#now was amanda way the fuck out of line for using the framing of bottom surgery for shock value essentially? ofc

[a-quaint-device]

tired of pretending that "sex changes" by the dresden dolls isn't a Damn Good Song

[carryonmywaywardcaptain]

Talk Dirty to Me

Summary: You and Dean test pickup lines on each other, taking the sexual tension between you to a new level.

WC: 1,610

Warnings: smut-adjacent? Not exactly explicit, but definitely mature content. Dirty pickup lines and thoughts, sexual tension, smidge of sexy touching, playful banter and fluff

A/N: A submission for #AmandasFlirtyDirty30 (using prompts 5, 42, 46, 55, 58, & 60 I think? I lost count!) I was initially trying to squeeze in as many pickup lines as I could (courtesy of Google), and I kind of love that it got away from me. Credit to New Girl and Nick Miller for the last line. Gif by @dancingalone21 

"Nice dress, sweetheart.”

You turned to smile at Dean, surprised at the compliment. “Thanks, Dean—”

“Can I talk you out of it? ‘Cause I bet you’d look even better without your clothes on.”

Narrowing your eyes, you shook your head and scoffed.

The two of you had stayed up late one night, falling down a rabbit hole of looking up cheesy pickup lines that soon grew raunchy. It had started out harmless, as most things do. A playful challenge that had become a game of sorts—each of you striving to find a line that would make the other crack. You’d memorized as many as you could, trying to slip them into conversation without warning so you could boast when the other cracked a smile. The game had taken a turn somewhere along the way, and you were slowly losing your mind from the sexual tension emanating between you and Dean.

But you weren’t about to be the first one to crack.

You tilted your head and sauntered toward him, noticing the way his eyes shamelessly raked over your figure and lingered on the sway of your hips. An impish smirk played on his lips as he waited for you to retaliate.

“That shirt looks great on you. As a matter of fact...” You paused, voice soft and sultry as you skimmed your fingers over his broad chest. “So would I.” 

“I bet you would. Y’know, if you’re ever feeling down...I’d be happy to feel you up.”

“Well, Dean, I know you’re busy today, but can you add me to your to-do list?”

“You’re in luck, sweetheart. I don’t feel like doing anything today—except you. I’d do you.”

“I might just have to take you up on that. So, is that a mirror in your pants?” You snaked your arms around his waist, slipping your hands into the back pockets of his jeans. “Because I can see myself in them.”

“Were you gonna send me an invitation for the party between your legs in the mail, or are you gonna give it to me in person?”

You tossed your head back, bursting into a sudden fit of laughter. “That one was kind of terrible.”

“Yeah, well—if you could read my mind, you’d need a shower and a cigarette. Sometimes things get a little jumbled when, you know...”

“You’re too busy daydreaming about bending me over every piece of furniture in this place?”

“Exactly. It’s like you can read my mind.” His forest green eyes glided to your lips, lingering briefly before he gazed at you from beneath his long lashes. “Now, what’s a nice girl like you doing in a dirty mind like mine?”

“Maybe I’m not as nice as you think. Life is always a little more fun when you’re a little more...naughty.”

His smug attitude softened as he pulled you closer, playfully squeezing your hips with his large hands. He traced his fingertips along the edge of your jaw, gazing at you thoughtfully as his thumb caressed your chin. Each action was gentle and unhurried, conveying a deep sense of adoration. 

“Can I borrow a kiss?” he murmured. “I promise I’ll give it back.”

You swallowed thickly, captivated by his gravelly voice. You could just imagine the obscene noises he’d make if the two of you just...gave in. The sincere praises he’d whisper in your ear with each languid roll of his hips, while the weight of his robust frame pinned you to the mattress. The guttural sounds that would surely spill from his lips if you asked him to fuck you against the wall—rough and animalistic. The strangled moans you might hear if you dropped to your knees and sucked his cock like the good girl you desperately wanted to be for him. Not to mention the tantalizing ways he could call out your name...

Husky. Dripping with so much lust, it could make your toes curl before his calloused hands even grazed your skin.

A breathless plea. Soft and rich with devotion. A longing sigh that tickled your skin.

Firm and authoritative. Something that made you crumple to your knees, eager to obey his every command...

Dean curled a finger under your chin, tilting your face up as he raised an eyebrow. “Bowing out already? ‘Cause I was just getting started.”

“Not a chance.” Wracking your brain for another line, you ghosted your fingertips up and down his bicep, noticing the way he shuddered. “You know, I might not go down in history, but I’ll definitely go down on you.”

“In that case, I’ll kiss you in the rain so you get twice as wet.”

Realizing the bar had been raised a notch, you bit your lip and decided to push the conversation a step further. You carded your fingers through his hair, tugging on his locks and massaging his scalp every so often. His eyes fluttered closed and you continued the ministrations a little longer, feeling a twinge of pride at having the brave and mighty Dean Winchester melt beneath your touch.

“Hey, Dean...” He hummed lazily in response. “I have 206 bones in my body. Want to give me another one?”

His eyes snapped open, making the suggestive smile you wore twitch in amusement. His gaze was slightly unfocused, but it grew darker as he considered the idea.

“Well, are you a doctor? ‘Cause I’ve got a bone for you to examine—a big one I might add. Maybe it’s exactly what you’re looking for.”

