#my bike broke and we went home to fix it

[belairsilkandlinen]

I had the sort of dream that will take me weeks to fade away from

[vunblr]

Chains of Fate

Pairing: Destroyer!Chris x Female Reader

Warnings: 18+ only. Fluff. Smut. Unprotected sex.

Summary: A florist keeps having trouble with her bicycle, and Chris, her rugged mechanic neighbor, is always available to help. Or isn’t he?

Word Count: About 6.8k.

notes: Yup, this story isn’t about Bucky. After reading this story by @sashaisready featuring Destroyer!Chris the other day, I had an overwhelming urge to write something with him. It was an itch I just had to scratch and well, here we are.

When she closed the shop's door behind her, the late afternoon sun cast long shadows over the street. The aroma of the last plants she touched still clung to her hands as she fumbled to lock up. The bicycle leaned against the wall, her reliable companion in her daily routine.

Except today, it wasn’t so reliable. As soon as she set her hand on the handlebar, she noticed the chain dangling uselessly, smudged with grease, and utterly dislodged.

"Seriously?" she muttered, brushing a strand of hair from her face and crouching to inspect the damage. Her attempt to wrestle the chain back into place was met with resistance and a smear of black grease across her palm. With a resigned sigh, she glanced toward the mechanic shop next door.

The large garage doors were half-open, spilling the faint sound of a radio murmuring some old rock ballad. She hesitated. The other workers had surely gone home already, leaving the place unusually quiet.

The thought of asking him made her nervous and self-conscious. They’d spoken a dozen times, exchanging brief pleasantries when their paths crossed. He always looked like he belonged in an old motorcycle catalog: broad-shouldered with a padlock beard, hair shaved on the sides of his head, and effortlessly self-assured. Also, attractive. Very attractive.

As she predicted, he was still there, leaning against a workbench, the sleeves of his denim jacket cut clean to reveal his tattooed arms. His sharp features and unreadable expression gave him an edge that was as intimidating as magnetic.

Don’t overthink it. Just ask for help, she told herself. Still, her fingers fidgeted nervously as she wheeled the bike toward the shop.

"Hey, Chris?" she called softly.

He looked up, his piercing blue eyes locking onto hers. For a moment, he simply studied her, then he tossed the rag he’d been holding onto the bench. "What’s up?"

"My bike... The chain came off," she explained, gesturing toward it. "I was hoping you might be able to fix it, if it’s not too much trouble."

His lips curved slightly, a smirk that wasn’t unfriendly but held a flicker of something she couldn’t place. "Bring it here."

She rolled the bike closer, and he took it from her hands, their fingers brushing briefly. He turned it toward the stand, crouching low as he inspected the damage.

"You know," he said without looking up, "you could fix this yourself if you had the right tools."

"I guess I’m not very handy," she admitted softly.

He glanced up, smirking faintly. "Good thing you’ve got me, huh?" before she could answer, he returned his attention to the bike, muscles flexing as he worked the chain back into place. She found herself mesmerized, gazing at the strength in his forearms and the grease-streaked curve of his jawline.

"Something on your mind?" his voice broke the silence, and her heart jumped.

"No! I mean-" She flushed, caught staring. "Just...thank you. For helping." She glanced around the workshop, her eyes catching on the faint outline of a lipstick kiss smudged on an old coffee cup by a wooden table. Her stomach twisted. She wasn’t stupid, she’d seen the kind of women who came and went from here. Long legged, sun-kissed beauties, wearing barely there shorts, with loud laugh and bold hands.

Not exactly like her.

He stood, rolling his shoulders, the chain now secure in its place. He moved closer, his sharp blue eyes studying her in a way that made her self-conscious again. His smirk softened. "Next time it happens, come straight to me. Don’t try to fix it yourself."

She nodded. "So… how much do I owe you?" she asked after a beat, softer than she intended.

He wiped his hands on his jeans. "Nothing."

"Nothing?" she repeated, a little startled. "I don’t want to take advantage of you,” she stated. “You took the time-"

“Y/n,” he interrupted, his smirk fading into something more serious. “It’s just a bike chain. I’m not charging you for that.”

She bit her lip, unsure how to respond. The way he said her name made something flutter in her chest, and she cursed herself for letting it. She glanced down at her bike, hoping to steady her nerves. "Well, thank you. I really appreciate it."

As he handed her the bike back, his fingers lingered for a moment longer than necessary. "You’re welcome," he murmured, and she could swear his gaze flicked toward her lips.

She tightened her grip on the handlebars, offering him a small, grateful smile before wheeling her bike toward the door. As she turned the corner, she couldn’t help but glance back. He was leaning against the doorway, watching at her.

----------

The following day, she couldn’t focus. Not on the meticulous task of pruning succulents, nor the subtle rearranging of potted lavender displays. Her mind kept drifting back to the workshop next door. Specifically, to Chris.

She bit her lip, hands hovering over a basket of moss she’d been fluffing for far too long. It wasn’t just the gratitude she felt for him fixing her bike, it was the way his voice sounded when he said her name, the fleeting brush of his fingers as he handed her the handlebars, and damn, that stare.

By mid-morning, her resolve solidified. A thank-you was in order, a proper one. And if she were being honest, maybe she wanted an excuse to see him again. As the thought settled in her mind, she absently plucked at a stray leaf from one of her displays, and a memory came to her mind.

It was late summer, she’d been in a corner near the counter of the bakery, debating whether to get a cinnamon scone or stick to her usual croissant, when the doorbell chimed, and Chris strolled inside.

He was hard to miss, even in a crowd. Tall, broad-shouldered, denim jacket slung lazily over one arm. He’d made his way to the counter, nodding a greeting to the baker before ordering a box of assorted treats.

At the time, she’d assumed they weren’t for him. He didn’t seem the type to indulge in baked goods. Maybe the box was for his employees, or one of the women who frequented his workshop. But then, weeks later, she’d seen him again.

It was mid-afternoon, and she’d been sweeping the sidewalk in front of her shop when she noticed him sitting at the curb just down the street. He had the bakery box open on his lap, a brownie in hand, and his expression was uncharacteristically soft.

She had to do a double take, blinking in disbelief. Chris -the intimidating, sharp featured mechanic- was biting into the brownie like a kid savoring his favorite candy. A trace of a smile tugged at the corner of his mouth, his usual hard edges momentarily softened in the golden light.

She’d stared longer than she should have, her broom forgotten in her hand. The sight had been… endearing, unexpected, and strangely magnetic. It lingered in her mind long after he wiped his fingers on his jeans and walked back to the workshop.

Now, standing in her shop, the memory made her smile. It also gave her an idea. If he had a soft spot for baked goods, why not lean into it?

Decided to give it a try, she flipped the sign on her door to Closed in the afternoon and hurried home. Baking wasn’t exactly her forte, but she could manage something simple. Something thoughtful. She sifted through her cupboards, pulling out cocoa powder, sugar, and butter. Chocolate cupcakes seemed perfect: rich, sweet, and easy enough to make without risking disaster.

The process wasn’t without its hiccups. Flour dusted all over her counter -and somehow her shirt-, and she almost forgot to preheat the oven. But as the cupcakes rose, the warm aroma of chocolate filled her small kitchen, and a satisfied smile spread across her face.

By the time the ganache was swirled on top and the sea salt sprinkled for flair, it was late. She packed the best of the batch carefully into a small box, tying it with twine.

Tomorrow, she thought, wiping her hands on a dish towel. Tomorrow, she’d thank Chris properly. And if she was lucky, maybe she’d get to see him smile like that again.

----------

The next morning, she arrived at her shop earlier than usual, the cupcake box nestled securely in the basket of her bike. Her heart raced as she pedaled through the quiet streets, rehearsing what she might say when she saw him.

As she rounded the corner near the workshop, her eyes immediately landed on Chris. He was standing at the garage doors, fumbling with the heavy lock, a slight scowl on his face. The sight made her smile, seeing someone so self-assured look momentarily frustrated was oddly endearing.

She braked to a gentle stop in front of her flower shop, propping her bike against the wall. Taking a deep breath, she grabbed the box and walked toward him.

“Morning, Chris,” she called softly, trying to steady her voice.

He looked up, and is scowl disappeared, replaced by a flicker of surprise. “Morning,” he replied, his voice gruff from the early hour. “You’re up early.”

“So are you,” she countered, her lips curving into a small smile. She stepped closer, holding the box in front of her. “I, uh… I wanted to thank you for helping me with my bike the other day. Properly, this time.”

His gaze shifted to the box in her hands, one brow quirking slightly. “What’s this?”

She bit her lip, feeling uncharacteristically shy. “Just a little something. I… made you cupcakes.”

Chris blinked, as though trying to process her words. “You baked me cupcakes?” he repeated, his tone hovering between surprise and amusement.

“Yes.” She hesitated, glancing down at the box. “I know it’s not much, but… I really appreciated your help, and I thought… well, you seemed to like sweets, so…”

His lips twitched, the corner pulling into a faint smirk. “You noticed that, huh?”

Her cheeks warmed. “I might’ve seen you at the bakery once or twice.”

Chris chuckled, low and warmly. He reached out, his rough fingers brushing hers as he took the box. “This wasn’t necessary, you know.”

“I wanted to,” she said quickly, meeting his gaze. “It’s just a thank-you.”

For a moment, he studied her with a soft expression that made her stomach flutter. “Well, thank you,” he murmured. He peeped inside the box, then back at her. “I’ll have to try them later. If they’re as good as it looks, I might have to hire you as my personal baker.”

She laughed nervously. “Don’t get your hopes up. Baking isn’t exactly my forte.”

“Could’ve fooled me,” he said, with a growing smirk.

She shifted on her feet, unsure of what else to say. “Well, I should get back to my shop. Have a good morning.”

“You too.” He murmured. As she turned to leave, she felt his gaze linger, and it took everything in her not to glance back.

----------

It was later than usual when she finally locked up the flower shop. The delivery truck earlier in the afternoon brought far more than she’d expected, and sorting through the dozens of plants had turned into an all-day affair. She was tired, her hands aching a little from hauling pots and unpacking boxes, but it was a good kind of tired, that came with satisfaction.

She grabbed her bike from where it was propped against the wall outside and prepared to head home, already looking forward to a quiet dinner and a hot bath. But when she tried to pedal, the resistance was immediate. The familiar, dreaded clink of the chain greeted her ears.

Her brows furrowed. Again?

Her first instinct was to crouch down and take a look, but she paused, remembering Chris’s words: “Next time it happens, come straight to me. Don’t try to fix it yourself.” It had been a direct instruction, accompanied by a pointed look, and though she didn’t like feeling helpless, she also didn’t want to make things worse.

With a reluctant sigh, she wheeled the bike over to the garage next door. The overhead door was still partially open, spilling soft light onto the pavement, though the space beyond looked quiet. She hesitated at the threshold before stepping inside, her voice tentative.

“Chris?”

There was no immediate response, but a moment later, a door creaked open.

Her breath caught at the sight before her eyes.

Chris stepped out of the small bathroom at the back of the garage, barefoot, wearing only a pair of well-worn jeans that clung low on his hips and a towel that hung loosely around his neck. His chest and abs were still damp, droplets of water catching the light as they slid down his skin, evidence of a quick rinse before heading home. He stopped mid-step when he saw her, his brows lifting in surprise for the briefest moment. Then, slowly, a wicked smile spread across his face, and he pressed his tongue against the inside of his cheek, the gesture both lazy and deliberate.

“Well, Poppy,” he drawled, his voice low and amused. “Couldn’t stay away, huh?”

Her cheeks heated instantly at the nickname, and she gripped the handlebars of her bike tighter, suddenly hyper-aware of how small the space felt with him standing there. “My chain,” she said quickly, gesturing to the offending bike. “It came off again.”

He tilted his head, still grinning as he sauntered toward her. “Did it now?” His tone was almost teasing, and she couldn’t help but feel like there was something unspoken in his words.

“Yeah,” she agreed, clearing her throat. “So… here I am. Like you said.”

Chris stopped just a foot away, his gaze dropping to the bike and then back to her face, his smirk never faltering. “You’re a good listener,” he remarked, crouching down to inspect the chain. “Most people think they know better and end up making a bigger mess.”

She crossed her arms, trying to ignore the way her pulse quickened as his shoulders flexed with the movement. “Well, you made it pretty clear not to touch it.”

“Smart girl,” he murmured, more to himself than to her.

As he worked, his fingers deftly maneuvering the chain back into place, she studied him, trying to distract herself from the warmth creeping up her neck. There was something about his expression, something she couldn’t quite put her finger on.

“You seem… amused by this,” she observed, narrowing her eyes slightly.

Chris glanced up at her, his grin softening into something more boyish, though no less mischievous. “Do I?”

“Yes,” she shot back, though her voice lacked the bite she intended.

He straightened, brushing his hands on his jeans as he inspected his work. “There. Good as new,” He leaned casually against the bike, and the smirk returned, slow and deliberate.

“Guess you’ll just have to keep coming back,” he added, replacing the boyish smile with the smirk again.

Something about the way he said it… no, she was imagining things. She shook the thought away, offering a polite smile instead. “Thanks,” she murmured. “Let’s hope I don’t have to. I’ve bothered you enough already.”

He didn’t reply immediately, just chuckled low. A rich, warm sound that made her stomach flutter despite herself. Reaching for the towel draped around his neck, he tossed it over his shoulder, his smirk never fading.

“Guess we’ll see,” he replied, his tone dripping with mirth.

