#mmm something curious there certainly

[theshipsong]

crocodile x f!reader, established, polycurious relationship, alluded-to age gap of around 20 years. selfship; reader is a member of cross guild and an astronavigator. and a pisces lmao. 900 words.

oh and here's a visual reference i made.

"Come to bed," Crocodile grumbled somewhere behind you.

You hummed, focused on the task at hand.

The tent you shared on Karai Bari started looking like a home startlingly quickly. It certainly helped that Buggy or his men had the foresight to source the biggest, tallest bed possible that you honestly would have liked a stepstool for, soon followed by not one but two desks, a huge wingback chair your lover tended to brood in, and a loveseat for less gargantuan guests, though those were rare besides Daz or Mihawk.

"I can dim the lamp, if you want."

"Don't strain your eyes. What could possibly need your attention now?"

"Not a need. Something I'm curious about."

You heard him roll off the bed, still mostly dressed from the day apart from bare feet and a lack of hook or cravat, and felt him rest his hand on the back of your chair. "I thought you were done with fortunetelling." You smiled, and warmed at his attention to something new to him that didn't benefit him in any way besides having to do with you.

"It's not a horoscope. I'm just... taking notes."

You leaned back to admire his jawline as he scanned the labeled dots along the wheel. "Buggy?" he read aloud.

"You know," you said, "this organization has a lack of cardinal suns besides Daz, and a lack of fire besides Buggy."

"And that means?"

"Nothing at all. How big are you on birthdays?"

"I know yours."

You blinked. "Well, I know yours."

"And Buggy's. Doesn't feel very special." You shrugged at that, and tapped his arm to let you up, but he caged you in. "So you've been going around this camp, chatting up every man and woman you see, in the name of...?"

"Habit. They tend to tell me quickly."

"Well, you're..."

"Disarming?"

"Persistent," Crocodile said tersely. "I don't like how close Galdino's dot is to yours."

"Tell that to his mother." You stood incrementally and he kicked your chair away as you turned to sit on your desk, almost eye level, his arms bracketing either side of you. "You're more... sensitive than I expected."

"Is that so?" He stroked your hip with the marled flesh of his left wrist, and sometimes you felt like crying at the sign of trust from someone so guarded.

"All that talk of sharing earlier and I can't even share a sun sign with..." You peered over your shoulder theatrically even though you had it memorized. "Galdino, Mihawk, and Alvida?"

"You had a point?"

You bit your lip. "We could share a birthday cake."

Crocodile laughed, rich and low and in your ear. "Haven't you outgrown such things? Little girl." You felt your neck heat. It must have been visible how his lips spread from his near-permanent scowl to a mean, knowing grin.

"It's about good will among the company," you said lamely.

"Mmm. I'm sure."

"And we're very mutable. It's interesting you like me and Mihawk this much."

You pitched it neutrally, but your lover's crush on his fellow executive was glaringly obvious to you and even Buggy, how you traded a glance over lunch a few days ago at the two men arriving late with fresh panzanella. The swordsman started a small garden outside his tent almost immediately on arrival and asked Crocodile if he wanted any fresh produce, seeming to remember you as an afterthought, and you asked for basil not for sentimental reasons, but to complement your lover's request. You didn't know much about germination, but you suspected Mihawk brought his own tomato plant from Kuraigana with how quickly it fruited.

"Interesting? You're both smart."

"And suspicious."

"Skeptical," he corrected. "Careful."

"'Skeptical' is right," you conceded. "I'm not particularly curious about the rest of their charts." You didn't need to specify who among the three you meant.

"You like him, hmm?"

No, you do, you thought. Loudly. "We could do with a Gemini around here."

"I'll get on that right away," he said, and you pouted at his teasing tone.

You didn't think you'd get to joke like this with your captain again. You didn't think he'd be this much fun.

With that, Crocodile cupped your ass with his hand and steadied your waist with his left forearm. All that kept you from swooning at his size and strength was knowing he'd complain even if he was planning to flop you unceremoniously onto the bed to begin with.

"It's too damn tall," you said as he joined you.

"You could say 'thank you, sir.'"

"For putting me to bed? I haven't brushed my teeth yet."

"Too bad," he said as he pulled you against his front.

"Ugh. I feel gross if I don't."

"Do it in the morning. Imagine tasting like cigars instead."

"At least you're aware." It didn't bother you, but you wished his cologne complemented it better. "What do I taste like?"

His large hand wandered under your shirt, not groping, just resting comfortably on your rib cage. He burrowed his nose into your hair and inhaled deep before he licked the shell of your ear. You shivered.

"Mine."

[yeet-me-dad-dy]

The Arcane - Chapter Three - Blood and Bone

Summary: It's time for Viktor's first proper visit with his new doctor.

Characters: Viktor x Male Reader (Doctor Raven) x Jayce (eventually)

Warnings: Blood, needles

Words: 1,638

Viktor returned to the lab by noon, his approach heralded by the gentle click, click, click of his cane as he walked. With your exceptional senses, you could hear him exit the elevator and make his way down the hall. His footsteps, his breath, his gentle heartbeat…

The lab door opened with a hiss, and you turned to greet him with a smile. The heavy bags beneath his eyes were still dark, but his eyes themselves shone just a bit brighter. He’d also showered and changed his clothes, by the look of things.

“Afternoon, Viktor.”

“Doctor,” he nodded.

You invited him to sit in the chair near the chalkboard, where you would take a few samples of his blood.

“Sleep okay?” you asked as he sat heavily and you gathered your equipment.

“Well enough, with a mind as busy as mine.”

You chuckled. “I know what that’s like. Did you find something to eat?”

“Yes, an apple. To keep the doctor away,” he smirked.

The corner of your mouth twitched up into a smile.

You set your supplies out on a little metal table and rolled it and a chair of your own over to Viktor.

“Do you want to keep me away, Viktor?” you asked as he offered his arm to you.

He thought for a moment before replying with a soft, “no”.

“I would certainly hope not,” you smiled softly. “I would miss your company.”

“Already?” he asked sarcastically as he watched his blood fill a vial. “But we barely know each other, doctor.”

“All the same,” you chuckled.

A crease formed between your brow as you switched the first vial out to fill a second.

“Your blood is a strange color. Almost purple.”

“I noticed.”

You hummed, thoughtful.

“Do you have your medical records?” you asked.

“No, but you may be able to get them from my previous doctor.”

“And where is he?”

“The Undercity.”

You paused and looked up at him.

“The Undercity?”

He nodded.

“He was the closest to home.”

“I see…”

You didn’t realize that he was from the Undercity. It didn’t make a difference, but it could explain some things.

“Where in the Undercity?” you asked, as you finished up the second vial and hooked on a third.

“Mmm, I’d have to show you.”

“Would you?” you asked.

“Sure,” he nodded. “We can go after we’re finished here.”

“No,” you said, perhaps a little too hastily.

He tilted his head, curious.

“I can’t go during the day…”

He regarded the heavy curtains drawn over the big windows. His eyes went wide with realization.

“The sun.”

You nodded and unhooked the third vial, then removed the needle from his arm and pressed a cotton ball to the site. Instinctually, he held it in place while you grabbed the bandage.

“So vampires really do turn to ash in the sunlight, then?”

“Not immediately, but yes.”

You wrapped up his arm, disposed of the needles and your gloves, gathered the vials of his blood, and took them to each of their testing stations.

“The sunlight burns, quite literally,” you explained. “It’s more than a sunburn. Only a few moments in the sun can put me out of commission for quite some time.”

“There is so much misinformation surrounding your kind, I wasn’t sure if that one was true.”

“Unfortunately, yes.”

"UV sensitivity... interesting..." he mused.

He was as curious about you as you were about him. There was a brief lull in the conversation while you scribbled some notes in his file and he considered your unique "condition".

“I would like to do a physical examination, if you don’t mind,” you said finally. “To make sure you’re in good health otherwise.”

“Of course,” he agreed.

You asked him to remove his shirt, and turned around to locate the stethoscope. When you turned back with the device in hand, you were caught off guard by the metal corset covering most of his torso.

“Does that come off?” you asked.

"With a bit of difficulty, yes."

He stood while you helped him remove the corset, and then took a moment to get a good look at his crooked spine. You ran your fingers gently over it, tracing the curve. What he was currently wearing was keeping it from bending any more, but it wouldn't fix the problem. You, however, might be able to. With his help, of course.

"You need something better than this," you told him.

"I... have been working on a design," he told you hesitantly. "A brace that will bolt to my spine, with a removable chest piece. But I would need a doctor to perform the surgery to put it in place."

"I can perform that surgery," you said as you gestured for him to sit back down and pressed the stethoscope against his chest.

You didn't actually need the stethoscope in order to hear his heart and lungs, but it was helpful at pinpointing certain sounds in certain locations.

“Deep breath,” you ordered him, and he obliged. “Another.”

He didn’t like the tone in your voice. Soft, but mixed with concern. You moved behind him to listen.

“One more.”

When you finished listening, you moved away to scribble more notes. He waited patiently.

“Your heart and circulation sound good,” you began, leaning back against the blank chalkboard.

“I sense a ‘but’ coming on.”

“Your lungs don’t,” you said plainly.

He nodded.

“They don’t feel great either.”

As if on queue, he wheezed out a cough.

“You grew up in the Undercity?” you asked. “What is the air like down there?”

He scoffed.

“I grew up near the fissures. ‘Toxic’ is the only appropriate word.”

You cast your gaze downward, and a cold chill crept up Viktor’s spine. And then you were in your chair in front of him again, gazing at him with those deep ruby eyes. You rested your hand gently on his knee.

“I am your doctor, Viktor. My specialty may be blood, but that doesn’t mean I don’t have the skills required to tend to the rest of your needs. I’ve spent the better part of my six-hundred years studying medicine, I’m going to do everything I can, use everything I’ve learned, to help you feel better.”

He was caught off guard by your conviction and the intensity of your gaze.

“I… I know you will, Doctor.”

“Good,” you smiled, and hopped to your feet, and he couldn’t help but notice just the slightest jerk in your hip, as if moving caused you pain. You didn’t pay it any mind, however, so it was an observation that he silently filed away for later.

“Can I take a look at your leg?” you asked.

“Of course.”

You averted your gaze while he stripped down to his underwear. There was a small bed on the opposite wall, and from it, you handed him a soft blanket, blue one one side, red on the other. He placed it in his lap. It wasn’t a hospital gown, but it was better than nothing. Your touch was gentle as you felt around his leg, cold fingers ghosting over his skin. He shivered.

“Sorry,” you chuckled. “Probably should have put gloves on.”

“It’s alright.”

You felt each side of his knee, and then asked him to slowly extend his leg, feeling for the movement of tendon, muscle, and bone beneath the skin. You checked his ankle and toes as well, and then asked him to stand so you could check his hip. He left the blanket on his chair and stood before you. You wheeled your own chair around to his side, and he jerked slightly when your hands found him again. He was used to this kind of treatment after a lifetime of doctor’s visits. But this was different. Your touch was firm, but gentle. Caring. He had felt like a burden with his previous doctor, who had terrible bedside manner. With you, though… You touched him like he was made of porcelain.