“Maybe. I was feeling pretty off today, but you turned me on.”

“I’ve got a dirty mind. And, right now, you’re running through it...naked.”

“Running’s not really my style. Are you a trampoline, though? Because I wanna bounce on you.”

His lips parted as he gazed down at you, undoubtedly imagining the same scenario as you. His breath trembled, erratic puffs tickling your skin as he exhaled. You could feel the warmth of his body, your torso now flush with his, not realizing the two of you had continued gravitating toward each other. 

Before you could get too caught up in the moment, Dean let out a low whistle. “I gotta be honest, Y/N—I love the sound of that.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah,” he rasped. “So, uh...i-is your name Medusa? Because you’re making me rock hard.”

You shivered involuntarily, deeply affected by the gritty edge in his tone. You clenched at his words and pressed your thighs together, unable to mask how much you enjoyed his dirty line. How much it turned you on, pretending you were the reason he was “rock hard.” 

Knowing the two of you were dangerously close to crossing the line you’d been flirting with, you squirmed out of his arms and took a step back.

Dean cleared his throat, glancing at his crotch before briefly meeting your eyes again. “I’m officially uncomfortable now. Thank you.” 

“I guess that’s a sign I’m winning.”

“Not a chance, sweetheart.”  

He focused his attention on a nearby chair, trying to appear nonchalant as he shoved a brazen hand down his pants to adjust himself. When his hand reemerged, you licked your lips upon seeing the large bulge in jeans.

“Are you sure about that?” You inched forward, standing toe-to-toe with him as you slowly dragged your hand down his chest and stomach. “Because it looks you’ve got a situation going on. Maybe you should admit I’m right so you can go take care of it.”

“He may have a mind of his own, but my dick and my willpower are two entirely different things. Besides...you’re the one staring. Maybe you should admit I’m winning so you can help me take care of it.”

Although you had expected a cheeky comeback, his words didn’t match his constrained demeanor. There was an air of submission in his tone—like he was secretly leaving it up to you to end all of this. To make the first move and put you both out of your misery.

He was putty in your hands, and both of you knew it.

You leaned into him, briefly nuzzling his neck as you molded your body against his. While holding his gaze, you traced the outline of his erection with your finger and firmly palmed it through his jeans. His knees buckled and he let out a strangled moan, leaning heavily against the wall behind him for support. His lashes fluttered, struggling to stay open as his carnal eyes swept over your face. You couldn’t help but smirk, relishing the way his tongue wet his lips before he captured the bottom one between his teeth. What you wouldn’t give to have his mouth lavish your skin with any act of passion he saw fit…

Warm, needy open-mouthed kisses that could make you arch against him. Gentle, featherlight kisses that would surely give you chills. Sharp, playful nips with his teeth that made you shiver with anticipation, just thinking about how he could mark you. And his tongue—oh, the ways he’d make you come undone with his tongue alone. 

“Hey, Dean...” you whispered, leaning forward to suck his earlobe between your teeth. He groaned softly, chest heaving with each ragged breath he took.

“Yeah?”

“Even though you’re not a dentist...I bet you could give me a filling.”

“Fuck,” he breathed. Dean tipped his head back, a faint thud making him flinch when he bumped the wall.

“Oh!” You automatically reached out to rub his head, and began cackling with guilt. “Crap, Dean, are you okay?”

“Yeah,” he panted as he hungrily surveyed you with a grin. “This game isn’t gonna end well for either of us...but the whole middle part is gonna be awesome.”

For the TALK 30 TO ME CELEBRATION: @atc74 @alleiradayne

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[itsjustmyfantasyroom]

Undercover love part 2

Part two to this that @detective-giggles and I planned together. This is second and final part :)

Warnings: Fluff, swearing and Smut.

WC: 2829

As you came to slowly opening your eyes, your head felt like it was cracking in half and your mouth was like sand paper. You started to ball your hands to grab onto something to help with the pain, only being able to grab the hospital bed sheets.

“Y/N your awake” You heard a familiar voice.

“Wha-Where am I? Barba?”

“Just rest mi Amor, we can talk later” you felt Rafael’s lips on your forehead and his hand grabbed yours running his thumb over your knuckles as you drifted back asleep.

“Y/N and Barba sitting in a tree, K-i-s-s-i-n-g” you rolled your eyes at Amanda as you took a sip of your soda.

“Don’t be a bitch Amanda, we haven’t even kissed yet- and what the hell is this horrific movie?” You reached for the remote to change the station.

You had gotten back from Hospital that morning feeling much better than you had in the last 24 hours. When you were rushed to hospital Rafael rode with you in the back and he stayed with you the night leaving early that morning to go home and shower and change for court. He was nothing but caring and attentive. He wasn’t able to take you home when you were discharged, so Amanda came and dropped you home and then came back once she clocked off after the first day of the trial.

Amanda came back with her overnight bag and Frannie worried about you being alone that night. You were sitting on your couch eating pizza with Frannie between you both.

“You never told me, how was the trial start today?” You looked at Amanda.

“Brutal, Barba is out for blood. Him and Liv aren’t talking you know. They had a fight outside the club.”

“What?” you looked at her wide eyed.

“Yeah he’s pissed Liv left you in there so long. He was the one who told us to move in, twice actually”

“Wow” you looked down to hide your slightly pink cheeks.

