel lolly/lollie, lollypop/lollipop, lemon, laffy, licorice/liquorice, lindor, lemonhead

mint, minty, mike, milky, mallo/mallow, marsh, marshmallow, maltese, malteser, mamba, mars, mento, milk, milka, milton, moonpie, mound

necco, nerd, nestle orbit, oreo

pixy/pixie, patch, pop, parma, payday, pb, peanut, peep, pez, pocky, peppermnt

reese/rease, ruth, ranch, rancher, rocher, rock, rolo, runt skittle, smartie/smarty, sour, snicker, star, starburst, sixlet, skor, spree, sweetart, sweetheart, symphony

tootsie, taffy, toffee, turk, twizzler, twix, trident, tape, tempo, tic, tac, toblerone, topic, treet/treat, trolli, tupla, twinky/twinkie, twirl violet

way, wunder/wonder, wafer, warhead, whopper, wine, wispa, wonka york zaotang, zero

1st p prns: i/me/my/mine/myself

ai/ae/aery/aeroine(aerine)/aeroself ai/aire/airy/airheadine/airheadself bi/bone/bonbony/bonbonine/bonbonself ci/cande/candy/candine/candyself ci/care/caramy/caramine/caramelself(caramilkself) chi/choce/chocy/chocolatine/chocolateself gi/gume/gummy/gummine/gummyself(gumself) ji/jelle/jelly/jelline/jelloself pi/pocke/pocky/pockine/pockyself ri/ree/reesy/reesine/reeseself ski/skitte/skittly/skittline/skittleself ski/skore/skory/skorine/skorself ti/tootse/tootsy/tootsine/tootsieself ti/taffe/taffy/taffine/taffyself wi/wonke/wonky/wonkine/wonkaself

2nd p prns: you/your/yours/yourself

ao/aer/aers/aerself aio/air/airheaders/airheaderself bo/bonbonr/bonbonrs/bonbonrself co/cander/candiers/canderself co/carameler/caramelers/caramelerself cho/chocor/chocors/chocorself go/gummer/gummers/gummerself jo/jellor/jellors/jellorself po/pocker/pockers/pockerself ro/reeser/reesers/reeserself sko/skittler/skittlers/skittlerself sko/skor/skors/skorself to/tootser/tootsiers/tootserself to/taffer/taffers/tafferself wo/wonker/wonkers/wonkerself

3rd p prns: they/them/theirs/themself

ae/aero, aer/ro, ae/ro, aer/aero, aero/aeros, aero/bar, air/head, airhead/airheads bo/bon, bon/bon, bonbon/bonbons can/dy, can/candy, candy/candys, candy/bar, cara/mel, car/caramel, caramel/caramels, cara/milk, caramilk/caramilks, cho/colate, choco/lat, cho/colat, choc/ olat, choco/chocolat, chocolat/chocolats gum/my, gum/gummy, gummy/gummys jel/jello, jel/lo, jello/jellos po/pocky, po/cky, poc/ky, pock/y, pock/pocky, pocky/pockys re/eses, ree/ses, ree/se, ree/reese, reese/reeses, reeses/pieces ski/skittle, skit/skittle, skittle/skittles, skit/tle, sko/skor, sko/or, skor/skors to/toots, too/tsie, too/tootsie, tootsie/tootsies, ta/taffy, taff/y, taf/fy, taf/taffy, taffy/taffys wo/wonka, wonk/a, won/ka, wonka/wonkas, wonka/bar

titles:

the candy seller, the candy maker, the candy hoarder, the candy man/woman/being, the candy lover, the ruler of candyland

*one who collects vintage candies, one who shares candy, one who owns many candies, one who is making many candies, one who holds candy knowledge

candy maker

*one can be replaced by any prn

[venactricisfics]

Bucking Tradition

Chapter Twenty-Eight

“Mornin’,” I groaned as Ryan slid out from under me in his bunk. I stretched, already missing his warmth. “Time to get up already?”

He chuckled, buttoning his jeans. “We could’ve stayed in your bed last night—then you wouldn’t have to wake up so early.”

“And let you sneak out at the crack of dawn?” I smirked, propping myself up on my elbow. “Not a chance. I like watching you get ready.” My eyes trailed down his body as he tucked in his shirt and buckled his belt. I gestured toward him with a lazy wave of my hand. “All of that is fun to watch.”

Ryan grinned, eyes twinkling. “Glad you like what you see, baby. We can sleep wherever you want.”

I reached for him, ready to pull him back into bed. “I love you—” I paused, wrinkling my nose. “But first, I need to brush my teeth.”

Ryan just smirked, shaking his head. “Come find me after, sweetheart.”

I stretched as I climbed out of bed, weaving through the bunkhouse as the guys got ready for the day. Teeter shimmied into her jeans, Mia stretched out lazily on Jimmy’s bunk, and in the corner, Laramie was still curled up in Lloyd’s double bed.

“Don’t get up,” Lloyd murmured, tucking the blankets around her. “Stay as long as you want.”

“Hey, baby,” Teeter drawled, shooting me a grin. “I wish some bronc would break my back so I could lay around in bed all day bumpin’ fuckin’ uglies till noon.” She cut a sly look toward Colby. “Don’t that sound nice?”

Ryan chuckled as he buttoned his shirt. “Just a matter of time.”

Shaking my head, I made my way to the bathroom, pushing the door open. Teeter followed close behind.

“I think you’re starting to wear him down,” I teased, smirking at her in the mirror as I brushed my teeth.

“Inch by fuckin’ inch,” she smirked right back. “He’s a hard nut to crack. But I’m patient.”

Ryan was waiting by the door when I stepped out of the bathroom.

“Hey, you,” I murmured, rising onto my toes to kiss him.

He grinned against my lips. “Minty.”

I rolled my eyes as he tucked a strand of hair behind my ear.

“I gotta head out—Kayce called,” he said. “Think you can keep this bunch outta trouble while I’m gone?”

“No promises,” I smirked, arching a brow. “Be careful.” Livestock Agent work. Never a dull moment.

“I always am, baby.” He leaned in, brushing his lips over mine again, lingering just a little longer this time. “Needed one for the road.”

I watched as he walked away, shaking my head with a smirk. Damn, I was a lucky woman.

For the first time in a long while, the bunkhouse was quiet. The guys were off doing something, and Jimmy and Rip were taking a rank son of a bitch out to see if Sid Syner’s boy could buck the rodeo out of him.

I took advantage of the rare stillness, pouring myself a cup of coffee before settling at the table with my laptop. Last night’s ride with the girls had reminded me of something—I missed performing. Putting on a real show. And I wanted to try something different.

I wasn’t planning on jumping through fire or anything reckless. But Roman riding? That had my attention.

I knew Denim well enough to know he wouldn’t take kindly to working with another horse by his side. For this to work, I needed two horses that moved in sync—with each other and with me.

I needed two horses with Denim’s style but none of his sass. There was only one man who could find exactly what I was looking for—though he’d try to swindle me in the process. I picked up my phone, already bracing myself for the conversation.

“Well, girl, I was expectin’ your call a long time ago,” Travis drawled the moment he answered. “You know you still got a place with my crew.”

“Yeah, I know. But that’s not why I’m callin’,” I said, cutting straight to the point. “I need a pair of horses. Not one of your five-million-dollar beasts, either. They’ve gotta be able to work together.”

I could practically hear the dollar signs ringing in his head.

“I’ll see what I can come up with,” he said smoothly. “How soon you wanna see ‘em?”

“I’m in no rush. Next time you’re up this way,” I told him, leaning back in my chair. “I’m gonna see about workin’ with some of the ranch horses first. Might not even need you.”

Travis let out a knowing chuckle. “Oh, you need me, Alex. In more ways than one.”

I rolled my eyes. “Not for that, I don’t.”

“Right, right. Forgot—you’re in love.” His voice was all tease, but there was a hint of something else beneath it. “I’ll call if I find a pair worth your time.”

“Appreciate it, Travis.” I ended the call before he could get another smart-ass remark in.

—-------------------------------------

“Sweetheart,” Dad said as we pulled into the diner’s parking lot, “I’m surprised you wanted to come with me.”

I shrugged, a small smile tugging at my lips. “We used to come here all the time after Beth and Jamie went off to school. Guess I’m feeling nostalgic.” Then, lowering my voice, I added, “And they have the best chicken-fried steak.”

Dad chuckled as he put the truck in park. “Don’t let Gator hear you say that.”

I smirked. “Secret’s safe with me.”

We stepped inside, the familiar scent of coffee and fried food wrapping around us like a warm memory. Without thinking, I slid onto the same barstool I used to sit on as a little girl. Dad took his usual seat beside me, just like he always had.

“Doc letting you eat steak again?” the waitress, Maggie, asked.

“Yep, I got a clean bill of health,” Dad told her. “I can eat whatever the hell I want.” 

“You still like it rare?” she asked.

“Yep, just pull it out of the cooler, whisper fire, and throw it on my plate,” he answered.

“What’ll you have, Alex?” she gave me a smile.

“I’ll have the steak too, just battered and fried and covered with a ton of gravy, please,” I almost missed being able to swing my legs freely on the stool. 