Your hand drifted backward slightly, and you squeezed, just a bit, as you asked him to rock his leg backward. Then, it traveled forward, in the crease between his inner thigh and crotch. He held his breath as he gently swung his leg forward. And then your touch was gone and you were rising from your chair. You leaned past him, so close, to grab the blanket and return it to him. Your scent lingered when you walked away. You scribbled some more notes as he sat back down, and he found the sound surprisingly comforting.

“I need to get some scans,” you said. “Your lungs, spine, and leg. But we don’t have the equipment for that here, so I’m going to have to consult with someone at the hospital. While we’re waiting for them, I’ll work on your blood. Oh, and your leg could use a brace as well. If you fell like taking on some homework, you could design yourself one.”

He hummed thoughtfully, and you turned back to see him huddled up in the blanket.

“Oh, uh… Sorry,” you chuckled. “You can get dressed.”

He would have offered a snappy comeback, something about liking seeing him with no clothes on, but he was distracted. His skin felt like it was buzzing everywhere you’d touched him. Wordlessly, he got dressed while you organized the newest notes into their place in his file. He noticed the way your gaze flicked toward him every now and again. You couldn’t help it. You found him infinitely fascinating, not because of his blood or his bones or his fancy mechanical braces, but because he was him. Because he was Viktor. Handsome, kind, brilliant Viktor.

“These tests will take some time,” you told him. “I expect Heimerdinger will need you to get back to work, but, if you ever need to come into the lab, for anything at all, you’re more than welcome. The door will remain unlocked.”

He smiled as he finished buttoning up his vest.

“Thank you, Doctor. Your kindness is much appreciated.”

“Of course.”

He lingered for only a moment before turning to leave. The door opened with a hiss, but your voice stopped him.

“Oh, and Viktor?”

“Hmm?”

You smiled.

“Have some lunch. Doctor's orders.”

[mylifesjustacarousel]

hook’s secret

pairing: james hook x gn!reader (requested!)

summary: you and hook are on a date, just like every other week, but something happens when you suggest that you two take a swim

type: fluff, then angst, then fluff again

CW: panic attack

WC: 1K

“I’m telling you, James, strawberries are way better than cherries. Here, try one.” you picked up one of the chocolate covered strawberries that you had made, holding it up to his lips. The two of you were on a picnic, one of the many activities that you frequently did on your date nights. “I can’t believe you’ve never had a strawberry before, take a bite!”

He hesitated before taking a bite, his eyes instantly lighting up, “That’s what a strawberry tastes like? That’s delicious, darling.” He grabbed another strawberry, finishing it in the blink of an eye. “Slow down, love, I made those for us to share,” you teased. “If you kiss me, I’m sure that you can still taste them.” Hook puckered his lips, leaning in towards you. Rolling your eyes, you complied, giving him a quick peck on the lips.

“What was that, y/n? Someone with no mouth could kiss longer than that!” he teased before leaning in with puckered lips again. You cupped his cheeks, “You are beyond annoying, James.” Leaning in, you pressed your lips to his. He relaxed into your touch, his hand sliding up to rest at the nape of your neck.

Once he pulled away, you fixed yourself, licking your bottom lip, “Mmm, chocolate.”

He grinned, wrapping his arms around you and pulling you impossibly close. You laid your head against his shoulder, looking out at the water in front of you. It was peaceful out. With the stress of school and whatnot, it was nice to just sit and exist for a while.

Hook glanced down at you, leaning his head down to press a kiss to your forehead. No matter how rough and wicked he was to others, he treated you like you were the most important thing in the world, and that’s because you were the most important thing in the world to him. You were his everything, the reason he strived to try his best.

“I love you, darling,” he whispered in your ear, his hand gently squeezing your hip. You blushed, butterflies erupting in your stomach. The two of you had been together for a little over a year, but he still managed to make you swoon over and over again. The soft and caring touches, the loving pet names… he knew how to win your heart. Nothing else mattered when it was just you and him.

“I love you too, my captain. More than you’ll ever know,” You sat up, brushing his hair out of his face. The soft light from the sunset made him look even more even more handsome than you had ever thought imaginable. You were certainly lucky.

“Do I have chocolate on my face? You’ve been staring for an awfully long time,” Hook teased, pulling you so that you were sitting on his lap. Your face must’ve been as red as a scorching fire at that point. You nodded, kissing his cheek, “Yup, right there.”

“And right there,” you kissed the tip of his nose, then planted a sweet kiss on his lips, “Aaaand right there.”

“That’s a lot, are you sure that there isn’t any chocolate anywhere else?” James winked, earning a shove from you.

“Hey, why don’t we go for a swim?” you stood up, going over to the water, “It looks calm today.” Hook raised a brow, “Swim? Are you sure? It’s a little cold out. Why don’t we just stay over here?”

You turned to him, a puzzled look on your face. “It’s just a little water, James. Come with me,” you reached for his hand. He hesitated before standing up, walking over to the water.

Turning back to the water, you saw something out of the corner of your eye. You walked over, curious as to what it was.

“James, come look, I think it’s a crocodile!” you exclaimed. It wasn’t too clear of a picture, but you could see two yellow eyes peaking out from the surface of the water.

When you heard no response, your head turned to look at him again. He was frozen in his place, his already pale skin turning even whiter. He couldn’t move. He couldn’t speak. “James? James, what’s wrong?” you went over to him, shaking his shoulder.

His breaths got faster, the only word capable of coming out of his mouth was the word “no” and he felt like his feet had been cemented to the ground below him. He was shaking like a dog caught in a rain storm, and any words that you said to him sounded like jumbled mush that went in one ear and out the other. You wrapped your arms around him, gently moving him away from the edge of the water.

“Deep breaths, I’ve got you,” you whispered, one of your hands rubbing his back while the other took his hand. “You’ve got this, I’m right here.” His eyes darted over to yours, focused on them as he tried to regulate his breathing.

“That’s good, just look at me, James.”

After a minute or two, he had started taking deeper breaths, his forehead resting against yours. You just held him in your arms, trying to comfort him in any way that you could. You could ask questions later, but it was clear that he needed you in the moment.

“I’m sorry,” He whispered in such a quiet tone that you wouldn’t have been able to hear him had he not been right in front of you. “Shh shh, nothing to be sorry for. We can talk later, okay?”

You eventually brought Hook back to his room. You laid down on his bed while he laid on top of you, his head resting on your chest. He found your heartbeat to be calming, especially in times like these. After he was okay enough to talk to you, he had told you what had happened that made him have such a big reaction. You felt absolutely awful, and did nothing but apologize profusely until he begged you to stop apologizing.

Your hand ran through his hair, “I love you so much. Nothing will ever make me stop loving you, alright?” He looked up at you, his eyes tired and threatening to close, “I love you too, darling. I’m sorry for not telling you about, y’know…”

“Shh, it’s okay, love. Now go to sleep, I’ll be right here when you wake up. I promise.”

a/n: i absolutely love fluffy hook, it’s probably my most favorite thing to write ever. thank you for the request, i appreciate it!! <3

[kanmom51]

Minimoni - album exchange - JM's Muse

Well my friends, this was certainly something.

I'm going to talk about somethings in this video that stood out to me, not necessarily in the order they came.

I must say, JM did surprise me. We got a level of candor from him we have never got before. And when I say candor I don't mean JM has not been truthful with us in the past, he has. But he is JM. In situations like these, the master of telling us it all without telling us anything.

When it came to Face JM talked. He told us how personal Face was to him. How he took all his pain and struggles and put it into these songs that also represent a progression in a chronological order ending with SMF pt. 2. He told us all that, and then at the same time left it so vague not going into any details. But it wasn't only the album he didn't talk much about, as we all know. And do we talk about Letter and how so very vague he was when it came to that song? The surprise, the "fan song", which he basically would not say more than two words about?

Funny how open and calm and relaxed JM is while talking about this song, eh? Not a hint of shyness. Not a glimmer of evasiveness. Just saying it loud and clear.

And very curious how for a man that was basically working on the two albums practically at the same time in his 2 mini albums he had 2 songs for the fans... Nope. Not curious at all. Because one of those songs was definitley not for the fans. Not like this one, which he tells us to think of as a letter... very funny when he has an actual song called Letter in Face. Only thing is that that Letter was not addressed to us AT ALL, while this one is!!!

You think his use of the word letter for Closer than this is a coincidence? Not thought out? Wrong once again. It's a conscious choice of a word !! One word that basically tells us EVERYTHING.

That was me kind of starting at the end. I just had to get it out of my system before getting into the nitty gritty of the rest.

Another thing we got from JM was just how easy it was for him to talk about JK in this 27 minute video.

First we get from him that JK was the first to hear the songs.

He tells RM that he is the first to listen to the Album though. Meaning, RM would be the first to listen to the songs in the order they are put on the album, as per his concept.

JM tells us later on in the video how he finished recording the songs early June 2023. And here he says that JK heard the songs back during their trip (in July 2023). The use of "since" makes me believe it is the July trip rather than the later one to Jeju. And telling RM he's the first to listen to the album means that JK got to hear them right after JM recorded them, not necessarily all at once, and not in the order they are heard on the album.

Then JM mentions the fact that they are going into the army together.

Now this one is curious to me.

This video was shot a day before JM was off to Hungary to shoot his MV. Mid November. What I find curious is him bringing it up like it was something that RM was not aware of...

It comes up as part of their conversation about JM's voice, how he is in the process of learning how to sing again, in a way that will not damage his voice.

Talking about that he says this:

RM steering him in the direction he wanted, which was the vocal tutors not JK... Lol.

This is clearly something the talk about a lot. And when I say they I mean JM and JK.

So JM talks about the vocal tutor and the things he has been doing to improve himself in that sense, and then this comes:

RM's reaction. "Oh right". So he knew. Which was understandable seeing that this was such a huge thing. Than why JM mentioning it? Well, probably explained by what comes next. But basically JM is telling RM, and us of course, that he is going to be practicing his singing with JK during their joint service. Yes haters. This is JM telling you that as much as you wish otherwise, the two of them are together right now, just doing their Jikook things when they can. And that includes, among many other things, having hours of conversation and practicing their singing.

So, here's what JM had to say:

Let's talk about this for a second here.

Complimenting JK, as he loves to.

Stating the obvious. JM confirming that they spend time together. This is throughout 2023 and while there were those that were once again, as part of the Jikook rollercoaster, claiming the two weren't actually close, not to mention together.

JM's use of wording. This is very important. And I don't even think this was intentional, as in something he was trying to tell us. I think this was just him saying things as they are and the use the different terms is because the situations are different. What am I talking about? JM talking about JK:

Talking about Suga:

When he talks about JK it's "when he and I are drinking together"... it's a regular occurrence. Not a once in a while. Using that term "when we are drinking..." as opposed to the term he uses with Suga "We had drinks with Suga..." 2 thinks we get here. 1st is the use of "having drinks", which implies a once in a while occurrence, and 2nd the use of "we" oh so very naturally. It's the two, together, going to meet Suga for drinks. And even then, Suga being the third wheel, was basically figuratively just thrown right out of their car, left by the road side, them continuing on their ride together, lol.