She gave him a quick nod, gripping the handlebars of her bike as she turned toward the door. As she wheeled it out of the workshop, she could feel his gaze on her the entire time, heavy and lingering.

----------

It couldn’t be just a coincidence, and she didn’t believe in hexes. As she stepped outside the shop the next day and tried to ride her bike, only to find the chain dislodged again, she was sure Chris had something to do with it.

But why? Was he bored and was using her as a form of distraction? Did he catch on to her little crush and find joy in teasing her? The thoughts simmered in her chest, leaving a heat that burned more from frustration than embarrassment.

Biting her lip, she squared her shoulders and left the bike leaning against the wall. Her resolve hardened as she stormed toward the garage, striding straight through the open door. The bang of it slamming shut behind her echoed in the quiet space.

There he was, perched casually on the edge of a workbench, a giant biscuit in hand. His broad shoulders hunched slightly as he chewed, and he looked up at her with a genuine flicker of surprise in his icy blue eyes. Good. Let him be surprised.

“What the hell is wrong with you?” she hissed, her tone sharp enough to cut through the air.

He didn’t answer immediately, his poker face slipping into place as he leisurely took another bite of his biscuit. She marched closer, the click of her boots on the concrete floor punctuating her frustration.

“You think it’s funny, huh?” she snapped, her voice rising. “Messing with my bike to entertain yourself like some immature teenager?”

This... was not how he pictured this would go.

Chris blinked at her, caught off guard by the fiery edge in her tone and the determination blazing in her eyes. He hadn’t accounted for this, hadn’t considered that the sweet, flustered woman next door might come stomping into his workshop like a storm ready to unleash hell.

And damn if it wasn’t kind of hot.

The corner of his mouth twitched, but he suppressed the smirk threatening to form, masking his features into neutrality. Okay, Poppy’s got thorns, he thought, his nickname for her taking on a new meaning. His smooth plan -one that felt straight out of a cheesy romcom, the kind his friends always mocked him for enjoying - was spiraling quickly out of control.

“Are you just going to sit there and stare or are you going to explain yourself?” she pressed, crossing her arms. Her cheeks were flushed, and her frustration was palpable.

He swallowed the last of the biscuit, brushing the crumbs from his hands. “Explain what, exactly?” he drawled, calm but with a hint of amusement.

“My bike,” she snapped, pointing toward the door. “The chain’s off again, and I know you have something to do with it.”

Chris finally let the smirk slip, pressing his tongue to the inside of his cheek as he stood, the movement slow and deliberate. “Maybe you should take better care of it,” he advised, in a low and teasing tone

Her eyes narrowed, and he could almost see the steam rising off her.

“Don’t play dumb,” she shot back. “You told me not to touch it, to bring it to you, and now, magically, it keeps breaking?”

He stepped closer, his hands sliding casually into his pockets. “And yet, here you are,” he murmured, deepening his infuriating smirk.

Her glare faltered for the briefest moment as she registered his words. Indeed, he was doing it on purpose.

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” she breathed, her voice dripping with disbelief.

“Guess you figured me out,” he admitted, his voice dipping lower as he stepped closer, vanishing the space between them. Their bodies almost touched, and his heat radiated against her skin. “What are you gonna do about it, Poppy?”

That sultry tone, paired with the teasing lilt in his words, sent a wave of electricity coursing through her body, nearly making her knees give out. But she forced herself to stand firm, her chin tilting upward to meet his gaze.

Before she could stop herself -before her rational side could intervene- her hand shot out, slapping him across the face.

The sharp sound echoed in the quiet garage.

Chris’s head snapped slightly to the side, the sting blooming on his cheek. His free hand instinctively flexed at his side as he turned back to her with a stunned expression, as though he truly hadn’t seen that coming.

“Okay,” he muttered, almost to himself.

She didn’t give him time to recover. “I didn’t think you were such an asshole, Chris,” she spat, her voice trembling with anger, her chest heaving. “You have all those women fawning over you nonstop, and this-” she gestured between them, her voice breaking with frustration” was completely unnecessary. I hope your little game entertained you enough. Your stupid neigh-”

He cut her off the only way he could think of.

By kissing her.

The motion was swift. His hand slid around her waist, keeping her in place as his lips crashed against hers. It wasn’t a soft, tentative kiss. It was firm, heated, and unapologetically bold, the kind that stole the breath right out of her lungs.

For a split second, her mind went blank, her anger eclipsed by the unexpected intensity of his actions. She froze, unsure whether to push him away or pull him closer.

His lips softened slightly, coaxing rather than demanding, as if asking her to meet him halfway.

And damn it, she did.

Her hands found their way to his chest, whether to shove him or steady herself, she couldn’t tell.

When he finally pulled back, his forehead rested lightly against hers, and his breath was hot against her lips. “Now,” he murmured “are you gonna call me an asshole again, or should I keep going?”

Her eyes snapped open and her cheeks flamed as she registered his mischievous and utterly unrepentant smirk. Her chest rose and fell, words stuck in her throat as he leaned closer, his lips curling into a knowing grin. "That's what I thought," he murmured, his voice low and taunting, before capturing her lips again.

This time, the kiss was deeper, hungrier. His hand slid from her waist to her hip, pulling her flush against him, while the other cradled the back of her neck. Her protest melted into a soft moan as his tongue parted her lips, exploring her with confidence.

Her hands found their way to his shoulders, clutching at the firm muscles beneath his shirt as he walked her backward, guiding her toward the little office at the side of the workshop without breaking the kiss. When her thighs hit the edge of the desk, he took the opportunity to press his body even closer.

His name on her lips only seemed to spur him on, his kisses growing fiercer and insistent. The room was filled with the sounds of their ragged breaths and the scrape of papers and stationery being pushed aside as he lifted her onto the desk, stepping between her knees with a possessive grip on her thighs.

He pulled back just enough to meet her gaze. "You can still walk out of here," he rasped, though the way his thumb traced lazy circles on her inner thigh suggested he knew the answer already.

Her lips parted, but instead of answering, she grabbed the collar of his shirt and yanked him back to her. That was all the permission he needed.

Chris’s hands gripped her thighs firmly, pulling her hips closer to the edge of the desk as he kissed her like he was starved. His teeth grazed her bottom lip, drawing a gasp from her mouth, which he swallowed with a low, satisfied growl. One hand slipped under the waistband of her cotton shorts, rough fingers skimming over the soft fabric of her underwear, teasing but not quite daring enough to push further… yet.

“Fuck,” he murmured against her lips, his breath hot and ragged. “You’re driving me crazy, you know that?”

Her nails dug into his shoulders, as he trailed his mouth down her jaw to the sensitive spot just below her ear. She shivered, her head tilting instinctively to give him better access.

“You think this is fair?” she managed to gasp, with a trembling voice as his fingers edged lower, brushing over her clothed pussy. “Messing with me like that?”

He smirked against her skin, his lips trailing down to the hollow of her throat. “Fair’s overrated,” he muttered, nipping at her collarbone. “Besides, you didn’t seem to mind earlier.”

Her retort died in her throat as his hand slipped beneath the elastic of her panties, and, without preamble, he slid two fingers inside her, groaning low in his throat at the feel of her warm pussy clenching around them. “You’re so goddamn wet,” he rasped, his lips brushing the shell of her ear. “Was all that attitude just for show, Poppy? You have been wanting this as bad as I have?”

She couldn’t answer, not with the way his fingers curled, hitting a spot that made her gasp and clutch at his shoulders. Her nails dug into his skin through his shirt, and she felt his smirk against her neck before he nipped at her pulse.

“Exactly what I thought,” he stated, his voice laced with smug satisfaction as his thumb found her clit, circling it in a way that had her thighs trembling. “You’ve been waiting for me to take you apart, haven’t you?”

Her only response was a desperate moan, as her hips ground against his hand, chasing the pleasure he was so expertly coaxing out of her. He didn’t relent, adding more pressure to his movements, his breath hot against her skin as he kissed and bit along her collarbone.

“Say it,” he demanded, as his fingers plunged deeper. “Tell me how bad you want it, Poppy.”

“I… please” she whined trying to press herself harder against his hand.

Chris chuckled darkly against the sensitive skin of her neck. “Please, what?” he teased, his fingers slowing just enough to make her whimper in frustration. “Use your words, sweetheart. I want to hear you say it.”

Her pride warred with her need, but the desperate ache building inside her won out. Her nails dug into his shoulders as she tilted her head back, exposing her throat in a silent plea. “I need to cum,” she whispered, with a trembling voice. “Please, Chris.”

“That’s my girl,” he growled, his lips crashing back onto hers as he pumped his fingers harder, the slick sounds of her arousal filling the small office. His thumb pressed firmly against her clit, drawing a broken cry from her as her hips bucked wildly against his hand.

Her legs felt weak, her body trembling under the relentless assault of his touch. He pulled back just enough to watch her face, his eyes dark with hunger. “You gonna come for me, Poppy?” he asked, his voice low and rough. “Right here, with my fingers buried in this pretty little pussy?”

That was all it took. Her body tensed, her walls clenching around his fingers as the wave of pleasure crashed over her. She cried out, her nails dragging down his back as her orgasm left her trembling in his arms.

Chris didn’t stop until her shudders subsided, pulling his fingers out slowly and bringing them to his mouth. His eyes never left hers as he licked them clean, with a satisfied smirk on his face. “Sweetest fucking thing I’ve ever tasted,” he murmured.

Before she could recover, he was reaching for the hem of her shirt, his intentions clear as his eyes roamed her flushed, trembling body. “We’re not done yet, Poppy,” he said, his grin wicked. “Not even close.”

Her body was still trembling from the aftershocks, but her mind was beginning to clear, and with clarity came a surge of boldness. As Chris pulled her shirt over her head and tossed it somewhere across the room, she caught his wrist, halting his next move.

“Do you always pull stunts like this?” she asked, breathless but with a hint of sharpness in her tone.

He raised an eyebrow, his smirk still firmly in place. “What, you mean fixing your bike?”

Her eyes narrowed, and she gave his chest a push, not hard enough to create distance, but enough to make her point. “Sabotaging it, you mean,” she shot back, her lips curving into a small smile despite herself.

Chris didn’t deny it. Instead, he leaned in, his mouth brushing against hers as he murmured, “Worked, didn’t it?”

Her retort was interrupted by his hand sliding up her thigh, fingers tracing a slow, teasing path over her bare skin. She bit her lip, trying to hold onto her composure. “You could’ve just asked me out, you know,” she managed, her voice wavering as his hand crept higher.

His grin widened. “Where’s the fun in that?”

She rolled her eyes, but her breath hitched as his hand slipped beneath the waistband of her shorts, cupping her possessively. “You’re insufferable,” she muttered, though her hands betrayed her words as they gripped his forearms, nails digging in as he teased her.

“And you’re gorgeous when you’re pissed off,” he countered, his voice dropping an octave.

Her laugh was soft but shaky, cut short when he slid her shorts and panties down in one swift motion, leaving her bare before him. He stepped back slightly to take her in, his gaze burning as it swept over her flushed skin. “Fucking perfect,” he muttered, almost to himself.

She felt heat flood her face, but instead of retreating into shyness, she stepped forward, placing her hands on his belt and tugging him closer. Her fingers worked at the buckle with purpose, though she glanced up at him with a smirk of her own. “You’re not the only one who gets to have fun, you know,”

Chris groaned, his hands gripping her hips as he watched her undo his belt, anticipation clear in his darkened eyes. “Careful, Poppy,” he warned, though there was no real threat in his tone, just raw, unfiltered need.

“Or what?” she challenged, her fingers sliding beneath the waistband of his jeans to push them down.

He didn’t answer with words. Instead, he grabbed her wrists and guided her back toward the desk, his lips crashing against hers in a kiss that left no room for argument. He lifted her effortlessly, settling her on the edge as his mouth moved down her neck, leaving a trail of hot, open-mouthed kisses.

Her head fell back with a gasp, her hands rummaged against his shaved head as his beard scraped against her skin. “Chris,” she breathed, the sound of his name a plea that made him growl against her collarbone.

“Tell me what you want,” he demanded, his voice rough as his hands roamed her body, mapping every curve.

Her words snapped whatever fragile thread of restraint he’d been clinging to. He surged forward, capturing her lips in a searing kiss. It was all teeth and tongue, rough and consuming, as his hands gripped her hips like he was staking a claim.

Her nails raked down his back, as her hips shifted to meet his. “I want you to fuck me."

“Say it again,” he rasped against her lips, his voice low and gravelly.

She trembled, her nails kept digging into his back as her legs wrapped around his waist. “I want you to fuck me,” she repeated, her voice tinted with a mix of desperation and challenge.

“Good girl,” he growled, reaching between them to line himself up. With one hard thrust, he buried himself inside her, drawing a sharp cry from her lips as her body arched against his.

The desk creaked beneath them, the sound mingling with their ragged breaths and the low, guttural groan Chris let out as he began to move. His rhythm was relentless, each thrust pushing her closer to the edge as he held her firmly in place, one hand gripping her behind her knee and the other gripping the nape of her neck.

“Fuck, Poppy,” he muttered, his lips brushing against her ear as he spoke. “You feel so damn good.”

Her hands clawed at his back, her head falling backward as his pace quickened. “Chris,” she gasped, her voice breaking on his name as her body tightened around him. The way he filled her, the intensity of his movements, it was overwhelming, intoxicating, everything she hadn’t known she needed.