Maggie chuckled as she jotted down our orders. “Some things never change.”

Dad smirked. “Why mess with a good thing?”

I leaned my elbows on the counter, glancing around the diner. It still looked the same—checkered floors, faded menus above the grill, and the comforting hum of morning conversations. It felt like stepping back in time.

“You’re looking good, John,” Maggie said as she poured Dad a cup of coffee. “Retirement must be treating you well.”

Dad scoffed. “Retirement?” He shook his head. “Don’t use bad words at the breakfast table, Maggie.”

She laughed. “Figured as much. You’d shrivel up and die if you weren’t running that ranch.” She turned to me with a wink. “And you? Still giving these boys a run for their money?”

I smirked, reaching for the sugar. “Always.”

I turned at the sound of the bell above the diner door, my stomach sinking. Breakfast with my father was about to take a sudden nosedive. Clint and Wade Marrow strode inside like they owned the place. Dad saw them too. His jaw tightened as he stirred his coffee, his movements slow and deliberate.

I felt Clint’s eyes on me before he even spoke. He slid onto the stool beside mine, wearing that same cocky, shit-eating grin. Wade took the seat on the other side of my father, boxing us in.

“Mornin’, Alex,” Clint drawled, leaning in just enough to make my skin crawl.

I glared at him. “Don’t you have anything better to do?”

“Than make you squirm?” His breath was hot against my ear. “I know how you squirm.”

Dad set his cup down with a quiet clink against the saucer. “I don’t believe in coincidences,” he said, his voice low and dangerous. “One thing you ain’t is stupid. So for you to set foot in this state again, much less work the land beside mine, tells me one of two things. Either you got a death wish, or your boyfriend in prison fucked all the common sense right outta you.”

Clint shot up from his seat, ready to square off. He grabbed Dad’s shoulder, a mistake he didn’t get the chance to regret.

I was done playing nice. I snatched the water glass off the table and smashed it right into Clint’s face. He reared back with a furious snarl, fist drawn, but before he could swing, my father’s punch sent him crashing onto the diner floor.

Dad stood over Clint’s crumpled form, watching as he groaned on the diner floor. “Nice to see you had a child who lived, Wade,” he said, his tone cold as steel. “Though he sure drew the short straw with you for a father. I gave you a job, a place to call home, and you stole the one thing a cowboy never fucking steals. And now you’re here—and you ain’t stupid.”

Wade met his stare without flinching. “I’m here ‘cause I was hired to be here, and you can not like that all you want,” he replied. “Hell, that’s probably the reason they hired me in the first place. But any time you feel like wrestling a bear instead of a cub, pick the barn, John.” He leaned down, gripping Clint’s arm and hauling him off the floor.

Clint wiped at his bloody nose, then turned his eyes on me. A smirk tugged at his lips. “I guess you like it rough now, huh?”

My hands clenched into fists at my sides. “Go crawl back in the hole you slithered out of,” I snapped.

Dad’s voice cut through the tension like a blade. “Wade,” he said, locking eyes with him, “you have something that belongs to me.”

Wade didn’t so much as blink. “Come and get it.”

Dad gave a slow nod. “I plan to.”

Without another word, Wade and Clint turned and stomped out of the diner, the door slamming shut behind them.

I let out a slow breath, forcing my shoulders to relax. Then I sat back down and picked up my fork.

“Might as well finish my breakfast.”

—--------------

My phone rang just as we pulled through the gates of the Yellowstone.

Kayce.

Why was he calling in the middle of the day?

I hesitated on the porch as Dad stepped inside, swiping to answer.

“Hello?”

“Alex, meet us at the hospital,” he said.

My stomach dropped.

“What happened?” My voice shook.

“Ryan was shot,” Kayce said. “He had his vest on, but EMS is taking him in to get checked out.”

“I’m on my way.”

I couldn’t think—I just moved. I shoved through the door, grabbing my keys, but my truck was blocked in.

“Dad, give me your keys. I need to go now.”

He turned at the urgency in my voice, eyes scanning my face, my shaking hands.

“Sweetheart,” he said, calm but firm, “what happened?”

I could barely get the words out. “They shot him. They shot Ryan.”

Dad's expression hardened. “You don’t need to drive, honey. I’ll take you.”

I didn’t argue. There wasn’t time.

The drive to Bozeman stretched endlessly, every mile heavier than the last. My leg bounced restlessly, my fingers gripping my phone so tight my knuckles turned white.

“He was wearing his vest,” Dad said, like that was supposed to make me feel better.

“I know.”

But it didn’t stop the panic clawing up my throat.

We pulled into the hospital parking lot, and before Dad could even throw the truck into park, I had the door open, jumping out.

“Alex—” Dad called after me, but I didn’t stop. I bolted through the sliding glass doors, scanning the waiting area until I spotted Kayce.

His face was tense, his arms crossed over his chest, but he wasn’t panicking. That had to be a good sign, right?

“Where is he?” I demanded, barely able to catch my breath.

Kayce stepped toward me, hands up like he was ready to stop me from barging through the hospital. “They’re checking him out now,” he said. “He’s awake, talking, just bruised up pretty bad.”

I exhaled sharply, my body still trembling from the adrenaline.

“He asked for you,” Kayce added, giving me a small nod toward the hallway.

I didn’t wait. I pushed past him, weaving through the corridors until I found the room number. My fingers hovered over the handle for half a second before I forced myself to push it open.

Ryan was sitting on the hospital bed, his shirt off, a deep bruise already blooming across his ribs where the vest had taken the hit. He glanced up as I walked in, his lips twitching into a tired smirk.

“Hey, baby,” he drawled. “You should see the other guy.”

“You fucking scared the shit outta me,” I felt the tension start to leave my body as I sat on the foot of his bed. I took his hand in mine as I scanned him over, checking for any other injuries. 

“I’ll be fine, baby,” he gave my hand a squeeze, “hurt like hell but I’m ok.”

I exhaled shakily, my fingers tracing over his knuckles. “You don’t look okay,” I muttered, my eyes still scanning him, as if I’d find some hidden wound the doctors had missed. The sight of that deepening bruise on his ribs made my stomach twist.

Ryan chuckled softly, then winced. “Hurts to laugh,” he admitted. “Vest took the worst of it, but I’ll be sore as hell for a while.”

I swallowed past the lump in my throat and met his eyes. “Who did this?”

His expression darkened slightly. “Cattle thief,” he said. “Didn’t like us asking questions, took a shot through a fucking wall.”

I shook my head, my jaw tightening. “Bastard’s lucky it wasn’t worse.”

Ryan gave my hand another squeeze, his thumb brushing against my skin. “Hey,” he said softly. “I’m still here.”

I closed my eyes for a second, grounding myself in the warmth of his touch. When I opened them again, I shifted closer, leaning in just enough to press my forehead against his.

“You ever scare me like that again,” I murmured, “and I swear to God, Ryan, I’ll be the one kicking your ass.”

His lips twitched up into a grin. “Noted, baby.”

The doctor came in his face unreadable. “Just bruised. Not broken,” he looked over at me, “You the girlfriend?” 

“I am,” I don’t think I’d ever been referred to as that before but it fit. 

“Make sure he takes it easy for a few days,” the doctor said. “If you’re ready the nurse will bring your discharge papers in.” 

I nodded, squeezing Ryan’s hand once more before the doctor turned to leave. I watched him go, the weight of everything still settling in my chest.

Ryan shifted, sitting up a bit straighter, his face contorting with the effort. “I’ll be fine. Don’t make it worse by hovering,” he said with that familiar teasing tone, though I could hear the exhaustion beneath it.

I gave him a soft, tired smile. “I’ll hover all I want. You got shot, Ryan. I’m not letting you out of my sight for a minute.”

He rolled his eyes but didn’t argue, leaning back against the pillows with a resigned sigh.

The nurse came in shortly after with the discharge papers, her smile friendly but brief. “You’re free to go,” she said, handing the paperwork to me.

I signed without hesitation, my focus entirely on Ryan as I helped him sit up a little more.

He looked at me, raising an eyebrow. “You know, you’re making this look like you’re the one that got shot. All this concern’s starting to make me feel guilty.”

I smirked, tucking the papers into my bag. “Good. You should feel guilty.” I stood, offering him a hand. “Now, let’s get you out of here. The sooner you’re home, the sooner I can actually make sure you’re okay.”

Ryan smiled, taking my hand, though his movements were slow. “As long as it means I get some rest and a little more of that hovering.”

I held his hand as we walked down the hospital hall. Kayce was still in the waiting room. 

“Told Dad to head back home,” Kayce said, “Y’all ready?” I saw the looks they shot to each other. There was more to the story they didn’t want me to know. 

“Kayce, just tell me what happened and quit trying to sugarcoat it,” I said as we walked out to his truck. 

“If your brother hadn’t told me to move,” Ryan answered, “it would have been a lot worse.”

I felt my stomach drop at Ryan’s words, his tone heavy with the weight of whatever had happened.

Kayce sighed, glancing over at Ryan before looking back at me. “It was close, Alex. Real close. We’re still piecing together everything that went down, but I don’t want you to worry too much.”