“Yeah hopefully after the trial he settles down a bit, he is wound so tight. You should be grateful he isn’t putting you on the stand.”

That night Amanda slept next you, Frannie once again between you both, she woke every now and then to make sure you were ok. It was early in the morning not long before you knew Amanda had to get up so you ordered some coffee and breakfast before she had to leave.

“If this is what I’ am going to be waking up to every morning can I move it?” a big smile on her face as she sat down.

“Don’t push it- but seriously thanks for staying last night, meant a lot”

“That’s what friends are for” Amanda gave you a big smile.

****

It was coming to the end of the week and Sonny had told you the jury was out for deliberation, a verdict should be in by the weekend. You had the odd message here and there from Rafael, but you knew he was busy with the trial. It had been a hot day, you were grateful that you were able to be home with the air con instead of being stuck in a court room. It had finally started to cool down as the darkness of the night rolled in, so you decided to go for a walk to get some fresh air.

You looked at yourself in the mirror one last time before you slipped on your brown side bag. You had changed into a black mid-thigh t shirt dress and some flip flops, your hair in a high pony tail and made your way out the door.  You walked a few blocks not really heading in any direction when your phone chimed with a new message,

Rafael: 7.30pm- Hey Amor how are you feeling? I just got home.

You stepped to the curb and held up your hand for a cab. The cab pulled up at Rafael’s apartment block. You made your way to the front door of the building looking for his apartment number and pressed the button. You had been there once before with Liv when you needed some paper worked signed late one night.

“Hello” his voice came over the speaker.

“It’s me” you answered back and the door clicked that it had been open.

Butterflies filled your stomach as you made the 4 floor ride up. As the door’s opened you seen Rafael standing half in his apartment half in the hall way leaning on the door frame, arms crossed in front of himself. As he laid eyes on you a small smirk came to his face. His tie, vest and suspenders gone and shoes off showing a pair of bright purple striped socks. He was in his dress pants and shirt, top few buttons undone seeing his undershirt and his sleeves rolled up above his elbows. As you got closer to Rafael you gave him a big smile,

“Hope you don’t mind me dropping by?” You stopped just as your feet were about to touch his.

“Of course not” Rafael stood up straight, wrapping an arm around your shoulders pulling you into him brushing his lips to yours as you felt a spark in your belly, you rested one hand just above his elbow and the other on his chest, “I’ve missed you, I’ am sorry I have been so busy” Rafael said just above a whisper while he used his hand that was around your shoulder to brush down your cheek, down the side of your neck, making you moan softly.

Rafael pulled you inside the door and shut it behind him sliding the bolt closed with his free hand, pushing you up against the wall just next to it, pressing his crotch into yours.

“The trial is almost over” he whispered into your ear “But you turning up here tonight, I don’t know if I can control myself any longer”

“If it’s too tempting, I can leave if you want me to” you smirked at him, moving to take your cross body off dropping it to the floor.

His lips came landing down on yours running his tongue along your lower lip. You opened your mouth slightly. The kiss was intense and fiery. You could feel him hardening against you. His hands started to ran down your sides and back up to your breast and he cupped them through your dress giving them a light squeeze, your panties damping even more. You were squeezing one of his shoulders with one hand, while you rested your other on his waist again. Rafael pulled away to look at you, his eyes filled with desire,

“If you hadn’t noticed, I don’t want you to leave” Rafael licked his bottom lip

“I’ am glad, because I didn’t want to”

Rafael’s lips came crashing down on yours again, your arms moved to wrap around his neck pulling him into you. Rafael ran his hands down your side again, lifting your dress up to your hips, reaching around to your ass grabbing onto it lifting you up. You wrapped your legs around his waist grinding down on him while he moaned into your mouth, your flip flops falling off your feet behind him.  Rafael pushed you into the wall for support as he reached down between you both, moving your panties aside sliding two fingers inside you,

“Amor, you’re so wet” he groaned.

“Well- you’ve made me wait three weeks” he laughed back at you as you started to kiss down his neck.

“Don’t be cheeky Detective” Rafael mumbled.

“Or what” you pulled away from his neck “you’ll fuck me here and not in your bed?” you said into his ear. Rafael made a noise somewhere between a choke and a grunt.

He was lighting fast, pulling his fingers out of you reaching down to undo his belt buckle, pants button and zipper, pushing them and his boxers down just enough to free himself. His fingers were back at your centre as he moved your panties to the side lining himself up to you sliding in slowly.

“That’s exactly what I’ am going to do” Rafael pushed himself in all the way bottoming out, pausing for a moment for you both to get your breaths. Your legs tightened around Rafael pulling him in closer. Rafael had already known you were on birth control and you were both clean from a conversation you both already had one night.

“You’re so beautiful” Rafael looked into your eyes as he started to move in and out of you.

“Kiss me Rafi”

Rafael’s lips met yours as he thrusted into you fast, the sexual tension that had built up between you both too much for you to handle. Not once did Rafael’s mouth leave yours, you both swallowing each other’s moans and grunts. Fighting to catch your breath you pulled away from Rafael’s lips and lent your forehead to his. The fire in your belly about to erupt through you,

“Rafi- I- oh my- RAFAEL” your body filled with pleasure as you tighten your legs around him even more, your whole body shaking. You lent down and started to suck on Rafael’s neck grinding onto him, sucking ever so lightly next to his Adam’s apple. The sensation charged through him and with one more big thrust he was coming, moaning into your shoulder.