He tilted back her head by the hair, his lips finding hers again in a kiss that was more raw than refined, his teeth catching her lower lip before he pulled back to look at her. “You’re mine,” he said, his voice a guttural growl that didn’t leave place for argument.

“Yes,” she whimpered, her nails scraping against his scalp as her thighs clenched around his waist.

The admission seemed to snap something in him. He shifted his angle, his thrusts hitting deeper, harder, each one drawing a broken moan from her lips. Her hands flew to the edge of the desk, gripping it for stability as her body shook with the force of his movements.

Her climax hit her hard, her vision went white as her body clenched around him. She cried out his name, raw and breathless as the pleasure overtook her. Chris followed moments later, as his hips jerked against hers one final time as he came with a soft groan, his release flooding her as he sank deep, unable to hold back any longer.

They stayed like that for a moment, bodies connected, and breaths mingling as they came down from the high. Chris pressed his forehead to hers, his lips curving into a lazy, satisfied smirk.

“Still think I’m an asshole?” he teased, his voice rough but filled with amusement.

She let out a breathless laugh, her fingers tracing lazy patterns on his chest. “Oh, you’re definitely an asshole,” she replied, despite the sated look in her eyes.

He chuckled softly, but then silence settled between them. His gaze shifted to the floor, his hand running through his hair as if to busy himself. She tilted her head, sensing his sudden unease.

After a beat, he let out a sigh, furrowing his brows. “I didn’t think you would say yes,” he confessed, almost hesitant.

She blinked at him, her fingers pausing their lazy strokes on his chest. “Say yes to what?”

He bit his lip, clearly debating whether to answer. Finally, he sighed again, his eyes lifting to meet hers, though they held a vulnerable edge now. “When you told me I could just have asked you out,” he admitted, his words a little rushed, like getting them out quickly would make them easier to say.

Her gaze softened at the sight of his cheeks turning pink, the blush spreading up to his ears. He looked so different like this, shy and unsure. It was a stark contrast to the cocky, self-assured man she’d come to know. It reminded her of the way he looked when she’d caught him eating her baked goods on the sidewalk, his face lighting up like a kid at Christmas.

“Chris,” she said softly, pulling his gaze back to hers. “Why wouldn’t I?”

His hand rubbed the back of his neck, a sheepish smile tugging at the corners of his lips. “I don’t know. You’re… you. And I’m me. I guess I just figured… hell, I don’t know.” He laughed awkwardly, shaking his head as if to dismiss the thought. “That’s why I thought maybe…”

“Maybe what?” she pressed gently.

He flushed deeper, his hand falling to his side as he let out a resigned breath. “If I kept fixing your bike, it’d give me a reason to see you. Even if you weren’t interested. And maybe… eventually…”

Her lips parted in surprise, and for a moment, she just stared at him. Then, a slow, amused smile crept across her face. “So, you’ve been sabotaging my bike this whole time just to spend time with me?”

“Yeah,” he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper as he ducked his head. “Pretty stupid, huh?”

Her laugh was warm and bright, and when he glanced up at her, she was grinning. “Chris,” she said, reaching up to brush her fingers along his jaw, “you really are an asshole. But you’re a cute one.”

That earned her a boyish grin, the confidence starting to creep back into his expression. “Cute, huh?” he teased, leaning in until their noses nearly touched.

She rolled her eyes playfully but didn’t pull away. “Don’t let it go to your head.”

His grin softened, but before he could respond, she added, “Also… I never thought you’d be interested in me. I’m not your usual… cup of tea.”

The playful spark in his eyes faded into something warmer, more serious. He leaned back just enough to study her face, his brows furrowing. “What makes you think that?”

She shrugged, her fingers fidgeting against his chest. “I’ve seen the women who hang around you, Chris. They’re all so… well, let’s say I don’t exactly fit that mold. I guess I just figured someone like you wouldn’t look twice at someone like me.”

Chris’s jaw clenched, his hands slid to rest firmly on her waist. “First off, that’s bullshit. You’re gorgeous, smart, and you’ve got this thing about you…” He paused, his lips quirking into a small, lopsided smile. “You’re real, Poppy. And if you haven’t noticed, I’ve been looking a hell of a lot more than twice.”

Her cheeks flushed, and she bit her lip, unable to suppress a small, bashful smile. “You’re just saying that because I slept with you,” she teased lightly, though her voice wavered just a little.

His expression turned serious again, his thumb brushing over her cheek. “I’m saying it because it’s true. I’ve wanted you since the first time you walked out of your shop six months ago, all wide-eyed and nervous to exhibit some plants in the sidewalk. You had a yellow apron full of poppies.”

She blinked in surprise. “You… remember that?”

His expression softened, a small, almost shy smile tugging at his lips. “Of course, I remember. How could I not?” His thumb continued its gentle caress over her cheek. “You were fussing over every little detail, making sure each pot was lined up just right. I was watching you from the garage and thinking how someone could be so damn... adorable.”

She blinked again, stunned. “Adorable?”

“Yeah,” he said, his voice dipping lower. “You had smudges of dirt on your face, a little furrow in your brow like the whole world would fall apart if one of those plants was crooked. And that apron…” He grinned, his eyes glinting with affection. “It had those poppies on it, and I thought, Poppy. It just… fit you.”

Her cheeks burned, the memory suddenly vivid in her own mind. She’d been so self-conscious that day, trying to make a good impression in the neighborhood. “I had no idea you noticed me,” she murmured.

“Are you kidding?” he asked, a soft laugh escaping him. “I couldn’t not notice you. I kept trying to come up with excuses to walk by, hoping you’d look up and say hi. But you didn’t even glance my way.”

She bit her lip, feeling a pang of guilt. “I was so focused on not messing up… I didn’t even think to look around.”

“Well,” he said, his grin returning as he leaned in closer, “I guess I just had to get creative after that.”

Her lips quirked in a wry smile. “Creative like messing with my bike?”

He winced, his blush deepening. “Yeah, maybe not my best plan. But it worked, didn’t it?”

She rolled her eyes, but there was no mistaking the warmth in her smile. “You’re lucky it did.”

Chris chuckled, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “Okay, but watching you storm in here like a little spitfire? Worth every second.”

She swatted at his chest, though her laugh undermined the gesture. “You’re the worst.”

“Yeah, but I’m your worst now,” he replied pulling her closer by the waist.

She arched a brow, giving him a deadpan look. “You just called yourself my worst. That’s not exactly a glowing endorsement, you know that, don’t you?”

“Fine, let me try again.” He caressed her cheek and pressed his forehead against hers “What about… I’m your guy now?”

She felt a flutter in her stomach at his words. Biting her lip, she hesitated for just a second before leaning in, brushing her lips softly against his.

“Much better,” she smiled, her gaze locked on his.

Chris’s grin widened, his cockiness tempered by something gentler. His hand slid up to cradle the back of her head, pulling her closer for another kiss.

Outside, the faint chirp of crickets signaled the end of the day, but inside the garage, time felt suspended, wrapped in the warmth of shared smiles and the lingering taste of the kiss.

“Guess I should fix your bike now,” Chris finally murmured, his voice low and teasing, though his thumb still brushed lightly against her cheek as if he couldn’t bear to stop touching her.

She laughed softly, the sound carrying over the music. “Maybe I’ll let you if you promise not to sabotage it again.”

His smirk was immediate, wickedness returning in full force. “Can’t do, Poppy. You looked way too damn hot storming in here.”

She swatted his chest, as the song faded into another, its upbeat tempo matching the rhythm of her fluttering heart.

Dividers by @/strangergraphics

[cultofdixon]

Oddly Fascinating

Daryl Dixon • She/Her Pronouns • Can you imagine a human fucking pretzel? Well you certainly like to freak the others out unexpectedly • SFW/NSFW - Implied Sex

Requested by: Anon

It’s…fascinating. The things Y/N can do with JUST her body. Keep that noggin out of the gutter for a minute.

Y/N joined the group a little after the Woodbury infusion to the prison. She didn’t have a group and sort of ended up in Virginia because she simply didn’t stop walking from where she originated.

One day Daryl, Michonne, and Glenn were out on a run in the closest outdoor mall, which is a few hours away from the prison—so they were going to have to camp. Daryl went to check the store that looked like a miniature Home Depot thinking he could find some camping supplies but when he entered the store…said camping supplies were in use but no person.

“If anybody is here, I ain’t gonna hurt yea,” Daryl stated knowing that wouldn’t go far but to his surprise one of the storage boxes’s lids flung open. Soon a woman’s upper half popped out like a jack in the box and it was a bit unsettling to the archer.

“I had to see who I’m working with and what makes yea think I’ll trust “I ain’t gonna hurt yea” with muscles like those”

“You think I’d hit a woman?”

“It’s the apocalypse. If laws don’t exist, neither does moral code. I follow them still…but still”

“I don’t hit women.” Daryl scoffs. “How do yea fit in there?”

“I don’t know you well enough to share my skills. But I do feel a little better knowing you’re not gonna throw a left hook at my face” the woman began to fully pull herself out of the container and when she stepped out, she locked eyes with the archer’s confused yet curious ones. “Okay I trust you about not killing me but why haven’t you left?”

“Gonna ask yea a few things if that’s okay with you”

“Sure I guess” She put the lid back on the box before taking a seat and crossing her arms.

“How many walkers have you killed?”

“Lost count a long time ago”

“How many people have you killed?”

“Four”

“Why?”

The woman went silent for a moment and avoided eye contact as she held herself. “They were my friends, and brother who were about to turn. They didn’t want to be taken out as a walker and didn’t want to become one so. You know…”

“I do” Daryl leaned against one of the shelves. “It’s hard to take someone you care about out after they’ve changed”

“Getting deep with me and we don’t even know each other’s name”

“Daryl”

“Y/N”

Then she joined their group right then and there. The others that came with Daryl liked her, didn’t trust her right away but given her attitude immediately when it came to them asking the same questions Daryl asked—-both Glenn and Michonne knew that they will grow to trust her. Same with the others. Returning back to the prison with a lot more than they had expected helped the initial image of the new comer. Y/N hoarded a lot of stuff so thinking that she would survive alone in there.

Some part of Daryl wanted Y/N to take the empty cell in their cellblock but given he didn’t speak up and Rick showed her one of the others, that wasn’t happening.

But she was very involved with helping around the prison.

“You good up there Y/N?” Rick calls out to her receiving a thumbs up while she continued to work with fixing part of the fence that disconnected from the gate.

The retired sheriff watches his brother pull in on his bike but stop to watch Y/N a moment. She dropped her wire cutters and as it hit the grass, Daryl hopped off his bike about to grab it when he quickly took a step back when Y/N jumped down somersaulting in the dirt.

“The hell is wrong with you?!” Daryl shouted as Y/N stood up immediately, stretching her back after her action. “Yea could’ve cracked your head open!”

“I’ve done it a million times before. Don’t worry your pretty little head”

“A million times? What, in the circus?”

“How did you know?” Y/N smiles catching him off guard at first and even more when she broke out in laughter. “I wasn’t in the circus dumbass. I’ve done a lot of risky stuff and…gymnastics. But what just happened is nothing compared to other stuff” she states while throwing herself back so she was then in a bridged position and Daryl watched her upper half lay flat on its stomach showing her crawl between her legs and hold her ankles. Exorcist shit.

“Now I think you’re an alien”

“Rude” Y/N scoffs as such action was a bit uncomfortable given her twisted position. “It definitely impressed and freaked out a few hook ups”

Now that led Rick to leave from overhearing their conversation, both knowing damn well he was there. He opened the gate once Y/N was back in the upright position and Daryl was still left appalled somewhat.

Y/N was definitely making a good impression on most. Has been on every run that was planned and no one opposed, she’s especially useful in tight situations.

“Alright, so I was thinking we break down the door and then—-“ Tyreese cut himself off when Y/N gestured for Maggie’s help to hoist her up and she happily obliged.

Next thing the group knew, Y/N was pushing herself through the small window above the locked door landing on the other side and unlocking it.

“Or that” Sasha chimes in with a laugh and smile, impressed by the woman. “Now we don’t have to almost break ourselves to get into places” she walked past her as Y/N brushes off some of the dirt checking her person carefully. Said actions didn’t go unnoticed by Daryl.

After a couple hours passed, the four returned to the prison and dispersed but as Daryl stuck by his bike a moment he noticed Y/N straggling a bit. She stood for a while glancing around and turned to Daryl with a questioning look before turning away.

“If yea need something, you can ask” He didn’t hesitate as Y/N slumped in defeat before turning around and approaching him.

“Crack my back”

“What?” Daryl scoffs confused as he wiped the grime off his hands with his rag. “How am I supposed to do that?”

“Imma turn around cross my arms and you’re going to wrap your arms around me then lean back until a crack is heard.” Y/N explained in the most layman terms she could think of and it clicked instantly to Daryl but he hesitated a moment.

“Is that what yea want?”

“Yes, well. What I really want is someone to step on my back but all of y’all aren’t trained to do that and back in the day I had a friend who was a masseuse.”

“Well, I’ll do my best” Daryl grunts bringing himself over after tossing his rag on his bike watching her turn around and do what she had to do before he wrapped his arms around her. “Just lean back holding yea?”

“Yup” Y/N felt a sudden warmth rise in her chest when she was being lifted and the heat came clear in her cheeks expressing more of a red hue.

She heard the crack a bit ago but they both just. Stood there and it went from Daryl holding her to them both holding each other. Still Y/N’s back against his chest but her arms held onto his. Daryl relaxed setting her down but the way he held her for much longer and Y/N didn’t show any sign of letting go.