I shot a look at both of them, my hand tightening around Ryan’s as we got into the truck. “Why didn’t you tell me this sooner?” I asked, trying to keep the worry out of my voice but failing miserably.

Kayce’s jaw clenched. “We didn’t want you freaking out.”

Ryan let out a low laugh, though it was more strained than usual. “Freaking out? She’s already there, Kayce.”

I was silent for a moment, the weight of the situation finally settling in as I processed what they were telling me. I couldn’t shake the image of Ryan getting hurt, of what might have happened if he hadn’t listened to Kayce.

“Next time, don’t leave out the details,” I finally said, my voice tight. “I can handle it. But don’t keep me in the dark. Not again.”

Ryan gave my hand a gentle squeeze, the quiet apology in his eyes enough to ease some of the tension in my chest. “I’m sorry, Alex. We just didn’t want to add to the stress.”

Kayce stayed quiet, the weight of my words lingering in the truck as we made our way home.

“The guy who did this,” I looked at Kayce, “what happened to him?”

Kayce’s voice was quiet, “I killed him.”

I wasn’t sure whether to feel relieved at the sound of his voice. Kayce had killed people who had deserved it more time than I knew about but each one chipped at his soul. 

“You did what you had to do, Kayce,” I told him. I knew he wouldn’t believe me. 

—--

“You are not staying in the bunkhouse tonight,” I told Ryan as I helped him down from Kayce’s truck. 

“Why not?” Kayce asked giving me a slight grin, “Y’all don’t do much sleepin’ when he stays here.”

“When did you become so funny Kayce?” I wrinkled my nose at him. 

“I’ve always been funny,” he responded.

“Funny looking,” I shot back. 

“Then so are you 'cause you look just like me,” he chuckled. 

“I’m much better looking than you,” I said. 

Ryan chuckled softly, leaning into me for support as we made our way toward the house. “You two are a real piece of work,” he said with a grin, clearly amused despite everything.

Kayce raised an eyebrow. “Yeah, well, someone’s gotta keep it interesting around here.”

I shot him a playful glare. “I’m serious, though. You’re staying in my bed tonight. You’re not going back to the bunkhouse and risking pushing yourself too hard.”

Ryan sighed, but he didn’t argue, his tired eyes showing he was too worn out for another fight. “Fine, fine. But only because I know you’re not gonna let me hear the end of it.”

“Damn straight,” I said with a smirk as I opened the door. “Get comfortable, I’m getting you settled. Kayce, stop making me laugh so hard. I’m trying to focus.”

Kayce raised his hands in mock surrender, still grinning. “Hey, don’t blame me. Blame your own sense of humor.”

Ryan shook his head, a small laugh escaping him as we walked into the house. “I think I might be stuck between two comedians.”

“Lucky you,” I teased, helping him sit on the couch. “You’re just lucky I love you.”

Ryan gave me a tired smile, his hand finding mine as he leaned back against the cushions. “I’m pretty damn lucky.”

—-

I kept my promise, hovering over Ryan, fussing over every little detail until I was sure he was as comfortable as he could be. I adjusted the pillows, made sure the blankets weren’t too heavy, and even ran my hand over his chest just to reassure myself that he was really here—alive and breathing. Only then did I finally settle beside him, curling into his warmth, my head resting lightly on his chest where I could hear the steady rhythm of his heart. The sound grounded me, but it wasn’t enough to quiet the lingering fear clawing at the edges of my mind.

“You sure you’re okay?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper as I tilted my head to look up at him.

“I’m sure, baby,” he murmured, his fingers slipping through my hair in slow, comforting strokes.

I closed my eyes for a moment, letting the feeling of his touch soothe me, but the fear still sat heavy in my chest. “I don’t ever want to know what it’s like to live without you again,” I admitted, my voice shaking despite my best effort to keep it steady. “I don’t think I’d survive it.”

Ryan’s hand stilled for a second before he tightened his grip, his other arm wrapping around me as if he could hold me together through sheer force of will. “I’m not going anywhere,” he promised, voice low and firm.

“You better not,” I whispered, pressing a kiss to his chest, needing to feel him, needing to remind myself that he was here. That he was still mine.

I bit my lip as I thought about my father and what he said to me in the field. 

You only have so much time.

I didn’t know if a family was what Ryan wanted. I didn’t really know if that’s what I wanted. I know I want him. I’d be content enough. 

“You got quiet all of a sudden,” he said. 

“I was just thinking about something my Dad said,” I confessed.

“What was that?” he asked.

“I think he wants more grandkids,” I told him, “what do you think about that?” 

Ryan's fingers continued their lazy strokes through my hair, but I felt a slight pause at my question. He took a breath, his chest rising and falling beneath me.

“Well,” he said slowly, “I think your dad’s got a lot of opinions.”

I let out a short laugh, but it didn’t quite reach my eyes. “Yeah, no kidding.”

Ryan shifted slightly, angling his head to look down at me. “But if you’re askin’ what I think about it—not what your dad thinks—I’d say… I don’t know. Never really let myself think too hard on it.”

I nodded, biting my lip again. “Me either.”

There was a beat of silence, nothing but the sound of our breathing and the faint rustling of the blankets as Ryan’s fingers traced slow circles against my back.

“I know I want you,” he finally said, voice steady, sure. “That part’s easy.”

I lifted my head to look at him, meeting his gaze in the dim light. “That’s how I feel too.”

He brushed a strand of hair behind my ear, his thumb lingering against my cheek. “Then maybe that’s enough for now.”

I exhaled, some of the weight on my chest easing. “Yeah. Maybe it is.”

—------------------

I slipped out of bed carefully, trying not to disturb Ryan, but the warmth of my absence must have woken him. He let out a low groan, rubbing at his eyes before wincing as he sat up too fast.

“You stay where you are, cowboy,” I warned, pausing by the bedside. “I’ll be right back.”

Ryan chuckled softly, voice still rough with sleep. “Doc didn’t confine me to bed, baby.”

“No, but I did,” I shot back, crossing my arms. “And I think we both know I’m scarier than the doc.”

He smirked, the corners of his mouth twitching up even as he let his head fall back against the pillow. “I ain’t gonna argue with that.”

“Smart man,” I said, leaning down to press a quick kiss to his forehead. “Now stay put.”

“Alright, baby,” he murmured, his fingers catching my wrist for just a second before he let me go. I lingered, just for a moment, watching him settle back into the pillows. His breathing evened out again, his body still tired from everything he’d been through.

I knew he hated being fussed over, but I wasn’t about to let him play tough when he needed to rest. With one last glance back at him, I padded toward the door, already making a mental list of what he’d need to take it easy today. Whether he liked it or not, he was stuck with me hovering.

Softly, I made my way down the steps, careful not to wake anyone else. Though judging by the warm, buttery scent of biscuits and the sizzle of bacon, I wasn’t the first one up.

“Morning, Gator,” I greeted with a smile as I stepped into the kitchen.

“Morning, Miss Alex,” he responded, giving me a nod while expertly flipping bacon in the pan. “Made you some cold brew—it’s in the fridge.”

“See, this is why I love you,” I grinned, grabbing a cup and pouring myself a generous serving. The first sip was bliss, the chill waking me up almost instantly.

Gator chuckled, shaking his head as I moved to the counter to help him chop fruit.

“Can you grab me that tray thingy up there?” I gestured toward the top shelf. Without missing a beat, he reached up and pulled it down for me.

“Thanks,” I said, loading up a few bowls of fruit before turning to the biscuits and bacon. I stacked a plate high with both, making sure there was enough for Ryan to actually eat and not just pick at.

I scanned the kitchen, feeling like I was forgetting something. Before I could even ask, Gator placed a coffee cup and saucer on the tray, along with a carafe of coffee.

“You’re a mind reader,” I said, flashing him a grateful look.

He smirked. “More like I know how y’all are about coffee.”

With the tray balanced on my arm, I carefully climbed the steps, nudging the door open with my hip. Just as I stepped inside, Ryan was emerging from the bathroom, rubbing a hand over his face.

I shot him a playful glare. “And just where do you think you’re going?”

He held his hands up in defense. “I had to take a piss,” he said, voice still rough from sleep. “Promise I didn’t exert myself much.”

“Back to bed, cowboy,” I ordered, raising a brow.

Ryan sighed but smirked as he walked back toward the bed. “Yes, ma’am.”

I set the tray down on the nightstand, slipping back onto the mattress beside him. “Good. Now eat.”

He chuckled, shaking his head as he reached for a biscuit. “Guess I’m under house arrest, huh?”

I leaned into him, stealing a piece of bacon from his plate. “Damn right.”

Ryan eyed the plate of food before looking up at me, one brow quirked in suspicion. “Did you cook this?”

I smirked, popping a piece of fruit into my mouth. “I cut the fruit. Gator made everything else. Don’t worry, I’m not trying to poison you.”

He gave a small chuckle but still hesitated before taking a bite. I watched as his expression shifted—first to surprise, then to approval.

“That is good,” I said, nodding in agreement. “I think I might marry Gator… you know, if you don’t ask me first.”

The words tumbled out before I could stop them. My heart skipped a beat as I realized what I had just said.

Ryan froze, fork halfway to his mouth, his gaze locking onto mine. “Is that what you want, baby?”