Love how when RM says "that's why you didn't invite me" JM says "It gets a little deep". Love it because he's basically saying that his conversations with JK are deep (he did say he loved his mind) but also he's kind of also saying what we already know and what he also continues to tell us when talking about them going for drinks with Suga, and that is that they are so deeply into each other that there is no room for another in their interaction/conversation.

JM talks about how they can go on for hours about music when drinking together. One more of the things they do when drinking together, spending those hours together. Yes, JM just also confirmed that they spend HOURS together. Something done regularly as per his wording. And just one more of the things we learnt they tend to do while drinking. Together.

Talking about music, singing, dancing.

Working out,

Giving or getting hickeys,

And having Ramyeon...

Moving on.

Let's talk about Muse and what JM tells us about it.

JM and RM filmed this just before JM left for Hungary to film his MV for Who, so mid November 2023. The convo about the choice of name was kind of telling. We basically find out that Muse was not yet set as the name for his album. He was really thinking of SGMB as the name, which really also shows us how much they were influenced by The Beatles Sgt. Peppers lonely heart club band album.

RM asks him if it's connected with Face and JM says not so much. He explains that Face was about him, his feelings, getting clarity, or if you want - of autobiographical nature, while Muse is more vague, or if you want - NOT AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL!!!

There is no doubt in my mind that JM, who wrote these songs, used his own experiences and memories and emotions to write them (some he needed reminding of, lol), but at the end of the day from JM's explanation, the concept of Muse is not about himself and not about love. It's him expressing feelings through the universal language of love. We know that language, we understand crushing and attraction and love. And through those he was conveying how he feels about his work, his music, his performances.

Excited over something... not someone...

And JM goes on...

He tried to capture the emotions he was feeling as being like...

tracks one through five:

track six

In a sense, if we are looking at it from this aspect, then indeed, his muse could be that "she" represented in the song. Or, being the artist that he is, and keeping it all vague, it encompasses it all. Those very famous JM layers we see in his art. Through his writing and his concepts and performances and the MV and what it conveys to us.

But I do have to emphasise this: JM wrote the lyrics to Rebirth (a song he states he is his favourite), he took part in writing the lyrics to the other 5 songs (all other than Who). The songs are not autobiographical. That is clear. But as an artist the question is where he draws his inspiration for his lyrics from. We know RM can just make it as he goes, create from nothing, from an idea, from a book he read. JK on the other hand can't. This comes from JK himself. It's something he admitted he would love to learn, but he creates from his own trove of memories and experiences. Songs like Your eyes tell, Film out, not personal, and yet he draws lyrics from his own life experiences...

Does that mean that every single song he wrote is autobiographical? Hell no. It means that his expression comes from feelings and memories and experiences he had. We know JM wrote from his own trove for Face, and there are hints he did the same for Muse (without the autobiographic side of it).

Clarifying once again ... a conceptual album does not mean that the artist does not draw from his own life experiences, his feelings, while writing his songs. It means it's not autobiographical but at same time he might be feeding his own reality into those songs.

All this to say, once again, that even if a song is not about himself, when writing it he takes from his own life experiences and feelings. And that is how we end up with lines like this in Rebirth:

You are the light in my darkness Like the sunshine vibe

This whole interaction:

The shining sun line. Yes, the reference to the sun again. And we know who the sun is.

But there's more. It's how JM talks about the line. It's about him saying he asked for permission from Taeyang to use the line in his song, all while the only word from that line that has to do with Taeyung is Vibe. But even more so their reaction to that line. Both of them. And RM at the end...

And look who's peaking from the window... Lol.

*See comments for connection with Taeyang = sun.

Please tell me RM what is so very funny about that line "shining sun" that has you folding over in laughter???

When talking about writing Rebirth and how hard it was writing the lyrics to the song, he says:

RM's reaction though, lol.

That "Bro..."

The snicker.🤣🤣

JM couldn't remember the last time he had a crush. You know. That kind of heart wrenching one sided feeling towards another (well, you think it's one sided until you have the guts to explore it further).

I can actually help him with that one:

Go look at some good wholesome BTS content back in 2014 and 2015. That, my friend is JM crushing.

And that is also why Mr. leader had his little snicker.

So yeah JM, it was a very long time ago. Since then you discovered the crush was not unrequited, and you happen to be with that same person for what? 9 years or so?

And yet, RM's reaction. Again. Cause JM might have forgotten what it's like to have a crush for someone, but RM on his part, has not forgotten what it was like to have two members in the band he was leader of crushing over each other. That was the start of his nightmare as Jikook's babysitter, lmao.

So yes, very amusing indeed.🤣

At the end RM says he loved Muse better than Face, but Rebirth is his favorite and he loves that song more than the whole of Face. He even thinks that Muse as an album is a lot better than Face.

Couldn't help myself, had to end the post with this RM about JM:

"Such a good FRIENDSHIP!!!", screams someone in the barracks.

🤣🤣

[astarioffsimpmain]

Late Night Thoughts wt. Lenore

I am having a rough ass time, so please forgive the 35 late night thoughts that are all eerily similar to one another, but this is literally all I'm thinking about these days

♡

His velvety robe welcomed your tear-stained cheeks as you snuggled close, breathing in his warm musk. The ache between your legs was not pleasant, nor was it borne of Gale’s teasing. It was ugly; relentless, and nothing you had tried thus far had even managed to touch it. The discomfort worsened, as if honored you had been gracing it with your attention, and you groaned again, the sound now muffled by Gale’s chest.

His hands skated up and down your back in comforting lines, alternating between flat palms and the edges of his fingernails, and he read to you—a book of his choosing. It was a fantasy novel, but he insisted on reading it to you, claiming that it reminded him of Faerun. With each description that deviated, however, he would pause in his reading and correct the inaccuracies.

It made you smile, his eagerness to share with you what he knew—what was his. Bringing you into his world - as much as your world allowed - had always been paramount to him, and you often found yourself wondering how you had been lucky enough to receive his affection. Although, when you had voiced such thoughts aloud, he frequently rebutted that his musings often mirrored those same sentiments regarding you.

You swore he had been in the middle of an explanation about the difference between fae folk and fairies that the book had failed to mention when you closed your eyes. But when you next opened them, he had moved on to gnomes, somehow, and how they often were mistaken for dwarves. Dwarves were creatures of tradition and sameness, reluctant to reform their ways for anything, he said. While gnomes were naturally curious and innovative, opting to create something new to solve age-old problems.

"So you're distantly related to a dwarf, then," you tittered, tracing a line along a seam in his robe with your finger.

"I should say not!" He refuted with a sputter.

"You are quite set in your ways, you know," you continued to tease. "Although," you seceded, "I can't say much. I'm not exactly an "innovator" myself."

"At least you're aware," he chortled.

"Unlike some,: you hummed in return and he smirked down at you.

"Very well, I surrender. I am a man of comfort and predictability can certainly come in such a form. However, I will have you know that I have partaken in plenty of mad adventures where predictability was so slim that I hardly knew what I'd eat meal by meal. You're even aware of them!" he tacked on, like he had just remembered, and you laughed.

"My darling Gale is a man of many facets, I see." You ran your fingernails through his beard, lightly scratching his chin.

"Mmm." He practically purred at the sensation, grinning as he gave you better access. "Indeed he is. Your darling Gale is simply thankful that he can be charming enough to make his love stop crying."

~

Late Night Thoughts Series💤 | Buy Me a Coffee ☕

[mattsundaes]

problem solving

satoru gojo x f!reader — (mentions of kento nanami x f!reader & gojo x f!reader x nanami)

summary: your innocent suggestion that Nanami needs to get laid inspires a particular fantasy that Gojo just can't stop thinking about.

word count: 1.2k

content: NSFW, 18+, SMUT, established gojo x reader, oral sex (m!receiving), oral fixation, anal fingering, dirty talk, unprotected sex, creampie, a smidge of degradation and praise kink, gojo wants to be a cuck, some dom!gojo vibes [mentions of a threesome, double penetration in one hole, anal sex, double penetration in two holes]

“Nanami needs to fucking get laid,” you groan, tossing your keys down on the counter before dramatically flopping down onto the couch. 

The comfort of the well-worn cushions is a welcome embrace after a long evening out to dinner with your friends—which would normally be regarded as a fun activity, if it weren’t for the aforementioned man who’d shown up in what was quite possibly the worst mood you’ve ever seen him in (and that was saying something). 

Satoru chuckles as he settles down beside you, lifting up your ankles and placing them back down across his thighs as he fiddles with a loose string along the edge of your sock. “You know how he gets when he’s stuck working overtime at the office. They’ve had him staying late every night this week.”

Placing the back of your hand over your face, you glance over at your boyfriend through the gaps between your fingers. “Yeah, well they should be giving him overtime sex instead of overtime pay so he’s not such an insufferable dickhead about it.”

Dragging a hand through his soft, white locks of hair, Satoru sighs, “I don’t think that’s legal.”

You shrug, “Well, I’m two seconds from signing him up for a dating app against his will if that man doesn’t start making an effort to at least get his dick sucked. At minimum.”

—

You don’t think much of your flippant comments about Nanami’s sex life, or apparently lack thereof. 

But Satoru, on the other hand?

He has quite a few thoughts on the matter, especially as it pertains to the two of you. Thoughts that he decides would be best discussed while he’s balls deep in your mouth a few days later.

“I think you should fuck Nanami.”

You choke—not because you can’t handle the length of Satoru’s thick cock shoved down your throat, no, but because those were the last six words you were expecting to hear from him at this particular moment. 

“Ah—don’t stop,” he chides as you go to pull off of him, one hand gently resting at the back of your head.

You meet his gaze, raising an eyebrow, but shrug as you continue to lap at his cock. 

A small grin peels across Satoru’s lips before he lets his head fall back on the pillows, moaning. “Mmm…okay. Right. So as I was saying, I think this is the perfect solution to our little problem.”

Toying with his balls, you let out a contemplative humming noise that has his shaft twitching between your lips. Satoru is anything but shy in the bedroom, and you’ve certainly mulled over the possibilities of spicing things up in one way or another. So it’s not like this proposition is entirely out of left field…but with Kento Nanami? Your friend?

“Oh…just like that,” he murmurs as you wetly suck on the head of his cock while pumping your fist down the spit-soaked length of it. “After what you said the other night, I couldn’t stop thinking about him fucking you.”

Something warm curls in your gut at his words, and you subtly clench your thighs together as you offer him a curious noise, prompting him to continue while you make a mess of his throbbing, leaking dick. 

“You’d look so pretty with his cock stuffed in your wet little pussy, baby,” he breathes out, rolling his hips so his shaft slides deeper down your throat. “Wanna fill you up myself and then watch him fuck my cum back inside of you.”

You can’t help it, you fucking whimper at that, and you can feel your panties grow slick with the arousal that’s dripping out of you. 