There was something

When the illness washed through the prison and a few were sent to get the medicine, Y/N found herself in the doorway watching Bob shove alcohol into his bag. He turned toward her realizing she was there and instead of talking first, he quickly took a bottle and threw it in her direction watching her quickly fall back then swing her body back forward.

“Jesus fucking Christ what are you? One of those inflatable car sales string cheese looking things?!”

“That’s very descriptive. Are you gonna be the same way when telling me why you have a goddamn bag of alcohol and not medicine to save our people”

“Oh for fucks sake! You and I are the newest people at the prison and you’re willing to bend over backwards—-even literally—-for people you barely know”

“So?!”

“SO?!” Bob shouted which caught another’s attention, Michonne as the conversation ended the second she joined. Bob brushed past her as she quickly gave a concerned look to Y/N.

I’m fine. Was all Y/N gave her as she stepped out.

Of course the booze was found out by Daryl and that was a more explosive mess to address than when Y/N first confronted him. But it all stopped mattering when they finally got their medicine into their people.

After getting their medicine in, Daryl went in search for Y/N who disappeared after they did such. It didn’t take long to find her because she was in her cell but she was alone in the old Woodbury cell block. Because of the outbreak.

“You alright?” Daryl asks Y/N even if she was currently hiding under her deconstructed bunk.

“Yeah”

“Don’t look like it”

A few seconds of silence. “Yeah…” she sounded defeated and pulls her entire self out from under bringing herself to sit on her bed. Daryl bringing himself to sit with her leaning his back against the wall.

“You can trust me, with whatever is on your mind”

“It’s strange…how easily it was for Bob to just. Not care about the others in the heat of the moment”

“Some people are just like that. Somethin’ or someone has to change them”

“I used to be like that. Not a warm caring person when this thing first started. I just. Had moments that changed me”

“Yeah?” Daryl gave her a questioning look that she noticed in the corner of her eye. “What changed yea?”

“Having to end the lives of people I cared for, the ones who got bit. When…” Y/N hesitated a second before looking at Daryl. “When I met you”

She’s full of surprises isn’t she? Daryl could feel his heart pounding in his chest as he never felt that feeling before.

But this moment was short lived like the many that followed after.

Until they found themselves alone weeks later…in a new place, with strange new people. Y/N stuck by Daryl’s side since they first entered Alexandria and given how the archer was feeling from all the loss, he would find himself following her if she were to stray or disappear from his side for too long.

“Can you hand me the socket wrench?” Daryl asks while under the car Aaron drives for recruiting as he was asked to check something out for the man. Y/N being there to help in any way even if it is just handing tools to the archer.

Y/N was currently repairing one of the angel wings on Daryl’s vest which led her to using her leg to reach toward the bench then her foot hooked onto the handle of the tool box. She then carefully bent so that she could grasp the box with her hands and go through the kit for what he asked for.

“Damn”

The annoyingly familiar voice caught both of their attentions as Daryl pushes out on the skateboard sitting up to look at Spencer confused. Y/N equally confused on the matter while handing the tool over.

“You know I saw you the other day doing your…morning stretches or whatever. Didn’t think you’d be THAT flexible…and limber…” Spencer was starting, or continuing to make Y/N uncomfortable as he starts to check her out making her cover herself with Daryl’s vest in her lap.

Daryl quickly taking note of the reaction and glaring at the man. “Beat it”

“I wasn’t talking to you” Spencer brushed him off keeping his attention on Y/N. “I bet you’re even more flexible in more intimate situations”

Y/N scoffs instantly but before she could bite the guy’s head off. She felt herself being pulled toward Daryl’s direction. Daryl having grabbed the blanket she was seated on pulling it closer to him so he could protectively wrap his arm around her shoulders as she instinctively leaned into him.

“She’s taken. Now I’d fuck off and bother somebody else before your mommy sees her little boy’s face smashed the fuck in” Daryl threats and didn’t let his guard down but it got Spencer to storm off defeated. “What a tool”

“He’s not wrong about something”

“Huh?”

“I am very flexible when we’re intimate” Y/N laughs slightly catching her own boyfriend off guard resulting in the red hue rising in his cheeks.

[balkanradfem]

So, I was biking to work this morning, and while I was riding across the bridge, something happened to the bike. The pedals twisted, and turned they were angled the wrong way, I could tell they were no longer straight. I figured they got a little loose and I would simply fasten them back on when I get home, and I continued forward. I went past a mom and a little girl, both on their bikes, who were pedaling carefully together. Then my chain fell off. Annoyed, I grabbed a glove that I keep on my bike at all times, grabbed the chain, and fastened it back on. It's a common thing for my bike to drop the chain, it's something I repeatedly have to dismantle it for and fix, and now the pedals were weird too. I hopped back on, started pedaling, and then the back wheel fell off the bike.

I am not joking, in mid-ride, my bike split into two pieces, back wheel fell off, the bike fell apart, under me, while I was driving it. The mom and little girl behind me caught up to me just in time to witness this, and all three of us just stared in shock in two pieces of bike on the ground that were, seconds before, carrying me to work.

I gasped and laughed in pure shock, feeling dizzy because that is a wild thing to happen. The mother looked concerned and I reassured her that I was fine, I was going slow and was able to just step away from the bike before it crushed to the ground. We stood there in shock for a few seconds, and then I asked 'Well, is there any trash container nearby, I can't leave it here', and she offered to help me carry a piece of it to the nearest trash disposal. The reasn why the bike broke into two became obvious once I inspected it – the metal base broke into two. I have noticed before that the base had some kind of a crack in it, but I didn't think it was a serious issue – the bike still worked, it didn't make any funny noises, I felt good and stable on it, would one expect it to break into two? No. But it was the only possible logical ending to it.

I got a great adrenaline high that morning, first the bike broke into two, which is in my opinion, the best possible way for a bike to go. If there was anything less final wrong with it, I would be fixing it endlessly, refusing to accept that it was over, despite the bike having million of issues and being older than me probably. Then next, I met the great woman who helped me carry it to the trash! She was so sweet and kind to help me, at 8am, while I was crashing on the sidewalk. And the last good thing was that I knew there was no fixing the bike, I wouldn't spend countless hours trying to make it work, it was definitely over.

I left the bike next to the trash, deciding to go back after work and savage the little basket it had, and maybe to collect some parts, like the chain or the bell. I was a little late to work, and I felt like my reason was pretty funny, so I came in and said 'Sorry I'm a bit late! My bike broke into two on my way here!' and I laughed it off feeling thrilled about my adventure. The woman I work for looked at me absolutely horrified, and I laughed more and reassured her I was not upset or injured, and instead had a great time during this fun event.

'You could take my bike.' She suggested, and I laughed this off too, saying I can walk home, it wasn't that far (I did not confess to people at work that I had a neck injury or that I can't walk far). However she said that she had a bike she wasn't using and I could have it, and I shrugged and said well okay, and she went to fetch it.

I still was not taking her very seriously, because acquiring another bike is a serious issue for me, and I never expected someone would just, give me one, but when she came back she explained I could just have it. I assumed she meant 'borrow until I got a new one', but she said 'no I'm not using it', and insisted I should take it. That was a bit surreal for me and it took me a while to adjust to the idea of just getting a new bike for free. It wouldn't be the kind of bike I wanted, but there would be no financial consequences to my bike breaking, which is amazing.

After work, I got to see my new bike! It was in one piece, which is its best feature compared to my old bike. But, otherwise, it is a kind of bike I would never volountarily buy; it has multiple speeds, which makes it difficult to pedal. It's also not made for carrying much weight, which I need a bike to do, for gardening purposes. But, I would never go and criticize a free bike! I could always decide to buy another bike for gardening, this bike is mine now, and it works, and it's so much more functional that my old bike, it's chain doesn't drop, it doesn't have a broken base, the pedals are facing the correct way. What a great thing to have!

I checked in on my old broken bike, it was still there, next to the trash. I tried to dismantle the little basket, and realized I couldn't do it without tools. I decided to bike quickly home, get tools, and then dismantle the usable pieces. My new bike didn't have a working bell, or the way to hold a bag on the back wheel, and I wanted to see if I could transfer it from the old bike to new.

I got back in 20 minutes or less, and my old bike, was gone. Someone already grabbed it to salvage the parts. I wasn't mad, I left it on the trash, it was in two pieces, it was absolutely fair game. I was a bit relieved, because I felt awful disposing of it in such un-proper way, just leavin it next to the public trash containers. It was great that someone found use of it so immediately! Even if they took my little basket, and my little bell that still worked. I hope they cherish those parts, as I did.

I think that bike was the greatest bike in the world. I loved it so much. I had tons of trouble with it, I was always dismantling and fixing it. I ruined some parts of it, and knew it had an expiration date. I learned so much about fixing bikes while working on it. I learned so much about life and how difficult it can be without a bike, when you can't walk for long.  It gave me so much joy riding it around. It was lightweight, with huge wheels that made it so easy to get around. It never tired me out.

I was aware it was an old, used, and close-to-its-end bike, so I usually never took it out to go to trips or for fun times. But I did yesterday. I was inside for too long and I decided to take the bike out and just go around the city, and then ride next to the river for a while, collect some wild flowers. It was the best of times we had together. Now it's going to be my favourite memory of it, our last trip together. Except of course, the breaking in half, that was too iconic to forget. I truly used that bike until the last second of its life.

[half-oz-eddie]

I didn’t know I wanted you (Until I couldn’t have you)

Part 4/5 (master list)

“Buck?” Eddie called out to a very distracted Buck. “Something wrong? You’ve been looking at your phone all night.”

“I-I’m always on my phone.” Buck nervously laughed.

“Sometimes…” Eddie nodded. “But not this much. Did you find a substack or something?”

“Uh…yeah.” Buck lied. “Just doing some deep diving.”

Eddie snickered in response, shaking his head. “Of course you did.”

Actually, Buck was checking his phone waiting to hear from Tommy about his date.

As the night went on and it was nearly midnight, Buck assumed the date went really well and Tommy took this mystery person home, or vice versa.

The following morning, Buck didn’t bother to text Tommy and told himself he’s probably sleeping in or spending time with his date.

When Tommy finally texted back, Buck unlocked his phone within seconds, eager to read the text.

He…? Not that Tommy needed to come out to Buck, because Buck’s cool. Totally cool. He’s an ally. He has queer friends. It shouldn’t even be a big deal that Tommy’s revealing this information to him.

Oh God I hope that didn’t sound too forward.

Tommy took Buck to a taco bar and Buck asked about his date, trying not to sound like he was prying for information.

Tommy’s responses were brief and vague.

Guy’s name is Edgar. He’s 42. Works in accounting. Loves the outdoors and mountain biking.

He sounds boring. Buck thought. But he liked all the stuff Tommy liked. He was even a trained pilot and he knew some Muay Thai.

Maybe he’s more interesting than me. Buck negatively thought.

“S-so you guys are gonna go hiking?”

“Yeah, I was thinking of taking him up the trail we went to. I know it pretty well and it seems like a great spot to go.”

Buck felt like his heart exploded in his chest. He felt like his soul was going to leave his body. Even death would have been kinder than this. “O-oh yeah? That’s cool. He’ll love it.” Buck forced out with a fake smile.

Tommy nodded. “Hope so.”

“Yeah, it’ll be pretty romantic. Especially if you end your hike by the picnic area an hour before sunset, when the sun is low and it creates this nice warm light. They-they call it the golden hour because the sun, it—it’s golden with a warm, reddish—“ Buck laughed to himself. “Sorry I know it’s your date, I-I was just—“

Tommy shot buck a fond smile. “I think that might be a little too romantic for a second date. We’re still getting to know each other.”

“Oh—ah—yeah. Y-you’re right.” Buck nervously chuckled. “I guess so.”

Sure, it was just the very beginning of their dating stage, but it felt like the end of the world for Buck, and he just couldn’t figure out why.

But boy, did it hurt like hell.

A week later, Buck found himself complaining to Eddie and Maddie in a separate group chat he’d created for just the three of them.

Buck realized he was starting to sound a bit insane and deleted the entire message.

He didn't want to say that either. He didn't agree with Maddie. She wasn't wrong, she just didn't understand the sort of...friendship they had.

Buck glared at his barrages of texts, hoping he didn’t sound too eager or too annoying.

Buck put on one of his best shirts and threw on his apron and immediately started prepping for dinner. He was so excited to finally see Tommy again and cheer him up that he couldn’t stop smiling.

He rented Love, Actually to stream, curated a playlist of some of Tommy’s favorite songs, and even mixed up some boxed cake mix.

He didn’t have any frosting, so he hoped strawberry preserves would do.

He wanted this evening to be perfect for Tommy, so he could forget all about the cheating bastard that wasted his time and possibly broke his heart.

The thought of Tommy having a broken heart nearly shattered his own. He needed to fix it. He needed to let him know that he would always be there for Tommy, like Tommy was there for him.

Buck texted Tommy to let him know the door was unlocked for him.

Tommy welcomed himself into Buck’s apartment. Buck looked up from the counter, a wide ecstatic smile painted on his face.

“Smells amazing in here.”

“I hope so. I’m just throwing a few things together. It won’t be perfect but—“

“It’ll be perfect. It was more than I could’ve asked for. Thank you for all of this.”

Tommy’s eyes fell onto the cake on the counter. “You even baked a cake?”