“What?” I scrambled, suddenly flustered. “I was just joking.”

His lips curled into a knowing smirk as he set his fork down. “No, you weren’t.”

I swallowed hard, feeling my face heat. “I—”

Ryan reached for my hand, threading his fingers through mine. His voice softened. “You thinking about forever with me?”

I let out a breath, my heart pounding against my ribs. “I don’t know… I just know I don’t want a life without you in it.”

He squeezed my hand gently, his thumb brushing over my knuckles. “Then I guess I better make sure I stick around, huh?”

I let out a small laugh, shaking my head. “Damn right, you better.”

—----

We spent the entire day tangled up in blankets, wrapped in the kind of easy silence that only came with being completely comfortable with someone. No ranch work, no stress—just us, stealing a moment of peace. At some point, I might have made him sit through The Twilight Saga.

By the time we were halfway through Breaking Dawn, Ryan was staring at the screen with a look of absolute disbelief. “Okay, I get the vampire thing now,” he said, rubbing his temple like he was trying to make sense of something impossible. “But why the hell do they sparkle? That makes no fucking sense.”

I grinned, stretching out beside him. “Creative choices,” I shrugged. “Their skin is covered in crystallized venom, I think.”

Ryan shot me a skeptical look. “Crystallized venom?” He shook his head. “So, what? They’re just… walking disco balls that bite people?”

I laughed. “Pretty much.”

He exhaled dramatically, staring at the ceiling. “Well, I’ll tell you one thing, baby. If I ever end up in some supernatural bullshit, I’m picking the wolves.”

I smirked, propping myself up on my elbow. “Oh yeah? You gonna run around shirtless with a pack of other guys and howl at the moon?”

Ryan smirked back. “Only if you’re watching.”

I rolled my eyes, but the warmth in my chest was undeniable as I snuggled closer. “Good choice, cowboy.”

After the credits rolled, I turned my attention to Ryan instead of the screen. He hadn’t looked completely disinterested the entire time, which was more than I could say for Kayce and Lee when I dragged them to see the movies in theaters all those years ago. That felt like a lifetime ago. Unlike them, Ryan didn’t grumble or complain—he actually seemed interested, asking questions instead of tuning it out.

I smiled, stretching lazily. “Since you’ve been so good,” I teased, “I guess I can let you out of confinement so you can go play with your friends. As long as you take it easy.”

Ryan smirked, tilting his head at me. “Play with my friends, huh? What am I, a damn kid?”

“Well,” I mused, tapping a finger to my chin, “you did just sit through five movies about sparkly vampires and shirtless werewolves without throwing a fit, so I’d say you earned some recess time.”

He chuckled, reaching out to pull me closer. “You sure you’re ready to get rid of me already?”

I pressed my palm to his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath my fingers. “Not even a little,” I admitted softly. “But I know you’re getting antsy, and if I keep you in bed any longer, you might start whining.”

Ryan laughed, leaning in to kiss my forehead. “I don’t whine, baby.”

“Mm-hmm,” I hummed, unconvinced. “Just promise me you’ll take it easy?”

He nodded. “I promise.”

“Good,” I said, giving him a quick peck on the lips before sitting up. “Now go on before I change my mind.”

We got dressed and walked out to the bunkhouse. Colby pulled up in the Tracker looking beat all to hell. Then I saw Teeter. My heart sank. Her face was cut and bruised and it looked like Colby had tried to staple the skin together.

“Alex!” he called over to me. “She needs your help.” Colby had always been easygoing. Even when things seemed to be going to hell around us. But this time, his voice was shaking. 

“Get her inside,” I told him and ran into the tack room to get my bag. I had sutures and some lidocaine. I hoped that would be enough. 

“What the fuck happened?” Rip’s voice called out from behind me.

“It was those dude-string cowboys,” Colby answered as he struggled to hold Teeter up. Rip hoisted her up in his arms and carried her inside. “They ran us down on horses, tried to trample us to death.” 

I followed behind them, hoping my hands weren’t shaking. I helped wash her up and get dressed. Then I had Teeter sit down in a chair. 

“This is gonna hurt like a son of bitch,” I told her as I pushed the needle in her cheak. I tuned out the sounds of the men around me, making plans to handle this situation. I focused on Teeter and her face. I let out a calming breath as I pulled the staples out. My fingers moving with ease as I stitched her up. I’d stitched up cows and pigs while helping the vet. But I’d never done it on a person, on a friend.

 “Almost finished,” I tried to reassure her, “you’re gonna have a gnarly scar but I think it’ll be small.” 

Teeter barely flinched as I worked, her jaw clenched tight, her pink-stained hat laid on the table beside us. She was tough as nails, but even she had her limits. Colby hovered nearby, his fists clenched at his sides, like he was barely holding himself together.

Rip paced behind us, silent but seething. I could feel the rage radiating off him in waves.

“You’re doin’ good, Teeter,” I murmured, snipping the last suture and dabbing her skin with antiseptic. “You’ll be cussing me out in no time.”

She gave me a weak smirk, her good eye twinkling with mischief. “Ain’t no cussin’ when you’re helpin’ me, Alex. But soon as I’m up, I’m gonna beat their asses myself.”

I smiled despite the knot in my chest. “I’d expect nothing less.”

Rip finally spoke, his voice like gravel. “They still up there?”

Colby nodded. “Last I saw.”

I exhaled slowly, pressing a bandage over the stitches. “Teeter stays here,” I said firmly. “She needs to rest.”

Teeter shot me a glare. “The hell I do.”

I raised a brow. “You wanna pop those stitches and have me do this all over again?”

“I’m going,” Teeter said, her jaw set with determination. “I’ll risk it.”

“If you’re going, I’m going with you.” I tied off the last stitch and met her eyes, my tone leaving no room for argument.

“It ain’t yer fight,” she countered, shaking her head.

I scoffed, tossing the used needle into the medical kit. “They did this to you, Teeter. Right here, on my father’s ranch—on my ranch. That makes it my fucking fight.” I stood up, my hands curling into fists. “And I’m not letting any of you talk me out of it.”

Around us, the bunkhouse was already coming alive with movement. The men didn’t need to say anything—I knew exactly what they were about to do. Boots pounded against the wooden floors, hands grabbed for weapons, and horses were being saddled. The air was thick with something heavy and inevitable.

This wasn’t over. Not by a long shot.

I felt my father’s presence behind me before he even spoke. When I turned to face him, I could see it in his eyes—this wasn’t what he had trained me for. This wasn’t what he wanted for me. But I wasn’t backing down.

“Let’s go outside,” Dad said, his voice calm but firm as he gestured to Kayce and Rip.

I nodded, refocusing on Teeter as I wrapped the last bandage over her stitched-up wound. “Good as new,” I murmured.

Colby hesitated before speaking. “Hey… you don’t have to come.”

Teeter shot him a look, fierce despite the pain in her face. “I wouldn’t miss this for the fuckin’ world.”

“All right, get up, let’s go,” Rip called out, his voice carrying over the tense energy in the room.

I grabbed a rifle off the rack, my grip steady as I checked the chamber. Before I could sling it over my shoulder, Rip was suddenly there, pulling it out of my hands.

“No.”

I snapped my head toward him, narrowing my eyes. “Who are you to tell me no?” My voice was cold, challenging.

Rip exhaled through his nose, leveling me with a look that carried more weight than words. “I’m someone who cares about you, Alex. And this—” he gestured toward the chaos unfolding around us, “—this is something you can’t be a part of and still be who you were before.”

My fingers curled into fists at my sides. “I may not have handled things the way you have,” I said quietly, my voice dangerously steady, “or taken as many people to the train station as you have…”

His jaw twitched.

“Yeah,” I continued, my gaze unwavering. “I know about that. I’ve known for a long time. I figured out a long time ago what it takes to keep this place safe.” I took a step closer, meeting his stare head-on. “I’m not standing by anymore. I won’t just watch you do it.”

Rip studied me for a long moment, his expression unreadable. But he didn’t argue.

Because he knew—this time, there was no stopping me.

The walk to the barn was silent, heavy with unspoken resolve. Ethan and Jake were already there, our horses saddled and ready. No words were needed. We all knew the plan.

I held back in the cover of the trees, keeping my mare still and quiet, her ears flicking at the tension in my grip. Walker rode the fence line, playing the decoy, an easy lure for men as arrogant as the Marrows. It didn’t take long—like starving wolves catching scent of a wounded deer, they took the bait, spurring their horses in pursuit. That was our cue.

We emerged from the shadows like specters, thundering across the open field in pursuit. My heart pounded against my ribs as my mare surged forward, muscles coiling and releasing beneath me with every stride. I angled left, boxing them in, forcing them toward the clearing where we wanted them.

“I’ll shoot every one of you sons of bitches!” Wade roared, his voice lost beneath the thundering hooves and snapping reins.

Rip was faster. His lasso cut through the air with deadly precision, snaring Wade clean around the torso. With a hard yank, Rip’s horse never lost momentum, dragging Wade from his saddle. The bastard hit the ground hard, his screams muffled by the dust and trampling hooves.