Satoru caresses the side of your face as he begins to fuck your mouth, his voice rough as he begins to lose his composure, “Maybe I’ll let him come inside of you, too. See how much cum we can fit in that tight hole.”

You’re so dizzy with arousal, you hardly register when Satoru pulls his shaft from your mouth and puts you on all fours, pushing up your oversized tee to reveal your lace panties. Hooking a finger in them and tugging them aside, he groans when he feels how wet you are. 

“Please,” you whimper as he notches the head of his cock at your leaking entrance—both in response to the fantasy he’s offering and also a plea for him to fuck you right here and now.

Satoru obliges without hesitation, plunging into your waiting hole and engulfing his shaft in the greedy, wet heat of your cunt. The punishing stretch of his fat cock leaves you trembling, fingers digging tightly into the sheets as a line of drool unconsciously falls from your lips. 

“Maybe we’ll both fuck you,” he muses as he begins to rock his hips, his shaft deliciously stroking your sensitive inner walls with each deep thrust. 

“Oh fuck,” you breathe out, nearly collapsing at the mental image your brain readily supplies—Nanami and your boyfriend taking turns pumping their cocks inside of you. Your lips around Nanami’s dick while Satoru’s face is buried between your legs.

The near-impossible stretch of both of their dicks stuffed into your pussy at the same time.

Or—

“Maybe…we’ll fill both of your little holes up,” Satoru whispers as he folds his body over yours, nipping at the shell of your ear before placing two of his fingers over your lips.

You let your mouth drop open, eagerly beginning to suck on them, moaning and drooling around the digits as the ache between your thighs continues to grow. He removes the spit-soaked digits after a few moments and straightens, spreading your ass cheeks and swiping the pads of his fingers over the tight ring of muscle waiting there.

“Satoru,” you moan, arching your back and presenting your ass to him, pushing his cock even deeper inside of you in the process.

“You’d like that, wouldn’t you?” he asks as he massages your rim until there’s just enough give to slowly slip a finger into your ass. “You’d like being our little cock slut, letting me fuck you in the ass while you ride my best friend’s dick.”

Tears prick at the corners of your eyes as you gasp against the pillow, a surging wave of pleasure coiling so tight in your gut you can hardly breathe. 

“Say it,” Satoru croons, your pussy wetly squelching as he ruts into you. 

You moan, legs beginning to tremble.

“Say it.”

“I want you and Nanami to fuck me,” you sob as he slips a second finger into your ass. “Please.”

“Good girl,” he murmurs, his free hand trailing around your hip, fingers beginning to toy with your aching clit.

Your vision goes white as your orgasm crashes over you, drenching your nerves in a flood of pleasure that leaves you breathless. Satoru’s hips snap forcefully into yours one last time, burying his cock in you to the hilt as he empties himself inside of you. 

You both collapse sideways onto the bed, too tired to bother cleaning up the hot cum leaking out of your cunt and down your thighs. Satoru pulls your back against his chest, idly stroking your shoulder as he presses soft kisses to the back of your neck.

It’s only when you’re nearly asleep that he whispers, “I’m serious.”

— likes, comments, & reblogs are appreciated!

[ladyhoneydarlinglove]

one piece drabble | zosan | pride kisses 2025 challenge

{KISS ON THE BACK}

It should come as a surprise to exactly no one that Sanji kind of has a thing for Zoro’s back. He’s not sure how anyone couldn’t, given how beautiful it is; a broad swath of sun-bronzed skin stretched across powerful muscles, almost entirely unmarred by scars. Zoro’s body is nothing if not an epic written in the faded marks scattered all over him, and while it’s impossible for the swordsman to recall every tale that goes along with them, the ones on his back he knows well, simply because of how rare they are.

A barely there spider web of lightning burns that branches across his left shoulder. A small, jagged mark near his right hip that Zoro says he got as a child, playing with Kuina around the slippery rocks of a waterfall. A strange set of spots receding down the line of his spine, phantom remnants of Thriller Bark made corporal—though there are far less now than there once were, and Kuma assured them (once he was back in his right mind) that the rest will eventually fade as well.

And then there’s the scar on Zoro’s left flank; a curious thing that looks like a stab wound which then got ripped open by something bigger and meaner than whatever caused it. Zoro won’t tell Sanji the story behind that one, which definitely means it’s embarrassing. Sanji never stops trying to needle the truth about it out of Zoro, and now it’s become sort of a game between them.

“Remind me again how you got this scar?” Sanji asks Zoro one night while they’re basking in a leisurely afterglow. Zoro’s on his stomach, face half buried in the pillows, while Sanji has himself comfortably draped across Zoro’s broad back, head resting on one arm while he uses the other to trace his fingers along the faded line of the mystery scar.

Zoro hums, the corners of his mouth twitching as he answers, “What scar?”

“This scar,” Sanji replies, shifting so that he can press his mouth to it.

“Oh, that old thing?” Zoro says with feigned disinterest. “I fought a multi-headed sea beast that tried to take a bite out of me. It happened right outside Alabasta, don’t you remember?”

Sanji smiles against Zoro’s love-warmed skin. “No, I don’t. And it certainly doesn’t look like any bite mark I’ve ever seen.”

Zoro sighs, the muscles in his back shifting lazily along with his exhale. “Alright, alright, you caught me,” he says. “It’s really from when I fought off a flock of man-eating birds on that one jungle island between Water 7 and Thriller Bark. One of them tried to skewer me like a fish with its razor-sharp beak.”

Sanji’s smile widens to a grin, and he nips at the scar, delighting in the corresponding shudder that he feels run up Zoro’s spine. “I was with you the entire time on that island and I don’t recall any flocks of man-eating birds.”

“Mmm. There was that little centipede that you nearly crapped your pants over, though.”

“It wasn’t little, it was as long as my forearm!” Sanji replies hotly. This time he bites around the scar in protest, and Zoro lets out a breathy laugh, spine arching like he’s trying to press more of himself into Sanji’s mouth. Sanji doesn’t indulge him, pulling away so that he can re-drape himself across Zoro’s back, grinning when Zoro huffs in disappointment. “Besides, isn’t taking care of bugs what I keep you around for? Otherwise you’d be completely useless, shit swordsman.”

“Fuck off, stupid cook,” Zoro retorts, voice low and soft and lacking any heat whatsoever. Sanji chuckles, pressing a brief kiss against Zoro’s shoulder.

“Seriously, though,” he murmurs. “Where’d you get the scar?”

There’s a brief pause before Zoro says, “You really wanna know?”

Sanji hums, kissing along the curve of a shoulder blade.

“I got stabbed by Buggy the Clown back in the East Blue.”

At that, Sanji lets out a very loud, very emphatic snort. 

“Oh come on, mosshead,” he chides, reaching up to flick Zoro in the temple. “You can come up with a better lie than that.”

“Who says it’s a lie?” Zoro replies, even as the corners of his mouth start curling upwards. “Buggy’s kind of my worst match up, you know.”

“Oh what, so just because you can’t cut him means you can’t block him either?” Sanji rolls his eyes. “No, I call bullshit. There’s no way you would ever get stabbed by Buggy the fucking Clown.”

Zoro sighs dramatically. “Ah well. Never say I didn’t try to tell you the truth, cook.”

“Sure you did,” Sanji drawls, shaking his head. “Whatever. Keep on lying to me. But one of these days I’m gonna get the real story out of you, marimo.”

Zoro laughs, his impish grin wide and bright with affection as he says, “Sure, curly. Whatever you say.”

[madamejadex]

i have some fun questions 🌷🌺🌸

1. do you like the idea of spitting in your partners mouth?

2. you really enjoy being on the giving side of impact play, would you ever want to receive that from a sub too?

3. do you have a crush on any bloggers/moots?

4. how do you feel about corruption? if you like it, what's your favorite type of corruption? (religious, making them like ur kinks, slowly manipulate them -consensually- to start to like something that was originally a limit, etc etc etc)

5. what's your favorite color lingerie to wear? what's your favorite color lingerie to see on your partner?

6. when is the last time you touched yourself? what were you thinking of?

i hope these were okay 🥰

Hello there, sweet one.

Oh? Questions for me, hmm? Well, let’s see what that curious little mind of yours is wondering about today…

1. Do you like the idea of spitting in your partner’s mouth? Mmm, yes, when the mood is right. It’s not something I throw into every scene, but there’s something deliciously degrading about that slow, intentional dribble rather than the forceful spitting. It’s intimate in its own filthy way… claiming, controlling. I much prefer it drawn out as I watch my submissive open wide for me, waiting, needing. The tension of it… that’s what I enjoy most.

2. You really enjoy being on the giving side of impact play. Would you ever want to receive that from a submissive, too? No, darling. Impact play is something I give, not receive. It doesn’t arouse me to be struck, and it draws me far too close to a headspace I have no desire to explore. It makes me feel submissive, which doesn’t align with who I am. When I wield pain, it’s a gift. When I pull the sounds and trembles from your body, that’s when I’m in my element. And that’s exactly where I like to stay.

3. Do you have a crush on any bloggers or mutuals? Mmm… now, aren’t you bold? Let’s just say… there are certainly a few sweet things around here who know exactly how to tempt me. But I think I’ll keep that little secret for myself. For now. *smirks*

4. How do you feel about corruption? If you like it, what’s your favorite type, religious, introducing kinks, shifting boundaries, etc.? Oh, I love soft corruption. And one of my favorites are: Taboo Play as Corruption

Which is taking something they swore they’d never do and showing them how good it feels to give in:

Exhibitionism when they were shy.

Humiliation after saying “I don’t think I could ever be degraded.”

Pet play after insisting they’re “not into that weird stuff.”

“You said this was wrong. So why are you dripping on my boot, begging to be called my pet?”

And make no mistake, a true corruption scene takes planning. It’s not something you stumble into. It requires trust, timing, and a deep understanding of your partner’s psyche. But when done right? It’s devastating. Addictive. Beautiful. And I do love to plan.

5. What’s your favorite color of lingerie to wear? And what do you like to see your partner wear? For myself? I favor deep, rich tones like dark emerald, and dark purple but also black. There’s something about that depth of color that makes me feel undeniable. But on my submissives? Mmm… I appreciate all colors, truly. But I have a soft spot for white lingerie. It’s the illusion of purity that gets me. That sweet, delicate innocence all wrapped up in lace… right before I ruin it completely.

6. When is the last time you touched yourself? What were you thinking of? Last night. I had some very enticing photos to enjoy… and an imagination that tends to misbehave when left unsupervised. Let’s just say I took my time, and enjoyed myself thoroughly. But a lady never tells all her secrets, now does she? *smirks*

Curious little thing, aren’t you? Keep that up… and who knows what else I might answer for you next time.

xo Miss Jade

[rookinthecrownest]

17 for the ask game!

17. Rook teaching someone a skill

“It’s alright, Little Dove. Try again”

Madeleina Mercar sits with her daughter, held snuggly in her lap, and watches as blue sparks of magic sputter in and out existence.

