#move Oliver to second of the list thanks

[raghadayyad]

Hello my dear friends🇵🇸

I am Raghad Ayyad from Gaza, specifically from the Shuja'iyya area in northern Gaza. I am 19 years old, a second-year pharmacy student.👩‍⚕️❤

I belong to a family who have been displaced since the beginning of the war from the north to the central area, which is supposed to be safe. I have been displaced more than 6 times within the central area to escape the bombing that is chasing us everywhere.

Ten days ago, with the deterioration of the situation and the continued bombing in the central area, orders were issued to evacuate the area in which we live. We were forcibly displaced for the seventh time to Khan Yunis.

Now we live in a tent that is completely uninhabitable, but we cannot find another place.🥺💔

My father is paralyzed in his right leg. Several months before the war, he underwent hip replacement surgery in Egypt. He was supposed to return to Egypt to complete his treatment, but the war prevented him from completing the treatment he desperately needs. He still suffers from continuous and severe pain, to the point that painkillers are no longer effective, if they exist, because the medications are not available to him in Gaza.

My dream and my father's dream was to graduate from the Faculty of Pharmacy, which I loved so much. I was doing my best to get the highest grades, and my father promised me that he would establish my own pharmacy as soon as I graduated from university, but the occupation destroyed my dream and my father's dream by demolishing my university and everything we owned. I lost a whole academic year, and the second year will start while we are still in this war, and I fear that I will lose another academic year. All I want is to get out with my family and survive this genocide so that I can achieve my dream and continue my studies and graduate from the Faculty of Pharmacy, and continue treating my paralyzed father.

I am not the only one in the family who lost an academic year. My sister Basma was supposed to finish her high school studies and then move on to university, but she lost her academic year, and my brother Mazen and my sister Nuha, who are studying in middle school, also lost an academic year.

We all dream of completing our education. We all need to get out of this genocide to complete and rebuild our lives, and this is not easy after everything we lost in this war. It will take us a long time to rebuild our lives.

I urge everyone who supports Palestine, especially those who support education and treatment, to help me and my family.

We depend on you and we have no hope but you.✌✌

I would be grateful to all of you if you stand by us and support us.❤

My campaign vatted by

✅️ @gazavetters , my number verified on the list is ( #346 )

✅️ @funds4gaza

✅️ @bilal-salah0

Thank you very much everyone.

@palestinegenocide @apollos-olives @queerstudiesnatural @palistani @buttercuparry @burtlebabe @oorevitcejda @neshamama @mansbutchery @sar-soor @brutamente-meiga @riding-with-the-wild-hunt @moayed01 @schoolhater @gayorc @acesthwtics-blog @neptunerings @black-and-white @omegaversereloaded @omegomagnit @heritageposts @feluka @drangues @afropvnk @transmutationisms @horrorandhalloween @commissions4aid-international @imjustheretotrytohelp @jezior0 @approvers @turian @journalsforpalestine @palestinecharitycommissionsassoc @kyra45-helping-others @tortiefrancis @fromjannah @criptografarei   @amygdalae @ankle-beez @dykesbat @chilewithcarnage @ghelgheli @sayruq @deepspaceboytoy @post-impressionisms @junglejim4322 @kibumkim @neechees @appsa

[nizhspo]

genre: haikyuu imagine, smut

pairing: keiji akaashi x fem!reader

warning: he eats pussy #wbk

summary: last semester is stressful.

notes: i love akaashi sm yall i always pictures him as like olive w black curls and the most beautiful out of the hq boys idk..

the apartment is warm.

not hot, just cozy. soft yellow light spilling from the little lamp on the nightstand, quiet hum of the dryer tumbling sheets in the background. your shared room smells like cedarwood and that lavender spray he always uses before bed. your laptop’s still open in the living room, abandoned next to your half-drunk tea and color-coded notes.

you don’t remember how you got to the bed.

one second you were spiraling over grad school applications and your ridiculous to-do list, and the next you were lying on your stomach, head turned sideways into the pillow, while keiji sat behind you with those slow, purposeful hands of his.

he’s been massaging your back for the last ten minutes. hasn’t said a word, just letting his fingers do the talking; pressing deep into your lower spine, rubbing circles up the slope of your shoulders, working tension out of your muscles like it’s personal.

you hum softly. your breath hitches when he shifts his weight, straddling your thighs, palms gliding down your sides like he’s tracing you into memory.

“i hate how tense you get when you’re stressed,” he says, finally. his voice is so quiet. soft. it sinks into your skin like heat.

“can’t help it,” you mumble, eyes fluttering shut. “i just want everything to be perfect.”

his lips brush your shoulder. “you already are.”

you don’t answer. not because you don’t believe him—just because he says it like it’s a fact.

and when keiji speaks like that, you don’t argue.

his hands drift lower. slow. dragging over your hips, the curve of your ass, then back up to rest at your waist.

you shiver.

“can i take care of you?” he asks. voice hushed, gentle. like asking for permission to pray.

you nod into the pillow. slow. wordless.

he turns you over like you’re something precious. pulls your shorts down inch by inch, kissing his way up your thighs so patiently it makes your lungs catch.

“just relax,” he murmurs, eyes dark but soft. “let me.”

he kneels between your legs, nudging them apart with warm, careful hands. he kisses you like he’s saying goodnight to every inch of you.

when his mouth finally meets you—warm, slow, deliberate, you gasp.

his tongue moves in long, slow strokes, barely-there at first. teasing. reverent. like he’s savoring it. like this is for him just as much as it is for you.

he groans softly when you arch your hips, gripping your thighs to keep you steady as he flattens his tongue against your clit, dragging it slow and deep. over and over, never rushing, never messy. it’s controlled. purposeful. the kind of head that only someone who’s been loving you for years knows how to give.

you’re already dripping. already trembling. already threading your fingers through his hair, whispering his name like it’s the only word you remember.

“keiji,” you breathe, high and thin. “oh my god—”

he hums into you. and it’s that, really, that quiet sound of i’ve got you, that sends you over the edge.

it’s not loud. not explosive. it’s soft and shattering. the kind of orgasm that leaves you breathless and boneless, fingers slack in his hair, tears stinging your lashes just from how much you love him.

he doesn’t stop until your thighs twitch. until you’re whimpering, please, too much, too good.

he kisses the inside of your knee before crawling up beside you and pulling you into his chest.

you’re still shaking a little. but you’re smiling.

“thank you,” you whisper.

keiji presses a kiss to your temple. “anytime.”

you fall asleep like that. pressed against him, the weight of everything finally off your shoulders.

your grad school applications can wait.

[ilariyalavorowrites]

White Flag (Part Two)

Warnings: Angst with a happy ending, Hurt/Comfort, Post Divorce healing

Pairings: Michael Robinavitch x Reader

Word count: 2,239 words

Universe: The Pitt

Reader gender: Female

Part 2 of 3

Tagged: @questionably-intelligent69 , @dizzybee03 , @virgomillie , @mrsjosephmazzello & @sus-styles

Previous | Next

You had dared to hope that Robby would be the one to extend the olive branch with a call, hell even a text. You had been the one to initiate contact, under Frankie’s supervision. She had claimed to have a vested interest in her co-worker and friend’s social life. Hell, she had been openly messaging the station’s group chat, dragging the others into the betting pool. The same group chat that you were a part of.

You were never going to live this down. Your phone had been half-inched the moment that you opened a new text thread. Frankie, the ever-chaotic bean had vanished into the depths of the station with her newly acquired prize loudly proclaiming that you couldn’t be trusted to craft such an opening message. She had seen and been forced to witness your attempts at what she couldn’t even deem as actual strides into the dating sphere.

Hell, she had directly told you that you texted much like her abuelita did. There were no clever uses of emojis and everything was perfectly spelt out, checked and rewritten several times before you got around to sending a single message. This coming from a woman several years your junior.

You knew that she was only trying to help, but your mind raced at what the countless possible messages that she might send on your behalf could be. Each steadily grew worse as you mentally ran through the neverending list. Audibly groaned as you entered the communal kitchen, only to find her tucked away in the furthest corner of the seating area furiously typing away.

As you began to close the distance between the two of you, you found yourself staring into the rather smug gaze of one Miss Francesca Lopez as her thumb slid across the screen, briefly hoovering for less than a second before clicking send. You couldn’t believe that she had done that as you reached the counter, only to have her brush past and slide your phone over.

“You can thank me after you get laid” You could not move, only stare down in horror at the phone screen, the message that you have not written, nor would you ever have considered composing that forward of a message to your EX-HUSBAND. You could feel the heat rising, flushing your cheeks a deep shade of red. You could delete the evidence before he had the chance to read it. Yes, time was most likely on your side.

He would be hours deep into his shift, up to his neck in patients. Rushed off his feet, unable to spare even a second to glance at his phone...

DING ---------------------------------------------------He had not expected that! Michael chuckled as he tucked away his phone. Enjoying the moment a fraction of a second longer before he stepped back out into the Pitt. A simple back-and-forth text exchange was nothing out of the ordinary but yet, it all felt a bit new and fresh. Much like it had at the beginning many moons ago.

Back when they were first dating, although at the same time, this felt like he was seeing a different side of her. One borne from all this suffering, one that he had a hand in shaping. It was hard not to feel a tinge of guilt as he pushed open the Doctor’s lounge door and slowly moved back over to his computer. Knowing that Dana’s all-seeing eyes would locate him the moment that he had re-entered the fray.

The linoleum tiles did nothing to disguise the echo of her approach, he turned to face her as he tried to push away the thoughts and memories that were threatening to resurface. ---------------------------------------------------February 2020 

As the front door clicks shut behind him, Michael goes through the motions of stripping off his scrubs, placing them in the laundry basket labelled DIRTY in the entrance hall. The precautions they had taken had been necessary, as he knew that his dear wife was sequestered away in their living room, likely relaxing while she waited for him.

Robby chuckled, as he headed to the bathroom ready to wash off the shift, knowing that there would be a clean set of clothes waiting for him on their bed.

Here he wasn't just a doctor, yet it was hard to alleviate the weight that this pandemic had created across the board for all healthcare workers. She never pressed him to off-load, she was patient and waiting for him to be ready to collect his thoughts and step through that door.

God, how could he have been this lucky? She understood what it was like to be out on the frontline day after day. The wear and tear hadn't yet reached him. He was not ready to give up, Robby would continue to fight the good fight and push back against his invisible enemy and all the complications it could bring.

His patients needed him. He needed her, with a damp towel draped over his shoulders and dressed in a simple cotton t-shirt and jogging bottoms that she had laid out for him. Robby ventured out into the depths of their home, wanting nothing more than to spend the remainder of the day with her, his darling wife. 

The bags under his eye were darker, deeper than before. Dr Adamson had noticed as much with a single all-knowing glance. Although it was hard to ignore the sudden, soft embrace as her arms wrapped around his middle holding him as her lips danced up the slope of his neck. 

This was perfection, this made every moment of his shift worth it. “Welcome home” ---------------------------------------------------“Don’t say it” He huffs as he walks away trying to salvage what little of his good mood was left. The slight hint of a smile was gone as quickly as it had appeared. Dana knew that he would actively try to avoid it, but she wasn’t going to skirt around the issue for a second longer. No one else was going to address the elephant in the room but she would.

Sometimes that man needed more mothering than her own children. It was almost damn near laughable but this reality that they were living in.

“Just be careful. She wasn’t the only one who got hurt last go around, You both did” Dana cautioned, she had been there through it all. She had seen the fallout from the choices that had been made. “She might have shouldered the bulk of it Robby, but you broke your own heart when you filled those papers” 

“I don’t know what you are talking about” There was a real fire behind his words, but who was he trying to convince himself or her? 

Lies Robby pushed down the pain, locking it down in the depths where he refused to go, to face the trauma. He stopped, no more than a few hundred feet away, staring down at the floor, processing her words.

“I’ve got eyes” Dana deadpanned, rolling her eyes as she shook her head, turning back to the task that she left incomplete to engage the proverbial tit-for-tat. She didn’t need to create another reason to add to Gloria’s list. As thoughts of his evolution arose, Pre-Covid Robby had been a different man, smiles would not be few and far between. 

COVID had ground him down to the bone, it had done the same for countless Doctors, Nurses and Healthcare workers but he had changed, such much so that he was now their Sad Boy.  Her daughter would be gleefully smug at her use of Gen-Z lingo, the student was slowly becoming the master.

They could playfully use that nickname but there was god’s honest sadness just behind the surface. His professionalism was threadbare at best, a patched-up mask holding back a flood that would break through eventually. It was only a matter of when. Even a million years ago Dr Collins and Dr Robby had briefly tried dating, the break up hadn’t exploded in their faces with the same intensity as his divorce had, even though it had once been a carefully constructed house of cards before it had come tumbling down.

Post-COVID Robby was a broken shell of a man, even though he wasn’t going to admit it to himself. Dana just wanted to believe that he knew what he was doing, as he cracked open a heart that he had once slammed shut without a moment’s notice.

The changes were subtle at first, small and minor adjustments here and there but over time, they escalated, growing bigger and more visible. Starting with the slowly decreasing amount of text messages, phone calls and even a missed lunch date or two but before long, it was appearances outside of the professional sphere. His wife was known to always be waiting for him at the end of Robby's shift. No matter if she had been working herself that day or not. This had been their ritual, to travel home together and have their little moment of peace.

Until she wasn't waiting anymore, just beyond the doors Dana had justified this as adhering to the policy changes. When Dana had pressed him, Robby had given her a reasonable explanation.

“The night shift is short-staffed, she's picking up a few shifts here and there.” Which was swiftly followed by a wall of silence as days turned into weeks then months. However, Dana could not shake the feeling that as soon as the divorce had been finalised, that the seeds of regret had been planted. Still there had been signs of flowering buds until now, his stubbornness was as legendary as his conviction. 

It had made sense but quickly that began the new normal. With the piling pressures of COVID, the lack of useable medical knowledge and initially viable treatments, her focus had shifted away from the shifting personal relations, until it had almost slipped through the ever-widening cracks.

The daily fights against the higher-ups for even the bare necessities were tireless, worsening as public pressure skyrocketed and the death toll shot up almost hourly. ---------------------------------------------------June 2020 

Dana took a moment to catch her breath, under layers of PPE that as Charge Nurse had fought tooth and nail to ensure that there was enough for all of the staff working on the floor. The pushback had almost been immediate but she had not, nor would not back down, when she knew the risks. Not just for the staff but the families and loved ones who waited on tenterhooks each time they left the safety of their homes.

This virus was taking a toll on everyone, as she watched as another patient was wheeled in on a gurney. Knowing that another would be along shortly. It was an interaction between Dr Robby and the Paramedic that spoke volumes to those who knew who she was.  Dana did, she was her friend but more importantly, she was Dr Robinavitch’s wife. 

This was not common knowledge, She knew, Drs Adamson, Langdon and Collins knew but beyond those trusted few, he was just Dr Robby and she was just another dime-a-dozen paramedic.

To the untrained eye, it was nothing short of a simple, curt conversation but she could almost feel the temperature in the air lower. Cracks were starting to form, as she witnessed him briskly walk away leaving her standing there. COVID was taking a toll on them all but she worried about what this meant going forward.

She had seen their relationship blossom and grow, Dana had stood proudly as they became husband and wife, hell she had even posed in a few choice photos but was she witnessing the fallout, them crashing and burning under the ever-growing pressures of this strange new world. She truly hoped not. ---------------------------------------------------This wasn’t a first date then why did you feel a crippling level of anxiety that was completely out of left field? Why had you straightened out the edge of your top for the third time since arriving less than five minutes ago? You had been just standing outside the front door, unable to convince yourself to go in. If this wasn’t a first date then why did it feel like one?

This was setting you up for a fall if Robby wasn’t on the same page. Hope was a cruel emotion as it allowed the idea of a possible second chance to fester and grow, as it would hurt twice as much if the metaphorical carpet was ripped out from under you. The added layer of rejection to the already painful memories of one of the worst nights of your life would reopen the wounds that you tirelessly sewed back together. There would be no coming back from that as thorns ripped into your heart, cutting you deeper than before.