“Uh yeah, but I don’t have any frosting. I hope strawberry preserves are—“

Buck glanced over at Tommy as he was helping himself to a slice of cake, slathering the strawberry preserves on top.

Tommy shoved a generous helping into his mouth, glancing up at Buck with wide eyes. “Sorry. Did you want me to wait until after dinner?”

Buck laughed, shaking his head. “It’s fine. Whatever you want.”

“It’s good cake.”

“It’s just from a box. I adjusted the recipe a little bit to make the cake more moist and flavorful—“

“It worked. This is delicious.”

“Good. I’m glad.”

They sat down and ate dinner, laughed and caught up on daily life outside of Gerrard and definitely outside of Edgar.

They watched Love, Actually and finished off the night with some beers.

“You’re right, Tommy. This is some really good beer.”

“Mhm. I told you.” Tommy paused to finish his beer. “Thank you again, Evan. Tonight was…really fun.” He smiled. “Really helped take my mind off—“

“You don’t have to think about him, Tommy. I’m here for you. You don’t have to feel alone.” Buck realized how strange his statement may have sounded. “You’ve also got all our friends at the 118 too.”

Tommy nodded with a small smirk. “I know.”

There was something odd about the sound of Tommy’s voice. Perhaps he was looking for something more. Something Buck just couldn’t give him.

But Buck, somehow, still wished he could give him everything.

[bxd-decisions]

"WE ALL WANNA BE SOMEBODY. WE'RE WILLING TO GO BUT NOT THAT FAR." ⸻ KEISUKE BAJI

◈ SYNOPSIS︙You and Baji sneak out to meet up in secret. Everything seems to go well until a horrible accident takes place and Baji ends up losing you.

◈ PAIRING︙Keisuke Baji x AFAB!reader

◈ GENRE︙Smut, Angst

◈ WORD COUNT︙3.4k

◈ WARNINGS︙Angst, smut, protected sex, scratching, biting, soft dom!Baji, sub!reader, praising, usage of petnames, blood, head injury, mentions of a broken arm, memory loss, bike accident

◈ AUTHORS NOTE︙Please send me an ask if you'd like to be in my taglist in future! And Thank you @benkeibear for helping me!

REBLOGS & FEEDBACK APPRECIATED

An abandoned warehouse. Baji snuck into the building… Well, he didn't really sneak in. He just went in to tell the truth. He texted you earlier to meet up with him by this building. It was already past midnight, but he just wanted to spend some time with you all alone.

Baji dumped his backpack and toman jacket on a broken car and just sat around. Every now and then he would check the time, and look outside. Looking for any sort of sign that you were on your way. The minutes felt like hours and he was getting really impatient. Well. That was until he heard the door open, and a flashlight shining into the pitch dark building. A toothy grin came to his face as he went to hide behind a car.

You tried your best to open the rusty door as quietly as you could, but you winced at the screechy sound the door made as you entered. Closing the door behind you, you turned around to look around the very dark building. The flashlight's battery was running low so it wasn't of much assistance to you, but you used it anyhow. You walked around the building, holding a blanket under your other arm as you looked around for your boyfriend, but you couldn't exactly see him.

You were starting to get a bit scared, thinking you maybe came to the wrong building or something. Each second you stayed in there felt like hell to you because you'd have to text Baji and tell him you went to the wrong building. However that resolution was ripped away from you when someone jumped you from behind and held your mouth shut with a big hand. You would be lying if you said you didn't get startled because you literally gasped, and if your mouth wasn't covered you would have screamed. You jumped too. You got so startled but a familiar laughter filled the room and eased your fears.

Baji chuckled into your ear, his hot breath tickling your soft skin, he had a firm grasp around your waist, and his hand that covered your mouth was also a strong but not painful hold, "Been waiting for you, baby." Baji's voice sounded low and filled with lust and desire which made a shiver run down your spine. You however pulled his hand away by his wrist and spinned around to face him, looking up at his handsome face with a smile that made Baji's heart skip beats and his stomach do cartwheels. "You scared me you idiot." You whispered as you hugged him. Baji returned the hug, a nice tight and warm hug that made you melt into his embrace.

"I missed you." You whispered.

Baji had longed for you too just as much as you did. But unfortunately your lives weren't so simple that you could always see eachother. Your parents gave you hell, so much hell that you had to sneak out of your home at night and secretly meet up with your beloved boyfriend. "And I missed you." Baji broke the embrace only to look down at you with a boyish grin whilst his hand moved up to tuck a strand of hair behind your ear. He moved his hand down after, taking your chin between his index finger and thumb with a gentle grasp to tilt your head up. His eyes fixed their gaze on your pretty face. Your lips… your cute nose, your pretty pink cheeks and your big eyes that looked up at him like you were the most vulnerable thing ever made his heart skip a beat. Therefore he leaned down to plant a loving kiss on your honey sweet lips — he couldn't resist.

Baji's lips were heavenly to you. Every time he kissed you, you always wondered what you could have done right do deserve a guy like him. He was a good guy — scratch that… he was impeccable. Everything about Baji made you ponder whether you deserved his love or not, but in the end… you would never complain nor deny the unconditional love he offered to you. You only gave it back to him with full force.

Baji broke the kiss after a short while, offering you a boyish grin as he took the rolled up blanket out of under your arm. He walked over to a corner in the warehouse, opening up the fluffy blanket and laying it down on the dusty floor. This wasn't ideal at all, but it was better than not being able to see each other at all. Baji took his backpack to the blanket as you walked over. You sat on the blanket and looked up at Baji as he walked over to the corner too. After he sat down, you smiled warmly at him and laid your head down on his lap as you looked up at him with an adoring look. No words could describe how much you love this man.

Baji opened up his backpack and dug through it, the sounds of packets and cans being heard. Soon enough his hand would emerge from the bag, holding a packet of your favorite candy. "I got you this." He offered the package to you and you obviously took it. "Thank you" you thanked him and opened the package before popping a piece of candy into your mouth, chewing the sweet treat. You took a other piece from the bag and held to to Baji's mouth too. He opened his mouth and took the candy into his mouth and happily chewed on it. Although it was dark, you could tell Baji was smiling, and soon enough he pulled his nose up.

"This ain't as sweet as you." He joked, and soon enough he chuckled as his cheeky, flirty comment. Baji leaned down and planted a tender kiss on your forehead, the way he always treated you with so much love and care made butterflies errupt in your abdomen and your heart beat faster. This man was the source to all of your happiness and he was all you'd ever need.

You sat up slightly, sitting on his lap and looping your arm around his neck, smiling wholeheartedly at the guy, "So kiss me." You giggled, a giggle that was drowned by Baji locking his lips on yours in a loving and passionate kiss. You would never ever get enough of Baji's sweet lips. You loved the way he kissed you, you loved the way he touched you… you loved the way he loved you. You loved just… everything about this man, it was almost as sin — how perfect he was.

In one swift movement, Baji turned your body so you would be straddling him, his kiss became more needy and lustful, the way he bit onto your bottom lip, holding it between his teeth before pushing his tongue past your lips and exposing himself to the taste of the candy you had eaten just moments ago. God… you'd be the death of him. He couldn't imagine a future without having you in his life. And the same could be said for you. Baji was your person, thinking about a life without him? Your whole world would crumble and fall apart. Every moment you spent with him made you feel whole and happy.

After a hot minute, Baji broke the kiss, his lips were red and swollen, along with yours, his breath was heavy… It was hot, you thought to yourself. Baji gave you a devious grin, you could feel the erection he had in his pants and you'd be lying if you said it didn't turn you on. "Lay down for me." Baji whispered — he wasn't asking you. He had a firm grasp on your hips and in a swift movement, he gently laid you down in the blanket whilst his lips attached themselves to your sweet neck — kissing, biting and licking the sensitive skin and letting out a low growl. He needed you so much.

"Do you… have protection?" You questioned him, pushing him away briefly. Your eyes had a lustful glow to them which told Baji that you wanted him just as badly.

He nodded, "Of course I do." Baji leaned down to peck your lips once more before sitting up and once more, digging into the bag and pulling out a condom.

You grinned up at him and took the small packet from him and holding it between your teeth. Baji growled lowly at you, he leaned down once more and began to plant kisses all over your neck while his big hands slid under your shirt and making contact with your soft and warm skin. He lifted your shirt up and eventually he pulled it off your body. His mouth moved to your shoulder, kissing and sucking marks all over, then your collarbone, and down…

Baji was getting impatient, his hands moved behind your back, unclasping your bra and hastily taking it off and tossing it aside with your shirt. Baji caressed your torso very gently. It was light… feathery touches and finally he would cup your boobs and start to grope you. The soft flesh felt good in his hands and the tightness if his pants was starting to hurt.

"Fuck… I'm not waiting longer." He hissed as he got rid of the rest of your clothing. He left you, completely exposed for his eyes only. "You're so fucking beautiful." Baji purred. It was his turn now to start stripping of clothing material. He started with his shirt, taking it off and exposing his nicely toned torso for you to touch and caress, which you did. But soon you stopped and ripped the condom package open with your teeth and smiling at him.

He let out a chuckle, his breath got faster and heavier as he hastily began to unbuckle his pants. When he successfully did so, he pulled it down to his knees along with his boxers. His rock hard member was finally freed and leaking with precum. He grabbed the open condom package from you and pulled the condom out, rolling it onto his dick and stroking his aching cock with a firm grasp. Truth be told, patience wasn't his forte so he wasted no time to glide his tip along your folds, he was eager to pull out any moans from you and he was happy to hear you whine from the teasing. Without anymore warning, he pushed himself inside of your tight and wet walls. Euphoria took over the man as he let out a low, pleased moan, "Fuck…"

You'd never get used to how Baji made you feel, how he reacted, how he touched you, how perfect he felt inside of you. Everytime you got intimate with him it felt like the first time… it was like heaven. It was an experience that was nothing short of being addictive. "Hah… you're so good Keisuke." You moaned out as you pulled him closer, your finger nails digging into his back whilst your legs wrapped around his waist. Everything about him was just perfect.

Baji kept still. He wanted you to adjust to him and honestly you didn't wanna wait. You needed to feel him, "Move… please." You begged him. Your wish was his command — Baji began to drag his dick along your right walls. You felt so good, it was a heavenly feeling. Every ridge he felt, the sounds you made, the way you scratched his back and the look on your beautiful face drove I'm absolutely crazy. "You're so good to me." Baji whispered into your ear before biting your earlobe, he nibbled gently on it. His hips never stopped to move inside of you, he was on cloud 9.

You felt the same. On cloud 9. Baji knew exactly what to do to make you putty under him. He hit deep, the right spot over and over and it made you see stars and only hold onto him even tighter. You never wanted to stop feeling him so close. Although you couldn't ignore the fact that you were slowly reaching your peek, the knot in your lower abdomen threatening to snap with every passing second and every thrust Baji gave you. After all, the man was slowly losing his composure and his thrusts came harder and faster and you could feel his dick twitch. He was close too.

The way your warm walls clenched so deliciously around him triggered a low moan from falling from his lips, his pace got more brutal too, "Fuck… so tight…" Baji praised you, "Cum for me, pretty." Baji whispered into your ear. He knew your body. He knew it's weaknesses and exactly what to do and say to make you fall apart.

His low voice in your ear, his fast pace, it threw you over the edge, having the most delicious orgasm wash over you. Your reactions made Baji's head spin, "Fuck… Kei…" you moaned out as you clawed onto his back with one hand and the other pulled his hair. The stinging sensation on his sculp along with the way you squeezed his dick oh so tightly threw him over the edge. He emptied his balls into the condom with a moan of your name before his hips finally began to slow down and eventually stopping.

His head moved up, away from your neck, he looked into your eyes, with his half lidded eyes. He was panting hard too. It was a godly sight. Seeing him so fucked out and tired after having his way with you was truly a sight to behold. "I fucking love you… and I love fucking you…" Baji whispered before locking his already swollen lips with yours, he savoured your taste for just a little longer, your tight warmth too before finally pulling himself out and rolling the condom off if him. He tried it off and tossed all the way on the other side of the warehouse, he chuckled. He felt bad for the poor soul who found that.

He got his clothing back on and helped you to put yours back before pulling you into a tight embrace. He buried his head into your shoulder and took in your sweet scent. Words could not explain how much he loved and cherished you… his whole world would fall apart without you. That was a true fact.

"Can we go on a ride on your bike?" You asked him. You broke the hug slightly to look him in his eyes with your own puppy eyes. He couldn't say no to that…Baji gave you a toothy grin and scooped you up into his arm, "Sure." He carried you bridal style to his vehicle and placed you on before getting his helmet out. He made sure you wore it. Baji didn't give two shits about wearing a helmet himself, but you? It was essential for you to wear it. He never wanted to risk anything happening to you.

Baji got onto the bike and the moment you were held onto him tightly with your head rested against his back, he started his bike and took off. The streets were dark and not really busy, therefore he didn't mind driving a little faster, he loved the way the wind blew his hair back, the cool breeze was refreshing to him. It was to you too. The ride on his bike was nice.

However…

As Baji was driving down the road, a large truck was suddenly coming speeding down the wrong lane, it was close to you guys… it was… gonna hit you if Baji didn't act fast. The moment he noticed it he cursed out, "Fuck!" Baji had no choice but to drive off of the road and crash his bike against the tree. It was a hard crash. It hurt. His body was aching… his head was aching. He got himself off of the bike and held onto his arm… he was sure it was broken. The pain was unimaginable, however he was quick to snap out of it the minute he remembered that you were also with him. His eyes went wide and he looked over at you. You were lying on the road, unconscious.