As he started to slow his movements, you lent back into the wall to get your breath, loosening your leg grip on him to move to standing. Rafael placed you down slowly so you didn’t lose your balance. You fixed up your panties and pulled down your dress. You lent your back against the wall and slid down to sitting, stretching your legs in front of you puffed out.

“You ok?” Rafael looked down at you as he zipped himself away.

“Amazing” you smiled at him.

Rafael made his way down to sit right next to you putting his hand on your knee and kissing your cheek.

“Let me take you out on Saturday” Rafael moved to put his arm around you.

“Is this what you do Counselor, wall sex and then ask them on a date-Or I’ am special” You winked at him, a smile pulling to his face.

“I guess you’re just special” Rafael lent over and kissed you on the lips while your hand was resting on his jaw.

****

Saturday morning you woke, looking out the window to the sun shining drinking a coffee when your phone chimed,

Rafael-10 am: Looking forward to seeing you Amor, I’ll message when I’ am down stairs x  

Y/N- 10.02: Looking forward to seeing you Raf x

You walked to your wardrobe and pulled out the cloths you were planning on wearing, ran to the bathroom showering and dressing. You put on a pair a jean shorts, a light camouflage pattern t-shirt, a white blazer and picking a pair of double strapped slides. You put on some light make up and with light shade of pink lipstick and using your curling wand to put some waves in your hair.

You had just sprayed some perfume, putting what you needed in your brown side bag when a message came,

Rafael- 11.30am: Waiting down stairs x

You walked out onto the street and saw Rafael standing leaning against a taxi, wearing dark blue jeans, a grey short sleeved Henley and navy boat shoes, as you got closer a low whistle left your mouth,

“Did you just whistle at me Detective?” Rafael stood up off the taxi wrapping both arms around your waist, planting a light kiss on your lips.

“I did Counselor” you winked at him “You’re looking very handsome”

“No different than any other day” Rafael raised his eye brow at you with a smirk, you throwing your head back laughing at him “And may I say you look gorgeous today, like always”  

As you got into the taxi, Rafael gave your ass a small slap before getting in himself and giving the address, holding your hand the whole drive to Central Park. The taxi pulled up, Rafael paid and you both got out. Rafael was quick to grab your hand and pulled you towards the horse carriages, walking up to the first one in the line.

“Really Rafi?” a big smile coming to your face.

“What- too cliché?”

“Wh- Oh no. I have always wanted to-“ Rafael cut you off

“I know Rollins and Carisi told me how you always talk about it, and well I’ am pretty sure you like me so I’ am making it happen” You lent over and kissed Rafael light on the lips.

The ride through Central Park was beautiful.

“Y/N- Last weekend” he grabbed your hand squeezing it “I was frightened. I felt sick seeing you in that situation and I couldn’t do anything about it. I- like you a lot and I never got a chance to tell you before what happened and I’ am sorry for that, I should have told you”

You lent over and kissed Rafael on the cheek,

“It’s ok, we didn’t know what was going to happen. We were all taken off guard. I knew you liked me, you showed me more than once” you squeezed his hand.

“I was showing you in a different way, but I should have said something. I don’t want you to think that I just wanted you for that”

“I know Rafi. I like you a lot too and well- not just for that.” You lent over and kissed him deeply as the horse carriage pulled up.

Rafael got out the carriage first and then helped you get down,

‘Can you close your eyes for me Amor?”

“Ah-ok” you did as he asked and closed them, Rafael putting his hands on your waist guiding you forward till he stopped you.

“You can open them now” Rafael said into your ear.

You let your eyes adjust and you moved your hands to your mouth in surprise. Set up on the grass was a beautiful light blue gingham blanket with a brown wicker picnic basket in one corner with a bunch of sunflowers sitting in front of it.

“You’re not saying anything. Do you not li-“

Rafael was cut off when you wrapped your arms around his neck and your lips landed on his. He wrapped his arms around your waist pulling you in, opening his mouth so you could deepen the kiss.

“Ok guys break it up”

You pulled away from Rafael and turned to see Liv standing there with Noah in his pram,

“Liv? Hey Noah- What are you doing here?” you walked towards Liv to give her a hug and then gave Noah a kiss on his head.

“I had some making up to do” Liv smiled at you, looking behind you to Rafael who stepped forward to wrap his arm around your shoulders.

“Thanks Liv” Rafael smiled over at her.

“I hope you guys enjoy it- see you Monday” Liv winked at you and turned to walk away.

Rafael grabbed your hand again and pulled you towards the blanket, making his way to the sit next to the basket, you followed sitting down next to him. Rafael opened the top of the basket and started to pull out its contents. Two wrapped sandwiches from the Cuban Deli that you liked, a tray of strawberries dipped in chocolate, a tray of 4 cupcakes beautifully decorated with love heart sprinkles, two plastic flute glasses and a medium size bottle of your favourite champagne.  Rafael picked up the bunch of sunflowers and handed them to you,

“These are for you” He handed them to you with a smile on his face.

“Rafi- this is- this is amazing, how did you know about all of this?”