As you tried to wade through the reeds, struggling with the growing intensity of the convoluted mixed bag of emotions that you were juggling. How could you not feel something for a man who loved so deeply? It was damn near impossible to completely shut those heartfelt feelings out, they could simmer and wane but the sparks could easily be reignited at a moment's notice.

To close the door, to actively let go was another choice. She had to be one to make that decision, but the scale was not yet tipped in that direction. Was closure worth all the potential pain and anguish?

“Hey, I hope you weren’t waiting too long”

[writting-stuff-sometimes]

Play with fire- LN4 X Fem reader

Pairing: Lando x Y/n Fewtrell Warnings: None, pretty much just fluff. Notes: Quick blurb that just came to mind. As always, feedback is really appreciated and receiving requests,

"Ugh, you actually have to be here?" Max was 24 but when he talked to you it was as if you were 8 and 12 again.

"You didn't have to put your streaming shit in the tv room"

"You're not even watching the tv"

"You make me miss my siblings." Lando said as he leaned against the door with his hand full of chocolate chip cookies.

"Why did you have to move to Monaco, mate?" Max rolled his eyes and walked to his streaming set. He had moved back to the family home, claiming it was easier since he didn't have to clean, wash, or make his own meals, but you all knew it was because he didn't like to be alone, and when Lando decided to move, it took him a couple of weeks to realize the bachelor's life wasn't for him.

Max was busy getting everything ready for the stream, unaware of how Lando was making eyes with you as he walked towards his friend.

They started their stream, and you kept your attention on your phone.

"Hey, chat, you missed me?" Lando proudly smiled as tons of messages welcomed him back.

BobCat: I've missed you so much, Lan.

"Miss you too, BobCat"

BobCat: Those cookies look yummy.

"They're, want some?" a cheeky smile on his face.

BobCat: Sure, bring some 😏.

"Lando, you need to stop flirting with chat. How about we do some video reactions? Chat start sending videos so we can react to them, remember, keep it pg13!"

A couple minutes later, Lando stood up.

"Pause it"

"Where are you going?"

"I'm out of cookies." Lando said showing his empty hands innocently, and rushed to the kitchen.

When Lando came back, Max was too invested in laughing at a video where a poor puppy was rolling down some stairs, he didn't notice his friend approaching the gray sofa, his olive eyes focused on your figure warmly covered with a matching gray throw blanket.

"As promised" he lowly said as he stretched his arm to offer you cookies.

"Thanks" You took one, your hand softly brushing against his.

"Any time" he winked at you, and then walked to take his place next to your brother who started searching for another funny video to watch.

BobCat: Cookies are good.

A cheeky smile on Lando's face.

"Playing with fire, chat" Was all Lando said. Max was too used to chat making weird comments when Lando was around, so he just ignored it and clicked on a video from the list.

They continued with their stream, it had been almost two hours now.

"Lando, are you staying tonight" Your dad's voice made you all turn towards the door.

"Oh, no, I'm going home, thanks"

You felt a little pain in your chest at his answer.

You stayed for 20 more minutes and then decided it was time to go to bed.

"Keep it low, fart face" you said loud enough for it to be heard on stream, making everyone burst out laughing, including Lando.

"See you, Lan" You winked his way and walked to your room.

You were almost asleep when your window suddenly opened, a big black figure entered through it and a second later it fell on your floor.

"What the fuck?" You ran to the bedroom door when his voice stopped you.

"It's me, y/n, it's me" his voice was a low whisper but you recognized it immediately.

"Lando, what the fuck? You almost gave me a heart attack!" you rushed towards him to help him up.

"Sorry, climbing through windows, is definitely not my thing" he said rubbing his knee.

"Amongst other things"

"Hey!" The offended look on his face melted your heart.

"I'm kidding" You wrapped your arms around his waist as he wrapped his around your shoulders, placing a soft kiss on your hair.

"Ugh, I've waited all night for this." He inhaled deeply, the sweet smell of your shampoo was like a drug to him.

"I thought you were going home" you whispered against his chest.

"If I had said I was staying, I wouldn't be able to be here with you in my arms, instead I would've stayed next door... and your brother is not as soft as you, and he snores a lot."

"Lan, stop!" You slapped his chest softly "I'm already having a hard time believing you two are not secretly dating, and that you're just using me as a beard"

His breathy laugh made your head bounce over his chest.

"As much as I like your brother." he said kissing your forehead "You" then moved to kiss your temple "Are" a kiss to the corner of your eye " The" a kiss on your nose "Only" a kiss on your cheek "One" a kiss on your jaw "I" a kiss on your neck "Love" he finished his sentence against your lips, his words and his soft lips melting you in his arms.

The kiss quickly changed from soft and sweet to intense and needy.

He placed his hands strongly on your waist and you got the message, you jumped circling his waist with your legs.

Never stopping the tongue fight inside your mouths, Lando walked towards your bed, when he felt the mattress hit his knees he placed you softly over it.

You watched him get rid of his sweatshirt and his shirt as you did the same with your pajamas.

"Fucking gorgeous" his voice a bit too loud, as he admired your half-naked body.

"Shhh, they'll catch us!"

"Oh you're the one to talk, BobCat" he finished the sentence with a deep kiss.

"Please, Max it's completely oblivious, and I do like playing with fire"

"You know that we have to tell him, right?"

"Lan, my brother is the last thing I want to talk about when I'm about to have sex with my boyfriend"

"Right, my mistake" He said, climbing over your bed and settling between your legs, his favorite place in the world.

[saetiate]

WELCOME TO CORA AND AVE'S FORTUNE TELLING BOOTH

❥ get a love reading! this valentines, cora @saetiate and ave @venustrvck are taking requests! event status: closed

send in: a character + one or more tarot cards (listed tropes) from below + sfw/nsfw preference + any other details! extra love heart! you can also send a kink from below the cut too. received requests here

you'll receive: a short drabble/fic based on your request :)

fandoms: blue lock, naruto, one piece, honkai star rail, genshin, love and deepspace

queer character hcs/reader and polyamory welcome too! please specify gender neutral/fem/masc/trans reader. no specifications will default to fem or gender neutral reader. this event is (n)sfw and dark content friendly!

example req 1: "hi! can I get a sae x f!reader, with the lovers - mutual pining? please and thank you!!" example req 2: "can i have oliver aiku x gender neutral reader with strength: arguments and add petplay please?"

PICK A TAROT CARD BELOW

❥ the fool: innocence, playfulness, recklessness; blind date, games, pick up lines, childhood friends to lovers

❥ the magician: transformation, beginnings, good omen; first meeting, meet/cute, meet/ugly, artist and model

❥ the high priestess: magic, dreams, knowledge; dream sharing, fortune telling, magic au

❥ the empress: passion, nurturing, fertility; motherhood, pregnancy, children with your f/os

❥ the emperor: authority, discipline, stubbornness; royalty au, power play, enemies to lovers

❥ the hierophant: community, learning, rituals; domestic life, university au, family traditions, religious observances (e.g. christmas, pouring sake for ancestors, tying the mangalasutra)

❥ the lovers: love, harmony, mutual attraction; soulmate au, confessions, mutual pining, first kiss

❥ the chariot: travel, action, ambition airport meeting, work-related au, summer/vacation fling, ceo au

❥ strength: courage, overcoming obstacles, urges; arguments, forced proximity, conflict resolution, proposal

❥ the hermit: solitude, withdrawal, introspection; hurt/comfort, unrequited pining, awkward flirting

❥ wheel of fortune: optimism, success, luck; chance/fated meeting, koi no yokan (knowing you will fall in love with someone), matchmaking

❥ justice: karma, honesty, decisions; returning a favor, relationship talk (e.g. talking about moving in together), mistaken identity

❥ the hanged man: suspension, potential, indecision; trust issues, infidelity, caught between two f /os, asked out as a bet/dare

❥ death: destruction, change, new beginnings; lost love, break up to make up, exes, grief and mourning

❥ temperance: communication, healing, moderation; comfort, wound-tending, drunken confessions

❥ the devil: desire, lust, temptation,; incest, any smut (see list of kinks below), omegaverse, supernatural elements

❥ the tower: drama, catastrophe, pride; hate sex, best friend's sibling, miscommuniation, yandere

❥ the star: renewal, hope, rest; easy love, at peace, coming home, first love

❥ the moon: emotion, fantasy, confusion; friends with benefits, late night/pillow talk, fantasy au, defining the relationship

❥ the sun: joy, friendship, prosperity; friends to lovers, fluff, love realization, praise kink

❥ judgement: awakening, resurrection, absolution; fake relationship, second chances, arranged marriage

❥ the world: fulfillment, experience, completion; marriage, growing old, aftercare

if you'd like, you can add or request a kink from this list: oral f!receiving, orgasm denial, body worship. 69, vanilla and sweet, omegaverse, size kink, lingerie, aphrodisiac, threesome, dirty talk, cockwarming, yandere, overstimulation, aftercare, face sitting, fingering, praise kink

get your love reading now! inbox either ave or cora with your req!

extra info

you can add dealer's choice at any point and we'll decide for you <3

you can send any req to either of us! blue lock can go to either of us, and by default it would be better to send one piece asks to ave and genshin+hsr+lads asks to cora, but we'll both receive them either way and make sure to get yours written :)

if you've already sent a req to either of us before, feel free to send it through again under this event

all drabbles will be a written collaboration by us <3 don't worry, we're very good friends and have been for years! cora specializes in dialogue and ave specializes in beautiful imagery and emotion-charged scenes, so it should be the best of all worlds

we reserve the right to deny any req we're not comfy w, we don't think this will happen but just in case!!

[intoanotherworld23]

Grinding In The Garden

Pairing: Reader x Oliver Quick

Warnings: NSFW 18+ MDNI, there is sex in this and that’s it, minor fingering, minor spanking, unprotected sex, sex in a garden, public sex, dirty talk

Summary: Oliver wants to take you for a stroll around the garden, and of course he’s got another idea in mind

Authors Note: Please be sure to reblog and comment if you enjoy it would mean a lot, and keeps me motivated to keep writing! Tag list is always open so feel free to ask and I’ll be happy to add you! Thanks so much everyone! XOXO

Hall Of Hunks

"Ollie what if someone walks by?"

Whimpering to Oliver as he tugged your pants down to your ankles. The cool air breezing over your exposed core. It felt like your heart was racing a million beats per second. Your stomach was in knots at the thought of getting caught.

"Then we give them a real show." He jokingly said his focus solely on your naked lower half.

Tugging on himself as he licked his fingers and rubbed them over your folds. Body jolting at how cold his fingers were, and goosebumps appearing on your skin. His touch was gentle but boy did it have an affect on you.

The thought of maybe Felix or Venetia walking by and seeing what's happening did kind of turn you on a little bit. If anything it's what you and Oliver secretly wanted to happen.

"Someone seems to like that idea." It was like he was reading your mind.

"I can see that cunt glistening for me." Licking his lips at how wet you really were.

Pushing two of his fingers inside of you making you gasp as you turned your head to the side to catch a better look at him. Bending your back a little more as you spread your legs as far as they could go. The sounds of your wetness every time he plunged his fingers back in echoing in your ears.

"Ollie please." Begging him to hurry up so you could feel him.

"Look at you so desperate. About to be fucked in the gardens like the greedy little whore you are." His words sounded cruel but he said them with such sensuality.

Oliver wanted to take you on a walk through the gardens at the Saltburn estate, and you should have figured he would also have something else in mind. Randomly confessing to you that he's always wanted to do it where anybody could see. He could never keep his hands off you.

"Are you ready for me sweetheart?" Cocking his head at you as he curled his fingers up your core clenching tight around his digits.

"Yes."

A hand coming down on your cheek making you jolt in surprise realizing those weren't the exact words he wanted to hear. He had a certain way he wanted you to address him sometimes.

"Yes, sir."

"That's a good girl for me." Pulling his fingers out your juices coating them feeling the wetness on your hip as he gripped your flesh. "Always a good girl for me."

Bending his knees as he spread your cheeks apart so he could push his cock towards your entrance. Your hands gripping onto the tree that you were currently bent over. Parting your mouth as you felt him slowly slide inside of you. Stretching you out as your cunt swallowed him whole.

"Oh fuck this feels too good."

Groaning to himself as he clenched his jaw to refrain from cumming too soon. Feeling your slowly stretch around his length. He wanted to enjoy this.

"Keepin that cunt nice and tight for me."

"Ollie please move." Whining as you wiggled your hips back and forth hoping he caught the silent demand.

"Anything for my girl." Pulling his cock almost all the way out before slamming back in you loud moans leaving your lips.

"Like that sweetheart?"

"Mhm fuck yes." Mumbled through your teeth biting your bottom lip.

Oliver was amazed at how well you could take him. Watching the way that your walls gripped him almost like you didn't want him to leave. His cock disappearing as you swallowed him whole.

"God look at you." He teased as he watched you back your hips to meet his thrusts. "Taking my cock like this when anyone could see."

Nails digging into the tree bark as his cock was so deep inside you could feel him in your stomach. Your lower stomach bulging leaning your head down just barely enough to see his cock pounding into you. Closing your eyes as your body moved back and forth from the powerful force of his thrusting.

It was eerily silent where you two were except every once in a while you heard crickets chirping or something. The only sounds you could really hear was your moaning and yours and Oliver's skin slapping against one another.

"You're doin so good for me darling." His voice a gentle praise of acknowledgment.

Oliver could tell you were getting closer the tighter you were squeezing his cock. He wasn't far behind you, and wanted to feel his sweet release when you did. Strained groans and grunts slipping past his lips as he looked from where you two were connected to trying to get a glimpse of your face.

"Oh god I'm there Ollie." Backing your hips into his thrusts to feel more.

"Fuck let me feel that tight little cunt cum around my cock." Pushing deep inside you with a sharp thrust a scream leaving your mouth.

That familiar coil forming in the pit of your stomach as you blinked away a tear. Oliver leaned forward to kiss your shoulder tenderly then nibbling softly on your skin as you whimpered at the sensation.

Oliver's face was spanked red as sweat dripped down the side of his face. Hands grasping your cheeks squeezing the flesh between his fingers so badly wanting to take a bite. Oliver was obsessed with how you felt around him, and he could live inside you if he had the choice.

"Fuck me that's it." Oliver growled into your ear like a wild animal.

That clearly set you off as your body tightened and legs nearly gave out. The air had left your lungs for a brief second taking a huge inhale then exhaling. Thank god Oliver was holding you otherwise you would have collapsed to the dirt ground.

"Mmmm my god." Crying out into the air as your walls squeezed him like a vine.

Your orgasm smacking you in the face as your entire body felt like it was on fire. Squeezing your eyes shut as your body trembled, and your head was spinning so fast you felt like you were floating in the air.

Oliver groaning and panting above you as his cock twitched feeling warmth spreading inside of you. If it wasn't for him holding onto you your body would have collapsed to the ground.

Your arms shaking as you tried to steadily catch your breath. Taking small breaths as you tried to come down from such an intense orgasm.

"We gotta go on walks like that more often." Oliver joked as he smacked your ass a genuine laugh bellowing out of your stomach.

[choerypetal]

Catton's Little Puppet / Oliver Quick & Felix Catton

summary: Oliver had harbored a long-standing obsession with both the reader and Felix. Despite his discomfort at witnessing the two together, he saw it as a chance to strategically earn their trust in an unconventional manner. It was an opportunity for Felix to potentially welcome him into their partnership, transforming the dynamic into a trio where they would all be equals, yet each holding a unique role—masters entwined in the intricate dance of their own puppetry.

ps: English is not my primary language, so I apologize for any errors or mistakes. If you choose to use or replicate my work without proper credit, it may be subject to being flagged.

tag list: @bananzaa @sisgotdemons enjoy!

Oliver hated everything about you when you two first met. 

Oliver hated the way your hips seamlessly moved to the rhythm of the music. Your smile captured the essence of every words from the songs you knew by heart. As you clutched the now-empty beer cup, poised to pour another for yourself, Felix's arm effortlessly wrapped around your waist. In a swift motion, he pulled you to his side, mirroring the smile Oliver had admired the first time actually meeting Felix. Oliver couldn't help but think that if he averted his gaze for even a second, Felix's and your lips would meet. The scene drew him back into the room later that evening, only for Felix and you to vanish until the sunrise.