But I had my sights set on Clint. That smug son of a bitch. I could see the panic flashing in his eyes as he recognized what was coming for him. Lloyd was right beside me, matching my pace stride for stride.

“Get it, girl,” he called over, voice rough with encouragement.

I didn’t hesitate. My lasso found its mark, the loop tightening around Clint’s throat as I jerked him clean off his horse. His body slammed into the hard-packed earth, the sickening crack of skull against stone echoing through the clearing. He never even had time to scream.

Lloyd pulled up beside me, spitting onto Clint’s lifeless body. “Got off easy, you piece of shit.”

I met his gaze, giving a curt nod as I coiled my rope back up. I should’ve felt something—guilt, satisfaction, even relief. But all I could taste was rage, burning hot and unrelenting.

With Clint dead, our focus shifted back to Wade. Rip and the others had him pinned against a thick tree trunk, a rope already looped over a sturdy branch above. Wade stood on his toes, desperate for any relief from the tightening noose around his neck.

“I need a name,” Rip growled, voice low and dangerous.

Wade coughed, struggling against the rough fibers biting into his skin. “What name?”

“The motherfuckers that hired you,” Rip snapped. “I’m not askin’ twice. Next time, I’m startin’ with cuttin’ pieces off.”

Wade’s resolve crumbled. He gasped, eyes darting wildly between us before spitting out the answer. “Rourke. That Market Equities son of a bitch.”

Rip’s lip curled. “Now let me down,” Wade pleaded, voice raw with desperation.

“Why the hell would I do that?” Rip’s gaze darkened. “I’m gonna kill you, but first—I’m takin’ something back.”

He grabbed Wade’s shirt and tore it open, exposing the branded ‘Y’ scarred into his chest. Rip’s voice was steel when he spoke. “You don’t deserve to wear this brand.”

He flicked his gaze toward Walker. “Over here. You prove yourself and you have our trust. Or I can take something from you too.”

Walker hesitated only a second before stepping forward. He met Wade’s terrified gaze and shrugged. “Mister, I don’t know you. But if you’re wearin’ that brand, you must be a bad man. And if these sons of bitches want it back? You must be even worse.”

Walker drew his knife, steady hands cutting through flesh with practiced ease, peeling the brand from Wade’s chest. Wade’s screams filled the air, blending with the scent of blood and fear.

The rage was still there, still thrumming in our veins. It demanded payment. Ryan pulled the rope, lifting Wade from his feet. His body jerked, fought, kicked. He pissed himself, choked, and finally stilled.

Rip watched him dangle, his voice calm when he finally spoke. “Y’all wanted revenge. Now you got it.” His gaze swept over the rest of us, landing on me. “But there’s a price to pay for revenge. And now you gotta pay it.”

I met his eyes and nodded. I knew exactly what he meant. And I wanted it.

Night had settled around us. The campfire burned hot, the branding iron glowing white with heat. I watched as Rip branded each of the men, their jaws clenched, teeth gritted as the sizzle of the ‘Y’ burned into their flesh.

“Alex,” Rip said, his voice steady.

I nodded and dropped to my knees in front of the flames, my heart pounding as I pulled my shirt open, sliding my bra strap aside.

“You ready?” Rip asked.

I locked eyes with him, swallowed hard, and nodded.

The brand pressed against my skin, and the searing pain ripped through me. But I didn’t flinch.

[mintytealfox]

my dear minty

I might be an au for you to nimble on.

Are you familiar with either HP Lovecraft's "Colour from Out of Space" and/or Jeff Vandermeer's "Annihilation"(which was also made into a movie starring Natalie Portman).

If not, then in most essence these stories are as followed: A strange meteor falls to earth, and not only turn the surrounding area into an eldritch location but also transforming both the minds and bodies of the people in that area.

So what about this

Norton five years after the mining accident and becoming a prospector is given a letter requesting him to be a part of an expedition team to look into the strange happenings of an area that no one can explain for the last few years, and he would be rewarded a large amount of money if he agrees......

the only problem is.... the area that's affected is an abandoned mining town and it's surrounding wilderness...... the Golden Cave being uncomfortably close by.

And having to choose between his mental health and money, he chose the money hoping that he will just be surveying the land and he won't have to go underground, right?? Part of the expedition team is Alice, Melly, Frederick, and Orpheus.

And him and Alice would form this closeness on the expedition while they are dealing with eldritch abominations, horrible transformations, and✨️trauma✨️.

What do you think

Anything you want to add?

-SLAMS DESK- THIS GOES SO HAAARRRRDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD I LOOOVVEE ALL OF THIS SO MUUCCCHHHHHHHHHHH

LOL you're right, he absolutely would choose the money! -WHEEZE- this guuuyyyyy, his mental health is in shambles and doesn't exist right now PFF

GOSH LOOOOOOL the image of Norton seeing the group he needs to work with and is like ".......we are all going to die, what even is this group" Melly: "well aren't you pleasant..." -folds arms- Norton: "yea, thanks for noticing" Melly: 😡

THEN

Them all running from these shadow monsters made of rocks Alice: "WHAT ARE THESE THINGS??" -trying to grab photographs of them as she runs- (it almost looks like she is having fun lol) Orpheus: "People Norton killed a few years back" Norton: "HOW DO YOU EVEN KNOW THAT" Melly: "so YOU'RE the reason we are going to die" Norton: "OKAY HOLD ON THERE IS A LOT OF CONTEXT MISSING HERE" Frederick: "what possible context could make this any better"

-------

BUT GOSH THEIR OUTFITS OH MY GOSH I GOTTA GIVE THEM COOL OUTFITS I GOTTAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

scifi with a dash of edwardian! COLOR ME OBSESSED

-------

OH and the idea that Norton and Alice get separated from the others and the find a place for shelter to rest and are just chatting: Norton: "I can't help but notice that you're the only one that looks like they are having fun here" Alice: "you can't deny that there is beauty here, sure there is mortal peril, but the rest of the world has mortal peril as well" Norton: "well, outside of this place at least we don't have to worry about giant mutant canary bird worms bustin' out of the ground screaming at us" Alice: "true~ but I have never seen a more beautiful place~" Norton: "....alright, I will try your way of thinkin'. I wonder if my sweet canary is around here somewhere, and maybe she will recognize me" Alice chuckles: "now isn't that a fun thought~"

So the group survivalist and the data collector are together

-------

WHILE Melly and Frederick being stuck together and she is there to protect the wildlife while Frederick is the sniper and there to shoot and protect the team. So they clash BIG time

-Frederick aiming- Melly: "PUT THAT GUN AWAY" Frederick: "YOU'RE INSANE, YOU BETTER CALM IT DOWN IN 3 SECONDS BEFORE I SHOOT IT OR IT KILLS US"

-------

Then Orpheus is the NERD of the group who knows the most about this place and what is going on, and is all on his own having a wild ride of 'awakening' going on this 'spiritual journey' becoming a little too AT ONE with this twisted nature here, oh my GOSH

Orpheus being the obvious first one to begin transforming. Then Norton after. 😭😭

[givethemsmut]

Dom Mysterio x Reader

Chapter Ten | Where It All Started…

Dom sat on the couch, his long legs spread out and his whole body screaming he gave up. We couldn’t keep fighting, hurting each other to call it even and running away when it got hard. We had too much to loose.

His voice was quiet, matching his exhaustion with this saga. Neither of us giving up or wanting to, forgiving wasn’t something we did often. “You have to tell me how to fix this. We have a child coming.”

“I need you to tell me everything. I have to know it was nothing but sex, Dom. Zero feelings.” Sitting down beside him I waited for him to speak.

“How are you gonna know that from me telling you?” Shifting towards me so slightly I planted myself on the couch next to him.

“I’ll know. I’ve seen how you handle me. I’ll know the difference.”

I was on the edge of my seat waiting for him to show me when he got on his knees in front of me and his body was so close to mine it physically hurt.

“It was in a hotel room like this. She texted me to hang out and I told her to come over. She was sitting on the couch like this when I told her it’s no strings, that I have someone at home waiting for me.”

Sitting on the couch I felt his hands drag me further to the edge as he continued, “I kissed her and she didn’t taste like you. I kept telling myself it didn’t matter, I could close my eyes and pretend.”

My legs fell apart and my mouth fell open as his fingers yanked my pants down my legs with no push back from me. I asked to see, to know, and he was delivering.

“I kissed her like this…” his mouth caught mine and I could taste the way he always did, minty.

“I put my tongue in her mouth,” his hand cradled my face and I felt his mouth open on mine, feeding me his tongue. My back arched and I closed my knees so slightly I felt his body tense. In a breathy exhale he tried to level his breathing when he whispered between us. “Then I touched her here…”

His fingertips draw small shapes and hearts on my skin, tickling my sides and flirting with touching my tits under my shirt.

He spoke and I acted each awful thing out.

“Where were her hands when you kissed?” I begged to know more. I wanted to hurt more, anything to hold onto reasons to not fall for Dom completely.

“Under my shirt,” letting my hands explore the same way I leaned in enough to let him kiss me deeper.

“We made out for a while because I wasn't getting hard. She didn’t moan like you.” Almost on cue I whimpered for more even though I shouldn’t. “Fuck, that’s my weakness.” His hand dropped between us, squeezing himself through his shorts. 