Francesca huffs, and Madeleina, knowing her daughter as she does, is picturing the look of frustration on her delicate features although she can’t see her. Her aquiline nose must be scrunched, and thick brows drawn low over doe-like eyes. The blue light emanating from her small hands fades, as they drop into her lap.

Frannie turns to her mother and frowns, her shoulders deflating, “I can’t do it … not like you”

Madeleina runs her hands gently through her pin-straight black hair. One of the many features, both in personality and appearance, she inherited from her father. Lucanis’ little twin, in nearly every way. The best of both of them, Madeleina thinks. After all, the magic bit was all her.

“Ah, little Dove, you’ve only been at this for a few days” Madeleina offers a warm smile and touches her forehead to Frannie’s, reveling her daughter’s warmth. “You’ll get better, you just need more practice”

That only seems to deepen Francesca’s frown as she pulls away from her mother, indignant.

“I’m a mage!” She says, punctuated with the stubbornness of youth. “I should be able to -... to... I don’t know! Make something!”

Then, she lets loose the real crux of the issue next.

“How am I supposed to tell my baby brother stories if I can’t do it like you…” 

Madeleina is unable stop herself from letting out a surprised breath. A little part of her had certainly been curious when Francesca barged into their bedroom one night and demanded to know how Madeleina’s illusions work. She had planned on showing her at some point, of course – but wanted to wait until she was a bit older and had a more refined grasp on her magic. When her magic first manifested, she nearly froze their elderly cat, Frupert, into an ice sculpture. Francesca’s control had improved leaps and bounds since then, but it still wasn’t quite perfect and one had to watch for the errant fireball when she was in one of her moods. The singe marks being painted over their estate were proof of that, and the staff had learned to duck quite well as a result. Nonetheless, she was making all the progress she could in her personal instruction of Francesca– making use of her time in the Circle to guide her instruction.

Madeleina smiles warmly and rubs her growing belly, now about four months into pregnancy. Francesca joins the motion and pulls herself into a hug with her mother.

She doesn’t know how long they’ve been sitting there, holding each other, and she’s not sure what prompts her to conjure an illusion, but she does so anyway.

It’s a familiar one – a castle surrounded by four turrets and long, pointed spires. Finely gilded wrought-iron gates bar the entrances. It floats between them for a few moments, and her daughter stares, transfixed by its construction.

“That’s the castle from the Sleeping Princess” Francesca mumbles. “I’ll never be able to make it…”

“Yes, you will. You just need to start with something smaller” Madeleina waves her hand and the castle disappears from existence.

“We use our magic to tap into the Fade and make the real world a little more like the Fade- just for a moment” She explains, putting her arm out in front of her daughter again. It glows with blue light once more. “When I do my magic, I think if it as bringing the stories that live in my heart into the real world, using the Fade as the bridge”

Madeleina holds her daughter closely, and Francesca in turn, nuzzles into her neck.

“Think hard, think carefully about a memory or a story. Something simple, but important to you. Focus on it in your mind’s eye, and then draw on the Fade to make it real”

“Mmm…” Frannie looks hesitant, and Madeleina gently touches their foreheads again and puts a hand on her daughter’s heart.

“Don’t think about it so much in here” She bonks their foreheads together gently and Frannie blinks in confusion. “Think with this” Madeleina puts a finger on her daughter’s chest, where her heart should be, and leans back.

Francesa closes her eyes tightly, balls her fists together, and clenches them tightly until they start glowing blue again. She keeps her eyes closed like she’s searching for something deep in the recesses of her mind.

‘Come on, you can do it’ Madeleina thinks to herself, watching eagerly as the results of her daughter’s efforts start to take shape.

She bites her lip as three amorphous blobs start winding their way into a clumsy existence at the hands of her daughter.

“You’re doing it, Little Dove! Keep going” Madeleina whispers in her ear, and puts a reassuring hand on her back.

Francesca’s eyebrows furrow in concentration. Madeleina restrains a chuckle as she watches Frannie’s tongue stick out of the side of her mouth.

She’s made a few shapes before, but has never sustained something so complicated as a fully formed figure or a building.

Three figures start stretching out and winding back on and collapsing in on themselves. Just when she thinks Francesca’s about to give up, one of them starts taking shape. Slowly, but surely, one of the figures starts to resemble… Lucanis?

It has his widow’s peak, feathered back hair, the beard, the square jaw and handsome features she fell in love with all those years ago. Then, the other blob starts to take on more of her features, for just a moment, before a grunt of effort from Francesca releases the illusion into the Ether once more.

“Agh! Why!” Frannie pounds her fists on her knees and groans, leaning back into Madeleina’s arms and flopping like every ounce of tension from every muscle left her in that exact moment.

Madeleina chuckled and pinched her cheeks. “Little Dove, I’ve been doing this kind of magic for over twenty years. Give yourself time”

“I should be better at it” Frannie huffs again, crossing her arms over her chest.

She certainly has her father’s stubbornness and need for perfection in everything they do.

“You’ll get there, I promise”

A soft knock comes at the door, and a moment later, her husband is peeking through.

“Where are my girls?” Lucanis grins as he comes to stand in the doorway. Francesca, carefully, given Madeleina’s swollen belly, extricates herself from her mother’s grasp and runs quickly to her father. She wraps her arms around his legs and sulks against his finely tailored black trousers.

“I can’t do Mom’s magic like she can” She whines into his pant-leg.

Lucanis chuckles and pats her hair gently. “Few can, my darling girl. But you have the best teacher in all of Antiva – perhaps Thedas.” He gives Madeleina a knowing look, and she can’t help the flush that creeps over her cheeks when he does. All these years, and he still has that effect on her.

He leans down to her level and gently takes hold of her shoulders, the size of his hands dwarfing them, “But you’re going to keep working on it, hm? Because?”

Francesca nods solemnly, “Because I’m a Dellamorte… and we don’t give up”

Lucanis nods, “Good. Now, that’s enough real magic for one night hmm. How about some culinary magic, courtesy of your loving father?”

Francesca beams, “What did you make tonight?”

“Your favourite” He answers, looking rather satisfied with himself.

“Oh- mushroom, seafood and lemon risotto?” Francesca asks hopefully, her green eyes shimmering with excitement.

Lucanis nods and before he can verbally affirm the statement their daughter squeals and starts running down the winding staircase and heading for the west wing of the estate, where the dining room(s) are located.

“She gets that from you” Lucanis jerks his thumb towards Madeleina and smiles.

She rolls her eyes and steadies herself on both hands before pushing up. Lucanis is next to her with inhuman speed and has his arms steadying hers before she’s even fully pushed herself off the floor.

“Take it easy, cara mia” He whispers, leaning close. Madeleina feels that same flush creeping up the back of her neck, and the tips of her ears.

Madeleina, once fully upright, rolls her eyes and ribs him playfully. “I’m fine. You worry worse than a Chantry mother”

Lucanis presses a chaste kiss to her cheek and keeps her encircled in his arms even as she moves to follow their daughter to the dining room.

“Mi Amor, I will spend the rest of my days being eternally grateful that I have you and our children to fret over”

[strqyr]

Tbh it's a little silly, but I'm honestly a little curious how Ozpin knows about The Shallow Sea since it's a dying and, presumably closed, oral tradition (based off of how he talks about it in his notes). Ik he's immortal, but i feel like it's pretty tough to get a hold of closed stuff like that. Either a faunus trusted him a lot and told it to him at some point, orrrr... hesitant point towards 'Oz has been a faunus in a previous life'? I feel like it's more fun if Oz has been a faunus but I dunno 🤔

mmm, it's hard to say. i find myself bouncing between both options, like. that one makes sense... but so does that one, and there just simply isn't enough proof to really solidly land on either one.

like yeah, he's immortal; it's likely he has been close friends with a faunus or few ( lionheart comes to mind ), but if the story is something he has heard only once or twice over the years—especially since after the great war it has fallen out of favor, making it rarely spoken in present day remnant—, would he actually remember it accurately enough to write it down? especially since he is immortal and has been through so many lives and memories that something like 'the shallow sea'—a story that wouldn't mean much to him personally—wouldn't necessary stick in the same way as some other, more personal memories would.

the way he speaks of it in his notes, too... he knows quite a bit about the story, the way it has been passed down from generation to generation, how it's never been written down before—not by faunus, and certainly not by humans—, and it's giving that personal touch to it; like he has been on that side of the coin before, even if he isn't on it now, and because of that he's also handling it very carefully in the book, knowing how important it is for the faunus.

so, perhaps he was a faunus in one of his previous lives, telling this very same story to his children, but at the same time it's difficult to say so for certain since out of all his lives that have been shown, none have been faunus. does that mean he absolutely cannot be one? could be, could be not; depends on whether ozma's soul originating from a time when faunus didn't exist has any say on the matter.

it's like. absence of evidence does not mean evidence of absence; if oz had ever said he only reincarnates into humans, that's one thing, but all we have is "like-minded soul", so presumably, as long as there's a soul, the possibility is there.

also, as a sidenote, i find it interesting that the fact 'the shallow sea' is so "rarely spoken these days" influenced his decision to record it before it's "lost to posterity." like it's saying things about oz that he would do that rather than let it be lost to the winds, even though the story since menagerie was settled has become "tinged with bittersweet irony". just thinking about all the other stories that are included in the book, how many of those involve oz himself, how bittersweet they have become over the years to him... and they're still there. like dude keeps secrets like no tomorrow, but still, nothing is left in the past! it's all getting written down, presented as simple fairy tales that may ( wink wink ) hold a kernel of truth.

love that for him.

[irkimatsu]

Mmm jealous Husk with making up sex. Actually no, just jealous Husk in general I’m actually incredibly curious about how he’d react if put in a scenario where he was jealous and/or possessive of his partner. Probably doesn’t happen often but it’s always something I’ve wondered about.

Mmm, jealous Husk...

As an Overlord, he's a lot more prone to jealousy regarding his partner. It's not that he doesn't trust your loyalty; it's all the other motherfuckers hanging around that he doesn't trust. The instant he suspects someone has impure intentions regarding his pet, he lashes out with his legendary temper. A few hellborn without the benefit of immortality have died at his claws because they got too close to you.

Even in scenarios where the Overlord likes sharing his pet sexually, it's still a show of how you belong to him first and foremost - he gets final say on what anyone's allowed to do to you, and anyone who hurts you during a play session is putting their life on the line. Once he's decided they've had enough of you, that's when he steps in and makes them watch who can really satisfy you, and why you don't really need them, this is a favor for them and not for you...

In the present, Husk is a lot less possessive; he wouldn't want to own souls anymore even if he could. You're your own person, you can talk to whoever you want, he'd like to trust that you'll always come back to him. I'm not sure how happy he would be in a sexually open relationship, he certainly doesn't feel the need to sleep around anymore, but he's not going to get pissy about you simply talking to other men. He's not that insecure.

But sometimes, someone gets a little too close to you, rests their hand on your back, whispers a little too seductively, and that old temper starts flaring again. He hates himself for it - he doesn't own you! You're your own person! And he trusts you - he told you he wants to keep things exclusive, and you agreed!