Oliver hated when, the next day, you walked into class looking all polished and preppy. Although he knew that it was only an illusion, as you had once shared with him that it was simply a matter of practice. Even suggesting he follow suit that same morning. During Oliver's first week, you didn't have much information about him, like everyone. Oliver had found himself completely withdraw by your beauty upon entering on that same morning when you arrived late– clearly hungover from the homecoming of the school’s first day and an obvious amount of hickeys left from Felix. How Oliver wanted his to also be marked through Felix’s. 

Oliver hated witnessing your interactions with Felix. Typically, he would pay no attention if it were any other girls, but there was something about you that intrigued him. It all truly began when Felix introduced you to him on the same evening after borrowing Oliver's bike. "So, you're the faithful hero who saved Felix. But in the end, who can resist such charm, am I right, dear?" That marked the second time Oliver had heard your voice, yet this time it felt genuine – natural and almost too angelic to let go until its last breath. “Oh, right! Where are my manners? I'm Y/N. And you?”

“Oliver, but you can call me Ollie.” He said without insistence, a departure from his earlier encounters with Felix in person. A surge of confidence enveloped him, particularly as you extended your hand for a proper handshake, a gesture Felix took delight in complimenting, deepening Oliver's infatuation. “And thanks to Y/N's wonderful parents for bringing such a polite daughter into the world.” Oliver, if he had the courage, would have agreed wholeheartedly, envisioning a passion and intensity in a kiss that rivaled Felix's. However, the reality weighed on Oliver, when he heard your beautiful voice once more. “Oh, stop it. Felix has a way with compliments smoother than butter. But I'll remember your gratitude, Ollie.”

And he did remember to. How you would lean in to give him a peck on the cheek. Not that he was special, considering the fact that you always did that whoever you had meet. Nonetheless, for Oliver it meant something more, something that he too would be able to feel, to feel that same love you have for Felix just as you would for Oliver. 

Being in proximity to Felix and his circle of friends was coveted by many at the school, and an invitation to Saltburn was a sought-after opportunity. Unless someone had established connections within the group, receiving an invitation was usually contingent on existing friendships. Such was the anticipation for Oliver, who found himself in this situation when Felix enthusiastically proposed the idea of inviting him. It wasn't merely an act of gratitude; rather, it stemmed from Oliver's generosity in lending his bike to a stranger, who had now become a valued friend to him. 

Upon your arrival, Oliver caught sight of you standing alone. From the outset, what captivated him was your independence; you didn't always rely on Felix's wealth, and you had a sense of self that wasn’t easily spoiled. “Ollie!” You exclaimed, swiftly kicking off your overly tight heels and dashing towards him. You cupped his face and planted quick pecks all over, leaving him delighted by the touch of your moisturized lips on his cheek. But quickly caught up by someone’s chuckle echoing in a distance. “Jesus, Y/N. You're going to suffocate the poor thing.” Remarked Venetia, welcoming the playful scene with a teasing tone. She observed Oliver's reaction to your enthusiastic greeting, as a way to make the new comer even more relentless of his own. As soon as you released from him, you excused yourself from the exuberance and headed towards the Catton's mansion. “She's a firecracker, this one. Quite surprising that she's into nerds. I wonder what Felix will think.” She mused with a smirk.

Felix's potential thoughts were the constant contemplation in Oliver's mind during the initial days of his stay at the Catton residence. Beyond that, he marveled at how effortlessly open and welcoming you were, despite having only briefly connected during your time in school. While he appreciated the sound of your voice and the way you interacted with him and Felix, it was observing you in quiet moments that truly captivated Oliver. This fascination grew into an unexpected and almost unbelievable obsession, especially considering his initial attraction to Felix. The idea of being paired with anyone else was inconceivable, yet, over time and thanks to Venetia's indiscretions, Oliver discovered that you and Felix were in an open relationship, a decision made to explore new dynamics. You had said. What Oliver didn't know, among the many selected for this unconventional pairing, was that he would be the chosen one.

“You think this is a good idea?” You questioned one morning, adorned in your favorite gown, a cup of coffee in hand, awaiting breakfast as a drowsy Oliver entered the room. “Don't worry.” Felix reassured, leaning in close with his lips almost grazing the crook of your neck. His fingers traced a playful path around your waist, eliciting a chuckle from you at his teasing. "Remember when you said you wanted to fuck a nerd this year? Well, he's all yours." Felix declared confidently, causing a subtle blush to tint your cheeks. “But also yours too, don't forget.” You reminded him. As much as Felix hesitated to acknowledge his feelings, he too harbored an attraction to Oliver. The catch, however, was Felix's love for control. Witnessing you with Oliver was, in fact, more thrilling for him than you might have anticipated. 

Upon Oliver's entrance, a palpable tension filled the room as he observed Felix already standing close to you, a subtle fear gripping him that his presence might disrupt the connection you shared. Foolish man you are. Oliver would mutter to himself whenever he glimpsed the slightest hints of Felix's protective or controlling demeanor, not just towards you but anyone. Dismissing the notion, he decided to join both of you for breakfast, putting on a smile as he noticed the exclusive trio occupying the mansion today. “Where is everyone?” Oliver was the first to inquire, scanning the surroundings, even the garden, to find no one but the three of you. The idea began to dawn on you that this could be the perfect setting for something a bit more adventurous, something spicy involving all three. Innocently shrugging, you played along, and Felix couldn't help but laugh at your little game. “Haven't seen them, probably still in their beds, completely oblivious from last night's revelry. Wouldn't be surprised. What a shame to miss a beautiful breakfast with such lovely companions.”

What a shame, indeed, thought Oliver, his gaze penetrating yours as he found himself momentarily lost, only to be brought back by the server serving him a cup of coffee. He awkwardly thanked the server, prompting laughter from both Felix and you at his clumsiness. “You know,” Felix began, his confidence evident, especially when it came to matters of relationships and involving others. “Y/N and I have been... intrigued by you, you know? Perhaps attracted to how quickly you became part of our group. But a little bird told me that she's really drawn to you. Maybe if she had the courage to tell you instead of resorting to these daunting tasks.” Felix said casually, causing you to gasp in response to his unexpected comment. Despite your initial shock, you quickly realized he meant no harm or shame. In fact, Felix wanted Oliver to express his feelings – emotions that could harmonize with yours and eventually be shared behind closed doors. 

"Do I happen to know this little bird?" Oliver quipped, his gaze shifting between the two of you with a hint of surprise. Even though he already knew who Felix was referring to, Oliver decided to play along, much to Felix's delight, as he too wanted to please his friend. Felix nodded in acknowledgment. “Certainly, and if I may say so myself, she has a penchant for the nerdy type. However, she seems to be enjoying this new side of him much more recently.” Felix admitted openly, his arm remaining securely around your waist. He was well aware of the complexities of a polyamorous relationship, but if it meant your happiness and the joy of seeing you smile, it was all he could do. Plus, it certainly added to Oliver's amusement in seeing a different facet of Felix.

"Keep it discreet." You whispered to Felix, who, in response, leaned in so uncomfortably close that your words seemed almost ignored. This added an enticing and thrilling dynamic to your relationship. At that precise moment, Felix rose from his chair and planted a tender kiss on your forehead. “Behave now. For me– and for Ollie.” He advised, leaving you feeling utterly defenseless in the hands of someone who had evolved into an obsession similar to the initial intensity when you both first met. Your pout, intended as a defense mechanism, only seemed to amuse Felix, prompting him to gently cup your face. He teasingly bit at your lower lip, evoking a soft whine before he kissed you. “If anything happens, call me, okay? I won't be far away.” He assured you with a softer and more passionate tone, shifting his gaze from yours to acknowledge Oliver with a nod. Ultimately, Felix's interactions with Venetia were not entirely unfamiliar to Oliver, especially when it meant being alone with the most captivating woman in all of Saltbun. 

Oliver had carefully chosen his outfit for the occasion, opting for a stylish blue t-shirt that complemented his complexion. In an attempt to break the ice between you two, you remarked it so lively starting with the missing glasses. “I see someone ditched their glasses.”  Noting his uneasy glances from side to side, as if hiding something. However, upon hearing your voice, his gaze softened, and he offered a gentle smile, reminiscent of the one he gave Felix when they first met. “Glasses are so last season anyway. Prefer the contact lenses.” He casually remarked, initially giving the impression of a more reserved demeanor than you had originally perceived. This perception lingered, especially during moments when it was just the two of you alone. However, recent events, including spending a night at Farleigh's room and Oliver recounting what he had witnessed, left you uncertain about whom to trust. Consequently, you rose from your chair and approached him. His adorable gasp was the only sound as he watched your sudden movement. “What... are you doing?” he asked, stuttering mid-sentence. 

“Nothing…” You casually said to him although it was quite the obvious as you leaned to sat on his lap. His fingers trying his best to mimic Felix’s as you hushed him not to do so but to do it like how he did it to Venetia. Which at first surprised him because he began to think that you knew about it too– but you had said nothing to him since that event. After all– it was a game that Felix and you wanted. Turned out however that it was both Felix and Oliver who wanted you. To be their puppets as the masters take charge to their own demise, sadistic pleasure. Although contracting themselves perfectly, it was one of the many reasons why you had though Oliver to be fascinated in the first place. “Just admiring you.” Was what you said to him next, before continuing as you gently touched the collar of his shirt. 

“Make me love like you never have before—a love you've been craving since you arrived here. I know your little game, Ollie. We all do.” You whispered, leaning even closer until your lips grazed his, your hand cupping the side of his jawline. In that moment, you took charge, reversing the dynamics of control. However, the atmosphere shifted abruptly when your final confession made Oliver tense. His muscles stiffened, and his fingers gripped your waist, guiding you onto the table, rendering your body completely at his mercy. Gently crawling on top of you, a cocktail of excitement, lust, and a desire to submit to him filled the air. “Then..” He said softly, lifting your lacy gown casually and placing a few kisses before continuing. “I'll make sure you don't have to remember it, Princess. I’ll fuck you until your screams for more are heard at an even distance.” His eyes barely left you as your head leaned back, moans escaping your lips. However, before you could fully respond, Oliver's gaze intensified with each kiss, and he uttered. “I want you to say my name, just like you do for Felix's. Say that you are mine and mine alone.”

“Yes, I'll do anything you ask.” You affirmed. Your eyes pleaded, craving to be cherished and made to feel like a loved woman once more. It wasn't that Felix wasn't providing that, but the allure of someone unknown, a complete stranger, added an extra layer of excitement. “Make love to me as if you've never experienced anyone before. Have me begging for you until the break of dawn. I want your marks all over me, Ollie.” You confessed. With those words, Oliver eagerly removed his shirt, hunger evident in his desire to kiss every inch of your skin. Starting from your inner thighs, you couldn't help but release a soft giggle as you felt his tongue slowly traveling down.

However, there was one crucial detail both of you remained oblivious to – Felix had meticulously orchestrated this entire scenario, intending it to unfold as an exclusive spectacle for himself. His curiosity lay in observing Oliver's actions when left alone with all of you. Yet, the setup lacked a crucial element: Felix himself. Mere miles away, Felix sensed a tightening sensation in his groin beneath his pants. His fingers delicately caressed the sensation, attempting not to draw attention to himself. Seizing the opportune moment, he approached quietly as your back remained turned, your arms securely wrapped around Oliver's neck. As he neared, Felix gently untangled your shoulders, skillfully removing every piece of clothing he could manage before eliciting a surprised gasp from you. “Fe—”But Oliver's lips silenced you, a deliberate move to divert attention. Even though Oliver feigned ignorance of Felix's game, he too realized it was just a matter of finally being alone together – a scenario briefly alluded to by Felix before arriving in Saltburn. “Shh, Princess. Remember, he’s all yours.” Had Felix said upon continuing to admire your fully undressed body. 

In that moment, you realized you belonged entirely to both Oliver and Felix. They came as a combined package, a connection deeper and more intricate than anyone in Saltburn could fathom. Following the encounter at the pool, the three of you continued these clandestine rendezvous. Sometimes it was Oliver gazing into the distance, and other times, it was Felix. Yet, a constant remained – whenever you were out, they were with you. Over time, Oliver acknowledged, opening up to himself, that he truly felt at home, especially when you nestled yourself in a lacy gown between both of them, indulging in endless kisses until sleep embraced you all. This routine became a comforting ritual, repeated again and again.

[corpsebasil]

hiii could i pls request something w modern prince nikolai?? i’m dying to know how they get back together😭

YES

Modern Nikolai part 3 I think!

The cafe is quiet at opening hours, but then again it always is now that it’s public knowledge that Nikolai avoids your former workplace.

The multitudes of ‘princess-hopefuls’—a term Oliver coined that refers to the women who think a casual run-in with Prince Nikolai could be the beginning of their own royal love story—have long since stopped haunting the corners of the coffee-scented establishment, the gentle hum of an espresso machine and the soft music in the background replacing excited whispers and gossiping.

That’s why when Nikolai, clad in a baseball cap and a sweatshirt from the university he graduated, sits across from you, the elderly patrons and younger customers that tend to mind their own business barely bat an eye. Only the currently working barista, a girl named Margery who replaced your own position, lifts her eyebrows briefly before going back to her work, the prince a minor distraction in her routine of grinding coffee beans and steaming milk.

“Y/N.” He starts immediately, his familiar voice raw and soft as he sits across from you. Your fingers, already wrapped tightly around a warm cappuccino, tighten further. “You look…I mean, I missed you. You..”

When you allow yourself to meet those sad blue eyes, so vivid even under the slight shadow of his visor, a feeling of longing overtakes you. You still love him. Of course you do. But he hurt you.

“Switzerland.” You say, ignoring his statement as you move forward. “Oliver invited me.”

He’s quiet for a second. His jaw twitches—the only sign of his irritation.

“He told me.”

“And?” You ask. You’ve always been able to read him like a book. Seeing him become slightly annoyed by his brother’s actions is only another reason on your rapidly growing list as to why you shouldn’t go. “You don’t want me there. I don’t want to be there. Olly—“

“I do want you there. Christ, Y/N.” His hand darts out to touch yours upon instinct before he squeezes his eyes shut, clearly frustrated with himself as he tucks his hands together under the table, safe in his lap. It’s too late though—his warm fingers have already brushed your knuckles and now you want to hold his hand again. God, you feel like a Victorian man seeing an ankle after a dry spell. “I’m sorry. I—Jenna misses you. Olly won’t stop talking about how excited he is for you to come. My mother—” Nikolai pauses. “My mother would be…absolutely relieved to see you.”

“Your mother, lied to me.” You say, eyebrows furrowed as you let go of your cup and tuck your own hands into your lap as well, mirroring his actions. Two sides of a coin, the two of you are. Two halves of one soul. Inseparable. Irreplaceable. “And Jenna, and Olly. And you.” Your voice catches and you both seem to tense at the same time. “You lied to me. You said you loved me but you—”

Oh shit, your voice is doing that thing where it sounds a bit croaky before you start crying.

Not here. Not here.

“Y/N,” Nikolai murmurs, reaching out again. His jaw is clenched tight as he splays his fingers, laying himself bare for you if you want him. “I’m sorry. For everything for—“ he squeezes his eyes shut. “I never should have lied to you. I know that. But I love you, okay? That’s real. I’m real.” When you don’t reply, only watch him with misty eyes, he swallows roughly. “I love you.”

Hesitantly, you take his hand. It sends a jolt through your body, the both of you taking in a slight inhale.

“I’ll come.” You say, trying not to tense when his fingers curl instantly around your own, his thumb tracing the back of your hand. His blue eyes are soft and full of relief.

“Thank you.” Nikolai tightens his fingers on yours for a moment, his voice tight. He clears his throat when you tug away, a forced, slightly nervous smirk on his mouth as he relaxes into his seat. “So…matching boards this year?”

You snort, remembering his awful attempts at teaching you to snowboard a year or so ago during a similar trip.