“You have some amazing friends around you Amor- and I was told in not so subtle terms not to mess this up” he chuckled to himself “Rollins and Carisi told me everything, and I wanted to make this happen for you”

“Consouler, you getting soft on me” a cheeky smile came to your face.

“Never” Rafael winked at you.

The day had been amazing. The food was delicious and you were surprised at how publicly affectionate Rafael actually was.  It had started to get over cast as storm clouds started to move in. You guys had packed away what food that was left and the picnic blanket, walking out of the park hand in hand.

“Did you want to come back for coffee?” You looked over at Rafael as you made your way up to where some cabs were waiting just outside the gates.

“Just coffee?” Rafael winked at you.

“That’s original” you rolled your eyes with a smile on your face.

“I would love to mi Amor” Rafael lent over close to you ear “But I want to fuck you against your wall first.”

Tags: @beccabarba @thatesqcrush @the-baby-bookworm @dianilaws @scarletsoldierrr @lv7867 @permanentlydizzy @averyhotchner​ @evee87​ @ritajammer21​ @bisexual-dreamer02​ @winterreader-nowwriter​ @infiniteoddball​

[ripuels]

For @outreotter​ <3

(Another one that got way out of hand, also I haven’t managed to read over it mine soul is on Jupiter locked in a fridge sorry. Posting it as text under the cut because tumblr remains awful about my ask box~)

“If you're in some kind of trouble, you can tell me.” Christopher doesn't steer far from her hip as he welcomes her into the lounge room and she falls into the couch. 

“What makes you think I'm in trouble?”

The responding look is one of disbelief, he hardly has to be reminded who he's talking to. 

“Okay, okay sure. I'm avoiding someone, and your- the door wasn't locked, and I thought-” Amanda sees the incredulous synthetic stand opposite, arms folding across his chest, “oh my God, this was such a bad idea. I'm just- yeah, I'm gonna go.”

“Wait!” Samuels catches her with urgency, she freezes at the edge of the couch. “Stay, for a tea? I haven't seen you in a year, it's been odd to say the least, and concerning- the radio silence after all we've been through, and suddenly you're in my hallway, I- it would be nice, to catch up.”

She sits back down, nodding slowly. “Tea never hurt anyone. But just tea, then I gotta get back to work.” 

“Amy- Ripley,” he corrects himself as she flinches to a microscopic degree, “it's Sunday.”

She knows what he's getting at, calling her out on any reason to leave in a hurry. “Is it?” Her voice drags with a heavy sarcasm even Christopher couldn't miss. “I had no idea. Mostly because I've been working non-stop for about five weeks. Fucking staff cuts left us with half the crew and double the work, and I can't even complain because I'm one of the fortunate ones who still has a job. And-”

Samuels watches as she sinks comfortably into the couch pillows, ankle crossed over the other knee. It's funny that such a simple movement reminds him how flexible she is, especially her hips. 

“Sorry,” she groans and scrubs at her eyes, “that's exactly what I'm doing right now isn't it?” 

“It’s quite alright. I'm interested and happy to listen.” 

“It’s just, my whole crew was made up of contractors, once their time was up, they didn't want to bother renewing and The Company saw the opportunity to save some dollars.” Amanda huffs, “fuck all the rest of us I guess.” 

Samuels nods compassionately, pacing over to the kitchen to put the kettle on, leaning over his elbows on the bench. It's amazing how unique this synthetic has developed compared to all the others, since the breakup she had never struggled to speak to other Samuels units, though identical, she never saw his face in them. But him, Christopher, he could be standing amongst a hundred others and he'd be the sole blip on her radar. 

“You're obviously not easily replaced,” he means it in more ways than one, “maybe take it higher to HR, they could always steer you in the right direction. I’d be happy to help, if you needed anything from Legal-?”

Ripley smiles, pulling her hair over her shoulder and sliding her forearm behind her head. “Any excuse, you haven't changed a bit,” she laughs, definitely joking though not far wrong, “but I don't want to bug you for help. You've done enough for me after everything, and I already owe more than I could pay you back in years.”

“We had years,” Christopher says simply, fondly, an ease in his voice that Amanda can't tell is reminiscing or final. Or which one she would prefer it to be. “And they were good years. Consider your debt paid. However nonexistent it is.” 

She gently scratches her fingertips in the hair behind her ear, letting out a resigned sigh as he prepares a few mugs. 

“How long have you been back?”

“Two months.” She says with a hard stare. He doesn’t look upset or surprised by the fact that she hadn’t called around to visit, but curious. “I moved in with- with someone, in the hab units, y’know the permanent accommodation ones? By the bay. Nice view, but really quiet.” By that, she means lonely. “Figure I may as well set myself up if I’m going to be around for a while.”

“Oh, I see. Have you…” He starts, taking a moment to compose himself a little better, stripping the desperation out of his voice. “Have you found someone? Human?” He adds a little unnecessarily. 

After him? Hell no, she thinks. She had her shot at love, at life, at everything, and she blew it. What the fuck would she even do with a new lover but silently wish they were someone else? Someone in particular. 

“No, God no. I've just, been around.” She says nonchalantly, which isn't a total lie. A few dates, made a few more friends, he always said she needed more of them. 

“Anyone right now?”

Amanda doesn't mean to laugh, a little sadly, looking directly at him. “Always.” 

“Oh.” 