But even if he's not that insecure, there's still a little insecurity there... maybe he's holding you back? Maybe you'd be happier with someone closer to your age, someone who isn't so fucking broken...

Unless you're visibly uncomfortable and look like you need him to step in, he's no longer the type to go for a mauling. But he might withdraw behind his wings, too lost in his own fears of abandonment to hear you kindly turn your admirer down...

Maybe after you've been together long enough, he'll feel secure enough to know you chose him for a reason and have no interest in straying. But those fears are strong at the beginning...

He doesn't act on his jealousy. But when you return to his side, something about him seems off. Distant. Something's bothering him. There may be a bit of an argument if you figure out it's because you were talking to someone else, as he struggles to explain why it bothers him so much and how it has nothing to do with him not trusting you or feeling like he owns you.

But any anger you have for him will quickly turn to sympathy. It's been so long since he's been in a monogamous relationship... he's not used to someone wanting him, and only him... a small part of him is waiting for this whole thing to blow up in his face... you need to assure him that it won't, that no stranger is going to take you away from him...

"'m sorry I'm like this, doll..." he murmurs while you're in his bed later that night, untying his bow tie and gently kissing his neck.

"Don't be," you whisper, your warm breath waving over his skin. "Just let me show you why I'm here with you and no one else...

Let me enjoy the way your fur feels beneath my fingers... the way your strong arms feel around me... let me hear your handsome voice as I touch you just right, as you tell me that you love me...

Everything I can get from you and no one else... please let me show you..."

He'll start crying before you're done with him. He needed that cry. Just kiss his tears away and continue as you are...

(Sorry, I've been in a "comforting Husk" mood, went on a tangent there. Husk being the possessive one during sex is good, too... him reminding you with every thrust that you're his, his, he'll protect you, he'll do anything to make you keep loving him, to make you stay his... he's not angry at you, just worried about losing one of the best things that's ever happened to him, something that he's frankly not convinced he deserves...)

[what-if-i-like-my-mechs-older]

Pt57

(If you saw my post you'll know I'm making Jazz have door wings because he looked so cute and happy with them in Transformers one

Look how happy he is x3 , oh and that Jazz kept referring to tfa optimus/optronix with female pronouns and Orions like okay sure, doesn't matter either way to me, this is like part 57 of a long ass ramble I guess)

"So, did you finish making your human holoform?"

Optronix asked as he slid down the side of the Ark, his arms already folded by the time he got to the bottom with a hip jutting out to the side as he landed on his feet perfectly.

Jazz was definitely staring, his door wings fluttering, it was like looking at a dangerous beautiful creature that was going to actually let you pet it.

Optronix knew a little about the language of wings and quirked a brow, hands falling down to resting on his hips and smiling

"You're not so bad looking yourself."

Jazz's door wings immediately stuck up as he made a small sound of surprise.

"Wow, you really are something, aren't ya, you think I should tell Prowl that you can read wings?"

Optronix moved in closer at Jazz's suggestion , hands laying over his chest, fingers delicately tracing over the crimson autobot symbol with blue behind it.

"Mmm, why would we want to do that? Wouldn't it be more fun to watch him, thinking that I have no clue that he's talking about me?"

Jazz couldn't help but bite his bottom lip, my she was seductive, there was definitely a black widow energy about her and he was prepared to get bitten.

Sliding a hand around Optronix's waist he pulled her in closer and smiled

"You know what Baby girl, I think that sounds like a lot of fun."

"Hmm fuck the police."

Optronix chuckled, ear finials shifting , he hadn't expected Jazz to be so smooth, heh see what I did there ;3

"I'm not gonna lie , I'd like to."

Jazz remarked , laughing playfully as he stroked along one of Optronix's connections to the pretty ear finials and down along her jaw.

"Well, you have to make your intentions known , or he'll think you're just teasing him."

"Oh yeah, how known?"

Jazz was now genuinely curious about her answer.

"Push him back onto the berth and get down to it, do not leave him any time to question if you're just planning on up and leaving, the mech is actually pretty nervous that his bed partner will just ditch him."

Optronix explained, as he wrapped his arms around Jazz's neck

"But we're not here to talk about Prowl now are are we, I was promised a date and I got my holo all dressed up just for you."

Jazz's brows lifted , even if you couldn't see it behind the visor, his smile becoming devious.

"Oh yeah baby, wanna show it to me, I'm starting to learn these humans can be beautiful to, curious to see what you've made up."

Optronix pressed in closer to him, a wicked look in optics , dark and playful

"Well to be fair until I know who's taking charge when we get down to the fun and nasty , she's built like a barbie doll, but I have prepared both scenarios."

That took Jazz for a loop, he had to go look up what would look like and couldn't help but chuckle.

"Seems fair to me princess, I remember what you told me about needing to find a place to put ourselves while our holoforms walk so I found a lovely storage just for us, enough room , you know say If we decide to come back to our bodies and need more."

That was when Optronix pushed Jazz up against the side of the ship , ohhh so Jazz had really thought of everything, leaning in he kissed him slowly , his glossa probing at the older mechs bottom lip, asking for access, which he was soon granted as he felt Jazz's hands on his lower back, sliding down and gripping at his aft, mmm that was starting to give him an idea on who might be in charge tonight but things could change.

Optics closing, a hand behind the autobots head to pull him in for a deeper embrace, it seemed Primes second in command certainly knew how to kiss, if he didnt control himself he was going to end up ravishing Jazz right outside the ship, though with how those hips were pressing it seemed the Autobot might not entirely hate that notion.

He nipped at Jazz's bottom lip with a fang, tasting a hint of energon as he did so.

"Behave, or I will have you here."

Jazz heard that and answered incoherently at first before clearing his voice.

"Of course baby, we should definitely get moving, before I do the same to you."

"Oh , well now, I think I might like you just a little more than the others here."

Optronix smiled, booping his nose.

"Even more than the big guy himself?"

Jazz asked , though he was teasing he was a little hopeful.

"We'll see , though it would seem I have a preference for those who are particularly musical."

Jazz listened to her , taking pride now in the fact he was certainly a lover of music and to be fair he knew no one could match up to Optimus Prime, he was practically a walking god.

"So Blaster then?"

Optronix quirked a brow at Jazz's suggestion and shook his head

"No, I only have one tape deck in my life and the bastard seems to have made a little hole in my spark and buried himself in it."

Jazz's jaw nearly fell off it's hinges

"Girl, you got down and dirty with Soundwave! DAYMN , go you! Before the war that mech was highly sought after and he is extremely selective about who he partners up with."

Optronix's smile only widened

"Huh is that so? Then I must be pretty special because despite how much I've probably pissed him off he keeps coming back. "

"Well there is that saying, keep it mean keep them keen, and baby you definitely got half the crew here feelin keen."

Jazz took her hand and spun her , landing in a dip pose , he smiled as Optronix's finials wiggled happily.

"Me especially, I like your attitude and I know just the place to go."

Next

Previous

First

[mademoisellewol]

Over The Phone

|| CONTENT WARNING || Coursing through arousal urges Slight masturbation session Light teasing Mention of a case from a friend Brief quick-paced hiccups Muffled hiccups Hints of frustration Hiding in the bathroom stall of a clubhouse Suppressing vocals Hiccupers at different places Sense of shame to feeling aroused by friend's case

"Huck'l!"

The last hitch that lingered A's ears and mind as they feigned a "casual" walk out from the table, retreating into the clubhouse's bathroom for a so-called wee break.

A hid in the bathroom stalls, trying to simmer down the stirring, buzzing sensation that had arisen due to a case from one of their friends while having a cook-out by the garden.

There was a planned small reunion they had been wanting to attend. They have missed out on a lot since adulthood. Nowadays, life have been awfully busy. So, A made sure to catch up on the meeting this time. But, it eventually went downhill when they heard that signature involuntary hitch.

It was too much to handle especially when they were surrounded by their group of friends. To be frank, A was anticipating. To listen to some specific case audio once they return home. But life has other plans in advance.

They tried to regain their normal breathing pattern. They ought to head back to the table as soon as possible to ensure no one worries about them for being in the bathroom for too long.

Whilst maintaining their breathing, A sought comfort and distraction from their beloved, wondering what they were doing.

It was dawn and A figured B would be on their way home, hesitating for a minute whether to call them or not. But perhaps a small conversation wouldn't be too much to ask for. That could distract A in the meantime.

Eventually, A dialed their beloved.

The phone rang for a while. The dial shifted to a vibrating tone. Finally, B picked up. Their voice was low and gruff. It sounded like they had a slightly hoarse throat as they spoke after a muffled grunt.

"Hey, how's the gathering?" B asked.

"Mmm...it's going well." They paused. "A bit too well." A mused, shifting their legs. Their focus is divided on both B and their simmering arousal.

"Why is that?" B uttered in a curious tone.

"Stuck in the bathroom. Not literally. Just locking myself in here first, since–"

A heard a faint thump, lightly shutting their lips from the interruption. They waited, anticipating if what they heard was actually what they thought it was. It was audible enough to hear from the other end of the call. There's no way they heard what they just heard because if they did, they are in an outing far away from B, not to mention, that their levels of arousal are triggered before the call. Amounting to that would mean–

"MMK!-uh. Woo. 'Scu–MKL! 'Scuse me!" B was frantic a bit, hoping it wasn't too loud on A's end.

A long, deep groan left A's lips at the audible hiccups. They bit their lip to avoid being heard. Now that buzzing feeling is certainly heightened once more and grew in vigor. They were shifting and rubbing their legs to a subtle friction.

"Not you, too. I called you to hear your voice! Not that!" A exclaimed with slight frustration at the unexpected.

Now they wish to be with B. A heard another muffled hitch from their beloved.

They could imagine the phone close to their shut lips. B's velvety voice and shallow breaths are being picked up by the mic so clearly.

Lying down on the sofa cushions, B chortled. A slight smirk etched on their face as they put the points together to a conclusion.

They could hear A's incoherent hums and groans, and it sparked something in B. An innocent teasing comes into play. They know how much A is bothered in a way. B could only imagine their reaction, and wanting to offer comfort towards A, but they were in an outing for the day. B soft smiled, cooing to A through the call.

Then, B's thoughts diminished. Turning their attention to the sudden succession erupting within their chest and throat, the itch to let it out is right at the tip of their tongue.

"Hup'kl!-HRKulp!...muh...Hig'KUP!" Finally, a few doubles escaped from their lips, feeling their head bop backward.

A couldn't help but lean more to the speakers of their phone, lowering the volume down, but just enough for them to hear their beloved.

"MRK!MK!-uh! HUCKLE!Mm'KLP!-guh...wuhHUP! Oh go-USHP!" B sharply inhaled and exhaled before speaking again. "T–This-IRK! hu-HUCK!-mmmMCK! They're...HMK! f–fast!"

A knew what they were doing. As if B is trying to assist them to have some relief, but they could also sense some slight teasing.

The quickened pace briefly caught A's attention out of their thoughts. However, their concern lingered more for B. It was tingling with their insides so well, feeling somewhat overwhelmed by the untreated arousal. The inner conflict is building up.