“You have to stand up.” Nikolai laughs, lifting the visor of his helmet as you crouch in the snow, gripping the board below you for dear life. “It’s not a sled.”

“It’s whatever I say it is.” You grumble, raising an eyebrow at the prince. He reaches down and, as if you weigh nothing, scoops you up under the arms and sets you down in the powdery snow.

“You didn’t even bother to strap in.” He scolds as you beam, reaching up to wrap your arms around his neck. Nikolai’s helmet taps yours in a semblance of a kiss before he’s guiding you towards the warmth of the resort, the prospect of hot chocolate and fireplaces raising your spirits.

You smile involuntarily at the memory and shrug, fidgeting with the gold bracelet on your wrist. The both of you seem to realize it’s one he got you at the same time but, thankfully, he doesn’t comment. Pride still lingers in his tone when he speaks, though.

“I’ll pick you up for the airport, then?” Nikolai says, tilting his head to the side in that boyish way of his.

You bite your lip, worried you’ll regret this, but nod.

WELLLL WHAT COULD HAPPEN ON THIS TEIP?

[gars-weaponeer]

CLONE KINKTOBER 2024 (DAY 1)

Clone Kinktober list made by @olives-and-lilies You can see the list HERE

Day count: X | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31

Prompt: Kama Kink

Paring: Echo X GN!Reader

Word count: 1,168

Tags & Warnings: NSFW, oral sex, kama kink

You can also read it on AO3:

His kisses had always been the most sweet. Gentle but passionate, the dance of your lips combines stole your breath with ease as you were backed away into the bunk.

Moments like these where you were alone and had the ship all to yourselves were very rare, so you needed to take advantage of every situation and make the most of what little time you had. 

Your back hit the bunk and the kiss was broken for a moment, Echo backing away to begin removing the pieces of his upper armor with practice ease. 

Despite his body being leaner than other clones, thanks to the horrors Echo had to endure in Skako minor, you couldn’t help but admire the way the blacks clinged to his torso. Every line and every dip, you drank it up with hunger in your eyes, mesmerized by the clone’s movements. At least until Echo’s hand reached his own belt. 

-Wait! Don’t take it off. - you called, one hand reaching for the clone’s to stop his movements. 

-W-what?- Echo for a moment seemed worried that his lover was having second thoughts about the whole ordeal, a sudden self-awareness taking over his body. However, your hands gently took his and bringing them up to your lips, kissing Echo’s knuckles gently one by one. 

-Your Kama, don’t take it off. - You repeated, looking up at Echo with such intensity, it made the ARC trooper blush. 

-Oh, so that’s what you meant…- Echo smiled back at you, the initial confusion washed away into relief and realization. You just smiled moving one hand towards Echo’s hip, caressing the belt and lower, towards the black and red material that adorned your beloved’s thighs. 

You could not exactly explain what made the Kama so attractive, maybe it was the overall silhouette it gave Echo as he walked around with his armor on. Maybe it was the prestige that such an item symbolized amongst the clones. Or Maybe it was the texture of the heavy material and the sensation it gave you as it brushed against your skin. 

-It will get dirty if I don’t take it off you know?- Echo says, but doesn’t stop your fingers from moving through the fabric, gently, slowly, as if trying to memorize every inch of the Kama. -Just a little while longer. - You insisted, looking up at your lover with fierce adoration, pulling him closer by the hips. In this position, with the trooper standing up and you kneeling on the lower bunk, Echo’s crotch was aligned with your face and already waking up with interest. 

Your deft fingers moved from Echo’s hips to the helm of his pants, slowly pulling them down as best as you could to release the clone’s dick. 

You started slowly, holding the length in delicate hands and stroking it up and down gently, aiding yourself with the droplets of pre-cum that welled up from the tip. 

Hearing Echo’s gasps and raspy breathing was enough to encourage you to keep going, lowering your lips to lick at the tip of the trooper’s dick, enjoying the taste of him.

Deliberately, you began to spread kitten licks and kisses along the length of Echo’s shaft, making sure not to leave any inch untouched. Your left hand kept stroking Echo's member while the other slowly slid up the side of his Kama, just feeling the texture of it. 

Echo had to hold himself up by leaning on the upper bunk with his mechanical arm, forehead resting on his forearm as he looked down at the vision that was his lover. It was taking every single ounce of self-control not to thrust his hips against your face, but damn it if he was not desperate to give into his urges. 

After a while, you finally decided to take Echo into your mouth, slowly but carefully sucking at the tip before sliding more of your lover inside your throat, earning him a long, deep moan. 

-K-Kriff kair’ta, you feel so good!- Echo growled through gritted teeth, using his free hand to slide his fingers through your silky hair, gently urging you to go deeper. 

Which you compiled, slowly but surely slipping more and more of Echo’s shaft until your nose touched the clone’s pubic hair.  

Echo was in complete bliss, the tight heat of your throat engulfing his cock was enough to send him to overdrive. But he wanted to be patient and wait for his lover, caressing your hair with gentle strokes of his fingers, taking deep breaths to push down his orgasm for a little while longer.

After a short while, you slowly pulled Echo’s shaft out until only the tip was left between your plump lips. Your hands searched for the hem of the trooper’s kama, enjoying the texture under your fingers as they slid slowly through the fabric. 

Then, you grabbed Echo's Kama in tight fists and pulled him close, forcing the clone's hips forward and his shaft into your throat once more in a swift motion. 

Echo let out a gasp at the sudden movement and held onto your head, moaning curses into his arm. Stars, that felt amazing! 

Understanding now what his lover was planning, Echo began to rock his hips, aiding your movements as you kept using his kama as handles to pull him roughly into your throat, effectively making Echo face-fuck you deeply. 

With each thrust, your movements became more and more rough, fast, desperate. The obscene wet sounds and the low moaning and growling from Echo filling the empty ship. 

Soon it was becoming a little too much to bear and Echo palmed at your head to try and warn you of his upcoming release. 

However, this did not deter the you in the slightest, your grip on the Kama became tighter and your movements more determined, urging Echo to cum down your throat. 

With one final harsh pull, Echo sank as deep as he could into you, roaring your name as he came with thick hot sprouts down his lover's throat. 

You swallowed eagerly, caressing the Kama with your fingers as Echo emptied himself in you. Once satiated, Echo slowly pulled out, leaving you panting, looking up at your beloved with half-lidded eyes and a devilish smile. 

-Been wanting to try that for a while.- You purred, tongue darting out to lick at your upper lip. -You can take it off now if you want, before we continue. -There was a hunger in your eyes that sent a shiver down Echo’s spine. You were far from done, not that the ARC trooper was complaining. 

Gently, he caressed your face, moving to gently grab at your chin. 

-I might leave it on a bit longer.- Echo said, voice deep and tainted with lust before gently pushing you back into bed, slowly crawling on top of your body. 

You felt a spark of excitement as the fabric of the kama began to brush against your naked skin.

This was really going to be an enjoyable night...

Welcome to my self-indulgent collection of drables for the clone Kinktober!

If you enjoyed it, please consider linking/re-blogging my work!

ᴰᶦᵛᶦᵈᵉʳ ᵇʸ stars-n-spice & Cafekitsune

[charlesf1leclerc]

Prolouge

Prince!Lando Norris x Duchess!reader

Summary: Prince Lando Norris of Windsor and Lady y/n are set to marry, however unwilling they are. Can they make this work and push past the arrangement and form a relationship…?

Warnings: Arranged marriage, * not proofread *please let me know if any drastic mistakes I missed and should fix

I stood in front of the mirror, the two young girls moving around me ensuring that my outfit was perfect.

Today was the day my life was about to change I was off to the palace to meet my future husband. I say that with high levels of annoyance and disgust because I do not want a husband, I do not need a husband and I should not be forced into marriage.

But again it’s the life I lived as a high member of society, a duchess , it was my duty to marry so my father had picked out the wealthiest prince there was and soon I would become a princess and wife. 

I would leave my home today the home I had known for 20 years and take the journey to England to meet His royal highness Prince Lando Norris of Windsor. In a perfect world my father would have thought Lando’s older brother Oliver would be more agreeable as he was first in line to the throne but being as he was already married Lando was the second best option.

I had seen paintings of his royal highness before but I had never met the man in person and yet here I was.

“ Everything to your liking ma’am” one of my dresses spoke

I looked at myself in the mirror.

Starting from the top of my head my hair in a low braided bun sitting at the bottom of my neck. A bonnet of beige material was placed upon my head , adorned with a fabric flower on the top and a white ribbon that tied the bonnet under my chin. My makeup was subtle and porcelain like making me look far more beautiful then I ever was. Down to my dress that consisted of a corset of Buttermilk yellow, tiny purple flowers that looked like specks of dust they were so tiny. My overlord two was the same buttermilk yellow colour with tiny purple flowers as well. Covering my shoulders was Pale blue Coat that stopped at the waist with pearl white buttons. finally down to my hands covered by gloves the colour of Swan White. I looked as good as I could in this situation and if his royal highness didn’t like it he would just have to suck it up.

“ yes thank you “ I responded as they scurried away

I took one last look in the mirror before turning around to look at my room one last time.

I left down the long corridors and headed for the front entrance where the carriage awaited to take me , my mother and father to formally greet the royal family or shall we say my new family.

I joined them in the carriage while the footman loaded my bags. Sitting in the soft cushioned seats I looked out the window waiting for the journey to begin.

“ you look beautiful darling “ my mother spoke

But I didn’t respond I don’t know it i could ever forgive them for turning my world upside down.

Comment to be added to the tag list

[faketrex]

18, please!!

Thank you, friend ash! 💝 Prompt 18 is, "the end of the line at a b-list movie star’s meet-and-greet."

RWRB AU with a meet-cute. Obviously.

...

"He's not a fucking b-lister, he's an independent."

"Okay–"

"The Maple Season made me cry, Nora. Twice. It's fucking art. When's the last time a movie made you cry?"

"And that's not related to the fact that for two months each year, your blood turns into pumpkin spice syrup, like some kind of extremely basic seasonal werewolf?"

"Nora–"

"I'm happy for you, really. So are you going to come to dinner and tell us all about it after you meet your idol, or not?"

Alex shuffles forward. There are only two people ahead of him in the line now; only fifteen feet or so between Alex and Rafael Luna. He might need to lie on the floor in his apartment for a while after this is over. Then again, hanging out with Nora and June might help him chill the fuck out. And carbs, carbs would definitely help, in both beer and French fry form.

"Save me a seat. I'll be there." He hangs up. The line inches forward.

And then, all of a sudden, it's his turn. Rafael Luna is seated right in front of him, all dramatic cheekbones and horn-rimmed glasses and crisp button-up with the sleeves rolled and the collar wide open.

Alex panics.

"The Maple Season made me cry," he blurts.

Luna smiles and raises his eyebrows. "In a good way, I hope?"

"Fucking–I mean, yes, definitely, in the best way." Alex sets his poster down on the table between them, watching as Luna pulls it closer and peels off the sticky note with ALEX written on it. "That scene in the barn? After Oliver loses the race? It's fucking heart-wrenching. I can't believe you didn't win the Best Supporting Actor Oscar."

"You're very kind," Luna says with another grin, "but usually you have to be nominated for an award in order to win it."

Alex laughs. "Well, yeah, of course. I'm sure you're going to get there someday, though. The Academy would be criminally stupid not to recognize you for everything you've done. And–" He takes a deep breath. This is it. "And–I wish I'd seen queer Latino representation like yours on-screen ten years ago."

"Thank you. I really appreciate that, Alex." Luna, Rafael fucking Luna, looks right into Alex's eyes as he says it, making Alex's knees wobble in a way that he's already planning to leave out of the story when he tells it to Nora and June. "I'm lucky to have fans like you who make it so rewarding to keep doing what I love."

"No, thank you," Alex responds. "I mean–seriously."

"Would you like a photo with Mr. Luna?"

"Oh, sure." At the assistant's prompting, Alex turns to face the camera, trying to focus on smiling while wracking his brain about whether there's anything else he absolutely needs to tell Luna now, during what might be his only shot to ever do so. When the assistant steps away again, though, all Alex's thoughts come to a complete halt.

The next person waiting in line is tall and broad-shouldered, with blond hair that sweeps over his forehead. He's got a rolled poster under one arm and a book under the other, like he's been spending his time in line reading instead of scrolling on his phone like a normal person. Alex blinks slowly at him as their eyes meet, feeling like a deer in headlights. Luna is right behind him still, but all Alex can focus on now is this man–

"Alex?"

"Thank you," Alex repeats reflexively, breaking out of his daze and turning back around to pick up his signed poster and roll it carefully. "It was so great to meet you."

"Take care," Luna replies, and that's it, it's over, Alex moves to the left, out of the line, and out the door.

When Alex gets outside, it feels like he's forgotten to do something important–like breathe, maybe–for the entire time he was talking with Luna. He zips up his jacket with his free hand, still holding the poster in the other. He closes his eyes for a second. He needs some French fries and a beer, for real.

"In my opinion," someone to Alex's left says, "he's one of the best artists of his generation."

"What?"

"I mean, there's no one who compares, really," the man continues. It's the blond who'd been in line just behind Alex. "Did you hear that his next project is going to open at the Venice festival?"

"Fucking finally, right? He deserves it."

"He certainly does."

Alex watches while the guy pulls a rubber band out of his pocket and slides it around his own rolled poster. He should probably say something, but his brain seems to have called an intermission on thinking. It's the post-Luna effect, probably. Or maybe–

"I apologize if I've bothered you," the man finally says after a few moments of silence, fiddling with his poster. "I'll–"

"No, no, you're good," Alex interrupts, reassuring. "It's cool. I think we're on the same page. I'm Alex."

"I'm Henry."

"Nice to meet you."

"It's my pleasure," Henry replies. "And I hope you don't mind my saying so, but I really just wanted to tell you–The Maple Season made me cry, too. I went through a entire box of tissues."

Maybe Alex should feel embarrassed or something, but the shy, sheepish smile on Henry's face is making his knees do the wobbly thing all over again.

"Tell me about it," Alex drawls, and when he blinks slowly at Henry from under his eyelashes, he's gratified to see that Henry's cheeks turn pink, enough that it's visible even in the dim evening light.

...

(Alex is late to dinner, but he ends up getting not only Luna's autograph, but also Henry's phone number. It's a pretty stellar evening, all things considered.)

[thelavendercatalogue]

Lavender Jacket Series Jacket Overview: Jigen Daisuke

Find Yata's Overview Here: Thank you @pixelateddork for the art.

Next on the list for the Jacket Overview series is a fan-favorite and one that I'm especially happy with.

Jigen Daisuke For his BASE PALETTE, Jigen sports his tradition getup, but it is more of the TWCFM set up of colors: his typical wardrobe as always sticks to the ashy-grayish black suit, light-blue dress shirt, white-tie and his traditional fedora which like the rest of his outfit ranges within the ash-grey tones see here (thank you screenshot recolors)

His SECOND OUTFIT

Like many shows we have seen regarding the pair, Jigens palette is often made to coincide or at least generally fit well with Lupin’s palette, even if he often does head toward the more traditional route with his colors- the blues, the blacks, the grays and so on and so forth. While Lupin took on the more softer Lavender colors in this series, Jigen however sports, not so much a different look, but one that I believe fits well with Lupin’s as well as the Lavender Jacket series as a whole

In LJS, Jigen’s tradition of typically wearing a darker set of colors compared to Lupin’s lighter shade still stands strong. However those traditional colors have since moved on from the typical  colors he’s most famously known for and instead now he sports colors that one may not have typically seen on Jigen outside of Part 3.

The First of the new colors presented are a Green Suit and Pants. Traditionally Green has always been a color that symbolizes many things, though the meanings of green can vary by shade similar to blue or red. For example: Bright green often symbolizes rebirth and spring while Olive green represents tranquility, earthiness and elegance. In Jigens case, Dark green or various shades of it, can often represent things such as fertility, greed, money and drive. For some shades, it also carries connotations of wealth and success but can sometimes signify greed and envy.