The synthetic doesn't seem surprised by the revelation, in fact, he doesn't look anything. 

“Dammit, Chris. Have you turned your emotional programming off again?” Amanda knows him, and knows he is smarter than to lie to her, so he stays quiet. “You're getting worryingly good at faking it. Even convinced me for a while there. Why the hell?” 

Samuels tugs his tie loose with a finger, a movement usually telling of his synthetic measure of anxiety. This time however, it looks more habitual. His face is icy, unbothered, his eyes relaxed under a numb brow. “I found it easier to function.” To cope. “How did you know?”

Ripley gets up and wanders to the other side of the bench, hands wringing at the edge of it. “Because this isn't you, Samuels. Even before you met me you were emotional, sentimental, and now you're just- just like all the others. But worse actually, because you're choosing to be.”

As if she hadn't spoken at all, he finds another subject. One he would experience an immeasurable amount of panic over had he been able to feel anything at all. “Did you ever find any more answers?” His controlled hand pours boiling water into two mugs. “To the whereabouts of Ellen?”

“No, and turns out I didn't want them anyway.” Amanda doesn't need to try to sound convincing. “It's a huge universe out there and I could look for my entire life, waste- my entire life, and not even get a net to the bottom. I'm finished. It's what she would have wanted, I think.”

“I believe you're right. It's what we all wanted for you. To find some peace.”

“Closure.” She smiles weakly and he nods. “I’m getting there. One step at a time. First things first, I still gotta settle into my new joint. Make it, I don’t know, comfortable. Like this place.” 

“You're always welcome to stay here. It is half your house too.” Christopher stops himself from saying home, something it hasn't been in over twelve months. “There is a spare room or two.”

“I couldn't intrude like that. You probably have a whole social group, a girlfriend, boyfriend, both, who knows. Feels wrong to kick your door down so suddenly,” she says, a little downhearted. The synthetic opens his mouth to assure her he absolutely doesn't, but she trudges onward. “Thanks though, Chris. I’ll keep it in mind.”

He resigns to nod, knowing first hand that corralling this woman never ended well in the past. “Offer isn't retractable, not that you won't let yourself in anyway. Clearly.”

Amanda takes her tea with a thankful smile, leaning on her elbows. The man across mirroring her. “Hey, yeah.” She rests the rim of the mug to her chin. “Why was the door unlocked?” 

“It’s silly, really.” He finally looks away, perhaps considering dishonesty. “I haven't locked it since you left, since I didn't know if you still had a key or not. I'm not sure what possesses me to do it, but I thought of this place as a safe haven of sorts, for if you ever need.” He finds himself looking into the face of a woman who knows her soul is being x-rayed. “Good thing too, came in as a handy sanctuary, from mysterious pursuers.” 

At this she rolls her eyes. “Okay, you got me. There wasn't actually anyone, I just wanted to drop in but something came over me. It was as if-” she takes a sip and shrugs, “it was just dumb.”

“As if what?” 

“As if- I was coming home I guess. I was just going to knock but before I knew it, I was standing in the hallway, and then you were there and, yeah, I panicked.” She finds herself smiling along with him. “You should turn it back on, by the way. Your feelings. It's not fair that I'm here all shaky knees and racing heart and you're just a slab of limestone.”

His face falls. “I don't think that's a very good idea.” 

“Why? What's wrong?”

Samuels straightens off the bench. “It just isn't.”

Amanda doesn't push. “Y'know, if you need someone to talk to, support, I'm here. I might not have always been but, I am now.” 

He thinks for a moment, remembering the times when his ex-lover would break down between his legs in the bath, against the wall of the hallway, when he came home to her tiny frame hunkered behind the couch, terrified, knife in her defensive hand and sweat beading on her forehead. She'd always let him be there, let him in, and he never allowed her the slightest room for guilt. 

It had been months since Samuels felt anything, since he became lost in processing grief, regret, anxiety. Why would she leave? How could she? Would she ever come back? But above all, could she ever come back? He knew Amanda would follow the trail until the end, whether it be of the line, or her life.

If he were to tune into all of that now, should the dam crumble, he doesn't think she should be around to see it. But if she leaves, it may be for good, truly, this chance as fleeting as her.

“Amanda, I- I would, but I haven't- not in a long time. I have reason to err on the side of caution, that it may not be something you want to witness.” Samuels' report is composed, even as he fidgets with the mug handle. “I have no clue what to expect, but suspect it will not be pleasant.”

“Keeping shit bottled up is only going to break you. I’m not going to push, but let me help you, if you need. Anything. No expiry date.”

Samuels rubs his hair back, disturbing the perfect form that somehow always defied not only the weather, but her playful tussling. He seems defeated by the fact that he has nothing to lose. “Could I-” he starts, placing his drink down, “Could I just trouble you for a hug?”

Amanda recoils, she doesn't know why her reaction is of surprise, not until she remembers where they stand. Square one. Or perhaps more accurately, not even on the same tile at all. “Yeah, course you can.” 

She takes the initiative to wander over and feed her hands under his arms, dragging them together tightly around his chest. Without hesitation he takes her around the shoulders. 

He hasn't changed a bit, still warmer than he should be, still wearing the same deliciously oaky cologne she brought a few Christmases ago. The one he wore because he was convinced he smelled of chemicals. Like new silicone baking trays. Amongst other things. And he still holds her as if she is vanishing before his very eyes. 