"You should...get your cure. They sound...intense." A bit their lips, holding back a groan. They sat on the cover of the toilet with shivering legs and panting.

B hiccuped straight to the mic, abundantly pouring in A's glass, inching closer to a downpour. Not an ideal moment for A to bask in their release, but they were safe since they brought extra undergarments that were supposed to be for tomorrow.

They wished to have A with them, by their side, whispering encouraging words. B would help soothe their case. But the fact they were absent made A long for them and their case. To hear it. To see it. To feel it by their side.

Their data is not strong enough for a video call, and other than that, A is stuck in the bathroom stall. "Not a sight to behold," they thought.

"You have got to be kidding. Ugh." A let out a feigned exasperated sigh, shaking their head at the situation. It's also getting rather hot in the bathroom.

They stayed in the stalls for a bit longer than intended. A palm traveling to their slacks. They could relieve themselves, just tend to the urges, and then they'll feel better, free from the build-up.

"Hmmmpk! Augh. Something HIMP! the matter, hun?" B asked.

"Yeah, no! Not at all. I'm definitely not dying in frustration hearing your...you know, and being stuck in the bathroom, sitting on the toilet seat, and...MmMMm!" A muffled a groan.

"I need you...badly." A softly admitted.

B knew what was happening. Their consciousness was divided by the rippling succession of their case and the bothered groans and muffled sighs from A's lips picked up by the mic. B could feel A's arousal in a way, prompting them to lean closer to their phone.

"Hmk! Hmm, I hear you. Mmmk! And I-huck! I know you're aching." B cooed to them, muffling a few that shook their middle torso.

If only A could feel B's caresses, it would bring them tranquility. A felt the need to shift their legs, their hand resting on their thigh. Then by their crotch. They strained a groan as they inch closer to masturbate, just for a moment.

"Himp! Huh'gk! A, if you need to, Hmmmk! I'll be right here." B comforted, bringing A to let out a long sigh.

They resorted to feeling themselves, leaving them in a trance. B's voice was getting slightly hoarse. A was panting from the stimulation, just hearing the hitches alone could do them some good. They gripped the seat of the toilet, arching back, feeling themselves closer to letting go. Their hands pulled the hem of their pants for more access to their lower region. The bathroom was getting warmer. They could their ears are steaming from the growing frustration and arousal within them.

"HUCK'UP! Guh...Uh!" B cleared their throat ending with a heavy grunt as they felt a hiccup punch the back of their gullet.

"Nnn...haugh..." A groaned.

"Hmmmk! Hkup!Ugk!" B rest their back as their bout coursed. Their hand traveled to their jostling stomach, ripple after ripple.

"If only-h'muck! y...you could see me now. Huck!'uh, but I'll still be mmk! right h-here." B lets A have some enjoyment, although aching for A's touch in return would be lovely.

"MMhmm..." A gasped sharply, catching their breath to have some reprieve. "Yeah...just keep them coming–ugh!" A stroke themselves with purpose, aiding to reach their peak, all the while B hiccups on the other end of the call. They shared heavy breaths and grunts out of each other's situation. It was all too much to be far apart. A would like to return the favor once they return.

"Hee'guck! Hgk!Ugk! Augh..." B hiccup-moaned, making it the final straw for A.

They arched and slumped as they felt their body find the release they needed. A muffled groan left their lips, the trickling sensation subsided after the blissful moment.

"Hm'mmk! That w-Huck! was much needed, Huck?!" B chuckled at the questionable hiccup expression at the end. For now, they can treat themselves in the bathroom.

"Nnn...I'll get you back! For this." A sighed, catching their breath once more. "Thanks...I hope they subside soon." A felt their mind washed over with a significant need to comfort B for their assistance. Over the phone, too.

"Mmk! Will be expecting you, dear." The case had simmered down a bit, with a few doubles here and there. "Hmmmp!-puh...will you be alright?"

A's heart swelled for B's sincere concern. "I should be asking you that." A shook their head as they tried to relax in their place.

"I will be. Humk! Nnnngk!" As soon as B opened their mouth, it sent a sharp hitch at the back of their throat. A grunt left their lips, leaving A to smile imagining their state.

"Still quaking there, hm? Your beaten diaphragm is appreciated by my...trickling, throbbing "friend."”

They both shared weary chuckles. "But, no really, I hope they give you some reprieve. Like right now." A added.

"I can handle HMP!-Mmmmk!...them. It's nothing Hngk! new to me, anyways." B reassured, feeling their sides sucked in by their solar plexus. "Mmp! Will you be alright ther–ERK! Mmm..."

"Yeah. I have a spare undergarment. Just...let me relax. Though, I wish you would relax with me, too."

"Likewise, dear. Guh...HUCK! Left me drained, phySICally speaking." B hitched midway in their utterance, spiking their pronunciation in their word.

A hummed, cooing to B as they stayed on the call to converse and comfort B through their lingering case. The session was intense, but they were sure to be in each other's arms since A is now aching to return home soon after their friend group, small reunion plans.

Once A's afterglow simmered down, they cleaned their bathroom stall and washed their soiled hand, before swiftly taking their leave to retrieve their belonging. They had a jacket with them, using it as an apron on their front as they wearily approached the table where they left their bag, excusing themselves again.

They reassured the unbeknownst group, making an excuse from the blissful session to the best of their capability to try and make up one. That moment in the stall was sure an odd experience. Tending to their growing arousal when they least expected two hiccupers to penetrate their stimulation.

A felt shame for the fact they were captivated by their friend's case, (which had stopped for quite some time now) but it depends on the response. It was bound to happen given their source of excitement. Control and self-consciousness can be managed when taking the time to focus on it is prioritized.

The reassurance poured the most from their partner was something A needed to hear. Hoping their beloved had rid of their case. They'll return home, returning the favor of comfort and arousal treatment for B.

[blasphemous-lies-and-deceit]

Flufftober Day 19. Yarn

"What the fuck is this?" Gerry asked incredulously, grabbing a hank of yarn and eying it in disbelief. He didn't know the many intricacies of Michael's knitting hobby as well as his boyfriend did, but he certainly knew Michael had opinions about his yarn. It had to be natural fibers and was usually in bright colors, so the textured black yarn in his hands wasn't something he was used to seeing. Michael gave him a sneaky look as he sat on the opposite side of the sofa.

"Do you really want an answer?" he asked. "Or do you want to be surprised?"

Gerry considered that as he removed the yarn from its packaging and looped it around his hands. Michael took one of the ends and began winding it into a ball, hands moving in skillful easy motions. This was what Gerry privately thought of as their "knitting dates", where he sat and held Michael's yarn for him to re-form it into a shape that was apparently easier to knit with. He didn't understand the mechanics of it, exactly, but there was something so sweet and intimate about the whole thing, sitting face-to-face with Michael for an extended time, chatting aimlessly or catching up on some show. He loved it so much that he never suggested buying a little machine that would wind the yarn for him.

"I think I want to know," Gerry decided, watching the yarn unravel around and around his hands. "This doesn't feel like your usual yarn. I'm curious."

"It's for a different kind of knitting," Michael explained. "Lace knitting." He turned his pleased little smile up towards Gerry, eyes full of intent. "Wouldn't it be nice to have some homemade lace panties?"

"Oh, fuck," Gerry swore, a spike of excitement and lust piercing through him. "You can't say stuff like that when I'm already caught up in your yarn."

"Mmm, yes, exactly where I want you." Michael giggled, not stopping his winding hands. "Not a very traditional type of bondage, but we've never really done anything traditional anyway." He gazed at Gerry from beneath his lashes, and Gerry knew he was thinking about it. He shifted in place, and Michael's grin turned mean. "Patience, Gerry, my love."

"You're awful," Gerry muttered without any heat, feeling his face flush. "I love you."

"Love you, too." Michael concentrated on winding his yarn, clearly intent on fulfilling whatever he was thinking about. "If it weren't for this yarn I would ravish you right now."

"My hands will be free first," Gerry pointed out, lifting his spread hands. "I'll be able to ravish you sooner." Michael's grin spread, clearly excited by that thought, and his hands sped up. Gerry settled back, thoughts drifting to other activities they could enact. As soon as their hands were free.

[starwarsmum]

Day 3 of Dickinette Feb is Take a Chance on Me

@maribat-calendar-events

https://archiveofourown.org/works/62690860/chapters/160670659

Marinette waited for the call to Luka to connect, twirling her hair nervously and biting her lip. He had let her know that he had some free time that night and she desperately needed advice on the whole Dick situation.

“Hey Ma-Ma-Marinette,” he said when she picked up on the first ring. “Everything okay?”

“I think I'm going to ask Dick out on a date,” she blurred immediately, knowing that Luka didn't need her to beat around the bush. “But I don't know if he still feels the same and maybe I'm going to make an idiot of myself.”

“Why wouldn't he be interested?”

“Oh, hey Chlo! I didn't think you would want to be on this call,” Marinette said, laughing slightly before sighing. “Because I turned him down very bluntly? He hasn't treated me with anything except professional courtesy since, which has been so hot.”

“Mmm, we do love a man that respects your boundaries,” Chloé agreed. “Especially a man with money-”

“Chloé, he's not from money,” Marinette said, exasperated. Chloé scoffed and Marinette frowned into the phone. “No, seriously, he's a cop. What self-respecting wealthy person gets into upholding the law?”

“Um, lawyers?”

“Lawyers are usually trying to stop people from being prosecuted, not arresting them though. Anyway, he's not from money, he brings lunch from home most days and it's in the oldest tupperware I have ever seen. And he doesn't wear designer clothes or anything. The nicest thing he has is a watch and he said he got it as a birthday present so…”

“Okay, fine, congrats on finally dating a commoner I guess,” Chloé huffed.

“We're not dating, that's the problem!” Marinette wailed, letting her head thump onto the desk in front of her. “I didn't want the first thing I did as the new detective to be dating my partner. You know how hard it is as a professional woman not to be accused of improper workplace behaviour.”

“Yes yes, Zoé lectured me quite ruthlessly. But you changed your mind?”

“He's just so sweet! He gets me coffee every day! And he is so cute, and attractive and- I mentioned the respecting boundaries thing, right?”

“Melody, what are you worried about?” Luka asked, pulling her back on track.

“I guess…that he'll be mad? Or go to HR and get me slapped with a violation?”

“And that seems like something he would do?”

“Well, no…”

“Then there should be no problem. Or is this more about your chronic belief that the guys around you don't think you're attractive if they know you for long enough?”

That made Marinette pause, searching her feelings. She didn't think that's what it was about, Dick hadn't given her any reason to believe that she was strange or unusual. She shook her head before her thoughts could spiral at all and said truthfully that she didn't think that was it.

“Then there's nothing to worry about,” Luka said gently, and Marinette breathed out fully. Luka was right, the only possible things that could come out if this were a date, or a no.

_ _ _

Dick made his morning trip to the café, now so familiar to the baristas that they started his order as soon as they saw him coming in. It had gotten to the point that he was having coffee daily so that he didn't have to switch things up on them too often. It was worth it because Marinette always brightened when she saw that little takeaway cup.