In Jigen’s case, the color green is often a double-edged sword; while things like  tranquility do not come easy for him until much much much later in the storyline, his drive to right his wrongs at times may also to many seem admirable at best and maybe suicidal at worst. Despite this, he still holds an elegance to him even during some of the worst times of his life which fits him strutting around in green very well.  The Darkish Red of his hat and tie also symbolizes things as well. Wine Red is a deep Red that often comes in many shades and often symbolizes traditional things like sophistication, passion, and luxury, few things that Jigen can’t afford to lose yet enjoys all the same as well while he can.

Especially passion. Throughout LJS, Jigen often finds himself being thrust into Lupin's role in more ways than he often anticipates, outside of simply just Leadership. In addition to this, he often finds himself shocked, about how often he ends up trading one vice, his alcoholism, for something better. The Act of Sex The moment Fujiko and him hook up in LJS, Jigen is often led to believe it’s the sex in which his body craves, like some new hyper-drive in his borderline dead sex-drive. While this turns out to not fully be the case, (he realizes later on down the line that its not simply the sex but the touch his body craves, not just the outcome that comes with it because Jigen usually hides how touch starved he really is) the need for sex is often a driving force between the pair. It’s why he often goes to her for "companionship"  when he’s drunk. Because, as shocking as it is for him, he had found something he finds fun, entertaining. In fact it revitalizes him, entices him, he finds that he enjoys it and it's strange because he never thought he would, especially with a woman like Fujiko, because it's also strange to him how quickly he fell into Lupin's role in the group

even down to his preference in partners.

Since red is the color of blood, it has historically been associated with sacrifice, danger, and courage. Modern surveys in Europe and the United States also often show that  red is also the color most commonly associated with heat, activity, passion, sexuality, anger, love, and joy. All emotions Jigen knows well and is slowly getting to know.

And it's not just the colors that often hold symbolism. Since their creation, cufflinks and lapel-pins have been seen as a symbol of status for gentlemen with luxury gold and gemstone cufflinks seen as a symbol of wealth, power and reputation, while Lapel pins are frequently used as symbols of achievement and belonging. While not shown directly on the reference sheet, Jigen does happen to wear and own two

In addition to being the Lupin Family Flower, The lupine flower stands for imagination, admiration, and overall happiness. Whether given as a gift or grown in your garden, the lupin brings the energy of inner strength to recover from trauma.

For Jigen it often fits all too well. But while he is not versed in the language of flowers like his partner might just be, he knows deep down that the flower means something to him. Ever since he was younger, the Lupin family, often consisting of just Lupin’s Grandpa and Lupin himself but now extending to the mains and servant’s, had been more of a family to him than even his own. The stability, while crazed and dangerous, was something that he had come to love and enjoy.

Jigen pledging his loyalty to Arsène the First, thus essentially pledging his loyalty to the entire Lupin family, was something that he never thought he would ever do again since leaving the Mafia life behind him for good. But Issei had become almost a father figure to him, let alone someone who had earned his loyalty and his admiration. And following Jigens official pledge to the Lupin Family, he has always keep on him a little piece of Lupin and the new life he was given in the form of a Lupine Flower Pin. He never wore it, but after everything that had happened during the events of LJS, he figured now would be the best time. 

The Pin always stays on his Lapel, close to his heart no matter what, where it will always stay.

Jigen’s third and “secret” palette is often used as a joke palette in a way, but is also just another I've grown to love. 

Essentially, I had come across this palette in a Discord server I am in

And naturally I had fallen in love with it. It had part 4 vibes but gloomy and tired and somewhat sad which seemingly worked very well. Lupin's design in LJS IS his Part 4 design but tweaked. Of course since the palette felt right I decided to give it to Jigen as sort of a “party” outfit; one that he often uses when he goes out with Fujiko, or for special occasions!

But then a friend had pointed out that Zenigata got the jigen palette in the picture set, with the blue vest and orange undershirt and green tie, and I thought of course it was funny. . . Until I realized that this image also exists

Which fits because Jigzeni, or as we lovingly refer to the ship as Hattrick, is a ship found in LJS

It seems Zeni can’t stop stealing the gunman’s clothes How they fit him we will never know

[venustrvck]

WELCOME TO CORA AND AVE'S FORTUNE TELLING BOOTH

❥ get a love reading! this valentines, cora @saetiate and ave @venustrvck are taking requests! event status: closed

send in: a character + one or more tarot cards (listed tropes) from below + sfw/nsfw preference + any other details!

extra love heart! you can also send a kink from below the cut too

you'll receive: a short drabble/fic based on your request :)

fandoms: blue lock, naruto, one piece, honkai star rail, genshin

queer character hcs/reader and polyamory welcome too! please specify gender neutral/fem/masc/trans reader. no specifications will default to fem or gender neutral reader. this event is (n)sfw and dark content friendly!

example req 1: "hi! can I get a sae x f!reader, with the lovers - mutual pining? please and thank you!!" example req 2: "can i have oliver aiku x gender neutral reader with strength: arguments and add petplay please?"

PICK A TAROT CARD BELOW

❥ the fool: innocence, playfulness, recklessness; blind date, games, pick up lines, childhood friends to lovers

❥ the magician: transformation, beginnings, good omen; first meeting, meet/cute, meet/ugly, artist and model

❥ the high priestess: magic, dreams, knowledge; dream sharing, fortune telling, magic au

❥ the empress: passion, nurturing, fertility; motherhood, pregnancy, children with your f/os

❥ the emperor: authority, discipline, stubbornness; royalty au, power play, enemies to lovers

❥ the hierophant: community, learning, rituals; domestic life, university au, family traditions, religious observances (e.g. christmas, pouring sake for ancestors, tying the mangalasutra)

❥ the lovers: love, harmony, mutual attraction; soulmate au, confessions, mutual pining, first kiss

❥ the chariot: travel, action, ambition airport meeting, work-related au, summer/vacation fling, ceo au

❥ strength: courage, overcoming obstacles, urges; arguments, forced proximity, conflict resolution, proposal

❥ the hermit: solitude, withdrawal, introspection; hurt/comfort, unrequited pining, awkward flirting

❥ wheel of fortune: optimism, success, luck; chance/fated meeting, koi no yokan (knowing you will fall in love with someone), matchmaking

❥ justice: karma, honesty, decisions; returning a favor, relationship talk (e.g. talking about moving in together), mistaken identity

❥ the hanged man: suspension, potential, indecision; trust issues, infidelity, caught between two f /os, asked out as a bet/dare

❥ death: destruction, change, new beginnings; lost love, break up to make up, exes, grief and mourning

❥ temperance: communication, healing, moderation; comfort, wound-tending, drunken confessions

❥ the devil: desire, lust, temptation; incest, any smut (see list of kinks below), omegaverse, supernatural elements

❥ the tower: drama, catastrophe, pride; hate sex, best friend's sibling, miscommuniation, yandere

❥ the star: renewal, hope, rest; easy love, at peace, coming home, first love

❥ the moon: emotion, fantasy, confusion; friends with benefits, late night/pillow talk, fantasy au, defining the relationship

❥ the sun: joy, friendship, prosperity; friends to lovers, fluff, love realization, praise kink

❥ judgement: awakening, resurrection, absolution; fake relationship, second chances, arranged marriage

❥ the world: fulfillment, experience, completion; marriage, growing old, aftercare

if you'd like, you can add or request a kink from this list: oral f!receiving, orgasm denial, body worship. 69, vanilla and sweet, omegaverse, size kink, lingerie, aphrodisiac, threesome, dirty talk, cockwarming, yandere, overstimulation, aftercare, face sitting, fingering, praise kink

get your love reading now! inbox either ave or cora with your req!

extra info

you can add dealer's choice at any point and we'll decide for you <3

you can send any req to either of us! blue lock can go to either of us, and by default it would be better to send one piece asks to ave and genshin + hsr asks to cora, but we'll both receive them either way and make sure to get yours written :)

if you've already sent a req to either of us before, feel free to send it through again under this event

all drabbles will be a written collaboration by us <3 don't worry, we're very good friends and have been for years! cora specializes in dialogue and ave specializes in beautiful imagery and emotion-charged scenes, so it should be the best of all worlds

we reserve the right to deny any req we're not comfy w, we don't think this will happen but just in case!!

[m4delin]

This was supposed to be done for the Treebark Title Swap 2024, but didn't get it done in time. Now that it's mostly done, I've decided to post the first chapter! Hope you enjoy! Big thank you to Olive and @a-magical-boy for beta-reading! :D

Rating: T

Characters: Martyn, Rendog

Relationships: Martyn & Ren

Tags: brief appearende of DocM Tango Xisuma and BigB, datastream defender lore, CHEST is evil, cyberpunk, sci-fi, androids, takes place roughly 80-90 years after rats smp 2, brief mention of assissted suicide, discussion of kidnapping and captivity, martyn is spring, whatever martyn thinks this is the real world, ren is a history nerd, happy ending (the very least a hopeful one)

Summary:

Having been one of the earliest people "rescued" from the datastream, Ren has helped a lot of people to get used to their new bodies and the new sociaty. Some has trusted him more, some has trusted him less, and Ren can't fault anyone for that.

Spring is proving to be the most distrustful person Ren has met yet. Part of Ren itches to know why- but only time will tell. Right?

-

A whistle from the kettle echoes through the apartment, and the keening sound brings Ren out of the drowsiness that always clings to him when he starts up for the day, just enough for him to yawn and stretch before sluggishly detangling himself from the blanket.

It’s a slow start, really, as it takes a good 15 minutes before Ren is finally on his feet, body awake enough to not move in slow motion.

He should probably ask Doc to take a look at him. It’s been a while since the last check up.

He files the thought away with his to-do-later list, and instead focuses on his normal morning routine. Remove the still whistling kettle from the stove, take out a couple of bags of nutrients for his plants and mix it with the still hot but cooling water, throw the binder and tablet into his work bag, ignore any paper that doesn’t stick to the binder, and walk around to water the plants with the now cool mixture.

A small orb appears in the corner of Ren’s eyes, and when he looks at it, it turns into a small holographic image of Xisuma, and a generic robotic voice comes through reading up the message after a second.

“I’ll be running late, can you drop by the coffee shop on your way in? Thanks.”

Ren shakes his head at the message, chuckling.

“Reply,” he says, and the holograph changes into a cartoon dog with a speech bubble beside it. “Sure thing, dude, I’ll get the usual. Don’t fall asleep on the bus again. End reply.”

He watches as the speech bubble gets folded into a letter before disappearing together with the holograph. No matter how many years have passed, he still finds it fascinating to watch the small avatars come and go.

With a roll of his shoulders, Ren focuses back on his task. He waters the final plant before he hurries back to his bedroom to get properly dressed – with Xisuma late, he’ll have to open the museum as well as taking a detour. He needs to get a move on.

He’s still buttoning up his shirt as he walks out of the apartment, work bag hanging over his shoulder, door locking behind him with a soft click. A glance to the side pulls up the clock into Ren’s vision, and as he sees the time he hurries into a light jog. The bus rolls up just as he arrives, and it doesn’t take long until he’s seated and on the way into the city center.

-

The coffee shop is busy when Ren arrives, and he flicks an ear backwards in annoyance. Of course he succeeds in hitting rush hour for the morning travelers. Not that he has much of a choice, he realizes, with Xisuma being so late with his request. Normally the director would know way earlier if he was about to run late, but Ren guesses that today must’ve been an emergency. Or he had stayed up way too late again and slept in.

In the end, it doesn’t matter why Xisuma is late: Ren’s here now and doesn’t exactly have much time for a detour, so he joins the queue.

To his surprise there’s a steady pace to the line and it doesn’t take long until the cashier is looking at Ren expectantly.

“One Cream Coffee and one Radiator to go, please,” he says as he lifts up his wrist, a small section of it lightning up. The cashier hums as they tap on the screen in front of them before lifting the other hand, holding a small scanner above Ren’s wrist. It beeps once and the cashier brings back the device.

“5 minutes,” they say, and waves Ren to move out of the queue. Ren does as instructed and watches the people move around him as he’s waiting for the drinks. Most seemed to be like him, grabbing a drink on the way to work, but he can spot quite a few people and androids sitting at tables and working. He finds himself watching a human and an android discuss something in low voices, gesturing towards something on their table.

“Ren,” the barista calls out, snapping Ren out of his people watching.

With a smile, Ren turns towards the barista and grabs the small heat preserving carrier containing two drinks that he’s handed. “Thank you!”

He’s barely walked out of the door to the café before he fishes out his drink and takes a sip. The street outside is filled with people hurrying about, and Ren joins them as he steers his steps towards the museum. The walk isn’t a long one – the perks of working in the city center – but it’s long enough for Ren to feel like he properly got to stretch his legs out and having sipped enough of his drink for a third to be gone.

It’s later than it’s supposed to be when Ren finally reaches the employer's door to the museum, and with a quick showing of his wrist the door beeps and opens by itself, letting him inside.

The building is silent at this time in the morning, even with Ren’s enhanced hearing. Or, it usually is, but now one of his ears twists as he hears a high pitched sound from a light somewhere close by, no doubt about to go out during the day. Which he’ll have to replace.

Ren sighs heavily and heads towards Xisuma’s office to drop off his coffee in the heat preserving carrier, before he goes to his own while downing the rest of his drink.

The door to his office unlocks when he puts his hand on the handle, a soft click sounding as he pushes the door open, and the sight of paper covering almost every inch of the floor greets him.

Right. The research. He’d forgotten about that, honestly.

Luckily it’s only printouts of different texts that he was trying to decipher, so he’s not exactly careful as he walks over to his desk to put down his bag and the now empty cup. Normally he starts the day with cleaning up the previous day’s mess, but since Xisuma is running late he doesn’t exactly have time for that. It would just be the two of them today, the groundskeeper being on vacation this week, so he not only has to change that light bulb before it blows, but also needs to prepare the museum to be opened.

Ren isn’t sure if he’s happy or not he can’t get headaches anymore.

He ignores the chaos that’s his office, even adding a little more to the pile on the floor by pushing down a couple of more papers from the desk, and heads back out to start preparing the building. He’s barely closed the door behind him when the small white orb appears in the corner of his eyes again, this time shifting into a goat when he gives it his attention. Instead of it starting to read up a message, the robotic voice let him know it’s an incoming call.

“Answer,” Ren says, and the goat shifts into the upper half of Doc.

“Good morning, Ren,” Doc says, one hand raised in a greeting.

Ren gives him a big smile. “Doc, my dude! Was thinking of you this morning! My body seems slower than usual in the mornings, think you can take a look?” He continues on his way towards the groundskeeper’s office, Doc’s hologram floating beside him.

Doc blinks, and looks down into something in his hands. “Perhaps next month then. Been a couple of years since your last check up.” Then he shakes his head. “But that’s not why I called. Can you come by the lab next monday?”

It makes Ren pause in his step, and he looks properly at Doc again. “Have you found—”

“Yes,” Doc cuts him off, “another victim. Tango and I are setting up a body for them, and it should be done by the weekend, but I know you like to have your weekends off.”

Ren starts moving again, continuing his path to the groundskeeper’s office, but with quicker steps than before. “I want to be there when you wake them up, you know this, dude. Got any name on them?”

“No.”

The heavy sigh that accompanies the words makes Ren’s artificial heart sink as he arrives at his destination. “Oh.”

“The disk was named though.” And… that’s unusual.

Ren pushes the buttons in the groundskeeper’s office to activate the cleaning robots, and doesn’t pay enough attention to the screens to see if they’ve been turned on properly. “That makes it sound like it’s not numbered,” he says as he steps out of the room, and continues down the hallway.

“It was titled Spring. Does it ring a bell?” Doc asks, and Ren wishes that it did.

“Hasn’t Tango looked through the police reports on the whole ordeal?”

“He has, and found nothing. But you’re the history expert on C.H.E.S.T., so figured it was worth asking,” Doc says, waving a clipboard around.

Ren frowns, his ears laying down flat against his skull, and gets behind the front desk. “I’m sorry to disappoint, but I’ve never heard of something called Spring before. I’ll make a deep dive though, see if I can find anything.”

“Appreciated, Ren. I’ll send a message when it’s decided on when we’ll wake them up. Bye,” Doc says, and Ren says his own goodbye before the hologram of Doc turns into a white dot again.