"Y/n…" Baji croaked out as he got himself to his feet with great difficulty. He stumbled over to you and sat by you, laying your head on his lap after he removed your helmet… you were bleeding. Badly. Baji was panicking. "Y/n… wake up… please…" Baji pleaded. His voice was soft and weak. Something that wasn't common to hear from him, his eyes were welling up with tears too. This couldn't be happening. Baji began feeling your pockets, and eventually he fished out your phone. It was still working… Baji, with shaking hands dialed an ambulance. He tried to be so fast and on the phone the guy was a sobbing and stuttering mess. He wasn't worried about his injuries. He was more concerned for your life.

Baji stayed there in the middle of the road with you until the ambulance finally arrived and took you both to the hospital.

Days past. Baji visited you daily. You suffered a bad head injury and you were out for a few days. On this particular day, he brought your favorite drink along. He sat beside your bed and placed the drink on the table next to the hospital bed. He took your hand his, he looked at your unconscious body. Boy, the amount of guilt he felt… it was his fault. He kept on blaming himself for this. All he wanted was for you to wake up and beg you for forgiveness. Although he wasn't sure if he deserved it. "Please… wake up for me?" Baji's lips were quickering, his voice broke too. He was a mess without you. He didn't sleep well, and he lost his appetite. He only wanted one thing — for you to be okay.

However, it was like a god above heard him, or a miracle… Baji had no idea, but your hand moved, you moved your head… you let out a moan of pain as your eyes slowly began to open. The room was bright… it hurt your head. It irritated you. You let out a sigh. Your eyes explored the room and finally landed on the man holding onto your hand. And you could say for sure you had never met his stranger in your life. "Uhm… hi? Who are you?" You asked quietly.

As for the guy? He looked at you, his once smile, dropped and it turned into one of shock, pain, overall it looked like his entire worled had just fallen apart. His hand got weak too. The tight grasp loosened and eventually he let go of you. He looked totally and utterly broken. "I'm… Y/n… it's me… Keisuke… your Keisuke. I'm your boyfriend…" Baji's eyes filled with tears as he said those words. Even the most excruciating physical pain he had ever felt would never compare to this. It felt like Baji had just felt a hand trespass his chest and rip out his heart before crushing it to pieces. The look of confusion told him all he needed to know. You had no idea who he was.

"I'm sorry… I don't know…" you mumbled to him. You seemed uncomfortable, honestly. You didn't know whether to take him by his word. He could be some random guy telling you that you were his. However the look on his face told you otherwise. He was indeed telling the truth and as much as you felt guilty. You were not ready for an interaction with him.

Baji nodded at your response… "I… I-..." Baji was at a complete loss for words. However before he had the chance to find his voice, the door opened the nurse declared that visitation time was over. Normally Baji would fight and protest. But today he didn't have the strength so he just nodded and walked out of the room. His head hung low as tears shamelessly fell from his cheeks. He wasn't even a spec inside of your head and truth be told… you were all he thought about. He knew everything. After trying so hard… he didn't think he would lose you like this.

Baji got onto his bike. The pain of that. You would never ride with him again. He would never feel your head against his back… your arms around his waist. He never wanted to touch his bike. Therefore before he started the bike, he got off right after and kicked the vehicle. He screamed out as he took all of his frustration out on his bike. He finally left the hospital behind, but he felt heavy… he felt hurt. He suddenly felt like everything was just for nothing.

TAGS: @tokyometronetwork @bajiissofine @noelledleapier @tokyorevengersslut69 @rindousfavoritewife @wildartist

[ladyamanda123]

imgonnagetyouback

… Lilac short skirt

The one that fits me like skin

Did your research

You knew the price goin' in

… And I'll tell you one thing, honey

I can tell when somebody still wants me, come clean

Standing at the bar like something's funny, bubbly

Once you fix your face, I'm goin' in

… Whether I'm gonna be your wife or

Gonna smash up your bike, I

Haven't decided yet

But I'm gonna get you back

… Whether I'm gonna curse you out or

Take you back to my house, I

Haven't decided yet

But I'm gonna get you back

… I, I hear the whispers in your eyes

I'll make you wanna think twice

You'll find that you were never not mine

You're mine

… Small talk, big love

Act like I don't care what you did

I'm an Aston Martin

That you steered straight into the ditch

Then ran and hid

… And I'll tell you one thing, honey

I can take the upper hand and touch your body

Flip the script and leave you like a dumb house party

Or I might just love you 'til the end

… Whether I'm gonna be your wife or

Gonna smash up your bike, I

Haven't decided yet

But I'm gonna get you back

… Whether I'm gonna flip you off or

Pull you into the closet

I haven't decided yet

But I'm gonna get you back

… I, I hear the whispers in your eyes

I'll make you wanna think twice

You'll find that you were never not mine

You're mine

… I can feel it comin', hummin' in the way you move

Push the reset button, we're becoming something new

Say you got somebody, I'll say, "I got someone too"

Even if it's handcuffed, I'm leaving here with you

… Bygones will be bygone eras fadin' into gray (fadin' into gray)

We broke all the pieces but still want to play the game (oh)

Told my friends, "I hate you but I love you just the same"

Pick your poison, babe

I'm poison either way

… Whether I'm gonna be your wife or

Gonna smash up your bike, I

Haven't decided yet

But I'm gonna get you back

… Whether I'm gonna curse you out or

Take you back to my house, I

Haven't decided yet

But I'm gonna get you back

… I, I hear the whispers in your eyes

I'll make you wanna think twice

You'll find that you were never not mine

I'm gonna get you back

Observations:

-Gender neutral pronouns

-Using the word “bubbly” to describe her muse…..is so sapphic and 1000% screams Karlie

-“once you fix your face I’m going in” I mean….sure guys can wear make up and be bubbly but come on. This isn’t sounding like any of the beards. This is Karlie or another woman at least.

-whisper in your eyes….whispering eyes is queer

-the “I, I” before whispering eyes sounds EXACTLY like Dress BUT incomplete. Only two instead of 4….because they’re stuck in between. In Dress they were in the moment of the dress coming off and then….

Here the ending isn’t known yet….will this end in a fight or will the dress be coming off when she takes her home?

- “bygones will be bygones, eras fading into gray” Is this indicating that they will be publicly “burying the hatchet” so to speak and be seen together again towards the end of the eras tour?

ANOTHER Thought….

I feel like this album has fully ninja’d my brain! Every day new things jump out at me! But this one completely went over my head until I saw a tiktok Jordyn did about it….

🎶Whether I’m gonna flip you off or Pull you into the closet

I’m sorry, WHAT!?!?

🤯

This album is SOOO loud!!!!

[secretlythepits]

My refrigerator broke last night.

We have a very old second one in the garage so the kids and I schlepped most of the very full, just stocked fridge to it. I couldn’t transfer all the jars and the frozen stuff was pretty melty so who knows.

I tried to fix it today by cleaning the coils but it didn’t work so I’ll call a repair person tomorrow. We are lucky to have a second fridge so I feel like I shouldn’t complain, but it just sucks so much. Another bill. Another mess. Another massive disruption to my days.

Last night my husband literally sounded like he was dying. It wakes me up and I feel awful and helpless as he retches, gags, coughs and spits. But my brain needs sleep. I can’t take the couch because I am a bad sleeper and have lots of systems to my bed worked out from my brain injury. Also, I’m still sick. I think recovery is up and down a bit.

I’ve been messing up my words lately.

There was five minutes when I couldn’t walk today.

My brain needs sleep and genuine rest.

I went on a bike ride this morning which was really good for me. About 8 blocks from home, I just started feeling really down. I stopped to put my head down and ended up crying a little. After that, I never really got my energy. It just drained out of me never to return.

This has been an awful weekend on the tail of an awful two weeks.

I am so afraid. Every night my only prayer is : the least amount of suffering possible. At the moment, it feels unanswered.

I’m at the point when I’d like to ask for help but I don’t quite know how. It could be anything. Would love if someone sent a meal. Would love if someone could grab some stuff at Costco for me. Invite my kids over and drive them at least one way. Send me a random cheer up card, you’re fabulous card. I don’t know, just make it a little easier. Make it a little happier. But I don’t really know how to ask, in what forum. It feels like another chore.

I haven’t ridden my bike in a while. The tires were low. That’s my husband’s job or sometimes my son. But today I did it myself. It wasn’t as hard as I thought. But it’s the effort. The everything. I grew up with a single mom, but I’ve very much settled into a bit of a princess situation since I’ve been married. My Capricorn husband likes to do things and I don’t. I need to get used to it. But it’s not just my jobs. It’s his. It’s home ownership of an old house. I only ever rented before. When the fridge broke, it was just a reminder of how it’s always something. My plate is f-u-l-l FULL. I don’t have space for refrigerator breakdowns, all day excursions to the hospital, a flat tire.

I AM DAUNTED.

[cyberphuck]

The other day the neighbors called the city on me again for having an overgrown lawn. I explained to City Guy that I was disabled and broke, and he gave me two weeks to "work on it" (I asked him, too, if there were programs to help me take care of the stuff they wanted me to take care of, and he said no). I traded a bag of dog food to a guy to mow my lawn, and he just... did not come back lol so today I went out with some very rusty loppers to try to cut back some of the bigger stuff.

We have a few milk thistles-- I tackled like three or four biggish ones-- but the majority of the overgrowth in the front yard is one massive creeper vine. There weren't any of what I as a Californian would call weeds besides the thistles-- not even dandelions. At least the creeper vine is green, doesn't have spines, doesn't harbor any kind of bugs, and is soft and moist enough not to be a fire hazard. (I'm not entirely sure what the creeper vine is. It's not virginia creeper, poison ivy, kudzu, wintercreeper, mile-a-minute, or honeysuckle. It's green, will grow up, through, and over anything and likes when you run it over repeatedly with your car, soft and cool with no stickers or hooks, and explodes with bitty white flowers in the mid to late fall. I like it.) I was out there sweating and shaking, taking frequent breaks because of my knees and back, doing my best to cut down the biggest growths. A car pulled up to the neighbor's house and the man himself got out. I straightened up, lowering the loppers, and stared fixedly at him (sweaty, sunburned, covered in leaves) as he walked into his house. He didn't even turn his head to make eye contact with me. A little while later, an older lady came out with a lawnmower and mowed their already-pristine lawn. I watched her. She also didn't look at me. Neither of them said anything like, "hey, noticed you doing yard work and crying, need a hand since the mower's already out?" To be clear, they have never spoken to me, even once, since they've moved in. Sometimes their mail gets delivered to my house by accident, and I'll walk it over and put it in their letterbox. A couple of times there were big manila envelopes that looked time-sensitive so I knocked, trying to make sure they got it and not wanting to bend it to fit it into the letterbox. TV was on but no one came to the door. I'm the one who ran across the street to help grandma out of the tub, remember, the one who buys lemonade and candy from the local kids, the one with a separate bowl for toys on Halloween, the one who chases down the neighbor's dog in the middle of the night and puts him back in the yard so nothing happens to him, the one who brings my dogs in when they start barking so they're not bothering people. I'm the one who brings a slice of birthday cake to share with the cranky old man across the street, who stopped to help a bleeding woman at walmart, who saw someone riding their bike on the side of the freeway (?!) and pulled over to put his bike in the back of my car and give him a ride home. I don't do that kind of stuff with an expectation of some kind of payment. And god knows I don't even like some of my neighbors-- I don't really like anybody, if it comes down to it. But we've all got to live on the same street, and I think it's important to be on at least nodding terms with your immediate neighbors in case something happens, you know? You don't have to bring over lemon squares every Sunday, but it'd be nice to have someone let you know if your house is on fire, or know that if there's an accident and you need help, you can bang on someone's door. Just come and talk to me about it once, okay? Once. Find out what's going on. Maybe there's a super simple fix. Maybe there's something we can trade. Maybe we find out you can't help at all. Maybe I'll tell you to shove it up your ass, but at least you tried before you got the fucking city involved.

Unfortunately for you, I'm not a 'turn the other cheek' sort of person. The cuttings from the insane, fast-growing, impossible to kill vine can go under your porch.

[hedgiwithapen]

MAWS prompt: Waller and the General kidnap Clark early in the season, before he's told anyone about his powers. Jimmy has to decide whether to tell Lois Clark's secret, and they have to figure out who could have taken him...

(I'm playing fast and loose with the timeline here. episode 4/5 but Lois never finds the article, Steve never left the weights, etc)

Flip peddled hard, panting.  She twisted the gearshift on her handlebar that was slightly too big for her hands. The 21 speed bike was a great investment, just like she'd told her mom. Usually, it was just so she could get her paper route done and still have time for both cartoons AND homework after school. This was a far bigger deal.  Without the bike, there'd have been no way she was getting up the hill. At least the way down was fast. she didn't even touch the brakes, screeching a warning as she flew past a stop sign. It was illegal, but this was way too important. 

"Lois! Lois!" she shrieked, pulling up to the sidewalk beside a familiar green-coat. One foot bracing her bike, she leaned her head on her handlebars, exhausted. "emergency!"

"Flip, forgetting your book report until last minute is not an emergency," Lois said.

"Not that--how'd you even remember that--wait, no, not the time." Flip gasped for breath. "Superman. they took him!"

"What?" Lois turned fully, eyes wide. Crouching partway, she grabbed the 4th grader's shoulders.  "Flip, what did you see? Tell me everything. Who took Superman?"