Now more than ever, she thinks. Even at her scariest, most dire moments, when his hand was the only thing holding her to the face of the Earth, he never squeezed so desperately. 

“Samuels,” she whispers, turning her face from his shoulder to nestle into the crook of his neck. His grip eases as if foreseeing the 'you're hurting me' or 'that's enough now' coming. “When was the last time you had a rest cycle?” 

“Since the morning.” 

“You sleeping every day now?” Amanda steps back hesitantly, her thumbs rubbing his forearms. 

“No,” he clarifies. “The morning I woke up and you were gone.” 

Her heart gives a punishing ache, but presented with the opportunity to make things right, she wasn’t going to screw it up again. “’Kaye. C’mon. Bed with you. Now.” 

“I'd rather be here. You're due to go to work soon and I haven’t seen you in-”

“Fuck work. You need me. You need somebody.” She wriggles up behind him shoves his waist forward. “Rest cycle for you, then if you want, I'll duck out and pick up some dinner. Maybe Italian and a bottle of wine, and if you're really lucky, or the wine is good, I'll stay the night. But only if you’re prepared to turn everything back on over dinner and we talk about this. Properly.” 

“Wait, you'll truly stay?”

She nods her head as he peers over his shoulder. “Couch or spare room. Or would you prefer I went home? Just figured, you might want the company.”

“No! No, of course I do. Please.” He's not even able to change out of his work suit before he's pushed roughly on the bed, the throw rug at the base is dragged up to his chin. Amanda at least unfastens a few buttons of his shirt and unhooks his tie. “What will you be doing while I rest? It'll take-” he seems to calculate, discomfort and disappointment falling over him, “four hours, twenty-five minutes.”

Ripley flops down the the bedside chair, pulling out her phone. “I'll just be here, for when you come to.” 

“Alright.” Christopher hums, rolling onto his side, his eyes fluttering closed. Looking as close to a dead battery as she had ever seen him, though physically at full charge. “Before I- I am out, I want you to know, I’m so happy to see you, Amanda.” 

“Happy.” She teases gently. “And how can you tell without-?”

“They’re already back online.” 

[markonasurface]

15/50 - “That was a perfect example of how not to do things.”

Fandom: All for the Game/The Foxhole Court Characters/pairings: Neil, Andrew, Fox children/andreil Summary: 

A/N: I don’t think this is what you wanted but here you go. It became an andreil babysit the Foxes’ children with two lines about a cat. I’m sorry.

Who’s who is at the bottom.

“Kitty!” One of Dan and Matt’s toddlers squeals. Cameron.

Amalia sighs and rolls her eyes. She looks down at the tablet in her lap, rereading stats, then up at the television. She laughs watching her mother shove her father into the wall. Tobias joins in her laughter because as always he wants her to think he’s cool.

“Kitty, kitty, kitty!”

“Neil.”

“Hm?” He doesn’t take his eyes off the television.

Andrew stares at his useless, Exy-obsessed junkie. He’s tempted to turn off the television, a common occurrence in the Minyard-Josten apartment, but Amalia is here. As much as he still likes telling Kevin no, Andrew wouldn’t dream of upsetting Kevin’s little girl.

(Secretly he was enjoying watching former Ravens shove each other around for charity. Kevin didn’t have a chance when the other side kept putting Thea or Jean on him. The former Ravens all knew each other a little too well.)

He wordlessly drops Matt and Dan’s youngest kid into Neil’s lap. She squirms, wriggling out of Neil’s arms.

“Neil.” Andrew grabs the girl before she can make it two steps. “There are three Boyd children in my apartment. For some stupid fucking reason you just let Allison decide it was the perfect opportunity for a play date. Aaron just called and said there was an accident at the stupid medical conference they’re at and someone is going to be dropping off their girls any minute now. That’s nine kids.”

“Okay.” Neil blindly reaches a hand out to Amalia and she obediently places the tablet in his grip. He scrolls through the list of old Raven players until he finds the one he was looking for.

“Neil.”

He glances at Andrew.

“I swear I will fucking kill you.”

Amalia shushes him and Andrew raises his eyebrows. Neil laughs. “She’s my favorite for a reason.”

“I didn’t have kids for a reason.”

“Cause you’re gay?”

“You’re fucking hopeless.”

“You didn’t think that last night.”

Andrew doesn’t dignify the childish statement with a response; he just drops Teagan into Neil’s lap again. “Hold onto her, Neil.”

“Mhm.”

Matt and Dan’s oldest daughter comes out of the guest room sniffling. “One of the kids is crying, Neil.”

“So deal with it.”

Andrew looks expectantly at Clara, head tilted back slightly (she passed him in height three years ago) and she tells him, “I think I’ve just been dumped.”

Her phone starts buzzing and she cries, “He cheated on me.”

Andrew grabs the phone from her hand and it’s surprising enough that she stops crying and Neil stares. He holds the phone up to his ear and says blankly, “Don’t ever call this number again. If you do, I’ll push you off of a roof and eat your fucking eyeballs for breakfast, asshole.”

He hands her back her phone and goes into the kitchen. He reemerges with a gallon of ice cream and a spoon. Silently, he pushes it into her hands.