He was still intrigued by her, curious about what she was like outside of work given the brief flash he'd seen when they first met, but he wasn't willing to push the very clear boundaries she had set in place. He liked spending time with her, even just as colleagues, and he certainly wasn't going to be the one that messed that up.

The day continued as normal, up until they took a break after lunch. Marinette seemed to grow fidgety and slightly hyper, hands worrying the hem of her blouse. He tried not to focus on her, thinking hard about his choices of food.

“We've been working together for a while now, huh,” Marinette remarked suddenly. Dick hummed in agreement, still trying to choose a snack. “And I only found out you had a brother because he came into the precinct.”

“Well, you've always been pretty clear about keeping boundaries between work and personal life,” he replied, finally deciding to get a cereal bar. He slotted in his change and pressed all the right buttons as though it was the most fascinating thing in the world. “Was there something on your mind?”

“Maybe? I don't know, it feels kind of…strange not knowing much about your personal life. It's how I've always worked but maybe it's not working for me anymore.”

“Well, I'm happy to talk all about myself,” he said with a lopsided grin. “But be careful, once I start talking I might find it difficult to stop.”

“Maybe- maybe we could go get dinner sometime,” she said, just a shade too casually for how hard she was clenching her hands. He looked down at her, trying to sort through his own feelings as a blush spread up her neck and across her face. “But, um, only if you want to.”

“I'd like that,” he said softly, and she nodded stiffly, a blush spreading up her neck. He tried not to read too much into it; maybe she hadn't made any friends in Gotham yet, or it really was just a case of wanting to know a work partner better.

But there was an undeniable tension to the rest of the day, one that made his skin buzz pleasantly.

_ _ _

Marinette waited outside the restaurant he had suggested, fiddling with the ends of her hair. She had spent the last few days fretting over whether her invitation to Dick was inappropriate, or would cause problems, but she hadn't cancelled. She really did want to know him better, and now that they had known each other for a couple of months without issue she was ready to give it a try.

“Wow, you look…”

She jumped, turning sheepishly towards where Dick had just appeared. She looked down at herself, pleased that she'd made an effort and smiled up at him. Her heart skipped a beat at the way his gaze flitted down her, twice.

“Hey,” she said at last, releasing her hair and stepping towards him.

“Hi,” he said back, eyes snapping up to her face and a sheepish smile on his face. He opened the door for her and she stepped past him, trying not to take a deep breath as she did so. He always smelled of some fabric softener and soap when they were working, but something slightly spicier tickled her nose that evening.

“This looks like a nice place,” she said once they had been seated, glancing over the menu and seeing a range of dishes that interested her. They also had a separate wine list and she perused it briefly before selecting a glass of house red. “Have you eaten here before?”

“Once or twice, though just with my brother,” Dick said absently, thanking their waiter when he took their drinks order before giving them some more time to select a meal. 

“Oh, this isn't the kind of place I'd think a twelve year old would like,” Marinette said curiously, setting aside the menu to look at him.

“Ah, I was actually talking about one of my other brothers, Tim,” he said, grinning fondly at his own menu. He glanced up and she hummed thoughtfully.

“So you have two brothers? Or more? You said one of your other brothers.”

“Mmm, definitely more, but I don't know if I can give you an accurate number? I don't know how many I've got technically.”

“What do you mean you don't know how many brothers and sisters you have?” Marinette asked, confused.

“Well, it's kind of complicated. I'm adopted and so are most of my siblings, and then there are a few that aren't really siblings but kind of? Honestly, Bruce just takes in whichever strays he finds.”

“Can't say I relate,” Marinette replied with a rueful grin. “I'm an only child and my parents absolutely dote on me. You can't imagine how anxious they were when I moved here, and as a cop no less.”

Dick snorted softly but didn't say anything as their meals were brought out. The rest of the meal was filled with idle chatter about the food, or work, or their hobbies. When Marinette mentioned her fondness for making clothes, Dick looked surprised. Even more so when she told him that she had been on the tracks to becoming a fashion designer in her teens.

“Okay, hang on, you were a fashion designer?” Dick asked, astonishment easy to see on his face. “How did you go from making clothes to…this?”

“Oh, it was a few things,” she replied in an offhand tone. “Just because something's a good hobby doesn't mean it would be a good career. Besides, one of my idols turned out to be a huge problem with her kid - barely acknowledged the poor girl and didn't even bother getting her name right - and the other…”

She sighed and stirred the drink wishing she had a reason to get out of this explanation. But instead, Dick turned his blue eyes on her, head tilted and eyes curious. She took a sip before deciding that she might as well. If this was going to grow past easy going acquaintances, she was going to have to open up.

“The other idol was my boyfriend's dad and he turned out to be a terrorist. He messed up a lot of people and it just gave me this crushing dread whenever I thought about going pro. Being a cop gives me a different outlet for creative thinking and I don't have to think too hard about whether the fashion industry would ruin me too.”

“Wow, that's…I'm sorry you went through that,” he said, voice quiet and full of compassion. She nodded, flushing in embarrassment even though she had nothing to be embarrassed about. That was one of the things she liked about Dick - he never made her feel judged, only seen. 

They decided against dessert, and Marinette paid the bill before Dick had a chance. He protested as he helped her into her jacket, holding the door open for her and arguing that he should have paid for his own meal.

“I mean, you don't want me getting the wrong idea now, do you?” He asked in a low voice as they stopped before king their separate ways.

“Oh? And what would the ‘wrong’ idea be?” She shot back, pulse fluttering in her throat as he stilled and gave her a much more deliberate once-over.

“The one where I insist that I pay for our next date?” He queried, his head tipped towards her daringly.

Choosing not to overthink, she grabbed the collar of his shirt and stood on her toes to press her lips to his. She gave a sigh of relief when he slipped an arm around her waist and kissed her back enthusiastically. All of the tension that had been building between them, since they'd met at that coffee shop, melted away.

“Can I walk you home?” He said when they broke apart, both breathing heavily. 

“Ask me next time, pretty boy,” she quipped back, trying to catch her breath. Then the crooked smile he gave her had her pulling him back down to kiss him again.

_ _ _

Dick was still grinning when he went on patrol the following night. So much so that Jason finally cracked and made a snarky comment about it, which only made Dick smile more. 

“Jealous, Hood?” He asked, flipping expertly between buildings as he continued his route. He easily dodged the rock that whistled towards his head a minute later and laughed, knowing that Jason didn't mean him any real harm, or he would be dodging bullets.

“Dickhead, why would I be jealous? I'm younger than you, taller than you, and I'm not a fucking cop,” Jason sneered, flipping him off when he turned to smirk at him.

“Ah, but Nightwing thinks he's in love,” came Babs' voice through the comms, barely restrained laughter evident in it.

“Hey, I never said anything about love,” Dick protested, launching to the next building to both Jason and Tim's giggles. “Seriously, I didn't! I just had a good date, that's all. And maybe I meant you were jealous of my confidence and awesome sense of style, Hood.”

“Your willingness to wear the abomination known as the Discowing suit does not inspire jealousy, Wing,” Jason said in an amused voice. “But congrats on tricking another poor soul onto a date. Where'd you find this one, eBay?”

“Clear the lines,” Bruce said in a gruff voice as Dick took a breath to argue with Jason.

“Robin, there's a mugging happening two alleyways south of you,” Babs said, receiving an ‘affirmative’ back. Dick couldn't help smiling anew; since their conversation months past, Bruce had been giving Damian more trust. It had boosted the kid's mood immensely and he was thriving without the chokehold Bruce had had him under.

Dick wondered if he could get Marinette's opinion on Damian. It wasn't often people outside of the vigilante business met the prickly little so-and-so and Marinette hadn't said a single bad thing about the encounter. It was unusual enough that he wanted to put the pair in a sealed room and see how they reacted.

“Just a heads up for you: Croc and the penguin are teaming up for something. Nightwing, Red, can you go and take a look and keep it from escalating any further. Nice work on the muggers Robin. Police should be with you in a few minutes and they'll take them in.”

The rest of patrol went similarly, Babs taking sly shots at Dick - teasingly - and Jason throwing things at him for being ‘too happy’. Damian remained mostly quiet, most likely focusing on not making a mistake now that Bruce was trusting him. So it came as a surprise when Damian pulled Dick over at the end of the night to chat.

“Everything okay, Robin?”

“Yes, I just wished to check if the remarks Oracle was making about your latest attempt to find a girlfriend meant what I believe they did,” Damian said, looking out across the city from their vantage point on Wayne Enterprises. Dick waited patiently, knowing that rushing the kid never ended well. He didn't usually talk about interpersonal relationships, unless it was to scoff at them. “From what I could glean, it appears you have chosen to pursue a relationship with your new work colleague?”

“Yeah, we went on a date yesterday,” Dick said cautiously, unsure of where this was going. Then a worrying thought occurred to him. “Why, did she do something to make you uncomfortable when you met her?”

“Tt, as if I would allow someone to affect me in such a way,” Damian retorted before sighing and sitting down. “No, she was very pleasant. I only wanted to make sure that my information was accurate. I have no issue with your choice in a romantic partner this time.”

“I think that's the nicest thing I've heard you say about a civilian before,” Dick said teasingly, ruffling Damian's hair a little.

“Stop that! And most civilians are idiotic sheep that think they are better than others simply because they have been around longer. Your partner is marginally better than that.”

“I'll let her know you approve,” Dick laughed before saying goodnight and flipping his way back home.

[icwasher]

First Lines Challenge!

Tagged by both @star-farer and @merefis18. Thanks you guys!

Rules: In a new post, share the first lines of 10 of your latest fanfics (or all if you have less than 10!) and tag 10 people to do the same.

BBC Merlin time travel AU:

There is no light in the afterlife.

2. Curious Case of a Fourteen-Year-Old Kenobi:

Obi-Wan woke with the sun.

3. The Sniper and the (Former) Sith:

Crosshair is lounging on the sofa.

4. A light in the Darkness:

Other than the few nocturnal species that wandered the halls of the Temple at nighttime, everything was silent.

5. Accidentally in Love:

Sabine Wren, future Mandalorian Countess, heir to House Wren, was most certainly not spending her afternoon brooding in her room.

6. The Jedi in the Alley:

Boredom was something Ahsoka thought she’d never become accustomed to.

7. Ten (Eleven?) Kidnappings:

If Luke was keeping count of the number of times he’d been kidnapped—and he was—this would be the tenth.

8. Two Tiny Stars:

Today, like every other day, began with Tahl unceremoniously dumping her breakfast tray across from Qui-Gon, and then equally as unceremoniously dropping into the corresponding seat.

9. That one random Ventress and Lyco thing:

Rain was pouring down on the windows outside the ship, thick sheets that coated the glass so that the entire landscape outside was a blurred, unintelligible mess.

10. Alternative Legacies:

Leia met Luke in the meditation chambers on Coruscant just after sunset.

Mmm, who has already been tagged in this thing? I dunno, so sorry if you've been tagged already! Uhhhh . . . no pressure tags for: @snips-fics, @lagomerch, and anyone else who wants to join!