"Some guy with white hair. He had a sword, two swords, and, and he was doing flips, and there was a helicopter thing. He looked like a spy. or an assassin. A Spyssassin. Superman was fighting them, but they got really close to the freeway, and he was trying stop it from collapsing and people jumped out of the helicopter, and they took him!"

"Oh my god," Lois said. "Wait, Flip, did they see you?"

"No, I was hiding. We gotta find him! Lois, they had guns!"

"Flip, you  need to go home. I'll get Clark and Jimmy, we'll figure it out, okay?" Screw that she was just an intern--she was her father's daughter, too. Superman had saved their lives, they'd save him back. Somehow.

"I want to help!"

"You have. Flip, please. Go. Normally. Pretend everything's fine."

"But it's not fine!"

Lois nodded.  Impulsively, she hugged the kid. "Stay safe, ok?"

Then she took off running. 

*

Jimmy looked at the pieces of the alarm clock, and signed. This one was not going to be so easily fixed. Usually they broke in about the same way, and being more mechanical than digital, it wasn't that hard to replace a gear, or hammer out a dent. He'd actually gotten pretty good at it, thanks in no small part to Mr. Gotamco at the watch repair place down the street.  Honestly, if the whole photojornalist thing didn't work out, maybe that wouldn't be a half bad career.  His phone rang.

"It's Jimmy," he said, answering. 

"Oh, good," Lois sounded breathless. "Is Clark with you? He's not answering his phone. I'm on my way over right now."

"Why?" Jimmy asked. " It's our day off, isn't it? Did we have a meeting? Did I forget a--"

"No, no. Jimmy, focus. Clark."

"Uh, he went out to get lunch..." Jimmy looked at the clock and realized it was still broken. "Oooh, did he finally ask you out?"

"No! What? Open your door." Jimmy obliged, and Lois  slammed past him, red-faced from running. "It's about Superman."

"Yeah?" Jimmy asked, sweeping the clock parts to the side. He was going to have to buy a new one after all. "something I should put on Flamebird?"

"Yes, no, I don't know--where's Clark? We need him. Superman's gone."

"Gone?" Jimmy choked, putting down his phone. "What do you mean, gone?"

"Gone. Flip saw that guy from the city square take him. He could be hurt, or--we owe him, Jimmy. Say you'll help me."

Jimmy froze. Gone. Superman couldn't be...kidnapped... "Lois." He said, suddenly very quiet. "I need you to promise me you won't get mad."

"About what, Jimmy? Now is not the time for--"

"Promise," he said again. "You can't be mad."

"What did you do!?"

"Nothing. I--nothing. I just... know something. Something I'm not supposed to. And I shouldn't tell you but you have to know now so promise you won't be mad."

"Ok, I promise," she said too easily. Jimmy let it slide.

"Clark. He's Superman. I figured it out ages ago. Not that he was Superman, just that he was... you know. Different. but it's his secret and obviously he didn't want us to know but--if he's--"

"Clark?" Lois said, sitting hard on the couch. "Clark's... all this time, he's been...hiding--"

"You promised not to be mad," Jimmy said. "At either of us." She had not but it was implied.

"Oh, I'm mad," Lois said. "I'm mad at that... that..." she couldn't find the insult she wanted. "Asshole who took our best friend!"

Jimmy'd take what he could get. Clark couldn't be mad, either, right? Not if they were saving him.... Secret Identities were important, privacy mattered, but not when it was life or death. Jimmy really, really hoped that it was not life or death. 

"What's the plan?" he asked, jamming his shoes on. Lois deflated. "I don't know.  Look for clues, Flip said it was by the freeway. We could find something there, maybe?"

"Then let's go." Jimmy wasn't sure how they'd save Clark, after they found him. They had to find him. 

*

It wasn't hard to find the battlesite.  There were cracks in the support pillars of the overpass, all of them minor, or already sealed over.  patches of grass were charred or flattened.  Lois scoured the ground while Jimmy took photos of everything, hoping some clue might stand out. 

"I found something," Lois said.

"is it a clue? is it blood?" Jimmy asked, hurrying over and stopping at Lois's outflung arm. 

"Bootprints," Lois said. "I've seen prints like these before." Her voice was suddenly very un-Lois-like. Quiet. almost defeated. 

"In the tunnel, at the salvage yard?" Jimmy asked, squinting at the tracks. Maybe it was all connected to that tech. If it was, there had to be a way to trace it, they could find something that would lead them to Clark. Or Clark could get away on his own, maybe--he'd won the fight in the square before. Once he was in a place where innocents wouldn't get hurt, he'd have no problem kicking that guy's ass. "Or... the bank robbery?"

"No," Lois said, looking at her phone. The missed call log. Over and over, the declined calls. 

"Where, then?" Jimmy asked, staring at her, his camera lowered. "Lois?"

"My shoe rack, back home.  Standard issue. US Military. I...I have to call someone."

Her thumb hovered over the contact for 'dad' before pressing down with enough force to almost crack the screen. 

It rang, and rang, and went to voicemail. 

[pbandjesse]

Last night was rough. I felt so sick and I was not happy. I would try sipping water and a popsicle but I was just so upset I felt so bad. James would try and baby me but I was not having fun. And would fall asleep pretty quickly.

I woke up around 6 and dozed for an hour. I had weird dreams again. But I didn't feel as bad when I woke up. The nausea was a lot less today. It wasn't gone for sure. But I was able to deal a little better. I was able to rest a ton today and when I was not having fun it was easier to close my eyes and work through it.

Leaving home was hard though. I had braided my hair and felt cute. James would walk me to the car and told me how much they loved me and then they left to go for a bike ride. They had a fun day. With a long bike ride, then a baseball game, and then they would have a short work shift for evening hours.

I would have a funny schedule today too. I half wish I would have known I wasn't going to have any morning groups. But it was nice to just have a quiet morning.

When I got to camp I checked on my supplies. And didn't need to cut more clay so I was able to use eat my breakfast and lay in my hammock for a bit.

I would walk down to the office to give Heather her credit card back. But she was not in yet. So I went back to the art building to wait for my group.

But they never came. And I eventually realized they weren't coming. Fine by me. I was very very happy to just hang out in the art building and rock in my hammock. It actually made me feel less dizzy nauseous.

A lot of people would come by this morning. Which was actually pleasant. I always enjoy helping people with materials and problem solving. And while it would get really warm later, it was pretty pleasant for most of my day at camp.

The morning was nice though. I would go go down to the office to chat with Louisa and Josephine and Hannah. It was nice hanging and chatting for a bit. But eventually I needed to go eat my little lunch.

I had the rest of my yogurt and laughing cow cheese with crackers. It settled my stomach a lot.

I would chill and watch a video until my group came. My first group of the day. And day camp was great.

The councilors were my favorite part. It was just really nice having people to talk to. Specifically Ayca. Who is the counselor from Turkey that I love. But she made me so sad when she told me that the other councilors didn't like her and would purposely ignore her. And that broke my heart. She said last year it was particularly bad because her English wasn't as good but it has improved a lot and while I could understand her last year it was for sure more of a struggle. This year it's totally fine. And more importantly she can understand me better. And I talk very fast so that's impressive!

She's right though that a lot of the counselors have been particularly childish and cliquey. It's hard to figure out how to get them to knock it off. I try to just be a good influence on them but even that it's working amazing. A lot of them just seem annoyed with me when I tell them to do their job.

But the rest of the day I had a good time. The little kids in day camp had some crying for messed up paint but we worked through it best we could. Sarah would eventually have to come up to help one little girl who kept (in the child's own words) "having fits". Just crying in frustration over and over. Calming down and then falling apart again. I felt bad but I couldn't do much to help. I tried. But she needed one on one attention and I couldn't exactly give her that. Thankfully Sarah had time for her.

My last group was stockade. Some made bracelets and some slept. It was a lot of laughing and sharing chips and snacks. Eventually half of them went to play tether ball. Which they then proceeded to break and I had to fix. Oops. Their councilors fell asleep on the hammocks and were legit snoring and it was very funny.

But it was just chill. And I had a good time hanging out with them. I got some knitting done. I was trying my best to not be nauseous. The sun was getting bright and hot and that was hard with the nausea. But it was time for me to go!

I had to drive from camp and go to Dundalk to go to the Home Depot and get the lattice James ordered. The drive there wasn't amazing because stupid Tesla drivers acting stupid. But I made it to Dundalk and went to online pick up.

I don't know why I didn't consider how large 8 ft is. And the pieces barely barely fit in the car. I actually had to move the car to a different part of the parking lot because I had to push the pieces in form thr trunk. And they were fully hitting my rear view mirror. Crazy. I'm just glad they fit and I didn't have to figure out getting them on the roof.

My next stop was Taco Bell. I was nauseous and starving. I would get three tacos when I really only wanted two. But it's fine. I got my tacos and are in the car and it made me feel slightly better.

My last stop was target. And with the lattice hitting the mirror it felt a little nerve wracking to drive but I got over there in one piece.

Target was a quick trip though. I needed super glue for a few people at camp that need things fixed and hot glue won't work for. But then it was time to go home. And it couldn't have come quicker because my stomach hurt and I wanted to see my animals.

When I got back here I brought the lattice in and I still need to cut the pieces but I'm really happy with the look and it will make the space much safer for the animals.

I would try and chill on the couch. I had gotten overheated moving things around in the back yard. And then someone knocked on the door. It was Ms Washington from two door down! And I was so happy to see her. Because she's so nice but also because she had my package I thought was stolen! She's great. We chatted for a few minutes and she wished me a nice night and headed back to her house.

I would open my package and it was my Roomba replacement parts. So I spent a few minutes changing all the parts of Ruby the Roomba. And sent her to clean for a bit.

Eventually though I would bring all the animals inside. And went to take a shower. I washed my hair. And felt pretty good. I got into comfortable clothes and cuddled up on the couch.

James isn't home yet. But they will be probably by 9. I'm really looking forward to seeing them.

Now though I'm just going to rest. And recover and hopefully tomorrow will be a really good day. I hope you all have a great night. Take care of yourselves. Take care of eachother. I love you all. Goodnight

[lifenconcepts]

GUESS WHAT?! If I had a nickel for every time o heard someone (online or irl) say their bike seat broke while they were riding it, I’d have one nickel.

Which makes sense because IT WAS ME!

I HAD THIS EXPERIENCE! BAHAHHAHH NO WAY…

I litterally never heard it happen to anyone before and litterally tons of people I know have bikes they rode for years upon years. and TODAY MY BICYCLE SEAT JUST.. SNAPPED OFF… babdhxjhshahhajahahhaha

For context it was slightly wobbling since yesterday’s ride, which we today tightened slightly but didn’t pay much attention to. So what if it was wobbling a tiny bit side to side? Not too much of a reason to worry. Well everything was good, we got to our destination, we’re leaving town, and as we crossed the road it just.. *sound of metal falling* oh that’s not good. *sound of seat sliding down and as I get up it’s just hanging on by a thread and…*

That’s very not good.

okay so it then went like this, me and my dad stopped and began to look at what the hell just happened, he looked at his own seat as our bikes are identical, i found the bolt just a few feet away from me and thankfully not on the road, he looked at the overall pieces we got, and figured that the bolt holding the entire thing together just snapped. multiple times he advised me to change bikes with him, but I refused because honestly.. how often can you say that your bike seat broke while you were riding it? I wanted to properly experience it before it got fixed ya know xD

there’s a little spot above the back wheel I could have sat on, usually intended to kinda put a bag or something there, and I found it uncomfortable as because I was so close to the ground my feet were going up to the pedals and not down, and that just made me feel very unsettled especially around the roads, and so I just stood the entire way home!

I do like standing that’s for sure and we got my Black Pearl (that’s my bike’s name btw) cool new pedals after hers were all loose and old, and so I could stand without stress for slipping. It was fine for a few seconds but then it dawned on me that I couldn’t sit down (as I usually stand only for short periods of time on it) and I genuinely broke into a hearty laugh! I had a great time despite how usually ungood this situation was and I learnt that I can easily stand for multiple minutes at a time, as despite the ride home being approx 20 minutes I did have a few moments where I got off (at traffic lights) or sat on the back (also at traffic lights). Was an incredible experience and I never before had the opportunity to do such a thing, but now know I can handle it well! It was still quite the surprise and I’m quite humoured by it. Even took a photo just for memories sake hahahah!!

[emberdune]

went to sleep at around 2am, woke up at 6 for a class at 8 for which the teacher arrived at 9, afterwards spent an hour and a half in the library fixing layout errors on indesign, then another class after that at 12 except the teacher didnt even arrive, so we went instead to go do construction-ish work on this thing we're doing, except we had to go get the keys from a classmate who's sick then came back to start working on the thing that would definitely not pass an osha inspection until 6:20pm, broke my bike lock keys, came home to maybe take a little nap before i leave for work for my ten hour shift during which i have to do two things i've promised which are : 1. read someone's thesis and give them pointers (it's like 120 pages), 2. finish up the indesign thing (i also have to do my work but whatever)

[mimenya]

Between a broken motorcycle and Chinese leftovers

Can the day get worse after your motorcycle failed on you? Yes, once you learn how pricy the repair is. Luckily, your boyfriend is there to comfort you!

An AntinomyxPlacido human AU OneShot with sprinkles of fluff

"Fuck you I'm not paying 1500 euros for this!"

The angry adult continued to shout at the voice while chucking various Italian insults in the mix before he slammed the phone on the counter, startling the cat who was just trying to get some pets.