Well. At least now Ren knows what he will spend his free time on till monday arrives.

With thoughts focused on the upcoming research, Ren hurries through the preparation of the museum’s opening.

[lotusbxtch]

From the fanfic end of the year asks: 1, 11, 30

And maybe one of your stories we should read before the year ends and one story from someone else that we should read before the year ends? 😘😘😘

Olive @oliveksmoked! Thank you for asking! :)

1) favorite fic you wrote this year - that definitely has to go to SCNC. It's got a really special place in my heart, and I love getting to explore the subtle differences and intricacies between Joel, Frankie, and Reader. I'm finishing up part 3 and hope to have it up before Christmas!

11) fandom you enjoyed writing for the most this year - it's so hard to choose between the Pedro and Oscar fandoms, but it's going to go to the Pedro fandom. The breadth of characters he's played means that there's so much to explore and expand upon!

30) favorite fandom to read fic from this year - obviously it's going to be the Joel Miller (TLOU) fandom lol. But I've also greatly enjoyed reading Dave York fics (The Equalizer 2). Dave is such an underrated character, and I love seeing the different versions that people create. Dave girlies stand up! @yxtkiwiyxt heehee

one of my stories to read: if you haven't yet, I'd love for you to read my SoCal to NorCal fic. If you're not into Santiago (he's scoffing at you and offended but that's okay), you can read the intro to Ch 1 to get backstory on the main three, skip the rest, and then move on to Ch 2 for Joel/Frankie/Reader goodness. BUT... Santi has a way of seducing even the most diehard Pedro girlies. Just ask @mountainsandmayhem , heehee.

someone else's story to read: i adore @arcanefox207's The Wolf You Feed series, and highly recommend it. It's an ongoing series. Gruff neighbor Joel? Yes pls & give me seconds (and thirds..... and fourths... heck, give me the whole dish.)

Want to ask me some questions? Click here to check out the list and drop some numbers in my inbox!

[ratcatcher0325]

A Fraction of Justice (Chapter #31)

Chapter #31. ... Something Wicked this way comes... Or so Alexander thinks. Who is at Nat's door?

So this is by far my longest chapter yet! I guess that makes up for how long it took me to write and edit it? Maybe? Anyway thanks for continuing to read!! I love and appreciate you all!

Previous: Chapter #30

Next: Chapter #32

Word Count: 10,045 Read Time: Approx. 60+ mins

CW: adult language

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A Fraction of Justice

Chapter #31: The Pricking of Thumbs... and Eyes

[Alexander’s POV]

I strained to listen through the bedroom door, thicker than I measured shoulder to shoulder, through walls of drywall and insulation, through distance. While it was only a few dozen steps for the human who’d just told me to hide, it may as well have been the better part of a mile for me. 

Damn my little frame! 

My throat tightened as my spinal column was washed with adrenaline. What was happening out there? Was she okay? What was my best course of action? On the desktop I had the advantage of some height, sure, but I was also a sitting duck, with no chance to outrun a pair of malicious human hands if it were to come down to that. Did I risk clamoring to the floor? Or did that just guarantee my doom, underfoot? Down there, I’d have more places to hide out of sight before springing into action with this makeshift weapon I currently hefted under my arm. If push came to shove, would I be able to get to her in time to make any difference at all? Even if I crashed my way into the room with two absolutely massive beings before me, was there anything I could do to help? 

My few milliseconds for strategizing were abruptly cut short as the creak of the door opening far off in the distance hit my ears. My blood froze in my veins and I admit, I held my breath as I ground my heels into the wood of the desk, waiting to discover what was taking place far beyond where I stood. 

The door opened. I strained, wincing and wishing I wasn’t banished to this far off room, like some weak little coveted prize to be stashed away when danger called. I couldn’t be certain, but I swore I heard a gasp. 

Her gasp. 

My heart thundered ever more feverishly. That was it. I had to do something. Anything. Even if it got me killed. I would not lie down and cower in fear like some weak little waste of oxygen. If she needed my help, I’d try my damndest to give it. 

Without a second thought, I hobbled over to the edge of her desk, contemplating the cables I’d shimmied down once before. I now had the much more logistically challenging job of navigating this vertical drop with a letter opener towering a whole 3 inches above my head and mobility aid tucked under my arm. I heard a shuffling of feet as I swung my own over the cliff’s edge that was the desk’s ledge. I tried not to think about how a drop from this height could kill me as I heard her exclaim, “What the fuck? What’re you doing here?” Was this someone she knew? To my ears, it didn’t sound good.

 I needed to move, and quickly. I heard a male voice, deep and wholly unfamiliar ring in response, but I hardly had the bandwidth to pick up on his exact words. I managed to hear “Worried… Own good… Don’t freak out…” I launched myself over the edge, both hands gripping the cord as I swung precariously, trying not to drop the two objects carefully hooked under my right shoulder joint and pressed to my side with the crook of my elbow. I had to make sure to apply adequate pressure to keep them from slipping. 

 Hand under fist, I began to slowly lower myself down the length of the cord. The progress was abysmally slow. I bared my teeth, sweat forming on my brow, as a muscular burning began to blossom in my shoulders and arms. No! Not now, I’ve only just begun my descent. 

I pictured Natalie’s face in my mind. I’d no doubt she could hold her own quite well. The incident with the driver in her alley and her unapologetic shouting match with the impatient man came immediately to the forefront of my thoughts. She did not hesitate to come to her own defense, and I knew that. What she’d failed to remember when she’d commanded me to hide myself away, is that I would not hesitate to do the same. 

I was ripped back to reality by two concurrent events that occupied my full attention. First, I could feel my crutch slipping dangerously from my hold on it, threatening to fall out of my grip entirely, as my arms shook with the effort to hold myself aloft. I could hardly afford to risk letting go with one arm to catch it, let alone be able to twist around in time to stop its fall. I doubted I’d be able to support my full weight with just one fist gripping tightly to the slippery rubber casing of a wire. Yet, if it tumbled to the ground, and out of reach, I’d be royally screwed in trying to hobble even a few paces. 

As I hung in place, tightening the pressure between my elbow and ribs to try to keep the objects from falling, the second event tore me away from my current disaster unto another. There were footsteps, loud and unmistakable, thundering toward the door. This human, whoever he was, would be bursting through the threshold in only a few seconds’ time, judging by the cacophony of shoes on wood flooring. 

I was much too high off the ground to risk jumping, but too far down to have enough time to clamor back up again. This was a huge mistake. I was stuck, midair, probably about level with the average human’s thigh, swinging uselessly, and utterly exposed. Like ripe fruit ready to be plucked from its vine, I was at high risk of being snatched up.  

Steel yourself, Alexander, now’s not the time for succumbing to fear. I had a weapon after all, and a sharp one at that. 

The gigantic footfalls continued with ever growing intensity in my direction. The stranger’s voice seemed far too casual and familiar for my liking, “Aww, come on, I gotta see what’s been goin’ on… what’re you trying to hide?” Who was this man? Why was she not stopping him and what gave him any right to invade her home on such unexpected notice, no less? 

What was she trying to hide? Me. You unwelcome invader of privacy. She’s trying to hide me. So much for keeping out of plain sight and giving her peace of mind. 

“No, you really don’t! N-no I’m not hiding– I just… now’s not a good time and–” Her voice was softer than his, quieter and more distant. He was charging ahead and she was scrambling after him. What was wrong with this human? Did he not know how to listen? 

The footfalls were so close now, I could feel them as they ricocheted through the hardwood floor of the hall, and shook my makeshift climbing rope ever so slightly. 

How embarrassing. Just their steps were enough to rock me to and fro like a fragile leaf on the breeze. I swallowed hard. This was it. In the next millisecond I’d be face to face… well… make that face to body with an unknown enemy.

I gripped tighter, tucking the cable between the sole of one shoe and the toe of the other, so that I didn’t have to bear all my weight with just my arms. This muscular effort tweaked my injured leg, as my trembling hands gained some small relief. With my crutch still barely able to balance, I readied myself to use my weapon if needed. I was almost certain it would be needed. 

That’s when he crashed through the door. 

He towered over me, of course. The gusts of wind generated from his massive form erupting into the room threw my hair about my face and made me grit my teeth. Why did humans have to be so big?! 

He stopped just inside the doorway, his left thigh upsettingly close, yet maybe just an inch or so shy of being within stabbing range. Damn. Still, he was much too near for my liking. I could practically smell him. Was that fresh soap and a hint of cinnamon? I wrinkled my nose in disgust.

 He hadn’t noticed me yet: of course not, I was far below his eye line, why would he? He stood comfortably, as if he owned the place. He looked a few years older than Natalie, perhaps about my age, though it was impossible to know for sure. His bespectacled visage was bright, excitable. He seemed amused, as he cast his gaze around. His beard, dark in color, just like his neat, tightly curled hair, was cut close to his jawline. The wide-necked cable-knit sweater he wore sported a geometric pattern in black, royal blue and crisp white. His left hand relaxed inside the pocket of his corduroy slacks, as he took in the room before him. 

I hated him at first glance. 

He played the part of a perfect Nantucket dandy, clearly hailing from wealth, and with the added benefit of an Ivy League university education, he seemed out of place in Natalie’s humble living conditions. Everything about him oozed with pretension and privilege. And yet, the two of them seemed well acquainted, so there must’ve been some common ground. 

While this strange and wholly unwelcome intruder delighted in the view, my muscles were screaming for relief. Sweat poured from my brow and down the back of my neck. My arms, in spite of my best efforts, were starting to tremble and that damned cane was ever closer to tipping out of my grasp and down to the floor, a deadly distance away. I couldn’t hold on for much longer, but I’d be damned if I’d let this supercilious interloper’s first encounter with me be one of pitying condescension because I required any form of assistance.  

A moment after he’d paused in the doorway, the third party in this equation, and second human, my human, practically crashed into him in her hurried attempt to stop him in his tracks. Great job, on that front, Natalie. She managed to stop just short of colliding directly into his back by gripping to the threshold of the door and halting her momentum. Much to my surprise, I noticed she was significantly shorter than him. Was Natalie short? That seemed impossible, given just how towering she was to me. Or was this unannounced visitor just abnormally tall? From my vantage point they both may as well have been city buildings, so the difference hardly mattered. 

I watched as her eyes flitted feverishly over the desk’s surface, no doubt searching for me. She was red faced and breathless. I couldn’t tell if she was more relieved or panicked by not knowing where I was. Maybe luck was on my side and I’d go unnoticed by them both, left to gasp and tend to my sore muscles in the sanctity and peace of a humanless space. She sucked in air as if about to speak, no doubt to usher him out of the room, when he, oblivious, his back to both of us, cut her off. 

“Damn Nat, since when did you start picking up? This place always looked like a tornado blew through here but now it should be on the cover of a home decor magazine or something… What’s changed?” Me. I’m the change that made her clean up her pigsty of a home. You’re welcome. If I hadn’t been convinced already, it was painfully clear now that these two knew each other. He had this smug, easy going familiarity about him that made the bile rise in my throat. Who did this man think he was, waltzing into Natalie’s home uninvited and entirely unexpected and then parading around as if he owned the place? Was he expecting to stay for dinner? Spend the weekend on her couch? How dare he interrupt her work, our work, as if we had nothing better to do with our day than entertain him! 

I glanced over at Natalie, she didn’t seem the least bit offended or wary of his presence. So he’d been an unplanned but not altogether shocking visitor? How often did this stranger make himself comfortable in her home? They must’ve been quite close if he had unfettered access to her space and had been here frequently enough to note her change in personal organization. Why hadn't she mentioned him before?

As he spoke, he took another step into the space and went so far as to sweep a finger tip across the surface of her dresser to check for dust, his expression one of impressed intrigue (as he should be, that was my meticulous and thorough dusting he was observing). 

While he remained occupied, I suddenly felt the invasion of her gaze alighting on me. She finally spotted me, dangling there like some marionette in the world’s most boring puppet show. 

Her eyes bulged from her skull, as she set her jaw and her nostrils flared in that capricious way she always did when she was upset with me, which was infuriatingly often. 

Her gaze flitted with anxious intensity from my dangling form to the back of this other human, and then returned to me. With a frantic, utterly confounded gesture she mouthed at me with a serpent’s intensity “What the fuck are you doing?!” 

I hissed back, the heat in my face beginning to rise, “What am I doing? Why is he–” I jutted my chin in the stanger’s direction, which I immediately regretted as the force of my gesture forced me to swing in counterbalance, making the challenge of keeping my grip steady and the objects in my arms from falling all the more difficult, “--even here?” I cast my eyes down to the letter opener, and then back to her, “What does it look like I’m doing? I’m protecting you!” 

Somehow, her eyes managed to widen even farther as her gaze followed mine toward the letter opener in my grip, its blade as long as I was tall, sharp and menacing, “Don’t you dare! Alexander! No! Do NOT.” 

While she spat through gritted teeth, she made all kinds of emphatic gestures: shaking her head, swiping her hand in one fell motion across her throat, and staring daggers at me. If she hadn’t learned by now that telling me what to do would get her absolutely nowhere, then there really was no hope for her. If the man deserved to be stabbed, a stabbing he would get. Simple as that. 

She seemed to read my mind, “Alexander–” She was about to continue, her eyes narrowed to slits, even taking half a step in my direction, no doubt on the verge of expressing more disapproval for my very reasonable reaction to an invader in her home, or perhaps to simply snatch me up and disarm me, which I was prepared to fight tooth and nail over. Just as she drew another breath, however, the seemingly spatially unaware invader himself, clearly having no idea of this fiercely whispered conversation behind his back, uttered a noise of delight and intrigue which made both our heads whip in his direction. 

“Oh! This is adorable!” During the length of our heated exchange, our interloper had graduated from the dresser to the bedside table, where he was now leaning, hands on knees, marveling at the miniature wonder that was my neatly made bed, my dresser, and a few other furniture items, all to my scale: my open air bedroom of sorts. Oh give me a break! Have you never seen a bed before? What’s wrong with you?

 Defensively, Natalie stepped in his direction, still trying to keep my presence a secret; a smart move if his fascination with just my furniture was any indication of how he’d react to seeing me. A few beads of sweat traced down my spine as I grit my teeth, struggling to hold on. He continued to stare, adjusting his glasses for a better look, “What’s all this for? It’s so cute!” Come back over here and I’ll show you cute. 

Realizing with simultaneous intuition that we had about half a second before he’d turn over his shoulder to look back in her direction, we exchanged a swift, knowing glance before she turned on her heel, and planted herself firmly between him and my hiding spot, obscuring me from view.  

“Oh! All that? It’s… nothing… I thought my niece might like them, I just haven’t wrapped them up for her yet…” Ah yes, thank you Natalie, for reminding me that I and your niece’s playthings could do a furniture swap if we wanted. Excellent. At least she was giving me a chance to escape my predicament. She got points for that.

 I wasted no time in re-engaging my muscles for the upward climb. As my shoulder joints buckled, I felt my stomach drop. Did I have the strength to pull myself up? 

Now was not the time for doubt. I had to try. 

She continued to cover for me, speaking louder than was normal, as I made laughably little progress towards the lip of the desk, “Anyway, look, I really appreciate you coming to check on me. You have literally been saving my ass with the lectures and stuff, I owe you, big time…” My whole body was trembling, my breath escaping my lungs in ragged gasps, my hands, now slick with sweat, were struggling to maintain traction, as my hurt leg burned from the far too great strain I was putting on it just to keep from slipping. As I struggled against gravity, Natalie crossed the room to the other human, trying her damndest to usher him toward the door.

I was only a bit too preoccupied at the moment to clock whether her encouragement was proving successful. Hand over fist, feet wrapped tightly around the thick, rubber casing, I was getting ever closer to sweet relief. Only about two inches of distance left. I could do this. 

No sooner had I encouraged myself, than my next handhold gave way and I was left to cling fast by one arm, as I instinctively hugged the letter opener and cane to my chest with my now free hand, both objects swaying wildly along the same pendulum trajectory of my own form. My heart rate spiked and it took every ounce of willpower I had not to make a sound as I happened to peer down at the floor, seemingly a million miles below me. That was close. Taking advantage of the gravitational force that bandied me about, I managed to grab back on with my right hand. 