“She didn’t care you had someone?”

“A lot of people don’t, babe. She knew I wasn’t all there. She knew I just needed a warm body.” He confessed and it validated me entirely.

“Warm body?”

His grip found my hips again, grabbing onto me more aggressively and pulling me forward. “To kill the loneliness. Warm body. No strings.”

I let my body relax with every kiss. I wanted to scream, scream I hate him and her for replaying in my mind more than I could handle but I stayed silent.

“It’s more than a body when someone turns you on…” I whispered between simple kisses while Dom’s fingers outlined the seam of my panties.

“What do you want me to say, mi amore? You want me to cop to not getting instantly hard for someone else? You want me to admit I was attracted to her?” His tongue tangled with mine even though I wanted to push him away. “I’ll admit whatever you want baby. She kept kissing my neck, rubbing, trying to get me harder.”

I did exactly what he said but Dom was already hard for me. Sneaking my hand over his crotch I whimpered feeling him jerk against my palm.

“What did she say?” I asked while my hand rubbed his length in his shorts.

Trying not to groan or make a sound his head fell backwards against the back. “How wet she was, how much she wanted me…” His hand grasped over mine and his forehead landed on my chest. It made me angry when he said other women were telling him the details of their panties and what my boyfriend did to them. Sneaking my hand inside his underwear I slipped off the couch, both of us on our knees, bodies pressed against each other.

“Fuck. Fuck baby, you gotta stop.” His hand squeezed mine. “It’s you. I can’t fucking… I can’t control myself if you push me too far. No amount of anger or fighting will keep me from making that pussy mine.”

“She got on her knees, right? Like this.” I was flirting with the pain, seeing how far Dom would let me push him.

“Yes.”

Dragging the band down enough to let him pop out I let my hand close around his girth.  Chasing his mouth I nipped at his lips until the back of his hand grabbed the back of my neck enough to keep me close. Pushing him on the couch I watched him willingly let me take control.

“Fuck, mi amore.” He dragged out the words.

Dropping my head in his lap I got comfortable between his legs. Taking his tip in my mouth I dragged my lips down just enough to swallow his tip. Teasing him I let my mouth tighten before the familiar pop sounded around me. “How did it end?”

“She asked me to come in her mouth and I couldn’t…” His erratic breathing hinder the smoothness of his voice when he continued, “I apologized a bunch and asked her to leave. Once she did, I got into bed and called you. Like I should have… I asked you to get into bed, get your toy out so I could come hearing you moan my name. Like a good little girl you fucked that toy for me.”

“You were touching yourself?”

Biting his lips he responded, “I had to come baby. I needed you, I just fucked up first.”

I watched his hand stroke himself and I got even more wet. “You want me to touch myself in front of you?”

“No, I want inside that pussy. Just like yesterday, baby. Please.” Dragging me back to his lap my legs shook and my stomach erupted with lust. 

“I don’t know if I’m ready,” I said honestly.

Grabbing my ass, I felt Dom’s fingers bully between my legs. “What about last time? You know you want this, hermosa.”

“I couldn’t watch you touch yourself, I folded.” 

He started stroking himself painfully slowly and moaning into my neck. “Like this, baby? I fucking need you to come all over my cock. I wanna be covered in you. You know I’m fatter than any toy you use, baby. You should have been mine years ago. You never should have used fucking toys to get off.”

I shivered on his lap at the arousal in my body. I let out a small moan without touching myself. “We should take a break. I don’t think I can share you and you’re gonna be on the road a lot. I understand not wanting to be lonely.”

Getting off his lap I stood up on shaking legs, “I just need a few minutes alone please.”

Holding onto me he whispered, “So you can finger yourself? Stop pretending you don’t need me. We aren’t teenagers anymore. It’s okay to need this. I’m not saying you can’t hate me afterwards.”

“Dom. Letting you touch me will make me forgive you. It always does. Please just let me hate you a little longer.”

“Hate me baby but I’m not watching you fuck something other than my cock.” Standing up he guided me to the bedroom watching me riffle through my bag for my vibrator despite his hallow threat.

Ignoring his presence I took off my top and panties. Completely naked I got into bed while Dom followed suit. His muscles and all the tattoos he collected showed. His fingers caressed my legs when I turned it on, teasing between my legs, trying not to moan.

“Fuck baby. This is exactly what you did when you wouldn’t let me touch your pussy.”

Twisted over on my hands and knees, I held it between my legs, pushing back on it and letting myself moan Dom’s name. It wasn’t until I moaned his name I felt his body push against me. “Stubborn still. I’m right here baby. You don’t need some fucking toy.”

I felt his hand stop me, replacing my toy with the tip of his own cock. “We aren’t teenagers anymore. We are gonna have setbacks. We aren’t breaking up. You’re having my baby. I’m gonna be sorry and I’m still gonna make you come.” 

Kissing up my spine he whispered a single I’m sorry with every kiss until my hand stopped holding the toy altogether. Tossing it to the floor his knuckles brushed the inside of thighs, “That’s never gonna compare to me. I know every single spot.”

Dom took me from behind, hips thrusting into my ass and when we came our bodies trembled. Dom folded over on top of me trying to catch his breath.

“Who was it?”

“She does interviews backstage. Jackie. She knows I’m basically married to you.” He said it so plainly.

I decided to let it go right there. I had no other choice except walking away and I was pregnant. I couldn’t do that to our baby. I wouldn’t survive another mistake on my record.

His arms engulfed me, pulling me into his chest as he cuddled me. We both fell asleep even though it was the afternoon.

When we finally woke up Dom jumped out of bed and rushed to survey the room for our belongings. “Fuck. I’m late. Babe wake up.”

Begrudgingly I woke up and rubbed my eyes to wake up. “Second show, same venue?”

“It sold out so they added one. Fuck. Do you wanna come or stay here?” He asked, grabbing his duffle. 

Getting up I threw on his sweatshirt without a bra or shirt and found a pair of my own comfy pants. I didn’t care about impressing anyone. “Don’t forget your bag. After the show we get on the bus.”

Leaving the room he jammed his thumb into the elevator button and answered his silent phone. Pinching it between his ear and shoulder he spoke. “Yes, Rhea, I'm coming. I was late.”

Her Aussie accent came through clear, “Alright stud!”

“It’s not like that. At all. We fell asleep.” Taking my hand I followed and he continued to talk to his work wife.

Once we were at the venue everyone was buzzing around. Everything was coming to life. It was overwhelming to say the least. I felt out of place and in the way. “Stay here, okay.”

I did what I was told when I parked myself in some random location that was unidentified. Randy came over, shirtless and in his gear, “Kiss and makeup yet?”

“Don’t you have to warm up or something?” I asked unamused. 

“When did you start hating me because Dom does?”

I stared at him trying to assess his words. “I don’t hate you but that doesn’t change that nothing is going to happen between us.”

“You mean more than what already happened.” He watched my face fill with guilt and shame before he laughed. “Dom has no idea we hooked up. That’s fucking gold.”

“Dom and I weren’t together. We were roommates. He doesn’t need to know.” I suddenly felt like a hypocrite for my own secrets. We weren’t together at the time.

“Oh sweetheart, he saw me kissing you in the elevator, I’m sure he already knows.” Stepping very close to me I backed away into the wall. “It was a good ass night. I haven’t forgotten it.”

“I’m pregnant with Dom’s baby, Randy. We’re never gonna happen.”

“When he cheats again, call me. I have no problem FaceTiming you to get off.” He winked at me and my whole body cringed.

Randy was walking away when I saw Dom talking to a beautiful woman. Grabbing his arm and stopping him I asked, “who is that?”

“The woman he fucked. Offer still stands for round two. I’m still waiting for my turn, princess.”

Back in Florida Dom was training twenty four seven and going to every WWE event he could. Even the fancy ones. When WrestleMania was in town he asked me to go with him.

So I did.

I put on the fancy, revealing dress and the heels to match. Dom would always look so handsome in his suits.

His dad hired a car for us so neither of us would have to drive. Slipping inside the car Dom wouldn’t stop looking at me with this goofy smile. “Fucking gorgeous.”

After a minute of staring I simply told him, “We can’t, Dom. This is a work event for you.”

His long legs were spread out, “Your right but we get too tipsy and fuck after I can’t help it.”

We were living together on our own for a year now, no slip ups or even sightings of other people. Just a lot of teasing, flirting, masterbating. It was torture. 

The Hall of Fame was a huge event full of legends when we sat through the three hours of speeches and tributes. Some of it was lost on me but growing up with Dom I caught onto a lot. 

The one person I had ran into at every wrestling event since I was eighteen was here. Randy Orton. Every year he would hit on me, touch my ass, whisper sweet nothings in my ear. For years he was married but now he was divorced, sans ring. 

Randy was the polar opposite of Dom. He was built like a gladiator, sleeves of tattoos, shaved head, cocky. Dom was alternative, quiet, humble, slender muscles. I don’t know how I was attracted to both but I was. 

Scanning the room Dom was talking to stiff looking men when I went to the bar to grab a drink. “Whiskey, neat please.”