Wisel leaped off the counter with a hiss as she strode over to the blue-haired man who arrived just a few minutes ago.

Antinomy looked at his boyfriend with wide eyes, flinching visibly at the sound of the phone crashing against the counter.

"I am a bit scared to ask but is everything okay?" he asked carefully while picking up the cat between his legs, already hearing the purr vibrating in her body.

His boyfriend whips around to face him, his red eye seemingly glowing with fury.

"No, it´s fucking not! My goddamn bike broke down on the way home! I had to drag it like 5 kilometers to the nearest mechanic and grab a taxi home only to find out they want to charge me 1500 euros for the broken components!" Placido began to explain, examining his phone and noticing a new crack, further souring his mood, "The best part about all this is; The repair costs are not yet included!"

Placido was not a Monday person, to begin with, and considering the current situation, it was an astonishment only the phone took damage.

The young pair of lovers lived together for barely four months now. Their flat was just enough for the two plus their two cats. Money was tight, even with both maintaining jobs. Rent, food, college fees, and general life proved to be harder to handle than they foresaw at first.

It´s not like they could ask their parents for help; Antinomy´s lived quite a distance away and their contact has been rather muted for the last year. Placido´s family lived far closer. However, they proved themselves to be rather unsupportive of their troublesome son.

Carefully, Antinomy sat down Wisel who scurried off to find a comfortable sleeping spot. Walking over to his lover, he took Placido´s face in his hands. His thumbs caressed his boyfriend's cheeks while making a suggestion.

"We can always take your motorcycle to my brother and his partner. Both are incredible mechanics and can certainly fix it quickly and for a lot cheaper!"

Placiod leaned into the touch, a sigh leaving his lips as he visibly relaxed.

"I hate to ask them for assistance and you know that. It feels awful to be in their debt."

"He is my brother okay? There will be opportunities where we can help them. One hand washes the other, you know?"

Now that the mood has calmed a bit, Ant got a better look at his boyfriend. He must´ve been home for a while now, already dressed in a pink corgi oodie. The cozy clothing item went down to his knees and had a front pocket just large enough to hold Johnny, their tiger-striped cat. Placido's mess of grey hair was kept back with a simple black headband. He ditched the eyepatch over his right eye completely, feeling unbothered by Antinomy seeing his scars.

A slight blush colored Ant´s cheeks as he noticed how adorable his partner looked, quite a contradiction to his explosive personality.

He bent down and captured Placido´s lips in a tender kiss, enjoying the fuzzy warm feeling spreading through his body. Johnny purred inside the pocket, adding to the relaxing atmosphere.

"Let´s take it easy today. We still have some Chinese leftovers, so how about a movie and some cuddles?" Antinomy asked after parting.

His boyfriend eyed him for a second, considering the options before starting to smirk.

"Throw in a foot massage and I am in."

Ant couldn´t help but roll his eyes, never losing his smile.

"Fine, everything you want honey!"

His partner cringed for a second at the cutey-name calling while grabbing the leftovers out of the fridge.

The lovers spent a comfy evening, enjoying each other's company while cuddling and of course, foot massages.

//

Things happened this week including mechanical breakdowns and comfy clothes so I wrote this in the middle of the night to make myself feel a little better.

These two deserve to be happy once in a while, and they would definitely be cat dads.

Also, oodies are so damn comfortable and I am sad it´s getting too hot to wear mine.

[blubushie]

GOOD MORNING BLU, LEAFANON HERE! GIVE US SOME MUSIC RECOMMENDATIONS!

So I typed up a whole response to this, hit undo by accident, and lost it all. Terribly sorry, leafanon. Let's try to do this over.

I HOPE YOU LIKE COUNTRY 'CAUSE BOY DO I HAVE A LOT OF IT.

First on this list is Luke Combs’ Where the Wild Things Are. I’ve been listening to his song on repeat for the past two days and I love it. It hits something in my heart I suppose? I can definitely relate to it. Not only does the verse “American Spirit hanging out of his mouth, just like our daddy” hit me because American Spirit (the blue pack) is my choice of cigarette when I’m in the States (and red Winnies in Oz), but my parents also wanted me to stay in California, so the verses “He kickstarted that bike one night and broke mama’s heart. He pointed that headlight west, out where the wild things are” really strike home with me because I absolutely did break their hearts when I left. This song is faintly hinted at in the upcoming Chapter 11, but blink and you’ll miss it!

I also get emotional at the very end verses of the song, “We buried him out in the wind ‘neath the West Coast stars, out where the wild things are” because I want to be buried in Australia. I don’t want my body transported back to the States to waste away on some plot of land in a California cemetery and be forgotten about after a few generations. I want my ashes to be spread from the summit of Table Top at Kakadu, where the wild things are. Let the land remember me, because in a thousand years no one else will.

The next song is another Luke Combs song, You Found Yours.

“Age of seventeen, you worked all summer long washing cars and pulling weeds from your neighbour’s lawn. Well, it wasn’t no King Ranch, but she was paid for. When you find that kinda freedom, buddy, you found yours.” Story of Matilda right there. I worked graveyard for two years to afford a hard-loved ’99 Ford ute. One year for the ute, and another year for the cabin plus some extra cash for stability. Dad helped me fix her up and I went east for six months, taking jobs out in New Mexico, Texas, and Oklahoma. Came back with my wanderlust worse than ever and got Matilda on the first boat out of San Francisco to Australia.

Next is Where I Find God by Larry Fleet. “That day out on the water, when the fish just wouldn’t bite, I put my pole down and I floated around. It was just so quiet. And I could hear my old man saying, ‘Son, just be still, ‘cause you can’t find peace like this in a bottle or a pill.’” Saying I sympathise with that is the understatement of the bloody century.

Now for my favourite song (besides Waltzing Matilda) by my favourite bush bard! It’s Old Dingo by Slim Dusty!

Little-known fact about me: I’m a part-time dogger. When someone has an issue with a particular individual or pack of dingos, I’m the bloke they have come out to take care of it. I only do this when all other management options have been exhausted. I don’t like shooting dingos, but sometimes it’s necessary, like coyotes.

“And because his tracks are frequent to the these paths and often seen, there’s a dogger and his bullet’s got your name… Oh, they watched his movements day and night until he came to water at the station bore beyond the coolabah. And as he raced for freedom a single shot rang out. Now he lays to rest beneath the desert stars.”

Sometimes I feel like the dogger. Sometimes I feel like the dingo. Either way, sometimes when I’m hunting from a far enough distance that I don’t have to worry about my prey hearing me, I’ll find myself humming this song under my breath while I’m waiting. “So run old dingo, watch your tail, keep your wits about you, never let your concentration slide. For the word’s out that they want you, and they’ll track you till you’re dead as long as there’s a bounty on your hide.”

The next song is my favourite song of all time and the song that should’ve been our national anthem if the pollies weren’t such fucking sooks about a bad image because if you ask me there’s nothing more Australian than lifting a sheep and throwing yourself into a billabong to drown when you’re caught because you’re going to die on your own bloody terms and no one else’s.

Ignore that the song is sung by Rolf Harris. We don’t claim the nonce but he’s got the best version of this song both because of the commentary, the excitement with which he sings it, and because you can hear the audience singing along with him.

Some other great songs by Rolf Harris, as much as I hate to say it, are Tie Me Kangaroo Down, Sport (I sang this religiously as a kid and my teachers hated me) and Sun Arise, which I sometimes find myself singing in the early morning when I’m half-awake and making coffee.

I also love war songs, don’t ask why, reckon it’s the history aspect. The entire Remembrance album is great. It’s an album completely dedicated to World War 1, but The Green Fields of France strikes a chord with me that makes some deep sorrow well in my chest.

“Did you leave a wife or a sweetheart behind? In some loyal heart is your memory enshrined, and though you died back in 1916, to that loyal you’re forever nineteen? … And I can’t help but wonder, oh, Willie McBride, do all those who lie here know why they died? Did you really believe them when they told you the cause? Did you really believe that this war would end wars? Well the suffering, the sorrow, the glory, the shame, the killing and dying, it was all done in vain. Oh, Willie McBride, it all happened again. And again, and again, and again, and again.”

The main song on that album that really hits me is And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda. The song starts off with a man relaying his life: “Now when I was a young man I carried me pack and I lived the free life of a rover. From the Murray’s green basin to the dusty Outback, well I waltzed my Matilda all over. Then in 1915 my country said, ‘Son, it’s time you stopped rambling, there’s work to be done.’ So they gave me a tin hat and they gave me a gun, and they marched me away to the war.” Just from this we know he’s an Aussie bloke and if you know anything about the Australians in WWI you’re probably feeling an immediate concern. Maybe you’re hoping he’s sent to Europe to lay mines, but then you get the next verses: “And the band played Waltzing Matilda as the ship pulled away from the Quay, and amidst all the cheers, the flag-waving and tears, we sailed off for Gallipoli.”

And anyone who knows about what actually happened at Gallipoli knows just what’s in store for this poor bloke.

Now for some folk songs! Moreton Bay is one I sing often as it’s very easy to remember and has a nice melody. This song also makes an appearance in Chapter 12. The Fields of Athenry is an Irish folk song, but the man it’s about, a lad named Michael, is sent to Botany Bay in Australia as a convict so I’m counting it as an Aussie song too!

Of course we also have some non-country/folk songs!

Back on the war songs, another great one is Khe Sanh by Cold Chisel about the repercussions of the Vietnam War on an Australian soldier. Many American vets have heard this song and strongly identify with it. Amazing how an Aussie band understands the American veteran mindset better than American bands at the time. (Don't even get me started on how the American populace treated soldiers returning from Vietnam.)

Another song on that list is Redgum's I Was Only Nineteen. My dad loves this song despite not knowing any of the Australian locations, but he can name all the Vietnam ones. He gets that faraway look in his eyes when he listens to it. The verses "Frankie kicked a mine the day that mankind kicked the moon. God help me, he was going home in June" cracks something in my heart each time I hear it. My dad was in the Vietnam bush and they didn't even find out that MLK had been killed until over two weeks after it happened, and it was an immediate uproar amongst his men as there were black and white Marines in his company. After an hour the row quieted and then there was just mourning from everyone involved. Even the people who weren't well-versed in who MLK was (not that there was many) were mourning simply because their brothers in arms were mourning. There isn't race in the bush, no white or black or anything else. Everyone is green--the colour of the camouflage they wear.

And lastly on a more upbeat note, how could anyone forget about the song that even people who haven’t heard Waltzing Matilda have heard and associate with Australia. The quintessential Aussie song! The one we play at international sport matches, the one we ANNOY THE FUCK OUT OF EVERYONE WITH when every fucking Aussie in attendance starts singing along to it, the one that causes a row of “AUSSIE AUSSIE AUSSIE! OI OI OI!” in succession for five minutes after the song ends. The Aussie song: Down Under by Men at Work!

[cidnangarlond]

now I'm thinking about this house I lived in for a year and a half ish when I was a kid and it had this awful green carpet and there was the sliding glass door out to the deck I got my first splinter on and it had a walkway to this raised deck area and in the spring and summer we'd inflate our pool and jump in off the deck and my childhood dog got in once and promptly swam to the other side and got back out and when my dad would deflate it we'd let the water rush us out to the chain fence where honeysuckle would grow and we would know then it was summer and how beautiful the sunset was and the fence we shared with our neighbor who had a female dog that wasn't fixed and our dog when he was a puppy tried tunneling underneath the fence to get to her and on the other side of the backyard it sloped down a lot so in the winter we'd sled down it before crashing into a tree or the fence and my sister and I slept in a tent in that backyard but I got scared and went in and she stayed and saw a spider hatch its eggs on it in the moonlight and all these baby spider shadows cascading down that made her scream and run back inside and that kitchen where my dad would cook all the time and I'd scrub the potatoes and my mom would make me my after school snacks and in the summer have sangria in the fridge and I'd be given the sangria soaked fruit as bb king played loud on the stereo and the sidewalk out front where my dad tried to get me to learn to rollerblade but it was a steep sidewalk and I had to bail into the grass before I made it to the road and how I tried and failed to learn how to ride a bike and had a panic attack at my best friend's house because I was so scared being away from home for a night and how in my bedroom I had a bed tent and when my dad was playing with me and my sister I thought he was attacking her for real and got a plastic bat and started hitting him with it and I gave him a bloody nose but he wasn't mad at me because he knew I was just trying to protect my sister and how she and I would play with a balloon in that hallway for ages because we were poor and couldn't afford a lot so we'd make our own fun and how my mom had a seizure for the first time in that house and got diagnosed with epilepsy and my sister had to play nurse to my mom and mother to me and I spent every moment at school worrying about if my mom had a seizure while she was home alone and died and how my parents would argue and my mom would have her chronic migraines and be bedridden for days and my dad would drink god can he drink and god could he yell and it's taken me years to unlearn the inferiority I gained in that house because my parents couldn't be bothered to pretend to care about anything I liked and wanted to show them or talk about it and I always bothering them so I thought shows and movies and everything else was more important than me so I just stopped trying and our cats probably tore up the furniture and I puked on that hideous green carpet after having cherry medicine because it tasted awful and how my favorite white shorts with blue and magenta on them got bleached in the wash and I cried and I broke my arm in that backyard and now so much about that house has changed it's almost like it never was the house I experienced all this in and I didn't have amazing times in that house but I wish I could for just one moment feel that childlike happiness I experienced once in that house again. good god I miss that house. I hate that house. I love that house