Okay, crisis averted, I could do this. 

 “...But, you did your check-up on me and as you can see I’m totally fine, so…”

Nevermind. I could not do this. 

No sooner had I steeled myself for the homestretch, my grip gave way again and this time I had much less luck in righting myself. My favored hand, my left, failed me, as did my foothold. I was now dangling, precariously, by one arm, legs flailing, as I swung with a violent rhythm. But that wasn’t the end of my troubles. In my scramble to right myself, my movement was enough to finally knock the crutch from my grasp.. and down, down, down it fell. 

"...Thanks for stopping by. Like I said I do have a bunch of shit to do today–” CLANG!!! 

The aluminum cane collided with the metal rim of the trash can below. My shoulders flew up to my ears as I cringed and grit my teeth. 

So much for keeping a low profile. 

The gasp of pure delight that came from the man across the room made my stomach churn, as I hung, wrapped tightly around the cable, my one line of defense still pressed between my chest and arm. The speed with which he turned on his heel, alerted by the sound I’d accidentally made, only to almost instantaneously break into a, frankly, disturbingly joyful smile made my countenance twist into a snarl. He practically bounded over to me, with so much enthusiasm that his footfalls shook me from head to toe. 

Why, oh why, did I ever delude myself into thinking the company of humans was ever worthwhile?

Much to my utter frustration and embarrassment, all my swinging and thrashing about for a steady hold left the wire above me twisted, and, therefore, I found myself being turned so that his rapidly approaching gigantic face was greeted with only my back.

This was all much too humiliating. I kicked and writhed in a minimally successful attempt to right myself. What I was greeted with made me regret the effort. 

His bespectacled gaze was a mere few inches from my body, his dark eyes, widened and glowed with patronizing fascination. 

“Awwwww…” His voice was booming, the intensity of his stare far too all-encompassing, he was close enough that I could smell him, that hint of soap and cinnamon striking my nostrils like a biochemical warning signal. He smiled, his massive eyes staring directly down into mine, “You need help, there, little buddy?” I could practically feel the steam erupting from my ears. Before I even had a chance to snap back, the pad of a finger, huge, rough and jarring, pressed into my ribs to turn me fully about.

 I writhed away from his touch, swinging to and fro and snarling, “DO NOT TOUCH ME.” Even a rattlesnake gives one fair warning before he strikes, this is mine and you’d do well to adhere to its call. 

Simultaneously with my outburst Natalie stepped forward, clearly forecasting what was to come. She knew me well enough by now to know just how I would take such condescension. As she came forward, I felt myself tensing, Don’t you dare swoop in and rob me of my moment. I don’t need your help here, I’m well armed and perfectly capable. I squared my shoulders and lifted my chin, hungering for the now inevitable moment of  confrontation with a being twelve times larger than myself. 

She continued to close the distance between us, and I couldn’t help noticing how her hand rested on his trapezius muscle with easy familiarity. She glared at him, an eyebrow raised “Yeah. Don’t, dude. Don’t do that…” Her eyes darted from him to me, her right hand poised to reach forward and tear me away. As much as I relished the idea of not having to hang here any longer, I craved the opportunity to give this dimwit a piece of my mind with far greater fervor.

But it seemed unnecessary for me to advocate on my own behalf, because he immediately laid the groundwork of his own demise, “Aw, come on, Nat. Don’t stress. I’ve got this. Just watch, we’re gonna be the best of friends after today, aren’t we? Aren’t we little fella?” How perfect. Keeping digging your own grave, you cable-knit clown. 

He stared expectantly, awaiting a response. His brows furrowed when he received nothing but an unrelenting glare from me, “He’s not much of a talker, huh?” His eyes darted uncomfortably away from my stone cold stare, as he looked to Natalie for an explanation.

“Quite the opposite, actually. That’s why I’m worried…” 

“Aww, don’t be! I’m not gonna hurt him!” 

“… for you, jackass. You’ve pissed him off into silent rage, that’s a level farther than even I’ve gotten.” 

The bespectacled man burst into laughter. Not only did the volume at this distance threaten to blow out my eardrums, but the boiling of my blood quickened my heart rate and I couldn’t help but snarl. The ignoramus wiped a tear from his eye and managed to speak between bouts of belly laughter, “You’re joking, right? That’s adorable! Uh oh, somebody’s grumpy! We all better be very afraid!” He threw his hands up in mock terror. His voice cascaded and echoed in a sing-songy voice reserved for the condescension of human babies or cute animals. Come just a little closer, you ignorant bastard, I dare you. 

“I’m gonna say this one more time, you’re gonna regret saying shit like that, I promise. So either move and let me disarm him, or you’ll see what happens when you piss him off!” 

Another round of incredulous laughter. Could he manage to be any louder and more obnoxious? I highly doubted it. He continued, unphased by Natalie’s apt warning,  “Look at him! He’s harmless! What’s he gonna do? That letter opener is bigger than he is. I’m actually surprised he’s even able to hold it!” You’ll be even more surprised how much force I can put behind it when its razor edge sinks into your flesh, “Yeah, you’re not gonna hurt me, are ya? I bet you’re just a sweet little guy, deep down. I just frightened you, is all. Don’t be scared…” Scared?! Who did he think he was dealing with? “Did you drop something? Here lemme help you….” 

He sank all the way to his knees now, searching the carpet fibers for my long lost cane. I waited, practically salivating in anticipation. He rose back to a neutral spine, his knees still planted in the carpet, as he held the walking aide triumphantly between finger and thumb, it looking no more durable than a twig in his massive grip. He grinned brightly, clearly pleased with himself. Alright, just a little closer… 

He waved it wildly in front of my face, like teasing a dog with a stick before playing fetch. Needless to say I was less than amused. He leaned forward, to place it on the surface of the desk behind me. Yes, you’re doing great, A+ for hitting your mark. You’re almost exactly where I want you to be. Just a tiny bit closer… His massive face was mere inches from mine, I could see every pore, every eyelash, every detail I’m sure most humans would prefer to be left to the imagination. He was so near I could feel the cascading tide of his breath stirring tendrils of my hair. He looked down at me, his dark brown eyes bright with bubbly self satisfaction, “There ya go. See? We can be friends. I’m not out to getcha…” As soon as the object clattered to the wooden surface, his hand descended from over my head, careening down, closer and closer until his fingers were right on top of me, aiming for my hair. Was this man about to try and pet me?! 

Without a second’s hesitation, I wrapped my right arm firmly around the chord, hefted the letter opener over my head, tucked it securely on my left side, and then shoved it forward with all my might. 

The trajectory of the weapon was suddenly halted when its point hit home, jarring my shoulder as it absorbed the ricochet of force. 

This four-eyed Polyphemus roared in shock and surprise, his hand flying up to the origin of sudden pain. The letter opener had glanced off the rim of his glasses, and the blade hit its mark just an inch or so shy of his right ocular organ. He whipped away, batting the letter opener as he went with such force that he very nearly pulled the weapon and me right along with him, but, somehow, in spite of our significant disparity in strength, I managed to hold fast. 

His initial exclamation, loud enough to deafen me, was not one of articulate words, but rather garbled shouting. He’d flung himself backwards, crumpled in a heap on the floor. 

And thus, Saint George slayed the dragon. 

Did I feel a swell of pride enlarge my chest? You bet I did.  

Raising my voice over the din, I shouted at the top of my lungs, “I TOLD YOU NOT TO TOUCH ME, YOU INSUFFERABLE WRETCH!” I couldn’t help but laugh as I swung on the wire, all muscular exhaustion temporarily forgotten in the wake of this newfound excitement. 

“ALEXANDER!!!” Uh oh. 

Here came Natalie, her shadow casting a pall, literally and figuratively, over my gleeful celebration. She was pissed. I didn’t care.  

Meanwhile, her friend had scrambled across the carpet until his head crashed into the dresser behind him, “WHAT THE FUCK?!?! HE ALMOST STABBED ME IN THE EYE!” The timbre of his voice  had gone from saccharinely sweet baby talk to one of whiny disdain and flustered disbelief. He pointed at me emphatically with his free hand, looking to Natalie for some sort of recompense. 

I beat her to the punch.  

“WHAT DID I SAY? HM? WHAT DID I TELL YOU? I WARNED YOU!!!” I shouted across the cavern between myself and him, until my throat was raw. By this time, Natalie had fully crossed the few feet between her dresser and desk, settling before me on her knees, her brow furrowed and her jaw clenched. 

“Alexander! Hush! You’ve done enough damage already…” Her fingers descended around me, her thumbs pressing into my sternum and across my abdomen, her coinciding index fingers reaching under my arms and just above my hips to support my weight. Her grip was a bit harder and swifter than I’d become used to. She was trying to pluck me up quickly, and I sensed it wasn’t simply due to a desire to relieve me of holding myself up.

 Nevertheless, I was grateful for the relief, letting out a breath I hadn’t noticed I was holding. Carefully, she untangled me from the wire and shifted me to a seated position in her right palm. As she gathered me in her hand, she paused just long enough to cast a glance over her shoulder, “He did warn you though, like, in a multitude of ways…”

“Ha! See??” I burst with pride, unable to keep a wide grin from painting my features. 

She whipped around immediately, “Oh shut up, Alexander,” She pointed her index finger at my chest, “You’re in as much trouble as he is! He was being a fucking ass, yes, but you didn’t have to shank him! Give me that!!” Her finger and thumb dove for the plastic handle of my weapon, still dutifully tucked under my arm.  

I resisted, jerking my shoulder in the opposite direction, “Me? What did I do except protect myself… and you?” 

She looked utterly incredulous, motioning with a sweeping, exaggerated gesture at the injured party, who had now managed to scramble to his feet, examining his battle wound in the vanity mirror, “You STABBED my fucking friend! That’s the TA!” 

I was baffled by this newfound information. 

“THAT’S the TA? Who’s been sending the taped lectures and keeping your attendance afloat? That pretentious imbecile? Well, he shouldn’t have been so condescending to me! And… besides, you could’ve led with that, you know! Maybe then I’d have gone for his hands instead!” I found myself escalating in volume as I spoke, getting increasingly more emphatic, until I was practically shouting. 

“You didn’t give me a chance before you went all Zorro on his ass!!!!!” 

“What’s Zorro?!?!?”

“Oh my god! Give me the sharp object Alexander, do not make me pry it out of your tiny little hands!” My face flushed hot. I knew she was keenly aware I resented that completely unnecessary addition of ‘tiny’ and ‘little’ into her request. Nothing about me was little, everything and everyone else was just huge. End of story. 

 She held out her free hand, flat, just below my chest, raising one eyebrow expectantly. I held off for a second, then another, “ALEXANDER!”  Fine!

 I trusted our intruder understood his limits now and would not be making the same mistake twice. I relented, laying the slightly bloodied object across her fingers. She pursed her lips as if to say “That’s what I thought.” I had a feeling she had a few choice words for me after this unexpected visit. No matter. I regretted nothing. 

“Uh, Nat?” It’s bleeding… like a lot…” His voice from across the room drew our attention once more. He turned over his shoulder as he spoke, revealing a rivulet of blood springing from his cheek, down the fingers he’d pressed against it to staunch the flow, and down farther still, staining his pristine, white, woolen collar. 

“Fuck!” Natalie practically groaned, before flashing me an extremely dirty look, “Here, lemme… uh, here…” she half rose, seeming to suddenly remember she was holding me. With a grimace, she set me down somewhat roughly on the desktop. She wasted no time in quickly swiping the letter opener up and away from my grasp, before securing it in the back pocket of her jeans. Taking a quick glance around, she decided to pluck up the entire metal cup of pens and other writing utensils, “Please, just stay right here.” I crossed my arms over my chest and glared. When she realized that was all she was going to get from me, she rolled her eyes and sighed. 

With that she rushed over to her friend who was cupping his other hand beneath the first to catch drops of crimson as they fell. She threw the pencil holder down on the vanity and ushered him hurriedly to the bathroom, turning over her shoulder and pointing both fingers at her eyes, before reversing the gesture to be aimed at me. I held my hands up, what could I possibly do now? I was unarmed, and stranded. The object of my disdain far away from my radius for harm. 

As they retreated, I heard the wounded man grumble, “Fuck! He’s a little… demon!!” I had the sense that a different word had come to mind first, but he’d chosen the latter. 

“… Yeah, believe me, I know…” Hey! Natalie, you’re supposed to be on my side! 

“Why in the hell do you keep him around, then?” 

“I don’t know how to explain it, but, believe it or not, he actually kinda grows on you after a while.” I wasn’t sure what to make of that. Should I be offended or flattered? 

“I can’t believe he actually stabbed me…” And I’d do it again without hesitation. 

After that, their voices became so muffled beyond the partially closed bathroom door that it was hardly worth straining to listen. 

I sat alone, isolated and small, feeling a burning sensation in all my exhausted muscle groups, as my heart and lungs worked to steady themselves to a more even tempo. The gift of solitude meant that I no longer had to maintain my composure. I collapsed back onto an elbow, breath coming in ragged fits and starts, no longer having to maintain a defensive stance. Air couldn’t come fast enough as I choked and sweat dripped in my eyes and down my back and neck. My arms and legs were spasming as I tried my best to come down from the excitement of all that had just transpired. Damn, my leg hurt. Everything hurt. I focused on my breathing for a few moments, eyes craned to the ceiling so far above where I lay. I was utterly exhausted. A long rest in my bed which had been the object of such condescension and ridicule just a while ago sounded utterly delightful. But what could I do? I had no means of crossing the vast room in any practical way. I was much too pathetically little for such luxuries of inhabiting two different corners of a room with ease. As if I needed any more reminders today of how small I was. What was a man in my situation to do but sit and ponder? I had no other recourse, after all. 

So, this was her friend who’d helped make all this time working from home possible? I was beginning to think Natalie had very poor taste in friends. I wrinkled my nose in disgust remembering how his eyes had lit up in fascination like I was some shiny, new, coveted object. What was wrong with humans? What was so delightfully fascinating about me anyway?  In any case, he got exactly what was coming to him. 

The muffled sound of voices honed into sharp focus as, suddenly, a voice with a male timbre could be heard whining, “Fuck! OWWW!!!”

A female voice followed with zero hesitation, “Oh don’t be such a fucking baby!” 

I couldn’t help but chuckle. You got what you deserved, you overly enthused idiot. Of course, in fairness to him, I knew firsthand how dangerous Natalie could be when armed with a cotton swab soaked in hydrogen peroxide. 

*********

If I was in the mood to be generous, which I wasn’t, all I could say is that the tension in the air between myself, leaning over the kitchen counter prepping two whiskey cokes, my friend, nursing his wounds at my kitchen table, and the positively tiny man, petulantly sulking on the opposite side of the table and somehow, even from this distance, palpably radiating with vitriol, was so thick, you could cut it with a knife. The only sound was the groan of the living room heater, as ice clattered in the glass while I poured.  

We’d shuffled from bedroom to kitchen without so much as a word between us. And now here we were, all avoiding eye contact like put out children. This was fucking stupid. They were both being wildly immature about this. Build a bridge guys. Don’t condscend and don’t be a fucking dick, it’s not that complicated. Did this whole crazy day say something about me? Was I like a drama magnet or something? 

Tired of the exhaustive pity party, I swept my hair from my eyes, and swirling them for a final time, I set the drinks down by a wool sweater covered elbow. Neither of them bothered to respond.

 I stood there for a moment before breaking the ice myself, “Alright then… Alexander? Meet Charles. He’s a teaching assistant in most of my main lectures this semester. He was just coming over to check on me since I’d kinda gone AWOL these last few weeks. That’s all. He’s not a threat to either of us, okay? He’s a good guy and he means well. He just… had a pretty major… lapse in judgment. One of the smartest people I know… Oh, don’t glare at me like that! Besides you, of course. Okay, Charles, meet Alexander. I found him in my pantry… well, actually, my roses… well, I technically found him in the trash, I just didn’t know it yet… anyway, he’s incredibly intelligent, fiercely independent, and he’s been through some fucking major shit, yet, he still manages to come back swinging every time. To be super clear, he’s here only as long as he wants to be, he’s his own man and he has my utmost respect, even though he pisses me off every five minutes for doing gremlin shit like stabbing my friends in the fucking face. Oh, and he’s almost as big a nerd as you, so I’d like to think you two can find some common ground. So, with that said, it’s time to kiss and make up.” They each bore holes into the surface of the table. I refused to take no for an answer, “Apologize to each other, now.” 