From behind me I felt a hand on my ass and body creeping up to me. “Dom,” I whispered but when I looked over my shoulder it was Randy. “I know he’s a love sick puppy over you but he’s not brave enough to touch you in public. He’s been housebroken.” 

“And you're not?” His hand was still on my ass, only now he was in front of me, hand around my body. “Aren’t all the bosses here?”

“I know my value. And I’m a villain here, I can break the rules.”

“Hate to break it to you but touching my ass isn’t really adding to your bad rep.” His fingers dug into my ass, truly grabbing, it made me gasp.

Leaning down into me his hand snaked from my ass up the side of my body where the dress went bare. His fingertips were calloused and rough against my skin unlike Dom’s. They didn’t stop, caressing the side cleavage of my dress. His thumb disappeared in my satin dress, nudging my nipple when my body melted. 

Whispering into my ear, “don’t dare me, princess. I’m competitive.”

“Dom could see.”

“Are you together or does he just wish he made a move?” Randy’s hands were touching my tits and I got wet knowing we were in public. 

“We’re just friends. I don’t wanna hurt him. We took each other’s virginities. It’s complicated.” I whispered back.

“And now he wants to fuck you again but you keep saying no? So I’m guessing you don’t take guys home or anything.” His head dropped and his lips touched my neck. “I can make you feel good baby.”

“I haven’t without anyone but Dom.”

“Sit on the barstool.” I did as I was told and Randy stood in front of me. Pushing up my satin dress his hand touched my bare thighs and smiled when he realized I wasn’t wearing panties. “No panties? Damn, you’re torturing him.”

“Open your legs, princess. Don’t moan out loud. I’m gonna put my fingers inside of you.”

Opening my legs enough for his big hand I felt the pressure of three fingers fighting to stretch me out. “Oh fuck,” I whimpered into Randy’s suit jacket. 

“That’s how big I am. Do you wanna come, princess?” 

“Not here. Anywhere but here.”

Randy took me back to his hotel and guided me to his bed. “Do you wanna take it slow baby?” His mouth found mine while he pulled me on his lap. Sitting on the edge of the bed our mouths opened on each other for our tongues. His hands worked to undo his dress pants when I looked down between us at the monster. 

Pulling my dress straps down he felt my tits, pinching the nipple and putting his mouth tightly around my nipples. 

Laying back he pulled my dress off entirely, staring at me. “Goddamn baby. Look at this body. Perky tits, tight ass pussy. We’re gonna have fun.”

“Don’t be mad. I have to take it slow. Please.” My hands were shaking and everything in me was betraying Dom.

“Here baby. Just ride it like this. You decide when you sit on it.” 

Rocking my hips I felt him adjust his cock to be wedged between my pussy lips so he wasn’t inside me. “Fuck, just like that baby. Ride it.”

His tip bullied my clit and I shook on top of him. “Randy, Randy…” I cried out knowing I was going to come. 

“Come all over me baby.” Once I did he used his strength to push my pussy up to his mouth. “Fuck me. Pussy juice is so sweet, baby. Ride my tongue.”

His tongue pushed inside me and I felt a rush force me to grab the headboard. I rode Randy’s tongue inside me like I rode Dom’s dick. 

I left Randy’s hotel room ashamed, guilty, everything I didn’t want to be. It was that night I realized no amount of other men were going to stomp out the love I had for Dom.

Now Randy was using it as leverage.

[meowzfordayz]

they comfort you — mitsuri, shinobu

Author’s Note: just a couple sweet scenarios. 🥺💞

they comfort you — mitsuri, shinobu

Kanroji Mitsuri x Reader, Kocho Shinobu x Reader

Word Count: ~500

CW: none

Emergency Request Fulfilled: Heya. If you’re not too busy,I’d like to make an emergency request for the Hashira…

A friend of mine is really really not in a good place. Part of me really wanted to do or say something to help out but the other didn’t want to risk making them feel worse… I can’t help be feel so worthless for not trying.

Anything having to do with comfort is fine by me. If all the hashira is too much then I’m fine with Kyojuro,Mitsuri and Shinobu

~faqs~

“Honey, you haven’t finished your tea,” Mitsuri says softly, eyebrows furrowed slightly as she stands behind your desk chair.

With a shrug, you glance halfheartedly at your mug, “It got cold.”

“So let me heat it up?” she offers, fingertips resting warm and tentative on your shoulders, “You’ve been in here for hours.”

“Hours?” you snort, “I’ve been sitting here for like, thirty minutes.”

“Well it feels like hours without you near me,” she huffs playfully, “Must you always shut yourself away when you’re feeling low?”

The careful lilt in Mitsuri’s voice tells you she means no harshness, her strong hands massaging concern into your neck as you ponder her question.

“I don’t know what else to do,” you finally reply, slowly swiveling your chair to face her, promptly interlacing your fingers with hers as you take in her worried expression, “I’ll be fine.”

Sighing quietly, she steps closer, arms wrapping light around your head, pressing your ear to her breast, her heartbeat noticeably steady.

“I know you’ll be fine, but I still want to comfort you when you’re not fine.”

Nodding into her chest, you breathe in deeply, faint scent of cherry blossom and vanilla filling your lungs, hesitant smile tugging at your mouth.

“I’ll go heat up your tea,” she giggles, relieved at the feeling of your smile, “Give me a sec-”

“I’ll come with you,” you interrupt gently, “Thank you for comforting me.”

Blushing happily, she leads you to the kitchen, your mug clutched in one hand, the other tugging you cheerfully beside her.

“Can’t sleep?” Shinobu hums, knowing smile greeting your stare as your eyes open guiltily.

“Maybe you just woke me up,” you grumble, fidgety hands reaching for her beneath the comforter, “Cuddle me.”

Laughing lightly, she scoots herself closer, her old t-shirt soft and familiar against your skin as she tucks herself into you, “You could have asked twenty minutes ago.”

“I was trying to sleep,” you pout, happily nuzzling into her shoulder, “But someone was watching me the whole time.”

“Ah, yes,” she grins, “Blame me, your creepy, watching girlfriend.”

“I will, in fact, blame you,” you scowl playfully, nipping at her collarbone, “I have work tomorrow.”

“So what’s keeping you up?” she asks gently, serious again.

“I don’t know.”

Rather than push, Shinobu slips a warm leg between yours, slotting her body into you, breaths faintly minty and sleepy as her eyes close.

“Oh, so now my entertainment’s going to sleep?” you mutter fondly, kissing her hair, “Isn’t it supposed to be the other way ar-”

“Shh,” she murmurs, pressing a firm finger to your lips, “I’m trying to sleep.”

With an indignant sputter, you muster up a scathing retort, only for it to die in your throat when you notice how ethereal her hair looks bathed in moonlight, eyelashes so long and delicate that they nearly graze her cheeks.

“Fine, but only ‘cause you’re so beautiful,” you huff, “G’night Shinobu.”

“Good night my love,” she whispers, “If you still can’t sleep, please wake me up.”

[allthingsfangirl101]

*I'll Be There For You – Joe Keery

Wattpad Request by minty-fox-candyyki

Warnings: protected sex, rough sex, public sex, dominating, fingering, language

Due to Joe's busy work schedule, we rarely had time to be intimate. When we did have time, we didn't bother to take it slow.

As soon as Joe was done with work, he instantly came home. The second he opened the door and walked in, I jumped him. He laughed as I pressed my lips to his and roughly started moving my lips against his.

Without breaking the kiss, Joe started walking us into our apartment. We bumped into walls, tables, and furniture, knocking down lamps and pictures as we went.

"I missed you so much, baby," I moaned against his lips.

We both moaned when Joe pressed me against our bedroom door. I reached behind me and opened the door. We let out matching laughs as we almost fell. Joe smirked at me before leaning down and picking me up. I wrapped my legs around his waist and started kissing his neck as he carried me into the room.

The second he laid us down we fell into our usual rhythm of making out and undressing. We never did it gently. Every time we were together was like a reunion. We have been together for so long that we knew exactly what the other needed to climax.

Since it's been so long since we were together, we expanded our usual foreplay. We kept going until we were basically begging each other to finish. As soon as we did, we fell asleep in each other's arms.

I woke up the next morning to someone gently kissing my forehead.

"Where are you going?" I mumbled sleepily.

"I have my interview," Joe chuckled. "I'll be back as soon as it's done. It shouldn't take too. . ."

I cut him off and grabbed his hand, pulling him back into the bed. He laughed as I smashed his lips onto mine. Joe didn't fight it as I rolled onto my back, bringing Joe with me. I felt him smile as he slipped his tongue in my mouth.

"Baby," he mumbled against my lips, "I really need to go."

"Fine," I pouted as we broke apart. I sat up on my elbow, making sure our comforter was still covering my bare chest. "But next time you leave, don't you dare only give me a kiss on the forehead."

"What do you mean?" He chuckled.

"I want a real kiss whenever you leave," I clarified. "None of that kiss on the forehead crap. That is for when I'm sick."

Joe chuckled as he leaned over and pressed his lips to mine. He broke the kiss and kept his face inches from mine.

"Yes, ma'am," he whispered.

"Text me when you're done?" I asked.

"The second it's over."