She sits in the armchair, still sniffling. Amalia glances over at her and says, “Boys are stupid. Get over it.”

“Amalia,” Neil doesn’t quite warn.

“What? You’re thinking the same thing.”

Andrew flips through the channels until he finds something resembling a cheesy romantic comedy. Neil only sighs but Amalia vocally complains.

“There’s only, like, ten minutes left!”

He shrugs and goes over to answer the buzz by the door. “Yeah?”

“There’s a woman here saying she’s your sister-in-law?” Amanda, the night time receptionist says.

“Sister-in-law?”

“Andrew!” Katelyn and Neil both shout.

Amanda clears her throat. “One of the kids sort of looks like you so should I let them up?”

“I guess.”

Amalia is still fuming when Katelyn knocks on the door. She grumbles, “I guess I’ll just go have my way with Tobias in your guest room. There’s nothing else to do.”

“One, you’re ten. Where the fuck did you learn to say shit like that? Two, remember to get his consent first.” Andrew ignores the disapproving look Katelyn gives him. “Three, I need you to take this baby.”

Neil gets up, Teagan drooling over the side of his arm, to help get his three nieces inside. Amalia grabs each twin’s hand and leads them inside.

“Thank you so much,” Katelyn gushes and hands the one year old to Andrew. “There was a bus crash - it literally drove into the side of the ballroom. When does that ever happen in real life?”

“Approximately twenty minutes ago?” Andrew guesses.

She ignores the pedantic response. “It’s crazy. Aaron went into surgery with the first person they were able to pull from the wreck.” She gathers her hair into a ponytail. “Do you think I could borrow some old sneakers or something?”

“Yeah, of course,” Neil hurries to find her a pair of his running shoes. He grabs one of the boxes a sponsor sent him.

“Thank you!” Katelyn says again. She kisses her baby’s forehead then rushes down the hallway.

Andrew slams the door.

“Pretty!” Tori pets Ashton’s sparkly pink tutu and he grins.

“Kitty!” Cameron tries to reach over the playpen gate to grab a tail.

“Dada!” Vivienne gurgles and Andrew looks at her pointedly.

“No,” he says before handing her to Neil. Teagan reaches out and touches Vivienne’s face.

Andrew hoists Cameron out of the playpen. “Clara.” She sets aside the ice cream and takes her brother from Andrew. “Tobias, get the bedding and pillows from the guest room.”

While waiting for Tobias to return, Andrew opens the playpen and picks up all the toys. Tobias hands him the large comforter and Andrew flicks it out, hoping it’ll spread evenly.

Unfortunately their newest cat Dusty Wolfton - a Chartreux and a gift from Kevin on Neil’s last birthday - manages to hop down and underneath before the comforter settles. Andrew grabs him by the scruff on the back of his neck and stares him in the eye.

He puts him over the side, only for him to hop onto the gate and back down on the comforter. When Andrew steps closer, Dusty falls onto his back and meows.

Andrew repeats removing him from the pen with the same results. The third time he tries to remove Dusty, the cat clings to the long sleeves of his shirt.

“That was a perfect example of how not to [remove a cat],” Neil tells the children. He sets the two girls on the comforter, then grabs Dusty. He finds a cat toy to catch his interest before leaving him in the kitchen. “There you go.”

He gets the girls out of the way so Andrew can finish making a bed for them. Andrew lines the edges of the playpen with pillows and more blankets. When he finishes, Neil announces, “All children under the age of nine into the fort, please.” He pretends not to see Andrew’s grimace.

Amalia helps usher the toddlers in before Andrew links the two gates together and throws a blanket over one half of the gate.

Neil settles with Teagan and Vivienne but as soon as Andrew sits Vivienne reaches out and lets out a whine. Her little fingers wiggle at Andrew who refuses to acknowledge her.

She squirms until Neil loosens his hold and she crawls into Andrew’s lap. “Dada.”

“You’re worse than the cats,” Andrew tells her and she giggles.

Avery and Tori also make their way next to Andrew, still not fully able to tell the difference between their dad and his twin. Andrew turns Vivienne so she’s resting in his arms, mirroring the way Neil holds Teagan.

Amalia leans over to hand Andrew a tray of bottles full of warmed up formula and milk. She stands there for a moment and Andrew pretends he doesn’t notice. Finally she asks, “Can I put on the game highlights now?”

“Volume low,” Andrew responds and Neil shoots him a look.

“Are you going to read us a story?” Ashton asks.

“Of course,” Neil tells him, passing him a sippy cup. “Don’t we always?”

Andrew says, “I’m choosing.” He puts Vivienne between his legs so he can dig out his phone and pull up his Kindle.

“No, David,” Andrew begins. “By David Shannon.”

By the third story, Neil is passed out with Teagan in his arms and Dusty sleeping on his head like a hat. It takes two more stories for all of the kids to fall asleep and Andrew can’t move because three little girls are using his legs as pillows. He folds his arms and closes his eyes.

He wakes up to a flash and the three older kids are giggling. Less than a minute later his phone vibrates with a notification from Instagram. In the picture captioned ‘best babysitters ever’ Amalia grins in the forefront while Clara and Tobias hold up the gallon of ice cream and spoons from the edge of the photo. In the background are Neil, Andrew and the sleeping children.

He glares at the back of her head but makes a mental note to print and frame it for Neil.