Both their heads whipped up, brows furrowed, incredulous sputters erupting from both mouths, big and small. Then, upon realizing I was serious, and almost as if on cue, both shouted, “Me?! What did I do?!” 

“Jesus Christ, do I have to do all the heavy lifting around here?” I couldn’t help but massage my temples, a stress headache no doubt on the near horizon, “Charles? Gimme your eyes…” My friend’s lips flattened into a line as he raised one eyebrow as if to say, ‘Really, Nat?’ My bad. Wrong turn of phrase, given that one of his seeing organs was nearly lost just a few minutes ago. 

I sighed, settling into the chair between the two uneasy parties, each glaring over his shoulder at the other, “Sorry, well, your one good one, then… Look…” Fuck, bad phrasing again, what was wrong with me? “…I haven’t even had a chance to properly thank you for braving this shit weather to come check on me. I know I haven’t been super responsive and you’re a good friend…” 

The tiny scoff in the vicinity of my right elbow made me, albeit briefly, change course, “Zip it, Alexander!” Instead of acquiescing quietly, he, of course, had to make a big show of his dislike of being told what to do. He threw his small weight dramatically against the ugly, chipped, ceramic salt shaker my grandma gifted me years ago. 

The object hardly even rocked as he pressed against it, rolling over his shoulder to turn away from me and obscure himself from view behind the white and blue patterned flowers,  “…Anyway, where was I?” I turned my attention back to Charles, “Yes, you’re awesome, thank you for always watering my plants when I go home on break and for making the hellscape that is lawschool slightly more bearable. However… As you can see, there’s something significantly different from last time we really talked and there’s some important things you need to know: He may look like the cutest little blonde-haired, blue-eyed angel that you’ve ever seen, he may be so adorably small that he can fit in just the palm of your hand and, yes, in theory, if you were really determined to pick him up you could do so without too much resistance, but when I tell you it is against your own self interest to fuck with this little man I am speaking from extensive experience. He deserves as much respect as anyone else, big or small. He’s fought for that all his life and at least in the confines of this apartment, he’ll get what he’s worked so hard for. Believe me, he had to train me too, in the beginning. Listen to him and everyone will be much better off for it, I promise. Do not condescend to him, do not touch him without his permission and do not, under any circumstances, treat him as anything less than the hyper intelligent, wonderful little nightmare he is.” Out of the corner of my eye, I caught tiny movements on the table’s surface below, a pair of blue eyes staring up at me through blonde, curtained bangs as he listened intently. I didn’t dare flash my gaze in that direction, knowing full well once he’d been caught in the act, he’d turn away again. 

Charles was quick to respond, applying pressure with a few fingers around the banadage on his cheek, as if spot checking for blood, “Little nightmare is fuckin’ right. What did I do? I was kind. I helped him. I tried to be as gentle as I could. Look at him, he’s adorable… er, was… Can I really be blamed for that?” He shrugged defensively, “I mean, c’mon, they’re tiny, they’re cute, isn’t that, like, the whole point?” 

I was going to strangle him, “Dude, did you listen to a single thing I just said?”

“What?! I thought they liked it!” 

“You thought I… what?” No longer satisfied with lingering behind the salt shaker, Alexander rose to standing. Without his cane, which, in all the fuss, I’d stupidly left in the bedroom, he steadied himself with one hand on the painted ceramic, his chest puffed out, a defiant gleam in his eye. Oh boy, here we go. I knew better than to get in his way, but I couldn’t help taking a long swig from my glass in preparation for the tirade that was about to transpire,  “Please, repeat yourself, you thought I… what was that again?” 

Charles stuttered, flashing glances at me. His face was drawn, he instinctively leaned back, away from the little man before him who was unflinchingly glaring up in his direction. He knew he’d been caught, “W-well, I just… you know what I meant…” 

“You thought I liked being talked down to and treated with disregard? Interesting. What part of my reaction gave you that impression?” Even from this distance (perhaps a foot or so across the surface of the table) I could see his blue eyes were burning. Charles failed to respond, simply sputtering instead. I knew Alexander was just loving every second of this… smart little bastard, “No, I’m curious. You’re an aspiring attorney, aren’t you? Go on, then. Defend your case.” 

Charles looked at me and I offered no solace, instead, I  simply raised an eyebrow and downed another substantial fraction of my drink. As the little man spoke, goading the much larger recipient into a debate, he stepped away from the shaker, crossing toward Charles’ end of the table. I immediately bit my lip as he left the support behind and bore weight on his still weak leg. I did my best not to intervene, holding my breath as he made a few steps forward, a painful limp evident in his gait. Despite the pain, no doubt shooting through his body, his voice never waivered. Goddamn, I was proud of him, even if he was insulting my friend left and right. He tucked a hand into his side pocket, the other resting on his chest with a poised ease, his fingers spread from his solar plexus down the length of his sternum. This little nightmare knew precisely what he was doing, and I couldn’t help but watch, “Charles, wasn’t it? Tell me, Charles, how would you like it, if–” Just then, as he took another step forward, his knee failed to bear his weight, and he buckled. 

Gasping, my hand flew toward him, offering him support with a few fingers. He fell forward into my grasp, a snarl curling his mouth as his hands spread on my fingertips. He leaned against me until he regained his balance, gripping onto the segments of my fingers to pull himself back up. My heart was in my throat, as I searched his little face for signs of pain, noticing the rhythm of his own tiny heartbeats, though they spiked for a moment, didn’t seem to be going into overdrive. Setting his shoulders, he pushed forward, against my hand, attempting to continue on his path. I hesitated, providing the slightest resistance. His brow knit and those burning irises locked with mine again, “Natalie, I’m fine. Let go.” 

He wasn’t scared. His face was flushed and his bangs were disheveled, but his eyes were steeled and determined. I pulled my hand away without hesitation, wincing internally at each furious little limping stride he took, his fists balled at his sides. 

He regarded the man before him, whose eyeline may as well have been the summit of a sizable cliff face in their proportion to each other. The little man stood fearlessly beside a tumbler full of alcohol that he could have bathed in, sucked in a clean breath and laid into the larger man, “What you fail to understand is that there is not a single cell in my body that likes my current predicament,” As he spoke, his left pointer finger sawed and jabbed the air like some sort of rhetorical blade intent on wounding his target,  “I did not ask for you to loom over me, to touch me, to condescend or pacify me. I am not your friend, I don’t know you in any familiar way, yet you see someone like me, adorable and tiny, as I believe you put it, and you immediately assume that makes me somehow less valuable as a sentient being. You think that just because you can overpower me you have every right to do so. And I concede, in the current political landscape, you are legally allowed, no… not allowed, you are, in fact, encouraged to do so. And why shouldn’t you? I exist explicitly for your entertainment, don’t I? And, in any case, what am I going to do about it, even if I don’t like it? I couldn’t possibly, out of a desire for self-preservation, consider the idea of fighting back, could I? No! No, of course not. Because, as you put it, I’m just a ‘sweet little guy’, who ‘likes it’ when you treat me like an object. Indeed, it feels about as wonderful as a letter opener lodged in your face!” 

There was a pregnant pause between all three of us, as the gravity of his words pervaded the room. Both Charles and I couldn’t help but stare ashamedly into the inky depths of our drinks. I knew I was no saint, myself, when it came to the little man. He stood now with a rod straight spine, his arms crossed tightly over his chest as his lungs heaved with the task of receiving oxygen again, his unflinching gaze trained on the avoidant eyes of his opposite. I knew I’d fucked up hundreds of times: pissed him off, disspointed him, failed him. He was so right, and it was important we shut up and listen. 

The only sound was the heater rattling away, once again. 

“... Fuck…” Charles sighed, leaning all the way back in his chair now, his head in his hands. He was full of remorse “I’m… I’m really sorry. I wasn’t… You’re right, I just jumped to… I’m sorry, Alexander.” I watched the little man who wore his every thought on his sleeve, as he took this in. He was shocked. His head cocked to the side, his brow furrowed, his lips parting just slightly from their usual tight, pensive tension. He hadn’t expected this. Not at all. He blinked rapidly, his rigid posture softening ever so slightly as he was taken off-guard. 

Charles, taking precautions not to move too suddenly, pushed his chair out and leaned on the lip of the table, his chin resting on his forearm. As he moved, Alexander took a half step back, wary and uncertain about the whole situation, still, he never cowered and his eyes showed no fear. As the larger man settled himself, he was still a good distance from the baffled little man with whom he was now almost eye level. Slowly, he offered his index finger, “I’m sorry I insulted you. Can you forgive me?” Alexander regarded the man with suspicion, his brows knitted and his lips turned down into a sort of puzzled caution. 

Still, to my utter surprise, instead of using this moment of genuine vulnerability against his opponent, the little man stepped forward in all his five and a half inches and, albeit not all that enthusiastically, took the offered digit in the palm of his hand and shook it tersely before quickly breaking away. 

Charles didn’t linger in his space for long and soon returned to an upright position, as Alexander rubbed the center of his palm with the ball of his opposite thumb. It was clear we all needed some air. 

“Hey,” Charles met my gaze as I got his attention, “Could you do us a favor and go get his cane?” He and I exchanged a knowing glance. It was clear he understood what I was really asking for, “Just… just in case…” With a terse nod, the man in the wool sweater rose and disappeared down the hall. 

As the sound of his steps faded, I turned my full attention to the five and a half inches of a little life before me. It was just us again, after what’d felt like an eternity of drama. For the first time since that knock on the door, the air seemed to come a little more freely into my lungs. I propped my head on an elbow and looked him over. I watched his little body release pent up tension, his defensive spine melting into the everyday rigidity of his usual posture. Poor thing. Did he ever really allow himself to relax? He thrust his hands into his pockets, leaning his weight on his left side. I wondered how his leg was holding up. He hadn’t strained it this much since his surgery. I wanted desperately to offer him a hand to lean on but didn’t want to patronize. I bit my lip. 

Seeming to read my mind like a book, his keen eyes flitted in my direction, “I’m fine.” Are you, though? Or are you putting on a brave face? “I can tell you want to touch me as some form of physical comfort. So, go ahead, get it over with…” he lowered his head and spread his arms, as if surrendering. 

A pang of guilt shot through me, “No, I don’t want to make you endure it. If you want me to leave you alone, I will.” 

“You’re going to pout if I don’t allow for some form of contact. So, go on, just do what you’d like, within reason…” his head had stayed lowered to the ground until his very last few words, when his icy irises flashed up at me, and I caught a glimpse of a very different kind of glow in his eyes, one that was much softer, more vulnerable. I’d opened my mouth to rebuff him again when those eyes changed everything. 

Oh. 

This was his way of asking for it. His pride would never allow him to directly request what he wanted at this moment, especially not after chastising us both for our sins of condescension. I didn’t blame him. He’d been threatened, humiliated, laughed at, and stressed out. Maybe a minute or two to rest would do a world of good for him but, of course, he couldn’t admit to wanting something from me, that would be far too weak. We couldn’t acknowledge the reality of that truth for the sake of his ego, so I played along instead, “Just for a minute, please? You tell me when you’ve had enough torture for one day and I’ll let you go.” He nodded, eyes still fixed to the ground. Although it was almost impossible to see his face, I swear I saw more color in his cheek. 

“Yes, yes, let’s get this over with.” 

I slid my hand over to him, very gently wrapping my fingers around his legs and back, pressing the ball of my thumb into his chest and torso. Even though his face stayed neutral and he hardly moved at all, I couldn’t help but notice a release of his strained muscles as he was finally able to release all the pressure off of his injury. It’s okay to get help when you’re hurting. I couldn’t keep my brows from knitting together in concern. It pained me that he tried so very hard to be strong and independent. I completely understood where the impulse came from but I hated that he was in pain and toughing it out when I was happy to help. I sat with my hand propping him up for a few moments, wanting nothing more than a closer look,  “May I pick you up?” 

“Yes, fine.” His face was a little pinker than it had been, I was sure of it. Gently, I settled him across the platform of my fingers, his right leg placed carefully along the length of my palm with his heel balanced on my wrist. The ball of my thumb remained in his lap with a looser grip as I drew him up to the level of my eyes. 

He sat there stiffly, not allowing himself the luxury of relaxing fully into my hand. I wished he’d stop being so uptight but now was not the time to fight him on it. Still, as I looked him over, I felt an immediate swell of pride expand my chest and warm my face. I didn’t realize he’d been watching me with equal attention to detail, until he spoke, “What is it, Natalie?” His voice lacked its usual defensive edge. He was genuinely asking. 

“I just think you’re absolutely incredible. You are literally the bravest, most unhinged person I know.” Did his face get a little redder? All he could manage as a response was to roll his eyes, “No, I mean it! You looked at someone over ten times your size and without hesitation were just like, ‘Yeah I can take him’. Who does that?!” The tiniest ghost of a twinge of a smirk uplifted the corner of his crooked little smile. There you are, Alexander, the real you underneath it all. “When I really think about it, I can’t even be mad at you. You are one badass little motherfucker. Don’t ever change. Okay?” I rubbed my thumb across his chest, as he begrudgingly nodded, the smirk cracking into a half smile, while he rested a hand over the bed of my thumb nail. I admit, I felt the blood in my veins pump a little faster, “We can all stand to learn a thing or two from you on how not to take other people’s bullshit.” 

“I hope you plan to take copious notes after all this.” 

“Oh, it’s a must!” 

He cleared his throat and shifted in my hand, sitting himself up a bit straighter, his gaze took a moment to land as he settled, clearly preparing to speak in greater earnest, “I suppose… I feel at least a modicum of remorse… for staining his otherwise high quality sweater.” 

I had to slap my hand over my mouth to keep from cackling out loud, “You’re such a bastard! Of course all you care about is his fashion sense!”

Alexander was smiling too, as he pressed against my thumb, emphatically gesturing to the bedroom far off to his right, “What?! It’s the only redeemable quality about him! Did you expect me to lie for the purpose of overt flattery? Have you met me?”

Just then we heard the opening of a door down the hall, as the man in question began to re-emerge. I stroked the side of the little man’s head with my thumb, as I cocked an eyebrow at him, as if to say “Do you want to be put down?” He nodded brusquely, and I did as I was asked, gently lowering him and tipping my hand so he could find his feet before letting go entirely. 

As the footsteps approached ever nearer, I leaned down and whispered so only Alexander could hear, “You know, if you wanted a sweater like that all you had to do was ask, you didn’t have to destroy his!” 

“Says the woman who still hasn’t made good on her promise to fulfill my modest suit requests.” 

“Three piece Italian suits and silk ties are not modest. Even for someone of your size! I’m saving up, alright? Get off my back!” I prodded him playfully in the chest as he batted at my fingertip. 

In a moment, Charles would be standing before us, and there would begin a new matter as we all awkwardly tried to reset and start over, each much more aware of the others’ feelings on the whole situation. But for now, it was just the little blonde devil and me and I wouldn’t have had it any other way. Was it weird that I was kinda excited to watch him lose his shit at us again? Not that I had any intention of provoking him, but it wasn’t far from feasible that we’d inevitably do something to offend him. It just made me proud to watch him unapologetically stand up for himself, even if I got caught in the crossfire. Looking down at him now, I couldn’t imagine my life without him. Had his opinions towards me shifted in that direction at all? Or was I a target for spite and disdain like my friend approaching the table? I didn’t think so. At least, not to the same degree. The way his eyes had softened when we were finally alone, the way he’d asked me to hold him in the most passive aggressive roundabout way possible… I thought deep down in that little stone heart of his was a warm spot for me, even if it was microscopic in size at this point. 

Maybe, just maybe, with a lot of effort I could fan that ember into something bigger. But who knew? There was only so much room in a chest the size of my finger tip.