* * * * *

After Joe left for his interview, I fell back asleep. When I woke up again, I showered and got ready for the day. Knowing that Joe would be home soon, I didn't go do the errands I needed to run. Instead, I stayed home and got things ready for him. The second he walked into the apartment, I ran to meet him.

Joe laughed as he easily caught me. I grabbed his face and pressed my lips to his. Without breaking the kiss, he easily carried me into the other room. As soon as he sat down, I started grinding on him.

"Sorry," I mumbled, not breaking the kiss.

"It's okay," he replied.

"I missed you," I moaned. "So much, baby."

Joe finally broke the kiss, nothing but lust in his eyes. He didn't break eye contact as he laid us down. I gasped when he ripped my flannel open. I couldn't help but moan as Joe's eyes scanned my body. I had to bite my lip when his eyes finally returned to mine.

"I missed you too," he said under his breath.

I gasped, quickly moaning as Joe smashed his lips to mine. We skipped the foreplay altogether this time. Soon our clothes were scattered around the room and we had only a throw blanket covering us.

I arched my back as Joe pulsed into me while making out with my breast. I wanted to moan his name, but I could barely breathe as he pleasured me.

"Fuck," he moaned as he switched to my other boob. I grabbed his shoulders, bringing his chest closer to mine. We both let out matching moans as we rubbed our bare chests together.

"Damn, gorgeous," he moaned into my ear. "I missed your perfect body under mine."

"I missed your perfect body on top of mine," I barely moaned out. I gasped when he started nibbling my ear.

"Baby," I gasped. "I'm getting close."

"No," he growled. "You don't release until I tell you to."

"Anything for you, baby," I moaned. Joe pulled out of me and turned me so my chest was pressed against the back couch cushions.

"Shit, baby!" I yelled as he pushed into me. This was one of his favorite positions. He loved how he had complete control.

While he kept his hips moving, Joe reached his hand around my body. I swore under my breath when he squeezed my boob. He didn't stop there. He slid his hand down my body, squeezing randomly as he went.

"Oh, Joe," I gasped as he pushed his finger into me.

"That's it, baby girl," he growled into my ear. "Fuck, I missed your gorgeous, perfect, wet body."

"And I missed. . ." I cut myself off with a moan when he pushed his finger in deeper. "Everything," I gasped.

"Fuck yeah, you did," he chuckled darkly.

It didn't take long for us to give in. Once we did, neither one of us moved. We laid like that for almost thirty minutes before Joe moved us so we were still back to front but now facing the TV.

Joe turned on the show we've been binging and we stayed in each other's arms.

"I'm sorry," I sighed.

"For what, gorgeous?" He asked.

I rolled over and looked up at him. "I know I've been kind of clingy," I started.

"I like it when you're clingy," Joe gently interrupted me. "It shows me that I'm important to you."

"You are," I said quickly. "You're the most important person in my life, Joe."

"You're the most important person in my life," he repeated to me. "I want everyone to know that I found the girl I'm going to spend the rest of my life with."

"The rest of your life?" I teased. "You sure you want me for that long?"

Joe leaned down and gently pressed his lips to mine. He broke the kiss with a soft smile on his face.

"I would scream it from the rooftops," he whispered, "if I could."

"Nothing's stopping you," I said a little nervous.

"Nothing?" He asked. "You'd be okay with me talking about you and me in interviews? Y/N, are you sure?"

"It would make you happy, right?"

"More than you know," he whispered.

"Then let's do it."

I gasped, turning into a giggle as Joe got up and threw me over his shoulder.

"Joe?" I giggled. "Where are we going?"

"I am taking you to our bedroom so I can show you how amazing you are."

After Joe showed me how amazing I was, we ordered dinner and talked about how he planned to tell people about us. He had a few interviews coming up but the big thing was his Fargo premiere. FX was throwing a big premiere to celebrate the newest season. There was going to be a red carpet and a party before they showed the first episode which will be followed by another party.

I was currently going through my closet, trying on all of the fancy dresses I owned, hoping to find one that would work for the premiere.

"None of these work," I mumbled as I tore off another dress.

"It's going to be okay," Joe said from the bedroom. "We will find something you feel gorgeous in."

"I just. . . Nothing is looking good," I stuttered, trying to push down the frustrated tears. "And I need to look good."

"Baby," Joe sighed as he stood up and walked into the closet. He briefly got distracted by my almost nude body.

"Are you sure you want me there?" I cut him off.

"What?" Joe asked, refocusing. "Of course, I want you there with me, baby. I wouldn't want anyone else on that red carpet with me."

I walked past him into the bedroom and started pacing back and forth. "I'm not sure about this, Joe. I don't know. What if people don't like me? What if your fans hate me? What if I say the wrong thing? What kind of dress should I wear? I'm not even sure I have a dress fancy enough."

"I have an idea," Joe said as he walked over and stopped me from pacing. "How about, tomorrow, we go to lunch? After lunch, I'll take you dress shopping. We'll find a dress that you look drop-dead gorgeous in. A dress so sexy I won't be able to stop from tearing it off of you. I promise, baby, we will find you a dress that makes me look like the arm candy, not you."

* * * * *

Like Joe said, we went to the mall during his lunch break. After eating, we went to different stores. So far, I've tried on over 10 ball gowns and 12 cocktail dresses.

"This is hopeless," I sighed as I stared at all the dresses in my dressing room.

"Come on, baby," Joe said gently from the waiting area. "Try on a couple more for me."

"Fine," I grumbled as I slipped out of the dress I was wearing. I looked at the dresses I hadn't touched and debated which one to try on. My eyes stopped on one that was my favorite color. It was a deep, dark blue with ombre sparkles- light on top and heavier on the bottom.

When I put it on, my stomach flipped. Not only did it make my chest look amazing and my waist look tiny, but there was a slit up the right leg that made my legs look incredibly long. I smoothed it out before opening the dressing room door. The second I did, Joe's eyes fell on me. His jaw dropped as he slowly stood up.

"Holy shit," he whispered as I stepped in front of the mirror. "Baby, you look. . . I mean. . . You are. . . Fuck."

"You really like it?" I couldn't help but ask as I looked down and smoothed it out. I bit my bottom lip when I felt Joe step up behind me. I looked up as he put his hands on my hips.

"Baby," he whispered, giving me chills. "You look so fucking gorgeous."

I gasped when Joe leaned down and started kissing my neck as his hands roamed my stomach.

"Joe," I moaned.

"The way you look in that dress," he moaned against my neck, "makes me want to take you. Right here. Right now."

I bit my lip to stop myself from screaming Joe's name as he pressed his hand against my stomach, slowly sliding it down.

"Holy shit, baby girl," he growled. "Please let me take you."

"There are people here, baby."

Joe grunted in frustration as he let go of me and grabbed my hand. I smirked as Joe led me back into my dressing room. The second the door was closed, Joe pushed me up against the mirror and pressed his lips to mine. I moaned as I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him back.

Without breaking the kiss, Joe leaned down and took off his pants. I smirked against his lips as I heard his belt hit the ground. He grabbed my right thigh, pulling it through the slit in the dress. He used his other hand to push the skirt further up so the start of the slit was now at my stomach, revealing everything underneath. And more importantly, revealed what wasn't underneath.

Joe grunted as he pushed me further against the mirror as he roughly pushed into me. I bit his tongue as he pulsed in and out of me. We let out soft grunts and moans as we pleasured each other. He broke the kiss and started sucking on my neck.

We froze when we heard two women coming into the dressing room. Joe looked at me, not pulling out of me. We had matching smirks as the women kept talking as they walked into two dressing rooms.

"Fuck, this is hot," Joe leaned in and whispered in my ear.

"We should. . . Can we. . ." I stuttered as he sucked on my earlob and pushed deeper into me. "Fuck, Joe. Take me home."

Joe leaned back, slowly pulling out of me but kept us pressed to the mirror.

"As long as you buy that dress." He looked down and growled as he saw my body. "Holy shit, baby girl. You have to buy that dress. I'll buy it for you."

"We probably should considering the fact that you fucked me in it," I smirked. Joe pressed his lips roughly to mine before stepping back and pulling his pants up.

He sat on the bench and signaled for me to get dressed. I remained facing him as I changed. When the coast was clear, we snuck out of the dressing room. We walked to the cashier and bought the dress with Joe holding my hand the entire time.

When we got home, I instantly went to our closet and hung up the dress. I turned around to see Joe watching me.

"Are you sure the dress looks good?" I asked, wrapping my arms around myself.

Joe walked over and grabbed my hands, unwrapping them. He wrapped them around his neck before wrapping his arms around my waist.

"It looks so good on you, babe," he whispered. His eyes softened when he saw the doubt in my eyes. "I mean it, Y/N. The rest of the cast is going to be so jealous that I get to go home to you every day."

"What if I embarrass you?" I asked, my voice soft.

"Nothing you could do would ever embarrass me," he said firmly. "I will be right by your side the whole time. If you get too overwhelmed tell me and we'll go someplace quiet."

"Really?"

"Really," he said, reaching up and tucking a piece of hair behind my ear. "I'll always be there for you, Y/N. I love you."

"I love you too, Joe."